bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Anti-Biofilm and in Vitro Wound Healing Activity of Bacterial Cellulose Loaded with Nanoparticles and Borax
Authors: Kart Nur Bozbeyoglu , Sulak Mine , Mutlu Doğukan , Kuzucu Volkan , Arslan Sevki , Dogan Nazime Mercan
Published: June 2024

Biofilms are a severe problem for public health because of the contributing recurrence of infections. Therefore, combating biofilms is a critical issue. In our study, we loaded zinc oxide (ZnO), zinc oxide borax (ZnOBorax), zinc copper oxide (ZnCuO2) nanoparticles and borax into bacterial cellulose (BC) to impart anti-biofilm and wound healing activity. The prepared BC loaded with nanoparticles (BC–NPs) was analysed via scanning electron microscopy. The nanoparticles’ geometric structure and placement in BC fibres were observed. We evaluated the biofilm inhibition and biofilm degradation activities of the BC–NPs against some pathogens via a crystal violet (CV) assay and XTT (2,3-bis(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2 H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide) reduction assay. The effects of BC–NPs on cell proliferation and wound-healing ability were analysed in L929 cell line. BC–NPs exhibited better biofilm degradation activity than biofilm inhibition activity. According to the results of the CV assay, BC–ZnONPs, BC–Borax and BC–ZnOBoraxNPs inhibited 65.53%, 71.74% and 66.60% of biofilm formation of Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. BC–ZnCuO2NPs showed the most degradation activity on Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Listeria innocua biofilms. The XTT reduction assay results indicated a considerable reduction in the metabolic activity of the biofilms. Moreover, compared to the control group, BC loaded with borax and ZnO nanoparticle promoted cell migration without cytotoxicity.
Examining the impact of e-leadership on strategic innovation at work: a moderated-mediation model
Authors: Hassan Yusuf , Pandey Jayesh , Majumdarr Shubh , Pereira Vijay , Behl Abhishek , Bazal-Shoham Ofra
Published: June 2024

This research investigates the relationship between e-leadership and strategic innovations in the workplace. It proposes a moderated mediation model that examines inter-team coordination's mediating role and knowledge integration capability's moderating role in this relationship. A sample of 241 working professionals from the United States participated in the study. The findings of this research establish a positive and significant relationship between e-leadership and strategic innovation. e-leadership positively influences the development and implementation of innovative strategies within organizations. Additionally, the study identifies inter-team coordination as a mediator, highlighting the importance of effective team coordination in translating e-leadership into strategic innovation. Furthermore, the research reveals knowledge integration capability as a moderator, indicating that the ability to effectively integrate knowledge across teams and departments enhances the impact of e-leadership on promoting strategic innovation. The study provides valuable insights for practitioners and organizations. Recognizing the significance of e-leadership can help foster an innovative culture and improve strategic decision-making processes. Understanding the mediating and moderating role of Inter-team coordination and knowledge integration capability, emphasizes the importance of knowledge-sharing mechanisms within organizations, highlighting the need for effective knowledge management strategies.
Effect of UV-induced crosslink network structure on the properties of polylactic acid/polybutylene adipate terephthalate blend
Authors: Bian Xueyan , Fan Suju , Xia Gang , Xin John H. , Jiang Shouxiang
Published: June 2024

Over the past few decades, biobased polylactic acid (PLA) has emerged as the most promising option to replace some of the fossil-based and nonbiodegradable polymers due to environmental concerns. In this study, a flexible polymer, polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) was blended with PLA to improve the toughness and flexibility of PLA, and the PLA/PBAT blend was further UV-induced to form crosslink structure. The results show that the flexibility and toughness of PLA could be significantly enhanced when PBAT was introduced, and the compatibility of PLA and PBAT could be enhanced by the development of a crosslink structure. Especially, the elongation at break and unnotched impact strength of ABT-UV30 (PLA/PBAT/triallyisocyanurate (TAIC) exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light for 30 min) was increased to 3.9 and 8.4 times of neat PLA. The glass transition temperature (Tg) of PLA was increased from 63.4 to 72.9 °C as the radiation duration was prolonged to 60 min. The melting point temperature of PBAT was also increased gradually until it eventually coincided with that of PLA. The thermalgravimetric analyzer thermograms show that a moderate amount of UV radiation can improve the thermal stability of the sample while an excessive amount of UV radiation can reduce the degradation temperature.
Revealing functional responses in habitat selection of rocky features and rugged terrain by Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) using LiDAR data
Authors: Čonč Špela , Oliveira Teresa , Belotti Elisa , Bufka Luděk , Černe Rok , Heurich Marco , Breg Valjavec Mateja , Krofel Miha
Published: June 2024

Context

Many carnivores are attracted to rugged terrain, rocky areas, and conspicuous relief features. However, most of the previous research is limited to general topographical habitat characteristics and rarely consider the effects of microhabitat characteristics.

Objectives

We used the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) as a model species to investigate the effects of microhabitat characteristics and human infrastructure on habitat selection. We also tested whether there is evidence for a functional response in habitat selection across a large gradient of habitat availability.

