bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanical and Microstructural Characterization of a Nano-stabilized Sandy Soil
Authors: Jafari Kermanipour Mojtaba , Bagheripour Mohammad Hossein , Yaghoubi Ehsan
Published: July 2024

This research investigates the potential of using nanoparticles, Poly Aluminum Silicate and Poly Calcium Silicate, and industrial by-products, Recycled Glass Powder (RGP) and Ground Granulated Ballast Furnace Slag (GGBS) to enhance the durability and strength of a sandy soil, particularly in wet or saturated conditions where water table is close to building foundations. The study aims to determine the optimal content and concentration of additives and assess their influence on the compressive strength and the failure strain. The optimal content and concentration of dry additives and alkaline solutions were determined. Uniaxial compressive strength tests were conducted on various stabilized geopolymers, considering factors such as alkaline activator type, nanoparticle type and percentage, and degree of saturation. Scanning electron microscopy images were taken and analyzed to verify geomechanical testing outcomes. Mixtures with nanomaterials exhibited greater strength than untreated soil, with some exhibiting up to a tenfold increase. GGBS-based samples displayed a twofold increase in strength with nanomaterial addition, while RGP-based samples experienced reduced strength. However, both nanomaterials addressed the durability concerns in wet conditions. The addition of 2% nanomaterials to GGBS-based mixtures led to significant strength gains, with some showing a 20% increase after saturation. This research indicated the potential of nanoparticles and industrial by-products in resolving a major concern regarding geopolymers which is the lack of durability in wet or saturated conditions. These findings have implications for eco-friendly geoconstruction materials and practices.
Leveraging Greenhouse Gas Emissions Traceability in the Groundnut Supply Chain: Blockchain-Enabled Off-Chain Machine Learning as a Driver of Sustainability
Authors: El Hathat Zakaria , Venkatesh V. G. , Sreedharan V. Raja , Zouadi Tarik , Manimuthu Arunmozhi , Shi Yangyan , Srinivas S. Srivatsa
Published: July 2024

As emphasized in multiple United Nations (UN) reports, sustainable agriculture, a key goal in the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), calls for dedicated efforts and innovative solutions. In this study, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the groundnut supply chain from the region of Diourbel & Niakhar, Senegal, to the port of Dakar are investigated. The groundnut supply chain is divided into three steps: cultivation, harvesting, and processing/shipping. This work adheres to UN guidelines, addressing the imperative for sustainable agriculture by applying machine learning-based predictive modeling (MLPMs) utilizing the FAOSTAT and EDGAR databases. Additionally, it provides a novel approach using blockchain-enabled off-chain machine learning through smart contracts built on Hyperledger Fabric to secure GHG emissions storage and machine learning’s predictive analytics from fraud and enhance transparency and data security. This study also develops a decision-making dashboard to provide actionable insights for GHG emissions reduction strategies across the groundnut supply chain.
Robust bilevel optimization for near-optimal lower-level solutions
Authors: Besançon Mathieu , Anjos Miguel F. , Brotcorne Luce
Published: July 2024

Bilevel optimization problems embed the optimality of a subproblem as a constraint of another optimization problem. We introduce the concept of near-optimality robustness for bilevel optimization, protecting the upper-level solution feasibility from limited deviations from the optimal solution at the lower level. General properties and necessary conditions for the existence of solutions are derived for near-optimal robust versions of general bilevel optimization problems. A duality-based solution method is defined when the lower level is convex, leveraging the methodology from the robust and bilevel literature. Numerical results assess the efficiency of exact and heuristic methods and the impact of valid inequalities on the solution time.
Age-independent benefits of postoperative rehabilitation during chemoradiotherapy on functional outcomes and survival in patients with glioblastoma
Authors: Natsume Keisuke , Yoshida Akira , Sakakima Harutoshi , Yonezawa Hajime , Kawamura Kentaro , Akihiro Shintaro , Hanaya Ryosuke , Shimodozono Megumi
Published: July 2024

Purpose

To investigate the impact of early and continuous postoperative inpatient rehabilitation during chemoradiotherapy on functional outcomes and overall survival (OS) in patients with glioblastoma (GBM), particularly in different age groups.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study at a university hospital (2011–2016) included 75 of 119 consecutive patients newly diagnosed with GBM who underwent standardized treatment and postoperative rehabilitation. Patients were divided into older (≥ 65 years, n = 45) and younger (< 65 years, n = 30) groups, engaging in a 50-day rehabilitation program. We assessed rehabilitation progress, Barthel Index (BI), Brunnstrom Recovery Stage (BRS), adverse events, and OS. BI at discharge and survival were analyzed using multivariate and Cox regression models, respectively.

Results

The mean age was 72.5 ± 6.3 and 52.4 ± 7.8 years in the older and younger groups, respectively. Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in BI and BRS. Despite more adverse events in the older group, no significant difference existed in median OS (older group: 18.7 months vs. younger group: 18.3 months, p = 0.87). Early walking training, reduced fatigue during chemoradiotherapy, and high Karnofsky Performance Status at admission significantly impacted the BI at discharge. Cox regression analysis identified the BI at discharge as a significant predictor of survival (hazard ratio [HR] 0.98, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.97–0.99, p = 0.008).

