bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnetic Heating Amorphous NiFe Hydroxide Nanosheets Encapsulated Ni Nanoparticles@Wood Carbon to Boost Oxygen Evolution Reaction Activity
Authors: Wang Yaoxing , Fan Xueqin , Du Qiuyu , Shang Ying , Li Xueqi , Cao Zhifeng , Wang Xuan , Li Jian , Xie Yanjun , Gan Wentao
Published: April 2023

The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) has significant effects on the water‐splitting process and rechargeable metal‐air batteries; however, the sluggish reaction kinetics caused by the four‐electron transfer process for transition metal catalysts hinder large‐scale commercialization in highly efficient electrochemical energy conversion devices. Herein, a magnetic heating‐assisted enhancement design for low‐cost carbonized wood with high OER activity is proposed, in which Ni nanoparticles are encapsulated in amorphous NiFe hydroxide nanosheets (a‐NiFe@Ni‐CW) via direct calcination and electroplating. The introduction of amorphous NiFe hydroxide nanosheets optimizes the electronic structure of a‐NiFe@Ni‐CW, accelerating electron transfer and reducing the energy barrier in the OER. More importantly, the Ni nanoparticles located on carbonized wood can function as magnetic heating centers under the effect of an alternating current (AC) magnetic field, further promoting the adsorption of reaction intermediates. Consequently, a‐NiFe@Ni‐CW demonstrated an overpotential of 268 mV at 100 mA cm−2 for the OER under an AC magnetic field, which is superior to that of most reported transition metal catalysts. Starting with sustainable and abundant wood, this work provides a reference for highly effective and low‐cost electrocatalyst design with the assistance of a magnetic field.
Layer‐Controlled Perovskite 2D Nanosheet Interlayer for the Energy Storage Performance of Nanocomposites
Authors: Ryu Ahrom , Yim Haena , Yoo Soyeon , Park Jiseul , Lee Dong‐Gyu , Lee Jun Young , Song Hyun‐Cheol , Baek Seung Hyub , Nahm Sahn , Choi Ji‐Won
Published: April 2023

Polymer‐based nanocomposites are desirable materials for next‐generation dielectric capacitors. 2D dielectric nanosheets have received significant attention as a filler. However, randomly spreading the 2D filler causes residual stresses and agglomerated defect sites in the polymer matrix, which leads to the growth of an electric tree, resulting in a more premature breakdown than expected. Therefore, realizing a well‐aligned 2D nanosheet layer with a small amount is a key challenge; it can inhibit the growth of conduction paths without degrading the performance of the material. Here, an ultrathin Sr1.8Bi0.2Nb3O10 (SBNO) nanosheet filler is added as a layer into poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) films via the Langmuir–Blodgett method. The structural properties, breakdown strength, and energy storage capacity of a PVDF and multilayer PVDF/SBNO/PVDF composites as a function of the thickness‐controlled SBNO layer are examined. The seven‐layered (only 14 nm) SBNO nanosheets thin film can sufficiently prevent the electrical path in the PVDF/SBNO/PVDF composite and shows a high energy density of 12.8 J cm−3 at 508 MV m−1, which is significantly higher than that of the bare PVDF film (9.2 J cm−3 at 439 MV m−1). At present, this composite has the highest energy density among the polymer‐based nanocomposites under the filler of thin thickness.
Green Nanocoatings Prepared by Crosslinking Self‐Assembled Fatty Acids on Metals
Authors: Marušić Katarina , Pezić Ena , Matijaković Mlinarić Nives , Dubček Pavo , Sancho‐Parramon Jordi , Kralj Damir , Mihaljević Branka
Published: April 2023

Self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) are an important element of modern nanotechnology and surface functionalization. However, their application is still limited because they are easily removed from the surface of the object in corrosive environments. Crosslinking would make SAMs more resistant to the corrosive environment they are exposed to. In this work, how to strongly crosslink SAMs made of non‐toxic and biodegradable fatty acids on metal surfaces using ionizing radiation has been demonstrated for the first time. The crosslinked nanocoatings are stable over time and have significantly improved properties compared to SAMs. Thus, crosslinking opens up the possibility of using SAMS in a variety of different systems and on different materials for surface functionalization to achieve stable and durable surface properties such as biocompatibility or selective reactivity.
Effect of different levels of green tea (Camellia sinensis) and mulberry (Morus alba) leaves powder on performance, carcass characteristics, immune response and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens
Authors: Aziz‐Aliabadi Fatemeh , Noruzi Hadi , Hassanabadi Ahmad
Published: April 2023

Background

In recent years, the use of medicinal plants as an alternative to antibiotics has expanded. Plants containing medicines and antioxidants can improve the performance of poultry.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to achieve the appropriate levels of green tea leaf powder (GTP) and mulberry leaf powder (MLP) in the diet, which positively affects broilers’ performance.

Methods

648 one‐day‐old Ross 308 broiler chickens were allocated to nine dietary treatments with six replicates and each replicate containing 12 birds based on a completely randomised design (CRD) in a factorial arrangement of 3 × 3 with three levels of GTP, and three levels of MLP for 42 days. Treatments included: (1) no GTP + no MLP (control), (2) 1% GTP + no MLP, (3) 2% GTP + no MLP, (4) no GTP + 1% MLP, (5) 1% GTP + 1% MLP, (6) 2% GTP + 1% MLP, (7) no GTP + 2% MLP, (8) 1% GTP + 2% MLP and (9) 2% GTP + 2% MLP.

