bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Fuzzy Transformer Fusion Network (FuzzyTransNet) for Medical Image Segmentation: The Case of Rectal Polyps and Skin Lesions
Authors: Liu Ruihua , Duan Siyu , Xu Lihang , Liu Lingkun , Li Jinshuang , Zou Yangyang
Published: August 2023

Skin melanoma, one of the deadliest forms of cancer worldwide, demands precise diagnosis to mitigate cancer-related mortality. While histopathological examination, characterized by its cost-effectiveness and efficiency, remains the primary diagnostic approach, the development of an accurate detection system is pressing due to melanoma’s varying sizes, shapes, and indistinct boundaries shared with normal tissues. To address the efficient segmentation of skin melanoma, we propose an innovative hybrid neural network approach in this study. Initially, a fuzzy neural network is constructed using fuzzy logic to preprocess medical images, supplemented by wavelet transformation for image enhancement. Subsequently, the Swin Transformer V2 and ResNet50 networks are introduced to parallelly extract features and apply them to the task of skin melanoma segmentation. Extensive experimental comparisons are conducted with other classic and advanced medical segmentation algorithms on publicly available skin datasets, namely ISIC 2017 and ISIC 2018. Experimental results reveal that our method outperforms the optimal algorithms by 1.3% in the Dice coefficient and 1.3% in accuracy on the ISIC 2018 dataset. The evaluation metrics indicate the effectiveness of the constructed fuzzy block in identifying uncertain lesion boundaries, while the Transformer–CNN branch adeptly extracts global features while accurately capturing underlying details. Additionally, we successfully apply our method to colon polyp segmentation tasks with similar indistinct boundaries, achieving remarkable segmentation outcomes.
The Influence of Mechanical, Physical and Chemical Influences on Protective Clothing
Authors: Osvaldová Linda Makovická , Kubás Jozef , Hollá Katarína , Klouda Karel , Bátrlová Kateřina
Published: August 2023

The article is focused on testing the mechanical, physical and chemical characteristics of the selected protective clothing. Old anti-chemical protective clothing formerly used in tactical exercises (but never during a real intervention) was selected. Protective clothing has an expected lifespan when used correctly. When in use, external influences can negatively affect and function of these garments. The article describes the preparation of individual samples of protective clothing which were exposed to the effects of selected inorganic and organic chemicals, water vapor, UV radiation and long-term exposure to elevated temperatures. The prepared samples were subsequently torn on the tearing device, and the change of mechanical and physical properties was monitored. The stress at which the samples broke and the length they reached at the moment of breaking were measured. The exposure to individual chemicals, UV radiation and elevated temperature resulted in decreases in the modulus of elasticity in each case. The largest decrease was recorded in samples treated with hydrogen peroxide and the smallest in samples exposed to long-term thermal load.
Improvement of Hierarchical Byzantine Fault Tolerance Algorithm in RAFT Consensus Algorithm Election
Authors: Zhan Zhuofan , Huang Ruwei
Published: August 2023

Currently, blockchain technology is not only gaining momentum in the financial industry but also showing promising developments in other sectors. Due to its suitability for various societal needs, an increasing number of non-financial institutions are expanding the scope of blockchain services beyond finance to areas such as healthcare service management and enterprise governance. The core of a blockchain system lies in consensus, which plays a crucial role in its performance and security. The PBFT algorithm is a widely used fault-tolerant consensus algorithm. However, it suffers from issues like high consensus latency, low throughput, and poor performance. In recent years, the HBFT algorithm has addressed these concerns. This paper proposes an improved HBFT blockchain consensus algorithm tailored for large enterprises and non-financial institutions with multiple independent functions. The goal is to achieve more efficient data management and election strategies that are both more secure than PBFT and more efficient than HBFT. Leveraging the enhanced HBFT consensus algorithm ensures stability and efficiency in the consensus and verification processes between organizations. Additionally, it enables the efficient management of data and value creation in the application context.
Benefits of Auditory Training with an Open-Set Sentences-in-Babble-Noise
Authors: Barda Ayelet , Shapira Yair , Fostick Leah
Published: August 2023

Auditory training (AT) has limited generalization to non-trained stimuli. Therefore, in the current study, we tested the effect of stimuli similar to that used in daily life: sentences in background noise. The sample consisted of 15 Hebrew-speaking adults aged 61–88 years with bilateral hearing impairment who engaged in computerized auditory training at home four times per week over a two-month period. Significant improvements were observed in sentences comprehension (Hebrew AzBio (HeBio) sentences test) with both four-talker-babble-noise (4TBN) and speech-shaped-noise (SSN) and in words comprehension (consonant-vowel-consonant (CVC) words test), following one month of AT. These improvements were sustained for two months after completing the AT. No evidence of spontaneous learning was observed in the month preceding training, nor was there an additional training effect in the additional month. Participants’ baseline speech perception abilities predicted their post-training speech perception improvements in the generalization tasks. The findings suggest that top-down generalization occurs from sentences to words and from babble noise to SSN and quiet conditions. Consequently, synthetic training tasks focusing on sentence-level comprehension accompanied by multi-talker babble noise should be prioritized. Moreover, an individualized approach to AT has demonstrated effectiveness and should be considered in both clinical and research settings.
Geomaterials: Latest Advances in Materials for Construction and Engineering Applications
Authors: Tyrer Mark , Moreno-Maroto José Manuel
Published: August 2023

