bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrophysiological analysis of signal detection outcomes emphasizes the role of decisional factors in recognition memory
Authors: Schneider Stephan , Coll Sélim Yahia , Schnider Armin , Ptak Radek
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Event-related potential (ERP) studies have identified two time windows associated with recognition memory and interpreted them as reflecting two processes: familiarity and recollection. However, using relatively simple stimuli and achieving high recognition rates, most studies focused on hits and correct rejections. This leaves out some information (misses and false alarms) that according to Signal Detection Theory (SDT) is necessary to understand signal processing.

Methods

We used a difficult visual recognition task with colored pictures of different categories to obtain enough of the four possible SDT outcomes and analyzed them with modern ERP methods.

Results

Non-parametric analysis of these outcomes identified a single time window (470 to 670 ms) which reflected activity within fronto-central and posterior-left clusters of electrodes, indicating differential processing. The posterior-left cluster significantly distinguished all STD outcomes. The fronto-central cluster only distinguished ERPs according to the subject’s response: yes vs. no. Additionally, only electrophysiological activity within the posterior-left cluster correlated with the discrimination index (d’).

Discussion

We show that when all SDT outcomes are examined, ERPs of recognition memory reflect a single-time window that may reveal a bottom-up factor discriminating the history of items (i.e. memory strength), as well as a top-down factor indicating participants’ decision.
Predicting interindividual response to theta burst stimulation in the lower limb motor cortex using machine learning
Authors: Katagiri Natsuki , Saho Tatsunori , Shibukawa Shuhei , Tanabe Shigeo , Yamaguchi Tomofumi
Published: March 2024

Using theta burst stimulation (TBS) to induce neural plasticity has played an important role in improving the treatment of neurological disorders. However, the variability of TBS-induced synaptic plasticity in the primary motor cortex prevents its clinical application. Thus, factors associated with this variability should be explored to enable the creation of a predictive model. Statistical approaches, such as regression analysis, have been used to predict the effects of TBS. Machine learning may potentially uncover previously unexplored predictive factors due to its increased capacity for capturing nonlinear changes. In this study, we used our prior dataset (Katagiri et al., 2020) to determine the factors that predict variability in TBS-induced synaptic plasticity in the lower limb motor cortex for both intermittent (iTBS) and continuous (cTBS) TBS using machine learning. Validation of the created model showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.85 and 0.69 and positive predictive values of 77.7 and 70.0% for iTBS and cTBS, respectively; the negative predictive value was 75.5% for both patterns. Additionally, the accuracy was 0.76 and 0.72, precision was 0.82 and 0.67, recall was 0.82 and 0.67, and F1 scores were 0.82 and 0.67 for iTBS and cTBS, respectively. The most important predictor of iTBS was the motor evoked potential amplitude, whereas it was the intracortical facilitation for cTBS. Our results provide additional insights into the prediction of the effects of TBS variability according to baseline neurophysiological factors.
Comparative analysis of four nutritional scores in predicting adverse outcomes in biopsy-confirmed diabetic kidney Disease
Authors: Xing Lingzhi , Xiong Jiachuan , Hu Qiyuan , Li Wenqing , Chen Ling
Published: March 2024

Malnutrition is associated with adverse outcomes in patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD). However, it is uncertain which nutritional assessment tools are most effective in predicting the adverse outcomes of DKD. This retrospective study was conducted at a single center and included 367 patients diagnosed with DKD based on biopsy results between August 2009 and December 2018. Four nutritional assessment indices, namely the Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI), Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI), Triglycerides (TG) × Total Cholesterol (TC) × Body Weight (BW) Index (TCBI), and Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score, were selected and calculated. We aimed to assess the association between these nutritional scores and adverse outcomes, including progression to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), cardiovascular diseases events (CVD), and all-cause mortality. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses, Kaplan–Meier analysis, along with Restricted cubic spline analysis were used to examine the relationship between nutritional scores and adverse outcomes. Furthermore, the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated using time-dependent receiver operating characteristics to determine the predictive value of the four nutritional scores alone and some combinations. Lastly, ordered logistic regression analysis was conducted to explore the correlation between the four nutritional scores and different renal histologic changes. The incidence of ESKD, CVD, and all-cause mortality was significantly higher in patients with DKD who had a lower PNI, lower GNRI, and higher CONUT score. Additionally, The TCBI performed the worst in terms of grading and risk assessment. The PNI offer the highest predictive value for adverse outcomes and a stronger correlation with renal histologic changes compared to other nutritional scores. Patients diagnosed with DKD who have a worse nutritional status are more likely to experience higher rates of adverse outcomes. The PNI might offer more valuable predictive values and a stronger correlation with different renal histologic changes compared to other nutritional scores.
Case report: A familial B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia associated with a new germline pathogenic variant in PAX5. The first report in Mexico
Authors: García-Solorio Joaquín , Martínez-Villegas Octavio , Rodríguez-Corona Ulises , Molina-Garay Carolina , Jiménez-Olivares Marco , Carrillo-Sanchez Karol , Mendoza-Caamal Elvia C. , Muñoz-Rivas Anallely , Villegas-Torres Beatriz E. , Cervera Alejandra , Flores-Lagunes Luis L. , Alaez-Verson Carmen
Published: March 2024

