bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Explorations of the chemical constitution and aqueous solution status of caries-arresting silver(I)-diammine fluoride and silver(I)-fluoride products using high-resolution 19F NMR analysis. Spectroscopic and SEM investigations of their interactions with human saliva: evidence for the in vivo salivary-catalysed autoconstruction of Ag/AgCl-based nanoparticles (IV-SCAN)—part I
Authors: Hunwin Kayleigh , Page Georgina , Edgar Mark , Botana Adolfo , Armitage Rachel , Bhogadia Mohammed , Desai Unmesh , Duffin Steven , Duffin Marcus , Chan Wyman , Grootveld Martin
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Silver(I)-diammine fluoride (SDF) and silver(I)-fluoride (SF) complexes have been successfully employed for the arrest of dental caries for many years. However, to date there are very few studies available reporting on the molecular structural compositional and solution status of these agents [typically applied as highly-concentrated 38% (w/v) solutions]. Here, we explored the solution status and chemical constitution of commercially-available SDF and SF products, and secondly investigated the multicomponent interplay of these products with biomolecules present in intact human whole-mouth salivary supernatants (WMSSs) in vitro.

Methods

High-resolution 19F NMR analysis was employed to explore SDF and SF product solutions, and to determine WMSS fluoride (F−) concentrations, whereas ammonia (NH3) release form SDF was tracked by 1H NMR spectroscopy. SEM and thin-film FTIR-ATR analyses were employed to explore the atomic and molecular compositions of sequentially-generated AgCl deposits and chromophoric Ag/AgCl nanoparticles (CSNPs); the time-dependent generation of the latter was followed spectrophotometrically.

Results

19F NMR spectra of aqueous SF solutions contained a very broad F− signal (Δv1/2 70 Hz), demonstrating that much of its solvated F− content was rapidly exchanging with Ag(I) on the NMR timescale, but those of SDF had a much sharper resonance, similar to that of “free” F− (4 Hz). Moreover, further NMR results revealed that a popular SDF product contained high molar excesses of both F− and NH3. Treatment of WMSSs with SDF and SF generated an off-white precipitate, which slowly developed into CSNPs at 23°C; SEM demonstrated high contents of both silver and chloride in this material (ca.1:1 atomic content ratio). FTIR-ATR analysis found that the CSNPs formed contained a range of salivary biomolecules, which appear to encapsulate the Ag/AgCl core (significant thiocyanate contents were also found). In conclusion, NMR results acquired demonstrated that SF, but not SDF, product solutions feature rapidly-exchanging F− between its “free” and Ag(I)-bound forms, and that SDF contains large excesses of both F− and its NH3 ligands. Characterised AgCl deposits and CSNPs were sequentially produced from the interactions of these complexes with WMSS biomolecules.

Discussion

In view of their well-known microbicidal and cariostatic properties, the observed autobioconstruction of CSNPs involving salivary catalysis is of much therapeutic significance.
An inflammatory paradox: strategies inflammophilic oral pathobionts employ to exploit innate immunity via neutrophil manipulation
Authors: Higashi Dustin L. , Qin Hua , Borland Christina , Kreth Jens , Merritt Justin
Published: June 2024

Inflammatory dysbiotic diseases present an intriguing biological paradox. Like most other infectious disease processes, the alarm bells of the host are potently activated by tissue-destructive pathobionts, triggering a cascade of physiological responses that ultimately mobilize immune cells like neutrophils to sites of active infection. Typically, these inflammatory host responses are critical to inhibit and/or eradicate infecting microbes. However, for many inflammatory dysbiotic diseases, inflammophilic pathobiont-enriched communities not only survive the inflammatory response, but they actually obtain a growth advantage when challenged with an inflammatory environment. This is especially true for those organisms that have evolved various strategies to resist and/or manipulate components of innate immunity. In contrast, members of the commensal microbiome typically experience a competitive growth disadvantage under inflammatory selective pressure, hindering their critical ability to restrict pathobiont proliferation. Here, we examine examples of bacteria-neutrophil interactions from both conventional pathogens and inflammophiles. We discuss some of the strategies utilized by them to illustrate how inflammophilic microbes can play a central role in the positive feedback cycle that exemplifies dysbiotic chronic inflammatory diseases.
Is ward-level calculation of urban green space availability important?—A case study on Vellore city, India, using the histogram-based spectral discrimination approach
Authors: Gaikadi Sangeetha , Kumar S. Vasantha
Published: June 2024

