bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Essential and Nonessential Elements, Lipids and Volatile Compounds in Coffee and Transfer to Coffee Brews: Assessment of the Benefits and Potential Risks for Human Health
Authors: Senila Marin , Kovacs Eniko , Senila Lacrimioara
Published: December 2024

Coffee is a popular beverage with significant commercial and social importance. The study aimed to determine the fatty acids profile, volatile compounds, and concentration of major and trace elements (Na, Mg, K, Ca, P, S, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Cr, Ni, Cd, and Pb) in the two most important varieties of coffee, namely arabica and robusta. The leaching percentages of mineral elements and the effect of boiling time on the transfer of elements to aqueous extracts were also determined. In terms of fatty acids profile, the robusta variety was found to have a higher content of saturated fatty acids (46.68%) compared to the arabica variety (44.38%), whereas arabica contained a higher amount of omega‐6. Regarding the volatile compounds, arabica contained higher amounts of pyrazines (36%), ketones (5.4%), and furans (37.8%). The average contents of the major elements in roasted coffee (arabica and robusta) decreased in the order K > P > S > Mg > Ca > Na, while the trace elements content exhibited a decrease in the order Fe > Mn > B > Cu > Zn > Ni > Pb > Cd ≈ Cr. In coffee brews, the contents of elements have a similar decreasing trend, although variations in leaching percentages were observed. The health risk was assessed considering the concentrations of potentially toxic elements in coffee brews, and no health risks were indicated by the obtained scores. The contribution of coffee brews to the recommended dietary daily intake of essential elements is low. However, it can be significant considering that this beverage is consumed on a daily basis.
The Effectiveness of Educational Intervention in Promoting Preventive Behaviors of Dengue Fever in Southern Iran: Applying Health Belief Model (HBM)
Authors: Yari Asiyeh , Mohseni Shokrollah , Ezati Rad Roghayeh , Hosseini Zahra , Shahabi Nahid , Aghamolaei Teamur
Published: December 2024

Background and Aims

Diseases transmittable by Aedes mosquito affect the health of millions of people every year, however, they can be effectively prevented. This study aimed to apply the Health Belief Model (HBM) in promoting preventive behaviors against dengue fever in southern Iran.

Methods

In this quasi‐experimental study, 320 people were randomly selected through multi‐stage cluster sampling in 2022 (161 in the intervention group and 159 in the control group). The data were collected using a researcher‐made questionnaire based on the HBM constructs before and 1 month after an educational intervention. Content validity index (CVI), content validity ratio (CVR), and Cronbach alpha coefficient were used for psychometric evaluation of the questionnaire. The educational intervention was made on a daily basis in a WhatsApp group in August and September 2022. Descriptive and inferential statistical tests were used for data analysis.

Results

After the educational intervention, the mean score increased in the constructs of behavior (38.42 ± 1.54), knowledge (10.77 ± 0.98), attitude (24.30 ± 1.59), perceived susceptibility (20.05 ± 1.42), perceived severity (21.31 ± 2.01), perceived benefits (28.00 ± 2.16), self‐efficacy (14.77 ± 0.51) of the intervention group. Moreover, after the intervention, the scores of perceived barriers (8.96 ± 1.31) decreased in the intervention group (p < 0.05). The analysis of covariance showed education had a statistically significant effect on HBM constructs.

Conclusions

The participants' knowledge about preventive behavior of dengue fever increased. They managed to remove the barriers to healthy behavior and began to show the desired preventive behavior with the self‐efficacy they gained; thus, the educational intervention based on the HBM can improve the behaviors to preventi of dengue fever, which is transmitted by the Aedes mosquito.
Analysis of Hydrothermal Flow and Performance of Heat Transfer in 3D Pipes Based on Varying Dimple Structure Configurations
Authors: Al‐Haidari Saad Raad , Al‐Obaidi Ahmed Ramadhan
Published: December 2024

In the current work, the study examines the flow patterns and heat transfer capabilities of tubes with various spherical dimple configurations. A numerical analysis, supported by experimental validation on a reference model, was conducted on a circular tube with an alternating flow path. The primary goal was to enhance the thermal performance of circular tubes by inducing mixing and vortex flows. The impact of three design factors on thermal–hydraulic performance was investigated, dimple pipe diameter (DPD), dimple group number (DGN), and number of dimples (NODs). Dimpled tubes consistently outperformed smooth tubes in heat transfer due to increased flow mixing and separation. Both increasing the Reynolds number and decreasing the design factors led to the formation of mixing and vortex patterns. The performance evaluation factor (PEF) varied across different dimple configurations. For DPD, PEF ranged from 1.14 to 1.33; for DGN, it ranged from 1.15 to 1.28; for NOD, it ranged from 0.95 to 1.21, all within a Reynolds number range of 4000–15,000. At a Reynolds number of 6000, all three configurations of DPD, DGN, and NOD outperformed the smooth pipe in terms of the Nusselt number. For DPD, Nusselt number improvements ranged from 25.7% to 30.8%, and friction factors increased by 21% to 67%. DGN configurations exhibited a wider range of Nusselt number enhancement from 25% to 49.6%, and friction factor increase from 37% to 72%. NOD configurations also demonstrated consistent improvements, with Nusselt number increases ranging from 27.35% to 31% and friction factor increases from 42% to 74%. Spherical dimples can significantly enhance the thermal–hydraulic performance of tubes, so the best configuration depends on the specific application, and the highest performance, with a 1.33 increase in PEF, was achieved with a dimple diameter of 2 mm (DPD = 2 mm) and a dimple density of four dimples per unit area (NOD = 4).
ANRIL's Epigenetic Regulation and Its Implications for Cardiovascular Disorders
Authors: Moglad Ehssan , Kaur Parjinder , Menon Soumya V. , Abida  , Ali Haider , Kaur Mandeep , Deorari Mahamedha , Pant Kumud , Almalki Waleed Hassan , Kazmi Imran , Alzarea Sami I.
Published: December 2024