The use of geomaterials spans long back into human history and relicts of man’s endeavours remain as evidence of practical use of rocks and minerals for the benefit of evolving societies [...]
Kafka’s Ape Meets the Natyashastra
Authors: Pillai Shanti
Published: August 2023

To the Academy is a multi-media performance work that makes poignant and humorous commentary about education, common paradigms of diversity, and the oppressive nature of institutional labor. Created through a dialogue between myself, an Indian American with training in various forms of physical theatre and Indian dance, and Guyanese-Canadian actor Marc Gomes, it has been performed at several universities and arts centers since 2015. In this essay, I will interrogate the ways in which we place select elements of “Indian tradition” at the service of the piece’s overarching theme of histories of European domination, asking whether making these cultural materials subservient to our political agenda constitutes a form of appropriation. I examine three components of the work: the character of the classical Indian dancer who appears in the first section of the show, the explicit references to the ancient Sanskrit treatise on performance, the Natyashastra, and the framing of both these elements within our adaptation of Franz Kafka’s story, “Report to an Academy,” about an ape who learns to impersonate humans. In so doing, I explore the ethical responsibilities artists of color have in working with intercultural aesthetics. Furthermore, I assert the inevitably ambivalent nature of activist performance, even if artists aim to resist hegemonic structures.
Artist Ethics and Art’s Audience: Mus Musculus and a Dry-Roasted Peanut
Authors: McGoldrick Rosemarie
Published: August 2023

The museum’s instrumentalisation of contemporary art as a visitor attraction has come to mean that any use of live animals in art now must participate in and acknowledge the politics of spectacle, which for other animals means the optics of the zoo or the circus. At the same time, established social media can now deliver mass criticism of an artwork, requiring artists to learn how to manage reputation as a matter of professional art practice. In this article, I examine art’s changing ethics by working from a dilemma I faced recently as an artist over a simple 30-s video I had made featuring a wild house mouse that I had trained between COVID-19 lockdowns to take food from my shoe. Subsequently, I decided not to exhibit, publish or broadcast that video. I argue that it is the digital—its exposure of the micro-issue, its close focus on the individual case, its onus on linguistic precision and its diligent proofing and testing of arguments large or small—that now transforms the work the artwork does. This may now push artists into a much wider range of ethical decision-making about artworks to arrive at the artist’s regular mode of reflection and evaluation via a level of hyper detail and super nuance that, historically, artists of no particular celebrity have had little or no reason to engage with before.
Green Matrices, Minors and Hadamard Products
Authors: Delgado Jorge , Peña Guillermo , Peña Juan Manuel
Published: August 2023

Green matrices are interpreted as discrete version of Green functions and are used when working with inhomogeneous linear system of differential equations. This paper discusses accurate algebraic computations using a recent procedure to achieve an important factorization of these matrices with high relative accuracy and using alternative accurate methods. An algorithm to compute any minor of a Green matrix with high relative accuracy is also presented. The bidiagonal decomposition of the Hadamard product of Green matrices is obtained. Illustrative numerical examples are included.
Sharp Coefficient Bounds for a Subclass of Bounded Turning Functions with a Cardioid Domain
Authors: Shi Lei , Srivastava Hari Mohan , Cho Nak Eun , Arif Muhammad
Published: August 2023

In the present paper, we give a new simple proof on the sharp bounds of coefficient functionals related to the Carathéodory functions and make a correction on the extremal functions. The result is further used to investigate some initial coefficient bounds on a subclass of bounded turning functions R℘ associated with a cardioid domain. For functions in this class, we calculate the bounds of the Fekete–Szegö-type inequality and the second- and third-order Hankel determinants. All the results are proved to be sharp.
Estimation of Entropy for Generalized Rayleigh Distribution under Progressively Type-II Censored Samples
Authors: Ren Haiping , Gong Qin , Hu Xue
Published: August 2023

This paper investigates the problem of entropy estimation for the generalized Rayleigh distribution under progressively type-II censored samples. Based on progressively type-II censored samples, we first discuss the maximum likelihood estimation and interval estimation of Shannon entropy for the generalized Rayleigh distribution. Then, we explore the Bayesian estimation problem of entropy under three types of loss functions: K-loss function, weighted squared error loss function, and precautionary loss function. Due to the complexity of Bayesian estimation computation, we use the Lindley approximation and MCMC method for calculating Bayesian estimates. Finally, using a Monte Carlo statistical simulation, we compare the mean square errors to examine the superiority of maximum likelihood estimation and Bayesian estimation under different loss functions. An actual example is provided to verify the feasibility and practicality of various estimations.
Implementing Reversible Swelling into the Numerical Model of a Lithium-Ion Pouch Cell for Short Circuit Prediction
Authors: Höschele Patrick , Ellersdorfer Christian
Published: August 2023

