bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First Partner Choice in a Native Minority: The Role of Own and Parental Ethnolinguistic Affiliation
Authors: Uggla Caroline , Saarela Jan
Published: January 2024

Despite increasing diversity within many societies, ethnically endogamous unions remain common. In contexts where one ethnic minority has lived alongside the majority for centuries, understanding who partners with whom is central to understanding how ethnic boundaries are maintained or dissolved. This study examines the role of own and parental ethnolinguistic affiliation for the first partner choice in Finland. We provide a unique test of the relevance of ethnic endogamy across two generations, in a context where both groups are native, but one (Finnish speakers) overwhelmingly outnumbers the other (Swedish speakers). Using register data on the total population, we examine how a person’s ethnolinguistic affiliation and background affect the choice of the first cohabiting partner in terms of the partner’s ethnolinguistic affiliation and background. We apply discrete-time competing risk models for men and women born 1970–1983. Results indicate that Swedish-registered individuals with two Swedish-registered parents are, by far, the most likely to partner with another Swedish-registered person with endogamous background. Partnering with a Swedish-registered person with exogamous background is most likely among individuals who themselves come from mixed unions. Patterns are remarkably consistent across gender, and adjustments for education and residential area only marginally alter the results.
Exploring Archaeological Sites and the Transformative Power of Local Practices of Heritage in the Caribbean: A Haitian Case
Authors: Jean Joseph Sony
Published: January 2024

This article combines ethnographic and anthropological research with archaeology to explore the significance of archaeological sites as historical elements and their continuous reinterpretation in Haiti. By examining the connection of people with traces of colonial plantations, caves, and Indigenous rock art, this study contextualizes archaeology and heritage within the current social context. The research reveals archaeological sites are characterized by contemporary traces of uses by individuals today. These traces are associated with stories tied to renegotiations of meaning to places, and their contestation, construction of belonging, and memories are among the elements that make sense of heritage-making. The study emphasizes the importance of place meaning and heritage, offering valuable perspectives for future archaeological investigations and contributing to broader discourses on material history in the Caribbean.
Neuropeptide W facilitates chronic gastric ulcer healing by the regulation of cyclooxygenase and NF-κB signaling pathways
Authors: Arabacı Tamer Sevil , Mermer Kadriye Sezen , Erdoğan Ömer , Çevik Özge , Ercan Feriha , Bağcı Cahit , Yeğen Berrak Ç.
Published: January 2024

Aims

Putative beneficial effects of neuropeptide W (NPW) in the early phase of gastric ulcer healing process and the involvement of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes were investigated in an acetic acid-induced gastric ulcer model.

Main methods

In anesthetized male Sprague–Dawley rats, acetic acid was applied surgically on the serosa and then a COX-inhibitor (COX-2-selective NS-398, COX-1-selective ketorolac, or non-selective indomethacin; 2 mg/kg/day, 3 mg/kg/day or 5 mg/kg/day; respectively) or saline was injected intraperitoneally. One h after ulcer induction, omeprazole (20 mg/kg/day), NPW (0.1 μg/kg/day) or saline was intraperitoneally administered. Injections of NPW, COX-inhibitors, omeprazole or saline were continued for the following 2 days until rats were decapitated at the end of the third day.

Key findings

NPW treatment depressed gastric prostaglandin (PG) I2 level, but not PGE2 level. Similar to omeprazole, NPW treatment significantly reduced gastric and serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1 beta levels and depressed the upregulation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and COX-2 expressions due to ulcer. In parallel with the histopathological findings, treatment with NPW suppressed ulcer-induced increases in myeloperoxidase activity and malondialdehyde level and replenished glutathione level. However, the inhibitory effect of NPW on myeloperoxidase activity and NPW-induced increase in glutathione were not observed in the presence of COX-1 inhibitor ketorolac or the non-selective COX-inhibitor indomethacin.

Significance

In conclusion, NPW facilitated the healing of gastric injury in rats via the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokine production, oxidative stress and neutrophil infiltration as well as the downregulation of COX-2 protein and NF-κB gene expressions.
On the effects of intergovernmental grants: a survey
Authors: Lago Manuel E. , Lago-Peñas Santiago , Martinez-Vazquez Jorge
Published: January 2024

This paper offers a comprehensive and updated review of the effects of intergovernmental grants. We focus on the main findings in the existing literature on the effects of intergovernmental grants on tax policy and choices, expenditure decisions, fiscal stability and behavioral choices, and political economy. The intricate nature of the subject, intrinsically, does not allow for an all-inclusive survey, but we aim to provide a thorough examination and update of the most salient effects of intergovernmental grants, while indicating areas for further research.
Electrocatalytic performance of a nickel(II) phthalocyanine-carbon nanotube composite towards the detection of Hg2+ ions
Authors: Ngwenya Vuyelwa , Nelson Peter Nattaniel , Rhyman Lydia , Ramasami Ponnadurai , Booysen Irvin Noel , Mambanda Allen
Published: January 2024

