bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Effective Arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian-Lattice Boltzmann Flux Solver Integrated with the Mode Superposition Method for Flutter Prediction
Authors: Gong Tianchi , Wang Feng , Wang Yan
Published: May 2024

An arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian lattice Boltzmann flux solver (ALE-LBFS) coupled with the mode superposition method is proposed in this work and applied to study two- and three-dimensional flutter phenomenon on dynamic unstructured meshes. The ALE-LBFS is applied to predict the flow field by using the vertex-centered finite volume method with an implicit dual time-stepping method. The convective fluxes are evaluated by using lattice Boltzmann solutions of the non-free D1Q4 lattice model and the viscous fluxes are obtained directly. Additional fluxes due to mesh motion are calculated directly by using local conservative variables and mesh velocity. The mode superposition method is used to solve for the dynamic response of solid structures. The exchange of aerodynamic forces and structural motions is achieved through interpolation with the radial basis function. The flow solver and the structural solver are tightly coupled so that the restriction on the physical time step can be removed. In addition, geometric conservation law (GCL) is also applied to guarantee conservation laws. The proposed method is tested through a series of simulations about moving boundaries and fluid–structure interaction problems in 2D and 3D. The present results show good consistency against the experiments and numerical simulations obtained from the literature. It is also shown that the proposed method not only can effectively predict the flutter boundaries in both 2D and 3D cases but can also accurately capture the transonic dip phenomenon. The tight coupling of the ALE-LBFS and the mode superposition method presents an effective and powerful tool for flutter prediction and can be applied to many essential aeronautical problems.
An Adaptive Contextual Relation Model for Improving Response Generation
Authors: Wang Meiqi , Tian Shiyu , Yuan Caixia , Wang Xiaojie
Published: May 2024

Context modeling has always been the groundwork for the dialogue response generation task, yet it presents challenges due to the loose context relations among open-domain dialogue sentences. Introducing simulated dialogue futures has been proposed as a solution to mitigate the problem of low history–response relevance. However, these approaches simply assume that the history and future of a dialogue have the same effect on response generation. In reality, the coherence between dialogue sentences varies, and thus, history and the future are not uniformly helpful in response prediction. Consequently, determining and leveraging the relevance between history–response and response–future to aid in response prediction emerges as a pivotal concern. This paper addresses this concern by initially establishing three context relations of response and its context (history and future), reflecting the relevance between the response and preceding and following sentences. Subsequently, we annotate response contextual relation labels on a large-scale dataset, DailyDialog (DD). Leveraging these relation labels, we propose a response generation model that adaptively integrates contributions from preceding and succeeding sentences guided by explicit relation labels. This approach mitigates the impact in cases of lower relevance and amplifies contributions in cases of higher relevance, thus improving the capability of context modeling. Experimental results on public dataset DD demonstrate that our response generation model significantly enhances coherence by 3.02% in long sequences (4-gram) and augments bi-gram diversity by 17.67%, surpassing the performance of previous models.
Performance of API Design for Interoperability of Medical Information Systems
Authors: Nicanor Leticia Dávila , Madrid Abraham Banda , Hernández Jesús E. Martínez , Juárez Irene Aguilar
Published: May 2024

After the experience of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become evident that efficient and secure interoperability of medical information is crucial for effective diagnoses and medical treatments. However, a significant challenge arises concerning the heterogeneity of the systems storing patient information in medical centers or hospitals. Memory management becomes a pivotal element for the effective operation of the proposed API, as it must seamlessly execute across various devices, ranging from healthcare units, such as mobile phones, to servers in cloud computing. This proposal addresses these issues through techniques designed to enhance the performance of the software architecture in creating a medical interoperability API. This API has the capacity to be cloned and distributed to facilitate the exchange of data related to a patient’s medical history. To tackle heterogeneity, efficient memory management was implemented by utilizing an object-oriented approach and leveraging design patterns like abstract factory and wrapper. Regarding the evaluation of the proposal, this study showed an estimated performance of 94.5 percent, which was indirectly demonstrated through the assessment of operation sequences. This result suggests a satisfactory level based on complexity and coupling.
Design and Experimentation of Tensegrity Jumping Robots
Authors: Tang Guoxin , Yang Qi , Lian Binbin
Published: May 2024

Jumping robots possess the capability to surmount formidable obstacles and are well-suited for navigating through complex terrain environments. However, most of the existing jumping robots face challenges in achieving stable jumping and they also have low energy utilization efficiency, which limits their practical applications. In this work, a two-module jumping robot based on tensegrity structure is put forward. Firstly, the structural design and jumping mechanism of the robot are elaborated in the article. Then, dynamic models, including the two modules’ simultaneous jumping and step-up jumping process of the robot, are established utilizing the Lagrange dynamic modeling method. On this basis, the effects of parameters, including the stiffness of elastic cables and the initial tilt angle of the robot, on the jumping performance of the robot can be obtained. Finally, simulations are carried out and a prototype is developed to verify the rationality of the tensegrity-based jumping robot proposed in this work. The experiment results show that our jumping robot can achieve a stable jumping process and the step-up jumping of each module of the prototype can have higher energy efficiency than that of simultaneous jumping of each module, which enables the robot a better jumping performance. This research serves as a valuable reference for the design and analysis of jumping robots.
Random Responses of Shield Tunnel to New Tunnel Undercrossing Considering Spatial Variability of Soil Elastic Modulus
Authors: Gan Xiaolu , Liu Nianwu , Bezuijen Adam , Gong Xiaonan
Published: May 2024

