bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advancements in Portable Voltammetry: A Promising Approach for Iron Speciation Analysis
Authors: Inaudi Paolo , Abollino Ornella , Argenziano Monica , Malandrino Mery , Guiot Caterina , Bertinetti Stefano , Favilli Laura , Giacomino Agnese
Published: November 2023

Iron, a crucial element in our environment, plays a vital role in numerous natural processes. Understanding the presence and concentration of iron in the environment is very important as it impacts various aspects of our planet’s health. The on-site detection and speciation of iron are significant for several reasons. In this context, the present work aims to evaluate the applicability of voltammetry for the on-site determination of iron and its possible speciation using a portable voltammetric analyzer. Voltammetry offers the advantage of convenience and cost-effectiveness. For iron (III) determination, the modification of a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) with an antimony-bismuth film (SbBiFE) using the acetate buffer (pH = 4) as a supporting electrolyte was used. The technique adopted was Square Wave Adsoptive Cathodic Stripping Voltammetry (SW-AdCSV), and we used 1-(2-piridylazo)-2-naphthol (PAN) as the iron (III) ligand. Linearity, repeatability, detection limit, and accuracy were determined using synthetic solutions; then, a Standard Reference Material (SRM) of 1643f Trace Elements in Water (iron content: 93.44 ± 0.78 µg L−1) was used for validation measurements in the real matrix. the accuracy of this technique was found to be excellent since we obtained a recovery of 103.16%. The procedure was finally applied to real samples (tap, lake, and seawater), and the results obtained were compared via Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The amount of iron found was 207.8 ± 6.6 µg L−1 for tap water using voltammetry and 200.9 ± 1.5 µg L−1 with ICP-OES. For lake water, 171.7 ± 3.8 µg L−1, 169.8 ± 4.1 µg L−1, and 187.5 ± 5.7 µg L−1 were found using voltammetry in the lab both on-site and using ICP-OES, respectively. The results obtained demonstrate the excellent applicability of the proposed on-site voltammetric procedure for the determination of iron and its speciation in water.
Development and Validation of LC-MS/MS Method for the Determination of 1-Methyl-4-Nitrosopiperazine (MNP) in Multicomponent Products with Rifampicin—Analytical Challenges and Degradation Studies
Authors: Witkowska Anna B. , Wołczyńska Aleksandra , Lis-Cieplak Agnieszka , Stolarczyk Elżbieta U.
Published: November 2023

Rifampicin is an essential medicine for treating and preventing tuberculosis (TB). TB is a life-threatening infectious disease and its prevention and treatment are public health imperatives. In the time of a global crisis of nitrosamine contamination of medicinal products, patient safety and a reduction in the number of drug recalls at the same time are crucial. In this work, the LC-MS/MS method was developed for the determination of the 1-methyl-4-nitrosospiperazine (MNP), a genotoxic nitrosamine impurity in various products containing rifampicin at a 5.0 ppm limit level according to Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Extraction with neutralization was necessary due to the matrix and solvent effect associated with the complexity of the rifampicin product. The developed method was validated in accordance with regulatory guidelines. Specificity, accuracy, precision, limit of detection, and limit of quantification parameters were evaluated. The recovery of the MNP was 100.38 ± 3.24% and the intermediate precision was 2.52%. The contamination of MNP in Rifampicin originates in the manufacturing process of the drug. Furthermore, the results of the forced degradation experiments show that the formation of MNP is possible by two mechanisms: through degradation of rifampicin and the oxidation of 1-amino-4-methyl-piperazine. This article points out that it is necessary to monitor and describe degradation products and the mechanism of degradation of potentially affected active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) with respect to the formation of nitrosamines during stress testing, as it was done in the following work for rifampicin in multicomponent products.
Discovery of Novel Biphenyl Carboxylic Acid Derivatives as Potent URAT1 Inhibitors
Authors: Hou Xianxin , Wang Yongcheng , Yang Yajun , Xiao Zhiyan
Published: November 2023

Urate transporter 1 (URAT1) is a clinically validated target for the treatment of hyperuricemia and gout. Due to the absence of protein structures, the molecular design of new URAT1 inhibitors generally resorts to ligand-based approaches. Two series of biphenyl carboxylic acids were designed based on the structures of URAT1 inhibitors Epaminurad and Telmisartan via a strategy of pharmacophore fusion. Fifty-one novel compounds were synthesized and most of them showed obvious inhibition against human URAT1. A1 and B21 were identified as the most potent URAT1 inhibitors in series A and B, respectively. They exhibited IC50 values of 0.93 μM and 0.17 μM, which were comparable or superior to the clinical uricosuric drug benzbromarone. The results confirmed the effectiveness of ligand-based approaches in identifying novel and potent URAT1 inhibitors.
Genetic Variants in CD36 Involved in Fat Taste Perception: Association with Anthropometric and Clinical Parameters in Overweight and Obese Subjects Affected by Type 2 Diabetes or Dysglycemia—A Pilot Study
Authors: Franzago Marica , Borrelli Paola , Di Nicola Marta , Stuppia Liborio , Vitacolonna Ester
Published: November 2023