How much green space is available for individuals is a major question that city planners are generally interested in, and the present study aimed to address this issue in the context of Vellore, India, through two approaches, namely, the per capita and the geographical area approach. In existing studies, urban green space (UGS) was only calculated at the macro level, i.e., for the city as a whole. Micro-or ward-level analysis was not attempted before, and the present study carried out the same to get a clear picture of the amount of greenery available in each ward of a city. For this purpose, a two-step approach was proposed where the histograms of Google Earth (GE) images were analyzed first to check whether the green cover types such as trees, shrubs/grassland, and cropland were spectrally different. Then, classification techniques such as ISODATA, maximum likelihood, support vector machine (SVM), and object-based methods were applied to the GE images. It was found that SVM performed well in extracting different green cover types with the highest overall accuracy of 93% and Kappa coefficient of 0.881. It was found that when considering the city as a whole, the amount of UGS available is 42% of the total area, which is more than the recommended range of 20–40%. Similarly, the available UGS per person is 97.84 m2, which is far above the recommended 12 m2/person. However, the micro-level analysis revealed that some of the wards have not satisfied the criteria of per capita and percentage area, though the city as a whole has satisfied both the criteria. Thus, the results indicate the importance of calculating the urban green space availability at the ward level rather than the city level as the former gives a closer look at the surplus and deficit areas. The results of terrestrial LiDAR survey at individual tree level revealed that if trees are located adjacent to buildings or roads, it results in fewer heat islands compared to the case where there are no trees.
Jellyphant: A Soft, Elephant Trunk-Inspired Robotic Arm That Can Grab Objects
Authors: Liow Lois , Howard David
Published: June 2024

Many animals, such as elephants and octopuses, can change the stiffness of their limbs and trunks. This allows them to move around their environments as well as grab things and move them around. We would love our soft robots to be able to do the same! We can do this using a technique called jamming, in which the materials in the trunk are packed together to change its stiffness. Jamming has been used in all sorts of soft robots, like robotic hands for gently picking up fruits and vegetables, exoskeleton suits, and surgical instruments. In this article, we will talk about the three main types of jamming that are used in soft robotics, and show how they can be used in real life. And guess what? At the end of the article, we will describe the use of jamming to build a robotic elephant trunk that can change its stiffness, just like a real elephant’s trunk!
The influence of different forms of black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) on the characteristics of sheep’s curd cheese
Authors: Voșgan Zorica , Dumuța Anca , Mihali Cristina , Dippong Thomas , Mihalescu Lucia , Marian Monica , Mihalescu Beatrice
Published: June 2024