Mechanical simulation models have become crucial for understanding Li-ion battery failure and degradation mechanisms. However, existing safety assessment models lack the implementation of SOC-dependent thickness variations referred to as reversible swelling. Reversible swelling affects the applied preload force on a constrained pouch cell, potentially impacting its safety. To investigate this, a finite element RVE model was developed in LS-Dyna. Two swelling models, simplified homogenous expansion (HE) and locally resolved expansion (LE), were implemented along with a reference basis model (BM) without expansion. Six different stress- or strain-based short circuit criteria were calibrated with abuse test simulations at different SOCs and preload forces. Short circuit prognosis improved on average by 0.8% and 0.7% for the LE and HE model compared to the BM, with minimum principal stress being the most suitable criterion. The LE model exhibited a softer mechanical response than the HE model or BM, accounting for the pouch cell surface unevenness at small indentations. This study demonstrated the feasibility and usefulness of implementing an expansion model in a commercial FE solver for improved short circuit predictions. An expansion model is crucial for simulating aged battery cells with significant geometry changes strongly affecting the preload force of a constrained battery cell.
Economic Analysis of a Redox Flow Batteries-Based Energy Storage System for Energy Savings in Factory Energy Management System
Authors: Kim Seon Hyeog , Doh Yoonmee , Heo Tae-Wook , Lee Il Woo
Published: August 2023

Renewable energy systems are essential for carbon neutrality and energy savings in industrial facilities. Factories use a lot of electrical and thermal energy to manufacture products, but only a small percentage is recycled. Utilizing energy storage systems in industrial facilities is being applied as a way to cut energy costs and reduce carbon emissions. However, lithium-based batteries, which are predominantly used in traditional industries, face challenges in terms of affordability and reliability. Redox flow batteries, on the other hand, offer high power output and reliability, and are economical to manufacture for installations with high capacity. Although redox flow batteries are difficult to use in general electrical systems due to their small volume-to-capacity ratio, they can be easily utilized as energy storage devices in industrial parks or renewable energy parks with relatively little space constraints. In addition, since factories use a lot of heat energy in addition to electricity, utilizing combined heat and power can further reduce heat energy. In this study, we analyzed the cost estimation and economic feasibility of utilizing photovoltaics, redox flow cells, and combined heat and power to save energy in a factory’s energy management system.
Unsaturated Long-Chain Fatty Acids Activate Resident Macrophages and Stem Cells in a Human Skeletal Muscle Tissue Model
Authors: Chen Xiaoying , Hao Dandan , Becker Nils , Müller Aline , Pishnamaz Miguel , Bollheimer Leo , Hildebrand Frank , Nourbakhsh Mahtab
Published: August 2023

Phenotypically heterogeneous populations of tissue-resident macrophages and stem cells play important roles in the regeneration of the skeletal muscle tissue. Previous studies using animal and cell culture models implied a beneficial effect of fatty acid (FA) species on tissue regeneration. Here, we applied a human experimental model using excised muscle tissues from reconstructive surgeries to study the effects of FAs on resident macrophages and stem cells in the natural environment of human skeletal muscle tissue. Muscle tissue samples from 20 donors were included in this study. The expression of 34 cytokines/chemokines was determined, using multiplex protein analysis. The phenotypes of macrophages and stem cells were determined immunohistochemically. The numbers of CD80+ macrophages correlated with the expression levels of IL-1α, IL-1RA, IL-8, IL-17A, and MCP-1, while the PAX7+ and MyoD+ stem cell counts were positively correlated with the expression level of CXCL12α, a recognized chemoattractant for muscle stem cells. Treatment of additional tissue sections with FAs revealed that CD80+ or MARCO+ macrophages- and PAX7+ or MyoD+ stem cells were simultaneously increased by unsaturated long-chain FAs. Taken together, this is the first experimental demonstration of a coordinated activation of macrophages and stem cells in human skeletal muscle tissue.
Guild Vertical Stratification and Drivers of Bat Foraging in a Semi-Arid Tropical Region, Kenya
Authors: Rainho Ana , Ferreira Diogo F. , Makori Beryl , Bartonjo Michael , Repas-Gonçalves Miguel , Kirakou Stanley , Maghuwa Florah , Webala Paul W. , Tomé Ricardo
Published: August 2023

Africa faces significant challenges in reconciling economic and social development while preserving its natural resources. Little is known about the diverse bat community on the continent, particularly in drier ecosystems. A better understanding of the bat community will help improve and inform the management of these ecosystems. Our study aimed to provide detailed information on the main drivers of bat richness and activity at three different heights above the ground in a semi-arid region of Kenya. We assessed how bat activity varied with space and height using acoustic sampling and complementary methods. We sampled 48 sites at ground level and two sites on meteorological masts at 20 m and 35 m above the ground. We recorded more than 20 bat species, including one species of concern for conservation. Our models showed that the use of space varies with bat guild, creating trade-offs in the variables that affect their activity. Low-flying bat species are mostly associated with habitat variables, whereas high-flying species are more dependent on weather conditions. Our study highlights the richness of bat assemblages in semi-arid environments and emphasizes the need for management measures to protect bat diversity in the face of habitat degradation caused by climate change, land management, and development projects.
Non-Uniform Bioaccumulation of Lead and Arsenic in Two Remote Regions of the Human Heart’s Left Ventricle: A Post-Mortem Study
Authors: Cirovic Ana , Orisakwe Orish E. , Cirovic Aleksandar , Jevtic Jovan , Tasic Danijela , Tasic Nebojsa
Published: August 2023