Results

The results revealed that the effect of added powders (2%) was significant and increased daily weight gain (DWG) and reduced feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the control group during the grower and whole phases (p < 0.05). On 35 days, the control and 2% GTP + 2% MLP treatment had the lowest and highest antibodies titre (total and immunoglobulin G [IgG]), respectively (p < 0.05). The groups fed with 1% GTP + 1% MLP showed higher villus height (VH) compared to the control, 2% GTP + 1% MLP, 1% GTP + 2% MLP, and 2% GTP + 2% MLP groups (p < 0.05). The ratio of the villus height to crypt depth (VH: CD) in treatments 1% GTP + no MLP, 2% GTP + no MLP and 1% GTP + 1% MLP was significantly higher than the control treatment (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

It was concluded that the addition of 2% GTP or MLP could improve humoral immune response and performance, and the addition of 1% GTP without MLP increased VH: CD in broilers.
Scanning X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy and micro‐X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure analysis as a guiding tool for the conservation treatment of two eighteenth‐century Philadelphian portraits
Authors: Porell Mina , Cushman Matthew , Fischel Jason S. T. , Fischel Matthew H. H. , Sparks Donald L. , Grayburn Rosie
Published: April 2023

An in‐depth technical examination and conservation treatment of paintings by William Williams (Bristol 1727–1791 Bristol) has shed light on the artist's materials and technique. This investigation centered primarily on Williams's two 1766 portraits of William and David Hall. The paintings are considered the earliest life‐sized, full‐length portraits executed in the Philadelphia area. The analysis of the artist's palette indicated deliberate choices in the use of orpiment (As2S3). The mineral's tendency to oxidize to colorless and water‐soluble arsenic oxides likely caused color changes and degraded organic binder in the orpiment‐rich areas. μ‐XANES revealed orpiment photodegradation to arsenate species at the paint surface, with migration to the ground layers. Just below the paint surface, arsenic remains bound primarily as arsenite, with some associated with sulfur as orpiment. This As distribution suggests that the paint is liable to further degradation by photooxidation and use of moisture would be detrimental. Given this treatment‐critical degradation phenomenon, it was important to identify all arsenic‐containing areas of both portraits. Scanning XRF allowed rapid and accurate collection of maps from both portraits. Elemental maps of arsenic identified the orpiment‐rich areas of the painting, which would be susceptible to further degradation upon exposure to water during treatment. An aqueous adhesive was necessary to consolidate the cupped paint of the glue‐paste lined paintings. The arsenic maps guided the use of two different consolidants–BEVA 371 for the water‐sensitive orpiment‐rich paint and sturgeon glue for all other areas, striking a compromise between esthetic improvement and long term preservation.
Einleitung: Materialität – Komparativität – Konstitutivität
Authors: Achermann Eric , Stierstorfer Klaus
Published: April 2023

Die BuchreiheLiteratur und Rechtbeginnt mit der These, dass die Beziehungen zwischen diesen beiden großen gesellschaftlichen und kulturellen Bereichen mit der Aufteilung in die Aspekte Materialität, Komparativität und Konstitutivität systematisch dargestellt und umfassend bestimmt werden können. Die ersten drei Bände der Reihe, die sich jeweils intensiv mit einem der Begriffe auseinandersetzen, falten diese These aus und veranschaulichen sie mit Grundsatzüberlegungen, Fallstudien und weiterführenden Gedankengängen. Die hier folgende Einleitung stellt die Grundlagen dieser Dreiteilung dar.
A Matrix Model for Flat Space Quantum Gravity
Authors: Kar Arjun , Lamprou Lampros , Marteau Charles , Rosso Felipe
Published: April 2023

Abstract

We take a step towards the non-perturbative description of a two-dimensional dilaton-gravity theory which has a vanishing cosmological constant and contains black holes. This is done in terms of a double-scaled Hermitian random matrix model which non-perturbatively computes the partition function for the asymptotic Bondi Hamiltonian. To arrive at this connection we first construct the gauge-invariant asymptotic phase space of the theory and determine the relevant asymptotic boundary conditions, compute the classical S-matrix and, finally, shed light on the interpretation of the Euclidean path integral defined in previous works. We then construct a matrix model that matches the topological expansion of the latter, to all orders. This allows us to compute the fine-grained Bondi spectrum and other late time observables and to construct asymptotic Hilbert spaces. We further study aspects of the semi-classical dynamics of the finite cut-off theory coupled to probe matter and find evidence of maximally chaotic behavior in out-of-time-order correlators. We conclude with a strategy for constructing the non-perturbative S-matrix for our model coupled to probe matter and comment on the treatment of black holes in celestial holography.
The Corner Tower of Anagni Cathedral: Geometry and Equilibrium
Authors: Angelillo Maurizio , Bortot Alessio , Olivieri Carlo
Published: April 2023