The influence of different forms of Nigella sativa (seeds, powder, alcoholic extract, and oil) on the traditional sheep curd was investigated by comparison with a control simple curd considering a series of sensorial, physical–chemical, and microbiological aspects. The analysis was performed on curds freshly prepared and after 10 days of refrigeration. The sensory analysis of the curds was performed using a variety of methods such as scaling method, the method of quality describing, the method of ordering by rank, “triangle” method, and “duo-trio” method. The analyzed curds were assessed and classified according to their sensory characteristics and typicality. The N. sativa supplementing of the sheep curds improved their physical–chemical characteristics by raising the fat content with 0.88–2.82% and decreasing the titratable acidity with 1.42–2.32% compared to the control curd without additive. After 10 days of refrigeration, the titratable acidity increased with 1.58–3.25% and moisture decreased (8.43–13.17%). The microbiological quality of the curd samples was influenced by the addition of black cumin in different forms, with variations in the total number of bacteria (TNB) between 4.33 and 4.39 log CFU/g compared to the control sample 5.03 log CFU/g, Enterobacteriaceae (2.53–2.58 log CFU/g) compared to the control sample 2.60 log CFU/g, and coagulase-positive staphylococci (CPS) 2.30–2.68 log CFU/g compared to the control sample 2.75 log CFU/g. After 10 days of refrigeration, the number of microorganisms decreased, TNB (4.13–4.31 log CFU/g), Enterobacteriaceae (2.34–2.53 log CFU/g), and CPS (2.02–2.55 log CFU/g), while for the control sample the values increased. The most obvious antimicrobial effect was observed in the case of the cold-pressed oil addition (1%), followed by the alcoholic extract (1%), seeds (3%), and powder (3%).
Oncological outcomes in minimally invasive vs. open distal pancreatectomy: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Zhun Hong Wong Nicky , Wei Ting Yap Dominic , Lei Ng Sherryl , Yu Ning Ng Junie , James Juanita Jaslin , Wei Chieh Kow Alfred
Published: June 2024

Background

Advancements in surgical techniques have improved outcomes in patients undergoing pancreatic surgery. To date there have been no meta-analyses comparing robotic and laparoscopic approaches for distal pancreatectomies (DP) in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC). This systematic review and network meta-analysis aims to explore the oncological outcomes of laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP), robotic distal pancreatectomy (RDP) and open distal pancreatectomy (ODP).

Methods

A systematic search was conducted for studies reporting laparoscopic, robotic or open surgery for DP. Frequentist network meta-analysis of oncological outcomes (overall survival, resection margins, tumor recurrence, examined lymph nodes, administration of adjuvant therapy) were performed.

Results

Fifteen studies totalling 9,301 patients were included in the network meta-analysis. 1,946, 605 and 6,750 patients underwent LDP, RDP and ODP respectively. LDP (HR: 0.761, 95% CI: 0.642–0.901, p = 0.002) and RDP (HR: 0.757, 95% CI: 0.617–0.928, p = 0.008) were associated with overall survival (OS) benefit when compared to ODP. LDP (HR: 1.00, 95% CI: 0.793–1.27, p = 0.968) was not associated with OS benefit when compared to RDP. There were no significant differences between LDP, RDP and ODP for resection margins, tumor recurrence, examined lymph nodes and administration of adjuvant therapy.

Conclusion

This study highlights the longer OS in both LDP and RDP when compared to ODP for patients with PDAC.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/, PROSPERO (CRD42022336417).
An intronic SNP affects skeletal muscle development by regulating the expression of TP63
Authors: Chen Yufen , Wang Zhen , Qu Xiaolu , Song Bangmin , Tang Yueting , Li Bugao , Cao Guoqing , Yi Guoqiang
Published: June 2024

Background

Porcine skeletal muscle development is pivotal for improving meat production. TP63, a transcription factor, regulates vital cellular processes, yet its role in skeletal muscle proliferation is unclear.

Methods

The effects of TP63 on skeletal muscle cell viability and proliferation were investigated using both mouse and porcine skeletal muscle myoblasts. Selective sweep analysis in Western pigs identified TP63 as a potential candidate gene for skeletal muscle development. The correlation between TP63 overexpression and cell proliferation was assessed using quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) and 5-ethynyl-2’-deoxyuridine (EDU).

Results

The study revealed a positive correlation between TP63 overexpression and skeletal muscle cell proliferation. Bioinformatics analysis predicted an interaction between MEF2A, another transcription factor, and the mutation site of TP63. Experimental validation through dual-luciferase assays confirmed that a candidate enhancer SNP could influence MEF2A binding, subsequently regulating TP63 expression and promoting skeletal muscle cell proliferation.

