bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management of Acute Bronchiolitis in Spoke Hospitals in Northern Italy: Analysis and Outcome
Authors: Guidi Carla , Ragusa Neftj , Mussinatto Ilaria , Parola Francesca , Luotti Diego , Calosso Giulia , Rotondo Eleonora , Deut Virginia , Timeus Fabio , Brach del Prever Adalberto , Berger Massimo
Published: January 2024

Bronchiolitis is an acute viral infection of the lower respiratory tract that affects infants and young children. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common causative agent; however, other viruses can be involved in this disease. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical features of infants aged less than 12 months hospitalized for acute bronchiolitis in our Pediatric Units of Chivasso, Cirié, and Ivrea in Piedmont, Northern Italy, over two consecutive bronchiolitis seasons (September 2021–March 2022 and September 2022–March 2023). Patient-, disease-, and treatment-related variables were analyzed. The probability of therapeutic success (discharge home) was 96% for all patients (93% for RSV vs. 98% for non-RSV patients, p > 0.05). Among 192 patients, 42 infants (22%) underwent high-flow oxygen support (HFNC), and only 8 (4%) needed to be transferred to our hub referral hospital. Factors associated with hub hospital transfer were the age under 1 month and the failure of HFNC. The wide and increasing use of HFNC in pediatric inpatients improved the management of bronchiolitis in Spoke hospitals, reducing transfer to a hub hospital provided with Intensive Care Units.
Event-Assisted Object Tracking on High-Speed Drones in Harsh Illumination Environment
Authors: Han Yuqi , Yu Xiaohang , Luan Heng , Suo Jinli
Published: January 2024

Drones have been used in a variety of scenarios, such as atmospheric monitoring, fire rescue, agricultural irrigation, etc., in which accurate environmental perception is of crucial importance for both decision making and control. Among drone sensors, the RGB camera is indispensable for capturing rich visual information for vehicle navigation but encounters a grand challenge in high-dynamic-range scenes, which frequently occur in real applications. Specifically, the recorded frames suffer from underexposure and overexposure simultaneously and degenerate the successive vision tasks. To solve the problem, we take object tracking as an example and leverage the superior response of event cameras over a large intensity range to propose an event-assisted object tracking algorithm that can achieve reliable tracking under large intensity variations. Specifically, we propose to pursue feature matching from dense event signals and, based on this, to (i) design a U-Net-based image enhancement algorithm to balance RGB intensity with the help of neighboring frames in the time domain and then (ii) construct a dual-input tracking model to track the moving objects from intensity-balanced RGB video and event sequences. The proposed approach is comprehensively validated in both simulation and real experiments.
Ecological Analysis and Opportunities for Enhancement of the Archaeological Landscape: The Vascular Flora of Seven Archaeological Sites in Greece
Authors: Kanellou Electra , Papafotiou Maria , Saitanis Costas , Economou Garifalia
Published: January 2024

Spontaneous plants are an integral part of the archaeological landscape. The indigenous vegetation of the archaeological landscape can play a significant role in preserving the atmosphere of a place, as well as an additional element for education and recreation. Spontaneous vegetation was recorded in seven archaeological sites around Greece. Field surveys were conducted over two vegetative seasons, spanning spring and autumn, and data were gathered from both the surfaces of the monuments and the open field areas adjacent to these monuments. Therophytes were dominant on and around monuments across all sites throughout both the spring and autumn recording seasons. The three most abundant botanical families, in terms of species, found within the archaeological sites were Fabaceae, Poaceae, and Asteraceae. Based on the calculation of species diversity and evenness indices, it appeared that the sites exhibited high values during the spring period. The cluster and principal component analyses revealed that plant species tend to form clusters associated with the hosting archaeological sites, while the archaeological sites create variations that concern the species growing within them. The above is particularly significant as it implies that each archaeological site possesses a distinct and unique floristic identity, which can be utilized as an additional layer for education and enjoyment, enhancing the economic sustainability of these sites.
Evaluating Microbial Biofertilizers for Root Colonization Potential in Narra (Pterocarpus indicus Willd.) and Their Efficacy in Heavy Metal Remediation
Authors: Magsayo Bethlehem Marie T. , Aggangan Nelly S. , Gilbero Dennis M. , Amparado Ruben F.
Published: January 2024