Cardiovascular disorders (CVDs) are a major global health concern, but their underlying molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. Recent research highlights the role of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), particularly ANRIL, in cardiovascular development and disease. ANRIL, located in the human genome's 9p21 region, significantly regulates cardiovascular pathogenesis. It controls nearby tumor suppressor genes CDKN2A/B through epigenetic pathways, influencing cell growth and senescence. ANRIL interacts with epigenetic modifiers, leading to altered histone modifications and gene expression changes. It also acts as a transcriptional regulator, impacting key genes in CVD development. ANRIL's involvement in cardiovascular epigenetic regulation suggests potential therapeutic strategies. Manipulating ANRIL and its associated epigenetic modifiers could offer new approaches to managing CVDs and preventing their progression. Dysregulation of ANRIL has been linked to various cardiovascular conditions, including coronary artery disease, atherosclerosis, ischemic stroke, and myocardial infarction. This abstract provides insights from recent research, emphasizing ANRIL's significance in the epigenetic landscape of cardiovascular disorders. By shedding light on ANRIL's role in cellular processes and disease development, the abstract highlights its potential as a therapeutic target for addressing CVDs.
Synthesis, Biological Evaluation and in Silico Studies of Novel Urea/Thiourea Derivatives of Lenalidomide
Authors: Tok Fatih , Abas Burçin İrem , Başoğlu Faika , Çevik Özge , Karakuş Sevgi , Ece Abdulilah
Published: December 2024

Designing new compounds from existing chemotherapeutic drugs to enhance inhibitory effects on tumor cells while overcoming multidrug resistance is one of the important strategies for new drug discovery in medicinal chemistry. A new series of urea and thiourea derivatives based on Lenalidomide as potential anticancer agents have been designed and synthesized. In vitro anticancer activity assay against Caki cancer cells and HUVEC endothelial cells revealed that 1‐(4‐methylphenyl)‐3‐[2‐(2,6‐dioxopiperidin‐3‐yl)‐1‐oxoisoindolin‐4‐yl]urea (11) exhibited the highest anticancer activity and selectivity in the series with IC50 values of 9.88 and 179.03 µM, respectively. Among the compounds, 11 showed significant HDAC1 inhibiton of 68.02 ± 2.44% at 10 µM concentration. TGF‐β, Bax, Bcl‐2 protein levels and scratch assay were analyzed in Caki cells. As a result, compound 11 induced apoptosis in Caki cells. In this study, it has been demonstrated that compound 11 can be a lead compound for further detailed investigation in renal cancer treatment. Through molecular docking studies, it was determined that the most active compound, 11, forms stable interactions with key residues in the enzyme's active site, particularly engaging in hydrogen bonds with GLY149 and coordinating with the zinc ion in the HDAC1 active site. These interactions are crucial for the observed inhibitory activity. Molecular dynamics simulation revealed the binding event of the most active compound with class I histone deacetylase and the stability of the complex in a biological environment.
MolAR: Memory‐Safe Library for Analysis of MD Simulations Written in Rust
Authors: Yesylevskyy Semen
Published: December 2024

Transition to the memory safe natively compiled programming languages is a major software development trend in recent years, which eliminates memory‐related security exploits, enables a fearless concurrency and parallelization, and drastically improves ergonomics and speed of software development. Modern memory‐safe programing languages, such as Rust, are currently not used for developing molecular modeling and simulation software despite such obvious benefits as faster development cycle, better performance and smaller amount of bugs. This work introduces MolAR—the first memory‐safe library for analysis of MD simulations written in Rust. MolAR is intended to explore the advantages and challenges of implementing molecular analysis software in the memory‐safe natively compiled language and to develop specific memory‐safe abstractions for this kind of software. MolAR demonstrates an excellent performance in benchmarks outperforming popular molecular analysis libraries and tools, which makes it attractive for implementing computationally intensive analysis tasks. MolAR is freely available under Artistic License 2.0 at https://github.com/yesint/molar.
Saddle‐shaped rotating knee prosthesis outperforms low contact stress knee: A short‐term retrospective comparative study
Authors: Itoh Masafumi , Itou Junya , Kuwashima Umito , Okazaki Ken
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This retrospective comparative study aimed to compare the native patellar alignment and clinical outcomes of the Rotating Concave–Convex (ROCC) knee, which features a saddle‐shaped rotating platform (RP) insert and a deep trochlea, versus the low contact stress (LCS) knee, which has favourable long‐term outcomes and features an anatomically shaped trochlea and a cruciate‐sacrificing RP insert. We hypothesized that the deeper trochlea of the ROCC would further stabilize the native patella, resulting in superior clinical outcomes compared to LCS‐RP.