Obesity and overweight represent a growing health problem worldwide. Genes regulating the intake and metabolism of different nutrients can positively or negatively influence the efficacy of nutritional interventions against obesity and its complications. The aim of this study was to assess changes in anthropometric and clinical parameters and the adherence to a Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) over time in relation to nutrigenetic variants in overweight or obese subjects affected by Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) or dysglycemia, who were included in a nutritional program. A total of 23 subjects were included in this study. Clinical parameters, physical activity levels, and the adherence to a MedDiet were evaluated at baseline, at 6 (T6), and at 12 months (T12) during and after a diet/lifestyle intervention. In a single blood sample from each subject, rs1984112 (A>G) and rs1761667 (G>A) in CD36; rs7950226 (G>A) in BMAL1; and rs1801260 (A>G), rs4864548 (A>G), and rs3736544 (G>A) in CLOCK were genotyped with Real-Time PCR. Significant associations were observed between CD36 rs1761667 and weight (p = 0.025), hip circumference (p = 0.042), triglycerides (p = 0.047), and HbA1c (p = 0.012) at baseline. Moreover, the genotype AA in CD36 rs1761667 was significantly associated with a lower BMI when compared to G carriers at baseline, at T6, and also at T12. In addition, subjects with the AA genotype at CD36 rs1984112 had significantly lower levels of HbA1c (p = 0.027) than the GG and AG genotypes at baseline. These results show that variants in CD36 can have an impact on anthropometric and clinical parameters in overweight or obese subjects affected by T2D or dysglycemia, and that it might influence the success of the diet/lifestyle intervention.
The Role of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals in Gestation and Pregnancy Outcomes
Authors: Puche-Juarez Maria , Toledano Juan M. , Moreno-Fernandez Jorge , Gálvez-Ontiveros Yolanda , Rivas Ana , Diaz-Castro Javier , Ochoa Julio J.
Published: November 2023

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are exogenous substances widely disseminated both in the environment and in daily-life products which can interfere with the regulation and function of the endocrine system. These substances have gradually entered the food chain, being frequently found in human blood and urine samples. This becomes a particularly serious issue when they reach vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, whose hormones are more unstable and vulnerable to EDCs. The proper formation and activity of the placenta, and therefore embryonic development, may get seriously affected by the presence of these chemicals, augmenting the risk of several pregnancy complications, including intrauterine growth restriction, preterm birth, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes mellitus, among others. Additionally, some of them also exert a detrimental impact on fertility, thus hindering the reproductive process from the beginning. In several cases, EDCs even induce cross-generational effects, inherited by future generations through epigenetic mechanisms. These are the reasons why a proper understanding of the reproductive and gestational alterations derived from these substances is needed, along with efforts to establish regulations and preventive measures in order to avoid exposition (especially during this particular stage of life).
Development of a Scoring Tool for Australian Rural Food Retail Environments
Authors: Schumacher Tracy L. , Alderton Carissa A. , Brown Leanne J. , Heaney Susan , Alston Laura , Kent Katherine , Godrich Stephanie Louise
Published: November 2023

Current tools scoring the healthiness of food retail outlets do not reflect outlets found in rural locations. This study aimed to adapt pre-existing Australian scoring tools to represent non-metropolitan areas. Rural nutrition experts were identified, and a modified Delphi technique was used to adapt two pre-existing, food-scoring tools in five iterative stages. Stages included identifying all relevant outlets, providing a description and score for each, ensuring consistency between outlet scores and pre-existing, metro-centric tools, and providing instructions for correct use. Six rural nutrition experts were identified and engaged in the modified Delphi technique. The final tool consisted of 12 categories of food outlets and listed 35 individual outlets. Consistent with pre-existing Australian tools, scores ranged from +10 to −10 and included descriptions reflective of rural retail outlets. Scores were based on whether the majority of foods offered within the outlet were consistent with foods recommended in national health guidelines. The developed tool was designed to accommodate the diverse nature of food retail outlets found in non-metropolitan areas. This study assists in explaining the link between the food environment and health in populations living rurally.
Association between Dietary Acid Load and Hypertension in Chinese Adults: Analysis of the China Health and Nutrition Survey (2009)
Authors: Lin Feng , Zhang Min , Wang Ruoyu , Sun Meng , Zhang Zongfeng , Qiao Yanjiang , Zhang Zhaofeng
Published: November 2023