Methods

We developed a new approach for detecting rocky outcrops from airborne LiDAR data. In combination with other remote sensing techniques and GPS-telemetry data, we assessed lynx habitat selection and functional responses across two geologically contrasting areas in Europe.

Results

We detected > 1 million rocky outcrops and confirmed their strong selection by lynx. Lynx also selected steep, rugged, and rocky areas, especially for day-resting sites. Furthermore, lynx avoided paths during the day but selected them and other linear anthropogenic infrastructure during the night, indicating the behaviour-specific impact of human infrastructure. We also observed a functional response in the selection of rocky and rugged areas, as lynx’ selection of such habitats increased with their lower availability. This highlights the importance of preserving such terrains, especially when they are rare in a landscape.

Conclusions

Our results highlight the importance of incorporating remote sensing techniques and data on microhabitat features in animal habitat selection research. We also recommend caution when developing new infrastructure for human recreation or promoting its use near geomorphological features and in rugged terrain.
Anthropomorphizing Machines: Reality or Popular Myth?
Authors: Coghlan Simon
Published: June 2024

According to a widespread view, people often anthropomorphize machines such as certain robots and computer and AI systems by erroneously attributing mental states to them. On this view, people almost irresistibly believe, even if only subconsciously, that machines with certain human-like features really have phenomenal or subjective experiences like sadness, happiness, desire, pain, joy, and distress, even though they lack such feelings. This paper questions this view by critiquing common arguments used to support it and by suggesting an alternative explanation. Even if people’s behavior and language regarding human-like machines suggests they believe those machines really have mental states, it is possible that they do not believe that at all. The paper also briefly discusses potential implications of regarding such anthropomorphism as a popular myth. The exercise illuminates the difficult concept of anthropomorphism, helping to clarify possible human relations with or toward machines that increasingly resemble humans and animals.
Distinguishing genelet circuit input pulses via a pulse detector
Authors: Yancey Colin , Schulman Rebecca
Published: June 2024

Chemical systems have the potential to direct the next generation of dynamic materials if they can be integrated with a material while acting as the material’s own regulatory network. Chemical networks that use DNA and RNA strand displacement coupled with RNA synthesis and degradation, such as genelets, are promising chemical systems for this role. Genelets can produce a range of dynamic behaviors that respond to unique sets of environmental inputs. While a number of networks that generate specific types of outputs which vary in both time and amplitude have been developed, there are fewer examples of networks that recognize specific types of inputs in time and amplitude. Advanced chemical circuits in biology are capable of reading a given substrate concentration with relatively high accuracy to direct downstream function, demonstrating that such a chemical circuit is possible. Taking inspiration from this, we designed a genelet circuit which responds to a range of inputs by delivering a binary output based on the input concentration, and tested the network’s performance using an in silico model of circuit behavior. By modifying the concentrations of two circuit elements, we demonstrated that such a network topography could yield various target input concentration profiles to which a given circuit is sensitive. The number of unique elements in the final network topography as well as the individual circuit element concentrations are commensurate with properties of circuits that have been demonstrated experimentally. These factors suggest that such a network could be built and characterized in the laboratory.
Ruled by robots: preference for algorithmic decision makers and perceptions of their choices
Authors: Chugunova Marina , Luhan Wolfgang J.
Published: June 2024

As technology-assisted decision-making is becoming more widespread, it is important to understand how the algorithmic nature of the decision maker affects how decisions are perceived by those affected. We use an online experiment to study the preference for human or algorithmic decision makers in redistributive decisions. In particular, we consider whether an algorithmic decision maker will be preferred because of its impartiality. Contrary to previous findings, the majority of participants (over 60%) prefer the algorithm as a decision maker over a human—but this is not driven by concerns over biased decisions. However, despite this preference, the decisions made by humans are regarded more favorably. Subjective ratings of the decisions are mainly driven by participants’ own material interests and fairness ideals. Participants tolerate any explainable deviation between the actual decision and their ideals but react very strongly and negatively to redistribution decisions that are not consistent with any fairness principles.
Handwriting in primary school: comparing standardized tests and evaluating impact of grapho-motor parameters
Authors: Sparaci Laura , Fantasia Valentina , Bonsignori Chiara , Provenzale Cecilia , Formica Domenico , Taffoni Fabrizio
Published: June 2024