Methods

Consecutive patients who underwent patellar‐nonresurfacing primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using ROCC or LCS‐RP were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with over 1‐year post‐TKA follow‐up were included. Patients with neurologic disorders affecting knee function or additional ipsilateral knee surgery before evaluation were excluded. Patellar alignment was evaluated using the patella tilting angle (PTA), patella shift (PS), and the ratio of patella fitting depth into the trochlea (F) on axial radiographs. Primary and secondary outcomes were evaluated using the patellar score assessing patellofemoral function and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score. Multiple regression analyses were performed with primary and secondary outcomes as dependent variables.

Results

The analysis included 113 ROCC knees and 94 LCS‐RP knees (median follow‐up: 25 months, follow‐up rate: 92.3%). For ROCC and LCS‐RP, respectively, the mean PTA was 0.3 (3.2)° and 4.3 (2.9)°; PS was 0.5 (1.8) and 2.0 (2.5) mm; and F was 29.6 (8.1)% and 21.4 (6.5)% (all p < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, ROCC positively affected both primary and secondary outcomes (p = 0.004 and 0.0003–0.02, respectively).

Conclusion

At short‐term follow‐up, ROCC stabilized the patella further horizontally, centrally, and deeply into the trochlea, thus outperforming LCS‐RP clinically. Orthopaedic surgeons should consider these potential advantages when selecting TKA models, especially those featuring cruciate‐sacrificing RP mechanisms in patellar‐nonresurfacing procedures.

Level of Evidence

III. Retrospective comparative study.
Synthesis and Cancer Cell Cytotoxicity of 6‐, 7‐, or 8‐Substituted 2‐(Hetero)aryl‐4‐(4‐(Hetero)aryl‐2‐Oxobut‐3‐en‐1‐Ylidene)Benzothiazepanes
Authors: Magdalenic Katarina , Morillon Donatien , De Jonghe Steven , Persoons Leentje , Schols Dominique , Van Hecke Kristof , Grootaert Charlotte , Van Camp John , D'hooghe Matthias
Published: December 2024

Cancer chemotherapy is continuously challenged by serious complications like pronounced side effects and multidrug resistance (MDR). Natural products, such as curcumin, offer promising alternatives due to their diverse biological applications and low toxicity. However, curcumin's clinical utility is limited by poor bioavailability, rapid metabolism, and non‐specific (PAINS) activity. Building on previous findings, this study explored the structural modification of curcumin‐inspired benzothiazepane derivatives in an attempt to enhance their therapeutic potential through modifications of the two peripheral (hetero)aromatic rings and the benzothiazepane scaffold. In this way, eight new 2‐(hetero)aryl‐4‐(4‐(hetero)aryl‐2‐oxobut‐3‐en‐1‐ylidene)benzothiazepanes and two 4‐thiobutan‐2‐one “double Michael addition” derivatives were synthesized and tested for cytotoxicity against a panel of eight cancer cell lines. The screening results indicated that bis‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl) analogs bearing a chlorinated benzothiazepane ring exhibited the highest potency and broad‐spectrum activity at the low micromolar range. Bis‐substitutions with 3‐pyridinyl and 2‐furyl groups showed less potent but more specific activity profiles, potentially reducing PAINS effects. 2‐Aminothiophenol‐derived double Michael addition products demonstrated increased broad‐spectrum activity, highlighting the importance of the free aniline amino group for targeted effects. This study underscores the potential of benzothiazepane derivatives as viable cancer cell cytotoxic agents and provides useful insights for future optimization and evaluation.
Comparison of the treatment efficacy of suprascapular nerve block and intra‐articular shoulder injection techniques in patients diagnosed with adhesive capsulitis
Authors: Sarı Muhammet Hüseyin , Akdağ Ali , Hekim Hanife Hale , Bilgilisoy‐Filiz Meral
Published: December 2024

Background

Adhesive capsulitis (AC) is a common cause of shoulder disability. Interventional procedures are used along with many other treatment methods. There are insufficient studies directly comparing the superiority of suprascapular nerve block (SSNB) and intra‐articular shoulder injection (IAI) techniques, which are frequently used interventional methods in treatment.

Objective

To compare the efficacy of ultrasonography‐guided SSNB and IAI techniques in terms of pain and functional status in the treatment of AC.

Design

A single‐center, double‐blind randomized study.

Setting

The study was conducted at the Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation outpatient clinic of Antalya Training and Research Hospital between March and October 2022.

Participants

Eighty‐four participants aged 15 to 75 years with a clinical diagnosis of AC were screened for the study, and 60 participants were included in the study after excluding participants who did not meet the criteria.

Interventions

Participants were randomized into two groups with 30 participants in each group. Both groups received an injection of 1 mL of 40 mg of triamcinolone acetonide and 9 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine hydrochloride under ultrasonographic guidance.

Main Outcome Measures

The patients' Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) scores, shoulder active and passive range of motions (ROM), and visual analog scale (VAS) scores were evaluated before and after the injection in the 1st week, 4th week, and 12th week.