This paper investigates the effect of spatial variability of soil elastic modulus on the longitudinal responses of the existing shield tunnel to the new tunnel undercrossing using a random two-stage analysis method (RTSAM). The Timoshenko–Winkler-based deterministic method considering longitudinal variation in the subgrade reaction coefficient and the random field of the soil elastic modulus discretized by the Karhunen–Loeve expansion method are combined to establish the RTSAM. Then, the proposed RTSAM is applied to carry out a random analysis based on an actual engineering case. Results show that the increases in the scale of fluctuation and the coefficient of variation of the soil elastic modulus lead to higher variabilities of tunnel responses. A decreasing pillar depth and mean value of the soil elastic modulus and an increasing skew angle strengthen the effect of the spatial variability of the soil elastic modulus on tunnel responses. The variabilities of tunnel responses under the random field of the soil elastic modulus are overestimated by the Euler–Bernoulli beam model. The results of this study provide references for the uncertainty analysis of the new tunneling-induced responses of the existing tunnel under the random field of soil properties.
A G-Modified Helmholtz Equation with New Expansions for the Earth’s Disturbing Gravitational Potential, Its Functionals and the Study of Isogravitational Surfaces
Authors: Manoussakis Gerassimos
Published: May 2024

The G-modified Helmholtz equation is a partial differential equation that enables us to express gravity intensity g as a series of spherical harmonics having radial distance r in irrational powers. The Laplace equation in three-dimensional space (in Cartesian coordinates, is the sum of the second-order partial derivatives of the unknown quantity equal to zero) is used to express the Earth’s gravity potential (disturbing and normal potential) in order to represent other useful quantities—which are also known as functionals of the disturbing potential—such as gravity disturbance, gravity anomaly, and geoid undulation as a series of spherical harmonics. We demonstrate that by using the G-modified Helmholtz equation, not only gravity intensity but also disturbing potential and its functionals can be expressed as a series of spherical harmonics. Having gravity intensity represented as a series of spherical harmonics allows us to create new Global Gravity Models. Furthermore, a more detailed examination of the Earth’s isogravitational surfaces is conducted. Finally, we tabulate our results, which makes it clear that new Global Gravity Models for gravity intensity g will be very useful for many geophysical and geodetic applications.
RNA Polymerase Inhibitor Enisamium for Treatment of Moderate COVID-19 Patients: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Multicenter, Double-Blind Phase 3 Clinical Trial
Authors: Holubovska Olga , Babich Pavlo , Mironenko Alla , Milde Jens , Lebed Yuriy , Stammer Holger , Mueller Lutz , te Velthuis Aartjan J. W. , Margitich Victor , Goy Andrew
Published: May 2024

Enisamium is an orally available therapeutic that inhibits influenza A virus and SARS-CoV-2 replication. We evaluated the clinical efficacy of enisamium treatment combined with standard care in adult, hospitalized patients with moderate COVID-19 requiring external oxygen. Hospitalized patients with laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection were randomly assigned to receive either enisamium (500 mg per dose, four times a day) or a placebo. The primary outcome was an improvement of at least two points on an eight-point severity rating (SR) scale within 29 days of randomization. We initially set out to study the effect of enisamium on patients with a baseline SR of 4 or 5. However, because the study was started early in the COVID-19 pandemic, and COVID-19 had been insufficiently studied at the start of our study, an interim analysis was performed alongside a conditional power analysis in order to ensure patient safety and assess whether the treatment was likely to be beneficial for one or both groups. Following this analysis, a beneficial effect was observed for patients with an SR of 4 only, i.e., patients with moderate COVID-19 requiring supplementary oxygen. The study was continued for these COVID-19 patients. Overall, a total of 592 patients were enrolled and randomized between May 2020 and March 2021. Patients with a baseline SR of 4 were divided into two groups: 142 (49.8%) were assigned to the enisamium group and 143 (50.2%) to the placebo group. An analysis of the population showed that if patients were treated within 4 days of the onset of COVID-19 symptoms (n = 33), the median time to improvement was 8 days for the enisamium group and 13 days for the placebo group (p = 0.005). For patients treated within 10 days of the onset of COVID-19 symptoms (n = 154), the median time to improvement was 10 days for the enisamium group and 12 days for the placebo group (p = 0.002). Our findings suggest that enisamium is safe to use with COVID-19 patients, and that the observed clinical benefit of enisamium is worth reporting and studying in detail.
Intelligent Human–Computer Interaction: Combined Wrist and Forearm Myoelectric Signals for Handwriting Recognition
Authors: Tigrini Andrea , Ranaldi Simone , Verdini Federica , Mobarak Rami , Scattolini Mara , Conforto Silvia , Schmid Maurizio , Burattini Laura , Gambi Ennio , Fioretti Sandro , Mengarelli Alessandro
Published: May 2024