B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) is one of the most common childhood cancers worldwide. Although most cases are sporadic, some familial forms, inherited as autosomal dominant traits with incomplete penetrance, have been described over the last few years. Germline pathogenic variants in transcription factors such as PAX5, IKZF1, and ETV6 have been identified as causal in familial forms. The proband was a 7-year-old Mexican girl diagnosed with high-risk B-ALL at five years and 11 months of age. Family history showed that the proband’s mother had high-risk B-ALL at 16 months of age. She received chemotherapy and was discharged at nine years of age without any evidence of recurrence of leukemia. The proband’s father was outside the family nucleus, but no history of leukemia or cancer was present up to the last contact with the mother. We performed exome sequencing on the proband and the proband’s mother and identified the PAX5 variant NM_016734.3:c.963del: p.(Ala322LeufsTer11), located in the transactivation domain of the PAX5 protein. The variant was classified as probably pathogenic according to the ACMG criteria. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first Mexican family with an inherited increased risk of childhood B-ALL caused by a novel germline pathogenic variant of PAX5. Identifying individuals with a hereditary predisposition to cancer is essential for modern oncological practice. Individuals at high risk of leukemia would benefit from hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, but family members carrying the pathogenic variant should be excluded as hematopoietic stem cell donors.
Navigating PRKCSH’s impact on cancer: from N-linked glycosylation to death pathway and anti-tumor immunity
Authors: Cressey Ratchada , Han Moe Thi Thi , Khaodee Worapong , Xiyuan Guo , Qing Yuan
Published: March 2024

PRKCSH, also known as Glucosidase II beta subunit (GluIIβ), is a crucial component of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) quality control system for N-linked glycosylation, essential for identifying and eliminating misfolded proteins. Glucosidase II consists of the catalytic alpha subunit (GluIIα) and the regulatory beta subunit (GluIIβ), ensuring proper protein folding and release from the ER. The induction of PRKCSH in cancer and its interaction with various cellular components suggest broader roles beyond its previously known functions. Mutations in the PRKCSH gene are linked to autosomal dominant polycystic liver disease (ADPLD). Alternative splicing generates distinct PRKCSH isoforms, which can influence processes like epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the proliferation of lung cancer cells. PRKCSH’s involvement in cancer is multifaceted, impacting cell growth, metastasis, and response to growth factors. Additionally, PRKCSH orchestrates cell death programs, affecting both autophagy and apoptosis. Its role in facilitating N-linked glycoprotein release from the ER is hypothesized to assist cancer cells in managing increased demand and ER stress. Moreover, PRKCSH modulates anti-tumor immunity, with its suppression augmenting NK cell and T cell activity, promising enhanced cancer therapy. PRKCSH’s diverse functions, including regulation of IGF1R and IRE1α, implicate it as a therapeutic target and biomarker in cancer immunotherapy. However, targeting its glucosidase II activity alone may not fully counteract its effects, suggesting broader mechanisms in cancer development. Further investigations are needed to elucidate PRKCSH’s precise role and validate its therapeutic potential in cancer treatment.
Enhancing the quality of fermented plant leaves: the role of metabolite signatures and associated fungi
Authors: Xing Lei , Lei Jinshan , Liu Jie , Yang Zhen , Chai Zhishun , Cai Wen , Zhang Min , Meng Delong , Wang Yujie , Yin Huaqun
Published: March 2024

Fungi play a pivotal role in fermentation processes, influencing the breakdown and transformation of metabolites. However, studies focusing on the effects of fungal–metabolite correlations on leaf fermentation quality enhancement are limited. This study investigated specific metabolites and fungi associated with high- and low-quality fermented plant leaves. Their changes were monitored over fermentation periods of 0, 8, 16, and 24 days. The results indicated that organoheterocyclic compounds, lipids, lipid-like molecules, organic nitrogen compounds, phenylpropanoids, and polyketides were predominant in high-quality samples. The fungi Saccharomyces (14.8%) and Thermoascus (4.6%) were predominantly found in these samples. These markers exhibited significant changes during the 24-day fermentation period. The critical influence of fungal community equilibrium was demonstrated by interspecies interactions (e.g., between Saccharomyces and Eurotium). A co-occurrence network analysis identified Saccharomyces as the primary contributor to high-quality samples. These markers collectively enhance the quality and sensory characteristics of the final product.
Optimization of irrigation and fertilization of apples under magnetoelectric water irrigation in extremely arid areas
Authors: Duan Xiaoxian , Wang Quanjiu , Mu Weiyi , Wei Xuesong
Published: March 2024