The extent of heavy-metal-induced cardiotoxicity is proportional to the levels of metal bioaccumulation, and it was previously assumed that heavy metals accumulate uniformly in the myocardium. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate concentrations of metals and metalloids in two distant regions of the left ventricle (LV), the base of the LV, and apex of the LV using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). We also examined the potential correlation between metal levels and the thickness of the interventricular septum in twenty LV specimens (ten from the base of LV and ten from the apex of LV) from 10 individuals (mean age 75 ± 6 years). We found significantly higher concentrations of arsenic and lead in the LV apex compared to the base of the LV. We also found a positive correlation between the concentrations of arsenic in the myocardium of LV and the thickness of the interventricular septum. Our results indicate that arsenic and lead accumulate to a higher extent in the apex of the LV compared to the base of the LV. Therefore, future studies designed to measure levels of metals in heart muscle should consider non-uniform accumulation of metals in the myocardium.
Molecular Interactions between Neuroglobin and Cytochrome c: Possible Mechanisms of Antiapoptotic Defense in Neuronal Cells
Authors: Semenova Marina A. , Chertkova Rita V. , Kirpichnikov Mikhail P. , Dolgikh Dmitry A.
Published: August 2023

Neuroglobin, which is a heme protein from the globin family that is predominantly expressed in nervous tissue, can promote a neuronal survivor. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective function of Ngb remain poorly understood to this day. The interactions between neuroglobin and mitochondrial cytochrome c may serve as at least one of the mechanisms of neuroglobin-mediated neuroprotection. Interestingly, neuroglobin and cytochrome c possibly can interact with or without electron transfer both in the cytoplasm and within the mitochondria. This review provides a general picture of molecular interactions between neuroglobin and cytochrome c based on the recent experimental and computational work on neuroglobin and cytochrome c interactions.
Biomolecular Minerals and Volcanic Glass Bio-Mimics to Control Adult Sand Flies, the Vector of Human Leishmania Protozoan Parasites
Authors: Chen Kaiying , Deguenon Jean Marcel , Lawrie Roger D. , Roe R. Michael
Published: August 2023

Sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) serve as vectors for transmitting protozoan parasites, Leishmania spp., that cause the disease called leishmaniasis. The main approach to controlling sand flies is the use of chemical insecticides. The discovery of alternative methods for their control is needed because of potential health risks of chemical insecticides and development of sand fly resistance to these pesticides. The biomineral produced by diatoms (diatomaceous earth, DE; Celite) and a volcanic glass bio-mimic (Imergard) have been shown by our group to be efficacious against mosquitoes, filth flies, and ticks but never studied for the control of sand flies. In a modified World Health Organization cone test, 50% of adult Phlebotomus papatasi sand flies at 29 ± 1 °C, 55 ± 5% RH, and 12:12 LD, when exposed to Imergard and Celite, were dead in 13.08 and 7.57 h, respectively. Proof of concept was established for the use of these biominerals for sand fly and leishmaniasis disease control. Using a light source as an attractant to the minerals had no significant effect on the LT50, the time to 50% mortality. The LT50 at a higher relative humidity of 70 ± 5% increased to 20.91 and 20.56 h for Imergard and Celite, respectively, suggesting their mode of action was dehydration. Scanning electron microscopy of dead sand flies showed high coating levels of Celite only on the sides of the thorax and on the tarsi, suggesting an alternative mode of action for mechanical insecticides.
Assessment of the Role of Endothelial and Vascular Smooth Muscle EGFR for Acute Blood Pressure Effects of Angiotensin II and Adrenergic Stimulation in Obese Mice
Authors: Schreier Barbara , Stern Christian , Rabe Sindy , Mildenberger Sigrid , Gekle Michael
Published: August 2023

(1) Background: Obesity is associated with hypertension because of endocrine dysregulation of the adrenergic and the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone systems. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is an important signaling hub in the cardiovascular system. In this study, we investigate the role of smooth muscle cell (VSMC) and endothelial cell (EC) EGFRs for blood pressure homeostasis and acute vascular reactivity in vivo. (2) Methods: Mice with deletion of the EGFR in the respective cell type received either a high-fat (HFD) or standard-fat diet (SFD) for 18 weeks. Intravascular blood pressure was measured via a Millar catheter in anesthetized animals upon vehicle load, angiotensin II (AII) and phenylephrine (PE) stimulation. (3) Results: We confirmed that deletion of the EGFR in VSMCs leads to reduced blood pressure and a most probably compensatory heart rate increase. EC-EGFR and VSMC-EGFR had only a minor impact on volume-load-induced blood pressure changes in lean as well as in obese wild-type animals. Regarding vasoactive substances, EC-EGFR seems to have no importance for angiotensin II action and counteracting HFD-induced prolonged blood pressure increase upon PE stimulation. VSMC-EGFR supports the blood pressure response to adrenergic and angiotensin II stimulation in lean animals. The responsiveness to AII and alpha-adrenergic stimulation was similar in lean and obese animals despite the known enhanced activity of the RAAS and the sympathetic nervous system under a high-fat diet. (4) Conclusions: We demonstrate that EGFRs in VSMCs and to a lesser extent in ECs modulate short-term vascular reactivity to AII, catecholamines and volume load in lean and obese animals.
Evaluation and Application of Silk Fibroin Based Biomaterials to Promote Cartilage Regeneration in Osteoarthritis Therapy
Authors: Su Xudong , Wei Li , Xu Zhenghao , Qin Leilei , Yang Jianye , Zou Yinshuang , Zhao Chen , Chen Li , Hu Ning
Published: August 2023