Recent studies have highlighted the possibility of using surface electromyographic (EMG) signals to develop human–computer interfaces that are also able to recognize complex motor tasks involving the hand as the handwriting of digits. However, the automatic recognition of words from EMG information has not yet been studied. The aim of this study is to investigate the feasibility of using combined forearm and wrist EMG probes for solving the handwriting recognition problem of 30 words with consolidated machine-learning techniques and aggregating state-of-the-art features extracted in the time and frequency domains. Six healthy subjects, three females and three males aged between 25 and 40 years, were recruited for the study. Two tests in pattern recognition were conducted to assess the possibility of classifying fine hand movements through EMG signals. The first test was designed to assess the feasibility of using consolidated myoelectric control technology with shallow machine-learning methods in the field of handwriting detection. The second test was implemented to assess if specific feature extraction schemes can guarantee high performances with limited complexity of the processing pipeline. Among support vector machine, linear discriminant analysis, and K-nearest neighbours (KNN), the last one showed the best classification performances in the 30-word classification problem, with a mean accuracy of 95% and 85% when using all the features and a specific feature set known as TDAR, respectively. The obtained results confirmed the validity of using combined wrist and forearm EMG data for intelligent handwriting recognition through pattern recognition approaches in real scenarios.
A Systematic Review of the Effects of Interactive Telerehabilitation with Remote Monitoring and Guidance on Balance and Gait Performance in Older Adults and Individuals with Neurological Conditions
Authors: Park Catherine , Lee Beom-Chan
Published: May 2024

Recognizing the growing interests and benefits of technology-assisted interactive telerehabilitation in various populations, the aim of this review is to systematically review the effects of interactive telerehabilitation with remote monitoring and guidance for improving balance and gait performance in older adults and individuals with neurological conditions. The study protocol for this systematic review was registered with the international prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO) with the unique identifier CRD42024509646. Studies written in English published from January 2014 to February 2024 in Web of Science, Pubmed, Scopus, and Google Scholar were examined. Of the 247 identified, 17 were selected after initial and eligibility screening, and their methodological quality was assessed with the National Institutes of Health Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-sectional Studies. All 17 studies demonstrated balance and gait performance improvement in older adults and in individuals with stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis following 4 or more weeks of interactive telerehabilitation via virtual reality, smartphone or tablet apps, or videoconferencing. The findings of this systematic review can inform the future design and implementation of interactive telerehabilitation technology and improve balance and gait training exercise regimens for older adults and individuals with neurological conditions.
Biomechanical Analysis of Human Gait When Changing Velocity and Carried Loads: Simulation Study with OpenSim
Authors: Brambilla Cristina , Beltrame Giulia , Marino Giorgia , Lanzani Valentina , Gatti Roberto , Portinaro Nicola , Molinari Tosatti Lorenzo , Scano Alessandro
Published: May 2024

Walking is one of the main activities of daily life and gait analysis can provide crucial data for the computation of biomechanics in many fields. In multiple applications, having reference data that include a variety of gait conditions could be useful for assessing walking performance. However, limited extensive reference data are available as many conditions cannot be easily tested experimentally. For this reason, a musculoskeletal model in OpenSim coupled with gait data (at seven different velocities) was used to simulate seven carried loads and all the combinations between the two parameters. The effects on lower limb biomechanics were measured with torque, power, and mechanical work. The results demonstrated that biomechanics was influenced by both speed and load. Our results expand the previous literature: in the majority of previous work, only a subset of the presented conditions was investigated. Moreover, our simulation approach provides comprehensive data that could be useful for applications in many areas, such as rehabilitation, orthopedics, medical care, and sports.
Promising Application, Efficient Production, and Genetic Basis of Mannosylerythritol Lipids
Authors: Liu Dun , Liu Guanglei , Liu Shiping
Published: May 2024

Mannosylerythritol lipids (MELs) are a class of glycolipids that have been receiving increasing attention in recent years due to their diverse biological activities. MELs are produced by certain fungi and display a range of bioactivities, making them attractive candidates for various applications in medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology. Despite their remarkable qualities, industrial-scale production of MELs remains a challenge for fungal strains. Excellent fungal strains and fermentation processes are essential for the efficient production of MELs, so efforts have been made to improve the fermentation yield by screening high-yielding strains, optimizing fermentation conditions, and improving product purification processes. The availability of the genome sequence is pivotal for elucidating the genetic basis of fungal MEL biosynthesis. This review aims to shed light on the applications of MELs and provide insights into the genetic basis for efficient MEL production. Additionally, this review offers new perspectives on optimizing MEL production, contributing to the advancement of sustainable biosurfactant technologies.
Exposure to a Low-Oxygen Environment Causes Implantation Failure and Transcriptomic Shifts in Mouse Uteruses and Ovaries
Authors: Ammar Asmaa Y. , Minisy Fatma M. , Shawki Hossam H. , Mansour Mohamed , Hemeda Shabaan A. , El Nahas Abeer F. , Sherif Ahmed H. , Oishi Hisashi
Published: May 2024