This paper explores the corner tower of the Anagni Cathedral, a Romanesque structure built in the eleventh and thirteenth centuries. The tower, located beneath the baptistery, was likely constructed to support a small chapel with a font. Through digital surveying and geometric analysis, this study examines the tower's structural element and speculates on the ideal stereotomic apparatus and reference models. The paper also delves into the mechanism responsible for maintaining the cantilevering structure’s equilibrium. The tower and baptistery exemplify the role of stereotomy and friction in maintaining equilibrium, with internal tensile forces and unilateral contact between the structure's blocks. This study provides valuable insights into the Anagni Cathedral's structural elements and highlights the importance of understanding stereotomy and friction principles.
The effect of geometric design and materials on section properties of additively manufactured lattice elements
Authors: Almalki Abduladheem , Downing David , Noronha Jordan , Dash Jason , Lozanovski Bill , Tino Rance , Alghamdi Ahmad , Khorasani Mahyar , Qian Ma , Brandt Milan , Leary Martin
Published: April 2023

Additive manufacturing (AM) technologies such as laser-based powder bed fusion (LB-PBF) facilitate the fabrication of complex lattice structures. However, these structures consistently display dimensional variation between the idealised and as-manufactured specimens. This research proposes a method to characterise the impact of common LB-PBF powders (aluminium and titanium alloys) and geometric design parameters (polygon order, effective diameter, and inclination angle) on section properties relevant to stiffness and strength of as-manufactured strut elements. Micro-computed tomography (µCT) has been applied to algorithmically characterise the as-manufactured variation and identify a scale threshold below which additional geometric resolution does not influence the section properties of as-manufactured parts. This methodology provides a robust and algorithmic design for additive manufacturing (DFAM) tool to characterise the effects of manufacturing and design parameters on the functional response of AM strut elements, as is required for certification and optimisation.
Axillary lymph node status and invasive lobular breast cancer
Authors: Danzinger Sabine , Pöckl Karin , Kronawetter Gerit , Pfeifer Christian , Behrendt Sandra , Gscheidlinger Patricia , Harrasser Lois , Mühlböck Helmut , Dirschlmayer Walter , Schauer Christian , Reitsamer Roland , Uher Heidemarie , Schönau Kristina , Delmarko Irmgard , Singer Christian F.
Published: April 2023

Background

Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) represents the second most common type of invasive breast cancer (BC). Although ILC generally have good prognostic properties (positive estrogen receptor, ER, low tumor grade), they are generally diagnosed at a more advanced stage. The data on the axillary lymph node status in ILC compared to invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) are considered controversial. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the pathological node stage (pN) between ILC and IDC in an Austria-wide register.

Methods

Data of the Clinical Tumor Register (Klinisches TumorRegister, KTR) of the Austrian Association for Gynecological Oncology (AGO) were retrospectively analyzed. Patients with primary early BC, invasive lobular or ductal, diagnosed between January 2014 and December 2018, and primary surgery were included. A total of 2127 tumors were evaluated and compared in 2 groups, ILC n = 303, IDC n = 1824.

Results

A total of 2095 patients were analyzed in the study. In the multivariate analysis, pN2 and pN3 were observed significantly more frequently in ILC compared with IDC (odds ratio, OR 1.93; 95% confidence interval, CI 1.19–3.14; p = 0.008 and OR 3.22; 95% CI: 1.47–7.03; p = 0.003; respectively). Other factors associated with ILC were tumor grades 2 and 3, positive ER, and pathological tumor stage (pT) 2 and pT3. In contrast, concomitant ductal carcinoma in situ, overexpression of the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), and a moderate and high proliferation rate (Ki67) were found less frequently in ILC.

Conclusion

The data show an increased risk of extensive axillary lymph node metastasis (pN2/3) in ILC.
A survey on the pipeline evolution of facial capture and tracking for digital humans
Authors: Vilchis Carlos , Perez-Guerrero Carmina , Mendez-Ruiz Mauricio , Gonzalez-Mendoza Miguel
Published: April 2023

With the introduction of concepts for virtual interaction and digital doubles, a rich scenario has been created for embodied avatars to strive. These avatars, more recently referred to as digital humans, have become a popular area of research, resulting in various techniques and methods that focus on improving the perception of their realism, fidelity, emphatic response, and interactivity. This survey aims to explore the literature and recent advancements on the key processes behind the creation and animation of digital human faces through the view of a general pipeline. The extensive review carried out in this study explores the usual data collection protocols, the main facial codification paradigms and databases, the approaches for digital human asset creation, facial tracking solutions for performance-driven animation, the solving process, and the final rendering delivery. Different quantitative evaluation methods, visual perception tests, and empathetic response evaluations for digital humans are also included in the survey. Additionally, the paper presents an updated summary of public and private frameworks for digital humans that go through the complete general pipeline presented. Finally, the condensed knowledge is discussed, inquiring into the possible direction of future developments in the field.
Radiation dose to staff from medical X-ray scatter in the orthopaedic theatre
Authors: Dorman T. , Drever B. , Plumridge S. , Gregory K. , Cooper M. , Roderick A. , Arruzza E.
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Given the growing demand for intraoperative imaging, there is increased concern for radiation dose for orthopaedic surgical staff. This study sought to determine the distribution of scatter radiation from fluoroscopic imaging in the orthopaedic surgical environment, with particular emphasis on the positions of personnel and the type of orthopaedic surgery performed.

