bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NARFL deficiency caused mitochondrial dysfunction in lung cancer cells by HIF-1α–DNMT1 axis
Authors: Liu Hongzhou , Wu Xueqin , Yang Tianrong , Wang Chen , Huang Fei , Xu Ying , Peng Jie
Published: October 2023

NARFL was reported to be a component of cytosolic iron–sulfur cluster assembly pathway and a causative gene of the diffused pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (dPAVMs). NARFL knockout dramatically impaired mitochondrial integrity in mice, which might promote mitochondrial dysfunction and lead to worse survival rate of lung cancer. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of NARFL deficiency in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is unknown. Knockdown assay was performed in A549 and H1299 cells. The protein levels of HIF-1α and DNMT1 were measured, and then Complex I activity, mtDNA copy numbers and mRNA levels of mtND genes were determined. Cisplatin resistance and cell proliferation were conducted using CCK8 assay. Cell migration and invasion were detected using wound heal assay and transwell assay. Survival analysis of lung cancer patients and KM plotter database were used for evaluating the potential value of NARFL deficiency. NARFL protein was expressed in two cell lines and knockdown assay significantly reduced its levels. Knockdown NARFL increased the protein levels of HIF-1α and DNMT1, and downregulated the mRNA levels of ND genes, mitochondrial Complex I activity, mtDNA copy number, and ATP levels. The mitochondrial dysfunction caused by NARFL deficiency were ameliorated by siHIF-1α and DNMT1 inhibitor. Knockdown NARFL increased the drug resistance and cell migration, and siHIF-1α reversed this effect. Moreover, NSCLC patients with NARFL deficiency had a poor survival rate using a tissue array and KM plotter database, and it would be a target for cancer prognosis and treatment. NARFL deficiency caused dysregulation of energy metabolism in lung cancer cells via HIF-1α–DNMT1 axis, which promoted drug resistance and cell migration. It provided a potential target for treatment and prognosis of lung cancer.
Impact of general anesthesia on ablation catheter stability during pulmonary vein isolation based on a novel measurement approach
Authors: Kuno Shimpei , Nakano Yusuke , Suzuki Yasushi , Ando Hirohiko , Suzuki Wataru , Takahashi Hiroshi , Amano Tetsuya
Published: October 2023

Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) during pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is performed under general anesthesia (GA) or conscious sedation (CS). GA during PVI may improve treatment outcomes by improving catheter stability. However, the magnitude of GA-derived catheter stability compared with that of CS is unclear. We directly assessed catheter movement and determined the impact of GA compared with that of CS on ablation catheter stability during PVI. Patients who underwent initial ablation using the EnSite Precision™ mapping system were recruited and divided into two groups (GA and CS groups). The two groups were compared for ablation catheter stability during PVI based on the distance traveled by the catheter distal tip per second, clinical periprocedural characteristics, and periprocedural complications. Among 69 consecutively admitted patients, data of 30 patients (17 in the GA group and 13 in the CS group) and the distance traveled per second by the catheter on 148,976 points/patient were evaluated. The GA group had a significantly smaller catheter tip travel distance than the CS group (0.92 [0.82‒1.16] vs. 1.25 [1.14‒1.38], p = 0.01). Therefore, GA during PVI for AF provides greater catheter stability than CS and will contribute to more accessible and safer PVI procedures.
EasyModel: a user-friendly web-based interface based on MODELLER
Authors: Arab Seyed Shahriar , Dantism Alireza
Published: October 2023

Three-dimensional protein structures are invaluable sources of information for the functional annotation of protein molecules. Describing the function of a protein sequence is one of the most common problems in biology. Generally, this problem can be facilitated by studying the tertiary structure of proteins. In the lack of protein structures, comparative modeling often provides a useful three-dimensional model of the protein associated with at least one known protein structure. Comparative modeling predicts the tertiary structure of a certain protein sequence (target) mainly based on its homological sequence to the sequence of one or more proteins with known structures (templates). MODELLER is one of the most widely used tools for homology or comparative modeling of three-dimensional protein structures. However, most users find it challenging to start with MODELLER as it is a command line based and requires knowledge of basic Python scripting to use it efficiently. In this study, a web-based interface has been designed to predict the tertiary structure of proteins based on Modeller, which does the comparative modeling automatically, and uses PHP and Python programming languages. This tool is called “EasyModel” and is available at http://bioinf.modares.ac.ir/software/easymodel/. EasyModel provides a straightforward graphical interface for Modeller that can be used in only one browser.
A new essential oil from the native Ecuadorian species Steiractinia sodiroi (Hieron.) S.F. Blake (Asteraceae): chemical and enantioselective analyses
Authors: Maldonado Yessenia E. , Malagón Omar , Cumbicus Nixon , Gilardoni Gianluca
Published: October 2023