A growing number of primary school students experience difficulties with grapho-motor skills involved in handwriting, which impact both form and content of their texts. Therefore, it is important to assess and monitor handwriting skills in primary school via standardized tests and detect specific grapho-motor parameters (GMPs) which impact handwriting legibility. Multiple standardized tools are available to assess grapho-motor skills in primary school, yet little is known on between-test agreement, on impact of specific GMPs on children’s overall performance and on which GMPs may be specifically hard to tackle for children that are starting to consolidate their handwriting skills. These data would be extremely relevant for clinicians, therapists and educators, who have to choose among different assessment tools as well as design tailored intervention strategies to reach adequate performance on different GMPs in cases of poor handwriting. To gain better understanding of currently available standardized tools, we compared overall performance of 39 Italian primary school children (19 second graders and 20 third graders) experiencing difficulties with handwriting on three standardized tests for grapho-motor skills assessment and explored the impact of individual GMPs on child performance. Results showed some agreement between tests considering all children in our sample, but no agreement in second grade and only limited agreement in third grade. Data also allowed highlighting significant correlations between some GMP scores and children’s overall performance in our sample. Finally, children in our sample appeared to experience specific difficulties with some GMPs, such as letter joins and alignment.
What makes randomized controlled trials so successful—for now? Or, on the consonances, compromises, and contradictions of a global interstitial field
Authors: Neuwinger Malte
Published: June 2024

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are a major success story, promising to improve science and policy. Despite some controversy, RCTs have spread toward Northern and Southern countries since the early 2000s. How so? Synthesizing previous research on this question, this article argues that favorable institutional conditions turned RCTs into “hinges” between the fields of science, politics, and business. Shifts toward behavioral economics, New Public Management, and evidence-based philanthropic giving led to a cross-fertilization among efforts in rich and poor countries, involving states, international organizations, NGOs, researchers, and philanthropic foundations. This confluence of favorable institutional conditions and savvy social actors established a “global interstitial field” inside which support for RCTs has developed an unprecedented scope, influence, operational capacity, and professional payoff. However, the article further argues that the hinges holding together this global interstitial field are “squeaky” at best. Because actors inherit the illusio of their respective fields of origin—their central incentives and stakes—the interstitial field produces constant goal conflicts. Cooperation between academics and practitioners turns out to be plagued by tensions and contradictions. Based on this analysis, the article concludes that the global field of RCT support will probably differentiate into its constituent parts. As a result, RCTs may lose the special status they have gained among social science and policy evaluation methods, turning into one good technique among others.
Plant characterization of insect-protected soybean
Authors: Stojšin Duška , Vertuan Hallison , Meng Chen , Effertz Roger , Jose Marcia , Mahadeo Debbie , Crivellari Augusto , Hu Christy , Berger Geraldo
Published: June 2024

Insect-protected soybean (SIP) that produces the Cry1A.105 and Cry2Ab2 insecticidal crystal proteins has been developed to provide protection from feeding damage caused by targeted lepidopteran insect pests. Typically, as part of environmental risk assessment (ERA), plant characterization is conducted, and the data submitted to regulatory agencies prior to commercialization of genetically modified (GM) crops. The objectives of this research were to: (a) compare soybean with and without the SIP trait in plant characterization field trials designed to fulfill requirements for submissions to global regulatory agencies and address China-specific considerations and (b) compare risk assessment conclusions across regions and the methodologies used in the field trials. The soybean with and without the SIP trait in temperate, tropical, and subtropical germplasm were planted in replicated multi-location trials in the USA (in 2012 and 2018) and Brazil (in 2013/2014 and 2017/2018). Agronomic, phenotypic, plant competitiveness, and survival characteristics were assessed for soybean entries with and without the SIP trait. Regardless of genetic background, growing region, season, or testing methodology, the risk assessment conclusions were the same: the evaluated insect-protected soybean did not differ from conventional soybean in evaluated agronomic, phenotypic, competitiveness, and survival characteristics indicating no change in plant pest/weed potential. These results reinforce the concept of data transportability across global regions, different seasons, germplasm, and methodologies that should be considered when assessing environmental risks of GM crops.
Improved resilience and proteostasis mediate longevity upon DAF-2 degradation in old age
Authors: Molière Adrian , Park Ji Young Cecilia , Goyala Anita , Vayndorf Elena M. , Zhang Bruce , Hsiung Kuei Ching , Jung Yoonji , Kwon Sujeong , Statzer Cyril , Meyer David , Nguyen Richard , Chadwick Joseph , Thompson Maximilian A. , Schumacher Björn , Lee Seung-Jae V. , Essmann Clara L. , MacArthur Michael R. , Kaeberlein Matt , David Della , Gems David , Ewald Collin Y.
Published: June 2024

Little is known about the possibility of reversing age-related biological changes when they have already occurred. To explore this, we have characterized the effects of reducing insulin/IGF-1 signaling (IIS) during old age. Reduction of IIS throughout life slows age-related decline in diverse species, most strikingly in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Here we show that even at advanced ages, auxin-induced degradation of DAF-2 in single tissues, including neurons and the intestine, is still able to markedly increase C. elegans lifespan. We describe how reversibility varies among senescent changes. While senescent pathologies that develop in mid-life were not reversed, there was a rejuvenation of the proteostasis network, manifesting as a restoration of the capacity to eliminate otherwise intractable protein aggregates that accumulate with age. Moreover, resistance to several stressors was restored. These results support several new conclusions. (1) Loss of resilience is not solely a consequence of pathologies that develop in earlier life. (2) Restoration of proteostasis and resilience by inhibiting IIS is a plausible cause of the increase in lifespan. And (3), most interestingly, some aspects of the age-related transition from resilience to frailty can be reversed to a certain extent. This raises the possibility that the effect of IIS and related pathways on resilience and frailty during aging in higher animals might possess some degree of reversibility.
Factors influencing the antioxidant properties of binary mixtures of quercetin and chlorogenic acid as well as quercetin and kaempferol
Authors: Olszowy-Tomczyk Małgorzata
Published: June 2024

