bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Path towards Timely VAP Diagnosis: Proof-of-Concept Study on Pyocyanin Sensing with Cu-Mg Doped Graphene Oxide
Authors: Noorizadeh Mohammad , Geetha Mithra , Bensaali Faycal , Meskin Nader , Sadasivuni Kishor K. , Zughaier Susu M. , Elgamal Mahmoud , Ait Hssain Ali
Published: January 2024

In response to the urgent requirement for rapid, precise, and cost-effective detection in intensive care units (ICUs) for ventilated patients, as well as the need to overcome the limitations of traditional detection methods, researchers have turned their attention towards advancing novel technologies. Among these, biosensors have emerged as a reliable platform for achieving accurate and early diagnoses. In this study, we explore the possibility of using Pyocyanin analysis for early detection of pathogens in ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and lower respiratory tract infections in ventilated patients. To achieve this, we developed an electrochemical sensor utilizing a graphene oxide–copper oxide-doped MgO (GO − Cu − Mgo) (GCM) catalyst for Pyocyanin detection. Pyocyanin is a virulence factor in the phenazine group that is produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains, leading to infections such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and cystic fibrosis. We additionally investigated the use of DNA aptamers for detecting Pyocyanin as a biomarker of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a common causative agent of VAP. The results of this study indicated that electrochemical detection of Pyocyanin using a GCM catalyst shows promising potential for various applications, including clinical diagnostics and drug discovery.
Subjective and Autonomic Arousal toward Emotional Stimuli in Preadolescents with Externalizing Problems and the Role of Explicit and Implicit Emotion Regulation
Authors: Panteli Maria , Constantinou Thekla , Vrachimi-Souroulla Andry , Fanti Kostas , Panayiotou Georgia
Published: January 2024

Children and adolescents with externalizing problems show physiological hypo-reactivity toward affective stimuli, which may relate to their disruptive, antisocial, and thrill-seeking behaviors. This study examines differences in explicit and implicit emotion regulation between preadolescents with and without externalizing problems as well as the role of emotion regulation in subjective and autonomic responses to emotional stimuli. Preadolescents showing self- and other-reported externalizing psychopathology, and a control sample, without such difficulties, participated in a passive affective picture-viewing task with neutral, fearful, joyful, and sad images, while their heart rate and heart rate variability were measured. Participants also reported on their emotion regulation difficulties using the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale. Compared to controls, youths scoring high on externalizing problems (1) reported greater emotion regulation difficulties, especially a lack of emotional clarity and difficulty in controlling impulsive actions, (2) showed higher resting heart rate variability and a lower resting heart rate, suggestive of higher emotion/autonomic regulation ability, and (3) showed both subjective and physiological hypo-arousal to emotional pictures. Heart rate variability and, to a lesser degree difficulties in emotional clarity, modulated the effects of emotional pictures on subjective and physiological arousal. Findings suggest that interventions to improve emotion regulation and awareness may help to prevent externalizing problems.
The Clinical Relevance of Artificial Intelligence in Migraine
Authors: Torrente Angelo , Maccora Simona , Prinzi Francesco , Alonge Paolo , Pilati Laura , Lupica Antonino , Di Stefano Vincenzo , Camarda Cecilia , Vitabile Salvatore , Brighina Filippo
Published: January 2024

Migraine is a burdensome neurological disorder that still lacks clear and easily accessible diagnostic biomarkers. Furthermore, a straightforward pathway is hard to find for migraineurs’ management, so the search for response predictors has become urgent. Nowadays, artificial intelligence (AI) has pervaded almost every aspect of our lives, and medicine has not been missed. Its applications are nearly limitless, and the ability to use machine learning approaches has given researchers a chance to give huge amounts of data new insights. When it comes to migraine, AI may play a fundamental role, helping clinicians and patients in many ways. For example, AI-based models can increase diagnostic accuracy, especially for non-headache specialists, and may help in correctly classifying the different groups of patients. Moreover, AI models analysing brain imaging studies reveal promising results in identifying disease biomarkers. Regarding migraine management, AI applications showed value in identifying outcome measures, the best treatment choices, and therapy response prediction. In the present review, the authors introduce the various and most recent clinical applications of AI regarding migraine.
Intra- and Inter-Individual Associations of Family-to-Work Conflict, Psychological Distress, and Job Satisfaction: Gender Differences in Dual-Earner Parents during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Schnettler Berta , Miranda-Zapata Edgardo , Orellana Ligia , Saracostti Mahia , Poblete Héctor , Lobos Germán , Adasme-Berríos Cristian , Lapo María , Beroiza Katherine , Concha-Salgado Andrés , Riquelme-Segura Leonor , Sepúlveda José A. , Reutter Karol
Published: January 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic changed the work-family interface dynamics in some families. For couples who kept earning a double income during the pandemic, their family demands may entail a loss of psychological resources that affect the work domain. This study explored the intra-individual and inter-individual (crossover) direct and indirect effects of family-to-work conflict (FtoWC) on psychological distress and job satisfaction in a non-probabilistic sample of 860 different-sex dual-earner parents with adolescent children from Temuco and Rancagua, Chile. Mothers and fathers answered an online questionnaire measuring FtoWC, the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale, and the Overall Job Satisfaction Scale. The data were analyzed using the actor-partner interdependence model with structural equation modeling. Results showed that a higher FtoWC is linked to greater psychological distress and lower job satisfaction in both parents. In contrast, psychological distress is directly linked to lower job satisfaction in fathers. In both fathers and mothers, they and their partners’ FtoWC were indirectly linked to lower job satisfaction via the fathers’ psychological distress. These findings indicate the need for gender-sensitive social and labor policies aimed at reducing the conflict between family and work to increase job satisfaction in both parents and reduce psychological distress, particularly in fathers.
Diallyl Trisulfide Induces ROS-Mediated Mitotic Arrest and Apoptosis and Inhibits HNSCC Tumor Growth and Cancer Stemness
Authors: Mathan Sivapar V. , Singh Ragini , Kim Su-Hyeong , Singh Shivendra V. , Singh Rana P.
Published: January 2024