Hypoxia is a condition in which tissues of the body do not receive sufficient amounts of oxygen supply. Numerous studies have elucidated the intricate roles of hypoxia and its involvement in both physiological and pathological conditions. This study aimed to clarify the impact of a forced low-oxygen environment in early pregnancy by exposing mice to low-oxygen conditions for 24–72 h after fertilization. The treatment resulted in the complete failure of blastocyst implantation, accompanied by vascular hyperpermeability in the uterus. A transcriptome analysis of the uterus revealed remarkable alterations in gene expression between control normoxic- and hypoxic-treatment groups. These alterations were characterized by the differentially expressed genes categorized into the immune responses and iron coordination. Furthermore, exposure to a low-oxygen environment caused apoptosis in the corpus luteum within the ovary and a reduction in progesterone secretion. Consequently, diminished plasma progesterone levels were considered to contribute to implantation failure in combination with the activation of the hypoxic pathway in the uterus. Additionally, previous studies have demonstrated the impact of hypoxic reactions on blastocyst development and the pre-implantation process in the endometrium. Our findings suggest that the corpus luteum exhibits elevated susceptibility to hypoxia, thereby elucidating a critical aspect of its physiological response.
Ethnic Variations in the Levels of Bone Biomarkers (Osteoprostegerin, Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor Kappa-Β Ligand and Glycoprotein Non-Metastatic Melanoma Protein B) in People with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Cherian Preethi , Al-Khairi Irina , Abu-Farha Mohamed , Alramah Tahani , Albatineh Ahmed N. , Alhomaidah Doha , Safadi Fayez , Ali Hamad , Abdul-Ghani Muhammad , Tuomilehto Jaakko , Koistinen Heikki A. , Al-Mulla Fahd , Abubaker Jehad
Published: May 2024

The global incidence of Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is on the rise, fueled by factors such as obesity, sedentary lifestyles, socio-economic factors, and ethnic backgrounds. T2D is a multifaceted condition often associated with various health complications, including adverse effects on bone health. This study aims to assess key biomarkers linked to bone health and remodeling—Osteoprotegerin (OPG), Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor Kappa-Β Ligand (RANKL), and Glycoprotein Non-Metastatic Melanoma Protein B (GPNMB)—among individuals with diabetes while exploring the impact of ethnicity on these biomarkers. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on a cohort of 2083 individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds residing in Kuwait. The results indicate significantly elevated levels of these markers in individuals with T2D compared to non-diabetic counterparts, with OPG at 826.47 (405.8) pg/mL, RANKL at 9.25 (17.3) pg/mL, and GPNMB at 21.44 (7) ng/mL versus 653.75 (231.7) pg/mL, 0.21 (9.94) pg/mL, and 18.65 (5) ng/mL in non-diabetic individuals, respectively. Notably, this elevation was consistent across Arab and Asian populations, except for lower levels of RANKL observed in Arabs with T2D. Furthermore, a positive and significant correlation between OPG and GPNMB was observed regardless of ethnicity or diabetes status, with the strongest correlation (r = 0.473, p < 0.001) found among Arab individuals with T2D. Similarly, a positive and significant correlation between GPNMB and RANKL was noted among Asian individuals with T2D (r = 0.401, p = 0.001). Interestingly, a significant inverse correlation was detected between OPG and RANKL in non-diabetic Arab individuals. These findings highlight dysregulation in bone remodeling markers among individuals with T2D and emphasize the importance of considering ethnic variations in T2D-related complications. The performance of further studies is warranted to understand the underlying mechanisms and develop interventions based on ethnicity for personalized treatment approaches.
Naturally Occurring Norsteroids and Their Design and Pharmaceutical Application
Authors: Dembitsky Valery
Published: May 2024

The main focus of this review is to introduce readers to the fascinating class of lipid molecules known as norsteroids, exploring their distribution across various biotopes and their biological activities. The review provides an in-depth analysis of various modified steroids, including A, B, C, and D-norsteroids, each characterized by distinct structural alterations. These modifications, which range from the removal of specific methyl groups to changes in the steroid core, result in unique molecular architectures that significantly impact their biological activity and therapeutic potential. The discussion on A, B, C, and D-norsteroids sheds light on their unique configurations and how these structural modifications influence their pharmacological properties. The review also presents examples from natural sources that produce a diverse array of steroids with distinct structures, including the aforementioned A, B, C, and D-nor variants. These compounds are sourced from marine organisms like sponges, soft corals, and starfish, as well as terrestrial entities such as plants, fungi, and bacteria. The exploration of these steroids encompasses their biosynthesis, ecological significance, and potential medical applications, highlighting a crucial area of interest in pharmacology and natural product chemistry. The review emphasizes the importance of researching these steroids for drug development, particularly in addressing diseases where conventional medications are inadequate or for conditions lacking sufficient therapeutic options. Examples of norsteroid synthesis are provided to illustrate the practical applications of this research.
A Diagnostic Chip for the Colorimetric Detection of Legionella pneumophila in Less than 3 h at the Point of Need
Authors: Tsougeni Katerina , Kanioura Anastasia , Kastania Athina S. , Ellinas Kosmas , Stellas Antonios , Constantoudis Vassilios , Moschonas Galatios , Andritsos Nikolaos D. , Velonakis Manolis , Petrou Panagiota S. , Kakabakos Sotirios E. , Gogolides Evangelos , Tserepi Angeliki
Published: May 2024