Antioxidant properties are considered a measure of the ability of a given antioxidant or mixture to counteract or neutralize reactive oxygen species. Polyphenols commonly found in plants are compounds with antioxidant properties. The aim of the presented paper is to assess the antioxidant properties of selected polyphenolic compounds (i.e., chlorogenic acid, kaempferol and quercetin) and selected binary mixtures thereof. These properties were determined in the systems that differ not only in the contents of antioxidants but also of metal ions, hydrogen ions, water and the reaction solvents. The obtained results indicate both antagonistic and additive antioxidant effects in the tested systems, the magnitude or change of which depends on the differentiating factor used in the tests. The greatest impact on the antioxidant effect of the mixture is observed in the presence of metal and hydrogen ions in the system containing chlorogenic acid and quercetin. The relationships discussed in this paper reveal the complexity of the problem regarding the assessment of antioxidant properties, and the obtained results will develop social awareness of naturally occurring antioxidant mixtures.

Graphic abstract
All-Trans Retinoic Acid-Induced Cell Surface Heat Shock Protein 90 Mediates Tau Protein Internalization and Degradation in Human Microglia
Authors: Nguyen Ngoc Lan , Hoang Thi Xoan , Kim Jae Young
Published: June 2024

This study investigates the role of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) in modulating the expression of heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) and its influence on the uptake and degradation of tau proteins in immortalized human microglia cells. We demonstrate that ATRA significantly upregulates Hsp90 expression in a concentration-dependent manner, enhancing both extracellular and intracellular Hsp90 levels. Our results show that ATRA-treated cells exhibit increased tau protein uptake via caveolae/raft-dependent endocytosis pathways. This uptake is mediated by surface Hsp90, as evidenced by the inhibition of tau internalization using an extracellular Hsp90-selective inhibitor. Further, we establish that the exogenously added full-sized monomeric tau proteins bind to Hsp90. The study also reveals that ATRA-enhanced tau uptake is followed by effective degradation through both lysosomal and proteasomal pathways. We observed a significant reduction in intracellular tau levels in ATRA-treated cells, which was reversed by lysosome or proteasome inhibitors, suggesting the involvement of both degradation pathways. Our findings highlight the potential therapeutic role of ATRA in Alzheimer’s disease and related tauopathies. By enhancing Hsp90 expression and facilitating tau degradation, ATRA could contribute to the clearance of pathological tau proteins, offering a promising strategy for mitigating neurodegeneration. This research underscores the need for further exploration into the molecular mechanisms of tau protein internalization and degradation, which could provide valuable insights into the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
Free Will as Defined by the Constrained Disorder Principle: a Restricted, Mandatory, Personalized, Regulated Process for Decision-Making
Authors: Ilan Yaron
Published: June 2024

The concept of free will has challenged physicists, biologists, philosophers, and other professionals for decades. The constrained disorder principle (CDP) is a fundamental law that defines systems according to their inherent variability. It provides mechanisms for adapting to dynamic environments. This work examines the CDP's perspective of free will concerning various free will theories. Per the CDP, systems lack intentions, and the "freedom" to select and act is built into their design. The "freedom" is embedded within the response range determined by the boundaries of the systems' variability. This built-in and self-generating mechanism enables systems to cope with perturbations. According to the CDP, neither dualism nor an unknown metaphysical apparatus dictates choices. Brain variability facilitates cognitive adaptation to complex, unpredictable situations across various environments. Human behaviors and decisions reflect an underlying physical variability in the brain and other organs for dealing with unpredictable noises. Choices are not predetermined but reflect the ongoing adaptation processes to dynamic prssu½res. Malfunctions and disease states are characterized by inappropriate variability, reflecting an inability to respond adequately to perturbations. Incorporating CDP-based interventions can overcome malfunctions and disease states and improve decision processes. CDP-based second-generation artificial intelligence platforms improve interventions and are being evaluated to augment personal development, wellness, and health.
Umwelt Theory, Biosemiotics and Damage Limitation
Authors: Pickering John
Published: June 2024

Phenomenology, particularly as developed by Merleau-Ponty, primarily concerns how human beings perceive and act towards the world they encounter, their lifeworld. Umwelt theory, by contrast, primarily concerns the animal lifeworld, which is also the concern of Biosemiotics. Exploring the overlap between the two disciplines requires a fuller understanding of how human perception has evolved to become so very different from that of animals. This article will try to provide that and show how that may help to address the ecological crisis surrounding us. Human beings now develop and live in in a world where most of what they encounter are cultural artefacts. In fact, as Simondon suggests, human beings and technological objects are co-evolving. This has brought about radical changes in the way we relate to the natural world. But these are not necessarily changes for the better. Indeed, McGilchrist claims that the last thousand years or so of cultural evolution has profoundly impaired how human beings attend to the world. This paper will suggest that this impairment has contributed to the ecological crisis we now face, and that to help meet it both Biosemiotics and Umwelt theory should take more account of the revival of interest in panpsychism as seen in the work of Goff and others.
Dynamic flow analysis and crowd management for transfer stations: a case study of Suzhou Metro
Authors: Zhang Jun , Ai Qiannan , Ye Yuling , Deng Shejun
Published: June 2024