Conclusion

These findings offer experimental evidence for further exploration of skeletal muscle development mechanisms and the advancement of genetic breeding strategies aimed at improving meat production traits.
Some Comments about the p-Generalized Negative Binomial (NBp) Model
Authors: Griffith Daniel A.
Published: June 2024

This paper describes various selected properties and features of negative binomial (NB) random variables, with special reference to NB2 (i.e., p = 2), and some generalizations to NBp (i.e., p ≥ 2), specifications. It presents new results (e.g., the NBp moment-generating function) with regard to the relationship between a sample mean and its accompanying variance, as well as spatial statistical/econometric numerical and empirical examples, whose parameter estimators are maximum likelihood or method of moment ones. Finally, it highlights the Moran eigenvector spatial filtering methodology within the context of generalized linear modeling, demonstrating it in terms of spatial negative binomial regression. Its overall conclusion is a bolstering of important findings the literature already reports with a newly recognized empirical example of an NB3 phenomenon.
Child Telomere Length at 11–12 Years of Age Is Not Associated with Pregnancy Complications
Authors: Bianco-Miotto Tina , Hossain Sadia , Habibi Nahal , Haag Dandara G. , Grieger Jessica A.
Published: June 2024

Children born from pregnancy complications are at higher risk of chronic diseases in adulthood. Identifying which children born from a complicated pregnancy are likely to suffer from later chronic disease is important in order to intervene to prevent or delay the onset of disease. This study examined the associations between the major pregnancy complications (gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, small- and large for gestational age, and preterm birth) and child telomere length, a biomarker of chronic disease risk. This was a population-based longitudinal analysis using data from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children. The primary outcome is telomere length, measured in 11–12-year-old children. Multivariable linear regression was used to estimate the association between pregnancy complications and child telomere length, adjusting for a range of a priori confounders. Data from 841 families were used. One in four pregnancies (27.1%) featured a pregnancy complication. In the adjusted analysis, there was no association between pregnancy complications and child telomere length (high blood pressure: mean difference (95% CI): 0.00 (−0.12, 0.12); gestational diabetes (0.05 (−0.10, 0.19)); small for gestational age (0.07 (−0.04, 0.19)); large for gestational age (−0.06 (−0.15, 0.03)); and preterm birth (−0.10 (−0.21, 0.01)). Our results do not support the notion that telomere length is shorter in children born to mothers after a pregnancy complication. Methodological considerations should be rigorous to improve the reproducibility of findings.
Violations of Hyperscaling in Finite-Size Scaling above the Upper Critical Dimension
Authors: Young A. Peter
Published: June 2024

We consider how finite-size scaling (FSS) is modified above the upper critical dimension, du=4, due to hyperscaling violations, which in turn arise from a dangerous irrelevant variable. In addition to the commonly studied case of periodic boundary conditions, we also consider new effects that arise with free boundary conditions. Some numerical results are presented in addition to theoretical arguments.
A Bayesian Measure of Model Accuracy
Authors: Brunello Gabriel Hideki Vatanabe , Nakano Eduardo Yoshio
Published: June 2024

Ensuring that the proposed probabilistic model accurately represents the problem is a critical step in statistical modeling, as choosing a poorly fitting model can have significant repercussions on the decision-making process. The primary objective of statistical modeling often revolves around predicting new observations, highlighting the importance of assessing the model’s accuracy. However, current methods for evaluating predictive ability typically involve model comparison, which may not guarantee a good model selection. This work presents an accuracy measure designed for evaluating a model’s predictive capability. This measure, which is straightforward and easy to understand, includes a decision criterion for model rejection. The development of this proposal adopts a Bayesian perspective of inference, elucidating the underlying concepts and outlining the necessary procedures for application. To illustrate its utility, the proposed methodology was applied to real-world data, facilitating an assessment of its practicality in real-world scenarios.
Psychometric Properties and Measurement Invariance of the English Version of the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) for Non-Native English Speakers
Authors: Valenti Giusy Danila , Faraci Palmira
Published: June 2024