Results

Our study found no significant difference in SPADI and ROM between the two groups when comparing pre‐injection and post‐injection results in 1st week, 4th week, and 12th week. When pre‐injection and 1st week, 1st week and 4th week, 4th week and 12th‐week measurements were compared, improvement in SPADI‐Disability scores, SPADI‐Total scores, active flexion, passive flexion, active abduction, passive abduction, and active extension ROM values continued until the 12th week in both groups. In both groups, improvement in SPADI‐Pain scores, active external rotation, and passive external rotation ROM values continued until the 4th week. In terms of VAS scores, passive extension, active internal rotation, and passive internal rotation ROM values, there was a statistically significant improvement in both groups after the injection compared to pre‐injection.

Conclusion

The efficacy of SSNB and IAI techniques in the treatment of adhesive capsulitis was found to be similar. In both methods, significant improvements were observed in SPADI, ROM, and VAS measurements compared to baseline.
Determination of Iodine Concentration in Commonly Consumed Salt and Its Potential Impact on Household Consumers: An Examination and Assessment of Consumed Salt
Authors: Islam Md Shahedul , Habib Mohammad Asadul , Alam Mohammad Anwar Ul , Halima Oumma , Parvin Nusrat , Karim Md. Rezaul , Shanna Abdur Rahman , Romel Rifat Jahan , Sakib Abdur Rahman , Islam Mohammad Ariful
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Iodine deficiency disorder (IDD) can lead to health issues as it is necessary for metabolic functions. This study investigated the iodine content of commonly consumed salt and the potential impact on daily iodine requirements and IDDs.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey was employed using multistage cluster sampling among 240 households, dividing them into eight clusters from four stratified areas. The sampled salts were analyzed using the World Health Organization's iodometric titration method.

Results

The study revealed that most salt samples from the studied brands had an iodine content within the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) recommended range of 20–50 ppm, with two exceptions. The study found that most socioeconomic groups in cities, towns, and semirural areas meet their daily iodine requirements at over 100%. At the same time, many rural homes, regardless of income, fail to meet these requirements. However, the study found iodized salt in 97.9% of all surveyed households. Although 48.3% of unions, that is, rural respondents, was knowledgeable about the existence of iodized salt, 66.7% of respondents was not aware of the health benefits of iodized salt. Surprisingly, 63.3% of the town's household members and 61.7% of the rural population still consume raw salt. Additionally, 79.6% of individuals reported having no IDDs. However, only 44.2% of thyroid patients used iodine supplements.

Conclusion

Although salt usage and consumption practices are satisfactory, there are still a few concerns about the 100% iodization of branded and raw salts. As a result, many households need help to satisfy their daily iodine requirements.
Adaptive Prescribed‐Time Control for Marine Surface Vehicles: A Time‐Varying Gain Approach
Authors: Zeng Daohui , Liang Yanhua , Liu Yongchao , Zhao Jie , Cai Chengtao
Published: December 2024

This study investigates an adaptive prescribed‐time control scheme for marine surface vehicles (MSVs). Based on the introduced time‐varying gain function, this article provides a sufficient condition for practical prescribed‐time stability. The aim is to provide a theoretical basis for the prescribed‐time controller design. The upper bound of the settling time can be accurately preset by adjusting the design parameters. Furthermore, adaptive parameter technique is utilized to handle the unknown lumped disturbances. Theory confirms that the tracking error of the MSV satisfies the conditions for practical prescribed‐time stability. The superiority and effectiveness of the scheme are verified through simulation analysis.
Study of a Cable‐Driven Hip Swimming‐Assisted Exoskeleton Utilizing Adaptive Active Control Strategy
Authors: Chen Longwen , Hu Dean
Published: December 2024

The power‐assisted exoskeletons have a far‐reaching research significance. The adaptive active control strategy (AACS) of the exoskeleton allows the wearers to achieve personalized assistance tailored to their specific movement patterns and physical needs. However, due to the high requirements for waterproof design and the high difficulty in underwater AACS design, the researches on underwater power‐assisting exoskeletons are hardly to be seen. Therefore, this research proposes a cable‐driven hip swimming‐assisted exoskeleton (SAE) utilizing an AACS. SAE can generate adaptive power‐assisting guiding trajectories of thighs by underwater motion intention perception (UMIP) of the wearer. To achieve UMIP, a deep learning network is presented by combining conventional neural network, bidirectional long short‐term memory network, and attention mechanism (AM‐Dconvbilstm). SAE guides the wearer's thighs to move along the generated guiding trajectory by UMIP through the cables to conduct hip power assisting. The feasibility of the proposed AM‐Dconvbilstm on UMIP and the power‐assisting effect of designed SAE are tested on three elite swimmers by recording corresponding data from IMUs and a sports watch. According to the results of generated trajectories from SAE and actual trajectories from the wearer, the proposed AM‐Dconvbilstm model is verified to predict the wearer's hip motion intention accurately. The power‐assisting effect of SAE is also verified according to the sports watch's heart rate and average energy consumption. All the experiment results greatly validated the feasibility of the proposed AACS and designed SAE.
Ecological Functions of Autumn Olives for Improving Vegetation Species Diversity and Habitat Conditions Supporting Their Growth: A Study of Tedorigawa River, Japan
Authors: Taya Yuuki , Denda Masaotoshi
Published: December 2024