Legionella pneumophila has been pinpointed by the World Health Organization as the highest health burden of all waterborne pathogens in the European Union and is responsible for many disease outbreaks around the globe. Today, standard analysis methods (based on bacteria culturing onto agar plates) need several days (~12) in specialized analytical laboratories to yield results, not allowing for timely actions to prevent outbreaks. Over the last decades, great efforts have been made to develop more efficient waterborne pathogen diagnostics and faster analysis methods, requiring further advancement of microfluidics and sensors for simple, rapid, accurate, inexpensive, real-time, and on-site methods. Herein, a lab-on-a-chip device integrating sample preparation by accommodating bacteria capture, lysis, and DNA isothermal amplification with fast (less than 3 h) and highly sensitive, colorimetric end-point detection of L. pneumophila in water samples is presented, for use at the point of need. The method is based on the selective capture of viable bacteria on on-chip-immobilized and -lyophilized antibodies, lysis, the loop-mediated amplification (LAMP) of DNA, and end-point detection by a color change, observable by the naked eye and semiquantified by computational image analysis. Competitive advantages are demonstrated, such as low reagent consumption, portability and disposability, color change, storage at RT, and compliance with current legislation.
Electrochemical Nanosensor for the Simultaneous Determination of Anticancer Drugs Epirubicin and Topotecan Using UiO-66-NH2/GO Nanocomposite Modified Electrode
Authors: Tajik Somayeh , Shams Parisa , Beitollahi Hadi , Garkani Nejad Fariba
Published: May 2024

In this work, UiO-66-NH2/GO nanocomposite was prepared using a simple solvothermal technique, and its structure and morphology were characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). An enhanced electrochemical sensor for the detection of epirubicin (EP) was proposed, which utilized a UiO-66-NH2/GO nanocomposite-modified screen-printed graphite electrode (UiO-66-NH2/GO/SPGE). The prepared UiO-66-NH2/GO nanocomposite improved the electrochemical performance of the SPGE towards the redox reaction of EP. Under optimized experimental conditions, this sensor demonstrates a remarkable limit of detection (LOD) of 0.003 µM and a linear dynamic range from 0.008 to 200.0 µM, providing a highly capable platform for sensing EP. Furthermore, the simultaneous electro-catalytic oxidation of EP and topotecan (TP) was investigated at the UiO-66-NH2/GO/SPGE surface utilizing differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). DPV measurements revealed the presence of two distinct oxidation peaks of EP and TP, with a peak potential separation of 200 mV. Finally, the UiO-66-NH2/GO/SPGE sensor was successfully utilized for the quantitative analysis of EP and TP in pharmaceutical injection, yielding highly satisfactory results.
Detection of In Vivo-like Cells by a Biosensor Chip Based on Metamaterials in Terahertz Regime
Authors: Han Lulu , Wang Yuchen , Chen Kanglong , Gao Hengyu , Xia Kexin , Ge Qinggang , Yang Jun , Shi Wei , Ruan Cunjun
Published: May 2024

Early diagnosis of diseases, especially cancer, is critical for effective treatment. The unique properties of terahertz technology have attracted attention in this field. However, current terahertz bio-detection methods face challenges due to differences between the test environment and the actual in vivo conditions. In this study, a novel method is proposed for detecting in vivo-like cells using a biosensor chip composed of metamaterials and a cavity. The cavity has a thickness of ~50 μm. The structure can protect cells from damage and provides a liquid environment like an in vivo state. Through simulation analysis, the metamaterials sensor exhibits a theoretical sensitivity of 0.287 THz/RIU (Refractive Index Unit) with a 50 μm thick analyte. The detection method is experimentally validated using the apoptosis of glioma cells and various cell types. The biosensor investigates the apoptosis of glioma cells under the impact of temozolomide, and the trend of the results was consistent with the Cell Counting Kit-8 method. Furthermore, at a concentration of ~5200 cells/cm2, the experimental results demonstrate that the sensor can distinguish between neurons and glioma cells with a resonance frequency difference of approximately 30 GHz. This research has significant potential for detecting glioma cells and offers an alternative approach to in vivo-like cell detection.
Digital Mass Hysteria during Pandemic? A Study of Twitter Communication Patterns in the US during the Stages of COVID-19 Vaccination
Authors: Jeong Dohyo , Hanson-DeFusco Jessi , Kim Dohyeong , Lee Chang-Kil
Published: May 2024