Apple (Malus pumila Mill.) is one of the important economic crops in the arid areas of Xinjiang, China. For a long time, there has been a problem of high consumption but low yield in water and fertilizer management, prevent improvements in apple quality and yield. In this study, 5-year-old ‘Royal Gala’ apple trees in extremely arid areas of Xinjiang were used as experimental materials to carry out field experiments. considering 5 irrigation levels (W1, 30 mm; W2, 425 mm; W3, 550 mm; W4, 675 mm; W5, 800 mm) and 5 fertilization levels (F1, 280 kg·ha-1; F2, 360 kg·ha-1; F3, 440 kg·ha-1; F4, 520 kg·ha-1; F5, 600 kg·ha-1) under magnetoelectric water irrigation conditions. The results demonstrated that magnetoelectric water combined with the application of 675 mm irrigation amount and 520 kg·ha-1 fertilization amount was the most effective combination. These results occurred by increasing net photosynthetic rate of apple leaves, improved the quality of apples, increased apple yield, and promoted the improvement of water and fertilizer use efficiency. Additionally, the quadratic regression model was used to fit the response process of yield, IWUE and PFP to irrigation amount and fertilization amount, and the accuracy was greater than 0.8, indicating good fitting effects. The synergistic effect of water and fertilizer has a positive effect on optimizing apple water and fertilizer management. Principal component analysis showed that the magnetoelectric treatment combined water and fertilizer mainly affected apple yield, water and fertilizer use efficiency and vitamin C content related to quality. This study provides valuable guidance for improving water and fertilizer productivity, crop yield and quality in extreme arid areas of Xinjiang by using Magnetoelectric water irrigation.
The relationship between mindfulness and suboptimal health status: a chain/serial mediation model
Authors: Liang Jingyue , Zhang Xiaoshuo , Wang Yuzheng
Published: March 2024

Background

Suboptimal health status (SHS) represents a third state between health and disease and often progresses into chronic conditions, negatively impacting an individual’s well-being. Studies have shown that mindfulness has a beneficial effect on various SHS symptoms. This study aims to explore the influence of mindfulness on SHS and its underlying mechanisms, with a particular focus on examining the mediating roles of stress and social support.

Methods

A total of 173 healthy Chinese college or graduate students, with an average age of 21.85 years, participated in this study. Measurements were taken using the Five Factor Mindfulness Questionnaire, the Sub-Health Measurement Scale, the Perceived Stress Scale, and a self-constructed scale that included demographic information. The PROCESS plugin for SPSS was used to assess mediating effects.

Results

Significant correlations were found among SHS, social support, mindfulness, and perceived stress (|r| = 0.38–0.85, p < 0.01). Specifically, mindfulness showed a significant positive correlation with SHS and social support (r = 0.38–0.77), while perceived stress was significantly negatively correlated with mindfulness, social support, and SHS (|r| = 0.45–0.85). Perceived social support was positively associated with SHS (r = 0.65). Furthermore, social support and perceived stress partially mediated the influence of mindfulness on SHS. Additionally, a sequential mediation effect of perceived social support and stress in the relationship between mindfulness and SHS was supported.

Conclusion

The cultivation of trait mindfulness may be advantageous for individuals’ sub-health. Perceived social support and perceived stress are important underlying mechanisms contributing to this effect.
Middle-aged and older adults in Aids village: a mixed methods study on talking about death and well-being promotion based on social support theory
Authors: Zhang Lin
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Will about talking about death bring well-being? This study aims to explore the impact of talking about death on the subjective well-being of the rural middle-aged and older adults in China’s “Aids village” from five dimensions: the way of talking about death, the attitude towards talking about death, the objects of talking about death with, the frequency of talking about death and the content of the death talk, and investigate whether social support played a mediating role during this process.

Methods

A field survey and in-depth interviews were conducted in Wen Lou village (a famous Chinese “Aids village”), and valid questionnaires were completed by the HIV/Aids-affected middle-aged and older adults. A series of linear regression analyses were conducted to detect whether the way of talking about death, the attitude towards talking about death, the objects of talking about death with, the frequency of talking about death and the content of the death talk predict the subjective well-being of the HIV/Aids-affected middle-aged and older adults. An empirical test for mediation effect was performed to examine whether social support played a mediating role during the process.

Results

It was found that the more frequent the middle-aged and older adults talk about death, the higher level of their subjective well-being is (ΔR2 = 0.056, 0.05 < p < 0.10), and during which process social support played a mediating role.

Discussion

The author believes that using “talking about death” as a kind of medical intervention, carrying out corresponding life education and death education, and developing a suitable hospice care model, may be a valuable way for the HIV/Aids-affected middle-aged and older adults in the rural area.
Autism Spectrum Disorder and Early Psychosis: a narrative review from a neurodevelopmental perspective
Authors: Guerrera Silvia , Pontillo Maria , Chieppa Fabrizia , Passarini Sara , Di Vincenzo Cristina , Casula Laura , Di Luzio Michelangelo , Valeri Giovanni , Vicari Stefano
Published: March 2024