Bioremediation technology, another strategy known for restoring degraded environments, utilizes beneficial microorganisms, including arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and nitrogen-fixing bacteria (NFB). Despite its potential, the biological processes of these microorganisms in contaminated sites remain poorly understood, hindering effective pollutant toxicity reduction. Establishing a connection between plant root systems and these microorganisms is crucial for enabling plant survival in heavy metal-contaminated soils. Narra (Pterocarpus indicus Willd.), a leguminous plant, typically associates with symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria, forming nodules in the roots. Additionally, Narra forms a symbiotic relationship with AMF, phosphorus-fixing microbes, making it an ideal tree species for rehabilitating mined-out areas. In this study, five microbial biofertilizers, namely: MYKORICH®, MYKOVAM®, newMYC, newNFB, and combined newMYC+newNFB, plus a control were used to test their root colonization potential on Narra seedlings grown in nickel (Ni) and gold (Au) mined-out soils collected from Taganito Mining Corporation (TMC) and Manila Mining Corporation (MMC) in Claver and Placer, Surigao del Norte, Philippines, respectively. The results showed that newMYC had the highest root colonization in Ni mined-out soil, while MYKORICH® excelled in Au mined-out soil. The AMF spore count was highest in MYKORICH® for Ni mined-out soil and newMYC in Au mined-out soil. NFB colonization was highest in newMYC-treated seedlings for Ni mined-out soil and combined newMYC+newNFB for Au mined-out soil. The microbial biofertilizers utilized in this research, such as MY-KORICH®, MYKOVAM, newMYC, newNFB, and combined newNFB and newMYC, naturally occur in the environment and can be easily extracted. This cost-effective characteristic provides an advantage for mining companies seeking treatments for soil amelioration to rehabilitate mined-out areas.
Clustering on the Chicago Array of Things: Spotting Anomalies in the Internet of Things Records
Authors: DeMedeiros Kyle , Koh Chan Young , Hendawi Abdeltawab
Published: January 2024

The Chicago Array of Things (AoT) is a robust dataset taken from over 100 nodes over four years. Each node contains over a dozen sensors. The array contains a series of Internet of Things (IoT) devices with multiple heterogeneous sensors connected to a processing and storage backbone to collect data from across Chicago, IL, USA. The data collected include meteorological data such as temperature, humidity, and heat, as well as chemical data like CO2 concentration, PM2.5, and light intensity. The AoT sensor network is one of the largest open IoT systems available for researchers to utilize its data. Anomaly detection (AD) in IoT and sensor networks is an important tool to ensure that the ever-growing IoT ecosystem is protected from faulty data and sensors, as well as from attacking threats. Interestingly, an in-depth analysis of the Chicago AoT for anomaly detection is rare. Here, we study the viability of the Chicago AoT dataset to be used in anomaly detection by utilizing clustering techniques. We utilized K-Means, DBSCAN, and Hierarchical DBSCAN (H-DBSCAN) to determine the viability of labeling an unlabeled dataset at the sensor level. The results show that the clustering algorithm best suited for this task varies based on the density of the anomalous readings and the variability of the data points being clustered; however, at the sensor level, the K-Means algorithm, though simple, is better suited for the task of determining specific, at-a-glance anomalies than the more complex DBSCAN and HDBSCAN algorithms, though it comes with drawbacks.
An Imbalanced Sequence Feature Extraction Approach for the Detection of LTE-R Cells with Degraded Communication Performance
Authors: Qu Jiantao , Qi Chunyu , Meng He
Published: January 2024

Within the Shuo Huang Railway Company (Suning, China ) the long-term evolution for railways (LTE-R) network carries core wireless communication services for trains. The communication performance of LTE-R cells directly affects the operational safety of the trains. Therefore, this paper proposes a novel detection method for LTE-R cells with degraded communication performance. Considering that the number of LTE-R cells with degraded communication performance and that of normal cells are extremely imbalanced and that the communication performance indicator data for each cell are sequence data, we propose a feature extraction neural network structure for imbalanced sequences, based on shapelet transformation and a convolutional neural network (CNN). Then, to train the network, we set the optimization objective based on the Fisher criterion. Finally, using a two-stage training method, we obtain a neural network model that can distinguish LTE-R cells with degraded communication performance from normal cells at the feature level. Experiments on a real-world dataset show that the proposed method can realize the accurate detection of LTE-R cells with degraded communication performance and has high practical application value.
Parametrization Effects of the Non-Linear Unsteady Vortex Method with Vortex Particle Method for Small Rotor Aerodynamics
Authors: Proulx-Cabana Vincent , Michon Guilhem , Laurendeau Eric
Published: January 2024

The aim of this article is to investigate the parameter sensitivity of the (Non-Linear) Unsteady Vortex Lattice Method-Vortex Particle Method [(NL-)UVLM-VPM] with Particle Strength Exchange-Large Eddy Simulations (PSE-LES) method on a lower Reynolds number rotor. The previous work detailed the method, but introduced parameters whose influence were not investigated. Most importantly, the Vreman model coefficient was chosen arbitrarily and was not suitable to ensure stability for this lower Reynolds number rotor simulation. In addition, the previous work presented a consistency study where geometry and time discretization were refined simultaneously. The present article starts with a comparative literature review of potential methods used to solve the aerodynamics of an isolated hovering rotor. This review highlights the differences in modeling, discretizations, sensitivity analysis, validation cases, and the results chosen by the different studies. Then, a transparent and thorough parametric study of the method is presented alongside discussions of the observed results and their physical interpretation regarding the flow. The sensitivity analysis is performed for the three free parameters of UVLM, namely Vatistas core size, the geometry and the temporal discretizations, and then for the three additional parameters introduced by UVLM-VPM, which are the Vreman model coefficient, the particle spacing, and the conversion time. The effect of different databases in the non-linear coupling is also shown. The method is shown to be consistent with both geometry and temporal refinements. It is also consistent with the expected behavior of the different parameters change, including the numerical stability that depends on the strength of the LES diffusion controlled by the Vreman model coefficient. The effect of discretization refinement presented here not only shows the integrated coefficients where different errors can cancel each other, but also looks at their convergence and where relevant, the distributed loads and tip singularity position. Finally, the aerodynamics results of the method are compared for different databases and with higher fidelity Unsteady Reynolds Averaged Navier–Stokes (URANS) 3D results on a lower Reynolds number rotor.
Study on Key Factors Influencing Coordination Effectiveness of Food Safety Coordinating Body: Lessons from the Chinese Context
Authors: Niu Liangyun , Wu Linhai
Published: January 2024