Conclusion

Integrated rehabilitation improves functional outcomes, and enhanced ADL at discharge is associated with improved survival outcomes in patients with GBM, regardless of age. This highlights the need for personalized rehabilitation in treatment protocols. Further prospective studies are warranted to confirm these findings.
Nonuniformity of diffractive splitting and receiver-transmitter alignment for large-field-of-view hundred-beam-scale LiDAR
Authors: Jia Hou , Zhonghao Zhao , Genghua Huang , Ziqing Jiang , Zhiqiang Peng , Zhiping He
Published: July 2024

To meet the spatial perception requirements for autonomous ship navigation in common scenarios such as ocean navigation, port entry and exit, and lock passage, commercial vehicle-mounted LiDAR technology falls short of demands in aspects such as sensing distance, field of view, angular resolution, and spatial sampling density. This paper proposes a hundred-beam-scale LiDAR scheme based on large-field-of-view diffractive beam splitting and a fiber array for echo reception and presents an in-depth investigation of the angular nonuniformity of diffractive beam splitting and the microradian-scale alignment for such hundred-beam-scale large-field-of-view LiDAR. This paper considers a combination of split-beam transmission based on a high-order diffractive optical element (DOE) and echo reception based on a high-precision fiber-optic line array. The nonlinear angular characteristics of the DOE are deduced and analyzed for a large field of view. The units of the receiving fiber-optic array are designed to offset the influence of the angular nonlinearity of the DOE, ensuring high-precision receiver–transmitter alignment of the hundred-beam-scale LiDAR for beams at any order of diffraction and helping to reduce system errors. The above-described LiDAR system has undergone laboratory testing and practical engineering verification, and it provides a new optical solution for LiDAR systems at the hundred-beam scale with a large field of view, a small divergence angle, and high sampling density. The presented system achieves a registration accuracy of 66.5 μrad with 128 beams and a 10-degree field of view, greatly improving signal reception efficiency. Such LiDAR systems have a wide range of applications, including space docking, target identification, lunar and planetary exploration, and ground-based vehicle-mounted LiDAR.
A bidirectional free space optical link for last-mile terrestrial access links employing a novel wavelength shift keying technique
Authors: Qu Changjia , Ghafoor Salman , Ahmad Arsalan , Mirza Jawad , Aljohani Abdulah Jeza , Aziz Imran
Published: July 2024

In this study, we propose a novel wavelength shift keying (WSK) technique that is combined with the conventional intensity modulation scheme for the transmission of point-to-point bidirectional data at the rate of 10 Gbps in each direction. We observe that WSK technique has not been investigated for implementation in point-to-point free space optical (FSO) links. Therefore, to the best of our knowledge, our study is the first one to perform this investigation. Our proposed link uses WSK in the downlink direction while we re-use the optical carriers for the transmission of uplink data. The use of WSK in the downlink direction enables us to perform balanced detection at the receiver, resulting in 3 dB improvement in receiver sensitivity compared to simple direct detection. We present bit error rate (BER) results for the signals transmitted in both the directions under different turbulence conditions and FSO link lengths. It was observed that the downlink signals generally perform better compared to the uplink due to the use of balanced detection and higher intensity fluctuations induced over the re-used optical carrier transmitted in the uplink direction.Please check and confirm that all the author names (given name, family name) and initials are correctly identified. The author names and initials are CORRECT.
Measurement invariance of the PROMIS emotional distress and subjective well-being domains among autistic and General Population adolescents
Authors: Kaplan-Kahn Elizabeth A. , Benecke Rachel M. , Guthrie Whitney , Yerys Benjamin E. , Holmes Laura Graham , Miller Judith S.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Quality of life (QoL) is identified as a clinical and research priority by the autistic community. Researchers have the responsibility to ensure that instruments used to measure QoL do so reliably and accurately among autistic participants.

Methods

Our study evaluated measurement invariance of Emotional Distress (Depression, Anxiety, Anger, Psychological Stress) and Subjective Well-Being (Life Satisfaction, Positive Affect, and Meaning & Purpose) scales of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) among groups of autistic (N=140, n per scale=132–140) and general population (N=1,224, n per scale=406–411) teenagers (14–17 years). These scales were included in the PROMIS Autism Battery-Lifespan, which uses PROMIS scales to measure QoL domains most relevant for autistic people.

Results

Multi-group confirmatory factor analyses using permutation tests demonstrated that Depression and Positive Affect scales exhibited scalar invariance between groups, indicating that scores can be meaningfully compared across autistic and general population teens. Anger and Psychological Stress scales demonstrated metric invariance between groups, indicating that these scales measure the same latent trait in both groups, but group comparisons are not supported.