A composite film of Ni(II) phthalocyanine bearing four benzothiazole (bs) substituents (2) and carboxylic-functionalised multi-walled carbon nanotubes (2-f-MWCNTs) was drop cast on an Au electrode and heated at 50 °C to form a new Au|2-f-MWCNTs sensor for detection of Hg(II) ions. The redox potentials of 2 were measured by cyclic voltammetry, and the processes were affirmed spectroelectrochemically. The nanocomposite of the 2-f-MWCNTs was characterised by Fourier transform Infrared and Raman spectroscopies, and Scanning electron Microscopy. Its electrocatalysis towards Hg(II) was probed by various voltammetric techniques showing higher Faradaic currents in standard redox solutions than the bare or SAMs of 2. Anodic stripping voltammgrams of Hg2+ ions at the Au|2-f-MWCNTs showed good electrocatalytic activity with a linear range spanning 14.4 μM and 1000 μM, and a precision of ± 4.2%. Electrode selectively detected Hg2+ ions in the presence of Pb2+ and Zn2+ ions, while its SWV scan for a mixture of Hg2+ and Cd2+ showed high background noise.

Graphic abstract
Mining Bodily Cues to Deception
Authors: Poppe Ronald , van der Zee Sophie , Taylor Paul J. , Anderson Ross J. , Veltkamp Remco C.
Published: January 2024

A significant body of research has investigated potential correlates of deception and bodily behavior. The vast majority of these studies consider discrete, subjectively coded bodily movements such as specific hand or head gestures. Such studies fail to consider quantitative aspects of body movement such as the precise movement direction, magnitude and timing. In this paper, we employ an innovative data mining approach to systematically study bodily correlates of deception. We re-analyze motion capture data from a previously published deception study, and experiment with different data coding options. We report how deception detection rates are affected by variables such as body part, the coding of the pose and movement, the length of the observation, and the amount of measurement noise. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of a data mining approach, with detection rates above 65%, significantly outperforming human judgement (52.80%). Owing to the systematic analysis, our analyses allow for an understanding of the importance of various coding factor. Moreover, we can reconcile seemingly discrepant findings in previous research. Our approach highlights the merits of data-driven research to support the validation and development of deception theory.
“We Never Stop Singing”: The Dynamics of the Mental and Physical Health of Czech Religious Pastors during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Kotherová Silvie , Müller Michal , Jedličková Lenka , Havlíček Jakub , Bubík Tomáš
Published: January 2024

This study explores the dynamics of coping strategies of Czech religious leaders during a peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. An interpretative phenomenological analysis reveals that mental health among pastors is closely linked to a need to maintain community and social contact, while physical health is related to limitations upon ritual elements. In all narratives, the lived experience of mental health in the form of prosocial behavior is significantly prioritized despite the possibility of spreading infection. The analysis also shows that maintaining the community is closely linked to risky behaviors, which positively affected group and individual well-being.
A Dynamic Logic of Data-Informed Knowledge
Authors: Deuser Kaya , Jiang Junli , Naumov Pavel , Zhang Wenxuan
Published: January 2024

With agents relying more and more on information from central servers rather than their own sensors, knowledge becomes property not of a specific agent but of the data that the agents can access. The article proposes a dynamic logic of data-informed knowledge that describes an interplay between three modalities and one relation capturing the properties of this form of knowledge. The main technical results are the undefinability of two dynamic operators through each other, a sound and complete axiomatisation, and a model checking algorithm.
On the effects of biased quantum random numbers on the initialization of artificial neural networks
Authors: Heese Raoul , Wolter Moritz , Mücke Sascha , Franken Lukas , Piatkowski Nico
Published: January 2024

Recent advances in practical quantum computing have led to a variety of cloud-based quantum computing platforms that allow researchers to evaluate their algorithms on noisy intermediate-scale quantum devices. A common property of quantum computers is that they can exhibit instances of true randomness as opposed to pseudo-randomness obtained from classical systems. Investigating the effects of such true quantum randomness in the context of machine learning is appealing, and recent results vaguely suggest that benefits can indeed be achieved from the use of quantum random numbers. To shed some more light on this topic, we empirically study the effects of hardware-biased quantum random numbers on the initialization of artificial neural network weights in numerical experiments. We find no statistically significant difference in comparison with unbiased quantum random numbers as well as biased and unbiased random numbers from a classical pseudo-random number generator. The quantum random numbers for our experiments are obtained from real quantum hardware.
Triphenyltin isoselenocyanate: a novel nuclear retinoid X receptor ligand with antiproliferative and cytotoxic properties in cell lines derived from human breast cancer
Authors: Macejova Dana , Kollar Jakub , Bobal Pavel , Otevrel Jan , Schuster Daniela , Brtko Julius
Published: January 2024

