bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mental Symptoms, Life Satisfaction and Sexual Orientation: A Gender Analysis
Authors: Matías Roberto , Matud M.
Published: October 2023

Research has revealed that homosexual and bisexual people are at higher risk of mental health problems than heterosexual people. However, most studies have focused on differences in disorders and have not examined the intersection of gender and sexual orientation. The main aim of this study is to investigate the relevance of sexual orientation in women’s and men’s mental symptoms, life satisfaction, and self-esteem. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 309 women and men who were homosexual or bisexual and 309 women and men who were heterosexual, aged between 17 and 54. All participants were assessed by four self-reports measuring mental symptoms, life satisfaction, self-esteem, masculine/instrumental and feminine/expressive traits, and traditional gender role attitudes. Results showed an interaction between sexual orientation and gender, with lesbian or bisexual women scoring higher in severe depression symptoms and lower in life satisfaction than heterosexual women. Homosexual and bisexual people scored higher than heterosexuals in somatic symptoms, social dysfunction, and lower in self-esteem. Women scored higher than men in somatic, anxiety, and insomnia symptoms and in feminine/expressive traits, whereas men scored higher than women in traditional gender role attitudes. We conclude that sexual orientation and gender are relevant to the mental health and well-being of people.
Objective Methods of Assessing Fluid Status to Optimize Volume Management in Kidney Disease and Hypertension: The Importance of Ultrasound
Authors: Patel Sharad , Green Adam , Ashokumar Sandhya , Hoke Andrew , Rachoin Jean-Sebastien
Published: October 2023

Fluid overload, a prevalent complication in patients with renal disease and hypertension, significantly impacts patient morbidity and mortality. The daily clinical challenges that clinicians face include how to identify fluid overload early enough in the course of the disease to prevent adverse outcomes and to guide and potentially reduce the intensity of the diuresis. Traditional methods for evaluating fluid status, such as pitting edema, pulmonary crackles, or chest radiography primarily assess extracellular fluid and do not accurately reflect intravascular volume status or venous congestion. This review explores the rationale, mechanism, and evidence behind more recent methods used to assess volume status, namely, lung ultrasound, inferior vena cava (IVC) ultrasound, venous excess ultrasound score, and basic and advanced cardiac echocardiographic techniques. These methods offer a more accurate and objective assessment of fluid status, providing real-time, non-invasive measures of intravascular volume and venous congestion. The methods we discuss are primarily used in inpatient settings, but, given the increased pervasiveness of ultrasound technology, some could soon expand to the outpatient setting.
The Use of Waste Polymers in Asphalt Mixtures: Bibliometric Analysis and Systematic Review
Authors: Jwaida Zahraa , Dulaimi Anmar , Mydin Md Azree Othuman , Özkılıç Yasin Onuralp , Jaya Ramadhansyah Putra , Ameen Arman
Published: October 2023

Asphalt is widely employed in road construction due to its durability and ability to withstand heavy traffic. However, the disposal of waste polymers has emerged as a significant environmental concern. Recently, researchers have used polymer waste to modify asphalt pavements as a new approach. This approach aims to improve pavement performance and address the environmental concerns of polymer waste. Researchers have demonstrated that incorporating polymeric waste into asphalt mixtures can lead to performance improvements in asphalt pavements, particularly in mitigating common distresses including permanent deformation and thermal and fatigue cracking. The current comprehensive review aims to summarize the recent knowledge on the usage of waste polymers in asphalt mixtures, encompassing their impact on performance properties and mixture design. The review also addresses different types of waste polymers, their potential benefits, challenges, and future research directions. By analyzing various studies, this review offers insights into the feasibility, effectiveness, and limitations of incorporating waste polymers into asphalt mixtures. Ultimately, this contributes to the advancement of sustainable and environmentally friendly road construction practices.
Optimizing Smart Energy Infrastructure in Smart Ports: A Systematic Scoping Review of Carbon Footprint Reduction
Authors: Issa Zadeh Seyed Behbood , Esteban Perez Maria Dolores , López-Gutiérrez José-Santos , Fernández-Sánchez Gonzalo
Published: October 2023