Many countries have established food safety coordination agencies to strengthen cooperation between government agencies. Due to different national conditions, there are differences in the coordination agencies of different countries, but there are also many similarities. This article studies the key factors influencing the coordination effectiveness of China’s food safety coordinating body, so as to enhance interagency collaboration. The results show that the coordination ability of the coordinating body’s head, the authority degree of the coordinating body, the clarity degree of the agency’s legal responsibility, and the clarity degree of the coordination goal are key factors influencing the coordination effectiveness. The conclusions indicate that the key factors influencing the coordination effectiveness of China’s food safety commissions are similar to the key factors in Western countries, without evident differences due to national situations, social systems, and cultures. This article will be useful to policymakers and public sector managers in terms of understanding which key factors influence the coordination effectiveness of coordinating agencies. Moreover, this study provides a perspective for the academic circle from which to understand the main problems faced in the interagency collaborative governance of food safety risks in China.
Advancements in Best Proximity Points: A Study in F-Metric Spaces with Applications
Authors: Alamri Badriah
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this study is to explore the existence and uniqueness of the best proximity points for α,Θ-proximal contractions, a novel concept introduced in the context of F-metric spaces. Moreover, we provide an example to show the usability of the obtained results. To broaden the scope of this research area, we leverage our best proximity point results to demonstrate the existence and uniqueness of solutions for differential equations (equation of motion) and also for fractional differential equations.
A Covalently Cross-Linked Hyaluronic Acid/Carboxymethyl Cellulose Composite Hydrogel as a Potential Filler for Soft Tissue Augmentation
Authors: Della Sala Francesca , di Gennaro Mario , Makvandi Pooyan , Borzacchiello Assunta
Published: January 2024

The use of fillers for soft tissue augmentation is an approach to restore the structure in surgically or traumatically created tissue voids. Hyaluronic acid (HA), is one of the main components of the extracellular matrix, and it is widely employed in the design of materials with features similar to human tissues. HA-based fillers already find extensive use in soft tissue applications, but are burdened with inherent drawbacks, such as poor thermal stability. A well-known strategy to improve the HA properties is to reticulate it with 1,4-Butanediol diglycidyl ether (BDDE). The aim of this work was to improve the design of HA hydrogels as fillers, by developing a crosslinking HA method with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) by means of BDDE. CMC is a water soluble cellulose ether, whose insertion into the hydrogel can lead to increased thermal stability. HA/CMC hydrogels at different ratios were prepared, and their rheological properties and thermal stability were investigated. The hydrogel with an HA/CMC ratio of 1/1 resulted in the highest values of viscoelastic moduli before and after thermal treatment. The morphology of the hydrogel was examined via SEM. Biocompatibility response, performed with the Alamar blue assay on fibroblast cells, showed a safety percentage of around 90% until 72 h.
Using NGS Technology and Association Mapping to Identify Candidate Genes Associated with Fusarium Stalk Rot Resistance
Authors: Bocianowski Jan
Published: January 2024

Stalk rot caused by Fusarium fungi is one of the most widespread and devastating diseases of maize, and the introduction of resistant genotypes is one of the most effective strategies for controlling the disease. Breeding genotypes with genetically determined resistance will also allow less use of crop protection products. The aim of the research was to identify molecular markers and associated candidate genes determining maize plant resistance to Fusarium stalk rot. The plant material for this study consisted of 122 maize hybrids. The experiment was conducted in two localities: Smolice and Kobierzyce. The Fusarium stalk rot values ranged from 1.65% (for genotype G01.10) to 31.18% (for genotype G03.07) in Kobierzyce and from 0.00% (for 58 genotypes) to 6.36% (G05.03) in Smolice. The analyzed genotypes were simultaneously subjected to next-generation sequencing using the Illumina platform. Illumina sequencing identified 60,436 SilicoDArT markers and 32,178 SNP markers (92,614 in total). For association mapping, 32,900 markers (26,234 SilicoDArT and 6666 SNP) meeting the criteria (MAF > 0.25 and the number of missing observations <10%) were used. The results of the observation of the degree of infection and sequencing were used for association mapping, which ultimately resulted in the selection of ten molecular markers important at both places. Among the identified markers, two SNP markers that are located inside candidate genes play an important role. Marker 4772836 is located inside the serine/threonine-protein kinase bsk3 gene, while marker 4765764 is located inside the histidine kinase 1 gene. Both genes can be associated with plant resistance to Fusarium stalk rot, and these genes can also be used in breeding programs to select resistant varieties.
Structural and Functional Shifts in the Microbial Community of a Heavy Metal-Contaminated Soil Exposed to Short-Term Changes in Air Temperature, Soil Moisture and UV Radiation
Authors: Silva Isabel , Alves Marta , Malheiro Catarina , Silva Ana Rita R. , Loureiro Susana , Henriques Isabel , González-Alcaraz M. Nazaret
Published: January 2024