In the present study, the essential oil from dry leaves of Steiractinia sodiroi (Hieron.) S.F. Blake is described for the first time. The plant material, collected in the Province of Loja (Ecuador), was analytically steam-distilled in a Marcusson-type apparatus, affording an essential oil with a 0.2 ± 0.12% yield. The volatile fraction was submitted to GC–MS and GC–FID analyses, on two stationary phases of different polarity. A total of sixty-seven compounds, corresponding to 95.6–91.2% by weight of the whole oil mass, on the two columns respectively, were detected and quantified with at least one column. The quantification was carried out calculating the relative response factors of each constituent according to their combustion enthalpy. The major components were limonene (25.6–24.9%), sabinene (11.7–12.4%), germacrene D (7.7–7.0%), α-pinene (7.8–6.9%), δ-cadinene (7.3–7.0%), (E)-β-caryophyllene (4.8–4.5%), and bicyclogermacrene (3.6–3.0%). The chemical composition was complemented with the enantioselective analysis of some major chiral compounds, conducted by means of two β-cyclodextrin-based capillary columns. Three constituents, (S)-(+)-α-phellandrene, (R)-(−)-1-octen-3-ol, and (S)-(−)-limonene were enantiomerically pure, whereas (1R,5R)-(+)-β-pinene, (1S,5S)-(−)-sabinene, (R)-(−)-terpinen-4-ol, (R)-(+)-α-terpineol, and (R)-(+)-germacrene D presented an enantiomeric excess. Finally, α-pinene was present as a racemic mixture.
High precipitation rates increase potassium density in plant communities in the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Li Xin , Li Mingxu , Cen Xiaoyu , Xu Li , He Nianpeng
Published: October 2023

Potassium is essential for plant growth. However, our understanding of potassium in plant materials is limited due to a lack of systematic studies. Here, we measured potassium content in 2,040 ecosystem communities during the period 2019-2021 applying grid-sampling and explored the spatial patterns and drivers of potassium density in the Tibetan Plateau vegetation. Potassium content, density, and storage were estimated at 8.63 milligrams per grams, 21.71 grams per square meter, and 19.92 teragrams, respectively. Potassium allocation was isometric in most ecosystems, except for deserts which followed optimal partitioning. Precipitation was the main driver of potassium variations, with higher potassium in humid regions. The spatial distribution, as revealed by random forests model, indicated higher potassium in the southeastern regions but lower potassium values in the northwestern regions. Our research sheds light on climate change’s impact on vegetation potassium, offering valuable data for biogeochemical cycle optimization.
Surfactant Sensors for Bio-based Sensing
Authors: Chauhan Priya , Madhavi G. , Yenugu Veera Manohara Reddy
Published: October 2023

Anionic surfactants are important components of many products used in everyday life in all households. They are also applied in various industrial fields at a very large scale. The latest development in the use of new ionophores has been presented here. Special attention has been given in this chapter to electrochemical surfactant sensors. The importance of surfactants in modern science is stressed. Electrochemical sensors are usually divided according to the measured physical quantity into potentiometric, amperometric, conductometric and impedimetric surfactant sensors. Potentiometric surfactant sensors are the most numerous due to their simplicity and versatility. They can be used either as end-point titration sensors or as direct EMF measurement sensors, in batch or flow-through mode. Some amperometric surfactant sensors are true biosensors that use microorganisms or living cells.
An Overview of Stability, Lifetime, and Reuse of Surfactant Sensors
Authors: Sunilkumar A. , Chethan B. , Prasad V. , Matteppanavar S.
Published: October 2023

In recent years, surfactant-based sensors have played a vital role in every field of research. Surfactants are chemical compounds that act as an interface between the two states of matter to reduce surface tension. Surfactants are usually organic compounds that are amphiphilic in nature. To be precise, surfactant-based sensors have a wide range of applications in chemical and biochemical detection. We can assess the effectiveness and efficiency of surfactants using tensiometers, which measure surface tension. The construction and optimization of emulsions by precisely measuring the interfacial tension are carried out using various characterization methods. Biologically, pulmonary surfactants are produced by humans in the lungs to promote lung capacity. Here, our aim is to achieve a standard platform to fabricate cost-effective, high sensitivity, high stability, enhanced lifespan, reusable sensing devices with quick response characteristics. Simple, stable, cost-effective, and biodegradable properties have become prerequisites for the fabrication of effective surfactant-based sensors. In the present chapter, surfactant-based sensors and their properties with regard to classification, characterization, stability, lifetime, reuse, and their importance in the detection of chemicals and biochemicals are discussed.
Surfactant Sensors for Pharmaceutical/Medical Applications
Authors: Kaya S. Irem , Cetinkaya Ahmet , Ozkan Sibel A.
Published: October 2023

Surfactants are amphiphilic surface-active agents capable of reducing the surface tension between immiscible phases. In addition to the widespread industrial use of surfactants, they can be utilized in sensor development studies. In chromatography applications, surfactants are used in the mobile phase composition to improve solubility. In electrochemical sensors, surfactants enable enhanced electroconductive properties on the electrode surface. Surfactants can also be used as the coating material of the capillary wall in capillary electrophoresis applications to prevent protein adsorption during the analysis. Pharmaceutical analysis occupies a large place in sensor applications in analytical chemistry due to the fact that analyses are carried out in many areas, from the quality control of drugs to the analysis of environmental and biological samples. In addition, sensors are needed for diagnostic and prognostic analyses in medical applications. For this reason, sensors with improved performance and efficiency are important for researchers. This chapter focuses on the advantages of surfactant sensors in pharmaceutical and medical applications. The most recent studies in these areas are evaluated regarding the target analytes, used sensors and surfactants, obtained linear range and limit of detection values, and applied samples.
Surfactant-based Ion-selective Electrodes
Authors: Adimule Vinayak , Nandi Santosh , Manhas Nidhi , Bathula Chinna , Lakshminarayana Parashuram
Published: October 2023