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), characterized by socio-communicative abnormalities and restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped behaviors, is part of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (NDDs), a diagnostic category distinctly in accordance with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition, (DSM-5), clearly separated from Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder (SSD) (schizophrenia, schizophreniform disorder, schizoaffective disorder, schizotypal personality disorder). Over the last four decades, this clear distinction is gradually being replaced, describing ASD and SSD as two heterogeneous conditions but with neurodevelopmental origins and overlaps. Referring to the proposal of a neurodevelopmental continuum model, the current research’s aim is to provide an update of the knowledge to date on the course of clinical symptoms and their overlaps among ASD and SSD. A narrative review of the literature published between January 2010 and June 2023 was conducted. Five studies were included. All studies show a global impairment in both conditions. Two studies show a focus on neurodevelopmental perspective in ASD and SSD. Only one study of these adopts a longitudinal prospective in terms of prognostic markers among ASD and SSD. Three studies underline the overlap between ASD and SSD in terms of negative, disorganized and positive symptomatology. To date, there is a gap in the current scientific literature focused on ASD-SSD course of clinical symptoms and their overlaps from a neurodevelopmental perspective. Future longitudinal studies to identify risk markers and tailored treatments are needed.
Association between cardiovascular risk and maternal perception of BMI in Peruvian schoolchildren
Authors: Mamani Margoth Ccari , Martínez Jhosset Flores , Llico Raquel Chilón , Sairitupa-Sanchez Liset Z. , Morales-García Sandra B. , Rivera-Lozada Oriana , Morales-García Wilter C.
Published: March 2024

Introduction

In the modern era, the maternal perception of children’s nutritional status has emerged as a critical area of study, given its potential influence on nutritional interventions and long-term child health. The relationship between this perception and children’s Body Mass Index (BMI) by age is particularly intriguing, as it may reveal discrepancies between perception and reality.

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate Peruvian mothers’ perception of their children’s Body Mass Index (BMI) in relation to age and to determine how this perception associates with the children’s cardiovascular risk. The study also analyzed sociodemographic factors that might influence this perception.

Methods

The study included 130 mothers of schoolchildren aged 5 to 11 from a school in Lima. Mothers’ perceptions of their children’s weight were assessed using pictograms, and sociodemographic characteristics were collected through a questionnaire. Weight and height measurements were taken to calculate BMI, and waist circumference was measured to classify cardiovascular risk.

Results

A total of 57.4% of the schoolchildren presented with excess malnutrition, and 51.5% of the mothers incorrectly classified the actual BMI/Age of their children (kappa 0.11; p ≤ 0.05). Additionally, it was found that the schoolchild’s age is associated with the mother’s failure to accurately perceive her child’s weight (OR 1.59). Lastly, there was a significant association between maternal perception and cardiovascular risk (p ≤ 0.05).

Conclusion

There is a significant discrepancy between maternal perception and the actual nutritional status of children, which can increase cardiovascular risk. It is necessary to implement intervention and education strategies targeted at parents to enhance the recognition and management of childhood overweight and obesity.
Approximation to the economic cost of healthcare for hypertensive patients diagnosed with COVID-19
Authors: Calderón-Moreno Jesús , Delgado-Rodriguez María Jesús , Juárez-Vela Raúl , Tejada-Garrido Clara Isabel , de Viñaspre-Hernández Regina Ruiz , Burgos-Esteban Amaya , Sánchez-Conde Pilar , Andreu-Fernández Vicente , Gea-Caballero Vicente , Santos-Sanchez Jose Angel , Quintana-Diaz Manuel , Andrés-Esteban Eva María
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Many researchers have focused their studies on hypertension due to its over-representation among COVID-19 patients. Both retrospective and observational studies conducted close to the Wuhan area have reported that hypertension is the most common comorbidity observed in patients affected by COVID-19.

Objective

Our objective is that patients with arterial hypertension have a worse prognosis in terms of evolution leading to higher costs.

Methods

A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 3,581 patients from La Paz University Hospital (LPUH) during the period between 15 July 2020 and 31 July 2020 were included in this study.

Results

It should be noted that 40.71% of the patients were hypertensive. As expected, hypertension was associated with men, among whom we observed a higher prevalence and a higher age (median age of 77 years (IQI: 65–85) versus 52 years (IQI: 37–64), p-value < 0.001). Hypertensive patients had a higher prevalence of dyspnea (52.14% vs. 47.15%, p-value = 0.004) and altered awareness (14.89% vs. 4.30%, p-value <0.001). The non-parametric Kaplan–Meier curve estimates the survival of patients in the two study groups. We can see how patients with hypertension have a higher associated mortality, with the difference being statistically significant, p-value (log-rank) = 0.004. Only for the appearance of complications during hospitalization, the group of hypertensive patients reached the figure of €1,355,901.71 compared to the total of 421,403.48 € for normotensive patients.

Conclusion

Our study shows the worse clinical evolution of patients with COVID-19 in terms of associated morbidity and mortality. It also shows that the cost of managing patients with hypertension is greater than that of managing normotensive patients.
A hub and spoke model to supply the Sicilian neurorehabilitation demand: effects on hospitalization rates and patient mobility
Authors: Ielo Augusto , Quartarone Angelo , Calabrò Rocco Salvatore , De Cola Maria Cristina
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Cerebrovascular diseases in Sicily have led to high mortality and healthcare challenges, with a notable gap between healthcare demand and supply. The mobility of patients seeking care, both within and outside Sicily, has economic and organizational impacts on the healthcare system. The Hub and Spoke model implemented by the IRCCS Centro Neurolesi “Bonino-Pulejo” of Messina aims to distribute advanced neurorehabilitation services throughout Sicily, potentially reducing health mobility and improving service accessibility.