To lessen the environmental impact of the maritime industry, ports must decarbonize in conformity with various standards such as the European Green Deal and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In this regard, they must demonstrate integrated low-emission energy production, distribution, and supply, as well as sustainable alternative infrastructure for refueling ships, cargo handling equipment, and other vehicles inside port boundaries. To address this issue, ports must progress toward smartening their operations. This requires intelligent infrastructure and components, with smart energy infrastructure being one of the most crucial ones. It is a part of port energy management systems (EMSs) and works based on modern technology to balance energy demand, distributions, and supply while transitioning to renewable energies. This study investigates the “scoping review” of “smart energy infrastructure” deployment and its efficiency in seaport EMSs to reduce the port’s carbon footprint (C.F). The “Introduction” section discusses the subject’s significance. The “Materials and Methods” section explains the process of selecting and revising references and relevant material. The “Findings” section then examines the several aspects and sections of a smart port and smart energy infrastructure, as well as how they function. The “Discussion” section explains the interpretation based on the present situation. Finally, the “Conclusion” part gives scientific thoughts and comments on the work-study debate and ideas for future research in the same field to help port authorities achieve sustainability.
Three-Dimensional Modeling of Sound Field Holograms of a Moving Source in the Presence of Internal Waves Causing Horizontal Refraction
Authors: Pereselkov Sergey , Kuz’kin Venedikt , Ehrhardt Matthias , Tkachenko Sergey , Rybyanets Pavel , Ladykin Nikolay
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we study the variations of holograms of a moving source in an inhomogeneous ocean waveguide. It is assumed that intense internal waves (internal solitons) are the reason for the inhomogeneities of the shallow water waveguide. The results of 3D modeling of the sound field considering horizontal refraction by internal waves are presented. In the context of 3D modeling, the interferogram (sound intensity distributions in frequency–time coordinates) and hologram (2D Fourier transform of the interferogram) of moving sources are analyzed. The hologram consists of two disjoint regions corresponding to the unperturbed field and the field perturbed by internal waves. This structure of the hologram allows for the reconstruction of the interferogram of the unperturbed field in a waveguide in the absence of intense internal waves. The error in the reconstruction of the unperturbed interferogram is estimated.
Unified System Analysis for Time-Variant Reliability of a Floating Offshore Substation
Authors: Schoefs Franck , Oumouni Mestapha , Ahmadivala Morteza , Luxcey Neil , Dupriez-Robin Florian , Guerin Patrick
Published: October 2023

Offshore wind is planned to become the first source of energy by 2050. That requires installing turbines in deeper seas. It is shown that only floating wind turbines will allow dealing with this challenge while keeping a reasonable cost of energy production and transport according to the levelized cost of electricity. A Floating Offshore Substation will be needed in many sites. This technology is still at a low technology readiness level. This paper aims to analyze the system reliability of such a structure for which the failure rates of structural components such as mooring lines and dynamic power cables are close to the ones of electro-technical systems. Consequently, only a system reliability assessment of the floating offshore substation will allow accurately quantifying its availability and the most sensitive components. Usually, structural reliability aims at quantifying the probability of failures, while electro-technical reliability relies on feedback and observed failure rates. The paper first unifies these two concepts in a single formulation and then evaluates the system’s reliability and availability. This methodology is illustrated in a study case localized in the French coasts of the Mediterranean Sea, where the effect of several mooring and substation designs on the system reliability is compared.
Unveiling the Influence of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning on Financial Markets: A Comprehensive Analysis of AI Applications in Trading, Risk Management, and Financial Operations
Authors: El Hajj Mohammad , Hammoud Jamil
Published: October 2023

This study explores the adoption and impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in financial markets, utilizing a mixed-methods approach that includes a quantitative survey and a qualitative analysis of existing research papers, reports, and articles. The quantitative results demonstrate the growing adoption of AI and ML technologies in financial institutions and their most common applications, such as algorithmic trading, risk management, fraud detection, credit scoring, and customer service. Additionally, the qualitative analysis identifies key themes, including AI and ML adoption trends, challenges and barriers to adoption, the role of regulation, workforce transformation, and ethical and social considerations. The study highlights the need for financial professionals to adapt their skills and for organizations to address challenges, such as data privacy concerns, regulatory compliance, and ethical considerations. The research contributes to the knowledge on AI and ML in finance, helping policymakers, regulators, and professionals understand their benefits and challenges.
Impact of AfterAMI Mobile App on Quality of Life, Depression, Stress and Anxiety in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease: Open Label, Randomized Trial
Authors: Boszko Maria , Krzowski Bartosz , Peller Michał , Hoffman Paulina , Żurawska Natalia , Skoczylas Kamila , Osak Gabriela , Kołtowski Łukasz , Grabowski Marcin , Opolski Grzegorz , Balsam Paweł
Published: October 2023

mHealth solutions optimize cardiovascular risk factor control in coronary artery disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of mobile app AfterAMI on quality of life in patients after myocardial infarction. 100 participants were randomized (1:1 ratio) into groups: (1) with a rehabilitation program and access to afterAMI or (2) standard rehabilitation alone (control group, CG). 3 questionnaires (MacNew, DASS21 and EQ-5D-5L) were used at baseline, 1 month and 6 months after discharge. Median age was 61 years; 35% of patients were female. At 1 month follow up patients using AfterAMI had higher general quality of life scores both in MacNew [5.78 vs. 5.5 in CG, p = 0.037] and EQ-5D-5L [80 vs. 70 in CG, p = 0.007]. At 6 months, according to MacNew, the app group had significantly higher scores in emotional [6.09 vs. 5.45 in CG, p= 0.017] and physical [6.2 vs. 6 in CG, p = 0.027] aspects. The general MacNew quality of life score was also higher in the AfterAMI group [6.11 vs. 5.7 in CG, p = 0.015], but differences in EQ-5D-5L were not significant. There were no differences between groups in the DASS21 questionnaire. mHealth interventions may improve quality of care in secondary prevention, however further studies are warranted.
Delivery Progress, Labor Interventions and Perinatal Outcome in Spontaneous Vaginal Delivery of Singleton Pregnancies between Nulliparous and Primiparous Women with One Previous Elective Cesarean Section: A Retrospective Comparative Study
Authors: Karampas Grigorios , Witkowski Martin , Metallinou Dimitra , Steinwall Margareta , Matsas Alkis , Panoskaltsis Theodoros , Christopoulos Panagiotis
Published: October 2023

Trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) is an alternative to repeated cesarean for women with singleton pregnancy and one previous transverse lower segment cesarean section (LSCS), resulting in most cases being a successful vaginal birth after cesarean section (VBAC). The primary objective of this study was to examine if the progress and the duration of the active first stage and the second stage of labor in nulliparous women with singleton pregnancy, spontaneous start of labor and vaginal birth differ from primiparous women succeeding VBAC after one previous elective LSCS in a country with a low cesarean section and high VBAC rate. Secondary objectives were to compare labor interventions and maternal–neonatal outcomes between the two groups. Methods: This is a retrospective comparative study. Data were collected in a four-year period at the departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Kristianstad and Ystad hospitals in Sweden. Out of 14,925 deliveries, 106 primipara women with one previous elective LSCS and a spontaneous labor onset in the subsequent singleton pregnancy were identified. Of these women, 94 (88.7%) delivered vaginally and were included in the study (VBAC group). The comparison group included 212 randomly selected nulliparous women that had a normal singleton pregnancy, spontaneous labor onset and delivered vaginally. Results: The rate of cervical dilation during the active first stage of labor as well as the duration of the second stage did not differ between the two groups. When adjusting for cervical dilation at admission, there was no significant difference between the two groups regarding the duration of the active phase of the first stage of labor. No significant differences were found in maternal–neonatal outcomes between the two groups except for higher birth weight in the VBAC group. The use of epidural analgesia was associated with slower dilation rhythm over the duration of the active phase and second stage of labor, need for labor augmentation, postpartum bleeding and need for transfusion at higher rates, irrespective of parity when epidural was used. Conclusions: Our study provides evidence that in women with one previous elective LSCS undergoing TOLAC in the subsequent pregnancy resulting in vaginal birth, the progress and duration of labor are not different from those in nulliparous women when labor is spontaneous and the it is a singleton pregnancy. The use of epidural was associated with prolonged labor, need for labor augmentation and higher postpartum bleeding, irrespective of parity. This information may be useful in patient counseling and labor management in TOLAC.
An AI-Extended Prediction of Erosion-Corrosion Degradation of API 5L X65 Steel
Authors: Espinoza-Jara Ariel , Wilk Igor , Aguirre Javiera , Walczak Magdalena
Published: October 2023

The application of Artificial Neuronal Networks (ANN) offers better statistical accuracy in erosion-corrosion (E-C) predictions compared to the conventional linear regression based on Multifactorial Analysis (MFA). However, the limitations of ANN to require large training datasets and a high number of inputs pose a practical challenge in the field of E-C due to the scarcity of data. To address this challenge, a novel ANN method is proposed, structured to a small training dataset and trained with the aid of synthetic data to produce an E-C neural network (E-C NN), applied for the first time in the study of E-C wear synergy. In the process, transfer learning is applied by pre-training and fine-tuning the model. The initial dataset is created from experimental data produced in a slurry pot setup, exposing API 5L X65 steel to a turbulent copper tailing slurry. To the previously known E-C scenario for selected values of flow velocity, particle concentration, temperature, pH, and the content of the dissolved Cu2+, new experimental data of stand-alone erosion and stand-alone corrosion is added. The prediction of wear loss by E-C NN considers individual parameters and their interactions. The main result is that E-C ANN provides better prediction than MFA as evaluated by a mean squared error (MSE) values of 2.5 and 3.7, respectively. The results are discussed in the context of the cross-effect between the proposed prediction model and the resulting estimation of relative contribution to E-C synergy, which is better predicted by the E-C NN. The E-C NN model is concluded to be a viable alternative to MFA, delivering similar prediction with better sensitivity to E-C synergy at shorter computation times when using the same experimental dataset.
Optimization of Physical Activation Process by CO2 for Activated Carbon Preparation from Honduras Mahogany Pod Husk
Authors: Tsai Chi-Hung , Tsai Wen-Tien
Published: October 2023