Despite advances in therapeutic approaches, the five-year survival rate for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients is still less than fifty percent. Research has indicated that the consumption of Allium vegetables or processed garlic containing diallyl trisulfide (DATS) can lower the risk of multiple types of cancer. Nevertheless, the effectiveness and underlying mechanisms of DATS against HNSCC have not been thoroughly explored until the current study. In this research, it was found that DATS notably curtailed the growth and viability of HNSCC cells. Additionally, DATS triggered a significant G2/M cell cycle arrest in these cells, accumulating cyclin B1, Cip1/p21, and Ser-10 phospho-histone H3—this was indicative of mitotic arrest attenuated by NAC pretreatment, suggesting the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induction. The production of ROS induced by DATS led to DNA damage and apoptosis, a process associated with elevated levels of cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved PARP, along with reduced XIAP. When HNSCC cells were exposed to pharmacological concentrations of DATS, it resulted in the suppression of cancer stem cell (CSC) populations, as indicated by a decrease in the CD133high/CD44high cell fraction, reduced aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1) activity, inhibited spheroid formation and downregulated SOX2 and Oct4 expression. Furthermore, the administration of DATS to tumor xenografts demonstrated its in vivo capacity to hinder CSCs. Further, DATS treatment inhibited the growth of UMSCC-22B head and neck cancer tumor xenograft in immunocompromised mice. Overall, DATS inhibited cell proliferation; induced cell cycle mitotic arrest and apoptosis involving DNA damage through ROS generation; reduced the CSC fraction and spheroid formation; and downregulated SOX2 and Oct4 expression. More importantly, DATS inhibited HNSCC tumor growth and CSC fraction in vivo. Thus, DATS could be a potential anticancer agent that can be used against head and neck cancer.
COVID-19 Outcomes in Patients with Hematologic Malignancies in the Era of COVID-19 Vaccination and the Omicron Variant
Authors: Martínez-López Joaquín , de la Cruz Javier , Gil-Manso Rodrigo , Yuste Víctor Jiménez , Aspa-Cilleruelo José María , Escobar Cristian Escolano , López-Jiménez Javier , Duarte Rafael , Yerovi Cristina Jacome , Hernández-Rivas José-Ángel , Herráez Regina , Quiroz-Cervantes Keina , Bustelos-Rodriguez Rosalía , Benavente Celina , Martínez Barranco Pilar , Bastos Oteiro Mariana , Alegre Adrián , Pérez-Oteyza Jaime , Ruiz Elena , Marcheco-Pupo Eriel Alexis , Cedillo Ángel , de Soto Álvarez Teresa , García Ramirez Patricia , Alonso Trillo Rosalía , Herrera Pilar , Bengochea Casado María Luisa , Arroyo Barea Andrés , Martin De Bustamante Jose Manuel , Ortiz Javier , Calbacho Robles María , García-Suárez Julio
Published: January 2024

A greater understanding of clinical trends in COVID-19 outcomes among patients with hematologic malignancies (HM) over the course of the pandemic, particularly the Omicron era, is needed. This ongoing, observational, and registry-based study with prospective data collection evaluated COVID-19 clinical severity and mortality in 1818 adult HM patients diagnosed with COVID-19 between 27 February 2020 and 1 October 2022, at 31 centers in the Madrid region of Spain. Of these, 1281 (70.5%) and 537 (29.5%) were reported in the pre-Omicron and Omicron periods, respectively. Overall, patients aged ≥70 years (odds ratio 2.16, 95% CI 1.64–2.87), with >1 comorbidity (2.44, 1.85–3.21), or with an underlying HM of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (1.64, 1.19–2.27), had greater odds of severe/critical COVID-19; odds were lower during the Omicron BA.1/BA.2 (0.28, 0.2–0.37) or BA.4/BA.5 (0.13, 0.08–0.19) periods and among patients vaccinated with one or two (0.51, 0.34–0.75) or three or four (0.22, 0.16–0.29) doses. The hospitalization rate (75.3% [963/1279], 35.7% [191/535]), rate of intensive care admission (30.0% [289/963], 14.7% [28/191]), and mortality rate overall (31.9% [409/1281], 9.9% [53/536]) and in hospitalized patients (41.3% [398/963], 22.0% [42/191]) decreased from the pre-Omicron to Omicron period. Age ≥70 years was the only factor associated with higher mortality risk in both the pre-Omicron (hazard ratio 2.57, 95% CI 2.03–3.25) and Omicron (3.19, 95% CI 1.59–6.42) periods. Receipt of prior stem cell transplantation, COVID-19 vaccination(s), and treatment with nirmatrelvir/ritonavir or remdesivir were associated with greater survival rates. In conclusion, COVID-19 mortality in HM patients has decreased considerably in the Omicron period; however, mortality in hospitalized HM patients remains high. Specific studies should be undertaken to test new treatments and preventive interventions in HM patients.
HuR (ELAVL1) Stabilizes SOX9 mRNA and Promotes Migration and Invasion in Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Morillo-Bernal Jesús , Pizarro-García Patricia , Moreno-Bueno Gema , Cano Amparo , Mazón María J. , Eraso Pilar , Portillo Francisco
Published: January 2024