Conclusion

We provide guidance as to how these scales can be used in psychometrically supported ways to capture constructs relevant for understanding QoL among autistic teens.
Temperature dependence of feeding activity in the invasive freshwater snail Pomacea canaliculata: implications for its response to climate warming
Authors: Miyata Yudai , Nakatsubo Takayuki
Published: July 2024

Pomacea canaliculata, a freshwater snail native to South America, has become widely naturalised in many countries, causing serious damage to agricultural and native ecosystems. Although climate warming is likely to expand the distribution of this species, limited information exists regarding its impact on feeding activities. In this study, we examined the effects of temperature on the feeding activity of this species and estimated the impact of climate warming on its feeding potential. The feeding activity was determined by measuring the amount of standard food (Japanese mustard spinach, komatsuna) ingested at different temperatures. It tended to increase from 15 to 25 °C but became almost stable from 25 to 35 °C. The respiration rate determined by the O2 consumption rate, showed a similar response to temperature. Based on these findings, we constructed a simple model to estimate the relative feeding activity using climatic data recorded at meteorological stations throughout the Japanese Archipelago. The model estimated that, with warming of + 2 °C, annual feeding potential (relative value) increased by 21.1% at the present northern distribution limit of this species. The effect of warming on percentage increase in feeding potential was estimated to be smaller at the southern distribution limit (9.9%), although the absolute feeding potential was larger than that at the northern sites. The model also suggested that if this species expanded its northern distribution range as a result of climate warming, it would have a high feeding potential comparable to that of the southern regions.
Resources recovery from domestic wastewater by a combined process: anaerobic digestion and membrane photobioreactor
Authors: Ferrera Elvira , Ruigómez Ignacio , Vela-Bastos Carolina , Ferreira Alice , Gouveia Luisa , Vera Luisa
Published: July 2024

Anaerobic and membrane technologies are a promising combination to decrease the energy consumption associated with wastewater treatment, allowing the recovery of resources: organic matter as biomethane, nutrient assimilation by microalgae and reclaimed water. In this study, domestic wastewater was treated using a combination of an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket sludge reactor (UASB) and a membrane photobioreactor (MPBR). The outdoor facilities were operated continuously for three months under unfavourable environmental conditions such as lack of temperature control, winter season with lower solar irradiation and lower daylight hours which was a challenge for the present work, not previously described. The energetic valorisation of the organic matter present in the wastewater by biomethane produced in the UASB would contribute to reducing overall facilities’ energy requirements. The ultrafiltration (UF) membrane facilitated the harvesting of biomass, operating at 10 L·h−1·m−2 during the experimental period. Although the main contribution to fouling was irreversible, chemical cleanings were not necessary due to effective fouling control, which prevented the final TMP from exceeding 25 kPa. In addition, microalgae-bacterial consortium developed without prior inoculation were harvested from the MPBR using membrane assistance. The obtained biomass was also successfully tested as a biostimulant for corn germination/growth, as well as a biopesticide against Rhizoctonia solani and Fusarium oxysporum.

Graphical abstract
How materialities and space–time travellings in class can breathe new life into Swedish secondary school Natural Science sexuality education
Authors: Planting-Bergloo Sara , Orlander Auli Arvola
Published: July 2024

In this study, we investigate the phenomenon of Swedish Natural Science sexuality education. These classes tend to provide factual knowledge, focus on the negative outcomes of sexuality, be heteronormative and include little time for discussion—like much school sexuality education across the world—and this study aims to contribute ideas about new becomings of Natural Science sexuality education. Baradian theorising was used to explore how materialities and space and time travels within the classroom can challenge often-dominant perspectives. Data were produced in a secondary school and consist of teacher-researcher discussions and participatory observations in class. A futuristic case introduced students to spaces, times and materialities that not only helped the group move beyond a medical focus but also made the sexuality education more student centred. The participating teachers suggested imaginary lust-oriented scenarios for the 15–16-year-old students as an entrance to more preventive messages in teaching. A taken-for-granted heterosexual premise was also challenged with gender-neutral words and pronouns, an exercise on how to use both condoms and dental dams, and a time travel into future possibilities for reproduction and parenting. The acknowledgement of spacetimematter intra-activity in teaching thereby enabled new becomings of Swedish Natural Science sexuality education. However, although this study suggests how dominant medical and heterosexual perspectives can be challenged, it also made visible the absence of cultural, religious, asexuality and disability perspectives in Swedish sexuality education.
Investigations on the Ability of the Insular Cortex to Process Peripheral Immunosuppression
Authors: Bihorac Julia , Salem Yasmin , Lückemann Laura , Schedlowski Manfred , Doenlen Raphael , Engler Harald , Mark Melanie D. , Dombrowski Kirsten , Spoida Katharina , Hadamitzky Martin
Published: July 2024