In the present book chapter, the interactions between functionalized and non-functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and commercial ionic surfactants, as well as between polyvinyl chloride (PVC) membrane and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) are described. The CNTs used were non-functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and amine-functionalized SWCNTs and their architecture with surfactants of different charge and hydrophobic nature were studied. The surfactants used, sodium dodecyl sulfate, octa trimethyl ammonium bromide (OTAB), and hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (HTAB), showed hydrophobic interactions and the critical micellar concentration (CMC) was investigated for all CNT-dispersed surfactants. However, a PVC membrane exhibited a Nernstian slope of −58 ± 0.9 mV per decade in a 5.0 × 10−6 to 2.5 × 10−3 mol L−1 concentration range and a limit of detection of 2.9 × 10−6 mol L−1. The electrode was stable for 3 months without any changes in the slope, and wide pH range and short response time. Other inorganic ions like F−, CO32−, and SO2−, showed no response, but SDS showed selective response. PVC membrane electrode to end point.
Advancements in lanthanide-based perovskite oxide semiconductors for gas sensing applications: a focus on doping effects and development
Authors: Tiwari Manish Kumar , Chand Yadav Subhash , Kanwade Archana , Kumar Satrughna Jena Akash , Rajore Shraddha Manohar , Shirage Parasharam M.
Published: October 2023

Lanthanide-based perovskite oxide semiconductors have garnered significant attention due to their exceptional electrical and sensing properties, making them promising candidates for gas sensing applications.
An intelligent alkyne-tag for Raman imaging of living cells: graphdiyne-encapsulated Au nanospheres
Authors: Tao Yutong , Jia Wenyu , Fang Ningning , Wang Yuan , Zhang Hui , Wu Ping , Cai Chenxin
Published: October 2023

A graphdiyne-encapsulated Au nanosphere (Au@GDY) material possessing highly reproducible, bright, and distinct signals in the cellular Raman-silent region is reported.
Theoretical prediction and characterization of novel two-dimensional ternary tetradymite compounds La2X2Y (X = I, Br, Cl; Y = Ge, Te) as anode materials for metal-ion batteries
Authors: Muhammad Nisar , Muzaffar M. U. , Ding Z. J.
Published: October 2023

We identified that La2X2Y (X = I, Br, Cl; Y = Ge, Te) nanosheets exhibit weak coupling with cleavage energy ∼0.28–0.38 J m−2, and high Li (Na) theoretical capacity 887(1064) mA h g−1, together with a strong binding energy of −2.24(−1.79) eV.
Theoretical studies on thermally activated delayed fluorescence of “carbene–metal–amide” Cu and Au complexes: geometric structures, excitation characters, and mechanisms
Authors: Song Xiu-Fang , Peng Ling-Ya , Chen Wen-Kai , Gao Yuan-Jun , Cui Ganglong
Published: October 2023

Theoretical calculations reveal that both the coplanar and perpendicular S1 and T1 states are involved in the TADF emission of the CMA Cu[Au] complex.
A tunable wide-angle narrowband perfect absorber based on an optical cavity containing hyperbolic metamaterials
Authors: Xie Zhenlong , Zhu Xu , Deng Yijing , Chen Yihang
Published: October 2023

Angle-insensitive near-perfect absorption enabled by a FP cavity containing hyperbolic metamaterial.
Rational design of 2D MBene-based bifunctional OER/ORR dual-metal atom catalysts: a DFT study
Authors: Mou Yiwei , Wang Yanwei , Wan Jin , Yao Guangxu , Feng Chuanzhen , Zhang Huijuan , Wang Yu
Published: October 2023

Designing highly active, low-cost, and bifunctional oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts is urgent for the development of metal–air batteries.
Enhanced catalysis of a vanadium-substituted Keggin-type polyoxomolybdate supported on the M3O4/C (M = Fe or Co) surface enables efficient and recyclable oxidation of HMF to DFF
Authors: Cao Yun-Dong , Mu Wen-Xia , Gong Mengdi , Fan Lin-Lin , Han Jie , Liu Hong , Qi Bin , Gao Guang-Gang
Published: October 2023

Catalysts based on PMo10V2 and M3O4/C (M = Fe, Co) show excellent catalytic effects in HMF oxidation and offer a promising approach for the design of catalysts for HMF conversion.
Discrimination and classification of high explosives and other organic materials based on laser-induced plasma spectroscopy
Authors: Wang Xianshuang , He Yage , Zhang Ying , Li An , Zhang Xinyu , Guo Xueyong , Zhang Tonglai , Guo Wei , Liu Ruibin , Yao Yugui
Published: October 2023

A sub-band k-means clustering method was used for laser-induced plasma spectral analysis to achieve accurate identification and classification of high explosives and organic materials.
Discovery of pyrazolopyrimidines that selectively inhibit CSF-1R kinase by iterative design, synthesis and screening against glioblastoma cells
Authors: Baillache Daniel J. , Valero Teresa , Lorente-Macías Álvaro , Bennett David Jonathan , Elliott Richard J. R. , Carragher Neil O. , Unciti-Broceta Asier
Published: October 2023

Compound libraries synthesised and screened against glioma cells built up structure–antiproliferative activity–relationships and informed further design, synthesis and screening, resulting in the discovery of potent CSF-1R inhibitors.
A greener approach for synthesizing metal-decorated carbogels from alginate for emerging technologies
Authors: del Río Juan I. , Juhász Laura , Kalmár József , Erdélyi Zoltán , Bermejo María D. , Martín Ángel , Smirnova Irina , Gurikov Pavel , Schroeter Baldur
Published: October 2023