RNA-binding proteins play diverse roles in cancer, influencing various facets of the disease, including proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, senescence, invasion, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), and metastasis. HuR, a known RBP, is recognized for stabilizing mRNAs containing AU-rich elements (AREs), although its complete repertoire of mRNA targets remains undefined. Through a bioinformatics analysis of the gene expression profile of the Hs578T basal-like triple-negative breast cancer cell line with silenced HuR, we have identified SOX9 as a potential HuR-regulated target. SOX9 is a transcription factor involved in promoting EMT, metastasis, survival, and the maintenance of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in triple-negative breast cancer. Ribonucleoprotein immunoprecipitation assays confirm a direct interaction between HuR and SOX9 mRNA. The half-life of SOX9 mRNA and the levels of SOX9 protein decreased in cells lacking HuR. Cells silenced for HuR exhibit reduced migration and invasion compared to control cells, a phenotype similar to that described for SOX9-silenced cells.
Sirt6-Mediated Cell Death Associated with Sirt1 Suppression in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Seo Ji Hyun , Ryu Somi , Cheon So Young , Lee Seong-Jun , Won Seong-Jun , Yim Chae Dong , Lee Hyun-Jin , Hah Young-Sool , Park Jung Je
Published: January 2024

Background: Gastric cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer-related death, is strongly associated with H. pylori infection, although other risk factors have been identified. The sirtuin (Sirt) family is involved in the tumorigenesis of gastric cancer, and sirtuins can have pro- or anti-tumorigenic effects. Methods: After determining the overall survival rate of gastric cancer patients with or without Sirt6 expression, the effect of Sirt6 upregulation was also tested using a xenograft mouse model. The regulation of Sirt6 and Sirt1, leading to the induction of mouse double minute 2 homolog (MDM2) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), was mainly analyzed using Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining, and gastric cancer cell (SNU-638) death associated with these proteins was measured using flow cytometric analysis. Results: Sirt6 overexpression led to Sirt1 suppression in gastric cancer cells, resulting in a higher level of gastric cancer cell death in vitro and a reduced tumor volume. ROS and MDM2 expression levels were upregulated by Sirt6 overexpression and/or Sirt1 suppression according to Western blot analysis. The upregulated ROS ultimately led to gastric cancer cell death as determined via Western blot and flow cytometric analysis. Conclusion: We found that the upregulation of Sirt6 suppressed Sirt1, and Sirt6- and Sirt1-induced gastric cancer cell death was mediated by ROS production. These findings highlight the potential of Sirt6 and Sirt1 as therapeutic targets for treating gastric cancer.
An Innovative Multi-Objective Rescheduling System for Mitigating Pandemic Spread in Aviation Networks
Authors: Yuan Yujie , Wang Yantao , Jiang Xiushan , Lai Chun Sing
Published: January 2024

The novel coronavirus outbreak has significantly heightened environmental costs and operational challenges for civil aviation airlines, prompting emergency airport closures in affected regions and a substantial decline in ridership. The consequential need to reassess, delay, or cancel flight itineraries has led to disruptions at airports, amplifying the risk of disease transmission. In response, this paper proposes a spatial approach to efficiently address pandemic spread in the civil aviation network. The methodology prioritizes the use of a static gravity model for calculating route-specific infection pressures, enabling strategic flight rescheduling to control infection levels at airports (nodes) and among airlines (edges). Temporally, this study considers intervals between takeoffs and landings to minimize crowd gatherings, mitigating the novel coronavirus transmission rate. By constructing a discrete space–time network for irregular flights, this research generates a viable set of routes for aircraft operating in special circumstances, minimizing both route-specific infection pressures and operational costs for airlines. Remarkably, the introduced method demonstrates substantial savings, reaching almost 53.4%, compared to traditional plans. This showcases its efficacy in optimizing responses to pandemic-induced disruptions within the civil aviation network, offering a comprehensive solution that balances operational efficiency and public health considerations in the face of unprecedented challenges.
The Effect of Steaming Beech, Birch and Maple Woods on Qualitative Indicators of the Surface
Authors: Dudiak Michal , Kminiak Richard , Banski Adrián , Chuchala Daniel
Published: January 2024