The brain and immune system communicate through complex bidirectional pathways, but the specificity by which the brain perceives or even remembers alterations in immune homeostasis is still poorly understood. Recent data revealed that immune-related information under peripheral inflammatory conditions, termed as “immunengram”, were represented in specific neuronal ensembles in the insular cortex (IC). Chemogenetic reactivation of these neuronal ensembles was sufficient to retrieve the inflammatory stages, indicating that the brain can store and retrieve specific immune responses. Against this background, the current approach was designed to investigate the ability of the IC to process states of immunosuppression pharmacologically induced by the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor rapamycin. We here show that the IC perceives the initial state of immunosuppression, reflected by increased deep-brain electroencephalography (EEG) activity during acute immunosuppressive drug treatment. Following an experienced period of immunosuppression, though, diminished splenic cytokine production as formerly induced by rapamycin could not be reinstated by nonspecific chemogenetic activation or inhibition of the IC. These findings suggest that the information of a past, or experienced status of pharmacologically induced immunosuppression is not represented in the IC. Together, the present work extends the view of immune-to-brain communication during the states of peripheral immunosuppression and foster the prominent role of the IC for interoception.
RILPL2 as a potential biomarker for predicting enhanced T cell infiltration in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Chen Dongfang , Zhang Hongyan , Zhao Lifang , Liu Xueqing , Lou Yueyan , Wu Peiling , Xue Shan , Jiang Handong
Published: July 2024

Our previous bioinformatics analysis has revealed that Rab-interacting lysosomal protein-like 2 (RILPL2) is associated with tumor immune microenvironment in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In our study, we collected 140 patients with primary NSCLC to verify the RILPL2 expression and its prognostic value, the relationship between RILPL2 expression and CD4+, CD8+T cell infiltration. A total of 140 patients who had been diagnosed with primary NSCLC (including 66 lung adenocarcinomas and 74 lung squamous cell carcinomas) were enrolled in our study. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was performed to analyze the expression of RILPL2, CD4, and CD8 in these patients. Compared with peri-cancer tissues, the RILPL2 expression in NSCLC tissues was significantly lower (P < 0.0001). RILPL2 expression was significantly related to clinical stage (P = 0.019), and low RILPL2 expression indicated higher stage. Low RILPL2 expression predicted worse overall survival (OS) in NSCLC patients (P = 0.017). Correlational analyses revealed that RILPL2 expression was significantly positively correlated with CD4+T cell infiltration in NSCLC (R = 0.294, P < 0.001), LUAD subgroup (R = 0.256, P = 0.038), and LUSC subgroup (R = 0.333, P = 0.004); RILPL2 expression was also significantly positively correlated with CD8+ T cell infiltration in NSCLC (R = 0.263, P = 0.002), LUAD subgroup (R = 0.280, P = 0.023), and LUSC subgroup (R = 0.250, P = 0.031). In conclusion, RILPL2 expression was downregulated in NSCLC; low RILPL2 expression was significantly related to higher stage and worse prognosis; RILPL2 expression was significantly positively correlated with CD4+, CD8+T cell infiltration.
Deep Brain Stimulation for Consciousness Disorders; Technical and Ethical Considerations
Authors: Deli Alceste , Green Alexander L.
Published: July 2024

Disorders of Consciousness (DoC) result in profound functional impairment, adversely affecting the lives of a predominantly younger patient population. Currently, effective treatment options for those who have reached chronicity (prolonged symptom duration over 4 weeks) are extremely limited, with the majority of such cases facing life-long dependence on carers and a poor quality of life. Here we briefly review the current evidence on caseload, diagnostic and management options in the United Kingdom (UK), United States of America (USA) and the European Union (EU). We identify key differences as well as similarities in these approaches across respective healthcare systems, highlighting unmet needs in this population. We subsequently present past efforts and the most recent advances in the field of surgical modulation of consciousness through implantable neurostimulation systems. We examine the ethical dilemmas that such a treatment approach may pose, proposing mediating solutions and methodological adjustments to address these concerns. Overall, we argue that there is a strong case for the utilisation of deep brain stimulation (DBS) in the DoC patient cohort. This is based on both promising results of recent clinical trials as well as technological developments. We propose a revitalization of surgical neuromodulation for DoC with a multicenter, multidisciplinary approach and strict monitoring guidelines, in order to not only advance treatment options but also ensure the safeguarding of patients’ welfare and dignity.
Psilotum (Psilotaceae-Ophioglossales): a taxonomic assessment based on morpho-anatomical studies of the species from the Neotropics
Authors: Tejero-Díez J. Daniel , Grego-Valencia Dalia , Prado Jefferson , Aguilar-Rodríguez Silvia , Terrazas Teresa
Published: July 2024

The recent discovery of Psilotum × intermedium in Mexico prompted us to reassess the nomenclature of this genus, which has global implications. From an extensive review of nomenclatural types and herbarium specimens, field collections, and a morpho-anatomical analysis, P. nudum and P. flaccidum are treated as accepted species, while P. × complanatum is treated as an interspecific hybrid between them. With this clarification, we specify their main synonymies and designate seven lectotypes (for Bernhardia schiedeana, Psilotum complanatum var. latissimum, P. complanatum var. mexicanum, P. floridanum, P. neocaledonicum, P. triquetrum, P. triquetrum var. gracile) and we select an epitype to give taxonomic support to the hybrid. We provide descriptions, diagnostic comments, and a key for identification of the accepted taxa, and also update the geographical ranges of these three taxa, mainly in Neotropics.
From Physiology to Pathology of Astrocytes: Highlighting Their Potential as Therapeutic Targets for CNS Injury
Authors: Yuan Yimin , Liu Hong , Dai Ziwei , He Cheng , Qin Shangyao , Su Zhida
Published: July 2024