Methods

The evaluation was based on calculating hospitalization rates, examining patient mobility across Sicilian provinces, and assessing the financial implications of neurorehabilitation admissions. Data from 2016 to 2018, covering the period before and after the implementation of the Hub and Spoke network, were analyzed to understand the changes brought about by this model.

Results

The analysis revealed a significant increase in hospitalization rates for neurorehabilitation in the Sicilian provinces where spokes were established. This increase coincided with a marked decrease in interregional health mobility, indicating that patients were able to receive high-quality care closer to their residences. Furthermore, there was a decrease in both intra-regional and inter-regional escape rates in provinces within the Hub and Spoke network, demonstrating the network’s efficacy in improving accessibility and quality of healthcare services.

Discussion

The implementation of the Hub and Spoke network substantially improved neurorehabilitation healthcare in Sicily, enhancing both accessibility and quality of care for patients. The network’s establishment led to a more efficient utilization of healthcare resources and balanced distribution of services. These advancements are vital steps toward equitable and effective healthcare delivery in Sicily.
Factors associated with the worsening of COVID-19 symptoms among cohorts in community- or home-isolation care in southern Thailand
Authors: Sila Thanit , Suriyaamorn Wisanuwee , Toh Chanavee , Rajborirug Songyos , Surasombatpattana Smonrapat , Thongsuksai Paramee , Kongkamol Chanon , Chusri Sarunyou , Sornsenee Phoomjai , Wuthisuthimethawee Prasit , Chaowanawong Raya , Sangkhathat Surasak , Ingviya Thammasin
Published: March 2024

Introduction

This study aimed to investigate factors associated with time-to-referral due to worsening symptoms in patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 in southern Thailand. While underlying diseases have been evaluated to assess COVID-19 severity, the influence of vaccinations and treatments is also crucial.

Methods

A cohort of 8,638 patients quarantined in home or community isolation with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 was analyzed. Survival analysis and the Cox proportional hazard ratio were employed to assess factors influencing time-toreferral.

Results

Age ≥ 60 years, neurologic disorders, cardiovascular disease, and human immunodeficiency virus infection were identified as significant risk factors for severe COVID-19 referral. Patients who received full- or booster-dose vaccinations had a lower risk of experiencing severe symptoms compared to unvaccinated patients. Notably, individuals vaccinated during the Omicron-dominant period had a substantially lower time-to-referral than those unvaccinated during the Delta-dominant period. Moreover, patients vaccinated between 1 and 6 months prior to infection had a significantly lower risk of time-to-referral than the reference group.

Discussion

These findings demonstrate early intervention in high-risk COVID-19 patients and the importance of vaccination efficacy to reduce symptom severity. The study provides valuable insights for guiding future epidemic management strategies and optimising patient care during infectious disease outbreaks.
Case Report: A challenging diagnosis of an apocrine sweat gland carcinoma
Authors: Ahmad Adeel , Samat Sajjaad , Tan Yaohong , Bumpers Harvey
Published: March 2024

The differential diagnosis for an axillary mass in a patient with a previously treated malignancy is broad and definitive tissue diagnosis is required to guide treatment and surveillance strategies. We present the case of a 76-year-old African American male with a history of prostate cancer who presented with a left axillary mass two years after achieving remission from his prostate malignancy. Due to the diagnostic challenge, this excisional biopsy was reviewed at four different academic centers. Although no universal consensus among these institutions' pathologists, but in the context of clinical presentation and anatomic location, the overall clinical findings are consistent with apocrine sweat gland carcinoma. The mass was treated with complete local surgical excision, though regional lymph node metastasis occurred 2 years later. Multimodal treatment with surgery and radiation was done with removal of regional metastasis and no distant disease was identified. Primary apocrine carcinoma is a rare cutaneous neoplasm with less than 100 reported cases in the literature. A combination of clinical history and presentation, histomorphology, anatomical location, and immunohistochemistry is used to support the diagnosis and ultimately drive management.
Groundwater Bioremediation through Reductive Dechlorination in a Permeable Bioelectrochemical Reactor
Authors: Sassetto Geremia , Lorini Laura , Lai Agnese , Petrangeli Papini Marco , Zeppilli Marco
Published: March 2024