Several commercially available triorganotin compounds were previously found to function as agonist ligands for nuclear retinoid X receptor (RXR) molecules. Triphenyltin isoselenocyanate (TPT-NCSe), a novel selenium atom containing a derivative of triorganotin origin, was found to represent a new cognate bioactive ligand for RXRs. TPT-NCSe displayed a concentration- and time-dependent decrease in the cell viability in both human breast carcinoma MCF-7 (estrogen receptor positive) and MDA‑MB‑231 (triple negative) cell lines. Reactive oxygen species levels generated in response to TPT-NCSe were significantly higher in both carcinoma cell lines treated with TPT-NCSe when compared to mock-treated samples. Treatment with 500 nM TPT-NCSe caused a decrease in SOD1 and increased SOD2 mRNA in MCF-7 cells. The levels of SOD2 mRNA were more increased following the treatment with TPT-NCSe along with 1 μM all-trans retinoic acid (AtRA) in MCF-7 cells. An increased superoxide dismutase SOD1 and SOD2 mRNA levels were also detected in combination treatment of 500 nM TPT-NCSe and 1 μM AtRA in TPT-NCSe-treated MDA-MB-231 cells. The data have also shown that TPT-NCSe induces apoptosis via a caspase cascade triggered by the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. TPT-NCSe modulates the expression levels of apoptosis‑related proteins, Annexin A5, Bcl‑2 and BAX family proteins, and finally, it enhances the expression levels of its cognate nuclear receptor subtypes RXRalpha and RXRbeta.
The Clinical Evolutions of Surveillance and Violence During Three Contemporary US Crises: Opioid Overdose, COVID-19, and Racial Reckoning
Authors: Knight Kelly Ray
Published: January 2024

In 2020, three crises coalesced to transform the clinical care landscape of addiction medicine in the United States (US). The opioid overdose crisis (crisis #1), which had been contributing to excess US mortality for over two decades, worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic (crisis #2). The racial reckoning (crisis #3) spurred by the murder of George Floyd at the hands of police impacted clinical care, especially in safety net clinical settings where the majority of people targeted by police violence, and other forms of structural violence, receive healthcare to mend both physical and psychological wounds. Collectively, the three crises changed how providers and patients viewed their experiences of clinical surveillance and altered their relationships to the violence of US healthcare. Drawing from two different research studies conducted during the years preceding and during the COVID-19 pandemic (2017–2022) with low income, safety net patients at risk for opioid overdose and their care providers, I analyze the relationship between surveillance and violence in light of changes wrought by these three intersecting health and social crises. I suggest that shifting perceptions about surveillance and violence contributed to clinical care innovations that offer greater patient autonomy and transform critical components of addiction medicine care practice.
Noise signature identification using mobile phones for indoor localization
Authors: King Sayde , Pinder Samann , Fernandez-Lanvin Daniel , González García Cristian , De Andrés Javier , Labrador Miguel
Published: January 2024

Indoor localization is still nowadays a challenge with room to improve. Even though there are many different approaches that have evidenced as effective, most of them require specific hardware or infrastructure deployed along the building that can be discarded in many potential scenarios. Others that do not require such on-site infrastructure, like inertial navigation-based systems, entail certain accuracy problems due to the accumulation of errors. However, this error-accumulation can be mitigated using beacons that support the recalibration of the system. The more frequently beacons are detected, the smaller will be the accumulated error. In this work, we evaluate the use of the noise signature of the rooms of a building to pinpoint the current location of a low-cost Android device. Despite this strategy is not a complete indoor localization system (two rooms could share the same signature), it allows us to generate beacons automatically. The noise recorded by the device is preprocessed performing audio filtering, audio frame segmentation, and feature extraction. We evaluated binary (determining if the ambient sound recording belonged to a specific room) and multi-class (identifying which room an ambient noise recording belonged to by comparing it amongst the remaining 18 rooms from the original 19 rooms sampled) classification methods. Our results indicate that the two Stacking techniques and K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) machine learning classifier are the most successful methods in binary classification with an average accuracy of 99.19%, 99,08%, and 99.04%. In multi-class classification the average accuracy for KNN is 90.77%, and 90.52% and 90.15% for both Voting techniques.
A History Matching Study for the FluidFlower Benchmark Project
Authors: Tian Xiaoming , Wapperom Michiel , Gunning James , Jackson Samuel , Wilkins Andy , Green Chris , Ennis-King Jonathan , Voskov Denis
Published: January 2024

In this study, we conduct a comprehensive history matching study for the FluidFlower benchmark model. This benchmark was prepared and organized by the University of Bergen, the University of Stuttgart, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, for promoting understanding of the complex physics of geological carbon storage (GCS) through in-house experiments and numerical simulations. This paper synthesizes the experiences of history matching the benchmark data encountered by the Delft-DARTS and CSIRO participants. History matching is first performed based on a low-dimensional-zonated structured model using a simple Poisson-like solver. The permeability of six facies and two faults is inferred in this stage to match the digitized concentration data. The history matching is then further enhanced to richer spatial and physical models to capture the spatial variation of permeability and buoyancy effects, using an unstructured grid. Efficient adjoint methods are used to evaluate the gradient used in the optimization of data misfits or equivalent Bayesian log-likelihoods. With efficient optimization methods available for both maximum a posteriori model inference and Randomized Maximum Likelihood methods for model uncertainty, we perform history matching using both binary and continuous concentration observations. The results show that the tracer plumes in the enriched model match the experimental plumes more accurately compared with the results from the parsimonious-zonated model. The history matching results based on the concentration observations provide more similar plume shapes compared with the case based on the binary observations. The permeability difference between the model before and after history matching reveals that the tracer plume zone and the high permeable zone are the regions of high sensitivity in terms of data misfit between the model response and observations. Surprisingly, CO$$_2$$