Transfer stations are important nodes in the metro network, and it is of great significance to study the coordinated organization scheme between passenger demand and facility configuration, in order to improve the transportation efficiency. Taking the Dongfangzhimen station of the Suzhou Metro as the research object, this paper starts by analyzing the configuration of service-oriented facilities, and then dissects the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics and individual behavior characteristics of passengers via data processing, where a meticulous analysis has been carried out based on the automatic fare collection data and the field investigation data. On this basis, we have discussed the performance and bottlenecks under the current facility configuration and flow organization scheme, constructed the simulation scene of a representative peak hour in holidays using AnyLogic, and put forward a volume-based path organization scheme considering the coordination with flow demand, as well as a plan of multi-stage crowd management. As evidenced by the results, the improved scheme exhibits a higher adaptability to passenger flow and a greater balance among facility utilization, where the maximum queue length, the average time consumption and the average standing density have been reduced by 31%, 14% and 6%, respectively. The proposed methods of data analysis, flow organization and strategy decision are reliable and applicable to the management of metro transfer stations.
Delving into the time dependent properties of thorium laser induced plasma by optical emission spectroscopy
Authors: Banerjee Anannya , Mohan Anandhu , Sarkar Arnab
Published: June 2024

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) presents a promising avenue for both qualitative and quantitative analysis. This technique utilizes emission spectral study from laser-induced plasma (LIP) generated due to ablation of samples from surfaces. From the point of view of understanding plasma physics, this study delves into the parametric analysis of Laser-induced plasma of Thorium, which is a key element in India’s pioneering three stage power program. Following optimization of experimental parameters like acquisition delay and number of laser shots, key plasma parameters such as Temperature and Electron density of the plasma were computed. For description of LIP, ‘Local Thermodynamic Equilibrium’ (LTE) model is widely used. The model’s validity was meticulously scrutinized in entire temporal region of analysis. Furthermore, investigations into the impact of laser parameters like irradiance, revealed changes in magnitude of plasma parameters along with their evolution pattern and it was concluded that the temporal holding region of LTE strongly depends upon the laser parameters. Next, temporal evolution study of the peak broadening within the plasma revealed the importance of optimization of the experimental parameters, and differences between the decay trends of ionic and atomic lines were clarified. In addition, experiments were carried out exploring the influence of different ambient atmospheres (Air, He, and Ar) on spectral intensity and plasma lifetime, both of which were found to have the order Ar > Air > He. This provided crucial insights into the plasma-atmosphere interaction, which was also manifested by the different rates of decay trend of plasma parameters. In summary, this complete study offers a valuable tool for diagnosing the plasma properties of complex sample matrices like Thorium, thereby advancing our understanding of LIBS applications a step forward.
Methods and Environmental Conditions Typical of Nature-Based Mindfulness Practice: A Scoping Review
Authors: Burger Teneal , Potgieter Johan C. , Nell Werner
Published: June 2024

Objectives

this scoping review aimed to explore the diversity of existing nature-based mindfulness (NBM) interventions. The specific objectives of this review were to (1) describe the practices and methods that are used in NBM interventions, and to (2) determine the environmental conditions that are typically associated with NBM interventions.

Method

Thirty peer-reviewed scientific studies were identified via a systematic PRISMA search protocol and then thematically analysed and categorically organised.

Results

In relation to the first research objective, a typological scheme for classifying NBM interventions was proposed in which four main categorizations of NBM interventions were identified, including (1) conventional practices combined with nature, (2) activity-based practices using nature, (3) NBM therapy practices, and (4) emerging practices. These themes demonstrate the diversity of existing NBM interventions and provide a more integrated understanding of the applicability of these interventions across different clinical and non-clinical contexts. In relation to the second research objective, existing NBM interventions were found to be conducted in (1) naturally occurring, (2) curated natural, and (3) simulated natural environments. Within these categories, a diverse range of restorative environments were identified as suitable contexts for NBM interventions, with forest-based interventions being the most commonly used environment.

Conclusions

Overall, this study contributes to a more integrated understanding of the practices, methods, and environmental conditions typical of existing NBM interventions, proposes a classification scheme for NBM interventions, and identifies a number of new developments within the field as well as promising avenues for future research and practice.

