bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Safety and feasibility of exercise interventions in patients with hematological cancer undergoing chemotherapy: a systematic review
Authors: Großek Anja , Großek Karla , Bloch Wilhelm
Published: May 2023

Objective

Exercise during and after cancer treatment has established quality of life and health benefits. However, particularly for patients with hematological cancer clear recommendations regarding the safety and feasibility of exercise are under-investigated. The aim of our systematic review was to summarize the literature regarding the feasibility and safety of exercise interventions in patients diagnosed with hematological cancer undergoing chemotherapy.

Method

A systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed, SPORTDiscus, MEDLINE, Science Direct, and Web of Science electronic databases. Eligible studies were scientific publications reporting the feasibility and/or safety of an exercise intervention program carried out in inpatient patients diagnosed with hematological cancer undergoing chemotherapy.

Result

Out of 12 studies (six RCTs) included in this review, six investigations reported results with regard to safety and 10 with regard to feasibility. While all studies claim that their exercise interventions were safe and/or feasible, it is noteworthy that this claim often remains unsupported as detailed information on how the feasibility of the intervention was asserted is missing.

Conclusion

Exercise appears to be safe and feasible in hematological cancer patients. However, due to a striking lack of information on how the feasibility of the intervention was asserted, contextualizing the results and deducing recommendations for further studies remains challenging. Further research should therefore incorporate information on the execution of the exercise intervention in more detail.
The science of child and adolescent mental health in Greece: a nationwide systematic review
Authors: Koumoula Anastasia , Marchionatti Lauro Estivalete , Caye Arthur , Karagiorga Vasiliki Eirini , Balikou Panagiota , Lontou Katerina , Arkoulaki Vicky , Simioni André , Serdari Aspasia , Kotsis Konstantinos , Basta Maria , Kapsimali Efi , Mitropoulou Andromachi , Klavdianou Nikanthi , Zeleni Domna , Mitroulaki Sotiria , Botzaki Anna , Gerostergios Giorgos , Samiotakis Giorgos , Moschos Giorgos , Giannopoulou Ioanna , Papanikolaou Katerina , Aggeli Katerina , Scarmeas Nikolaos , Koulouvaris Panagiotis , Emanuele Jill , Schuster Kenneth , Karyotaki Eirini , Kalikow Lily , Pronoiti Katerina , Gosmann Natan Pereira , Schafer Julia Luiza , Merikangas Kathleen R. , Szatmari Peter , Cuijpers Pim , Georgiades Katholiki , Milham Michael P. , Corcoran Mimi , Burke Sarah , Koplewicz Harold , Salum Giovanni Abrahão
Published: May 2023

Evidence-based information is essential for effective mental health care, yet the extent and accessibility of the scientific literature are critical barriers for professionals and policymakers. To map the necessities and make validated resources accessible, we undertook a systematic review of scientific evidence on child and adolescent mental health in Greece encompassing three research topics: prevalence estimates, assessment instruments, and interventions. We searched Pubmed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Google Scholar, and IATPOTEK from inception to December 16th, 2021. We included studies assessing the prevalence of conditions, reporting data on assessment tools, and experimental interventions. For each area, manuals informed data extraction and the methodological quality were ascertained using validated tools. This review was registered in protocols.io [68583]. We included 104 studies reporting 533 prevalence estimates, 223 studies informing data on 261 assessment instruments, and 34 intervention studies. We report the prevalence of conditions according to regions within the country. A repository of locally validated instruments and their psychometrics was compiled. An overview of interventions provided data on their effectiveness. The outcomes are made available in an interactive resource online [https://rpubs.com/camhi/sysrev_table]. Scientific evidence on child and adolescent mental health in Greece has now been cataloged and appraised. This timely and accessible compendium of up-to-date evidence offers valuable resources for clinical practice and policymaking in Greece and may encourage similar assessments in other countries.
Easy and low-cost transient detection of Al(III) evolution during the galvanic corrosion of aluminum alloys
Authors: Esquivel-Peña V. , Ruiz-García A. , Genescá J. , Montoya R.
Published: May 2023

Corrosion is a serious problem that affects several industries and causes significant economic losses. In recent years, the transportation industry has replaced several ferrous parts with aluminum or magnesium alloys to produce lighter vehicles. Due to this, galvanic corrosion has been more frequent in that industry. In this work, a colorimetric sensor for the detection of Al(III) species during galvanic corrosion is presented. The sensor was made of a chromophore immobilized on a gel electrolyte based on NaCl and agar. The sensor developed a red coloration proportional to the Al(III) concentration under the pH interval studied (3.2–4.5). A galvanic couple consisting of an aluminum alloy and carbon steel was used to test the capacity of the sensor to develop the production of Al(III) into the gel electrolyte and over the whole aluminum surface. Through image processing, it was possible to construct 2D Al(III) concentration maps over time using a commercial aluminum alloy (AA7075) and a castable aluminum alloy from a steering rack as a real sample.