2

concentration plume forecasts based on these history-matched models were not especially sensitive to the improvements observed in the enhanced model.
Exploiting treaty ambiguity: Public health exceptions in the WTO TRIPS agreement
Authors: Park Sojun , Konken Lauren C.
Published: January 2024

Treaty exceptions have long been viewed as essential to the design of international agreements. Yet, agreements also leave ‘room to maneuver’ through the use of constructive ambiguity, that is, by defining treaty terms with deliberately ambiguous words. When are countries more likely to exploit this treaty ambiguity? What does this exploitation look like? We argue that in democratic countries, where states face continued pressures to react to domestic needs, governments are more likely to legislate unambiguous circumstances in which they can apply international treaty exceptions. We argue this should be especially true in developing democracies facing external pressure from foreign firms and developed countries to legislate public policy with their external interests in mind. We test our theory in the context of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement and compulsory licensing legislation for HIV/AIDS drugs between 2000 and 2012. We find that when public access to medicines for HIV/AIDS is limited but in high demand, democratic governments are more likely to legislate explicit public health protection under TRIPS exceptions, especially in developing countries with high rates of foreign patent ownership. We conclude that such exploitation is most likely when countries seek to prevent precedents by action, or adjudication, that better define constructively ambiguous treaty terms.
Using synthetic data to benchmark correction methods for low-cost air quality sensor networks
Authors: Wesseling Joost , Drukker Derko , Gressent Alicia , Janssen Stijn , Joassin Pascal , Lenartz Fabian , van Ratingen Sjoerd , Rodrigues Vera , Sousa Jorge , Thunis Philippe
Published: January 2024

A benchmark was performed, comparing the results of three different methodologies proposed by three institutions to calibrate a network of low-cost PM2.5 sensors, on an hourly basis, using synthetically generated real concentrations and sensor measurements. The objective of the network calibrations was to correct the 2000+ sensor measurements in the Netherlands for the sensitivity to (local) environmental conditions. The option to use real measurements was dropped because the number of low-cost sensors sufficiently close to the 40 reference measurement locations was assessed to be spatially insufficient to benchmark the proposed approaches. Instead, synthetic real concentrations were generated to enable validation at all sensor locations. Hourly actual sensor and actual fixed concentrations, as well as interpolated concentration maps, were used as underlying data to generate the synthetic data sets for the period of 1 month. The synthetic sensor measurement errors were constructed by sampling from a collection of differences between actual sensor values and actual measurements. Of the three tested calibration methods, two follow a similar approach, although having differences in, e.g., outlier analyses and method of grouping sensors, leading also to comparable corrections to the raw sensor measurements. A third method uses significantly stricter rules in outlier selection, discarding considerably more sensors because of insufficient quality. Differences between the methods become most apparent when analyzing data at a smaller time scale. It is shown that two network calibration methods are better at correcting the hourly/daily bias.
Temporal Dynamics of Tree Crown Fractal Dimension in Two Species of Deciduous Oaks
Authors: Jiménez-Guzmán Graciela , Vega-Peña Ernesto Vicente
Published: January 2024

Fractal dimension (D) can be used to characterise temporal changes of crown architecture of individual trees. Our goal in this study was to analyse seasonal changes in tree crown fractal dimension of two species of deciduous oaks (Quercus castanea and Q. obtusata) coexisting in a natural forest in central Mexico using low cost sampling, and relate these changes to morphological attributes and environmental variables.

Every two months, from May 2017 to September 2018, for each oak species, we photographed fixed portions of the crowns of individual trees, measured their trunk diameters, and obtained average temperature and accumulated precipitation data recorded for the sampling date. From the obtained images, we calculated D values by the semivariogram method using three different variability estimators (square increment, isotropic, and transect variation).

We identified a positive correlation between D and temperature, and a negative correlation between temperature and crown cover.

The fractal dimension (D) of crowns of two deciduous oak species changes according to the tree’s phenological stage. D values varied through time in relation to tree crown phenological variation, but not with crown cover dimension. We propose a model of annual D value fluctuation in deciduous trees, characterised by two high complexity peaks and two low complexity valleys, corresponding to the effects on crown cover of annual periods of leaf abscission and development.
Evidence and emerging trends in local therapy for metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer: a narrative review
Authors: Brönimann Stephan , Singla Nirmish , Korn Stephan M , Huebner Nicolai A , Shariat Shahrokh F
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) displays both simultaneous and sequential patterns of metastasis, emphasizing a comprehensive treatment approach that integrates both local therapy and systemic treatment strategies. The increasing use of molecular imaging has led to a rise in mHSPC diagnoses, underscoring the importance of identifying the right patient population and effective treatment concepts for this disease state.