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common joint disease characterized by cartilage damage and degeneration. Traditional treatments such as NSAIDs and joint replacement surgery only relieve pain and do not achieve complete cartilage regeneration. Silk fibroin (SF) biomaterials are novel materials that have been widely studied and applied to cartilage regeneration. By mimicking the fibrous structure and biological activity of collagen, SF biomaterials can promote the proliferation and differentiation of chondrocytes and contribute to the formation of new cartilage tissue. In addition, SF biomaterials have good biocompatibility and biodegradability and can be gradually absorbed and metabolized by the human body. Studies in recent years have shown that SF biomaterials have great potential in treating OA and show good clinical efficacy. Therefore, SF biomaterials are expected to be an effective treatment option for promoting cartilage regeneration and repair in patients with OA. This article provides an overview of the biological characteristics of SF, its role in bone and cartilage injuries, and its prospects in clinical applications to provide new perspectives and references for the field of bone and cartilage repair.
Complex Analysis of Endothelial Markers as Potential Prognostic Indicators in Luminal Invasive Breast Carcinoma Patients: Outcomes of a Six-Year Observational Study
Authors: Kwiatkowska Katarzyna , Rhone Piotr , Koziorzemska Paulina , Formanowicz Dorota , Ruszkowska-Ciastek Barbara
Published: August 2023

(1) Background: Metastasis is a complex process in which the primary cancer cells spread to a distant organ or organs, creating a secondary tumor location, which in many patients leads to treatment failure and death. The aim of the present study was to assess the association of endothelial markers (i.e., sP-selectin, sE-selectin and von Willebrand factor) with the leptin-to-adiponectin ratio (LAR) and to perform an analysis of the predictive value on the survival of patients with luminal A and B invasive breast cancer (IBrC). (2) Methods: The trial included 70 treatment-naïve early-stage IBrC patients with a median age of 54.5 years and a median tumor diameter of 1.5 cm. The median duration of follow-up was 5.7 years, with a relapse rate of 15.71%. Specific immunoenzymatic kits were used to determine pre- and post-treatment concentrations of analyzed factors. (3) Results: Regardless of the treatment pattern, endothelial marker concentrations and the LAR increased after adjuvant treatment. The follow-up showed a significantly higher relapse rate in patients with IBrC who had higher pre-treatment sP-selectin and post-treatment LAR levels. According to receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, a post-treatment LAR with a sensitivity of 88.9% and specificity of 57.9% discriminating cases with or without disease relapse. Additionally, a higher risk of breast cancer relapse was associated with a lower post-treatment sP-selectin concentration. (4) Conclusions: Our results showed mainly that pre-treatment sP-selectin levels and post-treatment LAR may have value as prognostic indicators and may contribute to predicting the future outcomes in patients with early-stage IBrC.
Soft Biomimetic Approach for the Development of Calcinosis-Resistant Glutaraldehyde-Fixed Biomaterials for Cardiovascular Surgery
Authors: Zvyagina Alyona I. , Minaychev Vladislav V. , Kobyakova Margarita I. , Lomovskaya Yana V. , Senotov Anatoliy S. , Pyatina Kira V. , Akatov Vladimir S. , Fadeev Roman S. , Fadeeva Irina S.
Published: August 2023

Pathological aseptic calcification is the most common form of structural valvular degeneration (SVD), leading to premature failure of heart valve bioprostheses (BHVs). The processing methods used to obtain GA-fixed pericardium-based biomaterials determine the hemodynamic characteristics and durability of BHVs. This article presents a comparative study of the effects of several processing methods on the degree of damage to the ECM of GA-fixed pericardium-based biomaterials as well as on their biostability, biocompatibility, and resistance to calcification. Based on the assumption that preservation of the native ECM structure will enable the creation of calcinosis-resistant materials, this study provides a soft biomimetic approach for the manufacture of GA-fixed biomaterials using gentle decellularization and washing methods. It has been shown that the use of soft methods for preimplantation processing of materials, ensuring maximum preservation of the intactness of the pericardial ECM, radically increases the resistance of biomaterials to calcification. These obtained data are of interest for the development of new calcinosis-resistant biomaterials for the manufacture of BHVs.
Building Information Modeling—Empowering Construction Projects with End-to-End Life Cycle Management
Authors: Waqar Ahsan , Othman Idris , Hayat Saleh , Radu Dorin , Khan Muhammad , Galatanu Teofil , Almujibah Hammad , Hadzima-Nyarko Marijana , Benjeddou Omrane
Published: August 2023