In the mammalian central nervous system (CNS), astrocytes are the ubiquitous glial cells that have complex morphological and molecular characteristics. These fascinating cells play essential neurosupportive and homeostatic roles in the healthy CNS and undergo morphological, molecular, and functional changes to adopt so-called ‘reactive’ states in response to CNS injury or disease. In recent years, interest in astrocyte research has increased dramatically and some new biological features and roles of astrocytes in physiological and pathological conditions have been discovered thanks to technological advances. Here, we will review and discuss the well-established and emerging astroglial biology and functions, with emphasis on their potential as therapeutic targets for CNS injury, including traumatic and ischemic injury. This review article will highlight the importance of astrocytes in the neuropathological process and repair of CNS injury.
Chitosan membranes incorporating Aloe vera glycolic extract with joint synthesis of silver nanoparticles for the treatment of skin lesions
Authors: Amaral Venâncio A. , Santana Victoria L. , Lisboa Erika S. , Martins Fredrico S. , Chaud Marco V. , de Albuquerque-Júnior Ricardo L. C. , Santana Wanessa , Santos Cochiran , de Jesus Santos Adriana , Cardoso Juliana C. , Souto Eliana B. , Severino Patrícia
Published: July 2024

New wound dressings based on polymeric membranes have been widely exploited for clinical applications to assist in the healing process and prevent additional complications (e.g., bacterial infections). Here we propose the development of a new production method of polymeric membranes based on chitosan, incorporating glycolic extract of Aloe vera with joint synthesis of silver nanoparticles for use as a new bioactive dressing. The membranes were obtained by casting technique, and their morphological, physicochemical characteristics, degree of swelling, degradation profile and antimicrobial activity evaluated. Morphological analyzes confirmed the synthesis and presence of silver nanoparticles in the polymeric membrane. The chemical compatibility between the materials was demonstrated through thermal analysis (TGA and DSC) combined with ATR-FTIR tests, showing the complexation of the membranes (Mb-Ch-Ex.Av-NPs). All membranes were characterized as hydrophilic material (with a contact angle (ө) < 90°); however, the highest degree of swelling was obtained for the chitosan. (Mb-Ch) membrane (69.91 ± 5.75%) and the lowest for Mb-Ch-Ex.Av-NPs (26.62 ± 8.93%). On the other hand, the degradation profile was higher for Mb-Ch-Ex.Av-NPs (77.85 ± 7.51%) and lower for Mb-Ch (57.60 ± 2.29%). The manufactured bioactive dressings showed activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Our work confirmed the development of translucent and flexible chitosan-based membranes, incorporating Aloe vera glycolic extract with joint synthesis of silver nanoparticles for use as a new bioactive dressing, with proven antimicrobial activity.

Graphical Abstract
Evolution of Morphology, Particle Size and Oxidation Resistance of Recycled Ti-6Al-4V Powders Prepared by Planetary Ball Milling
Authors: Varol Temel , Ömür Fethi Doğukan , Akçay Serhatcan Berk , Güler Onur , Erdemir Fatih
Published: July 2024

Planetary ball milling is a high-energy ball milling technique that is widely used for the synthesis of alloy and composite powders with micrometer or nanometer particle sizes. The effect of process control agent (PCA) content (wt%) and milling time on the morphology, particle size and distribution, crystallite structure, apparent density and oxidation resistance of recycled T-6Al-4V alloy powders from lathe chips is investigated in this study. To investigate the effect of the PCA on the properties of the Ti-6Al-4V alloy particles, methanol is used as the PCA in various amounts of 0.5, 1 and 2 wt%. The milling is carried out using 20:1 of ball-to-powder ratio (BPR) and 400 rpm of milling speed. A morphological change from scrap form to flake-like shape, from flake-like morphology to irregular and semispherical shape and finally from semispherical form to spherical morphology is observed with increase in milling time for all PCA ratios. The results showed that the average particle sizes (D50) are 20, 18.1 and 21.8 μm after milling of 360 min with 0.5 wt%, 1 wt% and 2 wt% PCA, respectively. Results show that the most suitable recycled Ti-6Al-4V powders for powder-based manufacturing techniques are produced between 180 and 360 min of milling with 2 wt% PCA.
A mediation approach in resting-state connectivity between the medial prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate in mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Huang Yiyuan Teresa , Yan Sui-Hing , Chuang Yi-Fang , Shih Yao-Chia , Huang Yan-Siang , Liu Yi-Chien , Kao Scott Shyh-Chang , Chiu Yen-Ling , Fan Yang-Teng
Published: July 2024