(1) Background: Current studies show conflicting results regarding the relationship between dietary acid load (DAL) and blood pressure. (2) Methods: The study used data from the Chinese Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) 2009. DAL was assessed on the basis of potential renal acid load (PRAL) and net endogenous acid production (NEAP). To examine the link between DAL and the risk of hypertension, a multivariate logistic regression model was utilized. (3) Results: A total of 7912 subjects were enrolled in the study, of whom 2133 participants had hypertension, a prevalence of 27.0%. After accounting for potential covariates, higher PRAL and NEAP scores were associated with a greater likelihood of developing hypertension, with ORs of 1.34 (95% CI, 1.10–1.62) and 1.29 (95% CI, 1.09–1.53) for PRAL and NEAP scores in Q4, respectively, compared with Q1. In the male group, PRAL and NEAP scores were positively linked to hypertension risk, with ORs of 1.33 (95% CI, 1.06–1.67) and 1.46 (95% CI, 1.14–1.85) for PRAL and NEAP scores in Q4, respectively, compared with Q1, while no significant associations were observed in the female group. Correlations between PRAL scores and hypertension risk lacked significance in the subgroup analyses for participants aged <60 years. There was a significant nonlinear connection observed in the dose–response relationship between DAL (based on PRAL) and hypertension; (4) Conclusions: In Chinese adults, higher PRAL and NEAP scores were positively linked to hypertension risk. This implies that a diet with a low DAL may be a favorable dietary pattern for lowering blood pressure.
Construction of an Exudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration Diagnostic and Therapeutic Molecular Network Using Multi-Layer Network Analysis, a Fuzzy Logic Model, and Deep Learning Techniques: Are Retinal and Brain Neurodegenerative Disorders Related?
Authors: Latifi-Navid Hamid , Barzegar Behrooz Amir , Jamehdor Saleh , Davari Maliheh , Latifinavid Masoud , Zolfaghari Narges , Piroozmand Somayeh , Taghizadeh Sepideh , Bourbour Mahsa , Shemshaki Golnaz , Latifi-Navid Saeid , Arab Seyed Shahriar , Soheili Zahra-Soheila , Ahmadieh Hamid , Sheibani Nader
Published: November 2023

Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) is a leading cause of irreversible visual impairment in the elderly. The current management of nAMD is limited and involves regular intravitreal administration of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF). However, the effectiveness of these treatments is limited by overlapping and compensatory pathways leading to unresponsiveness to anti-VEGF treatments in a significant portion of nAMD patients. Therefore, a system view of pathways involved in pathophysiology of nAMD will have significant clinical value. The aim of this study was to identify proteins, miRNAs, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), various metabolites, and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with a significant role in the pathogenesis of nAMD. To accomplish this goal, we conducted a multi-layer network analysis, which identified 30 key genes, six miRNAs, and four lncRNAs. We also found three key metabolites that are common with AMD, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and schizophrenia. Moreover, we identified nine key SNPs and their related genes that are common among AMD, AD, schizophrenia, multiple sclerosis (MS), and Parkinson’s disease (PD). Thus, our findings suggest that there exists a connection between nAMD and the aforementioned neurodegenerative disorders. In addition, our study also demonstrates the effectiveness of using artificial intelligence, specifically the LSTM network, a fuzzy logic model, and genetic algorithms, to identify important metabolites in complex metabolic pathways to open new avenues for the design and/or repurposing of drugs for nAMD treatment.
Repurposing EGFR Inhibitors for Oral Cancer Pain and Opioid Tolerance
Authors: Santi Maria Daniela , Zhang Morgan , Liu Naijiang , Viet Chi T. , Xie Tongxin , Jensen Dane D. , Amit Moran , Pan Huilin , Ye Yi
Published: November 2023

Oral cancer pain remains a significant public health concern. Despite the development of improved treatments, pain continues to be a debilitating clinical feature of the disease, leading to reduced oral mobility and diminished quality of life. Opioids are the gold standard treatment for moderate-to-severe oral cancer pain; however, chronic opioid administration leads to hyperalgesia, tolerance, and dependence. The aim of this review is to present accumulating evidence that epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling, often dysregulated in cancer, is also an emerging signaling pathway critically involved in pain and opioid tolerance. We presented preclinical and clinical data to demonstrate how repurposing EGFR inhibitors typically used for cancer treatment could be an effective pharmacological strategy to treat oral cancer pain and to prevent or delay the development of opioid tolerance. We also propose that EGFR interaction with the µ-opioid receptor and glutamate N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor could be two novel downstream mechanisms contributing to pain and morphine tolerance. Most data presented here support that repurposing EGFR inhibitors as non-opioid analgesics in oral cancer pain is promising and warrants further research.
Exploiting Benefits of Vaterite Metastability to Design Degradable Systems for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Svenskaya Yulia , Pallaeva Tatiana
Published: November 2023

The widespread application of calcium carbonate is determined by its high availability in nature and simplicity of synthesis in laboratory conditions. Moreover, calcium carbonate possesses highly attractive physicochemical properties that make it suitable for a wide range of biomedical applications. This review provides a conclusive analysis of the results on using the tunable vaterite metastability in the development of biodegradable drug delivery systems and therapeutic vehicles with a controlled and sustained release of the incorporated cargo. This manuscript highlights the nuances of vaterite recrystallization to non-porous calcite, dissolution at acidic pH, biodegradation at in vivo conditions and control over these processes. This review outlines the main benefits of vaterite instability for the controlled liberation of the encapsulated molecules for the development of biodegradable natural and synthetic polymeric materials for biomedical purposes.
Boric Acid as A Low-Temperature Graphitization Aid and Its Impact on Structure and Properties of Cellulose-Based Carbon Fibers
Authors: Hückstaedt Tobias , Erdmann Jens , Lehmann André , Protz Robert , Ganster Johannes
Published: November 2023