This cross-cultural study seeks to (a) investigate the internal structure of the English version of the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) when administered to non-native English speakers (i.e., Asian individuals and (b) test for measurement invariance with its Italian counterpart). The whole sample comprises 338 participants, including 167 Asian international university students residing in the United States (50.3% females; Mage = 23.82, SD = 3.78) and 171 Italian university students living in Italy (69.6% females; Mage = 22.38, SD = 4.24). The dimensionality of the scale is assessed through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and multi-group confirmatory factor analysis (MG-CFA) is employed to examine measurement invariance. The results confirm the one-dimensionality of the SWLS [χ2 = 9.815; df = 5; CFI = 0.989; TLI = 0.977; SRMR = 0.027]. Furthermore, achieving full strict invariance indicates that the SWLS items exhibit similar structures across both samples. The scale shows satisfactory internal reliability (α = 0.863, ω = 0.866). Overall, this study supports the cross-validity of the English version of the SWLS and underscores its robustness and suitability for assessing life satisfaction among non-native English speakers.
Climate and Climatic Variations’ Impact on Lymphoedema: Patient Perspective
Authors: Witt Susan , Dieterle Thomas , Gordon Susan , Campbell Narelle , Piller Neil
Published: June 2024

Lymphoedema is a chronic and dynamic condition that requires the investment of time and resources to appropriately manage. It fluctuates in response to illness, activity, and age, as well as in response to environmental conditions. This qualitative study explored the impact of the climate and climatic variations on lymphoedema. Focus groups were completed with patients (n = 12) and therapists (n = 7) to explore, in depth, their experiences of managing lymphoedema throughout the year. The results suggested that heat and humidity definitely alter the severity of lymphoedema, and a range of individual strategies are required in order to control symptoms. Central to effectively managing lymphoedema is the notion that every body is different and every lymphoedema is different, and therefore understanding one’s own body, what it needs, and what resources are available is essential in maintaining lymphoedema in the face of climate change.
An Efficient Numerical Method for Solving a Class of Nonlinear Fractional Differential Equations and Error Estimates
Authors: Song Xin , Wu Rui
Published: June 2024

In this paper, we present an efficient method for solving a class of higher order fractional differential equations with general boundary conditions. The convergence of the numerical method is proved and an error estimate is given. Finally, eight numerical examples, both linear and nonlinear, are presented to demonstrate the accuracy of our method. The proposed method introduces suitable base functions to calculate the approximate solutions and only requires us to deal with the linear or nonlinear systems. Thus, our method is convenient to implement. Furthermore, the numerical results show that the proposed method performs better compared to the existing ones.
Intensive Intervention on Smoking Cessation in Patients Undergoing Elective Surgery: The Role of Family Physicians
Authors: Domić Anto , Pilipović-Broćeta Nataša , Grabež Milkica , Divac Nevena , Igić Rajko , Škrbić Ranko
Published: June 2024

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the role of physicians in the intensive intervention and education regarding the smoking cessation of patients undergoing elective surgery under general anaesthesia. Materials and Methods: A randomised prospective study was conducted in family physicians’ clinics in which smokers of both sexes, aged 21–65 years, without cognitive impairments, and who were not addicted to psychoactive substances voluntarily participated. Four weeks preoperatively, 120 smokers were randomised into two equal groups; the intervention group (IG) underwent an intervention for the purpose of smoking cessation and the control group (CG) underwent no intervention. Biochemical tests were performed in order to determine the smoking status of the participants in the phase of randomisation, one week preoperatively, as well as 40, 120, and 180 days and 12 months postoperatively. The examinees of the IG talked to the physician five times and received 140 telephone messages, leaflets, and motivational letters along with the pharmacotherapy, while the participants in the CG received little or no advice on smoking cessation. Results: The results of this study confirmed a significant influence of the intervention and education on the smoking abstinence in the IG compared to the CG (p < 0.001). The smokers in the IG had 7.31 (95% CI: 2.32–23.04) times greater odds of abstinence upon the 12-month follow-up than the smokers in the CG. The smokers in the IG who did not stop smoking had a lower degree of dependence and smoked fewer cigarettes (p < 0.0001) compared to those in the CG, as well as a multiple times higher prevalence of short- and long-term abstinence. Conclusions: It can be concluded that the intensive intervention and education can motivate patients preparing for elective surgery to stop smoking in the short- and long term.
Milk Consumption and Its Association with Dental Caries: Gender-Specific Insights from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2013–2015)
Authors: Min Eun Jeong , Park EunKyung , Park Jun-Beom
Published: June 2024