Results

Two prospective trials, HORRAD and STAMPEDE, investigated prostate radiotherapy (RT) for mHSPC; however, they did not show an overall survival (OS) benefit in the unselected cohort. Nonetheless, RT showed favorable outcomes in patients with fewer than five bone metastases, resulting in a 7% 3‑year survival improvement and supporting the integration of RT in multimodal treatment for men with oligometastatic mHSPC. Regarding cytoreductive prostatectomy (cRP), the TRoMbone Trial confirmed its feasibility and safety. In addition, findings from the FUSCC-OMPCa Trial demonstrated improved 3‑year radiographic progression-free survival and OS rates with acceptable rates of complications and incontinence. Recent data from the LoMP registry have further supported superior OS and cancer-specific survival (CSS) in patients undergoing cRP compared to systemic therapy alone. Notably, no significant differences in OS and CSS were observed between the cRP and RT groups. However, cRP-treated patients exhibited superior 2‑year local event-free survival when compared to those treated with RT.

Conclusion

RT in combination with systemic therapy remains the established first-line treatment for low-burden mHSPC, though the exact definition of low metastatic burden remains contentious. Precise assessment of metastatic burden is vital to identify patients who would derive the greatest benefit from RT. As treatment paradigms evolve, embracing multimodal approaches holds potential for optimizing outcomes in patients with mHSPC. Further research is needed to solidify the role of cRP as a standard therapeutic approach and to refine treatment strategies for improved patient outcomes.
Adolescent School Belonging and Mental Health Outcomes in Young Adulthood: Findings from a Multi-wave Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Allen Kelly-Ann , Greenwood Christopher J. , Berger Emily , Patlamazoglou Lefteris , Reupert Andrea , Wurf Gerald , May Fiona , O’Connor Meredith , Sanson Ann , Olsson Craig A. , Letcher Primrose
Published: January 2024

School belonging, sometimes referred to as school belonging or school connectedness, involves dimensions like positive affect towards school, relationships with teachers, and feeling socially valued. Previous research points to immediate benefits for students’ mental health and wellbeing; however, evidence on the potential long-term benefits of school belonging for mental health—once young people leave the school setting—is limited. This study used data on 1568 adults from the Australian Temperament Project (ATP), a 16-wave longitudinal study which has tracked participants since infancy. The short form of the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) School Life Questionnaire was used to assess secondary school belonging at age 15–16 years whilst young adult mental health symptoms were evaluated using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales (DASS-21) at 19–20, 23–24, and 27–28 years. Generalised Estimating Equation models were used to examine the link between secondary school belonging and mental health symptoms in young adulthood. Results showed that higher levels of all aspects of school belonging were associated with lower mental health symptoms across young adulthood (β range − 0.05 to − 0.20). Associations were similar by gender. These findings underscore the importance of adolescent school belonging and in particular school status in reference to feeling socially valued, as a long-term protective factor that can mitigate against later depression, anxiety, and stress.
Wear behavior of copper material removal during fluid jet polishing: A comparative study between experiment and simulation
Authors: Zhang Wenjing , Zhang Xin , Ai Tiancheng , Guo Dan , Pan Guoshun
Published: January 2024

As a crucial part in micro-electromechanical manufacture, local ultra-precision processing of highly ductile copper is expected to be realized by fluid jet polishing (FJP), which widely utilized in optical elements. Since copper exhibits different wear behavior from stiff and brittle material, there is currently no abrasive wear prediction model applicable for copper to investigate the polishing mechanism. This research reveals that the copper material removal is dominated by deformation wear rather than cutting wear through abrasive jet impact experiments and localized wear scars analysis. A three-dimensional gas-liquid-particle triphasic wear model for copper in FJP is developed by considering impact energy and wear mechanism simultaneously. Ultimately, validation assessments at various working pressures and impingement angles achieve the goodness-of-fit up to 0.92–0.97 in quantitative comparison between simulations and experimental measurements, which demonstrate the wear prediction ability of the proposed model. This investigation facilitates a better understanding of copper wear mechanism and provides theoretical guidance for FJP process optimization.
Modification of POSS and their tribological properties and resistant to space atomic oxygen irradiation as lubricant additive of multialkylated cyclopentanes
Authors: Wang Xingwei , Zhang Chaoyang , Zhao Chen , Liang Yijing , Zhang Ming , Yang Wufang , Yu Bo , Yu Qiangliang , Cai Meirong , Zhou Feng , Liu Weimin
Published: January 2024