In this work, the Honduras Mahogany (Swietenia macropnylla King, SMK) seed husk was used as a novel biomass resource for producing activated carbon by physical activation. The texture characteristics and chemical characterization of resulting products were investigated in correlation with the process parameters. Based on the thermochemical properties of the SMK biomass, the process conditions were set to a rate of about 10 °C/min under nitrogen (N2) flow of 500 cm3/min heated to 500 °C, then switched to carbon dioxide (CO2) flow of 100 cm3/min in the specified activation conditions (i.e., temperature of 700–850 °C for holding times of 0–60 min). Our findings showed that the texture characteristics (i.e., surface area and pore volume) increased with an activation temperature increase from 700 to 800 °C for a holding time of 30 min but gradually decreased as the temperature increased thereafter. Similarly, the texture characteristics also indicated an increasing trend with the residence time extending from 0 min to 30 min but slightly decreased as the time was extended to 60 min. Therefore, the optimal activation conditions for producing SMK-based activated carbon should be set at 800 °C for a holding time of 30 min to obtain the maximal texture characteristics (i.e., BET surface area of 966 m2/g and total pore volume of 0.43 cm3/g). On the other hand, the chemical characteristics were analyzed by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), showing oxygen complexes contained on the hydrophilic surface of the resulting activated carbon.
Machine Learning Method for Changepoint Detection in Short Time Series Data
Authors: Smejkalová Veronika , Šomplák Radovan , Rosecký Martin , Šramková Kristína
Published: October 2023

Analysis of data is crucial in waste management to improve effective planning from both short- and long-term perspectives. Real-world data often presents anomalies, but in the waste management sector, anomaly detection is seldom performed. The main goal and contribution of this paper is a proposal of a complex machine learning framework for changepoint detection in a large number of short time series from waste management. In such a case, it is not possible to use only an expert-based approach due to the time-consuming nature of this process and subjectivity. The proposed framework consists of two steps: (1) outlier detection via outlier test for trend-adjusted data, and (2) changepoints are identified via comparison of linear model parameters. In order to use the proposed method, it is necessary to have a sufficient number of experts’ assessments of the presence of anomalies in time series. The proposed framework is demonstrated on waste management data from the Czech Republic. It is observed that certain waste categories in specific regions frequently exhibit changepoints. On the micro-regional level, approximately 31.1% of time series contain at least one outlier and 16.4% exhibit changepoints. Certain groups of waste are more prone to the occurrence of anomalies. The results indicate that even in the case of aggregated data, anomalies are not rare, and their presence should always be checked.
Bifurcation, Hidden Chaos, Entropy and Control in Hénon-Based Fractional Memristor Map with Commensurate and Incommensurate Orders
Authors: Abualhomos Mayada , Abbes Abderrahmane , Gharib Gharib Mousa , Shihadeh Abdallah , Al Soudi Maha S. , Alsaraireh Ahmed Atallah , Ouannas Adel
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we present an innovative 3D fractional Hénon-based memristor map and conduct an extensive exploration and analysis of its dynamic behaviors under commensurate and incommensurate orders. The study employs diverse numerical techniques, such as visualizing phase portraits, analyzing Lyapunov exponents, plotting bifurcation diagrams, and applying the sample entropy test to assess the complexity and validate the chaotic characteristics. However, since the proposed fractional map has no fixed points, the outcomes reveal that the map can exhibit a wide range of hidden dynamical behaviors. This phenomenon significantly augments the complexity of the fractal structure inherent to the chaotic attractors. Moreover, we introduce nonlinear controllers designed for stabilizing and synchronizing the proposed fractional Hénon-based memristor map. The research emphasizes the system’s sensitivity to fractional-order parameters, resulting in the emergence of distinct dynamic patterns. The memristor-based chaotic map exhibits rich and intricate behavior, making it a captivating and significant area of investigation.
A Survey of Combined Heat and Power-Based Unit Commitment Problem: Optimization Algorithms, Case Studies, Challenges, and Future Directions
Authors: Abdi Hamdi
Published: October 2023

Combined generation units of heat and power, known as CHP units, are one of the most prominent applications of distributed generations in modern power systems. This concept refers to the simultaneous operation of two or more forms of energy from a simple primary source. Due to the numerous environmental, economic, and technical advantages, the use of this technology in modern power systems is highly emphasized. As a result, various issues of interest in the control, operation, and planning of power networks have experienced significant changes and faced important challenges. In this way, the unit commitment problem (UCP) as one of the fundamental studies in the operation of integrated power, and heat systems have experienced some major conceptual and methodological changes. This work, as a complementary review, details the CHP-based UCP (CHPbUCP) in terms of objective functions, constraints, simulation tools, and applied hardwares. Furthermore, some useful data on case studies are provided for researchers and operators. Finally, the work addresses some challenges and opens new perspectives for future research.
Numerical Investigation on the Performance of Horizontal Helical-Coil-Type Backfill Heat Exchangers with Different Configurations in Mine Stopes
Authors: Zhang Bo , Shi Long , Zhang Wenxuan , Huan Chao , Zhao Yujiao , Wang Jingyu
Published: October 2023