A new membrane-less bioelectrochemical reactor configuration was developed for contaminated groundwater remediation. The new bioelectrochemical reactor configuration was inspired by the utilisation of a permeable reactive barrier (PBR) configuration with no separation membrane. The corresponding reactive zones were created by using graphite granules and mixed metal oxide (MMO) electrodes to stimulate the reductive and oxidative biological degradation of chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons. In the present study, the PBR-like bioelectrochemical reactor has been preliminarily operated with synthetic contaminated groundwater, testing the reductive dechlorination activity on cis-dichloroethylene (cisDCE). Moreover, to assess the effects of competing anions presence for the electron donor (i.e., the cathode), the synthetic wastewater contained sulphate and nitrate anions. In the PBR-like reactor operation, nearly all cisDCE was removed in the initial sampling port, with only VC detected as the observable RD product. During the same biotic test of the PRB reactor, the presence of both the reductive dechlorination and anions reduction was confirmed by the complete nitrate reduction in the cathodic chamber of the PRB reactor. On the contrary, sulphate reduction showed a lower activity; indeed, only 25% of the influent sulphate was removed by the PRB reactor.
Methods to Increase Fatigue Life at Rib to Deck Connection in Orthotropic Steel Bridge Decks
Authors: KC Diwakar , Dahal Bhim Kumar , Dangi Harish
Published: March 2024

Orthotropic steel bridge decks (OSDs) are very popular all over the world because of the low dead load, high stiffness in the longitudinal direction, high strength ratio to weight, and can be used in various types of bridges. The life of these bridges is affected by fatigue cracks in different portions. One of major areas where the fatigue cracks appear in these bridges is rib-to-deck connection. In this research finite element analysis is carried out by using ABAQUS/CAE 2022 software to determine the ways to increase the fatigue life at rib to deck connection in OSDs. In the first part, smaller models are simulated; stress concentration is analyzed and hot spot stress (HSS) is calculated according to International Institute of Welding (IIW) and Det Norske Veritas (DNV) recommendations. In the second part, a parametric analysis is carried out to analyze the effect of weld penetration, thickness of deck, thickness of rib and rib to deck connection type. In the third part, simulation of models similar to the real field is carried out to determine whether the double welded connections are better than single welded connections. Different models are analyzed for different load cases like single wheel load, double wheel load and also the position of the wheels is changed. The boundary conditions are changed to analyze whether the boundary condition has any significant effect on the result obtained. It is found that thicker decks, thinner ribs, and low penetrated welded connections reduce the stress concentrations at rib to deck connections which ultimately increase fatigue life. Among the parameters examined, deck thickness is the most important parameter. It is found that the percentage of stress increase with percentage decrease in deck thickness follows a power relation. The overall fatigue life of double welded connection is excepted to be lower since the stress concentration is maximum at the weld toe at deck on the outer side of the closed stiffener; however, if the cracks initiate on the inner side of closed stiffener, the cracks at the weld root of single welded connection can propagate much rapidly than the cracks initiating on the inner side of the closed stiffener at the weld toe, thereby reducing the fatigue life of the single-welded specimen significantly.
Design of a Solar Dish Receiver and Life Cycle Assessment of a Hot Water System
Authors: Tursunović Ibrahim , Papurello Davide
Published: March 2024

The energy sector is the main source of greenhouse gases, so it has the highest potential for improvement. The improvements can be achieved by generating energy from renewable sources. It is necessary to combine production from renewable sources with storage systems. Thermal energy storage using concentrated solar power systems is a promising technology for dispatchable renewable energy that can guarantee a stable energy supply even in remote areas without contributing to greenhouse gas emissions during operation. However, it must be emphasised that greenhouse gases and other impacts can occur during the production process of concentrating solar system components. This paper analyses the receiver design to produce thermal energy for the existing CSP dish plant at the Energy Center of the Politecnico di Torino. The plant is designed to produce electrical energy in the spring and summer periods. In addition to this energy production, the CSP can be adopted to produce thermal energy, through hot water, during the less favourable periods of the year in terms of global solar radiation. The surface heat flux is calculated in the first part of the analysis to obtain the maximum internal temperature in the receiver, which is 873.7 °C. This value is a constraint for the choice of material for the solar receiver. A life cycle assessment is performed to compare the emissions generated during the production of the main components of the CSP system with the emissions generated by the methane-fuelled water heater to produce the same amount of thermal energy. It can be concluded that the production of the main components of the CSP system results in lower greenhouse gas emissions than the operational phase of a conventional system. Given the assumptions made, the utilization of methane leads to the emission of approximately 12,240 kg of CO2, whereas the production of the CSP system results in emissions totalling 5332.8 kg of CO2 equivalent
Personalized Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer
Authors: Haque Waqar , Butler Edward Brian , Teh Bin S.
Published: March 2024

Breast cancer is diagnosed in nearly 3 million people worldwide. Radiation therapy is an integral component of disease management for patients with breast cancer, and is used after breast-conserving surgery or a mastectomy to reduce the risk of a local recurrence. The following review describes the methods used to personalize radiation therapy by optimizing patient selection, using advanced treatment techniques to lessen the radiation dose to normal organs, and using hypofractionation in order to shorten the duration of radiation treatment.
Anterior Scleral Thickness and Anterior Segment Biometrics Measured with Swept Source Ocular Coherence Tomography in High Myopic Eyes with and without Glaucoma: A Comparative Study
Authors: Kudsieh Bachar , Vega-González Rocio , Bryan Sofia , Almazan-Alonso Elena , Puertas Mariluz , Gutiérrez-Martin Lucia , Flores-Moreno Ignacio , Ruiz-Medrano Jorge , Samaan Muhsen , Ruiz-Moreno Jose Maria
Published: March 2024