Graphical Abstract
Spatial networks and the spread of COVID-19: results and policy implications from Germany
Authors: Flückiger Matthias , Ludwig Markus
Published: May 2023

Spatial networks are known to be informative about the spatiotemporal transmission dynamics of COVID-19. Using district-level panel data from Germany that cover the first 22 weeks of 2020, we show that mobility, commuter and social networks all predict the spatiotemporal propagation of the epidemic. The main innovation of our approach is that it incorporates the whole network and updated information on case numbers across districts over time. We find that when disease incidence increases in network neighbouring regions, case numbers in the home district surge one week later. The magnitude of these network transmission effects is comparable to within-district transmission, illustrating the importance of networks as drivers of local disease dynamics. After the introduction of containment policies in mid-March, network transmission intensity drops substantially. Our analysis suggests that this reduction is primarily due to a change in quality—not quantity—of interregional movements. This implies that blanket mobility restrictions are not a prerequisite for containing the interregional spread of COVID-19.
Sex differences in social buffering and social contagion of alarm responses in zebrafish
Authors: Akinrinade Ibukun D. , Varela Susana A. M. , Oliveira Rui F.
Published: May 2023

The alarm substance in fish is a pheromone released by injured individuals after a predator attack. When detected by other fish, it triggers fear/defensive responses, such as freezing and erratic movement behaviours. Such responses can also help other fish in the shoal to modulate their own behaviours: decreasing a fear response if conspecifics have not detected the alarm substance (social buffering) or triggering a fear response if conspecifics detected the alarm substance (social contagion). Response variation to these social phenomena is likely to depend on sex. Because males have higher-risk life-history strategies than females, they may respond more to social buffering where they risk not responding to a real predator attack, while females should respond more to social contagion because they only risk responding to a false alarm. Using zebrafish, we explored how the response of males and females to the presence/absence of the alarm substance is modified by the alarmed/unalarmed behaviour of an adjacent shoal of conspecifics. We found that, in social buffering, males decreased freezing more than females as expected, but in social contagion males also responded more than females by freezing at a higher intensity. Males were, therefore, more sensitive to visual information, while females responded more to the alarm substance itself. Because visual information updates faster than chemical information, males took more risks but potentially more benefits as well, because a quicker adjustment of a fear response allows to save energy to other activities. These sex differences provide insight into the modifying effect of life-history strategies on the use of social information.
The impact of preoperative sarcopenia on postoperative ileus following colorectal cancer surgery
Authors: Traeger L. , Bedrikovetski S. , Nguyen TM. , Kwan Y. X. , Lewis M. , Moore J. W. , Sammour T.
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Sarcopenia is associated with poor short- and long-term patient outcomes following colorectal surgery. Despite postoperative ileus (POI) being a major complication following colorectal surgery, the predictive value of sarcopenia for POI is unclear. We assessed the association between sarcopenia and POI in patients with colorectal cancer.

Methods

Elective colorectal cancer surgery patients were retrospectively included (2018–2022). The cross-sectional psoas area was calculated using preoperative staging imaging at the level of the 3rd lumbar vertebrae. Sarcopenia was determined using gender-specific cut-offs. The primary outcome POI was defined as not achieving GI-2 by day 4. Demographics, operative characteristics, and complications were compared via univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

Of 297 patients, 67 (22.6%) were sarcopenic. Patients with sarcopenia were older (median 74 (IQR 67–82) vs. 69 (58–76) years, p < 0.001) and had lower body mass index (median 24.4 (IQR 22.2–28.6) vs. 28.8 (24.9–31.9) kg/m2, p < 0.001). POI was significantly more prevalent in patients with sarcopenia (41.8% vs. 26.5%, p = 0.016). Overall rate of complications (85.1% vs. 68.3%, p = 0.007), Calvien-Dindo grade > 3 (13.4% vs. 10.0%, p = 0.026) and length of stay were increased in patients with sarcopenia (median 7 (IQR 5–12) vs. 6 (4–8) days, p = 0.013). Anastomotic leak rate was higher in patients with sarcopenia although the difference was not statistically significant (7.5% vs. 2.6%, p = 0.064). Multivariate analysis demonstrated sarcopenia (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.1–3.8), male sex (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.0–3.5), postoperative hypokalemia (OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.6–6.5) and increased opioid use (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.3–4.3) were predictive of POI.

Conclusion

Sarcopenia demonstrates an association with POI. Future research towards truly identifying the predictive value of sarcopenia for postoperative complications could improve informed consent and operative planning for surgical patients.
A bilevel approach to ESG multi-portfolio selection
Authors: Cesarone Francesco , Lampariello Lorenzo , Merolla Davide , Ricci Jacopo Maria , Sagratella Simone , Sasso Valerio Giuseppe
Published: May 2023

We rely on bilevel programming to model the problem of financial service providers that, in order to meet stakeholders’ demands and regulatory requirements, aim at incentivizing accounts’ holders to construct ESG-oriented portfolios so that the overall ESG impact of the firm is optimized, while the preferences of accounts’ owners are still satisfied. We analyze this complicated framework from a theoretical point of view and identify sufficient conditions that make it numerically tractable via a novel, specifically tailored algorithm, whose convergence properties are studied. Numerical testing on real-world data confirms the theoretical insights and shows that our model can be solved even when dealing with considerable problem sizes.
Similar growth responses to climatic variations in Norway spruce (Picea abies) and European beech (Fagus sylvatica) at the northern range limit of beech
Authors: Lie Marit H. , Asplund Johan , Göhl Matthias , Ohlson Mikael , Nybakken Line
Published: May 2023