In the present paper, a scalable, economically feasible, and continuous process for making cellulose-based carbon fibers (CFs) is described encompassing precursor spinning, precursor additivation, thermal stabilization, and carbonization. By the use of boric acid (BA) as an additive, the main drawback of cellulose-based CFs, i.e., the low carbon yield, is overcome while maintaining a high level of mechanical properties. This is demonstrated by a systematic comparison between CFs obtained from a BA-doped and an un-doped cellulose precursor within a temperature range for carbonization between 1000 and 2000 °C. The changes in chemical composition (via elemental analysis) and physical structure (via X-ray scattering) as well as the mechanical and electrical properties of the resulting CFs were investigated. It turned out that, in contrast to current opinion, the catalytic effect of boron in the formation of graphite-like structures sets in already at 1000 °C. It becomes more and more effective with increasing temperature. The catalytic effect of boron significantly affects crystallite sizes (La, Lc), lattice plane spacings (d002), and orientation of the crystallites. Using BA, the carbon yield increased by 71%, Young’s modulus by 27%, and conductivity by 168%, reaching 135,000 S/m. At the same time, a moderate decrease in tensile strength by 25% and an increase in density of 14% are observed.
A Study on Damage of T800 Carbon Fiber/Epoxy Composites under In-Plane Shear Using Acoustic Emission and Digital Image Correlation
Authors: Lin Zikai , Shi Changheng , Huang Xiaochu , Tang Can , Yuan Ye
Published: November 2023

In addition to measuring the strain, stress, and Young’s modulus of materials through tension and compression, in-plane shear modulus measurement is also an important part of parameter testing of composites. Tensile testing of ±45° composite laminates is an economical and effective method for measuring in-plane shear strength. In this paper, the in-plane shear modulus of T800 carbon fiber/epoxy composites were measured through tensile tests of ±45° composite laminates, and acoustic emission (AE) was used to characterize the damage of laminates under in-plane shear loading. Factor analysis (FA) on acoustic emission parameters was performed and the reconstructed factor scores were clustered to obtain three damage patterns. Finally, the development and evolution of the three damage patterns were characterized based on the cumulative hits of acoustic emission. The maximum bearing capacity of the laminated plate is about 17.54 kN, and the average in-plane shear modulus is 5.42 GPa. The damage modes of laminates under in-plane shear behavior were divided into three types: matrix cracking, delamination and fiber/matrix interface debonding, and fiber fracture. The characteristic parameter analysis of AE showed that the damage energy under in-plane shear is relatively low, mostly below 2000 mV × ms, and the frequency is dispersed between 150–350 kHz.
Unveiling the Dot-Perspective Task: Integrating Implicit-Mentalistic with Sub-Mentalistic Processes
Authors: Fan Cong , Susilo Tirta , Low Jason
Published: November 2023

Adults’ performances on the dot-perspective task showed a consistency effect: participants were slower to judge their own visual perspective when their own perspective and others’ perspective were different compared to when both perspectives were the same. This effect has been explained by two competing accounts: the implicit mentalising account suggests the effect arises from relatively automatic tracking of others’ visual perspectives, whereas the submentalising account suggests the effect arises from domain-general attentional orienting. We conducted three experiments to adjudicate between the two competing accounts. Experiment 1 manipulated eye–head directional cues (gaze-averted-face versus head-averted-face) and measured its effect on implicit mentalising (in the dot-perspective task) and attentional orienting (in the Posner task). Eye–head directional cues modulated attentional orienting but not implicit mentalising, supporting the importance of visual access and the existence of implicit mentalising in the dot-perspective task. Experiment 2 compared the effect of gaze-averted versus finger-pointing agents. Finger-pointing direction might induce attentional orienting effects on both tasks. Experiment 3 combined finger-pointing with manipulation of the agent’s visual access (eyes-sighted versus eyes-covered) on the dot-perspective task. Visual access did not modulate the consistency effect when finger-pointing was simultaneously displayed. The findings of Experiments 2 and 3 indicated the contribution of the sub-mentalistic process to the dot-perspective task. Overall, the findings suggest that implicit mentalising and submentalising may co-exist in human social perceptual processes. Visual access appears to play a dominant role in modulating implicit mentalising on the dot-perspective task, but the process may be interfered with by finger-pointing cues (more salient than gaze cues) via a sub-mentalistic attentional-orienting mechanism.
Dual Path Attention Network (DPANet) for Intelligent Identification of Wenchuan Landslides
Authors: Wang Xiao , Wang Di , Sun Tiegang , Dong Jianhui , Xu Luting , Li Weile , Li Shaoda , Ran Peilian , Ao Jinxi , Zou Yulan , Wang Jing , Zeng Xinnian
Published: November 2023