Thus far, no studies have quantitatively investigated the ecological functions of wood communities for increasing vegetation species diversity and promoting supportive habitat conditions for their growth. To fill this gap, this study investigates the ecological function of the autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata var. umbellata) community, a typical native wood community of Japan. We selected the Tedorigawa River, a representative rapid river of Japan, as a case‐study subject and conducted field surveys to investigate the relationships between the autumn olive, black locust, and oriental wormwood‐kawarahako communities (among six total vegetation communities) and their respective species compositions. Hydraulic simulations helped investigate significant differences in the cover ratio of native species that grow in rivers and alien species and, differences in the physical and environmental characteristics among the three typical vegetation communities in the river channel (native grass community, native wood community, and alien wood community). The results showed that autumn olives support the growth of native species that prefer wet conditions and control alien species' growth. This ecological function is supported by the characteristic hierarchical structure of autumn olives, including low‐density trunks and leaves and low height, which create bright light conditions in the community. The autumn olive community was also found to obstruct flood flow, which enhances the deposition of fine sediments and nutrients. These characteristics enhance wet conditions to support the growth of native species that prefer these conditions.
A Two‐Year Evaluation of Biostimulant Effects on Yield and Quality Parameters of Tomato Landrace ‘Pizzutello Delle Valli Ericine’ Cultivated Without Irrigation
Authors: Iacuzzi Nicolò , Tuttolomondo Teresa , Farruggia Davide , Tortorici Noemi , Alaimo Federica , De Santis Diana , Rossini Francesco , Di Miceli Giuseppe
Published: December 2024

The use of biostimulants in agriculture provides a sustainable and efficient technology to improve resource‐use efficiency. Biostimulants may boost vegetative growth, enhancing plant tolerance to biotic and abiotic stress. The tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is sensitive to drought stress, particularly during fruit setting and fruit development stages. In Italy, long‐storage tomato genotypes characterised by drought resistance were selected. In this 2‐year study, the foliar application of different biostimulants (betaine, seaweed extracts, vegetal protein hydrolysate and animal protein hydrolysate) was evaluated to determine effects on yield and quality of a local tomato landrace (Pizzutello) cultivated in Sicily without irrigation. The highest dry matter (9.9%) and solid soluble content (6.9° Brix) were observed in plants treated with betaine. Plants treated with A. nodosum or animal protein hydrolysate showed the highest potassium concentrations, whereas those supplied with vegetal protein hydrolysate had the highest calcium concentrations. Tomato treated with betaine were found to have the highest nitrate concentrations. The highest marketable yield (13.8 t ha−1) was recorded in plants treated with vegetal protein hydrolysate, with an increase of 17.4% compared to the control plants. The highest unmarketable yield was observed in control plants and in those treated with betaine (1.1 t ha‐1). In conclusion, we can say that each biostimulant had a different effect on the different parameters analysed. Overall, the application of biostimulants has improved tomato growth, productivity and quality in limited water conditions. Our results highlight the potential of biostimulant applications to optimise both the yield and fruit quality of renowned local varieties. This study demonstrated the improvement in the agronomic performance of the Pizzutello tomato, which is particularly significant not only in response to the growing consumer demand for high‐quality traditional tomatoes, but also for the enhancement of the technological traits valued by the food industry.
Thermal Shielding Gd3TaO7‐Based Thermal Barrier Ceramic with Ultralow NIR Transmittance
Authors: Xie Enyu , Chen Guoliang , Wang Shuqi , Zou Yongchun , Zhang Jianghong , Wang Yaming , Zhao Qingyuan , Wang Jiazhi , Ouyang Jiahu , Jia Dechang , Zhou Yu
Published: December 2024

Most thermal barrier coating materials exhibit transparent/semi‐transparent properties at higher temperatures, causing the surface heat flow to directly heat the substrate with infrared radiation, which significantly reduces the thermal barrier effectiveness. Herein, composite ceramic materials composed of GdFeO3 diffusely dispersed within the Gd3TaO7 are produced. Specifically, the 0.9Gd3TaO7/0.1GdFeO3 composition demonstrates an ultra‐low near‐infrared (NIR) transmittance of less than 0.1% across the 400–2500 nm range. The introduction of variable‐valence behavior and oxygen vacancies contribute to the narrow bandgap of GdFeO3. The incorporated GdFeO3 produces extra multimode vibrations, resulting in the strong infrared emissivity of Gd3TaO7/GdFeO3 composite ceramics. Besides, the refractive index difference between Gd3TaO7 and GdFeO3 can contribute to the potential photons scattering within the composites, severely impeding the infrared radiation penetration. The upward curvature of the thermal conductivity curve of 0.9Gd3TaO7/0.1GdFeO3 at high temperature is significantly suppressed, confirming its excellent IR radiation shielding properties. Moreover, the Gd3TaO7/ GdFeO3 composite ceramic exhibits thermal suitability, with a thermal expansion coefficient (9.47–9.67 × 10−6 K−1 at 1400 °C) comparable to YSZ. These combined benefits position the Gd3TaO7/ GdFeO3 composite ceramic system as a promising candidate for the development of infrared radiation shielding and high‐emissivity thermal radiation materials.
Unveiling Trigonal Anti‐Prismatic Structure and Stacking Sequences in InTe
Authors: Lee Sangmin , Kwon Young‐Kyun , Yi Gyu‐Chul , Kim Miyoung
Published: December 2024