Background: To assess the anterior scleral thickness (AST), Schlemm’s canal diameter (SCD), trabecular meshwork diameter (TMD) and conjunctiva tenon capsule thickness (CTT) in high myopic (HM) subjects and HM subjects with glaucoma (HMG) compared to control eyes. Methods: One hundred and twenty eyes were included, and AST at 0, 1, 2 and 3 mm from the scleral spur, SCD, TMD and CTT were measured. Results: Mean age was 64.2 ± 11.0 years, and the temporal SCD and temporal TMD were significantly longer in the HMG subjects compared to the controls (380.0 ± 62 μm vs. 316.7 ± 72 μm, p = 0.001) and (637.6 ± 113 μm vs. 512.1 ± 97 μm, p = 0.000), respectively. There were no significant differences between the HM and HMG subjects in SCD and TMD (all p > 0.025). Compared to the HM subjects, the temporal AST0 (432.5 ± 79 μm vs. 532.8 ± 99 μm, p = 0.000), temporal AST1 (383.9 ± 64 μm vs. 460.5 ± 80 μm, p = 0.000), temporal AST2 (404.0 ± 68 μm vs. 464.0 ± 88 μm, p = 0.006) and temporal AST3 (403.0 ± 80 μm vs. 458.1 ± 91 μm, p = 0.014) were significantly thinner in the HMG group. No differences were found between the CTT in the three groups (all p > 0.025). Conclusions: Our data indicate a thinner AST in HMG subjects and no differences in SCD and TMD between HM and HMG subjects.
Effectiveness of Breaded Chicken Coated with Whey Protein Isolate on Oil Absorption during Frying in Antioxidant-Rich Frying Oil
Authors: Jin Qi , Garrett Abigail , Brannan Robert
Published: March 2024

Breaded chicken coated in whey protein isolate (WPI) has been shown to reduce oil absorption during batch frying. What is not known is how this is affected by repeated fryings and whether antioxidant-rich oil will enhance this effect. The objective of this research was to determine how successive daily frying of WPI-coated breaded chicken in antioxidant-rich oil affects oil quality and oil inhibition, moisture retention, color, and texture of the breaded chicken. Chicken fritters with and without a 10% WPI post-breading dip were fried successively for 6 h per day over five days in oil without antioxidant or with either 1000 ppm rosemary extract or propyl gallate. The control oil became spent at 12 h of frying (>24% TPM, <50% DEGLEV). During this time, the oils treated with antioxidants were significantly less spent, and the WPI-treated fritters fried in these oils exhibited 22–49% less lipid; retained 10–18% more moisture; and became darker, less red, and less yellow (lower L*, a*, and b* values) compared to the un-dipped fritters fried in the control oil. These results suggest that the presence of antioxidants in the frying oil mitigated some of the degradative changes in the oil during frying but likely did not play a major role in moisture retention or inhibition of oil absorption.
Evaluating the Impact of XR on User Experience in the Tomato Industrial Museum “D. Nomikos”
Authors: Sylaiou Stella , Dafiotis Panagiotis , Fidas Christos , Vlachou Elia , Nomikou Vani
Published: March 2024

This study presents the background and the evaluation of integrating eXtended Reality (XR) in the permanent exhibition at the Tomato Industrial Museum “D. Nomikos”. This paper firstly provides the context of this study by outlining the methodological, technological, and museological approaches undertaken to integrate XR in a quest to enhance visitors’ meaningful engagement with the industrial heritage-related exhibition. Storytelling and narration are key elements of the museum’s museological design through audio tours and interactive AR-based visualization n of the machinery’s role and function. This paper presents and discusses the design of the evaluation methodology employed in the context of pertinent methods and approaches used in related research. This study investigates the effectiveness of XR for audience engagement and the added value that such technologies offer to the user experience as well as possible improvements. The main method adopted for gathering quantitative data is the User Experience Questionnaire (UEQ), and for qualitative data, through semi-structured interviews. Moreover, the findings are analyzed, interpreted, and discussed. Based on a case study, this paper offers a broader discussion of the challenges and prospects connected to the quest of employing emerging technologies and assessing their impact on visitors’ museum experience, reaching conclusions for future directions in the field.
Precepts for Designing Sandwich Materials
Authors: Nayak Gargi Shankar , Palkowski Heinz , Carradò Adele
Published: March 2024