Currently, the application of remote sensing technology in landslide identification and investigation is an important research direction in the field of landslides. To address the errors arising from the inaccurate extraction of texture and location information in landslide intelligent recognition, we developed a new network, the dual path attention network (DPANet), and performed experiments in a typical alpine canyon area (Wenchuan County). The results show that the new network recognizes landslide areas with an overall accuracy (OA) and pixel accuracy (PA) of 0.93 and 0.87, respectively, constituting an overall improvement of 4% and 18% compared to the base pyramid scene parsing network (PSPNet). We applied our knowledge of the landslide image features to other areas in the upper reaches of the Minjiang River to enrich the landslide database for this region. Our evaluation of the results shows that the proposed network framework has good robustness and can accurately identify some complex landslides, providing an excellent contribution to the intelligent recognition of landslides.
Polarimetric Synthetic Aperture Radar Speckle Filter Based on Joint Similarity Measurement Criterion
Authors: Tang Fanyi , Li Zhenfang , Zhang Qingjun , Suo Zhiyong , Zhang Zexi , Xing Chao , Guo Huancheng
Published: November 2023

Polarimetric Synthetic Aperture Radar (PolSAR) data is inherently characterized by speckle noise, which significantly deteriorates certain aspects of the quality of the PolSAR data processing, including the polarimetric decomposition and target interpretation. With the rapid increase in PolSAR resolution, SAR images in complex natural and artificial scenes exhibit non-homogeneous characteristics, which creates an urgent demand for high-resolution PolSAR filters. To address these issues, a new adaptive PolSAR filter based on joint similarity measure criterion (JSMC) is proposed in this paper. Firstly, a scale-adaptive filtering window is established in order to preserve the texture structure based on a multi-directional ratio edge detector. Secondly, the JSMC is proposed in order to accurately select homogeneous pixels; it describes pixel similarity based on both space distance and polarimetric distance. Thirdly, the homogeneous pixels are filtered based on statistical averaging. Finally, the airborne and spaceborne real data experiment results validate the effectiveness of our proposed method. Compared with other filters, the filter proposed in this paper provides a better outcome for PolSAR data in speckle suppression, edge texture, and the preservation of polarimetric properties.
Three-Dimensional Segmentation Assisted with Clustering Analysis for Surface and Volume Measurements of Equine Incisor in Multidetector Computed Tomography Data Sets
Authors: Borowska Marta , Jasiński Tomasz , Gierasimiuk Sylwia , Pauk Jolanta , Turek Bernard , Górski Kamil , Domino Małgorzata
Published: November 2023

Dental diagnostic imaging has progressed towards the use of advanced technologies such as 3D image processing. Since multidetector computed tomography (CT) is widely available in equine clinics, CT-based anatomical 3D models, segmentations, and measurements have become clinically applicable. This study aimed to use a 3D segmentation of CT images and volumetric measurements to investigate differences in the surface area and volume of equine incisors. The 3D Slicer was used to segment single incisors of 50 horses’ heads and to extract volumetric features. Axial vertical symmetry, but not horizontal, of the incisors was evidenced. The surface area and volume differed significantly between temporary and permanent incisors, allowing for easy eruption-related clustering of the CT-based 3D images with an accuracy of >0.75. The volumetric features differed partially between center, intermediate, and corner incisors, allowing for moderate location-related clustering with an accuracy of >0.69. The volumetric features of mandibular incisors’ equine odontoclastic tooth resorption and hypercementosis (EOTRH) degrees were more than those for maxillary incisors; thus, the accuracy of EOTRH degree-related clustering was >0.72 for the mandibula and >0.33 for the maxilla. The CT-based 3D images of equine incisors can be successfully segmented using the routinely achieved multidetector CT data sets and the proposed data-processing approaches.
Automated Sleep Stage Classification in Home Environments: An Evaluation of Seven Deep Neural Network Architectures
Authors: Yeckle Jaime , Manian Vidya
Published: November 2023

Sleep is an essential human physiological need that has garnered increasing scientific attention due to the burgeoning prevalence of sleep-related disorders and their impact on public health. Among contemporary challenges, the demand for authentic sleep monitoring outside the confines of specialized laboratories, ideally within the home environment, has arisen. Addressing this, we explore the development of pragmatic approaches that facilitate implementation within domestic settings. Such approaches necessitate the deployment of streamlined, computationally efficient automated classifiers. In pursuit of a sleep stage classifier tailored for home use, this study rigorously assessed seven conventional neural network architectures prominent in deep learning (LeNet, ResNet, VGG, MLP, LSTM-CNN, LSTM, BLSTM). Leveraging sleep recordings from a cohort of 20 subjects, we elucidate that LeNet, VGG, and ResNet exhibit superior performance compared to recent advancements reported in the literature. Furthermore, a comprehensive architectural analysis was conducted, illuminating the strengths and limitations of each in the context of home-based sleep monitoring. Our findings distinctly identify LeNet as the most-amenable architecture for this purpose, with LSTM and BLSTM demonstrating relatively lesser compatibility. Ultimately, this research substantiates the feasibility of automating sleep stage classification employing lightweight neural networks, thereby accommodating scenarios with constrained computational resources. This advancement aims at revolutionizing the field of sleep monitoring, making it more accessible and reliable for individuals in their homes.
A Lattice-Hinge-Design-Based Stretchable Textile Microstrip Patch Antenna for Wireless Strain Sensing at 2.45 GHz
Authors: Memon Abdul Wahab , Malengier Benny , Van Torre Patrick , Langenhove Lieva Van
Published: November 2023