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is recognized as the prodromal phase of dementia, a condition that can be either maintained or reversed through timely medical interventions to prevent cognitive decline. Considerable studies using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) have indicated that altered activity in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) serves as an indicator of various cognitive stages of aging. However, the impacts of intrinsic functional connectivity in the mPFC as a mediator on cognitive performance in individuals with and without MCI have not been fully understood. In this study, we recruited 42 MCI patients and 57 healthy controls, assessing their cognitive abilities and functional brain connectivity patterns through neuropsychological evaluations and resting-state fMRI, respectively. The MCI patients exhibited poorer performance on multiple neuropsychological tests compared to the healthy controls. At the neural level, functional connectivity between the mPFC and the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) was significantly weaker in the MCI group and correlated with multiple neuropsychological test scores. The result of the mediation analysis further demonstrated that functional connectivity between the mPFC and ACC notably mediated the relationship between the MCI and semantic fluency performance. These findings suggest that altered mPFC-ACC connectivity may have a plausible causal influence on cognitive decline and provide implications for early identifications of neurodegenerative diseases and precise monitoring of disease progression.
Exposure to Endocrine Disruptors in Early life and Neuroimaging Findings in Childhood and Adolescence: a Scoping Review
Authors: Cajachagua-Torres Kim N. , Quezada-Pinedo Hugo G. , Wu Tong , Trasande Leonardo , Ghassabian Akhgar
Published: July 2024

Purpose of Review

Evidence suggests neurotoxicity of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) during sensitive periods of development. We present an overview of pediatric population neuroimaging studies that examined brain influences of EDC exposure during prenatal period and childhood.

Recent Findings

We found 46 studies that used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to examine brain influences of EDCs. These studies showed associations of prenatal exposure to phthalates, organophosphate pesticides (OPs), polyaromatic hydrocarbons and persistent organic pollutants with global and regional brain structural alterations. Few studies suggested alteration in functional MRI associated with prenatal OP exposure. However, studies on other groups of EDCs, such as bisphenols, and those that examined childhood exposure were less conclusive.

These findings underscore the potential profound and lasting effects of prenatal EDC exposure on brain development, emphasizing the need for better regulation and strategies to reduce exposure and mitigate impacts. More studies are needed to examine the influence of postnatal exposure to EDC on brain imaging.
Biosafety, biosecurity, and bioethics
Authors: Resnik David B.
Published: July 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of biosafety in the biomedical sciences. While it is often assumed that biosafety is a purely technical matter that has little to do with philosophy or the humanities, biosafety raises important ethical issues that have not been adequately examined in the scientific or bioethics literature. This article reviews some pivotal events in the history of biosafety and biosecurity and explores three different biosafety topics that generate significant ethical concerns, i.e., risk assessment, risk management, and risk distribution. The article also discusses the role of democratic governance in the oversight of biosafety and offers some suggestions for incorporating bioethics into biosafety practice, education, and policy.
Lazy thermal annealing of material extrusion-based 3D-printed PLA specimens
Authors: Birosz Márton Tamás , Gál András , Hegedűs-Kuti János , Andó Mátyás
Published: July 2024

Material extrusion (ME)-based 3D printing process is widely used nowadays, and the created parts can be used for rapid prototyping or as a finished part for industrial representatives, but the technology is also popular among home users. One of the greatest limitations of the parts created by ME is the mechanical anisotropy resulting from the extrusion process. The inter- and intra-layer adhesion makes the parts prone to early failure. By thermal post-processing, this kind of bond can be improved; however, that would need an investment of some new equipment/machines. In this article, a “lazy annealing” thermal post-processing method is presented, where the parts are cured on the 3D printer to increase their mechanical resistance. According to the results, even with this simple method, a significant increment can be achieved, but it has less effect on the infill patterns.
Australian Digital Mental Health Services: Consumer Perceptions of Their Usability and Acceptability
Authors: Ftanou Maria , Machlin Anna , Mangelsdorf Shaminka N. , Morgan Amy , Bassilios Bridget
Published: July 2024

Digital mental health interventions are effective and can greatly enhance access to mental health care. They can reach people in remote and low-income areas and reduce the stigma of seeking mental health help by offering anonymity. Despite these benefits, they have not been fully integrated into mental health service delivery. The aim of this study was to understand consumers’ experiences and perceptions of accessing care through digital mental health services. Consumers of three key Australian Digital Mental Health Services completed an online survey about their experience receiving mental health care through digital mental health services. Some consumers were also invited to elaborate on their responses by taking part in a phone interview. A total of 351 participants completed an online survey (overall response rate of 11% of all those invited to take part), and 23 participants of whom also completed a phone interview. Most consumers were female and under the age of 50 years. Overall, consumers were very positive about their experience of using digital mental health services. They appreciated the accessibility, convenience, self-paced nature, therapeutic support, and guidance. Most found the services user-friendly, easy to use and navigate and were satisfied with their experience. A small number of consumers experienced difficulties with technology and internet connections. Most consumers would recommend services to their peers and recommend that digital mental health services be better promoted to improve awareness. Digital mental health services have a vital role in mental health care provision. Further research is needed to examine how digital mental health services can cater to the specific needs of disadvantaged sub-populations and diverse cultural populations and be seamlessly implemented in mental health care systems.
Impact of Train-Induced Vibrations on Residents’ Comfort and Structural Damages in Buildings
Authors: Seyedi Mohsen
Published: July 2024