Polymorphic phases of 2D van der Waals layered materials attract significant research interest due to their diverse properties. There is a growing need to synthesize novel polymorphs and explore their atomic‐level structures. In this study, molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) is used to grow indium telluride, a III–VI metal chalcogenide with promising applications, on graphene substrates. Atomic resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy reveals that the grown layers exhibit both the well‐known trigonal prismatic structure and a less common trigonal anti‐prismatic structure, leading to novel stacking sequences. The stability of this unconventional structure is further analyzed using density functional theory calculations, and its potential topological properties are investigated. These findings indicate that III–VI metal chalcogenides are capable of forming polymorphs with diverse symmetries and topological phases beyond their conventional structures. Furthermore, MBE proves to be a viable method for synthesizing such polymorph.
Kinetic Process of Graphene Growth from Dual‐Carbon Sources on Alpha Alumina
Authors: Yu Chaojie , Liang Fushun , Shi Jianjian , Jing Zhiyu , Sun Xiucai , Yin Wanjian , Qi Yue , Zhang Guangping , Sun Xiaoli , Liu Zhongfan
Published: December 2024

As a new member of the super graphene‐skinned materials family, graphene‐skinned alumina material integrates the excellent characteristics of graphene and alumina, with characteristics like high electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity, light weight, and has broad application prospects in integrated circuits, electric heating, wind power deicing. Based on density functional theory, the cracking, migration of major carbon species, nucleation, and edge growth of ethylene and acetylene on the α‐Al2O3(0001) plane are investigated. The results show that: 1) α‐Al2O3 substrate has metal‐like catalytic activity, the pyrolysis products of C2H2 and C2H4 carbon sources are C2H and C2H2, respectively, and the main active species on the substrate surface are C2H; 2) The adsorption properties and nucleation rate of C2H on the substrate surface are better than C2H2, but C2H is more difficult to migrate than C2H2, and their migration energy barriers are 2.80/0.88 eV, respectively; 3) The microscopic mechanism of the preparation of graphene‐skinned alumina materials by dual‐carbon sources is that: the dual‐carbon sources are cracked into C2H and C2H2, then C2H nucleates to form graphene nuclei on the substrate surface, finally C2H2 participates in the edge growth of graphene on the substrate, and the AC(Armchair) edge growth rate is faster.
Study on the Mechanism and Control of Clogging Growth on the Submerged Entry Nozzle of Q355 Steel
Authors: Wang Haofeng , Wang Jujin
Published: December 2024

To clarify the formation mechanism of clogging on submerged entry nozzle of Q355 steel, scanning electron microscope‐energy dispersive spectrometer (SEM‐EDS), cathodoluminescence and FactSage7.1 thermodynamic software are used to study the morphology and stratified structure of Q355 steel nozzle. The results show that, clogging on Q355 steel can be divided into decarburized layer, ≈1.5 mm, dense accumulation layer, about 2 mm, and loose accumulation layer, ≈1.5 mm. The phenomenon of CaO·2Al2O3, CaO, Ti2O3, Al2O3, and 2CaO·Ti2O3 inclusions precipitated from the molten steel and deposited in the inner wall of the nozzle during continuous casting is analyzed. The formation mechanism of the clogging is explained by drawing the clogging process diagram and thermodynamic calculation. The range of total Ca content in molten steel which should be controlled between 0.0012% and 0.0016% to reduce clogging at the nozzle is given.
Plug‐and‐Play Connection of Multiple Sensors with Different I/Fs for In‐Vehicle Networks
Authors: Arai Yoshikazu , Roppongi Kazuya , Hatakeyama Seiya , Noda Yuki , Saito Shuya , Fukuhara Kazuya , Imai Shintaro , Inomata Toshimitsu
Published: December 2024

In‐vehicle networks have been introduced not only in automobiles but also in various fields of manufacturing industries. They have become an essential elemental technology. However, designing a system in which multiple ECUs and sensors cooperate through an in‐vehicle network requires knowledge not only of the network itself but also of embedded systems. Consequently, such design is a difficult task for beginners with insufficient knowledge. This study uses an approach in which the above knowledge is concealed and connections to the in‐vehicle network are supported in a plug‐and‐play manner. The system, designated as the Complex Automotive Network Vanquishing Assistance System (CANVAS), is proposed. Even beginners are able to connect the ECUs and the sensors to an in‐vehicle network using CANVAS without consideration of differences in the I/Fs adopted in the sensors and coding drivers for them. After presenting the CANVAS configuration, ease of connection was confirmed based on the time necessary to connect various distance sensors to a mobile robot with CANVAS. The CANVAS effectiveness was also confirmed through a comparative investigation of the distance sensors in a prototyping site as one use case. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Effect of Dietary Fortification With Hibiscus sabdariffa Calyces Meal on Egg Production and Egg Quality of Japanese Quail (Coturnixcoturnix japonica)
Authors: Ndlovu Nomagugu , Erlwanger Kennedy H. , Chivandi Eliton
Published: December 2024