Developing functional additive resistant to space atomic oxygen (AO) irradiation through simple molecular design and chemical synthesis to enhance the lubricating performance of multialkylated cyclopentanes (MACs) oil is a significant challenge. Herein, sulfur-containing polyhedral oligomere silsesquioxane (POSS) were synthesize via a click-chemistry reaction of octavinyl polyhedral oligomeric with alkyl sulfide. The reduce-friction (RF), anti-wear (AW) properties and anti-AO irradiation of POSS-S-R as MACs base oil additives in atmospheric and simulated space environments were systematically investigated for the first time. Results demonstrate that POSS-S-R not only possesses outstanding anti-AO irradiation capacity but also effectively improves the RF and AW of MACs in atmospheric or simulated space surroundings. This improvement is due to the excellent anti-AO irradiation properties of the POSS structure itself and the high load-carrying ability of silicon-containing and sulfur-containing compounds generated by tribo-chemical reactions, which effectively separates the direct contact of the friction interface. We believe that this synthesized POSS-S-R is a promising additive for space lubricants.
Exploring advances in nanofiber-based face masks: a comprehensive review of mechanical, electrostatic, and antimicrobial functionality filtration for the removal of airborne particulate matter and pathogens
Authors: Le Bao , Omran Nada , Elnabawy Eman , Hassanin Ahmed H. , Mahmoud Kamal , Shehata Nader , Shyha Islam
Published: January 2024

The filtration of airborne particulate matter (PM) and aerosols utilizing nonwoven fibrous materials has received significant research concern due to the continuing global pandemics, especially the outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), and particularly for face masks as a measure of personal protection. Although spun-bond or melt-blown nonwoven fabrics are among the pioneer materials in the development of polymer microfiber-based face masks or air filters on a large scale, relatively new nonwoven manufacturing processes like electrospinning and solution blow spinning (SBS) are gaining momentum among manufacturers of filter membranes. The high filtration performance of nanofiber face masks is due to their high surface area to volume ratio which increases the interaction between the nanofiber and PM and improves the electrostatic charge distribution of electret filters, allowing enhanced capture capability based on electrostatic deposition. Moreover, the small diameter of nanofibrous filters improves the breathability of the face mask by providing the slip effect, which in turn reduces the pressure drop through the membrane. This paper provides a comprehensive review of contemporary advances in nanofiber face masks, detailing the working mechanism involved, reviewing recent experimental studies, and discussing improvements in filtration efficiency for three main nanofibrous air filtration strategies, including mechanical and electrostatic filtration and antimicrobial functionality. Furthermore, prospective research is introduced which considers the synergistic combination effects of the three filtration mechanisms in designing a multifunctional nanofiber structure that can efficiently capture a wide range of PM with higher filtration efficiency and lower drops in pressure. New trends in the antimicrobial activity of smart material-based nanofibrous membranes in the fight against infectious airborne agents are also described.
Numerical investigation of the carrying capacity of single polyurethane foam pile in clay and sand soils
Authors: Hassona Faek , Hakeem Beshoy Maher
Published: January 2024

The definition of soil stabilization is a method to enhance the engineering properties. Polyurethane grout is one of the least expensive methods and can be used in construction. Polyurethane injection resin systems for crack injection, slab lifting, soil stabilization, leak sealing, and structural crack repair have been used for the last two decades. Polyurethane foam hasn't been used or understood as a loaded structural element in soils like as embedded piles. In this piece of work, a trial was made to numerically study the behavior of polyurethane foam when used as piles embedded in the clay and sand soils. Plaxis 3D software was adopted to carry out this study. Polyurethane piles of varying diameters and lengths were modelled as embedments in the clay and sand soil, and then incremental loads were applied. Moreover, the study involved the behavior of polyurethane piles when the clay strength was increased. The results indicated that embedded pile resistance to loading increased with the increase in length and pile diameter. When the loading results of polyurethane foam embedded in loose sand are compared with the loading results of piles in soft clay, the ultimate capacity of piles in loose sand, was much higher than that in soft clay. The results also indicated that the polyurethane pile load-carrying capacity increased when L/D ratio decreased for both soft and stiff clay. In this study concrete piles in clay and sand soil were modelled to examine the percentage of loading capacity of concrete piles to that of polyurethane piles for clay and sand soil.
Validation of numerical results of complex seismic analysis through simple analytics
Authors: Brandonisio Giuseppe , Naqash Muhammad Tayyab
Published: January 2024