The interplay between metal contamination and climate change may exacerbate the negative impact on the soil microbiome and, consequently, on soil health and ecosystem services. We assessed the response of the microbial community of a heavy metal-contaminated soil when exposed to short-term (48 h) variations in air temperature, soil humidity or ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the absence and presence of Enchytraeus crypticus (soil invertebrate). Each of the climate scenarios simulated significantly altered at least one of the microbial parameters measured. Irrespective of the presence or absence of invertebrates, the effects were particularly marked upon exposure to increased air temperature and alterations in soil moisture levels (drought and flood scenarios). The observed effects can be partly explained by significant alterations in soil properties such as pH, dissolved organic carbon, and water-extractable heavy metals, which were observed for all scenarios in comparison to standard conditions. The occurrence of invertebrates mitigated some of the impacts observed on the soil microbial community, particularly in bacterial abundance, richness, diversity, and metabolic activity. Our findings emphasize the importance of considering the interplay between climate change, anthropogenic pressures, and soil biotic components to assess the impact of climate change on terrestrial ecosystems and to develop and implement effective management strategies.
Insufficient Cold Resistance as a Possible Reason for the Absence of Darkling Beetles (Coleoptera, Tenebrionidae) in Pleistocene Sediments of Siberia
Authors: Dudko Roman Yu. , Alfimov Arcady V. , Gurina Anna A. , Meshcheryakova Ekaterina N. , Reshetnikov Sergei V. , Legalov Andrei A. , Berman Daniil I.
Published: January 2024

The level of diversity and abundance of darkling beetles (Coleoptera, Tenebrionidae) is the main difference between the late Pleistocene and modern insect faunas of arid regions. In the Pleistocene assemblages they are extremely rare, whereas in the modern ones they predominate. It is assumed that the reason for their rarity in fossil entomological complexes is their lack of cold resistance. The supercooling points (SCP) and low lethal temperatures (LLT) of adults from five species of Altai darkling beetles that overwinter in the soil and larvae from one such species were measured in the laboratory. All beetles supercooled at negative temperatures but could not survive freezing, with the average SCP of the most cold-resistant species between −25.7 and −21.7 °C (Bioramix picipes, Anatolica dashidorzsi, and Penthicus altaicus). However, 50% of the individuals from different species in the experiment died after exposure during two days at temperatures ranging from −22 to −20 °C. The focal species are distributed in parts of Central Asia with an extreme continental climate, and the temperatures measured in the soil of these natural areas turned out to be lower than or close to the limit of cold resistance of the beetles. Overwintering of darkling beetles is therefore only possible in areas with deep snow: in hollows, under bushes, and under large cereals. Darkling beetles with poor cold resistance could not have existed in the colder climate of the late Pleistocene, which explains their absence from fossil fauna.
PEALut in the Dietary Management of Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Bonzanino Massimo , Riolo Marianna , Battaglini Iacopo , Perna Marilisa , De Mattei Marco
Published: January 2024

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS), which represents 87% of all strokes, is caused by reduced blood supply to the brain associated with a prolonged inflammatory process that exacerbates brain damage. The composite containing co-ultramicronized Palmitoylethanolamide and luteolin (PEALut) is known to promote the resolution of neuroinflammation, being a promising nutritional approach to contrast inflammatory processes occurring in AIS. This study included 60 patients affected by acute ischemic stroke and undergoing thrombolysis. PEALut 770 mg was administered to 30 patients, twice daily for 90 days, in addition to the standard therapy. Neurological deficit, independence in activities of daily living, disability and cognitive impairment were investigated. In all patients, the severity of AIS defined by the NIHSS score evolved from moderate to minor (p < 0.0001). Patients’ independence in daily living activities and disability evaluated using BI and mRS showed a significant improvement over time, with a statistically significant difference in favor of PEALut-treated patients (p < 0.002 for BI, p < 0.0001 for mRS), who achieved also a marked improvement of cognitive function evaluated using MMSE and MoCA tests. PEALut proved to be a safe and effective treatment in addition to thrombolysis in the management of patients with acute ischemic stroke.
Molecular Signaling and Metabolic Responses during the Interaction between Human Keratinocytes (HaCaT) and the Dermatophyte Trichophyton rubrum
Authors: Petrucelli Monise Fazolin , Martins-Santana Leonardo , Rossi Antonio , Martinez-Rossi Nilce Maria
Published: January 2024