In south-east Norway, in the hemiboreal vegetation zone, beech reaches its northern distribution limit and typically occupies the same type of sites as spruce. Under future climate change, this area is projected to fall within the temperate zone and beech to increase its distribution towards the north at the expense of spruce. However, such forecasts are based on very broad scale estimates and the knowledge of climatic adaptation and the competitive potential of the beech and spruce populations at these latitudes is scarce. Here, we use a dendrochronological approach to study the growth performance of neighbouring spruce and beech trees to climate variability over a period of 70 years. The two species responded quite similarly to variations in climate in the study area. Both showed increased incremental growth in response to high precipitation both in the previous and present year June, indicating that water is a limiting resource. In addition, beech showed a negative response to high temperatures in previous July and August, which is probably connected with growth reductions due to masting. Overall, spruce and beech in the hemiboreal zone show comparable responses to climatic variations as in the temperate zone. Due to the different drought-handling strategies of the two species, we suggest that the intensity of summer droughts and the variability between years are likely factors that would be decisive for which of them that will be more successful under future climatic conditions.
The anticarcinogenic effect of eugenol on lung cancer induced by diethylnitrosamine/2-acetylaminofluorene in Wistar rats: insight on the mechanisms of action
Authors: Morsy Hadeer M. , Ahmed Osama M. , Zoheir Khairy M. A. , Abdel-Moneim Adel
Published: May 2023

This study was designed to assess the ameliorative effects of eugenol and to propose the possible mechanisms of action of eugenol in diethylnitrosamine (DENA)/acetylaminofluorene (AAF)-caused lung cancer in Wistar rats. To induce lung cancer, DENA at a dose of 150 mg/kg body weight (b.wt) for 2 weeks were intraperitoneally injected once each week and AAF was administered orally at a dose of 20 mg/kg b.wt. four times each week for the next 3 weeks. DENA/AAF-administered rats were orally supplemented with eugenol at a dose of 20 mg/kg b.wt administered once a day until 17 weeks starting from the 1st week of DENA administration. Lung histological lesions, including sheets of tumor cells, micropapillary adenocarcinoma, and apoptotic cells, resulting from the DENA/AAF dosage, were ameliorated by eugenol treatment. However, a significant drop in the levels of LPO in the lungs and a remarkable rise in GSH content and GPx and SOD activities were observed in DENA/AAF-administered rats treated with eugenol compared with those in DENA/AAF-administered controls. Moreover, in DENA/AAF-administered rats, eugenol supplementation significantly reduced TNF-α and IL-1β levels and mRNA expression levels of NF-κB, NF-κB p65, and MCP-1 but significantly elevated the level of Nrf2. Furthermore, the DENA/AAF-administered rats treated with eugenol exhibited a significant downregulation of Bcl-2 expression levels in addition to a significant upregulation in P53 and Bax expression levels. Otherwise, the administration of DENA/AAF elevated the protein expression level of Ki-67, and this elevation was reversed by eugenol treatment. In conclusion, eugenol has effective antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, proapoptotic, and antiproliferative properties against lung cancer.

Graphical abstract
Terahertz Beam Steering with Curved Metasurfaces
Authors: Shiri Yaseman , Guerboukha Hichem , Mittleman Daniel M.
Published: May 2023

Considerable recent research interest has focused on the possibility of using metasurfaces for manipulation of terahertz wavefronts. For example, metasurfaces allow a beam to be targeted in any desired direction using strategically placed meta-elements. With rapid prototyping techniques, metasurfaces can be fabricated quickly and at a low cost. These techniques also permit the fabrication of metasurfaces on flexible substrates which can be bent easily. This opens the possibility of employing such devices as conformable arrays on non-flat surfaces. To explore this idea, we experimentally and numerically analyze the performance of a terahertz metasurface printed on paper, as a function of its radius of curvature. We observe that when the metasurface is bent, the direction of the refracted beam is minimally impacted and the performance of the metasurface remains very similar to when it is flat. This conclusion will simplify the design and modeling criteria for conformable metasurfaces.
Optimisation of Pharmaceutical Cocrystal Dissolution Performance through a Synergistic Precipitation Inhibition
Authors: Shi Kejing , Li Mingzhong
Published: May 2023

Objectives

Polymeric excipients play an important role in a cocrystal formulation to act as precipitation inhibitors to maximize the potential. Otherwise, a stable form of the parent drug will be recrystallized on the dissolving cocrystal surface and/or in the bulk solution during the cocrystal dissolution process, negating the solubility advantage. The objectives of this work were to investigate the potential of using combined polymers to maximise the dissolution performance of surface precipitation pharmaceutical cocrystals.