The rapid growth of urbanization and the progress of industrialization have resulted in the construction of over or near-track buildings. Train-induced ground-borne vibrations have attracted attention because they can damage buildings and cause residents discomfort. This study conducted a series of finite element analyses on three 5-story concrete framed buildings, which were subjected to the passage of trains at various speeds. One of the buildings was modeled as an over-track building, whereas the other two buildings were located in close proximity to the track but at different distances. The present study investigated the impact of train speed and track-to-building distance on the acceleration and velocity responses of buildings. The comparison of residents’ comfort levels and the structural safety of buildings against potential damages was conducted using international standards as the controlling criteria. Furthermore, an efficient mitigation technique was implemented, involving the utilization of open trenches with different depths between buildings and the railway track. This approach was employed with the aim of minimizing the detrimental impacts caused by trains-induced vibrations. The findings indicated that the over-track building was impacted by the train-induced vibrations more than near-track buildings. Furthermore, it was shown that although the passage of high-speed trains can disturb the comfort of building residents and potentially cause some structural damage to buildings, it did not lead to any significant story drifts in the structures. Finally, the minimum required depth of open trenches to mitigate train-induced vibrations was computed for every type of buildings and train speeds.
Analysis of spatial variability of smog episodes over National Capital Delhi during (2013–2017)
Authors: Mushtaq Fayma , Farooq Majid , Lala Mili Ghosh Nee , Banerjee Saswati , Tirkey Anamika Shalini , Shaheen Farzana , Meraj Gowhar
Published: July 2024

Air pollution is a pressing issue in Delhi, with smog occurrences causing reduced visibility and various respiratory problems. A series of severe SMOG (smoke + fog) episodes between 2013 and 2017 with reduced visibility and exceptionally high PM2.5 concentrations have been reported in Delhi especially around Diwali festival (October–November). The Smog of 2016 is referred as Great Smog of Delhi. This study examined remote sensing data from 2013 to 2017 to investigate smog episodes in Delhi during pre-Diwali, post-Diwali, and Diwali. Satellite-derived parameters viz absorbing aerosol index (AAI), aerosol optical depth (AOD), and ozone monitoring instrument (OMI) along with air pollution data and climatic parameters were used to analyze smog episodes. The results showed that during smog episodes, AOD, AAI and PM2.5 concentrations exceeded permissible limits significantly at all stations across Delhi during the Diwali festival. The ground-based observations at different locations across Delhi and satellite data-derived datasets confirmed the severity of smog episodes. The findings indicate that burning of fire crackers coupled with agriculture stubble burning and subsequent transport of the smoke from North Western states through the Capital had a greater impact on deteriorating air quality in Delhi than local pollution, especially during unfavorable weather conditions associated with high humidity and weaker winds. The outcomes highlight the significance of remotely sensed information in identifying smog episodes and their severity in Delhi. It also underlines the necessity for efficient interventions to control air pollution, particularly amid festivals like Diwali.
Ein „Außenseiter in der Mitte“. Historisches Denken, Erinnerungsgeschichte und intellektuelles Engagement in der Autobiografie des französischen Historikers Pierre Nora
Authors: Kroll Thomas
Published: July 2024

Die Autobiografie des französischen Historikers Pierre Nora (Jahrgang 1931), ein Pionier der Erinnerungsgeschichte, bietet vielfältige Einsichten in die Ideen- und Historiografiegeschichte Frankreichs seit 1945. Mit der Konzeption der Erinnerungsorte und der ego-histoire hat Nora großen Einfluss auf die Entwicklung der Geschichtswissenschaften seit den 1980er Jahren genommen. Seine besondere intellektuelle Stellung hat sich nicht zuletzt daraus ergeben, dass Nora parallel zwei Karrieren durchlaufen hat, nämlich die eines Universitäts- und Zeithistorikers sowie die eines leitenden Mitarbeiters im renommierten Pariser Verlag Gallimard. Diese Zwischenposition rückt Nora, der aus einer assimilierten jüdischen Familie stammt, in das Zentrum der Erzählung seiner Autobiografie, die er mithilfe der rhetorischen Figur des „Außenseiters in der Mitte“ konstruiert. Einen weiteren narrativen Fluchtpunkt der Erzählung bildet das Verhältnis von französischer Nation und Judentum. Schließlich stellen die Erinnerungen ein Plädoyer für die Nationalgeschichte dar, der Nora eine grundlegende Bedeutung für die Identität Frankreichs zuschreibt.
Submerged surface texturing of AISI 304L using the pulsating water jet method
Authors: Stolárik Gabriel , Klichová Dagmar , Poloprudský Jakub , Chlupová Alice , Nag Akash , Hloch Sergej
Published: July 2024