This study examined the public’s sentiments about vaccines by analyzing Twitter data during the CDC’s vaccination management planning stage in the United States. Sentiment scores were assigned to each tweet using a sentiment dictionary and the sentiment changes were analyzed over 52 weeks from November 2020 to November 2021. An interrupted time series model was used to analyze the difference in sentiment, which revealed that there was a shift. Initially, overall sentiments were negative but became positive as the stage of general vaccine supply approached. However, negative sentiments sharply rose when the vaccine supply transitioned to the phase of universalization. The results identified two dominant strategic action fields for vaccines providing polarized messages on Twitter and the negative trend was strong for most of the period. The findings highlight the importance of managing strategic action fields on social networks to prevent mass hysteria during vaccine policy implementation. This study stresses the significance of effectively managing strategic action fields on social media platforms to prevent mass hysteria while implementing vaccine policies.
Indoor Environmental Quality for Comfort Learning Environments: Case Study of Palestinian School Buildings
Authors: Baba Aya , Shahrour Isam , Baba Mutasim
Published: May 2024

This research evaluates the quality of the indoor environment and comfort of Palestinian public schools. The importance of this study is related to the pivotal role of indoor environmental quality (IEQ) on students’ health, well-being, and academic performance, especially in a region facing significant challenges such as limited financial resources and diverse climate conditions. Unlike traditional technical evaluations, this research uses a post-occupancy evaluation (POE) methodology. This research is based on a questionnaire about classes’ indoor environment and comfort parameters, including thermal comfort, lighting, acoustics, indoor air quality, and ergonomic environment. The research focuses on students’ overall well-being, considering factors often overlooked in traditional assessments. Key findings reveal significant challenges in thermal conditions due to inadequate heating, cooling, and ventilation systems and a lack of passive thermal design. High carbon dioxide levels in classrooms due to inadequate ventilation highlight a second critical challenge. Schools also suffered from noise pollution due to the absence of noise-absorbing materials. Students expressed their satisfaction with the lighting and indoor ergonomic comfort. This research resulted in recommendations to address classrooms’ IEQ challenges, focusing on strategies to improve thermal comfort, acoustics, and indoor air quality.
A Study on the Mechanical Characteristics and Wheel–Rail Contact Simulation of a Welded Joint for a Large Radio Telescope Azimuth Track
Authors: Chen Xiao , Yin Ruihua , Yang Zaitun , Lan Huiqing , Xu Qian
Published: May 2024

The azimuth track is an important component of the radio telescope wheel–rail system. During operation, the azimuth track is inevitably subject to phenomena such as track wear, track fatigue cracks, and impact damage to welded joints, which can affect observation accuracy. The 110 m QiTai radio telescope (QTT) studied in this paper is the world’s largest fully steerable radio telescope at present, and its track will bear the largest load ever. Since the welded joint of an azimuth track is the weakest part, an innovative welding method (multi-layer and multi-pass weld) is adopted for the thick welding section. Therefore, it is necessary to study the contact mechanical properties between the wheel and the azimuth track in this welded joint. In this study, tensile tests based on digital image correlation technology (DIC) and Vickers hardness tests are carried out in the metal zone (BM), heat-affected zone (HAZ), modified layer, and weld zone (WZ) of the welded joint, and the measured data are used to fit the elastic–plastic constitutive model for the different zones of the welded joint in the azimuth track. Based on the constitutive model established, a nonlinear finite element model is built and used to simulate the rolling mechanical performance between the wheel and azimuth track. Through the analysis of simulated data, we obtained the stress distribution of the track under different pre-designed loads and identified the locations most susceptible to damage during ordinary working conditions, braking conditions, and start-up conditions. The result can provide a significant theoretical basis for future research and for the monitoring of large track damage.
Stimulating Mesoporous Characteristics of Activated Carbon through Pyrolysis of Compacted Hydroxyethyl Cellulose—A Showcase for H2S Removal
Authors: Chen Fuxiang , Hong Liang
Published: May 2024

Activated carbon (AC) serves as extensively researched adsorbents, with numerous established methods for their preparation. This study originated from the hypothesis that compressing a hydrocarbon substance to create a densely compacted pellet, known as pelletizing, would enhance the development of porous features of the resulting AC. The anticipated enhancement is attributed to the rise in spatial proximity amidst HEC polymer chains within the bulk of the pellet, which facilitates aromatization both in extent and functionality. 2-Hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) pellets were prepared by adjusting the duration of load holding, aiming to increase the packing density of HEC polymer chains via creeping. The BET analysis of the resulting AC samples demonstrates the efficacy of compression on HEC pellets in enhancing their porous properties. The FE-SEM study revealed diverse AC surface morphologies that are associated with a set of specific pelletizing conditions. The 13C NMR spectroscopy for carbon skeletons, FT-IR spectroscopy for organic functionality, and XPS spectroscopy for surface composition collectively report the leverage of compression treatment before pyrolyzing HEC pellets. Furthermore, the assessment of hydrogen sulfide adsorption by the resulting AC samples revealed distinctive breakthrough curves, providing validation for the proposed compression effect.
Binuclear Dioxomolybdenum(VI) Complex Based on Bis(2-pyridinecarboxamide) Ligand as Effective Catalyst for Fuel Desulfurization
Authors: Mirante Fátima , Dias Catarina N. , Silva André , Gago Sandra , Balula Salete S.
Published: May 2024