Methods

The dissolution performance of a highly soluble flufenamic acid and nicotinamide (FFA-NIC) cocrystal has been systematically studied with predissolved or powder mixed with a single polymer, including a surface precipitation inhibitor [i.e., copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone (60%) /vinyl acetate (40%) (PVP-VA)] and two bulk precipitation inhibitors [i.e., polyethylene glycol (PEG) and Soluplus (SLP)], or binary polymers combinations.

Results

A single polymer of PVP-VA prevented the FFA surface precipitation for an enhanced dissolution performance of FFA-NIC cocrystal. Unfortunately, it cannot sustain the supersaturated FFA concentration in the bulk solution. A combination of two polymers of PVP-VA and SLP has shown a synergistic inhibition effect to enhance the dissolution advantage of FFA-NIC cocrystal.

Conclusions

The dissolution of a cocrystal with surface precipitation of the parent drug can be described as: i) the cocrystal surface contacting the dissolution medium; ii) the cocrystal surface dissolving; iii) the parent drug precipitation on the dissolving surface; and iv) the parent drug particles redissolving. A combination of two types of polymers can be used to maximise the cocrystal performance in solution.

Graphical Abstract
Cross-cultural differences in retracted publications of male and female from a global perspective
Authors: Li Shenghui , Xu Wenyan , Yin Jingqi
Published: May 2023

The aim of this paper is threefold: (i) to identify the combinations of national culture dimensions that lead to high (or low) male or female retracted publications, (ii) to understand the role of personal trust as a relevant condition that combines with national culture dimensions to cause high (or low) male or female retraction, and (iii) to identify the differences in the configurations that lead to those outcomes. Based on framework of Hofstede's cross-cultural analysis and data from Hofstede Center, World Value, and Web of Science, this essay analyzes cultural complex causal relations between national culture and trust dimensions (conditions), and male and female retracted publications (outcomes) in 30 countries nationally and globally by fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis. This research provides three major insights: (i) Cultural dimensions (power distance, individualism, masculinity, uncertainty avoidance, long-term orientation) and trust are not necessary conditions for both male and female to cause retractions, (ii) different levels of personal trust (high/low) combine with national cultural dimensions in order to produce different configurations that can lead to high or low retractions, and (iii) Each gender causes retractions in a similar or identical way, but each also owns its unique way. Finally, we provide effective policy recommendations to specific countries based on our critical conclusions and discussions.
Preparation and characterization of chemically cross-linked zwitterionic copolymer hydrogel for direct dye and toxic trace metal removal from aqueous medium
Authors: Koryam Asmaa A. , El-Wakeel Shaimaa T. , Radwan Emad K. , Fattah Azza M. Abdel , Darwish Elham S.
Published: May 2023

In this work, a zwitterionic copolymer hydrogel with adsorption affinity toward anionic dye and cationic trace metal was prepared by a free radical copolymerization of cationic ([3-(methacryloylamino)propyl] trimethylammonium chloride (MPTC)) and anionic (sodium 4-vinylbenzenesulfonate (SVBS)) monomers. Bis[2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl] phosphate was used as a cross-linker and its effect on the adsorption properties of the prepared hydrogel was evaluated. The prepared materials were characterized by FTIR, XRD, SEM, EDX, and N2 adsorption at 77 K analysis. FTIR and EDX analysis demonstrated the successful preparation of poly(MPTC-co-VBS). XRD and SEM analysis showed that the poly (MPTC-co-VBS) is amorphous and has quasi-honeycomb morphology with large pores. Increasing the amount of the cross-linker enhanced the adsorption of direct blue 71 dye (DB71) and Pb(II) ions. The highest removal of DB71 and Pb(II) was achieved after 2 h using 1.5 g/L of poly(MPTC-co-VBS); however, the optimum solution pH was 3 for DB71 and 5 for Pb(II). The kinetics and isotherm studies illustrated that the surface of poly(MPTC-co-VBS) is heterogenous with small-sized homogenous pitches and the DB71 and Pb(II) adsorption onto poly(MPTC-co-VBS) is favorable. Finally, poly(MPTC-co-VBS) is more efficient in removing DB71 and Pb(II) from aqueous solutions than many other reported adsorbents.
Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes and radiological picture of the tumor
Authors: Frankowska Karolina , Zarobkiewicz Michał , Dąbrowska Izabela , Bojarska-Junak Agnieszka
Published: May 2023

Tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex entity that includes besides the tumor cells also a whole range of immune cells. Among various populations of immune cells infiltrating the tumor, tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are a population of lymphocytes characterized by high reactivity against the tumor component. As, TILs play a key role in mediating responses to several types of therapy and significantly improve patient outcomes in some cancer types including for instance breast cancer and lung cancer, their assessment has become a good predictive tool in the evaluation of potential treatment efficacy. Currently, the evaluation of the density of TILs infiltration is performed by histopathological. However, recent studies have shed light on potential utility of several imaging methods, including ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT), and radiomics, in the assessment of TILs levels. The greatest attention concerning the utility of radiology methods is directed to breast and lung cancers, nevertheless imaging methods of TILs are constantly being developed also for other malignancies. Here, we focus on reviewing the radiological methods used to assess the level of TILs in different cancer types and on the extraction of the most favorable radiological features assessed by each method.
Palmitic Acid Upregulates Type I Interferon–Mediated Antiviral Response and Cholesterol Biosynthesis in Human Astrocytes
Authors: Rojas-Cruz Alexis Felipe , Martín-Jiménez Cynthia Alexandra , González Janneth , González-Giraldo Yeimy , Pinzón Andrés Mauricio , Barreto George E. , Aristizábal-Pachón Andrés Felipe
Published: May 2023