Submerged jets have a variety of practical applications due to their versatility in providing efficient and environmentally friendly options for treatment in various industries. The physical background is based on the continuous water jet (CWJ) application powered via stagnation pressure. However, it is known that impact pressure is much more effective than static pressure. When the impact pressure is repeated with a high frequency per time unit, the erosive effects of water can be used even at pressures below 100 MPa, which is attractive from the point of view of the low demands of the hydraulic system. Surface modification utilising impact pressure can be achieved by employing the pulsed water jet (PWJ) method. The combination of parameters such as the traverse speed and trajectory pattern can control the number of water clusters impacting the material surface. So far, the field of application of PWJ for surface treatment has mostly been investigated water atmospheric conditions. This article focuses on the possibility of the surface modification of AISI 304L stainless steel using the PWJ method under submerged conditions. The results are compared to those obtained under atmospheric conditions. The reference samples were treated by the same technological conditions using a continuous water jet (CWJ). The affected surfaces were characterised using areal surface roughness parameters Sa, Sz, Sp, and Sv, and the surface topography and mechanism of erosion wear were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. A significant increase in all roughness parameters was confirmed using the PWJ compared to the CWJ method (both in atmospheric and submerged conditions), which confirms the importance of using impact pressure. The surface treatment by PWJ under submerged conditions resulted in a decrease of the surface roughness parameter Sa by approximately 97% compared to atmospheric conditions at a traverse speed of 2 mm/s for perpendicular interleaved trajectory, nevertheless, the homogeneity of treatment over a larger area was improved.
Revolutionizing engineered cementitious composite materials (ECC): the impact of XGBoost-SHAP analysis on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) based ECC predictions
Authors: Uddin Md Nasir , Al-Amin  , Hossain Shameem
Published: July 2024

This study integrates previous experimental data and employs machine learning (ML) methods, including Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Artificial Neural Network (ANN), and eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), to predict the compressive strength (CS) and tensile strength (TS) of engineered cementitious composites (ECC). XGBoost emerged as the superior model among the four ML models, providing an interpretable and highly accurate predictive framework. To optimize the model performance, hyperparameter tuning using a fivefold cross-validation approach with the data divided into 80% training and 20% testing subsets. The Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) algorithm was also employed to reveal the impact of important features, such as the water/binder ratio, fly ash content, and water reducer dosage, on the model’s predictions and their interrelationships. The XGBoost demonstrates the most exemplary performance, as reflected in the R2 values of 0.92 and 0.97 for CS and TS testing, respectively. The SHAP analysis provided insights into the impact of individual features on CS and TS, shedding light on how specific characteristics influence the predictive accuracy of these properties. This highly accurate prediction model uncovers insights into correlated features, aids in creating new mix designs of ECC, and supports global efforts toward a low-carbon future in the construction industry by reducing carbon emissions.
Unrevealing the challenge of perinatal transmission and risk factors of Hepatitis C virus infection in India: a review
Authors: Sharma Swati , Bhavani R , Singh Kamal
Published: July 2024

In the field of global health challenges, perinatal transmission of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has emerged as a serious concern, particularly within the intricate landscape of healthcare in India. The intricate dance between maternal health, prenatal care, and the viral dynamics of HCV raises complex questions about prevention, detection, and intervention strategies. Despite remarkable progress in healthcare infrastructure, India grapples with the persistent challenge of preventing mother-to-child transmission of HCV, a phenomenon that demands nuanced exploration and strategic interventions. This review embarks on an insightful journey to highlight the multifaceted aspects of the challenge of perinatal transmission of HCV infection in India, shedding light on the existing obstacles, diagnostic dilemmas, risk factors and the imperative need for comprehensive preventive strategies. As we navigate through the intricacies of this public health dilemma, a deeper understanding of the socio-economic, cultural, and medical aspects is essential to pave the way for effective solutions and, ultimately, protect the next generation from the burden of HCV-related complications.
Intensifying Gender Inequality: Why Belgian Female Students (Sometimes) Gain Less Internal Political Efficacy from Citizenship Education Than Male Students
Authors: Matthieu Joke , Erzeel Silvia , Caluwaerts Didier
Published: July 2024

Persistent gender inequalities in internal political efficacy have traditionally been attributed to gender differences in resources. This article complements the resource model by focusing on how gendered political socialization occurs during citizenship education and how citizenship education might mitigate, reproduce, or intensify inequalities. Based on multilevel models on a 2016 survey dataset (3898 students across 150 schools) of Belgian senior high school students, we show that citizenship education increases internal political efficacy for both male and female students. However, we also find that citizenship education intensifies inequalities since male students gain more from it than female students, especially in schools with a conservative gender role culture. Our results indicate that the influence of citizenship education depends on the gendered school context in which it is offered. In this respect, citizenship education risks intensifying rather than mitigating gender inequalities.