Methods

A radiation survey detector was deployed at various angles and distances around an anthropomorphic phantom. The scatter dose rate in microsieverts per hour (µSv/h) was recorded using consistent exposure parameters for five common surgical procedures. A C-arm unit produced radiation for the hip arthroscopy, hip replacement and knee simulations, whilst a mini C-arm unit produced fluoroscopy for the foot and hand simulations.

Results

Readings were tabulated, and coloured heatmaps were generated from scatter measurements for each of the five procedures. Positions corresponding to the typical location of the surgical staff (surgeon, surgical assistant, anaesthetist, instrument (scrub) nurse, circulation (scout) nurse and anaesthetic nurse) were superimposed on heatmaps. The surgeon’s proximity to the radiation source meant this position experienced the greatest amount of radiation in all five surgical procedures. Mini C-arm doses were considered low in all procedures for positions, with and without lead protection.

Conclusion

This investigation demonstrated the distribution of scattered radiation dose experienced at different positions within the orthopaedic surgical theatre. It reinforces the importance of staff increasing their distance from the primary beam where possible, reducing exposure time and increasing shielding with lead protection.
$$\varvec{J}$$-, M- and $$\varvec{L}$$-integrals of line charges and line forces
Authors: Lazar Markus , Agiasofitou Eleni
Published: April 2023

In this work, the $$\varvec{J}$$

J

-, M- and $$\varvec{L}$$

L

-integrals of two line charges and two line forces in generalized plane strain are derived in the framework of three-dimensional (3D) electrostatics and three-dimensional compatible linear elasticity, respectively, in order to study the interaction between them. The key point in this derivation is achieved by expressing the $$\varvec{J}$$

J

-, M- and $$\varvec{L}$$

L

-integrals of point charges and point forces in three dimensions in terms of the corresponding three-dimensional Green functions, that is, the three-dimensional Green function of the Laplace operator and the three-dimensional Green tensor of the Navier operator, respectively. The major mathematical tool used in deriving the $$\varvec{J}$$

J

-, M- and $$L_3$$

L
3

-integrals of line charges and line forces from the corresponding $$\varvec{J}$$

J

-, M- and $$\varvec{L}$$

L

-integrals of point charges and point forces is the method of embedding or method of descent of Green functions to two dimensions (2D) from the corresponding Green functions in 3D. The analytical expressions of $$\varvec{J}$$

J

-, M- and $$L_3$$

L
3

-integrals of line charges and line forces in antiplane and plane strain are derived and discussed. The $$\varvec{J}$$

J

-integral is the electrostatic part of the Lorentz force (electrostatic interaction force) between two line charges in electrostatics and the Cherepanov force between two line forces in elasticity. The M-integral of two line sources (charges or forces) equals half the electrostatic interaction energy in electrostatics and half the elastic interaction energy in elasticity of these two line sources, respectively. The $$L_3$$

L
3

-integral of two line sources (charges or forces) is the z-component of the configurational vector moment or the rotational moment representing the total torque about the z-axis caused by the interaction of the two line sources. An important outcome is that the $$\varvec{J}$$

J

-integral is twice the negative gradient of the M-integral, leading to the result that the $${\varvec{J}}$$

J

-integral for line charges and line forces is a conservative force (with the corresponding interaction energy playing the role of the potential energy) and consequently an irrotational vector field. Finally, the obtained $$\varvec{J}$$

J

-, M- and $$L_3$$

L
3

-integrals being functions of the distance and of the angle, are able to describe the physical behaviour of the interaction of two line sources (charges and forces), since they represent the fundamental and necessary quantities, that is, the interaction force, interaction energy and total torque produced by the interaction of these two line sources.
Comparison of bilateral to unilateral total extra-peritoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia repair: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hitman T. , Bartlett A. S. R. , Bowker A. , McLay J.
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Laparoscopic herniorrhaphy (LH) has become the treatment of choice in many centers for patients with inguinal hernia (IH). Our aim was to compare the morbidity outcomes of bilateral vs unilateral IH repair using the laparoscopic total extra-peritoneal (TEP) technique, to determine whether undertaking bilateral IH repair places patients at additional risk.

Methods

Manuscripts published up to the end of 2021 on PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched. Patients (> 16 years) undergoing a primary elective unilateral or bilateral TEP operation, using the standard 3-port laparoscopic technique, were identified. Quality of evidence was assessed using the GRADE criteria. Meta-analysis was conducted where possible. Where this was not possible, vote counting was conducted using effect direction plots.

Results

Eight observational studies, with a total of 18,153 patients were included. Operative time was significantly longer for bilateral operations. There was no significant difference in conversion to open, post-operative seroma, urinary retention, haematoma, and length of hospital stay. There was an increased rate of hernia recurrence in patients undergoing bilateral IH repair.