A binuclear dioxomolybdenum catalyst [(MoO2Cl2)2(L)] (1) (with L (1S,2S)-N,N′-bis(2-pyridinecarboxamide)-1,2-cyclohexane) was prepared and used as catalyst for the desulfurization of a multicomponent model fuel containing the most refractory sulfur compounds in real fuels. This complex was shown to have a high efficiency to oxidize the aromatic benzothiophene derivative compounds present in fuels, mainly using a biphasic 1:1 model fuel/MeOH system. This process conciliates catalytic oxidative and extractive desulfurization, resulting in the oxidation of the sulfur compounds in the polar organic solvent. The oxidative catalytic performance of (1) was shown to be influenced by the presence of water in the system. Using 50% aq. H2O2, it was possible to reuse the catalyst and the extraction solvent, MeOH, during ten consecutive cycles without loss of desulfurization efficiency.
Influence of Power Fluctuation on Ni-Based Electrode Degradation and Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Performance in Alkaline Water Splitting: Probing the Effect of Renewable Energy on Water Electrolysis
Authors: Liu Congying , Lin Bing , Zhang Hailong , Wang Yingying , Wang Hangzhou , Tang Junlei , Zou Caineng
Published: May 2024

The combination of water electrolysis and renewable energy to produce hydrogen is a promising way to solve the climate and energy crisis. However, the fluctuating characteristics of renewable energy not only present a significant challenge to the use of water electrolysis electrodes, but also limit the development of the hydrogen production industry. In this study, the effects of three different types of waveforms (square, step, and triangle, which were used to simulate the power input of renewable energy) on the electrochemical catalysis behavior of Ni plate cathodes for HER was investigated. During the test, the HER performance of the Ni cathode increased at first and then slightly decreased. The fluctuating power led to the degradation of the Ni cathode surface, which enhanced the catalysis effect by increasing the catalytic area and the active sites. However, prolonged operation under power fluctuations could have damaged the morphology of the electrode surface and the substances comprising this surface, potentially resulting in a decline in catalytic efficiency. In addition, the electrochemical catalysis behavior of the prepared FeNiMo-LDH@NiMo/SS cathode when subjected to square-wave potential with different fluctuation amplitudes was also extensively studied. A larger amplitude of fluctuating power led to a change in the overpotential and stability of the LDH electrode, which accelerated the degradation of the cathode. This research provides a technological basis for the coupling of water electrolysis and fluctuating renewable energy and thus offers assistance to the development of the “green hydrogen” industry.
Floxed Il1rl2 Locus with mCherry Reporter Element Reveals Distinct Expression Patterns of the IL-36 Receptor in Barrier Tissues
Authors: Tongmuang Nopprarat , Cai Kathy Q. , An Jiahui , Novy Mariah , Jensen Liselotte E.
Published: May 2024

IL-36 cytokines are emerging as beneficial in immunity against pathogens and cancers but can also be detrimental when dysregulated in autoimmune and autoinflammatory conditions. Interest in targeting IL-36 activity for therapeutic purposes is rapidly growing, yet many unknowns about the functions of these cytokines remain. Thus, the availability of robust research tools is essential for both fundamental basic science and pre-clinical studies to fully access outcomes of any manipulation of the system. For this purpose, a floxed Il1rl2, the gene encoding the IL-36 receptor, mouse strain was developed to facilitate the generation of conditional knockout mice. The targeted locus was engineered to contain an inverted mCherry reporter sequence that upon Cre-mediated recombination will be flipped and expressed under the control of the endogenous Il1rl2 promoter. This feature can be used to confirm knockout in individual cells but also as a reporter to determine which cells express the IL-36 receptor IL-1RL2. The locus was confirmed to function as intended and further used to demonstrate the expression of IL-1RL2 in barrier tissues. Il1rl2 expression was detected in leukocytes in all barrier tissues. Interestingly, strong expression was observed in epithelial cells at locations in direct contact with the environment such as the skin, oral mucosa, the esophagus, and the upper airways, but almost absent from epithelial cells at more inward facing sites, including lung alveoli, the small intestine, and the colon. These findings suggest specialized functions of IL-1RL2 in outward facing epithelial tissues and cells. The generated mouse model should prove valuable in defining such functions and may also facilitate basic and translational research.
Use of an Orthodontic and Otolaryngological Approach in an Infant with Holoprosencephaly
Authors: Galeotti Angela , De Vincentiis Giovanni Carlo , Sitzia Emanuela , Marzo Giuseppe , Maldonato Wanda , Bompiani Gaia , Chiarini Testa Maria Beatrice , Putrino Alessandra , Bartuli Andrea , Festa Paola
Published: May 2024