The application of ground heat exchanger technology in backfill mines can actualize subterranean heat storage, which is one of the most effective solutions for addressing solar energy faults such as intermittence and fluctuation. This paper provides a 3D unsteady heat transfer numerical model for full-size horizontal backfill heat exchangers (BFHEs) with five configurations in a mining layer of a metal mine by using a COMSOL environment. In order to ensure the fairness of the comparative analysis, the pipes of BFHEs studied have the same heat exchange surface area. By comparing and evaluating the heat storage/release characteristics of BFHEs in continuous operation for three years, it was discovered that the helical pipe with serpentine layout may effectively enhance the performance of BFHEs. Compared with the traditional SS BFHEs, the heat storage capacity of the S-FH type is significantly increased by 21.7%, followed by the SA-FH type, which is increased by 11.1%, while the performances of U-DH and SH type are considerably lowered. Also, the impact of the critical structural factors (pitch length and pitch diameter) was further studied using the normalized parameters C1 and C2 based on the inner diameter of the pipe. It is discovered that BFHEs should be distributed in a pipe with a lower C1, and increasing C2 encourages BFHEs to increase the storaged/released heat of BFHEs. By comparatively analysing the effect of thermal conductivity, it is found that the positive effects of thermal conductivity on the performance of SH, U-DH, SA-FH, and S-FH type BFHEs are found to decrease successively. This work proposes a strategy for improving the heat storage and release potential of BFHEs in terms of optimal pipe arrangement.
Monthly Variation of Tetrodotoxin Levels in Pufferfish (Lagocephalus sceleratus) Caught from Antalya Bay, Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Kosker Ali , Karakus Merve , Katikou Panagiota , Dal İsmail , Durmus Mustafa , Ucar Yılmaz , Ayas Deniz , Özogul Fatih
Published: October 2023

The silver-cheeked toadfish (Lagocephalus sceleratus), an invasive alien pufferfish species that has rapidly settled throughout the Mediterranean region, poses significant threats not only to native marine species and fisheries but also to public health due to the tetrodotoxin (TTX) they harbor. In this study, TTX concentrations in L. sceleratus from Antalya Bay in the Northeastern Mediterranean Sea were investigated using Q-TOF-LC-MS on a monthly basis over a one-year period. Pufferfish were caught by angling from May 2018 to April 2019. The TTX levels in three different tissues (gonads, liver, and muscle) of 110 pufferfish in total were determined in both male and female individuals caught for 11 months. The highest TTX mean levels generally occurred in the gonads and the lowest in the muscle samples. As regards the maximum TTX contents, the highest concentrations determined were 68.2, 34.2, and 7.8 µg/g in the gonad, liver, and muscle tissues, respectively. The highest levels were generally observed in late autumn to winter (especially in November and December) in all tissues from both genders. Female individuals were generally found to be more toxic than male individuals. The TTX levels found confirm that the consumption of L. sceleratus from Antalya Bay remains dangerous throughout the year, and thus L. sceleratus constantly constitutes an important risk source for public health.
Treatment of Mandibular Impacted Canine in a Patient with Class II Division 1 Malocclusion with “Reverse Pin”: A Case Report
Authors: Ciavarella Domenico , Maci Marta , Fanelli Carlotta , Lorusso Mauro , Laurenziello Michele , Lo Muzio Lorenzo , Caroprese Marino , Cazzolla Angela Pia , Tepedino Michele
Published: October 2023

This case report presents an orthodontic treatment conducted on a 13-year-old girl with bilateral Class II malocclusion and a mandibular impacted canine. The presence of an impacted tooth necessitates careful consideration of the timing of orthodontic treatment, the appropriate surgical procedure to expose the tooth, the specific orthodontic mechanics involved, and the potential problems that may arise, all of which depend on the type and location of the canine impaction in the jaw. The treatment plan included a surgical procedure to expose the impacted tooth and orthodontic traction to guide it into position. Correction of the Class II Division 1 malocclusion utilized a specialized technique called the “reverse pin”, reducing vertical side effects. The revised version maintains clarity and key information about the case report and treatment.
Diffuse Large B-Cell lymphoma Misdiagnosed as a Hematoma: Case Report
Authors: Lee Jae Hyun , Yun Jiyoung
Published: October 2023

Background: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), the most common subtype of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, often presents diagnostic challenges due to its diverse clinical presentation. We present a case of DLBCL that was initially misdiagnosed as a hematoma, highlighting the importance of considering malignancy when faced with unresponsive soft tissue swelling. Methods: A 76-year-old man presented to the emergency department with right periorbital swelling and ecchymosis following a traumatic injury. Despite ongoing anticoagulant therapy (warfarin) for atrial fibrillation, the symptoms persisted. A CT scan of the facial bones revealed a large, irregular, homogeneous mass. Initially, the clinical history and radiologic findings suggested an extraconal hematoma. As a result, an incision and drainage procedure was performed, and the old blood was evacuated. However, the patient’s symptoms continued to worsen. A follow-up CT scan showed enlargement of the lesion, prompting a surgical excisional biopsy. Results: Pathologic examination of the excised mass revealed a diffuse infiltrate of lymphocytes surrounding the tissue, confirming the diagnosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). The patient was subsequently referred to hematology for further management. Conclusions: Although rare, DLBCL is associated with a challenging prognosis. This case highlights the diagnostic complexities that can arise, particularly when factors such as prior injury and anticoagulant therapy confound the clinical picture. The initial misclassification of the condition as a hematoma led to a delay in diagnosis and the subsequent initiation of treatment. Therefore, it is imperative to remain vigilant and consider malignancy as a potential underlying cause of unresponsive soft tissue swelling. Timely recognition and accurate diagnosis are paramount to improving patient outcomes in DLBCL, an aggressive lymphoma with a diverse clinical presentation.
The Importance of Mixing Time in Intensely Stirred Metallurgical Reactors: Applied on Decarburization Reactions
Authors: Chanouian Serg , Larsson Henrik , Ersson Mikael
Published: October 2023