This work presents the effect of steaming beech, birch and maple woods on the resulting quality of the milled wood surface. The steaming process of the studied woods results in a targeted change in the color of the wood, which changes from the original light white-gray color to fine reddish-brown to dark brown color shades that are more or less saturated depending on the temperature of the saturated water steam. The color changes achieved during the modification process were identified using coordinates in the CIE L*a*b* color space. The achieved color changes were described through the total color difference of ΔE* and defined through classification grades using a color scale. The technological process of wood steaming with saturated water steam for the purpose of a targeted change in the color of the wood and experimental measurements of the roughness of the milled wood surface proved that the wood steaming process has a positive effect on the roughness of the wood surface of the investigated trees, depending on the steaming temperature. The reduction of roughness in the process of the modification of beech wood compared with native wood was at the temperature of the saturated water steam as follows: tI = 105 ± 2.5 °C by Ra = 12.3%, at tII = 125 ± 2.5 °C by Ra = 15.4%, at tIII = 135 ± 2.5 °C by Ra = 16.9%. By modifying birch wood at tIII = 135 ± 2.5 °C, the roughness decreased by Ra = 13.4%; the surface roughness decreased by Ra = 15.8% compared with native wood by modifying maple wood. The roughness of the milled surface of modified wood in individual treatment modes decreased compared with native wood, which means that the milled surface of modified wood is of a better quality, which is positive for its practical use.
The Influence of Boron and Carbon Addition on the Glass Formation and Mechanical Properties of High Entropy (Fe, Co, Ni, Cr, Mo)-(B, C) Glassy Alloys
Authors: Kong Fanli , Inoue Akihisa , Wang Fang , Chang Chuntao
Published: January 2024

Coatings made from metallic glasses are a promising solution for protecting surfaces of materials in various challenging environments. From an engineering perspective, glassy alloy coatings containing carbon are of greater importance compared to those without carbon but containing boron. Despite anticipating improved coating characteristics, there is no data on using high entropy glassy alloy as a coating material. In this paper, we investigated the influence of the simultaneous addition of boron and carbon elements on the glass-forming ability, thermal stability, crystallization behavior, yield strength, hardness, and corrosion resistance of high entropy (Fe, Co, Ni, Cr, Mo)-(B, C) glassy alloys. It was found that the content of boron and carbon had a significant effect on the improvements of glass-forming ability, mechanical properties, and corrosion resistance. The (Fe0.25Co0.25Ni0.25Cr0.125Mo0.125)75(B0.7C0.3)25 bulk glassy alloy exhibits high glass-forming ability, high yield strength of 3500 MPa, Vickers hardness of 1240, and the highest corrosion resistance among the alloys. We also discussed the reason for their good engineering properties, and the possibility of using high entropy glassy alloys as coating materials, in addition to the guidelines for designing high-performance multicomponent glassy alloys.
Effect of Micro-Dimple Texture on the Tribological Performance of Brass with Titanium Nitride (TiN) Coating under Oil-Lubricated Conditions
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Chen Juan , Ji Binbin , Zhou Jie , Zeng Liangcai , Yang Yuping
Published: January 2024

Surface texture and titanium nitride (TiN) coating have been established as effective methods for enhancing the tribological property of mechanical friction pairs. This study aims to investigate the tribological performance of dimple-textured surfaces with TiN coating under oil-lubricated conditions using a pin-on-disc wear experiment. Four types of pin samples with various end surfaces were designed, including bare rod samples, TiN-coated samples, textured samples, and TiN-coated/textured samples. The surface texture consists of a series of cylindrical micro-dimples with a diameter of 150 μm and a depth of 40 μm fabricated on the end surface of the pin. TiN coating treatment on the textured surface of the end face was performed by vacuum sputtering coating equipment. The study focuses on measuring and comparatively analyzing the friction coefficient, wear morphology, and binding force of the pin-disc friction pairs among the experiments. Compared with bare rod samples, TiN-coated/textured samples will reduce the friction coefficient (COF) of the pin-on-disc friction pair by at least 20% under oil-lubricated conditions in a 50 N normal contact load. The results indicate that the synergistic effect of dimple surface texture and TiN coating optimizes friction performance and reduces wear, highlighting the novelty of this study. Furthermore, the study identifies the hydrodynamic lubrication effect of the surface morphology formed by the dimple surface texture as a key factor in improving lubrication performance and reducing friction. Additionally, the dimple surface texture enables the mitigation of third body wear due to the wear debris storage function of the micro-dimples. This research provides valuable insights for the design and fabrication of mechanical friction pairs with high wear resistance under oil-lubricated conditions.
The Constitutive Equation-Based Recrystallization Mechanism of Ti-6Al-4V Alloy during Superplastic Forming
Authors: Chang Caihong , Yang Junzhou
Published: January 2024

The present paper is concerned with the dynamic recrystallization of the Ti-6Al-4V alloy. Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) observations are performed after high-temperatures tensile tests, with the temperature ranging from 700 to ~950 °C, and the strain rates varying between 10−4 and 10−2/s. Based on the analysis of flow behavior, the dominant mechanism is identified, and a mechanism map is proposed. In particular, the conditions of 890 °C and strain rates ranging from 10−3 to ~10−2/s serve as the delineating boundary of dynamic recovery (DRV) and dynamic recrystallization (DRX). For superplastic deformation, the dominant softening mechanism is DRV. Consequently, the occurrence of continuous dynamic recrystallization (CDRX) can naturally be ascribed to the process of grain refinement. Then, a multi-scales physical-based constitutive model of CDRX is developed, demonstrating a good agreement is obtained between the experimental and calculated grain sizes, so the above model could be used to describe the grain growth for superplastic deformation. In conclusion, DRV and DRX in the superplastic forming of Ti-6Al-4V are studied in this study, the condition boundaries of their occurrence are distinguished, and a constitutive equation-based CDRX recrystallization mechanism is given, which might be employed in the fracture mechanism research.
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of TiC/WC-Reinforced AlCoCrFeNi High-Entropy Alloys Prepared by Laser Cladding
Authors: Zhu Zhikai , Shi Wenqing , Huang Jiang
Published: January 2024