The demand for innovative materials has been a significant driving force in material development in a variety of industries, including automotive, structural, and biomedical. Even though a tremendous amount of research has already been conducted on metallic, polymeric, and ceramic materials, they all have distinct drawbacks when used as mono-materials. This gave rise to the development of nature-inspired sandwich-structured composite materials. The combination of strong metallic skins with soft polymeric cores provides several advantages over mono-materials in terms of weight, damping, and mechanical property tuning. With this in mind, this review focuses on the various aspects of MPM SMs (Metal/polymer/metal Sandwich Materials). The reasons for the improved qualities of MPM SMs have been discussed, as well as the numerous approaches to producing such SMs. This review shows the various possibilities of achieving such SMs in complicated forms via different shaping techniques and intends to highlight the properties of MPM SMs’ remarkable qualities, the current trend in this field, and their potential to meet the demands of many industries.
How Can the Current State of AI Guide Future Conversations of General Intelligence?
Authors: Kanaya Tomoe , Magine Ali
Published: March 2024

Similar to the field of human intelligence, artificial intelligence (AI) has experienced a long history of advances and controversies regarding its definition, assessment, and application. Starting over 70 years ago, AI set out to achieve a single, general-purpose technology that could overcome many tasks in a similar fashion to humans. However, until recently, implementations were based on narrowly defined tasks, making the systems inapplicable to even slight variations of the same task. With recent advances towards more generality, the contemplation of artificial general intelligence (AGI) akin to human general intelligence (HGI) can no longer be easily dismissed. We follow this line of inquiry and outline some of the key questions and conceptual challenges that must be addressed in order to integrate AGI and HGI and to enable future progress towards a unified field of general intelligence.
Property (A) and Oscillation of Higher-Order Trinomial Differential Equations with Retarded and Advanced Arguments
Authors: Baculikova Blanka
Published: March 2024

In this paper, a new effective technique for the investigation of the higher-order trinomial differential equations y(n)(t)+p(t)y(τ(t))+q(t)y(σ(t))=0 is established. We offer new criteria for so-called property (A) and oscillation of the considered equation. Examples are provided to illustrate the importance of our results.
Analysis of Shielded Harmonic and Biharmonic Systems by the Iterative Extension Method
Authors: Ushakov Andrey , Aliukov Sergei , Meltsaykin Evgeny , Eremchuk Maksim
Published: March 2024

To describe stationary physical systems, well-known boundary problems for shielded Poisson and Sophie Germain equations are used. The obtained shielded harmonic and biharmonic systems are approximated using the finite element method and fictitiously continued. The resulting problems are solved using the developed method of iterative extensions. To expedite the convergence of this method, the relationships between physical quantities on the extension of systems and additional parameters of the iterative method are employed. The formulations of sufficient convergence conditions for the iterative process utilize interdisciplinary connections with functional analysis, applying discrete analogs of the principles of function extensions while preserving norm and class. In the algorithmic implementation of the iterative extensions method, automation is applied to control the selection of the optimal iterative parameter value during information processing. In accordance with the fictitious domain methodology, solvable problems from domains with a complex geometry are reduced to problems in a rectangle in the two-dimensional case and in a rectangular parallelepiped in the three-dimensional case. But now, in the problems being solved, the minimization of the error of the iterative processes is carried out with a norm stronger than the energy norm. Then, all relative errors are estimated from above in the used norms by terms of infinitely decreasing geometric progressions. A generalization of the developed methodology to boundary value problems for polyharmonic equations is possible.
The Influence of Explosive and Rock Mass Properties on Blast Damage in a Single-Hole Blasting
Authors: Dotto Magreth S. , Pourrahimian Yashar
Published: March 2024

In rock blasting for mining production, stress waves play a major role in rock fracturing, along with explosive gases. Better energy distribution improves fragmentation and safety, lowers production costs, increases productivity, and controls ore losses and dilution. Blast outcomes vary significantly depending on the choice of the explosive and the properties of the rock mass encountered. This study analyzes the effects of rock mass and explosive properties on blast outcomes via numerical simulation using data from the case study, and later validates the simulation results from the field blast fragmentation. The findings suggest that, for a given set of rock properties, the choice of explosive has a major influence on the resulting fragmentation. Strong explosives (high VOD and detonation pressure) favor large fracture extents in hard rocks, while weaker explosives offer a better distribution of explosive energy and fractures. The presence of rock structures such as rock contacts and joints influences the propagation of stress waves and fractures depending on the structures’ material properties, the intensity and orientations, and the direction and strength of the stress wave. When the stress wave encounters a contact depending on its direction, it is enhanced when traveling from soft to hard and attenuates in the opposite direction. The ability of the stress wave to cause fracturing on the opposite side of the contact depends on the intensity of the transmitted wave and the strength of the rock. Transmitted wave intensity is a function of the strength of the incident wave and the impedance difference between the interface materials. The presence of joints in the rock mass affects the propagation of the stress wave, mainly depending on the infill material properties and the angle at which the stress wave approaches the joint. Less compressible, higher stiffness joints transmit more energy. More energy is also transmitted in the areas where the stress wave hits the joint perpendicularly. Joints parallel to the free face offer additional fracturing on the opposite side of the joint. Other parameters, such as the joint width, continuity, fracture frequency, and the distance from the charge, enhance the effects. To achieve effective fragmentation, the blast design should mitigate the effect of variability in the rock mass via explosive selection and pattern design to ensure adequate energy distribution within the limits of geometric design.