Conclusion

Although limited by the observational nature of the included studies, there is no conclusive evidence to suggest a differential burden of morbidity between unilateral and bilateral TEP IH repair. As all included papers are from observational studies only, evidence from all outcomes is at best very low quality. This manuscript thereby highlights a need for randomized controlled trials to be conducted in this area.
Pulsed magnetic field increases the effect of ultraviolet C radiation and thermal shock in aged yeasts
Authors: Mercado-Sáenz Silvia , González-Vidal Alejandro , Burgos-Molina Antonio M. , López-Díaz Beatriz , Sendra-Portero Francisco , Ruiz-Gómez Miguel J.
Published: April 2023

The study of the effects of the magnetic field (MF) on living matter continues to be a dilemma. Until now, the interaction mechanisms of MF with living matter that explain the observed phenomena are unknown. Despite the existing literature and the multiple effects described to date, there are few published articles that study the combined effect of MF with other physical agents during the cellular aging process. In this sense, the aim of this work is to study whether low frequency and intensity pulsed and sinusoidal MF exposure produce alterations in the cell killing effect of ultraviolet C (UVC) radiation and thermal shock during the chronological aging of S. cerevisiae. Yeast cells were exposed to 2.45 mT (50 Hz) sinusoidal MF and 1.5 mT (25 Hz) pulsed MF, during 40 days of aging, in combination with UVC radiation (50 J/m2) and/or thermal shock (52°C). Cell survival was evaluated by clonogenic assay. The exposure of yeast to pulsed MF produces an acceleration of aging, which is not observed in cells exposed to sinusoidal MF. The pulsed MF modifies the cellular response to damaging agents only in aged S. cerevisiae cells. In this sense, the pulsed MF applied increases the damage induced by UVC radiation and by thermal shock. In contrast, the sinusoidal MF used has no effect.
Machine translation from signed to spoken languages: state of the art and challenges
Authors: De Coster Mathieu , Shterionov Dimitar , Van Herreweghe Mieke , Dambre Joni
Published: April 2023

Automatic translation from signed to spoken languages is an interdisciplinary research domain on the intersection of computer vision, machine translation (MT), and linguistics. While the domain is growing in terms of popularity—the majority of scientific papers on sign language (SL) translation have been published in the past five years—research in this domain is performed mostly by computer scientists in isolation. This article presents an extensive and cross-domain overview of the work on SL translation. We first give a high level introduction to SL linguistics and MT to illustrate the requirements of automatic SL translation. Then, we present a systematic literature review of the state of the art in the domain. Finally, we outline important challenges for future research. We find that significant advances have been made on the shoulders of spoken language MT research. However, current approaches often lack linguistic motivation or are not adapted to the different characteristics of SLs. We explore challenges related to the representation of SL data, the collection of datasets and the evaluation of SL translation models. We advocate for interdisciplinary research and for grounding future research in linguistic analysis of SLs. Furthermore, the inclusion of deaf and hearing end users of SL translation applications in use case identification, data collection, and evaluation, is of utmost importance in the creation of useful SL translation models.
Procrustes-based distances for exploring between-matrices similarity
Authors: Andreella Angela , De Santis Riccardo , Vesely Anna , Finos Livio
Published: April 2023

The statistical shape analysis calledProcrustesanalysis minimizes the Frobenius distance between matrices by similarity transformations. The method returns a set of optimal orthogonal matrices, which project each matrix into a common space. This manuscript presents two types of distances derived fromProcrustesanalysis for exploring between-matrices similarity. The first one focuses on the residuals from theProcrustesanalysis, i.e., theresidual-baseddistance metric. In contrast, the second one exploits the fitted orthogonal matrices, i.e., therotational-baseddistance metric. Thanks to these distances, similarity-based techniques such as the multidimensional scaling method can be applied to visualize and explore patterns and similarities among observations. The proposed distances result in being helpful in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data analysis. The brain activation measured over space and time can be represented by a matrix. The proposed distances applied to a sample of subjects—i.e., matrices—revealed groups of individuals sharing patterns of neural brain activation. Finally, the proposed method is useful in several contexts when the aim is to analyze the similarity between high-dimensional matrices affected by functional misalignment.
Semi-supervised sentiment clustering on natural language texts
Authors: Frigau Luca , Romano Maurizio , Ortu Marco , Contu Giulia
Published: April 2023

In this paper, we propose a semi-supervised method to cluster unstructured textual data called semi-supervised sentiment clustering on natural language texts. The aim is to identify clusters homogeneous with respect to the overall sentiment of the texts analyzed. The method combines different techniques and methodologies: Sentiment Analysis, Threshold-based Naïve Bayes classifier, and Network-based Semi-supervised Clustering. It involves different steps. In the first step, the unstructured text is transformed into structured text, and it is categorized into positive or negative classes using a sentiment analysis algorithm. In the second step, the Threshold-based Naïve Bayes classifier is applied to identify the overall sentiment of the texts and to define a specific sentiment value for the topics. In the last step, Network-based Semi-supervised Clustering is applied to partition the instances into disjoint groups. The proposed algorithm is tested on a collection of reviews written by customers onBooking.com. The results have highlighted the capacity of the proposed algorithm to identify clusters that are distinct, non-overlapped, and homogeneous with respect to the overall sentiment. Results are also easily interpretable thanks to the network representation of the instances that helps to understand the relationship between them.
Classifying buildings according to seismic vulnerability using Cluster-ANN techniques: application to the city of Murcia, Spain
Authors: Meyers-Angulo J. Eduardo , Martínez-Cuevas Sandra , Gaspar-Escribano Jorge M.
Published: April 2023