Chronic intake of a high-fat diet increases saturated fatty acids in the brain causing the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Palmitic acid is a free fatty acid abundant in the diet that at high concentrations may penetrate the blood–brain barrier and stimulate the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, leading to inflammation in astrocytes. The use of the synthetic neurosteroid tibolone in protection against fatty acid toxicity is emerging, but its transcriptional effects on palmitic acid–induced lipotoxicity remain unclear. Herein, we performed a transcriptome profiling of normal human astrocytes to investigate the molecular mechanisms by which palmitic acid causes cellular damage to astrocytes, and whether tibolone could reverse its detrimental effects. Astrocytes undergo a profound transcriptional change at 2 mM palmitic acid, affecting the expression of 739 genes, 366 upregulated and 373 downregulated. However, tibolone at 10 nM does not entirely reverse palmitic acid effects. Additionally, the protein–protein interaction reveals two novel gene clustering modules. The first module involves astrocyte defense responses by upregulation of pathways associated with antiviral innate immunity, and the second is linked to lipid metabolism. Our data suggest that activation of viral response signaling pathways might be so far, the initial molecular mechanism of astrocytes in response to a lipotoxic insult by palmitic acid, triggered particularly upon increased expression levels of IFIT2, IRF1, and XAF1. Therefore, this novel approach using a global gene expression analysis may shed light on the pleiotropic effects of palmitic acid on astrocytes, and provide a basis for future studies addressed to elucidate these responses in neurodegenerative conditions, which is highly valuable for the design of therapeutic strategies.
Atorvastatin liposomes in a 3D-printed polymer film: a repurposing approach for local treatment of oral candidiasis
Authors: Nour Eman M. , El-Habashy Salma E. , Shehat Michael G. , Essawy Marwa M. , El-Moslemany Riham M. , Khalafallah Nawal M.
Published: May 2023

Oral candidiasis (OC) is an opportunistic fungal infection, common amongst the elderly and the immunocompromised. Unfortunately, the therapeutic efficacy of common antifungals is imperiled by the rise of antifungal drug resistance. An alternative promising therapeutic option possibly contributing to antifungal therapy is drug repurposing. Herein, we aimed to employ novel pharmaceutical drug delivery for enhancing the emerging antifungal potential of the hypocholesterolemic drug atorvastatin (ATV). ATV-propylene-glycol-liposomes (ATV/PG-Lip) were prepared then integrated in 3D-printed (3DP) mucoadhesive films comprising chitosan, polyvinyl-alcohol and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, as an innovative blend, for the management of OC. ATV/PG-Lip demonstrated good colloidal properties of particle size (223.3 ± 2.1 nm), PDI (0.12 ± 0.001) and zeta potential (-18.2 ± 0.3 mV) with high entrapment efficiency (81.15 ± 1.88%) and sustained drug release. Also, ATV/PG-Lip showed acceptable three-month colloidal stability and in vitro cytocompatibility on human gingival fibroblasts. The developed 3DP-films exhibited controlled ATV release (79.4 ± 1.4% over 24 h), reasonable swelling and mucoadhesion (2388.4 ± 18.4 dyne/cm2). In vitro antifungal activity of ATV/PG-Lip was confirmed against fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans via minimum inhibitory concentration determination, time-dependent antifungal activity, agar diffusion and scanning electron microscopy. Further, ATV/PG-Lip@3DP-film exceeded ATV@3DP-film in amelioration of infection and associated inflammation in an in vivo oral candidiasis rabbit model. Accordingly, the results confirm the superiority of the fabricated ATV/PG-Lip@3DP-film for the management of oral candidiasis and tackling antifungal resistance.

Graphical abstract
HRCTNet: a hybrid network with high-resolution representation for object detection in UAV image
Authors: Xing Wenjie , Cui Zhenchao , Qi Jing
Published: May 2023