The construction industry has been significantly transformed by the implementation of Building Information Modeling (BIM), which has facilitated extensive project management capabilities across the entire life cycle. Notwithstanding its advantages, there exist certain limitations that hinder its extensive implementation. This study aims to investigate the disparities related to the adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM) by conducting a thorough analysis of factors such as data interoperability, standardization, collaboration, skill gaps, and resistance to change. The data were collected through a preliminary pilot survey and a primary questionnaire. The collected data were then subjected to analysis using two statistical techniques: Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). This study reveals noteworthy associations between the adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and several crucial factors, including Continuous Integration (CI), Monitoring and Control (MC), Project Management (PM), Resolution and Performance (RP), Structural Management (SM), Sustainability Administration (SA), and Value Management (VM). This study provides valuable insights for professionals and policymakers, offering recommendations to enhance the implementation of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and advocating for additional research on complementary factors. Through the identification and subsequent resolution of recognized shortcomings, Building Information Modeling (BIM) can be employed in a proficient manner to augment collaboration, mitigate costs, optimize energy efficiency, and implement sustainable construction methodologies. The present study makes a substantial contribution to the progress of Building Information Modeling (BIM) adoption and the efficient management of construction project life cycles.
Metal-Doped HZSM-5 Zeolite Catalysts for Catalytic Cracking of Raw Bio-Oil: Exploring Activity toward Value-Added Products
Authors: Chiosso María Eugenia , Crespo Iratxe , Merlo Andrea Beatriz , Valle Beatriz
Published: August 2023

Catalytic cracking of bio-oil, conducted at atmospheric pressure without hydrogen supply, is a cost-effective and versatile approach for the targeted synthesis of biofuels and platform chemicals. The conversion of raw bio-oil follows intricate reaction pathways strongly influenced by the catalyst properties. In this work, we explore the use of various transition metals (Cr, Fe, and Zn) to modify the properties of HZSM-5 zeolite and assess their impact on the catalytic cracking of real raw bio-oil feedstock. The effect of metal loading on physical and chemical characteristics of metal-doped zeolite catalysts was studied through XRD, XRF, N2 physisorption, NH3-TPD, FTIR, H2-TPR. The behavior of each catalyst was evaluated in a continuous two-step catalytic cracking system (TS-CC) operating at 450 °C and space-time 0.7 gcatalysth/gfeed. The results highlight the importance of carefully selecting active metal species to optimize the performance of HZSM-5 in the catalytic cracking of bio-oil. Cr and Fe were found to be effective metals in increasing the selectivity of C2–C4 olefins in the gas product and mono-aromatics in the hydrocarbon liquid product, whereas the Zn-doped catalyst exhibits poor activity compared to bulk zeolite. Furthermore, a significant impact of the metal oxidation state on catalytic activity was observed, with reduced metals promoting the formation of H2, CO, and CO2 at the expense of hydrocarbon production.
Photocatalytic and Antibacterial Activities of a Nickel(II)-Bipyridine Complex-Modified Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite: Synthesis and Characterization
Authors: Ayyakannu Sundaram Ganeshraja , Ravikumar Prasanth , Ramesh Lavanya , Kesavan Hema , Sadhasivam Siva Padma Devi , Alagarsamy Santhana Krishna Kumar , Wang Junhu
Published: August 2023

In this study, we aimed to synthesize and characterize a nickel(II) complex-modified graphene oxide (Ni-GO) nanocomposite with enhanced photocatalytic and antimicrobial properties. The nanocomposite was prepared through a modified Hummer’s method, followed by an adsorption technique using the precursor complex [Ni(bipy)3]Cl2·5H2O, which was preferentially adsorbed onto the graphene oxide (GO) surface. The surface interaction between the nickel complex ions and GO was characterized using various analytical techniques, including FTIR, XRD, SEM-EDX, DRS, and XPS analyses. Photoluminescence analysis demonstrated the fluorescence property of the prepared composite. The DRS spectra indicated that the adsorption of composite particles extended to the visible region, making it excitable by visible light. The photocatalytic activity of the Ni-GO nanocomposite was tested by studying the degradation of an organic model pollutant, Rhodamine B dye, under real sunlight irradiation. The introduction of the Ni(II) complex onto the GO surface matrix intensified the photocatalytic property, making it more efficient under direct sunlight exposure. Comparisons with pristine graphite and GO revealed that Ni-GO exhibited enhanced photocatalytic potential. Additionally, we have evaluated the antimicrobial property of the Ni(II) complex-modified GO against Klebsiella pneumoniae. The results demonstrated that both the Ni(II) precursor complex and Ni-GO nanocomposite possessed an excellent antimicrobial efficacy, suggesting their potential use in antimicrobial applications. The synthesis and characterization of the Ni(II) complex-modified GO nanocomposite presented in this study showed promising results for both ameliorative photocatalytic and antimicrobial activities. These findings indicated the potential utility of Ni-GO as an efficient photocatalyst and antimicrobial agent, surpassing the performance of pristine graphite and GO. This research opens up new avenues for the development of advanced nanocomposites with diverse applications in environmental remediation and biomedical fields.
Unveiling the Yin-Yang Balance of M1 and M2 Macrophages in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Role of Exosomes in Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Modulation
Authors: Papadakos Stavros P. , Machairas Nikolaos , Stergiou Ioanna E. , Arvanitakis Konstantinos , Germanidis Georgios , Frampton Adam Enver , Theocharis Stamatios
Published: August 2023