By employing the technology of laser cladding, AlCoCrFeNi–TiC20−x/WCx high-entropy alloy coatings (where x = 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 is the mass fraction) were fabricated on 316L stainless steel (316Lss). The effects of changes in different mass fractions on the morphology, phase composition, microstructure, microhardness, and corrosion resistance of the composite coatings were studied. This demonstrates that the addition of TiC and WC powder produces an FCC phase in the original BCC phase, the morphology and size of the coatings from top to bottom undergo some changes with x, and the grain size evolution follows a cooling rate law. The evolution of microhardness and corrosion resistance of the coatings exhibit a trend of increasing first and then decreasing with an increase in x. The coatings exhibited their best microhardness and corrosion resistance when x = 15, and their corrosion resistance and microhardness were much better than those of the substrate.
Lead-Free Double Perovskites: A Review of the Structural, Optoelectronic, Mechanical, and Thermoelectric Properties Derived from First-Principles Calculations, and Materials Design Applicable for Pedagogical Purposes
Authors: Obada David O. , Akinpelu Shittu B. , Abolade Simeon A. , Okafor Emmanuel , Ukpong Aniekan M. , Kumar R Syam , Akande Akinlolu
Published: January 2024

Metal halide perovskite materials have shown significant advancements in their application as light absorbers in perovskite solar cells, with power conversion efficiencies reaching 27%. However, lead-based perovskites pose a concern due to their toxicity and stability issues in moisture, UV radiation, and heat. This has led to a pressing need to explore substitute materials that do not contain lead but maintain the remarkable characteristics of lead-based perovskites. This review article focuses on halide double perovskites characterised by the A2B’B”X6 composition, highlighting their structural, optical, thermoelectric, and mechanical capabilities. Additionally, the review evaluates several materials databases to investigate materials suitable for high-throughput first-principles calculations integrated inside density functional theory. The review aims to identify novel perovskite materials, offer a thorough evaluation of the potential benefits and drawbacks associated with this class of materials, and, from the pedagogical standpoint, discover effective instructional frameworks.
Cavity Shave Margins in Breast Conservative Surgery a Strategy to Reduce Positive Margins and Surgical Time
Authors: Vanni Gianluca , Pellicciaro Marco , Renelli Giulia , Materazzo Marco , Sadri Amir , Marsella Valentina Enrica , Tacconi Federico , Bastone Sebastiano Angelo , Longo Benedetto , Di Mauro Giordana , Cervelli Valerio , Berretta Massimiliano , Buonomo Oreste Claudio
Published: January 2024

Background: Resection of additional tissue circumferentially around the cavity left by lumpectomy (cavity shave) was suggested to reduce rates of positive margins and re-excision. Methods: A single center retrospective study which analyzed margins status, re-excision, and surgical time in patients who underwent breast conserving surgery and cavity shave or intraoperative evaluation of resection margins. Results: Between 2021 and 2023, 594 patients were enrolled in the study. In patients subjected to cavity shave, a significant reduction in positive, focally positive, or closer margins was reported 8.9% vs. 18.5% (p = 0.003). No difference was reported in terms of surgical re-excision (p < 0.846) (5% vs. 5.5%). Surgical time was lower in patients subjected to cavity shave (<0.001). The multivariate analysis intraoperative evaluation of sentinel lymph node OR 1.816 and cavity shave OR 2.909 were predictive factors for a shorter surgical time. Excluding patients subjected to intraoperative evaluation of sentinel lymph node and patients with ductal carcinoma in situ, patients that underwent the cavity shave presented a reduced surgical time (67.9 + 3.8 min vs. 81.6 + 2.8 min) (p = 0.006). Conclusions: Cavity shaving after lumpectomy reduced the rate of positive margins and it was associated with a significant reduction in surgical time compared to intraoperative evaluation of resection margins.
Observations on the Antagonistic Relationships between Fungi, Archaea, and Bacteria in Livingston Island (Maritime Antarctica) with the Use of Amplicon-Based Metagenomics
Authors: Dimov Svetoslav G. , Doytchinov Vesselin V. , Neykov Neyko , Muleshkova Tsvetana , Kenderov Lyubomir , Ilieva Ralitsa , Georgieva Miteva Dimitrina , Kitanova Meglena , Peykov Slavil , Iliev Mihail
Published: January 2024