The paper analyzes the application of the numerical findings of the program, which is becoming increasingly difficult for civil and structural design. Since, as in many other countries, the verification of design using a software model is now required by current Italian codes as well. Given this, the structural engineer must provide a technical report using a licensed software tool, attached to other project documents to get the Seismic Authorization at the local Civil Engineering Department offices. Following a brief explanation of structural analysis methodologies, this study presents a criterion for assessing the applicability of numerical findings obtained using any structural software. Three case studies of this criterion are shown to demonstrate how to check them using simple manual calculations: (i) the normal stress in RC columns subjected to gravity loads; (ii) the periods of vibration, participating masses, and seismic base shear derived from dynamic modal analysis; and (iii) the main parameters characterizing the pushover curves of existing buildings. Finally, this work underlines the significance of confirming the application of numerical results obtained by software in civil and structural design. The offered criteria and scenarios exhibit realistic techniques to ensure accuracy and reliability in structural performance assessment, according to the structural requirements imposed by current codes in Italy and similar countries.
Knowledge, perception, and willingness of emerging Public Health Advocates to effectively communicate about smoking cessation and Tobacco Harm Reduction in Africa
Authors: Oke Gabriel Ilerioluwa , Ademola Peter Sunday , Utaka Edith Nnenna , John Eyinaikanan , Adam Mohammed Fathelrahman , Okereke Blessed , Onyia Ifunanya Mary-Ann , Adebisi Yusuff Adebayo
Published: January 2024

Background

Media campaigns targeting young people are a valuable tool for promoting awareness about tobacco harm reduction (THR). Advocacy and communication efforts that inform about the risks of tobacco use, THR strategies, and smoking cessation methods can enhance policy compliance, minimize tobacco-related damages, and motivate individuals to quit smoking. This study investigates the understanding, perceptions, and capabilities of burgeoning public health advocates in effectively communicating smoking cessation and THR strategies in Africa.

Methods

This research adopts a concurrent explanatory sequential design. The target demographic population consists of public health enthusiasts, healthcare students, health communicators, and budding journalists aged 18–30 in Nigeria. The questionnaire, validated through an extensive literature review, was distributed via Google Forms. From 450 individuals expressing interest in the THRjourno project, 415 agreed to participate, responding to open-ended questions on smoking cessation and THR among young people. Data were analysed with Microsoft Excel and IBM SPSS for quantitative aspects, while Atlas.ti was used for the qualitative interpretation of open-ended responses.

Results

Of the 415 participants, 73.7% lacked prior knowledge or proper understanding of THR. Most respondents (60.0%) regarded Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) as the most effective THR strategy, with 26.7% favoring e-cigarettes. A majority (73.3%) perceived NRT to be safer than smoking, while 48.3% believed e-cigarettes were safer. Approximately 70.8% agreed that THR products aid in smoking cessation. However, 38.3% were uncertain if these products are addictive. Participants referenced strategies/activities for creating awareness for THR, which include, “More advocacy and sensitization programs should be organized”, and “These programs should engage people who smoke tobacco and nicotine products themselves as champions.”Ambassadorial roles in public Universities should be granted to students as a medium to proliferate the central message of the THR.

Conclusion

Identified barriers to effective THR communication included misinformation propagated by health professionals and the media, religious and cultural constraints, and challenges in reaching remote areas. Strategies to enhance THR communication encompass increased advocacy and communication, government engagement and policy development, simplification of THR messages, and capacity building and engagement of advocates and stakeholders.
Can corn straw and its pyrolytic biochar be used to mitigate the toxicity of CuO NPs to wheat seedlings?
Authors: Yang Qian , Luo Mingyang , Liu Yinghao , Li Helian
Published: January 2024

In order to understand whether corn straw (CS) and straw-derived biochar (CB) can be used as soil amendments to alleviate soil contaminated with metal oxide nanoparticles, CS and CB prepared by pyrolysis at 300 °C (with a weight ratio of 2% and 5%) were added to two types of soil contaminated with copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) to study the effects of CS and CB application on soil properties, wheat seedling growth, and metal transport. Our results showed that both 2% and 5% additions of CS and CB enhanced the nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertility of both soils. In red earth (acidic), the addition of 2% and 5% of CB significantly increased soil pH (9.24% ~ 18.4%), wheat growth (12.2% ~ 14.9%), chlorophyll content (significantly increased by 32.3% for 2% CB treatment), and decreased antioxidant enzyme activity and membrane lipid peroxidation. In fluvo-aquic soil (alkaline), CS and CB did not increase soil pH, only 5% of CB significantly promoted wheat growth (by 11.0%), and decreased antioxidant enzyme activity, whereas 2% of CB reduced chlorophyll content (by 22.2%). Furthermore, 2% and 5% of CS and CB affected the transport of Cu in wheat, decreasing the translocation factor in red earth but increasing it in fluvo-aquic soil. Principal component analysis showed that 5% of CB had the best alleviating effect on CuO NPs toxicity in red earth, compared to CS. Taken together, CB obtained by pyrolysis at 300 °C appears to be an effective soil amendment specifically for red earth.