The manuscript presents a novel approach to designing and fabricating a stretchable patch antenna designed for strain sensing and the wireless communication of sensing data at the same time. The challenge lies in combining flexible and stretchable textile materials with different physical morphologies, which can hinder the adhesion among multiple layers when stacked up, resisting the overall stretchability of the antenna. The proposed antenna design overcomes this challenge by incorporating a lattice hinge pattern into the non-stretchable conductive e-textile, transforming it into a stretchable structure. The innovative design includes longitudinal cuts inserted in both the patch and the ground plane of the antenna, allowing it to stretch along in the perpendicular direction. Implementing the lattice hinge pattern over the conductive layers of the proposed patch antenna, in combination with a 2 mm thick Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate, achieves a maximum of 25% stretchability compared to its counterpart antenna without a lattice hinge design. The stretchable textile antenna resonates around a frequency of 2.45 GHz and exhibits a linear resonant frequency shift when strained up to 25%. This characteristic makes it suitable for use as a strain sensor. Additionally, the lattice hinge design enhances the conformability and flexibility of the antenna compared to that of a solid patch antenna. The realized antenna gains in the E and H-plane are measured as 2.21 dBi and 2.34 dBi, respectively. Overall, the presented design offers a simple and effective solution for fabricating a stretchable textile patch antenna for normal use or as a sensing element, opening up possibilities for applications in the communication and sensing fields.
Evaluation of a Deep Learning-Based Index for Prognosis of a Vessel’s Propeller-Hull Degradation
Authors: Spandonidis Christos , Paraskevopoulos Dimitrios
Published: November 2023

Vessels frequently encounter challenging marine conditions that expose the propeller-hull to corrosive water and marine fouling. These challenges necessitate innovative approaches to optimize propeller-hull performance. This study aims to assess a method for predicting propeller-hull degradation. The proposed solution revolves around an innovative Key Performance Indicator (KPI) based on Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs). Our objective is to validate the findings; thus, a thorough comparison is conducted between the proposed method and the baseline solution derived from the ISO-19030. Emphasis is placed on determining the optimal parameters for computing the KPI, which involves applying various features, filters, and pre-processing techniques. The proposed method is tested on real data collected by an Internet of Things (IoT) system installed in different types of vessels. Four distinct experiments with ANNs are conducted. Results demonstrate that the ANN-based indicator offers greater accuracy in predicting propeller-hull degradation compared to the baseline method. Additionally, it is demonstrated that selecting a diverse set of features and implementing consistent filtering and preprocessing techniques enhance the performance of the traditional indicator. The utilization of Deep Learning (DL) in the maritime industry is of great significance, as it enables a comprehensive and dynamic assessment of predictive maintenance of the propeller-hull. The DL index method holds potential for diverse maintenance applications, providing a holistic platform with anticipated environmental and financial benefits.
A Life Course Approach on Older Portuguese Gay and Bisexual People: The Multifactorial Development of Sexual Identity
Authors: Ribeiro-Gonçalves José Alberto , Gouveia-Pereira Maria , Carvalho Renato Gomes , Costa Pedro Alexandre , Leal Isabel
Published: November 2023

Research shows that successful development of sexual identity is essential for healthy and well-adjusted ageing. Gay and bisexual (GB) older people have experienced cumulative events throughout their lives that may have affected the development of their identity. In addition, the few previous studies show an alarming lack of community connectedness among older GB people in Portugal. This study assessed the factors that have contributed to the development of sexual identity in Portuguese GB older adults throughout their lives, using an inductive qualitative cross-sectional approach based on Life Course Theory. Twenty-two semi-structured interviews were carried out with older (60+ years) GB people living in the community and using the lifeline technique. The interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis with a codebook approach. Results suggest a multifactorial contribution of factors throughout the life cycle that have affected the development of GB older people’s sexual identity. These include historical–cultural factors (e.g., sexual repression and traditionalism of the dictatorship), psychosocial factors (e.g., cumulative sexual stigma), relational factors (e.g., relational clandestinity) and intrapersonal factors (e.g., concealment of sexual orientation). The existence of the Internalized Sexual Minority Disconnectedness phenomenon and its contribution to the formation of the sexual identity of older GB adults were also verified. These results reveal important clues about the development of older GB people in Portugal and the factors that may be affecting the current invisibility of these people in the social and health-related context. Relevant implications for the clinical context are also discussed.
Effective Ti-6Al-4V Powder Recycling in LPBF Additive Manufacturing Considering Powder History
Authors: Koushik Tejas , Shen Haopeng , Kan Wen Hao , Gao Mu , Yi Junlan , Ma Chao , Lim Samuel Chao Voon , Chiu Louis Ngai Sum , Huang Aijun
Published: November 2023

Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) is an outstanding additive manufacturing (AM) technology that can enable both complicated geometries and desired mechanical properties in high-value components. However, the process reliability and cost have been the obstacles to the extensive industrial adoptions of LPBF. This work aims to develop a powder recycling procedure to reduce production cost and minimize process uncertainties due to powder degradation. We used a recycle index (R) to reuse Ti-6Al-4V powder through 10 production cycles. Using this recycle index is more reasonable than simply replying on recycle numbers as it incorporates the powder usage history. A recycling procedure with simple virgin powder top-up can effectively mitigate powder degradation and maintain stable powder properties, chemical compositions, and tensile properties. The experimental finding points to a sustainable recycling strategy of Ti alloy powders with minimal material waste and without noticeable detriment to observed mechanical performance through LPBF production cycles.
Unlocking the Power of Reporting: Exploring the Link between Voluntary Sustainability Reporting, Customer Behavior, and Firm Value
Authors: Alghamdi Omar. A. , Agag Gomaa
Published: November 2023

Voluntary sustainability reporting is becoming more common, as evidenced by the hundreds of organizations that have adopted the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards or similar reporting frameworks within the last decade. This research aims to explore the influence of voluntary sustainability reporting on customer behavior and firm value. Drawing on signaling theory, this paper developed and empirically tested four hypotheses to understand the relationships between the study variables. We collected actual data from the petrochemical companies in Saudi Arabia from 2012 to 2022. Data were analyzed using a fixed-effect panel model. The findings revealed that, in general, sustainability reporting has a negative impact on firm value and customer behavior. Nonetheless, the association between sustainability reporting, firm value, and customer behavior became positive over time. We conclude that sustainability reporting is a costly signal at first but that it ultimately increases firm value as businesses improve their ability to inform stakeholders about sustainability activities and as investors become more adept at assessing report quality. This paper offers several theoretical and managerial implications.
How to Improve a Successful Product? The Case of “Asproudi” of the Monemvasia Winery Vineyard
Authors: Merkouropoulos Georgios , Miliordos Dimitrios-Evangelos , Tsimbidis Georgios , Hatzopoulos Polydefkis , Kotseridis Yorgos
Published: November 2023

An interesting way to maintain genetic diversity in the vineyard could be based on selecting the desirable characters of each clone or variety in order to produce a high-quality poly-clonal or poly-varietal wine, according to the consumer’s desire. The current study describes a holistic approach in viticulture towards wine production, applying a multidisciplinary methodology. Firstly, “Asproudi”, a rare Greek variety, was analyzed molecularly. The initial hypothesis that “Asproudi” is a distinct variety was questioned; microsatellite analysis showed that “Asproudi” is a population of different genotypes, at least in the Monemvasia Winery vineyard. A targeted harvest of each genotype was performed during the same day and was followed by micro-vinifications. All standard analyses of must and wine were performed in the laboratory, while a sensory analysis by a professional team evaluated each of the produced wines, showing distinctive differences. The genetic relationship of some of the Monemvasia Winery “Asproudi” genotypes to the varieties maintained in the reference collection was revealed whereas some other genotypes remained unknown.
Assessing Endokarst Potential in the Northern Sector of Santo António Plateau (Estremadura Limestone Massif, Central Portugal)
Authors: Reis Luís , Dimuccio Luca Antonio , Cunha Lúcio
Published: November 2023

Karst is a peculiar natural landscape arising from high rock solubility and well-developed underground solutional channel porosity. It is unique for its surface relief (exokarst) and subsurface drainage, including cave systems (endokarst). In Portugal, karst areas mainly consist of marginal or low-density territories with great fragility and vulnerability and great geo-environmental richness that merits better policies and practices regarding their geo-conservation. Endokarst potential assessments can provide decision-makers and local authorities insight into present and future territorial management and planning. In this context, the main objective of this study was to produce a cartographic model to identify areas with a greater probability of containing karstic caves—i.e., a greater endokarst potential—in the northern sector of the Santo António Plateau (Estremadura Limestone Massif, Central Portugal). Geological, topographic, hydrogeological, and land cover data were collected, processed, and integrated into a spatial database using a Geographic Information System. The locations of known cave entrances in the study area were also identified from local public institutions and speleological team records. Subsequently, four conditioning factors were extracted from the data: lithostratigraphic units, fracture density, relief energy, and land cover. Using a multi-criteria decision-making analysis, each previously chosen conditioning factor and its respective classes were weighted using an analytic hierarchy process. The locations of known cave entrances served to evaluate the cartographic model built, with results showing an agreement of 81.9%. This prototype of the endokarst potential map for the study area may be used for strategic and operational environmental planning (at least on a local scale) to assist decision-makers, competent authorities, and local speleological teams. Its application may promote a more accurate and thoughtful definition of areas to be investigated, substantially reducing the time and costs associated with field prospecting.
Green Supply Chain Game: Decision-Making and Coordination Mechanism Design
Authors: Zhang Boyi , Qu Shaojian
Published: November 2023