An amplicon-based metagenomic survey of archaea, fungi, and bacteria was performed on Livingston Island, Maritime Antarctica. In many of the samples, patterns of antagonism between these three superkingdoms were observed in the form of an inversely proportional dependence of the richnesses of the three types of microorganisms. The antagonism was quantified—based on the observed numbers of the total tags and the numbers of the operational taxonomic units (OTUs), and on four alpha diversity parameters—using the Shannon, the Simpson, the Chao1, and the ACE indices. We found that the most discriminative results in the antagonism measuring were obtained when the numbers of the OTUs and the ACE community richness estimator were compared. The antagonism between archaea and fungi was most potent, followed by that of archaea and bacteria. The fungi–bacteria antagonism was slightly detectable. Pearson and Spearman correlation analyses also showed a statistically significant negative correlation between the fungal and archaeal effective tags, while the correlation between archaeal and bacterial diversity was positive. Indications of the order of primary microbial succession in barren ecological niches were also observed, demonstrating that archaea and bacteria are the pioneers, followed by fungi, which would displace archaea over time.
Relationship of Serum Uric Acid with Kidney Function Decline Mediated by Systemic Arterial Stiffness: A Retrospective Cohort Study in Japan
Authors: Nagayama Daiji , Watanabe Yasuhiro , Fujishiro Kentaro , Suzuki Kenji , Shirai Kohji , Saiki Atsuhito
Published: January 2024

Hyperuricemia is associated with kidney function decline (KFD), although whether hyperuricemia directly causes nephrotoxicity or is indirectly mediated by systemic arterial stiffening remains unclear. We examined the detailed relationship of serum uric acid (SUA) with KFD and potential mediation by arterial stiffness. Study population was 27,648 urban residents with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2 at baseline, and they participated in a median of three consecutive annual health examinations. Arterial stiffness was assessed using cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI). KFD was defined as a decrease in eGFR to below 60. Multivariate analysis showed an association between baseline SUA and CAVI independent of eGFR. During the study period, 6.6% of participants developed KFD. Stratified analysis revealed a linear relationship between the contribution of CAVI or SUA and KFD. ROC analysis determined a cutoff CAVI of 8.0 (males) or 7.9 (females) and a cutoff SUA of 6.3 (males) or 4.5 mg/dL (females) for predicting KFD. The linkage between SUA and CAVI was associated with a greater increase in the hazard ratio for KFD with an increase in SUA. CAVI showed the mediating effect on the relationship of SUA with KFD after an adjustment for confounders. SUA was associated positively with CAVI-mediated KFD. Further studies should verify whether intensive SUA-lowering treatment prevents KFD via improving vascular function.
Parents’ Involvement in Choosing Extracurricular Sports Activities: A Gendered Perspective from Israel
Authors: Levental Orr , Lev-Arey Dalit , Tamir Ilan
Published: January 2024

This study explores the multifaceted motivations behind parental decisions to enroll their children in organized sports, with a focus on how these decisions intersect with gender norms and values. Through qualitative interviews with mothers and fathers in Israel, this research uncovers a complex interplay between societal expectations, personal values, and the gender identities of both parents and children. A thematic analysis of the interviews revealed that despite a societal shift towards more gender-neutral perspectives, traditional gender roles persist, particularly in the attitudes of fathers towards the sports participation of their sons. This research identifies a paradox where girls are encouraged to participate in a broader range of sports, including those traditionally viewed as masculine, while boys face more restrictions, particularly against engaging in sports perceived as feminine. Mothers generally exhibit more flexibility in challenging gender norms, suggesting the potential for gradual change in future generations. This study’s findings contribute to the understanding of how parental guidance shapes children’s sports involvement and the perpetuation or challenging of gender norms within this context. Future research could benefit from a broader, more diverse sample and a mixed-methods approach to enhance generalizability and reduce potential biases.
Visible Light Positioning-Based Robot Localization and Navigation
Authors: Chew Moi-Tin , Alam Fakhrul , Noble Frazer K. , Legg Mathew , Gupta Gourab Sen
Published: January 2024

Visible light positioning or VLP has been identified as a promising technique for accurate indoor localization utilizing pre-existing lighting infrastructure. Robot navigation is one of the many potential applications of VLP. Recent literature shows a small number of works on robots being controlled by fusing location information acquired via VLP that uses a rolling shutter effect camera as a receiver with other sensor data. This paper, in contrast, reports on the experimental performance of a cartesian robot that was controlled solely by a VLP system using a cheap photodiode-based receiver rigidly attached to the robot’s end-effector. The receiver’s position was computed using an inverse-Lambertian function for ranging followed by multi-lateration. We developed two novel methods to leverage the VLP as an online navigation system to control the robot. The position acquired from the VLP was used by the algorithms to determine the direction the robot needed to move. The developed algorithms guided the end-effector to move from a starting point to target/destination point(s) in a discrete manner, determined by a pre-determined step size. Our experiments consisted of the robot autonomously repeating straight line-, square- and butterfly-shaped paths multiple times. The results show median errors of 27.16 mm and 26.05 mm and 90 percentile errors of 37.04 mm and 47.48 mm, respectively, for the two methods.
Digital Twin Framework for Built Environment: A Review of Key Enablers
Authors: Piras Giuseppe , Agostinelli Sofia , Muzi Francesco
Published: January 2024