Highlights

• Corn straw (CS) and straw-derived biochar (CB) were used to mitigate CuO NP toxicity

• 5% of CB showed the best mitigation effect on CuO NP toxicity in red earth

• CS and CB had no significant mitigation on CuO NP toxicity in fluvo-aquic soil

Graphical Abstract
Examining intergenerational risk factors for conduct problems using polygenic scores in the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study
Authors: Frach Leonard , Barkhuizen Wikus , Allegrini Andrea G. , Ask Helga , Hannigan Laurie J. , Corfield Elizabeth C. , Andreassen Ole A. , Dudbridge Frank , Ystrom Eivind , Havdahl Alexandra , Pingault Jean-Baptiste
Published: January 2024

The aetiology of conduct problems involves a combination of genetic and environmental factors, many of which are inherently linked to parental characteristics given parents’ central role in children’s lives across development. It is important to disentangle to what extent links between parental heritable characteristics and children’s behaviour are due to transmission of genetic risk or due to parental indirect genetic influences via the environment (i.e., genetic nurture). We used 31,290 genotyped mother-father-child trios from the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study (MoBa), testing genetic transmission and genetic nurture effects on conduct problems using 13 polygenic scores (PGS) spanning psychiatric conditions, substance use, education-related factors, and other risk factors. Maternal or self-reports of conduct problems at ages 8 and 14 years were available for up to 15,477 children. We found significant genetic transmission effects on conduct problems for 12 out of 13 PGS at age 8 years (strongest association: PGS for smoking, β = 0.07, 95% confidence interval = [0.05, 0.08]) and for 4 out of 13 PGS at age 14 years (strongest association: PGS for externalising problems, β = 0.08, 95% confidence interval = [0.05, 0.11]). Conversely, we did not find genetic nurture effects for conduct problems using our selection of PGS. Our findings provide evidence for genetic transmission in the association between parental characteristics and child conduct problems. Our results may also indicate that genetic nurture via traits indexed by our polygenic scores is of limited aetiological importance for conduct problems—though effects of small magnitude or effects via parental traits not captured by the included PGS remain a possibility.
Distress and well-being in dentists: performance of a screening tool for assessment
Authors: Giri Subha , West Colin P. , Shanafelt Tait , Satele Daniel , Dyrbye Liselotte N.
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Dentists’ well-being is being challenged today by many factors. However, effective screening tools to assess their distress and well-being are yet to be validated. The present study aims to evaluate the ability of the Well-Being Index (WBI) to identify distress and stratify dentists’ well-being and their likelihood for adverse professional consequences.

Method and materials

A convenience sample of dentists completed a web-based 9-item WBI survey along with other instruments that measured quality of life (QOL), fatigue, burnout, and questions about suicidal ideation, recent dental error, and intent to leave their current job.

Results

A total of 597 dentists completed the survey. The overall mean WBI score was 2.3. The mean WBI score was significantly greater in dentists with low QOL than among dentists without low QOL (4.1 vs 1.6, p < 0.001). Dentists with extreme fatigue, burnout, and suicidal ideation had significantly higher mean WBI score than those without distress (all p < 0.001). WBI score stratified the dentists’ likelihood of reporting a recent dental error and intent to leave their current job.

Conclusion

The WBI may be a useful screening tool to assess well-being among dentists and identify those in distress and at risk for adverse professional consequences.
Are lipid droplets the picnic basket of brain tumours?
Authors: Bingi Tanmayi , Cotton Kian , Comer Charley , Niklison-Chirou Maria Victoria
Published: January 2024

Are lipid droplets (LDs) necessary to maintain the viability of brain tumour cells as they move to new nutrient-poor environments? In turn, could cancers be targeted by attacking what you might think of as the cancer cells’ picnic basket? Lipid metabolism reprogramming, represented by increased lipid uptake, activation of de novo lipogenesis and increased lipid storage, is a newly identified hallmark of cancers. Recently, the presence of lipid droplets has been detected in several types of cancers, such as metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma, pancreatic and breast. LDs are storage organelles that provide a source of nutrients which may drive metastasis in different tumours. Currently, several roles of LDs have been posited in various tumours. This perspective aims to review and discuss the currently understood role of LDs in brain tumours.
Pyroptotic cell death: an emerging therapeutic opportunity for radiotherapy
Authors: Li Hongbin , Yang Tiantian , Zhang Jialin , Xue Kai , Ma Xiaoli , Yu Boyi , Jin Xiaodong
Published: January 2024

Pyroptotic cell death, an inflammatory form of programmed cell death (PCD), is emerging as a potential therapeutic opportunity for radiotherapy (RT). RT is commonly used for cancer treatment, but its effectiveness can be limited by tumor resistance and adverse effects on healthy tissues. Pyroptosis, characterized by cell swelling, membrane rupture, and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, has been shown to enhance the immune response against cancer cells. By inducing pyroptotic cell death in tumor cells, RT has the potential to enhance treatment outcomes by stimulating anti-tumor immune responses and improving the overall efficacy of RT. Furthermore, the release of danger signals from pyroptotic cells can promote the recruitment and activation of immune cells, leading to a systemic immune response that may target distant metastases. Although further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms and optimize the use of pyroptotic cell death in RT, it holds promise as a novel therapeutic strategy for improving cancer treatment outcomes. This review aims to synthesize recent research on the regulatory mechanisms underlying radiation-induced pyroptosis and to elucidate the potential significance of this process in RT. The insights gained from this analysis may inform strategies to enhance the efficacy of RT for tumors.