Preregistration

This study has not been preregistered.
Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of ovarian cancer metastasis in the spleen: a therapeutic option to consider
Authors: Boccatonda Andrea , Mauloni Paula Antonia , Cevenini Monica , Masi Livia , Bakken Sofia Maria , Serra Carla
Published: June 2024

Splenic metastasis are rare clinical entities developing in less than 1% of all metastatic cancers and usually in the setting of disseminated disease. To date, splenectomy is traditionally the first line therapy in patient with splenic metastasis, however non-surgical therapies have been reported. Here we described the case of a 57-year-old patient with splenic metastasis from ovarian cancer successfully treated by percutaneous radiofrequency ablation. Furthermore, we performed a literature systematic review of the cases of splenic metastases treated by thermal ablation.
Selective anti-CXCR2 receptor blockade by AZD5069 inhibits CXCL8-mediated pro-tumorigenic activity in human thyroid cancer cells in vitro
Authors: Coperchini F. , Greco A. , Petrosino E. , Croce L. , Teliti M. , Marchesi N. , Pascale A. , Calì B. , Pignatti P. , Magri F. , Uddin M. , Rotondi M.
Published: June 2024

Background

Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy. Current therapies are successful, however some patients progress to therapeutically refractive disease. The immunotherapeutic potential of the CXCL8-chemokine/CXCR2-chemokine-receptor system is currently being explored in numerous human cancers. This study aimed to evaluate if the targeting of CXCR2 by its selective antagonist, AZD5069, could modulate CXCL8-mediated pro-tumorigenic effects in thyroid-cancer (TC) cells in vitro.

Methods

Normal human primary thyroid cells (NHT) and TC cell lines TPC-1 (RET/PTC), BCPAP, 8505C and 8305C (BRAFV600e) were treated with AZD5069 (100 pM-10 µM) over a time-course. Viability and proliferation were assessed by WST-1 and crystal violet assays. CXCL8 and CXCR2 mRNA were evaluated by RT-PCR. CXCL8-protein concentrations were measured in cell culture supernatants by ELISA. CXCR2 on cell surface was evaluated by flow-cytometry. Cell-migration was assessed by trans-well-migration chamber-system.

Results

AZD5069 exerted negligible effects on cell proliferation or viability. AZD5069 significantly reduced CXCR2, (but not CXCL8) mRNAs in all cell types. CXCR2 was reduced on the membrane of some TC cell lines. A significant reduction of the CXCL8 secretion was found in TPC-1 cells (basal-secretion) and NHT (TNFα-induced secretion). AZD5069 significantly reduced basal and CXCL8-induced migration in NHT and different TC cells.

Conclusions

Our findings confirm the involvement of the CXCL8/CXCR2-axis in promoting pro-tumorigenic effects in TC cells, further demonstrating its immunotherapeutic significance in human cancer.
Berufskrankheit UV-induzierter Hautkrebs
Authors: Diehl Katharina , Dursun Esma , Görig Tatiana
Published: June 2024

Hintergrund

Seit 2015 sind das Plattenepithelkarzinom als eine Art des nichtmelanozytären Hautkrebses (NMSC) sowie die aktinische Keratose, als seine Vorstufe, als Berufskrankheit anerkannt. Insbesondere Personen, die im Freien arbeiten, haben aufgrund der hohen kumulierten Sonnenexposition im Laufe des Berufslebens ein erhöhtes Risiko, NMSC zu entwickeln. Unklar ist jedoch bislang, wie ihr Wissensstand diesbezüglich ist.

Methodik

Im Rahmen einer bundesweiten Repräsentativbefragung (8. Welle des Nationalen Krebshilfe-Monitorings) wurde untersucht, welche Begriffe in Bezug auf NMSC und welche möglichen Anzeichen von NMSC bekannt sind. Dabei wurde zwischen Außenbeschäftigten und der Allgemeinbevölkerung unterschieden. Zudem wurde das Wissen unter Außenbeschäftigten detailliert nach soziodemografischen und hautspezifischen Merkmalen ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse

Sowohl unter Außenbeschäftigten als auch in der Allgemeinbevölkerung waren umgangssprachliche Begriffe wie „weißer Hautkrebs“ bekannter als medizinische Fachbegriffe wie „Plattenepithelkarzinom“. Während sich keine Unterschiede zwischen Außenbeschäftigten und der Allgemeinbevölkerung hinsichtlich der Kenntnisse der Begriffe ergaben, schienen Außenbeschäftigte besser vertraut mit den möglichen Anzeichen von NMSC. Insbesondere jüngeres Alter, Migrationshintergrund, heller Hauttyp und mehr als 40 Muttermale am Körper waren mit einem höheren Wissensstand verbunden.