In metallurgical converter processes, numerical modeling is a useful tool for understanding the complexity of the systems. In this paper, we present a practical model that couples fluid dynamics and chemical reactions to explore the impact of mixing time on decarburization. Using computational fluid dynamics (CFD), in this study, we investigate an arbitrary metallurgical reactor with continuous oxygen supply, focusing on the Fe–C–O system. The model employs local equilibrium, a turbulence limiter, and finite volume method for mass, momentum, and energy transfer. Tracer injection points in the gas plume’s rising region exhibit faster mixing, and a comparison of reaction cases reveals distinct decarburization rates based on oxygen injection distribution and the influence of turbulence on reactions. Overall, while mixing time matters, the results show that this system is primarily governed by thermodynamics and oxygen supply, and a 270% increase in mixing time increase had a small impact on the end carbon content.
Effects of Solvent Evaporation Methods and Short-Term Room Temperature Storage on High-Coverage Cellular Metabolome Analysis
Authors: Luo Xian , Li Liang
Published: October 2023

Cellular metabolomics provides insights into the metabolic processes occurring within cells and can help researchers understand how these processes are regulated and how they relate to cellular function, health, and disease. In this technical note, we investigated the effects of solvent evaporation equipment and storage condition on high-coverage cellular metabolomics. We previously introduced a robust CIL LC-MS-based cellular metabolomics workflow that encompasses various steps, including cell harvest, metabolic quenching, cell lysis, metabolite extraction, differential chemical isotope labeling, and LC-MS analysis. This workflow has consistently served as the cornerstone of our collaborative research and service projects. As a core facility catering to users with diverse research needs and financial resources, we have encountered scenarios requiring short-term sample storage. For example, the need often arises to transport samples at room temperature from user sites to our core facility. Herein, we present a study in which we compared different solvent evaporation methods (specifically, the nitrogen blowdown evaporator, SpeedVac concentrator, and lyophilizer) and diverse storage conditions (including dried samples stored in a freezer, samples stored in a freezer with methanol, dried samples stored at room temperature, and samples stored at room temperature with methanol). Our findings indicate that the choice of solvent evaporation equipment did not significantly impact the cellular metabolome. However, we observed a noteworthy change in the metabolome after 7 days of storage when cells were stored with methanol, regardless of whether they were kept at −80 °C or room temperature, in contrast to cells that were dried and frozen. Importantly, we detected no significant alterations in cells that were dried and stored at room temperature. In conclusion, to ensure the production of high-quality CIL LC-MS metabolomics results, we strongly recommend that, in situations where low-temperature storage is not feasible, cell samples should be thoroughly dried before storage or shipment at room temperature.
LRRC25 Inhibits IFN-γ Secretion by Microglia to Negatively Regulate Anti-Tuberculosis Immunity in Mice
Authors: Sheng Gang , Chu Hongqian , Duan Huijuan , Wang Wenjing , Tian Na , Liu Dingyi , Sun Hong , Sun Zhaogang
Published: October 2023

Background: Leucine-rich repeat-containing protein-25 (LRRC25) can degrade the ISG15 gene in virus-infected cells and prevent overactivation of the type Ⅰ IFN pathway. However, the role of LRRC25 in bacterial infection is still unclear. In this pursuit, the present study aimed to explore the regulatory role and mechanism of LRRC25 in microglia infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis in a mouse model. Methods: Q-PCR, WB, and cell immunofluorescence were employed to observe the change in LRRC25 in BV2 cells infected by H37Rv. Additionally, siRNA was designed to target the LRRC25 to inhibit its expression in BV2 cells. Flow cytometry and laser confocal imaging were used to observe the infection of BV2 cells after LRRC25 silencing. Q-PCR and ELISA were used to determine the changes in IFN-γ and ISG15 in the culture supernatant of each group. Results: Following H37Rv infection, it was observed that the expression of LRRC25 was upregulated. Upon silencing LRRC25, the proportion of BV2 cells infected by H37Rv decreased significantly. ELISA analysis showed that IFN-γ and ISG15 levels in cell culture supernatant decreased after H37Rv infection, while they significantly increased after LRRC25 silencing. Conclusions: This study provides evidence that LRRC25 is the key negative regulator of microglial anti-Mtb immunity. It exerts its function by degrading free ISG15 and inhibiting the secretion of IFN-γ, thereby improving the anti-Mtb immunity of BV2 cells.
Antibacterial and Antimycotic Activity of Epilobium angustifolium L. Extracts: A Review
Authors: Dreger Mariola , Adamczak Artur , Foksowicz-Flaczyk Joanna
Published: October 2023