Use of synthetic feed additives in poultry production is associated with negative consumer health outcomes hence the need to make use of natural alternatives. We investigated the effect of fortifying Japanese quail pullet diets with Hibiscus sabdariffa calyces meal (HSCM) on egg production and egg quality. A standard Japanese quail layer diet was supplemented with HSCM at 0%, 5% and 10% (w/w) in Diets 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Ninety 5‐week‐old Japanese quail hens were randomly allocated to and fed the layer diets for 56 days. Feed intake, egg production, egg quality and the egg albumen and yolk proximate content and fatty acid profiles were determined. Dietary fortification with HSCM reduced feed intake (p < 0.001) but did not affect feed conversion ratio of the quail (p > 0.05). The meal reduced (p < 0.0001) the number of eggs laid but did not affect external and internal egg quality (p > 0.05). Dietary fortification with HSCM at 10% significantly reduced the egg fat content but increased linoleic acid and arachidonic acid (p < 0.05) content. Although H. sabdariffa calyces meal increased egg nutritional value, its use as a dietary supplement in laying hens may result in reduced productivity affecting profitability.
A study of the extended‐range weather forecasts by artificial intelligence models Pangu‐Weather and FengWu
Authors: He Y. H. , Chan P. W.
Published: December 2024

The year of 2023 saw the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) global weather forecasting models. In a real‐time operational forecasting context, the performance of AI‐based global models Pangu‐Weather and FengWu in the extended‐range beyond 10 days and up to 15 days ahead is reviewed in this paper, with emphasis on significant weather impacting eastern and southern China. We find that AI models may extend the global forecast range, in certain skill categories, by a couple of days beyond the 240h range when compared to conventional numerical weather prediction models.
Heat and mass transfer analysis on magnetohydrodynamics Powell–Eyring nanofluid flow with Hall current, thermal radiation, Brownian motion, and thermophoresis effects over a stretched surface
Authors: Sankaralingam Karthik , Damodharan Iranian , Albidah Abdulrahman B. , Khan Ilyas
Published: December 2024

This study primarily explores the influence of the Hall current on Powell–Eyring nanofluid within the framework of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flow over an extending surface. The research comprehensively explores critical factors, including heat source, radiation, thermophoresis, and Brownian motion, utilizing a combination of partial differential equations (PDEs) and ordinary differential equations (ODEs). Subsequently, these equations are mathematically elucidated using the fourth‐order Runge–Kutta method in MATLAB under specified boundary conditions. The study aims to provide new insights into the complex interplay among the Hall current, heat source, radiation, thermophoresis, and Brownian motion. Within the MHD framework, the equations for momentum, energy, and nanoparticle concentration are systematically derived. Major findings reveal the significant influence of the Hall current and magnetic field strength on fluid flow behavior, indicating potential control mechanisms for optimizing heat transfer in nanofluid‐based industrial processes. That nanoparticle distribution also offers valuable insights for tuning nanofluid properties. The study emphasizes the importance of visual representation through graphs and tables. These outcomes contribute to a more comprehensive consideration of nanoparticle behavior, with practical implications for optimizing complex industrial systems using nanofluid.
Continuous Operators from Spaces of Lipschitz Functions
Authors: Bargetz Christian , Kąkol Jerzy , Sobota Damian
Published: December 2024

We study the existence of continuous (linear) operators from the Banach spaces

$${{\,\textrm{Lip}\,}}_0(M)$$

Lip

0

(
M
)

of Lipschitz functions on infinite metric spaces M vanishing at a distinguished point and from their predual spaces

$$\mathcal {F}(M)$$

F
(
M
)

onto certain Banach spaces, including C(K)-spaces and the spaces

$$c_0$$

c
0

and

$$\ell _1$$

ℓ
1

. For pairs of spaces

$${{\,\textrm{Lip}\,}}_0(M)$$

Lip

0

(
M
)

and C(K) we prove that if they are endowed with topologies weaker than the norm topology, then usually no continuous (linear or not) surjection exists between those spaces. It is also showed that if a metric space M contains a bilipschitz copy of the unit sphere

$$S_{c_0}$$

S

c
0

of the space

$$c_0$$

c
0

, then

$${{\,\textrm{Lip}\,}}_0(M)$$

Lip

0

(
M
)

admits a continuous operator onto

$$\ell _1$$

ℓ
1

and hence onto

$$c_0$$

c
0

. Using this, we provide several conditions for a space M implying that

$${{\,\textrm{Lip}\,}}_0(M)$$

Lip

0

(
M
)

is not a Grothendieck space. Finally, we obtain a new characterization of the Schur property for Lipschitz-free spaces: a space

$$\mathcal {F}(M)$$

F
(
M
)

has the Schur property if and only if for every complete discrete metric space N with cardinality d(M) the spaces

$$\mathcal {F}(M)$$

F
(
M
)

and

$$\mathcal {F}(N)$$

F
(
N
)

are weakly sequentially homeomorphic.
Deference to opaque systems and morally exemplary decisions
Authors: Fritz James
Published: December 2024

Many have recently argued that there are weighty reasons against making high-stakes decisions solely on the basis of recommendations from artificially intelligent (AI) systems. Even if deference to a given AI system were known to reliably result in the right action being taken, the argument goes, that deference would lack morally important characteristics: the resulting decisions would not, for instance, be based on an appreciation of right-making reasons. Nor would they be performed from moral virtue; nor would they have moral worth. I argue that, even if these characteristics all have intrinsic value, that intrinsic value has no practical relevance to decisions about whether to defer to AI. I make that point by drawing on a lesson from the literature on moral testimony. Once it is granted that deference to a reliable source is the policy most likely to bring about right action, a refusal to defer carries with it a heightened risk of wronging and mistreating people. And that heightened risk of wrongdoing, I argue, cannot be justified by appeal to the intrinsic value of striving for a morally exemplary decision-making process.
„Left bundle branch (area) pacing“: Sondenpositionierung und Erfolgskriterien – Schritt für Schritt
Authors: Schmitt Joern , Althoff Till , Busch Sonia , Chun KR Julian , Dahme Tillman , Ebert Micaela , Estner Heidi , Gunawardene Melanie , Heeger Christian , Iden Leon , Jansen Henning , Johnson Victoria , Maurer Tilman , Rillig Andreas , Rolf Sascha , Sommer Philipp , Steven Daniel , Tilz Richard Roland , Duncker David
Published: December 2024