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary liver cancer with a high mortality rate and limited treatment options. Recent research has brought attention to the significant importance of intercellular communication in the progression of HCC, wherein exosomes have been identified as critical agents facilitating cell-to-cell signaling. In this article, we investigate the impact of macrophages as both sources and targets of exosomes in HCC, shedding light on the intricate interplay between exosome-mediated communication and macrophage involvement in HCC pathogenesis. It investigates how exosomes derived from HCC cells and other cell types within the tumor microenvironment (TME) can influence macrophage behavior, polarization, and recruitment. Furthermore, the section explores the reciprocal interactions between macrophage-derived exosomes and HCC cells, stromal cells, and other immune cells, elucidating their role in tumor growth, angiogenesis, metastasis, and immune evasion. The findings presented here contribute to a better understanding of the role of macrophage-derived exosomes in HCC progression and offer new avenues for targeted interventions and improved patient outcomes.
Disposable Stochastic Platform for the Simultaneous Determination of Calcipotriol and Betamethasone in Pharmaceutical and Surface Water Samples
Authors: Tuchiu Bianca-Maria , Stefan-van Staden Raluca-Ioana , van Staden Jacobus (Koos) Frederick , Aboul-Enein Hassan Y.
Published: August 2023

A disposable stochastic platform based on calix [6]arene modified multi-walled carbon nanotubes-gold nanoparticles screen-printed electrode has been developed for the simultaneous determination of calcipotriol and betamethasone. For both analytes, very wide linear concentration ranges and extremely low limits of quantification (LOQ) were obtained: from 1.0 × 10−15 to 1.0 × 10−3 mol L−1 and with a 1.0 × 10−15 mol L−1 LOQ for calcipotriol, and from 1.0 × 10−16 to 1.0 × 10−2 mol L−1 with a 1.0 × 10−16 mol L−1 LOQ for betamethasone. The applicability of the sensing platform was successfully tested in commercially available topical pharmaceutical gel and surface water samples, obtaining recovery values ranging from 99.10 to 99.99% and relative standard deviation values under 0.05%. The obtained results render the proposed platform a viable, robust, selective, and sensitive tool that can be employed for the determination of the analytes in on-site routine quality control of pharmaceuticals and water quality monitoring.
Comparative Analysis of Hematological and Biochemical Changes in Neonates among Women with and without COVID-19 Infection during Pregnancy
Authors: Popescu Daniela-Eugenia , Cerbu Simona , Rosca Ioana , Lungu Nicoleta , Trușculescu Ana Adriana , Belengeanu Valerica , Manea Aniko Maria , Dima Mirabela Adina , Gorun Florin , Popa Zoran Laurentiu , Crisan Doru Ciprian , Boia Marioara
Published: August 2023

The aim of this study is to evaluate the test results of neonates delivered by COVID-19-positive mothers during pregnancy with those of neonates born to unvaccinated mothers who are COVID-19-free. A cohort study was conducted on 367 pregnant women who gave birth at Premiere Hospital, Timisoara, Romania, between May 2021 and February 2022. Two groups were established: Group 1, with 167 pregnant women infected with COVID-19, and Group 2, with 200 pregnant women who were not affected by COVID-19 during pregnancy. Maternal laboratory examination did not exhibit significant variations except for platelet count. In neonatal blood tests, WBC had a significantly lower median value in the group born to COVID-19-free mothers. Neonatal anemia and leukocytosis showed slightly higher prevalence in Group 1, but the differences were not statistically significant. This study suggests that maternal COVID-19 infection during pregnancy does not have significant associations with most maternal and neonatal characteristics.
Optimising Intraoperative Fluid Management in Patients Treated with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis—A Novel Strategy for Improving Outcomes
Authors: Miegoń Jakub , Zacha Sławomir , Skonieczna-Żydecka Karolina , Wiczk-Bratkowska Agata , Andrzejewska Agata , Jarosz Konrad , Deptuła-Jarosz Monika , Biernawska Jowita
Published: August 2023

Scoliosis surgery is a challenge for the entire team in terms of safety, and its accomplishment requires the utilization of advanced monitoring technologies. A prospective, single centre, non-randomised controlled cohort study, was designed to assess the efficacy of protocolised intraoperative haemodynamic monitoring and goal-directed therapy in relation to patient outcomes following posterior fusion surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). The control group (n = 35, mean age: 15 years) received standard blood pressure management during the surgical procedure, whereas the intervention group (n = 35, mean age: 14 years) underwent minimally invasive haemodynamic monitoring. Arterial pulse contour analysis (APCO) devices were employed, along with goal-directed therapy protocol centered on achieving target mean arterial pressure and stroke volume. This was facilitated through the application of crystalloid boluses, ephedrine, and noradrenaline. The intervention group was subjected to a comprehensive protocol following Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) principles. Remarkably, the intervention group exhibited notable advantages (p < 0.05), including reduced hospital stay durations (median 7 days vs. 10), shorter episodes of hypotension (mean arterial pressure < 60 mmHg—median 8 vs. 40 min), lesser declines in postoperative haemoglobin levels (−2.36 g/dl vs. −3.83 g/dl), and quicker extubation times. These compelling findings strongly imply that the integration of targeted interventions during the intraoperative care of AIS patients undergoing posterior fusion enhance a set of treatment outcomes.
Trends and Patterns of Daily Maximum, Minimum and Mean Temperature in Brazil from 2000 to 2020
Authors: Curado Leone Francisco Amorim , de Paulo Sérgio Roberto , de Paulo Iramaia Jorge Cabral , de Oliveira Maionchi Daniela , da Silva Haline Josefa Araujo , de Oliveira Costa Rayanna , da Silva Ian Maxime Cordeiro Barros , Marques João Basso , de Souza Lima André Matheus , Rodrigues Thiago Rangel
Published: August 2023