The seismic vulnerability of a city is a degree of its intrinsic susceptibility or predisposition to sustain damage or losses stemming from seismic events. In terms of physical vulnerability, one of the most important factors for assessing seismic risk, especially, for estimating losses, is the exposure of structures, particularly those structures intended for residential use. The present article outlines a methodology for classifying residential buildings based on the structural and non-structural components that ultimately determine the building typology and control the seismic performance. The proposed methodology is divided into three steps: first, spatial data are analysed using an official database that is supplemented by remote field work to verify, validate, and identify construction typologies and urban modifiers after incorporating the new observable data. During the second step, machine learning techniques based on Two-Step cluster analysis and neural networks are used to identify building typologies, using a multilayer perceptron to assess the representativeness of the building typologies identified. Finally, each building typology is defined, a vulnerability assessment is carried out, and vulnerability classes are ranked based on the macroseismic scale. The above-mentioned steps were applied to 7631 residential buildings in the city of Murcia, Spain. The methodology is scalable and may be automated, so it may be replicated in other urban areas with similar characteristics or adapted to different urban settings. This may help save time and reduce the cost of carrying out seismic risk studies, providing valuable information for both civil protection and regional and local governments.
Rubber-soil mixtures: use of grading entropy theory to evaluate stiffness and liquefaction susceptibility
Authors: Bernal-Sanchez Juan , Leak James , Barreto Daniel
Published: April 2023

Rubber-soil mixtures are known to have mechanical properties that enable their use in backfills, road construction or geotechnical seismic isolation systems. The complexity of these mixtures comes from adding soft (i.e. rubber) particles that increases the number of particle properties to consider when studying the macroscopic behaviour. The distinction between sand-like and rubber-like behaviour is normally presented in relation to the rubber content and size ratio between particles. It is however unknown how the change on the mixture gradation affects the mechanical behaviour of RSm. Entropy coordinates condense the entire particle size distribution (PSD) to a single point on a Cartesian plane, accounting for all the information in the gradation. Grading entropy coordinates have been used to study typical geotechnical behaviours of mostly incompressible (i.e. sand) soils. In this study, entropy coordinates are used to analyse the correlation between the small-strain stiffness and liquefaction susceptibility of RSm and their PSDs. The results suggest that entropy coordinates can be used effectively on RSm as an alternative means of assessment of typical soil behaviours, being also able to distinguish between sand-like and rubber-like behaviours. Based on the 30 PSDs analysed, it is also evidenced that internal stability criterion proposed by Lőrincz (1986) can be used to predict the liquefaction susceptibility of RSm. The normalised base entropy (A) has also been shown to increase with the rubber content, which is linked to a lower liquefaction susceptibility, due to the supporting effect of rubber particles on strong-force chains formed of sand particles.
Rapid seismic response prediction of rocking blocks using machine learning
Authors: Achmet Zeinep , Diamantopoulos Spyridon , Fragiadakis Michalis
Published: April 2023

The paper proposes the use of supervised machine learning (ML) methods for quickly predicting the seismic response of rocking systems when subjected to seismic excitations. Different supervised ML algorithms are discussed, while a relatively simple and a more sophisticated algorithm are examined in detail. Specifically, the two algorithms compared are the k-Nearest Neighbor (k-NN) and the Support Vector Machine (SVM). The performance of the ML models is demonstrated considering both sine pulses and different sets of natural ground motion records. The results are practically perfect for sine pulses, while accurate results were also obtained for the case of natural ground motions. The proposed ML-based tool allows to quickly assess the risk of damage for rocking systems, while it is also very important when a large number of rocking blocks have to be studied, e.g. in the case of a building’s inventory.
Proteostasis networks in aging: novel insights from text-mining approaches
Authors: Neves Diogo , Duarte-Pereira Sara , Matos Sérgio , Silva Raquel M.
Published: April 2023

Aging is a topic of paramount importance in an increasingly elderly society and has been the focus of extensive research. Protein homeostasis (proteostasis) decline is a hallmark in aging and several age-related diseases, but which specific proteins and mechanisms are involved in proteostasis (de)regulation during the aging process remain largely unknown. Here, we used different text-mining tools complemented with protein–protein interaction data to address this complex topic. Analysis of the integrated protein interaction networks identified novel proteins and pathways associated to proteostasis mechanisms and aging or age-related disorders, indicating that this approach is useful to identify previously unknown links and for retrieving information of potential novel biomarkers or therapeutic targets.
Early biochemical outcomes following PSMA guided approach for bIoCHEmical relapse after prostatectomy-PSICHE trial (NCT05022914): preliminary results
Authors: Francolini Giulio , Ganovelli Michele , Di Cataldo Vanessa , Detti Beatrice , Caini Saverio , Loi Mauro , Simontacchi Gabriele , Desideri Isacco , Greto Daniela , Valzano Marianna , Serni Sergio , Vaggelli Luca , Salvestrini Viola , Visani Luca , Becherini Carlotta , Olmetto Emanuela , Franzese Ciro , Baldaccini Davide , Scorsetti Marta , Sollini Martina , Chiti Arturo , Meattini Icro , Valicenti Richard K. , Livi Lorenzo
Published: April 2023