The aim of this work was to provide an overview of available information on the antibacterial and antifungal properties of Epilobium angustifolium extracts. A literature search of Scopus, PubMed/Medline, and Google Scholar for peer-reviewed articles published between January 2000 and June 2023 was undertaken. A total of 23 studies were eligible for inclusion in this review. Significant variation of antimicrobial activity depending on the tested species and strains, type of extract solvent, or plant organs utilized for the extract preparation was found. E. angustifolium extracts were active against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and showed antimycotic effects against the fungi of Microsporum canis and Trichophyton tonsurans and the dermatophytes Arthroderma spp. Greater susceptibility of Gram-positive than Gram-negative bacteria to fireweed extracts was found. A strong antibacterial effect was recorded for Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Micrococcus luteus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii including multi-drug resistant strains. E. angustifolium extract might find practical application as an antimicrobial in wound healing, components of cosmetic products for human and animals, or as food preservatives.
Backscattered Background Noise of the Lidar Ceilometer Influence Imposed by ASE in Single-Frequency Nanosecond Pulsed Laser at 1.5 μm
Authors: Gao Qi , Li Gang , Zhu Xiangping , Li Zhe , Zhao Wei , Ju Pei , Gao Wei , She Shengfei , Dang Wenjia
Published: October 2023

In this work, we demonstrate a three-stage all-fiber master oscillator power amplifier (MOPA) system emitting over 1 W of the linearly polarized narrow-linewidth pulse output power with 10 kHz pulse repetition frequency and 400 ns pulse width without the amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) at ~1.5 µm. Initially, we analyze the effect of the ASE on the first derivative of backscatter intensity via a contrast experiment. The experiment results show that the noise intensity with angle of inclination is affected by the ASE of the amplifier, thereby decreasing the signal-to-noise ratio of the output power. The laser is characterized by a very low or no ASE level of the output signal when acquiring the first derivative of backscatter intensity with low noise. This condition provides a reference for improving the properties of the laser used for cloud detection.
The Genetic Diversity of Pleurozium schreberi: A Preliminary Study Based on the atpB-rbcL
Authors: Świsłowski Paweł , Domagała Paweł J. , Rajfur Małgorzata
Published: October 2023

Pleurozium schreberi is a common and widespread species that has been the object of many studies, and its biology and ecology are well known. However, genetic studies on this species are limited or even absent. Because of the lack of any data about the genetic diversity of the moss species P. schreberi in Poland, the present paper describes the results of the studies carrying out for the first time this kind of research based on the atpB-rbcL spacer sequences of chloroplast DNA. A total of 35 specimens of P. schreberi from 19 locations in Poland were sampled. Total genomic DNA was extracted, amplified, and sequenced, and all obtained sequences were analyzed. Our findings suggest the low genetic diversity of P. schreberi in Poland. We detected four different haplotypes, shared between different populations.
Bioactive Glasses Enriched with Strontium or Zinc with Different Degrees of Structural Order as Components of Chitosan-Based Composite Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering
Authors: Ciołek Lidia , Krok-Borkowicz Małgorzata , Gąsiński Arkadiusz , Biernat Monika , Antosik Agnieszka , Pamuła Elżbieta
Published: October 2023

The development of innovative biomaterials with improved integration with bone tissue and stimulating regeneration processes is necessary. Here, we evaluate the usefulness of bioactive glasses from the SiO2-P2O5-CaO system enriched with 2 wt.% SrO or ZnO in the manufacturing of chitosan-based scaffolds. Bioglasses produced using the sol-gel method were subjected to thermal treatment in different regimes. Chitosan/bioglass composites were produced with a weight ratio. Bioglasses were evaluated via TG-DTA, FTIR, and SEM-EDS before and after incubation in simulated body fluid (SBF). The release of ions was tested. The cytocompatibility of the composites in contact with MG63 osteoblast-like cells was evaluated. The results showed that the presence of the crystalline phase decreased from 41.2–44.8% for nonmodified bioglasses to 24.2–24.3% for those modified with ZnO and 22.0–24.2% for those modified with SrO. The samples released Ca2+, Zn2+, and/or Sr2+ ions and were bioactive according to the SBF test. The highest cytocompatibility was observed for the composites containing nonmodified bioglasses, followed by those enriched with SrO bioglasses. The least cytocompatible were the composites containing ZnO bioglasses that released the highest amount of Zn2+ ions (0.58 ± 0.07 mL/g); however, those that released 0.38 ± 0.04 mL/g were characterised by acceptable cytocompatibility. The study confirmed that it is feasible to control the biological performance of chitosan/bioglass composites by adjusting the composition and heat treatment parameters of bioglasses.
System 1 vs. System 2 Thinking
Authors: Da Silva Sergio
Published: October 2023