Trichophyton rubrum is the leading causative agent of dermatophytosis worldwide. Keratinocytes are the first line of defense that drives an immune response against fungal invasion. Host-specific pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) to trigger immunological pathways. Fungal cell wall components are the primary sources of fungal PAMPs, and some pathogens increase cell wall rearrangement to evade the immune system. Glycolysis and enhanced lactate levels are critical for improving host immune responses to fungal infections. Using reverse transcription–quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), we evaluated the transcriptional responses of human genes involved in fungal recognition and glycolytic metabolism and fungal cell-wall-related genes in a co-culture model of human keratinocytes with T. rubrum. We observed the upregulation of several Toll-like receptors (TLRs), NOD-like receptors (NLRs), and glycolytic genes. Complementarily, we measured intra- and extracellular glucose levels and the increase in lactate production in the co-culture supernatant. We noted a distinct transcriptional regulation pattern of fungal cell-wall-related genes from fungal growth on keratin as the primary carbon source compared to co-culture with human keratinocytes. Our results showed new insights into the transcriptional adaptation of keratinocytes, particularly in regulating genes involved in sensing and metabolic processes, during the interaction with T. rubrum.
Analysis of Thyroid Function in ANCA-Associated Vasculitis Patients with Renal Injury
Authors: Yu Wenhui , Wang Yuelan , Ma Liang , Gou Shenju , Fu Ping
Published: January 2024

Background: Previous studies indicated common thyroid dysfunction in various kidney diseases. This study aimed to investigate the thyroid function in patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV) with renal injury. Methods: Briefly, 174 patients diagnosed as having AAV with renal injury and without previous thyroid disease history were included in the retrospective and prospective study. The clinical parameters were collected and compared between different groups. Results: Of the patients included, 24 exhibited normal thyroid function, while 150 had thyroid dysfunction, including 55 (36.67%) with hypothyroidism. Those AAV patients with thyroid dysfunction showed different clinical parameters from those with normal thyroid function. The patients were followed up for a median of 68.6 (64.3; 72.8) months. Those with thyroid dysfunction were more prone to progressing to dialysis dependence compared to the group with normal thyroid function. Logistic regression analysis showed advanced age and decreased albumin as independent risk factors for thyroid dysfunction in patients with AAV. Survival analysis and multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that thyroid dysfunction was a risk factor for AAV patients with renal injury to progress to the endpoint of dialysis dependence. Conclusion: Thyroid dysfunction, predominantly hypothyroidism, was commonly complicated in AAV patients with renal injury. AAV patients with thyroid dysfunction were presented with different clinical parameters and more prone to progressing to dialysis dependence compared to those with normal thyroid function.
Human Resource Investment and Early-Stage Career Choice: Evaluating Work–Life Income Paths in 21st-Century Canada
Authors: Anderson Gordon
Published: January 2024

Of necessity, people make many investment decisions regarding their human resource stock early in their life cycle, long before outcomes predicated upon those choices are realized. Different choices involve very different initial effort and financing outlays and issues arise as to how these alternative paths can be compared and evaluated. Here, techniques for the cardinal comparison of human resource contingent work–life-cycle income value profiles under alternative income valuation function assumptions are outlined and instruments for examining potential ambiguities in comparison developed. All are applied in an analysis of the impact of different levels of investment of human resources in 21st-century Canada. The results, with one notable exception (the choice for boys between a trade or a bachelor-level degree), indicate unambiguous life-cycle benefits to higher levels of human resource stock investment for both girls and boys. Within gender, best–worst relative magnitudes are increasing over time for both genders but more so for girls. Boys are enjoying a universal but diminishing premium over time, reflective of male–female income convergence.
Intergranular Corrosion Analysis of Austenitic Stainless Steels in Molten Nitrate Salt Using Electrochemical Characterization
Authors: Kanjanaprayut Noparat , Siripongsakul Thamrongsin , Promdirek Piyorose
Published: January 2024

This study investigates the influence of molten nitrate salt exposure on the intergranular corrosion (IGC) behavior of three grades of austenitic stainless steel (namely, AISI 304, AISI 304H, and AISI 321H). Two electrochemical techniques, double loop electrochemical potentiokinetic reactivation and potentiodynamic polarization methods, are applied after stainless steel is exposed to 600 °C molten nitrate salt, 60% NaNO3, and 40% KNO3 for varying immersion durations. Corrosion morphology is examined using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy images to assess susceptibility to IGC. IGC is prompted by the presence of chromium carbides at grain boundaries, which leads to chromium depletion around these carbides. The findings of the experiments reveal distinct IGC behavior among stainless steel grades. For AISI 304, the degree of sensitization (DOS) increases as exposure time progresses. However, AISI 304H and AISI 321H stainless steel exhibit diminishing DOS after 100 and 10 h of exposure, respectively. This trend is attributed to desensitization or the healing effect when stainless steel is exposed to molten salt for a prolonged time. The depletion and recovery of Cr near grain boundaries are confirmed by the inverse relationship to DOS of pitting potential.
An Electrochemical Approach to the Recovery of Metals Typical of Battery Waste
Authors: Kutzer-Schulze Claudia , Schmidt Hannes , Weiser Mathias , Büttner Tilo , Schneider Michael , Michaelis Alexander
Published: January 2024