Das „left bundle branch area pacing“ ist die aktuell verbreitetste Form der physiologischen Stimulation vor der His-Bündel-Stimulation. Sie soll die Entstehung einer schrittmacherinduzierten Kardiomyopathie verhindern bzw. beheben und kommt immer häufiger zum Einsatz. Um diese erfolgreich durchführen zu können, bedarf es neben einer Materialkunde v. a. der Kenntnis der spezifischen Anatomie und Röntgenanatomie sowie der EKG-Kriterien einer Linksschenkelstimulation. Dieser Artikel fast die technischen Voraussetzungen und Schritte einer erfolgreichen Implantation zusammen und zeigt Fallstricke auf.
Towards the synthesis of UDP-apiofuranose
Authors: Pasini Irene , Osswald Uwe , Pfrengle Fabian
Published: December 2024

Apiose is a rare sugar present in cell-wall glycans of all higher plants. Apiosyltransferases use uridine diphosphate-α-d-apiofuranose (UDP-Api) to biosynthesize apiose-containing pectic polysaccharides, namely rhamnogalacturonan-II (RG-II) and apiogalacturonan. However, the study of apiosyltransferases is hampered by the limited availability of UDP-Api. Here, we report the challenging chemical synthesis of α-apiosyl 1-phosphate as the key intermediate towards UDP-Api synthesis. Various protecting group patterns and synthetic routes, including phosphoglycosylation, phosphorylation of the hemiacetal, and phosphorylation of the anomeric bromide were screened. The latter strategy enabled the synthesis of apiosyl 1-phosphate with good α-selectivity (α:β = 5:1). Additionally, we describe a pyrophosphate coupling reaction of the synthesized glycosyl 1-phosphate with commercially available uridine-monophosphate morpholidate to obtain UDP-Api. This test reaction was monitored by 31P-NMR spectroscopy, which showed formation of the desired product and its partial hydrolysis due to an unwanted intramolecular cyclisation typical of 1,2-cis UDP-sugars.

Graphical abstract
Prevalence, risk factors, and severity of erectile dysfunction following renal transplantation
Authors: Miron Adelina , Nistor Ionuț , Moroșanu Corneliu , Sirițeanu Lucian , Pricop Catalin , Puia Dragos , Covic Adrian
Published: December 2024

Background

Sexual dysfunction is common among dialysis and transplant patients. Our study evaluated the prevalence, risk factors, and severity of erectile dysfunction (ED) post-transplant in a single center.

Methods

We conducted a single-centre, observational, non-interventional study of adult male renal graft recipients. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected, and erectile function was assessed with the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire.

Results

179 patients transplanted between 1995 and 2021 were enrolled (170 answered the questionnaire). Mild, moderate, and severe ED was noted in 33.5%, 20.6% and 10.6% of cases, respectively. ED prevalence increased with age (42.6% of patients < 40, 47.4% of patients aged 40–60, 78.9% of patients > 60). The total mean IIEF score was 16.32 ± 6.93 (erectile function 19.22 ± 7.9, orgasmic function 6.8 ± 2.9, sexual desire 6.43 ± 2.1, intercourse satisfaction 8.96 ± 3.7, overall satisfaction 6.78 ± 2.6). Age, alcohol consumption, type, time on dialysis pre-transplant, and donor type were significantly associated with erectile dysfunction (p < 0.05). Most patients (93.5%) were treated for comorbidities in addition to immunosuppression. Severe ED was significantly more common among patients taking alpha blockers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Conclusions

Self-reported erectile dysfunction post renal transplantation seems influenced by age, alcohol intake, dialysis history, donor type and certain drugs, but not by comorbidities (hypertension, diabetes, heart disease).
Studying economic complexity with agent-based models: advances, challenges and future perspectives
Authors: Chudziak Szymon
Published: December 2024

Agent-based computational economics has considerable achievements. However, it has gone too quickly into a direction similar to the one of models based on solely analytical—as opposed to algorithmic—dynamic systems of difference equations. An increasingly large focus has been put on matching moments of real-world time series of data, a set of stylised facts, or on estimation. Reasons why this is not desirable are discussed. Firstly, both estimation and inference from models will be biased, unless they represent the real data-generating processes. Secondly, surrendering the attempt to incorporate realistic microfoundations is not only against the original ACE agenda, but also is subject to a form of Lucas critique. Thirdly, characteristics of complex systems, especially differences between feedback loops and emergent phenomena that characterise systems of various levels of complexity, undermine the justification of building structurally simplistic models. That is, an attempt at reducing the interaction of many different sectors, populated with agents using various decision rules will yield information loss, i.e., some phenomena by definition are possible to emerge only in systems of higher levels of complexity. A different research agenda is proposed, with the aim of systematically analysing and uncovering the mechanisms, feedback loops and impact channels of complex multi-sectoral economic and financial systems.