The rapid development of industrialization has led to the increasing contradiction between human and nature, and green products are favored by more and more consumers. In this paper, a two-level green manufacturing supply chain between a manufacturer that produces green products and a retailer that invests in advertising is investigated. The Stackelberg game is used to study the supply chain decision-making and coordination problems when the demand depends on the greenness of the products and the investment in advertising, and to propose a coordination mechanism for cost-sharing and revenue-sharing. Finally, numerical simulation is used to simulate and analyze the research findings and important parameters. Our results indicate that: (1) When the cost-sharing coefficient and the benefit-sharing coefficient satisfy a certain range of conditions, the supply chain members considering a single coordination mechanism are superior to the supply chain without a coordination mechanism; (2) With the gradual increase in the cost-sharing coefficient of contract, the degree of greenness of the products produced by manufacturers and the level of intensity of the advertisements invested in by retailers show a tendency to increase first and then decrease; (3) In the study of the integrated coordination mechanism of cost-sharing and benefit sharing, the stronger the coordination ability of supply chain members, the wider the range of constraints to reach a win–win cooperation, and the higher the benefits created for supply chain members. All this yields novel insights into managing the manufacture of green products in the context of green supply chain members’ consideration of coordination mechanisms.
Conotoxin Prediction: New Features to Increase Prediction Accuracy
Authors: Monroe Lyman K. , Truong Duc P. , Miner Jacob C. , Adikari Samantha H. , Sasiene Zachary J. , Fenimore Paul W. , Alexandrov Boian , Williams Robert F. , Nguyen Hau B.
Published: November 2023

Conotoxins are toxic, disulfide-bond-rich peptides from cone snail venom that target a wide range of receptors and ion channels with multiple pathophysiological effects. Conotoxins have extraordinary potential for medical therapeutics that include cancer, microbial infections, epilepsy, autoimmune diseases, neurological conditions, and cardiovascular disorders. Despite the potential for these compounds in novel therapeutic treatment development, the process of identifying and characterizing the toxicities of conotoxins is difficult, costly, and time-consuming. This challenge requires a series of diverse, complex, and labor-intensive biological, toxicological, and analytical techniques for effective characterization. While recent attempts, using machine learning based solely on primary amino acid sequences to predict biological toxins (e.g., conotoxins and animal venoms), have improved toxin identification, these methods are limited due to peptide conformational flexibility and the high frequency of cysteines present in toxin sequences. This results in an enumerable set of disulfide-bridged foldamers with different conformations of the same primary amino acid sequence that affect function and toxicity levels. Consequently, a given peptide may be toxic when its cysteine residues form a particular disulfide-bond pattern, while alternative bonding patterns (isoforms) or its reduced form (free cysteines with no disulfide bridges) may have little or no toxicological effects. Similarly, the same disulfide-bond pattern may be possible for other peptide sequences and result in different conformations that all exhibit varying toxicities to the same receptor or to different receptors. We present here new features, when combined with primary sequence features to train machine learning algorithms to predict conotoxins, that significantly increase prediction accuracy.
A Global Map for Selecting Stationary and Nonstationary Methods to Estimate Extreme Floods
Authors: Li Zhenzhen , Yan Zhongyue , Tang Li
Published: November 2023

Comprehending the changing patterns of flood magnitudes globally, particularly in the context of nonstationary conditions, is crucial for effective flood risk management. This study introduces a unique approach that employs simulated discharge data to unravel these intricate variations. Through a comprehensive analysis of a substantial ensemble of General Circulation Models (GCMs) runoff datasets, we examine the dynamics of nonstationary flood magnitudes on a global scale. A pivotal aspect of our investigation is the development of a reference map, which helps delineate suitable scenarios for applying stationary or nonstationary methods in estimating extreme floods. This map is then employed to compare estimations of 100-year flood magnitudes using both methodologies across specific geographical areas. Our findings distinctly highlight the disparities arising from the use of stationary versus nonstationary approaches for estimating extreme floods. These insights underscore the significance of considering nonstationary for accurate flood risk assessment and mitigation strategies. The practical utility of our reference map in aiding informed decision making for stakeholders and practitioners further underscores its importance. This study contributes to the scholarly understanding of the evolving nature of flood phenomena and provides valuable insights for crafting adaptive measures in response to changing climatic conditions.
Features of the Formation of Strontium Pollution of Drinking Groundwater and Associated Health Risks in the North-West of Russia
Authors: Malov Alexander I.
Published: November 2023

The purpose of this research was to determine the natural factors that contribute to maintaining the standard quality of fresh drinking groundwater in areas with high strontium content. Hazard index values for the consumption of water containing strontium were also calculated to assess the overall non-carcinogenic health risk from combined ingestion and dermal exposure. The results showed that the groundwater with strontium concentrations exceeding the maximum permissible concentrations had an increased correlation of strontium concentrations with total dissolved solids and celestite and gypsum saturation indices. A decrease in calcium content was recorded with a simultaneous increase in the concentration of magnesium and strontium. Reducing conditions in the aquifer were also favorable for the conservation of these waters. In waters of standard quality, all these factors did not appear, which indicates their formation in sediments with discretely located small inclusions of celestite and gypsum. These waters were characterized by a calcium bicarbonate composition, low total dissolved solids (TDS), and oxidizing conditions. Elevated radiocarbon contents indicate their relatively young age. In general, it was found that children in the study area are most vulnerable to risks. Fifty percent of wells supply drinking water that is unsafe for consumption. The water from about a third of the wells studied is dangerous for adults.