Object detection in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) images has attracted the increasing attention of researchers in recent years. However, it is challenging for small object detection using conventional detection methods because less location and semantic information are extracted from the feature maps of UAV images. To remedy this problem, three new feature extraction modules are proposed in this paper to refine the feature maps for small objects in UAV images. Namely, Small-Kernel-Block (SKBlock), Large-Kernel-Block (LKBlock), and Conv-Trans-Block (CTBlock), respectively. Based on these three modules, a novel backbone called High-Resolution Conv-Trans Network (HRCTNet) is proposed. Additionally, an activation function Acon is deployed in our network to reduce the possibility of dying ReLU and remove redundant features. Based on the characteristics of extreme imbalanced labels in UAV image datasets, a loss function Ployloss is adopted to train HRCTNet. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed HRCTNet, corresponding experiments have been conducted on several datasets. On VisDrone dataset, HRCTNet achieves 49.5% on AP50 and 29.1% on AP, respectively. As on COCO dataset, with limited FLOPs, HRCTNet achieves 37.9% on AP and 24.1% on APS. The experimental results demonstrate that HRCTNet outperforms the existing methods for object detection in UAV images.
Governance of university continuing education in Germany. A scoping review of research in a game-changing area
Authors: Rohs Matthias , Heinbach Gesa , Tokarski Bianca Maria
Published: May 2023

The governance of academic continuing education is an area of research that has received little attention to date. On the one hand, this may be related to the fact that it plays a minor role as a “third mission” area at universities. On the other hand, governance mechanisms in higher education are necessarily closely linked to its political, financial, and contextual characteristics, which require differentiation from educational governance more broadly. Based on a scoping review, the existing research on the governance of university-based continuing education in the German higher education system has been systematically prepared using a multi-level model. This shows a comprehensive view across all levels, which makes use of broad theoretical references and is qualitatively oriented in terms of research methodology.
Faculty members’ use of artificial intelligence to grade student papers: a case of implications
Authors: Kumar Rahul
Published: May 2023

This paper presents the case of an adjunct university professor to illustrate the dilemma of using artificial intelligence (AI) technology to grade student papers. The hypothetical case discusses the benefits of using a commercial AI service to grade student papers—including discretion, convenience, pedagogical merits of consistent feedback for students, and advances made in the field that yield high-quality work—all of which are achieved quickly. Arguments against using AI to grade student papers involve cost, privacy, legality, and ethics. The paper discusses career implications for faculty members in both situations and concludes with implications for researchers within the discourse on academic integrity.
Nitrogen and sulfur co-doped activated carbon nanosheets for high-performance coin cell supercapacitor device with outstanding cycle stability
Authors: Uppugalla Susmitha , Pothu Ramyakrishna , Boddula Rajender , Desai Mangesh A. , Al-Qahtani Noora
Published: May 2023

Herein, we report the utilization of nitrogen and sulfur dual heteroatoms co-doped activated carbon (NSAC) by hydrothermal method for electrochemical supercapacitors. Various NSACs were made by using a fixed amount of activated carbon and changing the amounts of thioacetamide. From NSAC electrodes, the coin cell configuration was fabricated and the overall electrochemical conduct was evaluated by using cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge-discharge, cycle life, and electrochemical impedance methodologies. The outcomes manifest that co-doping sulfur and nitrogen into the AC improves the electrochemical performance. In comparison to pure activated carbon, the optimized NSAC produced a higher specific capacitance value of 417 F g−1 at 0.7 A g−1 and also demonstrated outstanding charge-discharge cycling stability at 7 mA (5 A g−1), maintaining 76% of its opening capacitance after 60,000 cycles in the CR2032 device configuration. The impedance studies phase angle value of 85° has added evidence of the NSAC’s good capacitor performance. Thus, we believe this work is suitable for practical applications for energy storage devices.

Graphical abstract
What Frontline Professionals Need to Combat Child Maltreatment Online
Authors: Binford Warren
Published: May 2023

Rapid technological advances in the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries have changed the landscape of child maltreatment worldwide. Whereas historically a child was most likely to be maltreated within the family or community systems, now children can be abused by thousands of unknown and unidentified persons from anywhere on the planet. Trafficking in child sexual abuse material (CSAM), luring, grooming, and other predatory behaviors existed before the Internet. However, modern technologies have changed abusers’ points of access to children and the number of abusers who can participate in the maltreatment of a victim. New types of child maltreatment are also being invented with new technologies, such as livestreamed child sexual exploitation. In addition, the volume of certain types of child abuse has exploded exponentially such as has been documented with the trafficking in CSAM, as well as the severity of the abuse being recorded on younger and younger victims, including infants and toddlers. These changes have created challenges at all points along the child maltreatment continuum—from prevention to effective treatment leading to the full physical and psychological recovery and social reintegration of victims and survivors as are mandated by international law for many survivors. Recent research into the experiences and perspectives of frontline professionals combatting technology-facilitated child maltreatment makes clear that more training and supports are needed, such as technological resources, research into effective therapeutic treatments for survivors, consistent and accurate terminology and concepts, a modernization of the legal framework in which these crimes are investigated and prosecuted, and robust mental health supports for frontline providers. As the Kempe Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Child Abuse and Neglect provides education and training to thousands of frontline providers worldwide each year, Kempe is uniquely situated to provide leadership in preparing frontline providers to combat child abuse effectively in these new environments.
The ‘Crago Process’ and Its Applicability to a South African Sedimentary Phosphate Deposit
Authors: Singh Ashma , Pocock Jon
Published: May 2023