This paper deals with the separate electrochemical recovery of transition metals from battery black liquor. In a first approach, the authors investigated a model waste electrolyte mainly consisting of Cu, Co, Ni, and Mn in an acidic solvent, using citric acid as a complexing agent. An open porous Inconel® foam had been included as an electrode to benefit from the increased active surface area. Under the selected operation conditions, Cu was completely recovered, presenting almost 100% purity, while, in the case of Co, the purity was 96%, and a remanent concentration of about 1.2 g L−1 could still be determined.
Ternary Phenolate-Based Thiosemicarbazone Complexes of Copper(II): Magnetostructural Properties, Spectroscopic Features and Marked Selective Antiproliferative Activity against Cancer Cells
Authors: Al-Salmi Iman K. , Shongwe Musa S.
Published: January 2024

The new diprotic ligand 3,5-di-tert-butylsalicylaldehyde 4-ethyl-3-thiosemicarbazone, abbreviated H2(3,5-t-Bu2)-sal4eT, exists as the thio-keto tautomer and adopts the E-configuration with respect to the imine double bond, as evidenced by single-crystal X-ray analysis and corroborated by spectroscopic characterisation. Upon treatment with Cu(OAc)2·H2O in the presence of either 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline (2,9-Me2-phen) or 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) as a co-ligand in MeOH, this thiosemicarbazone undergoes conformational transformation (relative donor-atom orientations: syn,anti → syn,syn) concomitantly with tautomerisation and double deprotonation to afford the ternary copper(II) complexes [Cu{(3,5-t-Bu2)-sal4eT}(2,9-Me2-phen)] (1) and [Cu2{3,5-t-Bu2)-sal4eT}2(phen)] (2). Crystallographic elucidation has revealed that complex 1 is a centrosymmetric dimer of mononuclear copper(II) complex molecules brought about by intermolecular H-bonding. The coordination geometry at the copper(II) centre is best described as distorted square pyramidal in accordance with the trigonality index (τ = 0.14). The co-ligand adopts an axial–equatorial coordination mode; hence, there is a disparity between its two Cu–N coordinate bonds arising from weakening of the apical one as a consequence of the tetragonal distortion. The axial X-band ESR spectrum of complex 1 is consistent with retention of this structure in solution. Complex 2 is a centrosymmetric dimer of dinuclear copper(II) complex molecules exhibiting intermolecular H-bonding and π-π-stacking interactions. The two copper(II) centres, which are 4.8067(18) Å apart and bridged by the thio-enolate nitrogen of the quadridentate thiosemicarbazonate ligand, display two different coordination geometries, one distorted square planar (τ4 = 0.082) and the other distorted square pyramidal (τ5 = 0.33). Such dinuclear copper(II) thiosemicarbazone complexes, which are crystallographically characterised, are extremely rare. In vitro, complexes 1 and 2 outperform cisplatin as antiproliferative agents in terms of potency and selectivity towards HeLa and MCF-7 cancer cell lines.
Surface-Active Ionic Liquids and Surface-Active Quaternary Ammonium Salts from Synthesis, Characterization to Antimicrobial Properties
Authors: Wojcieszak Marta , Kaczmarek Damian Krystian , Karolak Maciej , Pałkowski Łukasz , Lewandowska Aneta , Marcinkowska Agnieszka , Dopierała Katarzyna , Materna Katarzyna
Published: January 2024

The present work provides new evidence of the ongoing potential of surface-active ionic liquids (SAILs) and surface-active quaternary ammonium salts (surface-active QASs). To achieve this, a series of compounds were synthesized with a yield of ≥85%, and their thermal analyses were studied. Additionally, antimicrobial activity against both human pathogenic and soil microorganisms was investigated. Subsequently, their surface properties were explored with the aim of utilizing SAILs and surface-active QASs as alternatives to commercial amphiphilic compounds. Finally, we analyzed the wettability of the leaves’ surface of plants occurring in agricultural fields at different temperatures (from 5 to 25 °C) and the model plant membrane of leaves. Our results show that the synthesized compounds exhibit higher activity than their commercial analogues such as, i.e., didecyldimethylammonium chloride (DDAC) and dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (C12TAB), for which the CMC values are 2 mM and 15 mM. The effectiveness of the antimicrobial properties of synthesized compounds relies on their hydrophobic nature accompanied by a cut-off effect. Moreover, the best wettability of the leaves’ surface was observed at 25 °C. Our research has yielded valuable insights into the potential effectiveness of SAILs and surface-active QASs as versatile compounds, offering a promising alternative to established antimicrobials and crop protection agents, all the while preserving substantial surface activity.
Neuroprotective Effect of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Loaded with Lepidium sativum (L.) Seed Bioactive Components Enhance Bioavailability and Wnt/β-Catenin/Camk-II Signaling Cascade in SH-SY5Y Neuroblastoma Cells
Authors: Al-Saran Nada , Subash-Babu Pandurangan , Al-Harbi Laila Naif , Alrfaei Bahauddeen M. , Alshatwi Ali A.
Published: January 2024