In the present work, a series of metal nanoparticle-decorated carbogels (M-DCs) was synthesized starting from beads of parent metal-crosslinked alginate aerogels (M-CAs).
Nanofibers are a matter of perspective: effects of methodology and subjectivity on diameter measurements
Authors: Wortmann Martin , Westphal Michael , Kaltschmidt Bernhard , Klöcker Michaela , Layland Ashley S. , Brockhagen Bennet , Hütten Andreas , Frese Natalie , Ehrmann Andrea
Published: October 2023

The measurement of nanofiber diameters from micrographs is highly dependent on methodology and the analyst's subjective evaluation.
Highly efficient oxidative removal of thiophene at ambient temperature over synthetic MnO2/zeolite nanocomposites
Authors: Chenari Zahra , Khatamian Maasoumeh , Yavari Azin
Published: October 2023

MnO2/Clin and MnO2/Cu-Clin nanocomposites prepared by solid-state dispersion and impregnation methods were tested for the oxidative removal of thiophene. The MnO2/Cu-Clin composite completely removed the thiophene from a mixed water–ethanol solvent.
IrOx–Pt electrode for the electro-oxidation of ethanol in alkaline-type direct ethanol fuel cells: an excellent CO-tolerant catalyst
Authors: Islam Md. Fahamidul , Ahmed Jahir , Faisal M. , Algethami Jari S , Aoki Kentaro , Nagao Yuki , Harraz Farid A. , Hasnat Mohammad A.
Published: October 2023

In this study, an iridium-oxide-layer-deposited Pt surface (IrOx–Pt) was explored as a catalyst for the ethanol oxidation reaction (EtOR) in an alkaline medium.
Excitation wavelength-reliant light-induced energy and electron processes in pyrene and naphthalene functionalized dual-dye integrated polyaromatic azaborondipyrromethenes
Authors: Boligorla Anjaiah , Rajesh Manne Naga , Giribabu Lingamallu , Chitta Raghu
Published: October 2023

A dual-dye integrated polyaromatic azaborondipyrromethene was synthesized and its role as an electron and energy relay in photoinduced process was investigated.
One-year post-exposure assessment of 14C-few-layer graphene biodistribution in mice: single versus repeated intratracheal administration
Authors: Sallustrau Antoine , Keck Mathilde , Barbe Peggy , Georgin Dominique , Fresneau Nathalie , Campidelli Stephane , Pibaleau Baptiste , Pinault Mathieu , Mayne-L'Hermite Martine , Granotier-Beckers Christine , Schlegel Michel , González Viviana Jehová , Vázquez Ester , Servent Denis , Taran Frédéric
Published: October 2023

Long-term investigation of the biodistribution of 14C-few-layer graphene after tracheal administration: repeated vs. single exposure.
Organocatalytic atroposelective synthesis of axially chiral N,N′-pyrrolylindoles via de novo indole formation
Authors: Wang Cong-Shuai , Xiong Qi , Xu Hui , Yang Hao-Ran , Dang Yanfeng , Dong Xiu-Qin , Wang Chun-Jiang
Published: October 2023

The first organocatalytic atroposelective synthesis of chiral N,N′-pyrrolylindoles based on CPA-catalyzed asymmetric 5-endo-dig cyclization of well-designed o-alkynylanilines bearing pyrrolyl unit was established via de novo indole formation.
Carbohydrate–protein interaction-based detection of pathogenic bacteria using a biodegradable self-powered biosensor
Authors: Panda Swati , Hajra Sugato , Kim Hang Gyeom , Jeong Haejin , Achary P. G. R. , Hong Seonki , Dudem Bhaskar , Silva S. Ravi P. , Vivekananthan Venkateswaran , Kim Hoe Joon
Published: October 2023

A biodegradable self-powered bacterial sensor made of carbohydrate protein interaction. The sensor offers a simple design and capable for rapid and effective detection of E. coli bacteria.
Engineered elastin-like polypeptide-based hydrogel delivering chemotherapeutics and PD-L1 antibodies for potentiated cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Chen Jinguang , Cui Meiying , He Lianping , Mu Yeteng , Hu Nannan , Guan Xingang
Published: October 2023

ELP hydrogels for co-delivery of aPD-L1 and GEM induced a robust antitumor immune response for potentiated immunotherapy.
Enhancing the CsPbBr3 PeLEC properties via PDMS/PMHS double-layer polymer encapsulation and high relative humidity stress-aging
Authors: Baeva M. , Miroshnichenko A. S. , Kenesbay R. , Mitin D. M. , Fedorov V. V. , Gets D. S. , Krasnikov D. V. , Nasibulin A. G. , Makarov S. , Mukhin I. S. , Islamova R. M.
Published: October 2023

We report a new two-layer polysiloxane (PMHS/PDMS) halide perovskite encapsulation approach that allows operation of perovskite light-emitting devices under high humidity (80% RH) conditions and improves their performance due to finite water diffusion.
A study on controlling structural topologies in coordination networks: solvent-directed synthesis and distinct variations in optical properties
Authors: You Zi-Xin , Xiao Yao , Guan Qing-Lin , Zhang Ting , Xing Yong-Heng , Bai Feng-Ying
Published: October 2023