The traditional approach for the beneficiation of South African siliceous sedimentary phosphate ores has been reverse cationic flotation. The robustness of this approach, however, has been a concern due to its sensitivity to parameters such as slimes content, headgrade (P2O5 and SiO2 content), reagent dosages and conditioning times. The phosphate mineralisation for the ore body under investigation is predominantly carbonate fluorapatite composed of mainly quartz and apatite and minor amounts of chlorite, ilmenite and carbonates. Beneficiation of low grade sedimentary ores containing calcareous impurities, such as calcite and/or dolomite in addition to siliceous gangue, is required to meet the increasing demand; therefore, much research has been carried out to find an alternative technique to beneficiate this material. This paper investigates traditional flotation approaches versus the currently adopted ‘Crago Process’. Comparative results are presented in terms of upgrade potential for the production of concentrate rock for downstream applications. The novelty of the ‘Crago Process’ lies in its double stage approach, i.e. direct fatty acid flotation followed by reverse cationic amine flotation. The Crago process was able to achieve higher upgrades reporting at 32.1% P2O5 compared to conventional cationic flotation only achieving grades of 18.5% P2O5. Furthermore, the recovery gain was 3%.
Quality and Security Frameworks for IoT-Architecture Models Evaluation
Authors: Ameyed Darine , Jaafar Fehmi , Petrillo Fabio , Cheriet Mohamed
Published: May 2023

The concept behind IoT is as powerful as it is complex, and for the entities and modules in the IoT solution to mesh together perfectly, they all must be part of a well-thought-out structure. That is where accomplishing a deep understanding, IoT architecture becomes paramount given the complexity of IoT domains and platforms. In this paper, we present a comparative analysis of IoT-architecture models based on IoT reference architecture proposed by ISO. Herewith, the paper aims at establishing a common grounding and language based on the business adoption reference IoT architecture vis-á-vis a standard model ISO/IEC 30141. We built an Analysis Architecture Quality Security Model-AAQSM based on quantitative metrics and scoring methods we have defined in reference to criteria standards. AAQSM helped unify evaluation metrics critical to fulfilling specific quality and security attribute requirements and classify architecture models by score.
Regular measures of noncompactness and Ascoli–Arzelà type compactness criteria in spaces of vector-valued functions
Authors: Caponetti Diana , Trombetta Alessandro , Trombetta Giulio
Published: May 2023

In this paper we estimate the Kuratowski and the Hausdorff measures of noncompactness of bounded subsets of spaces of vector-valued bounded functions and of vector-valued bounded differentiable functions. To this end, we use a quantitative characteristic modeled on a new equicontinuity-type concept and classical quantitative characteristics related to pointwise relative compactness. We obtain new regular measures of noncompactness in the spaces taken into consideration. The established inequalities reduce to precise formulas in some classes of subsets. We derive Ascoli–Arzelà type compactness criteria.
Combined experimental–numerical mode I fracture characterization of the pultruded composite bars
Authors: Smolnicki Michał , Duda Szymon , Zielonka Paweł , Stabla Paweł , Lesiuk Grzegorz , Lopes Cristiane Caroline Campos
Published: May 2023

In this paper, pultruded GFRP bars are investigated to determine their fracture properties. The double cantilever beam test (DCB) is used to assess fracture behavior under mode I loading conditions. However, due to the presence of the R-curve effect (variable fracture energy dependent on the length of the crack), it is necessary to introduce a nonstandard approach to determine fracture properties. The mixed experimental–numerical approach is proposed to deal with this issue. Numerical simulations were carried out in Simulia Abaqus, and with Python scripting it was possible to generate models and obtain R-curve for the material. The numerical model built based on the experimental results has very good agreement with it (force–displacement and delamination length–time characteristics) which allows the use of the mentioned model in the analysis of more complex structures. Acoustic emission analysis was introduced as an auxiliary technique. The delamination obtained from both the numerical model and the experiment complies with the registered acoustic emission events. The proposed method can be used in preparing a material model for other composite materials, which display the presence of the R-curve effect.
Wear performance of Ti-6Al-4 V titanium alloy through nano-doped lubricants
Authors: Etri Hamza E. L. , Singla Anil Kumar , Özdemir Mehmet Tayyip , Korkmaz Mehmet Erdi , Demirsöz Recep , Gupta Munish Kumar , Krolczyk J. B. , Ross Nimel Sworna
Published: May 2023

Titanium and its alloys are widely utilized in the biomedical sector, they still exhibit poor tribological properties and low wear resistance when employed against even weaker substances. The poor hardness, instability, high coefficient of friction, low load-carrying capacity, and insufficient resistance to not only abrasive but also adhesive wear are further disadvantages of titanium alloys. The focus of this investigation is on the tribological performance of Ti-6Al-4 V alloy in contact with WC carbide abrasive balls when subjected to nanodoped cooling and lubrication conditions. Tribological experiments were executed on Ti-6Al-4 V flat samples using a ball-on-flat tribometer in dry hybrid graphene/boron nitride combination nanoparticles (MQL, nano-3), nanographene with MQL (nano-1), and boron nitride with MQL (nano-2) conditions. After that, the most significant tribological characteristics were investigated, including volume loss, friction coefficient, wear rate, and micrographic structures. The outcomes also demonstrated that the hybrid nanoparticle situation experienced the least amount of volume loss.
On the social embeddedness of aeromobility: insights from the ecological self in intimate relationships
Authors: Ruppel Paul S.
Published: May 2023