The primary pathological hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the formation and accumulation of neurofibrillary tangles and plaques, which result from the aggregation of amyloid-β (Aβ) induced by oxidative stress. The effectiveness of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) therapeutics significantly hinges on the drug’s bioavailability and its ability to penetrate neuronal cells. The current investigation was designed as a first attempt to examine bio-fabricated Lepidium sativum (LS) seed-extract-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNps) to increase bioavailability and bioefficacy for the prevention of undifferentiated SH-SY5Y neuronal cells from oxidative stress induced by H2O2 and amyloid-β peptide (Aβ,1-42). The SLNps were fabricated using LS extract as a water phase and hyaluronic acid and chia seed fatty acids as a lipid phase, then confirmed and characterized using UV, Zeta size, and SEM methods. The biological safety of synthesized LS-SLNps has been determined using MTT assay and PI staining (nuclear damage) in hMSCs. LS-SLNp-pretreated neuronal cells were induced with oxidative stress and 2 µM of beta-amyloid (Aβ,1-42) fibrils; furthermore, the neuroprotective potential of LS-SLNps was determined through the quenching of oxidative stress, enhancing mitochondrial oxidative capacity, and immunoregulatory potential. Observations found that cells treated with both H2O2 and beta-amyloid (Aβ,1-42) fibrils showed decreased neuronal cell growth, nuclear damage, and mitochondrial membrane potential due to oxidative stress. However, SH-SY5Y cells pretreated with LS-SLNps for 24 h showed an increase in cell proliferation with uniform morphology and increased mitochondrial membrane potential compared to cells pretreated with LS alone. Gene expression analysis found that LS-SLNps increased the expression of Wnt 3a and 5a, which stimulated the canonical, β-catenin, and non-canonical Camk-II expressions of nerve cell growth factors, confirming the molecular-level reversal of neurodegenerative diseases.
Correction: Li et al. Fabrication of Poly Dopamine@poly (Lactic Acid-Co-Glycolic Acid) Nanohybrids for Cancer Therapy via a Triple Collaboration Strategy. Nanomaterials 2023, 13, 1447
Authors: Li Yunhao , Gao Yujuan , Pan Zian , Jia Fan , Xu Chenlu , Cui Xinyue , Wang Xuan , Wu Yan
Published: January 2024

The authors regret that, in the published article [...]
Hybrid Approach for Multiscale and Multimodal Time-Resolved Diagnosis of Ultrafast Processes in Materials via Tailored Synchronization of Laser and X-ray Sources at MHz Repetition Rates
Authors: Marchenkov Nikita , Mareev Evgenii , Kulikov Anton , Pilyak Fedor , Ibragimov Eduard , Pisarevskii Yuri , Potemkin Fedor
Published: January 2024

The synchronization of laser and X-ray sources is essential for time-resolved measurements in the study of ultrafast processes, including photo-induced piezo-effects, shock wave generation, and phase transitions. On the one hand, optical diagnostics (by synchronization of two laser sources) provides information about changes in vibration frequencies, shock wave dynamics, and linear and nonlinear refractive index behavior. On the other hand, optical pump–X-ray probe diagnostics provide an opportunity to directly reveal lattice dynamics. To integrate two approaches into a unified whole, one needs to create a robust method for the synchronization of two systems with different repetition rates up to the MHz range. In this paper, we propose a universal approach utilizing a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) to achieve precise synchronization between different MHz sources such as various lasers and synchrotron X-ray sources. This synchronization method offers numerous advantages, such as high flexibility, fast response, and low jitter. Experimental results demonstrate the successful synchronization of two different MHz systems with a temporal resolution of 250 ps. This enables ultrafast measurements with a sub-nanosecond resolution, facilitating the uncovering of complex dynamics in ultrafast processes.
Preparation, Optimization, and In-Vitro Evaluation of Brusatol- and Docetaxel-Loaded Nanoparticles for the Treatment of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Adekiya Tayo Alex , Moore Madison , Thomas Michael , Lake Gabriel , Hudson Tamaro , Adesina Simeon K.
Published: January 2024

Challenges to docetaxel use in prostate cancer treatment include several resistance mechanisms as well as toxicity. To overcome these challenges and to improve the therapeutic efficacy in heterogeneous prostate cancer, the use of multiple agents that can destroy different subpopulations of the tumor is required. Brusatol, a multitarget inhibitor, has been shown to exhibit potent anticancer activity and play an important role in drug response and chemoresistance. Thus, the combination of brusatol and docetaxel in a nanoparticle platform for the treatment of prostate cancer is expected to produce synergistic effects. In this study, we reported the development of polymeric nanoparticles for the delivery of brusatol and docetaxel in the treatment of prostate cancer. The one-factor-at-a-time method was used to screen for formulation and process variables that impacted particle size. Subsequently, factors that had modifiable effects on particle size were evaluated using a 24 full factorial statistical experimental design followed by the optimization of drug loading. The optimization of blank nanoparticles gave a formulation with a mean size of 169.1 nm ± 4.8 nm, in agreement with the predicted size of 168.333 nm. Transmission electron microscopy showed smooth spherical nanoparticles. The drug release profile showed that the encapsulated drugs were released over 24 h. Combination index data showed a synergistic interaction between the drugs. Cell cycle analysis and the evaluation of caspase activity showed differences in PC-3 and LNCaP prostate cancer cell responses to the agents. Additionally, immunoblots showed differences in survivin expression in LNCaP cells after treatment with the different agents and formulations for 24 h and 72 h. Therefore, the nanoparticles are potentially suitable for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer.
Polymeric Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Andrade Stéphanie , Ramalho Maria J. , Loureiro Joana A.
Published: January 2024