Investigating the correlation between structural diversity and functionality serves as a pivotal factor in propelling the progress of functional materials, which however commonly needs tedious synthesis or sophisticated screening of conditions.
Temporal dynamic photochromic materials for advanced anticounterfeiting
Authors: Tang Wei , Liang Ping , Wang Xiaoxue , Zhang Chen , Wang Geng , Liang Chen , Guan Mingxiang
Published: October 2023

The intriguing optical phenomena of photochromism and photoluminescence, when integrated into a solitary material, can offer innovative applications in optical memory devices and multimode anti-counterfeiting.
Ferroelectric enhanced Ga2O3/BFMO-based deep ultraviolet photovoltaic detectors with dual electric fields for photogenerated carrier separation
Authors: Cheng Yingying , Mao Jiaxing , Zhu Hongyi , Dong Yanhui , Chen Jian , Li Mingkai , Lu Yinmei , He Yunbin
Published: October 2023

A high-performance self-driven deep UV photodetector based on a Ga2O3/BFMO heterojunction is developed by utilizing EGa2O3/BFMO and Edp to simultaneously separate photogenerated carriers.
UBE2A/B is the trans-acting factor mediating mechanotransduction and contact inhibition
Authors: Feng Mingwei , Wang Jiale , Li Kangjing , Nakamura Fumihiko
Published: October 2023

Mechanotransduction and contact inhibition (CI) control gene expression to regulate proliferation, differentiation, and even tumorigenesis of cells. However, their downstream trans-acting factors (TAFs) are not well known due to a lack of a high-throughput method to quantitatively detect them. Here, we developed a method to identify TAFs on the cis-acting sequences that reside in open chromatin or DNaseI-hypersensitive sites (DHSs) and to detect nucleocytoplasmic shuttling TAFs using computational and experimental screening. The DHS-proteomics revealed over 1000 potential mechanosensing TAFs and UBE2A/B (Ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2 A) was experimentally identified as a force- and CI-dependent nucleocytoplasmic shuttling TAF. We found that translocation of YAP/TAZ and UBE2A/B are distinctively regulated by inhibition of myosin contraction, actin-polymerization, and CI depending on cell types. Next-generation sequence analysis revealed many downstream genes including YAP are transcriptionally regulated by ubiquitination of histone by UBE2A/B. Our results suggested a YAP-independent mechanotransduction and CI pathway mediated by UBE2A/B.
A new hierarchical algorithm based on CapsGAN for imbalanced image classification
Authors: Jabbari Hamed , Bigdeli Nooshin
Published: October 2023

Imbalanced image datasets consist of image datasets where there is a significant disparity in the number of samples across different classes. With imbalanced image datasets, learning algorithms often tend to be biased toward the majority class samples. This leads to poor classification of minority class samples as their training is not properly conducted. It becomes more complicated when the number of samples in the minority class is very low. In this paper, a novel hierarchical algorithm is proposed for generating new data using Capsule Generative Adversarial Networks (CapsGAN) to address the class imbalance problem in imbalanced image datasets. Unlike common GAN models, the proposed method incorporates an auxiliary CapsNet to identify high‐value images in both minority and majority classes. This identification is based on the ability to detect complex relationships between low‐level and high‐level features present in capsule networks. Furthermore, the proposed CapsGAN model is conditioned to generate minority class samples based on feature vectors of last capsule layer to achieve a more balanced image dataset. For evaluating the performance of the proposed model, an image dataset called CICS was collected and introduced. Extensive experiments were also conducted using various online image datasets from different domains, with varying numbers of classes and data sizes. The experimental results demonstrated that the proposed model can generate high‐quality samples in cases where the image dataset or the number of minority class samples is relatively small. Furthermore, the proposed model has maintained an accuracy of over 80% in an imbalanced ratio of 1:60.
Comparing the performance of ChatGPT and state-of-the-art climate NLP models on climate-related text classification tasks
Authors: Trajanov Dimitar , Lazarev Gorgi , Chitkushev Ljubomir , Vodenska Irena
Published: October 2023

Recently, there has been a surge in general-purpose language models, with ChatGPT being the most advanced model to date. These models are primarily used for generating text in response to user prompts on various topics. It needs to be validated how accurate and relevant the generated text from ChatGPT is on the specific topics, as it is designed for general conversation and not for context-specific purposes. This study explores how ChatGPT, as a general-purpose model, performs in the context of a real-world challenge such as climate change compared to ClimateBert, a state-of-the-art language model specifically trained on climate-related data from various sources, including texts, news, and papers. ClimateBert is fine-tuned on five different NLP classification tasks, making it a valuable benchmark for comparison with the ChatGPT on various NLP tasks. The main results show that for climate-specific NLP tasks, ClimateBert outperforms ChatGPT.
Regional analysis of climate variability in Greece based on six temperature variability indicators – A cluster analysis
Authors: Rapsomanikis Nikolaos , Gizani Nectaria , Zervas Efthimios
Published: October 2023

In this paper, a comparative analysis of climate variability between different regions of Greece based on some temperature variability indicators, is performed, in order to find out which areas have similar climate variability over time in the context of climate change. For this purpose, temperature variability, based on six temperature variability indices for 20 different stations, is calculated and, then, a K-Means clustering method is applied between the stations for each indicator. The results show that most of the regions of central and northern Greece have a high number of days where mean and minimum temperatures increase. In addition, most of these areas also have a high number of days with a continuous increase in daily mean temperature. As a result, a higher warming pace is observed in these areas than in the rest of the areas. This work is intended to serve as a reference for further scientific research on climate variability in Greece.
Mapping the Landscape of Circular Design Thinking and Practices in Architecture Education in Greece
Authors: Vrontissi Maria , Alexiadou Sotiria , Poulimeni Nikoletta
Published: October 2023