Diskussion

Trotz ihres höheren Risikos, an NMSC zu erkranken, haben Außenbeschäftigte nur bedingt ein höheres Wissen als die Allgemeinbevölkerung. In beiden Gruppen scheint weitere Aufklärung notwendig, nicht zuletzt, um eine adäquate Selbstuntersuchung der Haut zu unterstützen und um für eine bessere Umsetzung von Sonnenschutzmaßnahmen durch die Außenbeschäftigten selbst, aber auch durch die Arbeitgebenden zu sensibilisieren.
DFFNet: a lightweight approach for efficient feature-optimized fusion in steel strip surface defect detection
Authors: Hu Xianming , Lin Shouying
Published: June 2024

Steel surface defect detection is crucial in manufacturing, but achieving high accuracy and real-time performance with limited computing resources is challenging. To address this issue, this paper proposes DFFNet, a lightweight fusion network, for fast and accurate steel surface defect detection. Firstly, a lightweight backbone network called LDD is introduced, utilizing partial convolution to reduce computational complexity and extract spatial features efficiently. Then, PANet is enhanced using the Efficient Feature-Optimized Converged Network and a Feature Enhancement Aggregation Module (FEAM) to improve feature fusion. FEAM combines the Efficient Layer Aggregation Network and reparameterization techniques to extend the receptive field for defect perception, and reduce information loss for small defects. Finally, a WIOU loss function with a dynamic non-monotonic mechanism is designed to improve defect localization in complex scenes. Evaluation results on the NEU-DET dataset demonstrate that the proposed DFFNet achieves competitive accuracy with lower computational complexity, with a detection speed of 101 FPS, meeting real-time performance requirements in industrial settings. Furthermore, experimental results on the PASCAL VOC and MS COCO datasets demonstrate the strong generalization capability of DFFNet for object detection in diverse scenarios.
Scalable concept drift adaptation for stream data mining
Authors: Hu Lisha , Li Wenxiu , Lu Yaru , Hu Chunyu
Published: June 2024

Stream data mining aims to handle the continuous and ongoing generation of data flows (e.g. weather, stock and traffic data), which often encounters concept drift as time progresses. Traditional offline algorithms struggle with learning from real-time data, making online algorithms more fitting for mining the stream data with dynamic concepts. Among families of the online learning algorithms, single pass stands out for its efficiency in processing one sample point at a time, and inspecting it only once at most. Currently, there exist online algorithms tailored for single pass over the stream data by converting the problems of classification into minimum enclosing ball. However, these methods mainly focus on expanding the ball to enclose the new data. An excessively large ball might overwrite data of the new concept, creating difficulty in triggering the model updating process. This paper proposes a new online single pass framework for stream data mining, namely Scalable Concept Drift Adaptation (SCDA), and presents three distinct online methods (SCDA-I, SCDA-II and SCDA-III) based on that framework. These methods dynamically adjust the ball by expanding or contracting when new sample points arrive, thereby effectively avoiding the issue of excessively large balls. To evaluate their performance, we conduct the experiments on 7 synthetic and 5 real-world benchmark datasets and compete with the state-of-the-arts. The experiments demonstrate the applicability and flexibility of the SCDA methods in stream data mining by comparing three aspects: predictive performance, memory usage and scalability of the ball. Among them, the SCDA-III method performs best in all these aspects.
A review of coal permeability models including the internal swelling coefficient of matrix
Authors: Lu Shouqing , Shi Jiang , Jiao Lei , Ma Yankun , Li Wei , Sa Zhanyou , Liu Jie , Bei Taibiao , Wang Shengcheng
Published: June 2024

Coal bed methane (CBM), the high-quality and efficient fuel, has caught the interest of many nations as they strive for environmentally friendly development. Therefore, the efficient exploitation and utilization of CBM has become one of the international focal research problems. A significant factor affecting the mining of CBM is coal permeability. To better capture the changes that occur during the extraction of CBM, the internal swelling coefficient of matrix (ISCM) has been gradually in permeability introduced into the permeability models, and such models have become an important type of the development of permeability models. The goal is to find out more precisely the evolution mechanism of the ISCM and its influence on the permeability models. In this paper, the selection of coal structure, determination of boundary conditions and influencing factors of permeability for were first analyzed. Then, according to the research process of ISCM, the permeability models including the ISCM were reviewed and divided into four phases: proposal phase, development phase, evaluation phase and display of internal structure phase. On the basis of the ISCM values in the current coal permeability models, the primary influencing factors and evolutionary laws of the ISCM are explored. The results obtained provide guidance for future theoretical refinement of permeability models with the ISCM.
What are the Policy Drivers to Undertake Green Retrofitting Investments? The Role of Tax Incentives and Communication in Italian Households’ Decision-Making
Authors: Faccioli Michela , Lucarelli Caterina , Mazzoli Camilla , Severini Sabrina
Published: June 2024

This paper explores households’ decision-making process to undertake green retrofitting investments, with the aim to identify the key behavioural drivers to adoption. We developed a discrete choice experiment survey and collected data from a sample of 434 individuals to explore the influence of monetary and non-monetary incentives on energy saving investment choices, focusing on the case of Italy, where a tax relief scheme (the so-called Superbonus) was introduced in 2020 to encourage green retrofitting investments. Our results show that the level of savings on energy bills, the environmental sustainability of the intervention and the comfort achieved all similarly contribute to adopt energy saving measures. Tax incentives, differently, were found to be less important drivers, except for those respondents who have a high level of green retrofitting cognition, suggesting a pivotal role of education and knowledge in driving choices. Our findings also indicate that communication matters: we show that green retrofitting decisions are influenced by the non-technical communication of the environmental benefits, while the use of technical expressions is found to be ineffective. These results are relevant to guide more efficient policy design and point to the need to combine targeted tax interventions with communication to encourage the uptake of energy saving measures.
Latest advances in extrusion processes of light metals
Authors: Leśniak Dariusz , Zasadziński Józef , Libura Wojciech , Gronostajski Zbigniew , Śliwa Romana , Leszczyńska-Madej Beata , Kaszuba Marcin , Woźnicki Antoni , Płonka Bartłomiej , Widomski Paweł , Madura Jacek
Published: June 2024