In this article the author addresses selected psychosocial aspects experienced, expressed, and negotiated by sustainability-oriented individuals who share an environmental awareness yet at the same time struggle to implement it in their everyday lives. Based on the analysis of interviews conducted with individuals and couples in Germany, the author focuses on individual and joint efforts to deal with ecological challenges in the face of aeromobility in times of climate change. The results indicate the advantage of conceptualizing aeromobility as a sometimes deeply socially embedded practice and thus constitutive reference point for the ecological self in relationships.
Indigenous adaptation of a model for understanding the determinants of ethnic health inequities
Authors: Curtis Elana , Jones Rhys , Willing Esther , Anderson Anneka , Paine Sarah-Jane , Herbert Sarah , Loring Belinda , Dalgic Gulay , Reid Papaarangi
Published: May 2023

Examining the pathways and causes of ethnic inequities in health is integral to devising effective interventions. Explanations set the scope for solutions. Understandings of ethnic health inequities are often situated in victim blaming and cultural deficit explanations, rather than in the root causes. For Indigenous populations, colonisation and racism are fundemental determinants of health inequities. Using a conceptual framework can support understanding of the fundamental causes of Indigenous health inequities. This article presents an Indigenous adaptation of the ‘Williams model’ for understanding the causes of racial/ethnic disparities in health. The Te Kupenga Hauora Māori modified model foregrounds colonisation as a critical determinant of health inequities, underpinning all levels from basic to surface causes. The modified model also attempts to reflect the dynamic interplay between causes at different levels, rather than a simple unidirectional relationship. We include the influence of worldviews/positioning as a cause and emphasise that privilege alongside racism plays a causative role in Indigenous health inequities. We also critique some of the limitations of this framework in reflecting the complex pathways of causation for ethnic health inequities, and indicate areas for further strengthening.
NLP techniques for automating responses to customer queries: a systematic review
Authors: Olujimi Peter Adebowale , Ade-Ibijola Abejide
Published: May 2023

The demand for automated customer support approaches in customer-centric environments has increased significantly in the past few years. Natural Language Processing (NLP) advancement has enabled conversational AI to comprehend human language and respond to enquiries from customers automatically independent of the intervention of humans. Customers can now access prompt responses from NLP chatbots without interacting with human agents. This application has been implemented in numerous business sectors, including banking, manufacturing, education, law, and healthcare, among others. This study reviewed earlier studies on automating customer queries using NLP approaches. Using a systematic review methodology, 73 articles were analysed from reputable digital resources. The evaluated result offers an in-depth review of prior studies investigating the use of NLP techniques for automated customer service responses, including details on existing studies, benefits, and potential future study topics on the use of NLP techniques for business applications. The implications of the results were discussed and, recommendations made.
The managerial antecedent and behavioral consequence of subordinates’ calling orientation: an experimental and survey study
Authors: Baoguo Xie , Xiaowen Zhang , Jialing Miao
Published: May 2023

Research in calling has increased in recent years, yet the lack of attention on the managerial antecedents and prosocial behavioral outcome of calling orientation presents key challenges to meet the needs of the organizational management. Based on the social impact theory, this study examined the predicting effects of a team leader’s transformational leadership on followers’ calling orientation, and the effects of team members’ calling orientation on their helping behaviors at work. The experimental study and the survey were conducted to test the hypotheses. The results showed that a leader’s transformational leadership was positively related to followers’ calling orientation. A leader’s organizational status moderated the relationship between a leader’s transformational leadership and followers’ calling orientation. Followers’ calling orientation was positively related to their helping behaviors at work. The results provide important implications for cultivating employees’ calling orientation in the workplace.
Determinants of adoption of small-scale irrigation practices as adaptation strategies to climate change stresses in Kersa District, Eastern Oromia, Ethiopia
Authors: Mume Ibsa Dawid , Mohammed Jema Haji , Ogeto Mohammed Aman
Published: May 2023

This study was conducted to assess the factors influencing farmers’ decisions to adopt small-scale irrigation practices as an adaptation strategy to climate change in Kersa district, East Hararghe Zone, Oromia. The data were collected from a sample of 288 farm households (130 adopter and 158 non-adopters). Both qualitative and quantitative data were obtained from primary and secondary sources. A binary logistics regression model was used to identify the determinants of irrigation scheme adoption. The results indicate that the adoption of small-scale irrigation scheme was influenced by the age of the household head, dependency ratio, distance from water source, household size, frequency of extension contact, access to credit, livestock holding, off/nonfarm activities, membership in an agricultural cooperative, access to climate information, and perception of climate change, which had significant positive effects. Small-scale irrigation practices are a practical solution to lessen the effects of climate change stresses. Therefore, to improve rural farm productivity and lessen the effects of climate change stresses, the agricultural and natural resources office should focus scientific attention on the key factors that influence the adoption of small-scale irrigation.