The present contribution discusses how circular thinking and design-and-build practices are implemented in architectural curricula in Greece. Run simultaneously with a broader survey that seeks to identify the adoption of circular construction in different educational contexts across Europe, this study investigates the features of the Greek paradigm across the seven accredited public schools of architecture in Greece and the one in Cyprus. Both works are situated within the broader scope of the ERASMUS+ project Crafting Circularity: Rethinking Sustainable Design and Construction in Architecture Education, aiming in building a methodological framework on project-based learning-through-making methodologies to embed circular thinking in architecture education, eventually resulting in a paradigm shift towards circular design practices. The current mapping assignment is built on the outline of the principal survey, which has three axes: investigating institutional backgrounds, theory courses and design studios, and design-and-build modules in architectural curricula. A modified version was employed to respond to the peculiarities of the Greek paradigm: broadening the scope of the survey under or around the wider sustainability umbrella, adding a fourth axis on elements in-between education and research or informal extra-curricular activities, including an actual mapping component and revising the structure and content of the original survey.
Review of specific environmental indicators
Authors: Gareiou Zoe , Gizani Nectaria , Laskari Iro , Mavromati Irene , Zervas Efthimios
Published: October 2023

Indicators are used in almost every scientific field to quantify and/or record and/or follow the evolution of a specific parameter. Environmental indicators are related to the environment quality and are specifically used to monitor the quality of the environment and to measure the environmental performance. They can be categorized into specific, composite and personal environmental indicators. A review of the specific environmental indicators used in the literature are presented here. Specific environmental indicators include indicators related to the natural or to the anthropogenic environment. The specific environmental indicators for the natural environment are mainly related to climate change, reduction of the ozone layer, air quality, water quality, forest resources, fishing resources, biodiversity etc, while the specific environmental indicators for the anthropogenic environment are mainly related to socio-economic indicators, such as population, consumption, energy, waste, transportation, etc.
A review of sustainability concerns in the use of blockchain technology: Evidence from the agri-food and the pharmaceutical sectors
Authors: Kontopanou Maria , Tsoulfas Giannis , Dasaklis Thomas , Rachaniotis Nikolaos
Published: October 2023

Blockchain is an evolving technology with promising applications in various sectors. The introduction of blockchain in the industry has the potential to provide a significant competitive advantage, even though it still is in the early stages of its adoption, particularly in supply chains. The implementation of blockchain technologies affects all the operational aspects of a production and supply chain system, including its sustainable performance. In these terms, there is a raising of concerns regarding the impact of the integration of blockchain on the economic viability of the organization, the total environmental footprint that results from its use, and the social matters regarding its control, safety assurance, and governance. The scope of this paper is to identify the implications of the integration of blockchain technologies in the industry concerning the three main pillars of sustainability.
Empowering Sustainability: Harnessing Textile Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Green Energy Harvesting
Authors: Somkuwar Viraj U. , Kumar Bipin
Published: October 2023

The triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have shown the most significant potential in developing a sustainable power source for wearable technologies. Among the various TENGs devices, the textiles are the most suitable candidates for harvesting biomechanical energy due to their excellent flexibility, biocompatibility, confirmability, and simple fabrication techniques. The advancement in the textile technologies enables a seamless integration of TENG into the clothing and accessories for efficient energy harvesting. Various approaches for developing textile-based TENGs are demonstrated mainly on weaving, knitting and combinations of different textile manufacturing processes. The potential of textile-based TENGs to provide sustainable energy for wearables makes them a promising avenue for future developments in the field of renewable energy technology. This paper provides a critical review of current developments in textile-based triboelectric nanogenerators as a sustainable power source, the effect of textile process parameters and the applications of TENGs for physiological monitoring.
Experienced affordances of urban green spaces in comparison with planning standards: The case study of Xirokrini – Ampelokipi – Menemeni area in western Thessaloniki
Authors: Totsikas Ioannis , Katsavounidou Garyfallia
Published: October 2023

Adequate provision of Urban Green Spaces (UGS) is a fundamental pillar for sustainable urban development and resilience. Greek planning laws mandate standards for their size and service radius in neighbourhood units. Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, in Thessaloniki, as in many cities around the world, residents’ use of green spaces has intensified due to the need for close contact with nature, showing lack and uneven distribution of UGS in many residential districts. The scope of this paper is: to examine whether the size (surface) of available green spaces, which is the parameter taken into account in planning standards to calculate indexes such as “m2 of green space/inhabitant,” is a safe indicator for the fulfilment of residents’ needs for recreation and contact with nature; to investigate how other key factors, such as the physical design of UGS, the characteristics of the connecting routes etc., influence residents’ use of them; and to examine how green spaces can be comprehensively integrated in urban fabric, advancing quality of life of the residents, through interventions that promote connectivity of and accessibility to available green spaces. It does so by using as a case study the area of Xirokrini – Ampelokipi – Menemeni in western Thessaloniki.
Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols for total joint replacement surgery
Authors: Riga Maria , Altsitzioglou Pavlos , Saranteas Theodosis , Mavrogenis Andreas F.
Published: October 2023

The enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols are a comprehensive therapeutic approach that prioritizes the well-being of patients. It encompasses several aspects such as providing sufficient nutritional support, effectively managing pain, ensuring appropriate fluid management and hydration, and promoting early mobilization after surgery. The advent of ERAS theory has led to a shift in focus within modern ERAS protocols. At present, ERAS protocols emphasize perioperative therapeutic strategies employed by surgeons and anesthesiologists, as well as place increased importance on preoperative patient education, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the enhancement of patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes. This editorial highlights the application of ERAS protocols in the current context of total joint replacement surgery.
Rezidivierende Vaginitis und Zystitis aufgrund einer Vagina und
Zervix duplex bei einer Hündin – ein Fallbericht
Authors: Conze Theresa
Published: October 2023

Durch die unvollständige Verschmelzung der Müllerschen
Gänge können vaginale Septen bis hin zu vollständig
getrennten Vaginalkanälen entstehen. Auch zervikale Missbildungen
können hierdurch auftreten. Meist handelt es sich nur um
rudimentäre vaginale Septierungen. Über vollständig
getrennte Vaginalkanäle (Vagina duplex) sowie über die Zervix
duplex sind in der Literatur beim Hund nur vereinzelte Berichte zu finden. In
diesem Artikel wird vom Fall einer Hündin berichtet, welche aufgrund von
rezidivierender Vaginitis und Zystitis vorgestellt wurde. Die Symptome traten
jedes Mal nach der Läufigkeit auf. Die Hündin war bereits von
der Haustierärztin und einer anderen Klinik vorbehandelt worden. Bei der
Vorstellung in der Klinik wurde in der digitalen vaginalen Untersuchung der
Verdacht eines vaginalen Septums gestellt. In der sonografischen Untersuchung
und der Harnuntersuchung wurde eine Zystitis diagnostiziert, welche antibiotisch
nach Resistenztest behandelt wurde. Die Hündin wurde erneut vorstellig
zur Endoskopie der Vagina in Narkose, der Durchtrennung des vaginalen Septums
und zur Ovariohysterektomie. Hierbei wurden eine Vagina duplex und eine Zervix
duplex diagnostiziert. Auf die geplante Resektion des Septums wurde aufgrund des
großen Ausmaßes der Missbildung in Absprache mit den Besitzern
verzichtet. In der Urinuntersuchung waren keine Keime mehr nachweisbar. Nach der
Kastration zeigte die Hündin keine erneuten Symptome einer Zystitis oder
Vaginitis.
Senolytika: Die Flavonole Fisetin und Quercetin
Authors: Gröber Uwe
Published: October 2023

Flavonole stellen eine große Gruppe der Flavonoide dar, die zu den
Polyphenolen gehören. Typische Vertreter der Flavonole sind Quercetin
und Fisetin, denen eine Vielzahl gesundheitlich positiver Wirkungen nachgewiesen
wurden. Dazu zählen z. B. antioxidative,
entgiftungsfördernde, immunmodulierende, antientzündliche,
neuro- und kardioprotektive Eigenschaften. Studien deuten auf den Einfluss von
Fisetin auf Nervenzellen hin. Quercetin und Fisetin zeigen zudem senolytische
Eigenschaften.
Clinical Approach to Inconclusive Subscapularis Tear Diagnosis: a
Meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Hao , Cao Xiangyu , Li Baoqiang , Ning Taiguo , Cao Yongping
Published: October 2023

To identify factors associated with subscapularis (SSC) tears and provide a
theoretical basis for clinical diagnosis, we included studies related to
subscapularis tears published before February 1, 2023. We screened for six
predictors across previous studies for the meta-analysis. The predictors
included age, sex, coracoid overlap (CO), coracohumeral distance (CHD),
impairment of the long head of the biceps tendon (LHB), and dominant arm. The
Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to evaluate the quality of the studies.
The risk ratios (RRs) and the weighted mean differences (WMDs) were used to
evaluate the effect size of categorical variables and continuous variables,
respectively. The Egger test was used to assess the publication bias of the
studies. Ten studies were included from seven countries. A total of 2 126
patients were enrolled, of whom 1 041 had subscapularis tears and 1 085 did not.
The study showed that age (WMD, 4.23 [95% CI, 2.32–6.15];
P<.00001), coracoid overlap (WMD, 1.98 [95% CI,
1.55–2.41]; P<.00001), coracohumeral distance(WMD, –1.03
[95% CI, –1.17– –0.88]; P<.00001), and
an injury of the long head of the biceps tendon (RR, 4.98 [95% CI,
3.75–6.61]; P<.00001) were risk factors for subscapularis tears.
These risk factors can help clinicians identify subscapularis tears early and
select appropriate interventions. The level of evidence is 3.
Ein helles Köpfchen durch ω-3-Fettsäuren
– die Bedeutung von maritimen Fettsäuren in der kognitiven
Entwicklung
Authors: Schmiedel Volker
Published: October 2023

ω-3-Fettsäuren sind in aller Munde, v. a. gehören
sie aber ins Gehirn. Ein Viertel der Fettmasse des menschlichen Gehirns besteht
allein aus der Docosahexaensäure. Epidemiologische und interventionelle
Studien zeigen klare Zusammenhänge zwischen dem Versorgungsgrad von
Kleinkindern, Schulkindern und Jugendlichen mit maritimen
ω-3-Fettsäuren und der kognitiven Leistungsfähigkeit.
Ärzte, Lehrer und Eltern sollten hierüber viel besser informiert
sein.
Uncovering Covid-19, distance learning, and educational inequality in rural areas of Pakistan and China: a situational analysis method
Authors: Zamir Samina , Wang Zhencun
Published: October 2023