The emergence of Digital Twin (DT) technology presents unique opportunities for society by facilitating real-time data transfer from the physical environment to its digital counterpart. Although progress has been made in various industry sectors such as aerospace, the Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Operation (AECO) sector still requires further advancements, like the adoption of these technologies over traditional approaches. The use of these technologies should become standard practice rather than an advanced operation. This paper aims to address the existing gap by presenting a comprehensive framework that integrates technologies and concepts derived from purpose-driven case studies and research studies across different industries. The framework is designed to provide best practices for the AECO sector. Moreover, it aims to underscores the potential of DT for optimization through overseeing and digital management of the built environment across the entire life cycle of facilities, encompassing design, construction, operation, and maintenance. It is based on an extensive literature review and presents a holistic approach to outlining the roles of Building Information Modelling (BIM), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Internet of Things (IoT), and other key enablers within the DT environment. These digital tools facilitating the simultaneous evaluation of associated benefits, such as resource savings and future prospects, like monitoring project sustainability objectives.
Electrochemical Synthesis of Ammonia via Nitrogen Reduction and Oxygen Evolution Reactions—A Comprehensive Review on Electrolyte-Supported Cells
Authors: Vieri Hizkia Manuel , Kim Moo-Chang , Badakhsh Arash , Choi Sun Hee
Published: January 2024

The application of protonic ceramic electrolysis cells (PCECs) for ammonia (NH3) synthesis has been evaluated over the past 14 years. While nitrogen (N2) is the conventional fuel on the cathode side, various fuels such as methane (CH4), hydrogen (H2), and steam (H2O) have been investigated for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) on the anode side. Because H2 is predominantly produced through CO2-emitting methane reforming, H2O has been the conventional carbon-free option thus far. Although the potential of utilizing H2O and N2 as fuels is considerable, studies exploring this specific combination remain limited. PCEC fabrication technologies are being developed extensively, thus necessitating a comprehensive review. Several strategies for electrode fabrication, deposition, and electrolyte design are discussed herein. The progress in electrode development for PCECs has also been delineated. Finally, the existing challenges and prospective outlook of PCEC for NH3 synthesis are analyzed and discussed. The most significant finding is the lack of past research involving PCEC with H2O and N2 as fuel configurations and the diversity of nitrogen reduction reaction catalysts. This review indicates that the maximum NH3 synthesis rate is 14 × 10−9 mol cm−2 s−1, and the maximum current density for the OER catalyst is 1.241 A cm−2. Moreover, the pellet electrolyte thickness must be maintained at approximately 0.8–1.5 mm, and the stability of thin-film electrolytes must be improved.
Hierarchical Blocking Control for Mitigating Cascading Failures in Power Systems with Wind Power Integration
Authors: Cheng Lun , Wang Tao , Wu Yuhang , Gao Zeming , Ji Ning
Published: January 2024

The increasing uncertainty of wind power brings greater challenges to the control for mitigation of cascading failures. In order to minimize the risk of cascading failures in large-scale wind power systems at a lower economic cost, a multi-stage blocking control model is proposed based on sensitivity analysis. Firstly, the propagation mechanism of cascading failures in power systems with wind power integration is analyzed, and the propagation path of such failures is predicted. Subsequently, sensitive lines that are prone to failure are identified using the power sensitivity matrix, taking into account the effects of blocking control on the propagation path. By constraining the power flow of these sensitive lines, a multi-stage blocking control model for the predicted cascading failure path is proposed with the objective of minimizing the control cost and cascading failure probability. Based on probabilistic optimal power flow calculations, the constraints related to wind power uncertainty are transformed into opportunity constraints. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed model, the IEEE 39-node system is used as an example, and the results show that the obtained control method is able to balance economy and safety. In addition, the control costs for the same initial failure are higher as the wind power penetration rates and confidence levels increase.
Techno-Economic Evaluation of Energy and CO2 Abatement Measures in Urban Environment: A Case Study in Malta
Authors: Azzopardi Brian , Zammit Matthew
Published: January 2024

Malta faces a significant challenge in reducing carbon emissions, with energy consumption in its 153,100 occupied residences contributing to 30% of CO2 emissions. This study focuses on a sample of an 1870s, 80 sq-m footprint, three-story residence, emblematic of similar properties facing marketability issues due to age, structure, and maintenance. The objective is to assess a techno-economic energy and CO2 abatement framework, including advanced lighting devices, appliances, photovoltaics, wind turbines, energy storage, and vehicle-to-grid possibilities. The research evaluates comfortability and calculates potential 25-year kWh reduction and cost savings for each measure. The findings demonstrate the feasibility of implementing diversified renewable and alternative energy sources in such residences. Over 25 years, approximately 250 MWh of energy could be mitigated, leading to a reduction of approximately 140 metric tons of carbon dioxide. The study emphasizes the importance of housing stock efficiency in both new construction and retrofitting, focusing on building performance for health, comfort, and living standards. While most systems are viable, further research is needed for system-wide strategy implementation, particularly in areas like energy storage and wind turbine solutions. The study concludes that adopting emerging technologies could be advantageous in minimizing system costs through innovative building-integrated designs.
Service Function Chain Deployment Algorithm Based on Deep Reinforcement Learning in Space–Air–Ground Integrated Network
Authors: Feng Xu , He Mengyang , Zhuang Lei , Song Yanrui , Peng Rumeng
Published: January 2024