Polymeric nanoparticles (NPs), utilized extensively in biomedical applications, have received increasing interest in the preceding years and today represent an established part of the nanotechnology field [...]
Upload, Cyber-Spirituality and the Quest for Immortality in Contemporary Science-Fiction Film and Television
Authors: Magerstädt Sylvie
Published: January 2024

As a genre, science fiction has long played with the idea of all-powerful virtual beings and explored notions of transcendence through technological advancements. It has also been at the forefront of exploring our anxieties and hopes regarding new technologies and the ethical and moral consequences of scientific advancement, raising deeply philosophical and theological concerns about an age-old question, namely: what makes us distinct as human beings and what lies beyond our own existence? This article aims to provide an overview of recent themes that have emerged in science fiction film and television, especially with regard to extending our lives beyond their natural biological age. As the article will outline, these ideas generally appear in notions of cyborgization or mind uploading into cyberspace. Both indicate a deeply human desire to avoid death, and the films and shows discussed in this article offer a range of different ideas on this. As we will see, the final case study, the Amazon Prime television show Upload (2020–), brings both of these elements together, touching on a broad range of ideas about cyber-spirituality along the way. The article concludes that although many shows raise interesting questions about the ethical challenges inherent in transhumanist fantasies of mind uploading, they ultimately remain ambiguous in their critique of the dream of digital immortality.
The Emmaus Account as a Paradigm for Liturgical Formation of Families: Principles and Pastoral Applications with Reference to Pope Francis’ Desiderio Desideravi
Authors: Benini Marco
Published: January 2024

This article addresses the need for liturgical formation that Pope Francis recently highlighted for the whole Catholic Church in his apostolic letter Desiderio Desideravi. The current American Eucharistic Revival encourages engagement in this. Based on a detailed spiritual–liturgical reading of the Emmaus account (Lk 24:13–35), the article develops guiding principles for liturgical catechesis and considers their practical applications with a particular focus on families. The first principle underscores the connection between liturgy and life, which makes catechesis relevant for daily life, e.g., by including testimonies of parents. A second principle outlines the pivotal importance of symbols and suggests methods to enhance their understanding. Fostering active participation in the liturgy, the third principle, is a practical consequence because the celebration itself forms the participants. Moreover, liturgical catechesis connects explanation and experience, as the mystagogical catecheses of the Church fathers demonstrated. Along with Pope Francis, this article also highlights Sunday as a gift and discusses ways of integrating families in the Sunday Eucharist. Finally, the last principles shed light on the task of the priest as the “catechist of catechists”. This article both explains the biblical basis of these principles and outlines practical ways to implement liturgical catechesis for families in parishes.
Maqāsid al-Sharī‘a in Islamic Finance: A Critical Analysis of Modern Discourses
Authors: Güney Necmeddin
Published: January 2024

This study delves into the complexities surrounding the determination, interpretation, and application of maqāsid al-sharī‘a within modern Islamic economics and finance. By conducting an extensive review of classical and contemporary literature, this research explores the diverse methods and criteria employed for ascertaining maqāsid. It critically examines the inherent subjectivity involved in categorizing maqāsid, shedding light on the ambiguity in delineating their boundaries. Additionally, the study scrutinizes the unintended consequences of broader utilization of maqāsid, particularly in transactions such as bay‘ al-‘īnah, and evaluates the risks associated with prioritizing maslaha (utility) over textual evidence. The findings underscore the challenges posed by the subjective nature of maqāsid interpretation, illustrating how diverse perspectives can lead to differing conclusions. They emphasize the potential misuse of maqāsid for legitimizing practices contrary to the core principles of sharia. This research underscores the preservation of legislative intent and advocates a cautious approach to integrating maqāsid al-sharī‘a into Islamic economics and finance. The objective is to strike a balance that upholds Islamic principles. It highlights the essential need for collectively establishing standards for both macro and micro maqāsid and their usage in ijtihād, promoting responsible applications within contemporary Islamic finance for informed and ethical solutions.
Nanomineral and Their Importance on the Earth and Human Health: A Real Impact
Authors: Silva Luis F. O. , Martinello Kátia da Boit
Published: January 2024

Naturally, nanominerals and amorphous nanoparticles have a crucial influence on the Earth and human health [...]