Challenges to education in rural areas have been reported for a long time, and the respective governments are continuously making efforts to address them. However, the eruption of the Covid-19 pandemic resulted in the total closure of schools and a surge in internet and distance learning. Hence, there is a need to assess the situation periodically to gauge the effectiveness of government efforts in tackling these challenges and understand the impact of the virus outbreak on the education landscape. This study focuses on rural areas of Pakistan and China, utilizing the Situational Analysis Method (SAM). The study findings revealed several key points. Firstly, in both rural Pakistan and China, Covid-19 led to an increase in the number and scope of distance learning activities. However, there is a need for better experiences to effectively manage distance learning for students, parents, and teachers. Moreover, specific issues peculiar to rural China include shortages of relevant facilities such as computers, smartphones, and poor connectivity. In contrast, rural Pakistan faces challenges of unpreparedness and higher teacher workloads. Secondly, since internet connectivity is an essential component for distance learning, rural Pakistan shows higher internet penetration compared to rural areas in China. Nevertheless, internet connection speed in China remains higher and consistent, whether in urban or rural regions. However, both countries struggle with poor internet connection in rural areas due to the lack of enough potential customers. Thirdly, rural education in both countries is plagued by poverty, inadequate funding, and many students having to endure long and hazardous journeys to school. Specific issues in rural China include poor parental care due to migration and a shortage of teachers, while rural Pakistan grapples with limited educational opportunities for children and women, insufficient educational training for teachers, issues of social norms, and attacks on schools by extremist groups.
Model of social sustainability for Dhaka city, Bangladesh
Authors: Razia Sultana , Abu Bakar Ah Siti Hajar
Published: October 2023

The expansion and development of urban areas require a strategic priority of social sustainability to protect their inhabitants’ quality of life and well-being. However, social sustainability in urban areas, particularly in developing regions, becomes more apparent due to the social problems caused by rapid urbanization. The main objective of this study is to propose a model of social sustainability for socially sustainable cities in developing regions. To accomplish this objective, a quantitative research strategy was used to gather responses from residents of Dhaka city via a structured questionnaire survey; Dhaka served as a representative city from a developing region. This study used a multistage sampling technique to select 564 residents of Dhaka city. The results showed that social sustainability significantly influenced socially sustainable urban development in Dhaka, determining 38 indicators under 11 social sustainability themes using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis utilizing structural equation modeling. The implication of this model serves as a guiding framework intended to assist governmental bodies, policymakers, and urban planners in navigating the path toward achieving sustainable cities. Likewise, the proposed model provides policy implications for enacting and revising urban sector policies in developing regions, considering the fundamental themes of social sustainability. Eventually, this study contributes to implementing Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11) in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, bridging the gap between urbanization and sustainable urban societies. Also, this model is a valuable tool for promoting socially sustainable urban development in developing regions.
Family tourism development in the new era of tourism: Korean tourists’ domestic trip preferences for accommodation, travel duration, destination, and natural environment
Authors: Lee Soyeun , Kim JooHyang , Han Heesup
Published: October 2023

This study identifies the main selection attributes of potential Korean domestic family tourists using a choice experiment (CE) and then figures out how much money they are willing to pay for each attribute. This paper uncovered that there are differences in preference patterns across income level and the presence of children. The family travelers preferred shorter travel times, two nights and 3 days for travel duration, resort/condominium, low media/SNS exposure places, and natural scenery or relaxing. In addition, a strong preference for natural scenery or relaxing induces the highest marginal-willingness-to-pay (MWTP) regardless of the income level and the presence of children. This study has academic significance as it presents the appropriate value estimation for each attribute through MWTP assessment, offering essential foundational data for establishing reasonable pricing for tourism products.
Multi-analytical investigation into the materials and techniques of paintings on Northern Wei Dynasty (398–494 CE) coffin planks excavated from Shanxi, China
Authors: Guo Zhiyong , Cai Shiqi , Zhu Zhanyun , Qin Yaling , Yao Xiuya , Wang Jia , Jin Wenxiao , Shi Meifeng , Li Lanfang , Yang Junchang , Liu Liu
Published: October 2023

This study combined various non-invasive and micro-invasive analytical techniques to investigate the production process of coffin plank paintings excavated from a Northern Wei tomb in Zhijiabao Village, Datong City, Shanxi Province. Fiber-optic reflectance spectroscopy, portable Raman spectroscopy, and portable X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy were employed for in-situ non-invasive detection of coffin panel paintings. On that basis, micro-samples in smaller amounts than that of previous studies of the same type were collected and analyzed through optical microscopy, confocal micro-Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy. The results showed that the studied coffin plank decoration was painted after applying a layer of yellow primer to the plank surface. Specifically, cinnabar was used as the red material, pararealgar was used as the yellow color, an indigo and orpiment mixture was used as the green substance, the blue pigment was most likely an indigo and lead white mixture, gypsum was used the white material, and carbon black was used as the black pigment. Notably, the studied coffin plank was painted with a mixture of inorganic and organic materials to present the green and blue colors. This study provided not only a scientific basis for the conservation and restoration of this artifact but also new information for the research on Northern Wei art history.