PSICHE (NCT05022914) is a prospective trial to test a [68Ga]Ga- PSMA-11 PET/CT imaging tailored strategy. All evaluable patients had biochemical relapse after surgery and underwent centralized [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT imaging. The treatment was performed according pre-defined criteria. Observation and re-staging at further PSA progression were proposed to patients with negative PSMA and previous postoperative RT. Prostate bed SRT was proposed to all patients with a negative staging or positive imaging within prostate bed. Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) to all sites of disease was used for all patients with pelvic nodal recurrence (nodal disease < 2 cm under aortic bifurcation) or oligometastatic disease. At 3 months after treatment, 54.7% of patients had a complete biochemical response Only 2 patients experienced G2 Genitourinary toxicity. No G2 Gastrointestinal toxicity was recorded. A PSMA targeted treatment strategy led to encouraging results and was well tolerated.
Titanium (IV) oxide anatase nanoparticles as vectors for diclofenac: assessing the antioxidative responses to single and combined exposures in the aquatic macrophyte Egeria densa
Authors: Esterhuizen Maranda , Lutsko Mariia , Kim Youngsam , Yoon Hakwon , Park Chang-Beom , Kim Young Jun , Pflugmacher Stephan
Published: April 2023

Titanium dioxide, frequently used in commonplace products, is now regularly detected in aquatic environments. Understanding its toxic effects on native biota is essential. However, combined toxicity with commonly occurring pollutants, such as the pharmaceutical diclofenac, may provide more insight into environmental situations. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the effects of titanium dioxide and diclofenac, individually and combined, on the macrophyte Egeria densa. Diclofenac uptake and removal by the macrophyte were assessed. Diclofenac and titanium dioxide were mixed prior to exposure to allow binding, which was assessed. Toxicity of the individual compounds and the combination was evaluated by assaying enzymes as bioindicators of biotransformation and the antioxidative system. Cytosolic glutathione S-transferase and glutathione reductase activities were increased by diclofenac, titanium dioxide, and the combination. Both enzymes’ activities were more significantly elevated by diclofenac and the combination than nanoparticles alone. Microsomal glutathione S-transferase was unaffected by diclofenac exposure but inhibited with titanium dioxide and the mixture. Diclofenac elicited the most significant response. Based on the data, the cytosolic enzymes effectively prevented damage.
A bacterial formula with native strains as alternative to chemical fertiliser for tomato crop
Authors: Paganin Patrizia , Isca Clelia , Tasso Flavia , Calandrelli Tommaso , Migliore Giada , Marras Pier Andrea , Medas Daniela , Dore Elisabetta , De Giudici Giovanni , Sprocati Anna Rosa , Alisi Chiara
Published: April 2023

Global tomato productivity is threatened by biotic and abiotic stressors. To support and guarantee an adequate yield of tomato crops, agricultural practices have been based on the intensive use of fertilisers with negative impacts on the environment. This study presents a simple and effective strategy of functional bioaugmentation, suitable for different varieties, to replace chemical fertilisation. A tailored microbial formula composed by eight indigenous strains (including the genera Delftia, Pseudomonas, Paenarthrobacter, Phyllobacterium, Bacillus, and Acinetobacter) was developed as biofertilizer. Strains were selected from native soil for their plant growth-promoting (PGP) functions, and combined respecting the taxonomic composition of the original PGP heterotrophic community structure. The effect of the bio-fertilisation vs chemical fertilisation was tested in three successive field trials in the company greenhouse, with different tomato varieties (Camone, Oblungo, Cherry). When bio-fertilisation was applied only twice during the Camone’s life cycle, tomato yield was significantly reduced (0.8 vs 2.1 kg per plant, p = 0.0003). However, monthly inoculation during plant growth led to a fruit yield comparable to that obtained with chemical fertilisers (about 1.5 kg per plant for Oblungo, and about 2 kg per plant for Cherry variety, p = 0.9999). Bio-fertilization did not significantly affect plant height; only during the last growing period of the Cherry variety, a significantly higher average plant height (p < 0.0001) was observed with chemical fertiliser. The results indicate that a knowledge-based bacterial formula and monthly inoculation during the plant growth can be a successful bio-fertilisation strategy. These findings may pave the way towards more sustainable tomato production, since farming practices are becoming increasingly crucial, in accordance with Agenda 2030 and the UE “Farm to Fork” strategy.

Graphical Abstract
Immunomodulatory effects of umbilical mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes on CD4+ T cells in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome
Authors: Ma Dan , Wu Zewen , Zhao Xingxing , Zhu Xueqing , An Qi , Wang Yajing , Zhao Jingwen , Su Yazhen , Yang Baoqi , Xu Ke , Zhang Liyun
Published: April 2023

Background

Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is an autoimmune disease that leads to the destruction of exocrine glands and multisystem lesions. Abnormal proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation of CD4+ T cells are key factors in the pathogenesis of pSS. Autophagy is one of the important mechanisms to maintain immune homeostasis and function of CD4+ T cells. Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (UCMSC-Exos) may simulate the immunoregulation of MSCs while avoiding the risks of MSCs treatment. However, whether UCMSC-Exos can regulate the functions of CD4+ T cells in pSS, and whether the effects via the autophagy pathway remains unclear.