Holoprosencephaly is a complex human brain malformation resulting from incomplete cleavage of the prosencephalon into both hemispheres. Congenital nasal pyriform aperture stenosis (CNPAS) is sometimes found in patients with mild forms of holoprosencephaly. Surgical treatment is required. Low-invasive surgical approaches involve balloon dilation of the pyriform opening. We present the case of an 8-day-old girl diagnosed with holoprosencephaly, CNPAS, and the presence of a solitary median maxillary central incisor. Once examined by neonatologist, geneticist, pneumologist, otolaryngologist, and pediatric dentist, a combined otolaryngological–orthodontic approach was used. The obstruction of the right nasal cavity was treated by widening the nasal cavities and stabilizing them with a balloon dilation technique. After surgery, the respiratory space was increased by applying a neonatal palatal expander plate (NPEP) considering the palatal deformity: ogival shaped, anterior vertex growth direction, reduction of transverse diameters. The NPEP promoted distraction of the median palatine suture and assisted the nasal dilation. Therefore, after the insertion of NPEP, the physiological sucking–swallowing mechanism was activated. In infants with CNPAS, NPEP can be useful to ensure the safe stability of nasal dilation. A multidisciplinary approach is fundamental. In our experience, the close collaboration between an otolaryngologist and orthodontist is essential for the management of the patient with CNPAS.
Effect of the 35 nm and 70 nm Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC) Column and Plasma Storage Time on Separated Extracellular Vesicles
Authors: György Bernadett , Pálóczi Krisztina , Balbisi Mirjam , Turiák Lilla , Drahos László , Visnovitz Tamás , Koltai Erika , Radák Zsolt
Published: May 2024

The technical difficulty of separating extracellular vesicles (EVs) from plasma proteins in human blood presents a significant hurdle in EV research, particularly during nano ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometric (UHPLC-MS/MS) analysis, where detecting “vesicular” proteins among abundant plasma proteins is challenging. Standardisation is a pressing issue in EV research, prompting collaborative global efforts to address it. While the MISEV guidelines offer valuable recommendations, unanswered questions remain, particularly regarding sample storage. We compared size exclusion chromatography (SEC) columns with pore sizes of 35 nm and 70 nm to identify fractions with minimal contaminating proteins and the highest concentration of small EVs (sEVs). Following column selection, we explored potential differences in the quality and quantity of sEVs isolated from platelet-free plasma (PFP) after long-term storage at −80 °C (>2.5 years) compared to freshly drawn blood. Our methodologically rigorous study indicates that prolonged storage, under correct storage and processing conditions, does not compromise sEV quality. Both columns effectively isolated vesicles, with the 70 nm column exhibiting a higher abundance of “vesicular” proteins. We propose a relatively rapid and moderately efficient protocol for obtaining a comparatively pure sEV fraction from plasma, facilitating sEV processing in clinical trials.
Evaluating Weight Loss Efficacy in Obesity Treatment with Allurion’s Ingestible Gastric Balloon: A Retrospective Study Utilizing the Scale App Health Tracker
Authors: Dejeu Danut , Dejeu Paula , Bradea Paula , Muresan Anita , Dejeu Viorel
Published: May 2024

Obesity represents a growing public health concern, affecting more than 15% of the global adult population and involving a multi-billion market that comprises nutritional, surgical, psychological, and multidisciplinary interventions. The objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate the short-term efficacy and body weight measurements associated with differing levels of physical activity following the use of Allurion’s ingestible gastric balloon that was designed to increase feelings of fullness and decrease food consumption, being naturally eliminated after approximately 16 weeks. This study involved 571 individuals who qualified for the intervention for being older than 20 years with a body mass index (BMI) of 27 kg/m2 or more. Utilizing the Scale App Health Tracker and Allurion’s smartwatch, this study was able to track vital signs and physical activity in real time. The participants had an average initial BMI of 34.1 kg/m2 and a median age of 41 years. Notable outcomes were observed in both study groups, “Less Active” and “More Active”, which were classified by achieving less or more than a median number of 8000 daily steps. Specifically, body fat percentage saw a reduction from 33.1 ± 9.4 to 28.3 ± 10.2 in the less active group and from 32.2 to 27.5 in the more active group, with both groups achieving statistical significance (p < 0.001). Additionally, there was a significant reduction in average weight, dropping from 98.2 ± 22.8 kg to 84.6 ± 19.3 kg in the less active group and from 97.7 ± 21.0 kg to 82.1 ± 22.9 kg in the more active group (both p < 0.001). Interestingly, those in the more active group also experienced a significant increase in lean mass compared to their less active counterparts (p = 0.045), although no substantial differences in weight loss, BMI reduction, and total body fat decrease were observed between the two groups. This investigation confirms the hypothesis that Allurion’s ingestible gastric balloon significantly reduces weight in the short term and enhances several physical health metrics, demonstrating effectiveness as an autonomous method for challenging weight management, regardless of the level of daily physical activity.