According to data obtained from meteorological towers, Brazil has significantly increased temperature in the past 20 years, particularly in the North and Midwest regions. Vapor pressure deficit and evapotranspiration were also analyzed, showing an increase across the entire country, confirming that the air is becoming drier. This warming trend is part of the global climate change phenomenon caused by the rise of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, fires, poor soil management practices, deforestation, and logging. The increase in temperature and dryness has profoundly impacted Brazil’s climate and ecosystems, leading to intensified extreme weather events and changes in the distribution of both animal and plant species. This study highlights the importance of utilizing meteorological tower data to monitor and understand the effects of climate change in Brazil. It emphasizes the need for immediate action to address its causes and mitigate its negative impacts.
Joint Task Allocation and Resource Optimization Based on an Integrated Radar and Communication Multi-UAV System
Authors: Zhang Xun , Wang Kehao , Li Xiaobai , Liu Kezhong , Cong Yirui
Published: August 2023

This paper investigates the joint task allocation and resource optimization problem in an integrated radar and communication multi-UAV (IRCU) system. Specifically, we assign reconnaissance UAVs and communication UAVs to perform the detection, tracking and communication tasks under the resource, priority and timing constraints by optimizing task allocation, power as well as channel bandwidth. Due to complex coupling among task allocation and resource optimization, the considered problem is proved to be non-convex. To solve the considered problem, we present a loop iterative optimization (LIO) algorithm to obtain the optimal solution. In fact, the mentioned problem is decomposed into three sub-problems, such as task allocation, power optimization and channel bandwidth optimization. At the same time, these three problems are solved by the divide-and-conquer algorithm, the successive convex approximation (SCA) algorithm and the improved particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm, respectively. Finally, numerical simulations demonstrate that the proposed LIO algorithm consumes fewer iterations or achieves higher maximum joint performance than other baseline schemes for solving the considered problem.
Tracking ‘Pure’ Systematic Risk with Realized Betas for Bitcoin and Ethereum
Authors: Sanhaji Bilel , Chevallier Julien
Published: August 2023

Using the capital asset pricing model, this article critically assesses the relative importance of computing ‘realized’ betas from high-frequency returns for Bitcoin and Ethereum—the two major cryptocurrencies—against their classic counterparts using the 1-day and 5-day return-based betas. The sample includes intraday data from 15 May 2018 until 17 January 2023. The microstructure noise is present until 4 min in the BTC and ETH high-frequency data. Therefore, we opt for a conservative choice with a 60 min sampling frequency. Considering 250 trading days as a rolling-window size, we obtain rolling betas < 1 for Bitcoin and Ethereum with respect to the CRIX market index, which could enhance portfolio diversification (at the expense of maximizing returns). We flag the minimal tracking errors at the hourly and daily frequencies. The dispersion of rolling betas is higher for the weekly frequency and is concentrated towards values of β > 0.8 for BTC (β > 0.65 for ETH). The weekly frequency is thus revealed as being less precise for capturing the ‘pure’ systematic risk for Bitcoin and Ethereum. For Ethereum in particular, the availability of high-frequency data tends to produce, on average, a more reliable inference. In the age of financial data feed immediacy, our results strongly suggest to pension fund managers, hedge fund traders, and investment bankers to include ‘realized’ versions of CAPM betas in their dashboard of indicators for portfolio risk estimation. Sensitivity analyses cover jump detection in BTC/ETH high-frequency data (up to 25%). We also include several jump-robust estimators of realized volatility, where realized quadpower volatility prevails.
Examining the Relationships between Teacher Self-Disclosure and Emotional and Behavioral Engagement of STEM Undergraduate Research Scholars: A Structural Equation
Authors: Bouhafa Yahya , Bharaj Pavneet Kaur , Simpson Amber
Published: August 2023

Understanding the factors contributing to the persistence and retention of students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is among the main issues of concern within STEM post-secondary education. The literature suggests that teacher self-disclosure and emotional and behavioral engagement play a significant positive role in the learning process across disciplines. Such factors may lead to improved academic achievements and retention in STEM disciplines. A variety of studies examined the relationship between teacher self-disclosure and emotional and behavioral engagement within the field of humanities, but less within the fields of STEM. This study used structural equation modeling (SEM) to examine the relationship between teacher self-disclosure and emotional and behavioral engagement of 208 undergraduate students enrolled in a two-year Freshman Research Immersion program. The results showed significant relationships between different aspects of teacher self-disclosure and classroom engagement. Additionally, STEM students view that high amounts of teacher self-disclosure can be related to negative aspects of classroom engagement such as emotional engagement anxiety. The study’s significance lies in practical recommendations associated with the strategic use of instances of teacher self-disclosure while teaching STEM classes and ways to support STEM undergraduate students’ levels of classroom engagement.