This paper explores the dual-processing hypothesis of the mind, Systems 1 and 2, by examining debates between cognitive and evolutionary psychologists. I structure the discussion in a back-and-forth manner to emphasize the differences. I show that, while the majority of cognitive psychologists now embrace the dual-processing theory of the mind, Systems 1 and 2, there are still some who disagree. Most evolutionary psychologists, in contrast, dispute the existence of System 2, a domain-general mind, although some disagree. However, a consensus is growing in favor of System 2, although evolutionary psychologists’ concerns must be addressed. The uniqueness of this review is that it contrasts the perspectives of cognitive psychologists with evolutionary psychologists, which is uncommon in the cognitive psychology literature, which tends to overlook evolutionary viewpoints.
Sensing and Artificial Perception for Robots in Precision Forestry: A Survey
Authors: Ferreira João Filipe , Portugal David , Andrada Maria Eduarda , Machado Pedro , Rocha Rui P. , Peixoto Paulo
Published: October 2023

Artificial perception for robots operating in outdoor natural environments, including forest scenarios, has been the object of a substantial amount of research for decades. Regardless, this has proven to be one of the most difficult research areas in robotics and has yet to be robustly solved. This happens namely due to difficulties in dealing with environmental conditions (trees and relief, weather conditions, dust, smoke, etc.), the visual homogeneity of natural landscapes as opposed to the diversity of natural obstacles to be avoided, and the effect of vibrations or external forces such as wind, among other technical challenges. Consequently, we propose a new survey, describing the current state of the art in artificial perception and sensing for robots in precision forestry. Our goal is to provide a detailed literature review of the past few decades of active research in this field. With this review, we attempted to provide valuable insights into the current scientific outlook and identify necessary advancements in the area. We have found that the introduction of robotics in precision forestry imposes very significant scientific and technological problems in artificial sensing and perception, making this a particularly challenging field with an impact on economics, society, technology, and standards. Based on this analysis, we put forward a roadmap to address the outstanding challenges in its respective scientific and technological landscape, namely the lack of training data for perception models, open software frameworks, robust solutions for multi-robot teams, end-user involvement, use case scenarios, computational resource planning, management solutions to satisfy real-time operation constraints, and systematic field testing. We argue that following this roadmap will allow for robotics in precision forestry to fulfil its considerable potential.
Diurnal Variation Characteristics of Summer Precipitation over the Northern Slope of the Tianshan Mountains, Xinjiang, Northwest China: Basic Features and Responses to the Inhomogeneous Underlying Surface
Authors: Kadier Zulipina , Li Zhiyi , Abulikemu Abuduwaili , Zhu Kefeng , Abulimiti Aerzuna , An Dawei , Abuduaini Abidan
Published: October 2023

The diurnal variation characteristics of precipitation in summer (June–August) during the period of 2015–2019 over the Northern Slope of the Tianshan Mountains (NSTM) was analyzed using hourly simulated data from Nanjing University’s real-time forecasting system (WRF_NJU) with 4 km resolution, Automatic Weather Station (AWS) data, and the ERA5-Land data through using methods such as the Rotated Empirical Orthogonal Function (REOF) and Coefficient of Variation (CV). The results show that the diurnal variation pattern of the precipitation over the NSTM simulated by WRF_NJU aligns closely with that of the observational AWS data, and it captured spatial distribution, peak values, and the times of precipitation reasonably well. The hourly precipitation amount (PA), precipitation frequency (PF), and precipitation intensity (PI) all show characteristics of being greater in the afternoon to nighttime than from early morning to noon, and the diurnal variations of precipitation in this region are significantly influenced by altitude. The PA, PF, and PI peak over the southern edge of the Junggar Basin (JB) below 1000 m occurred at around 2200 Local Solar Time (LST). In contrast, peak PA over the mountainous regions above 3000 m occurred at around 1500 LST. Further analysis with REOF and CV indicated that the difference in diurnal variations of precipitation between the mountainous regions and the JB is most pronounced likely due to the topographical influences. The peak PA over the mountainous regions mainly occurred at around 1500 LST, while that of the JB occurred at around 0100 LST. High CV regions for PI are predominantly found over the area near the central JB and the middle Tianshan mountains, whereas high CV regions for the PF are located in the central and northern parts of Urumqi and Changji. In addition, different land surface categories exhibit distinct patterns of diurnal precipitation variation, i.e., the forests, grasslands, and water bodies exhibit their peak PA in the period from early morning to noon, while the impervious surfaces, croplands, and barren lands exhibit their peak PA in the period from afternoon to nighttime.
A Software Platform for Quadruped Robots with Advanced Manipulation Capabilities
Authors: Yi Jae-Bong , Nasrat Shady , Jo Min-seong , Yi Seung-Joon
Published: October 2023

Recently, a diverse range of robots with various functionalities have become a part of our daily lives. However, these robots either lack an arm or have less capable arms, mainly used for gestures. Another characteristic of the robots is that they are wheeled-type robots, restricting their operation to even surfaces. Several software platforms proposed in prior research have often focused on quadrupedal robots equipped with manipulators. However, many of these platforms lacked a comprehensive system combining perception, navigation, locomotion, and manipulation. This research introduces a software framework for clearing household objects with a quadrupedal robot. The proposed software framework utilizes the perception of the robot’s environment through sensor inputs and organizes household objects to their designated locations. The proposed framework was verified by experiments within a simulation environment resembling the conditions of the RoboCup@Home 2021-virtual competition involving variations in objects and poses, where outcomes demonstrate promising performance.