The paper presents a review of the literature and authors’ research on the current achievements in the field of extrusion of aluminium alloys, magnesium alloys, powders and aluminium-based composites in particular. The microstructure transformations taking place during homogenisation of billets from the medium- and high-strength heat-treatable aluminium alloys are still an object of interest of researchers. The recently published papers are related to dissolution of soluble phases formed during solidification and elimination of microsegregation, precipitation of the dispersoids, insoluble phases’ transformation as well as particles re-precipitation during cooling. The novelties in the extrusion of magnesium alloys and aluminium-based composites are shortly reported. Specifics of the extrusion dies design and their working conditions, which limit the products quality and working life of the tools, are extensively reported. The computer-aided designing (CAD) and finite-element method (FEM) and 3D optical scanning were used in analysis aimed at dimensional deviations of the dies and the extruded products. The surface engineering techniques such as welding techniques, diffusion layers and protective coatings such as produced by physical vapour deposition (PVD), plasma-enhanced physical vapour deposition (PAPVD), chemical vapour deposition (CVD) and plasma-enhanced chemical vapour deposition (PECVD) are described. Various original methods of extrusion including the severe plastic deformation processes (SPD), such as cyclic extrusion compression (CEC), equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP) and hydrostatic extrusion (HE) are discussed. The above techniques as well as the new KOBO extrusion process with oscillating die movement generate significant refining of the microstructure of metals and alloys and enable consolidation of the powdered materials. The application of the rapid solidification process connected with the hot extrusion permits production of beneficial microstructure and above-standard mechanical properties of the extruded products. Finally, the opportunities and directions of development of the extrusion process of metals and alloys are indicated.
Lightweight Intent Recognition Method Based on Diffusion Model
Authors: Li Lemin , Song Yafei , Quan Wen , Ni Peng , Wang Ke
Published: June 2024

To address the challenges posed by imbalanced and limited battlefield data, which typically results in complex models prone to overfitting during training, we introduce a novel diffusion model grounded in Wasserstein distance (WDiffusion) tailored for the multi-categorical and multivariate characteristics inherent to intent recognition data. Subsequently, we propose a streamlined tactical intent recognition framework predicated on gate recurrent unit (GRU), designed to enhance model responsiveness, and train it on an innovative dataset. Comparative experimental analyses corroborate that the synthetic data generated via WDiffusion significantly outperforms other prevalent generation models. Furthermore, the WDiffusion-GRU model achieves a recognition accuracy of 97.09%, surpassing current aerial target intent recognition models by more than 1.07%. This advancement maintains high recognition precision while substantially curtailing model parameters, thereby amplifying the agility and reliability of battlefield commanders’ decision-making processes.
Removal efficiency of restroom ventilation revisited for short-term evaluation
Authors: Chen Yuyao , Zhai Zhiqiang , Yuan Zhe , He Guoqing
Published: June 2024

Ventilation efficiency or contaminant removal efficiency is often evaluated using the ratio between the concentrations in the exhaust air and the room air. This ratio does not truly represent the expectation of ventilation in restrooms, where dynamic airflow fields and sources are more typical. This study focuses on a short-term (10 min) pollutant removal percentage in a residential restroom featuring a dynamic airflow field, particularly with the onset of window-induced stack ventilation during toilet uses. Thirteen ventilation scenarios of a residential restroom were studied using the numerical method that was validated by a mock-up experiment. The scenarios differed in the operation of the exhaust fan and window. Results show that the 10-min pollutant removal percentage of a typical exhaust ventilation system at 10 h-1 air change rate (ACH) is only 68.5%. Under exhaust ventilation, opening the window can introduce both adverse short circuit and favorable stack ventilation depending on the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures. As the temperature difference increases from 0 to 12.5 °C, the removal percentage increases from below 50%, a drop due to short circuit, to above 98% thanks to a tripled ventilation rate. The human thermal plume has notable effect on the removal percentage, but its effect can be neglected with the presence of stack ventilation. The hybrid ventilation strategy has impact on perceived air quality and thermal comfort. When the outdoor air is colder, opening the window under exhaust ventilation may increase the current sitting user’s exposure to the self-produced pollutants but can reduce the exposure of the next immediate standing user. In addition, opening the window in cold days will make the toilet user thermally uncomfortable with reduced local temperatures and increased airflow velocities. The study highlights the importance of using the short-term removal percentage to evaluate the performance of restroom ventilation.