Methods

The study analyzed retrospectively the peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets in pSS patients, and explored the relationship between lymphocyte subsets and disease activity. Next, peripheral blood CD4+ T cells were sorted using immunomagnetic beads. The proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, and inflammatory factors of CD4+ T cells were determined using flow cytometry. Autophagosomes of CD4+ T cells were detected using transmission electron microscopy, autophagy-related proteins and genes were detected using western blotting or RT-qPCR.

Results

The study demonstrated that the peripheral blood CD4+ T cells decreased in pSS patients, and negatively correlated with disease activity. UCMSC-Exos inhibited excessive proliferation and apoptosis of CD4+ T cells in pSS patients, blocked them in the G0/G1 phase, inhibited them from entering the S phase, reduced the Th17 cell ratio, elevated the Treg ratio, inhibited IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-17A, and IL-17F secretion, and promoted IL-10 and TGF-β secretion. UCMSC-Exos reduced the elevated autophagy levels in the peripheral blood CD4+ T cells of patients with pSS. Furthermore, UCMSC-Exos regulated CD4+ T cell proliferation and early apoptosis, inhibited Th17 cell differentiation, promoted Treg cell differentiation, and restored the Th17/Treg balance in pSS patients through the autophagy pathway.

Conclusions

The study indicated that UCMSC-Exos exerts an immunomodulatory effect on the CD4+ T cells, and maybe as a new treatment for pSS.
Intersection density of cubic symmetric graphs
Authors: Kutnar Klavdija , Marušič Dragan , Pujol Cyril
Published: April 2023

Two elements g, h of a permutation group G acting on a set V are said to be intersecting if $$g(v) = h(v)$$

g
(
v
)
=
h
(
v
)

for some $$v \in V$$

v
∈
V

. More generally, a subset $$\mathcal {F}$$
F
of G is an intersecting set if every pair of elements of $$\mathcal {F}$$
F
is intersecting. The intersection density $$\rho (G)$$

ρ
(
G
)

of a transitive permutation group G is the maximum value of the quotient $$|\mathcal {F}|/|G_v|$$

|
F
|
/
|

G
v

|

where $$\mathcal {F}$$
F
runs over all intersecting sets in G and $$G_v$$

G
v

is the stabilizer of $$v \in V$$

v
∈
V

. A vertex-transitive graph X is intersection density stable if any two transitive subgroups of $${\textrm{Aut}}\,(X)$$

Aut

(
X
)

have the same intersection density. This paper studies the above concepts in the context of cubic symmetric graphs. While a 1-regular cubic symmetric graph is necessarily intersection density stable, the situation for 2-arc-regular cubic symmetric graphs is more complex. A necessary condition for a 2-arc-regular cubic symmetric graph admitting a 1-arc-regular subgroup of automorphisms to be intersection density stable is given, and an infinite family of such graphs is constructed.
Women’s Inheritance Rights and Child Health Outcomes in Kenya
Authors: Ajefu Joseph , Uchenna Efobi , Singh Nadia , Ali Shayequa Zeenat
Published: April 2023

In recent years, many developing countries implemented inheritance rights reforms, aimed at abolishing any forms of gender discrimination in the arena of property rights. A few studies examine the interrelationship between inheritance rights reform and qualitative indicators of women’s well-being in terms of bargaining power at the household level, exposure to domestic violence, health outcomes and participation in labour markets. However, quantitative evidence on the second-generation effects of these inheritance reforms, in terms of influencing health and well-being outcomes of the children born to beneficiary women is scant, particularly in the context of sub-Saharan Africa. This paper examines the effects of a statutory law reform that grants Kenyan women equal inheritance rights on children’s health outcomes using a difference-in-differences framework. Using the Kenyan Demographic and Health Surveys, this study exploits variation in the timing of the 1981 reform and the 1990 amendments as well as differences in religious affiliation to estimate the effect of the reform on child health outcomes. This study finds that exposure to the inheritance rights reform is associated with a decline in poor health outcomes in children. We identify potential channels through which changes in inheritance rights law can affect children’s outcome to include women’s human capital, marital matching, intra-household bargaining, and women’s labour supply.
Men. Male-biased sex ratios and masculinity norms: evidence from Australia’s colonial past
Authors: Baranov Victoria , De Haas Ralph , Grosjean Pauline
Published: April 2023

We document the historical roots and contemporary consequences of masculinity norms—beliefs about the proper conduct of men. We exploit a natural experiment in which convict transportation in the $$18^{\textrm{th}}$$

18

th

and $$19^{\textrm{th}}$$

19

th

centuries created a variegated spatial pattern of sex ratios across Australia. We show that in areas with heavily male-biased convict populations, relatively more men volunteered for World War I about a century later. Even at present these areas remain characterized by more violence, higher rates of male suicide and other forms of preventable male mortality, and more male-stereotypical occupational segregation. Moreover, in these historically male-biased areas, more Australians recently voted against same-sex marriage and boys—but not girls—are more likely to be bullied in school. We interpret these results as manifestations of masculinity norms that emerged due to intense local male-male competition. Once established, masculinity norms persisted over time through family socialization as well as peer socialization in schools.