SAGIN is formed by the fusion of ground networks and aircraft networks. It breaks through the limitation of communication, which cannot cover the whole world, bringing new opportunities for network communication in remote areas. However, many heterogeneous devices in SAGIN pose significant challenges in terms of end-to-end resource management, and the limited regional heterogeneous resources also threaten the QoS for users. In this regard, this paper proposes a hierarchical resource management structure for SAGIN, named SAGIN-MEC, based on a SDN, NFV, and MEC, aiming to facilitate the systematic management of heterogeneous network resources. Furthermore, to minimize the operator deployment costs while ensuring the QoS, this paper formulates a resource scheduling optimization model tailored to SAGIN scenarios to minimize energy consumption. Additionally, we propose a deployment algorithm, named DRL-G, which is based on heuristics and DRL, aiming to allocate heterogeneous network resources within SAGIN effectively. Experimental results showed that SAGIN-MEC can reduce the end-to-end delay by 6–15 ms compared to the terrestrial edge network, and compared to other algorithms, the DRL-G algorithm can improve the service request reception rate by up to 20%. In terms of energy consumption, it reduces the average energy consumption by 4.4% compared to the PG algorithm.
Cross-Layer Methods for Ad Hoc Networks—Review and Classification
Authors: Ivanov Valeriy , Tereshonok Maxim
Published: January 2024

The OSI model used to be a common network model for years. In the case of ad hoc networks with dynamic topology and difficult radio communications conditions, gradual departure is happening from the classical kind of OSI network model with a clear delineation of layers (physical, channel, network, transport, application) to the cross-layer approach. The layers of the network model in ad hoc networks strongly influence each other. Thus, the cross-layer approach can improve the performance of an ad hoc network by jointly developing protocols using interaction and collaborative optimization of multiple layers. The existing cross-layer methods classification is too complicated because it is based on the whole manifold of network model layer combinations, regardless of their importance. In this work, we review ad hoc network cross-layer methods, propose a new useful classification of cross-layer methods, and show future research directions in the development of ad hoc network cross-layer methods. The proposed classification can help to simplify the goal-oriented cross-layer protocol development.
Solutions to Fractional q-Kinetic Equations Involving Quantum Extensions of Generalized Hyper Mittag-Leffler Functions
Authors: Alqarni Mohammed Z. , Akel Mohamed , Abdalla Mohamed
Published: January 2024

This manuscript focuses on new generalizations of q-Mittag-Leffler functions, called generalized hyper q-Mittag-Leffler functions, and discusses their regions of convergence and various fractional q operators. Moreover, the solutions to the q-fractional kinetic equations in terms of the investigated generalized hyper q-Mittag-Leffler functions are obtained by applying the q-Sumudu integral transform. Furthermore, we present solutions obtained as numerical graphs using the MATLAB 2018 program.
Germline POT1 Variants: A Critical Perspective on POT1 Tumor Predisposition Syndrome
Authors: Andreotti Virginia , Vanni Irene , Pastorino Lorenza , Ghiorzo Paola , Bruno William
Published: January 2024

The Protection of Telomere 1 (POT1) gene was identified as a melanoma predisposition candidate nearly 10 years ago. Thereafter, various cancers have been proposed as associated with germline POT1 variants in the context of the so-called POT1 Predisposition Tumor Syndrome (POT1–TPD). While the key role, and related risks, of the alterations in POT1 in melanoma are established, the correlation between germline POT1 variants and the susceptibility to other cancers partially lacks evidence, due also to the rarity of POT1–TPD. Issues range from the absence of functional or segregation studies to biased datasets or the need for a revised classification of variants. Furthermore, a proposal of a surveillance protocol related to the cancers associated with POT1 pathogenic variants requires reliable data to avoid an excessive, possibly unjustified, burden for POT1 variant carriers. We propose a critical perspective regarding data published over the last 10 years that correlate POT1 variants to various types of cancer, other than cutaneous melanoma, to offer food for thought for the specialists who manage cancer predisposition syndromes and to stimulate a debate on the grey areas that have been exposed.
The Geotectonic Peculiarities of the North Caspian Permian Salt-Bearing Basins (Kazakhstan)
Authors: Zhemchuzhnikov Vyacheslav , Akhmetzhanov Aitbek , Ibrashev Kenzhebek , Akhmetzhanova Gauhar
Published: January 2024

This article examines the geotectonic and sedimentary features of the Upper Devonian–Carboniferous–Permian deposits of the North Caspian basin, represented by deposits of marine Paleozoic-isolated carbonate platforms formed during the subsidence of the basement on the passive continental margin. The top is covered by thick salt-bearing Kungurian deposits from the end of the Early Permian epoch. The formation of carbonate platforms is associated with a major tectonic restructuring of the basin at the turn of the Caledonian and Hercynian eras, when the Paleo-Tethys Ocean was formed and isolated carbonate islands began to grow in an open marine environment. The central part of the depression experienced a long and gradual subsidence that spanned the entire Paleozoic era and the beginning of the Mesozoic era. In the south and east, from the Devonian to the Permian periods, barriers were formed in the form of island carbonate massifs that separated the North Caspian basin from the Paleo-Tethys Ocean. During the formation of the salt-bearing basin, these barriers limited water exchange and ensured a one-way influx of sea water from the open ocean. As a result, at the end of the Permian period, thicker salts accumulated; however, during the collision of the continental massifs, an invasion of many kilometers of redbeds occurred. They initially stopped salt accumulation; however, gradually, in the north of the Caspian Sea during Roadian times, the salt accumulation continued. The post-Roadian time is associated with the influx of large quantities of redbed sediments, which caused gravitational instability in the underlying salt, and salt tectonics began with the formation of domal structures.