Background and Objectives: This study aims to bridge these gaps by utilizing data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2013–2015), examining the nuanced associations between milk consumption’s quantity, frequency, and type and the prevalence of dental caries. Materials and Methods: Utilizing data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2013–2015), this study explores the association between milk consumption and the prevalence of dental caries in a sample of 4843 subjects (weighted n = 15,581), including 2856 males and 1987 females; weighted sample sizes were 6656 and 8925 for men and women, respectively. The prevalence of dental caries was assessed by evaluating the number of decayed, filled, and missing teeth. Results: The analysis demonstrated a significant positive association between increased milk consumption and the risk of developing dental caries, with an overall odds ratio of 1.653 (95% CI: 1.153–2.370, p < 0.05). The association was more pronounced in females, exhibiting an odds ratio of 1.865 (95% CI: 1.157–3.006, p < 0.05), and age was identified as a significant variable, particularly among participants aged 50 and above. In contrast, the relationship among the male group, though positive (odds ratio: 1.613, 95% CI: 0.991–2.625), was not statistically significant (p = 0.054). Conclusion: These findings suggest that milk consumption may be a potential risk indicator for dental caries, particularly among women, emphasizing the need for targeted dietary recommendations in dental health practices.
An Artificial Neural Network-Based Approach to Improve Non-Destructive Asphalt Pavement Density Measurement with an Electrical Density Gauge
Authors: Li Muyang , Huang Loulin
Published: June 2024

Asphalt pavement density can be measured using either a destructive or a non-destructive method. The destructive method offers high measurement accuracy but causes damage to the pavement and is inefficient. In contrast, the non-destructive method is highly efficient without damaging the pavement, but its accuracy is not as good as that of the destructive method. Among the devices for non-destructive measurement, the nuclear density gauge (NDG) is the most accurate, but radiation in the device is a serious hazard. The electrical density gauge (EDG), while safer and more convenient to use, is affected by the factors other than density, such as temperature and moisture of the environment. To enhance its accuracy by minimizing or eliminating those non-density factors, an original approach based on artificial neural networks (ANNs) is proposed. Density readings, temperature, and moisture obtained by the EDG are the inputs, and the corresponding densities obtained by the NDG are the outputs to train the ANN models through Levenberg-Marquardt, Bayesian regularization, and Scaled Conjugate Gradient algorithms. Results indicate that the ANN models trained greatly improve the measurement accuracy of the electrical density gauge.
Carbon Nanotube-Mediated Delivery of PTEN Variants: In Vitro Antitumor Activity in Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Papi Rigini M. , Tasioulis Konstantinos S. , Kechagioglou Petros V. , Papaioannou Maria A. , Andriotis Eleftherios G. , Kyriakidis Dimitrios A.
Published: June 2024

Phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) is a crucial tumor suppressor protein with frequent mutations and alterations. Although protein therapeutics are already integral to numerous medical fields, their potential remains nascent. This study aimed to investigate the impact of stable, unphosphorylated recombinant human full-length PTEN and its truncated variants, regarding their tumor suppression activity with multiwalled-carbon nanotubes (MW-CNTs) as vehicles for their delivery in breast cancer cells (T-47D, ZR-75-1, and MCF-7). The cloning, overexpression, and purification of PTEN variants were achieved from E. coli, followed by successful binding to CNTs. Cell incubation with protein-functionalized CNTs revealed that the full-length PTEN-CNTs significantly inhibited cancer cell growth and stimulated apoptosis in ZR-75-1 and MCF-7 cells, while truncated PTEN fragments on CNTs had a lesser effect. The N-terminal fragment, despite possessing the active site, did not have the same effect as the full length PTEN, emphasizing the necessity of interaction with the C2 domain in the C-terminal tail. Our findings highlight the efficacy of full-length PTEN in inhibiting cancer growth and inducing apoptosis through the alteration of the expression levels of key apoptotic markers. In addition, the utilization of carbon nanotubes as a potent PTEN protein delivery system provides valuable insights for future applications in in vivo models and clinical studies.
Two-Dimensional GeC/MXY (M = Zr, Hf; X, Y = S, Se) Heterojunctions Used as Highly Efficient Overall Water-Splitting Photocatalysts
Authors: Wang Guangzhao , Xie Wenjie , Guo Sandong , Chang Junli , Chen Ying , Long Xiaojiang , Zhou Liujiang , Ang Yee Sin , Yuan Hongkuan
Published: June 2024

Hydrogen generation by photocatalytic water-splitting holds great promise for addressing the serious global energy and environmental crises, and has recently received significant attention from researchers. In this work, a method of assembling GeC/MXY (M = Zr, Hf; X, Y = S, Se) heterojunctions (HJs) by combining GeC and MXY monolayers (MLs) to construct direct Z-scheme photocatalytic systems is proposed. Based on first-principles calculations, we found that all the GeC/MXY HJs are stable van der Waals (vdW) HJs with indirect bandgaps. These HJs possess small bandgaps and exhibit strong light-absorption ability across a wide range. Furthermore, the built-in electric field (BIEF) around the heterointerface can accelerate photoinduced carrier separation. More interestingly, the suitable band edges of GeC/MXY HJs ensure sufficient kinetic potential to spontaneously accomplish water redox reactions under light irradiation. Overall, the strong light-harvesting ability, wide light-absorption range, small bandgaps, large heterointerfacial BIEFs, suitable band alignments, and carrier migration paths render GeC/MXY HJs highly efficient photocatalysts for overall water decomposition.
Rhodamine 6G/Transition Metal Dichalcogenide Hybrid Nanoscrolls for Enhanced Optoelectronic Performance
Authors: Ye Huihui , Tang Hailun , Yu Shilong , Yang Yang , Li Hai
Published: June 2024

The low light absorption efficiency has seriously hindered the application of two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) nanosheets in the field of optoelectronic devices. Various approaches have been used to improve the performance of TMDC nanosheets. Preparation of one-dimensional TMDC nanoscrolls in combination with photoactive materials has been a promising method to improve their properties recently. In this work, we report a facile method to enhance the optoelectronic performance of TMDC nanoscrolls by wrapping the photoactive organic dye rhodamine (R6G) into them. After R6G molecules were deposited on monolayer TMDC nanosheets by the solution method, the R6G/MoS2 nanoscrolls with lengths up to hundreds of microns were prepared in a short time by dropping a mixture of ammonia and ethanol solution on the R6G/MoS2 nanosheets. The as-obtained R6G/MoS2 nanoscrolls were well characterized by optical microscopy, atomic force microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy to prove the encapsulation of R6G. There are multiple type II heterojunction interfaces in the R6G/MoS2 nanoscrolls, which can promote the generation of photo-induced carriers and the following electron–hole separation. The separated electrons were transported rapidly along the axial direction of the R6G/MoS2 nanoscrolls, which greatly improves the efficiency of light absorption and photoresponse. Under the irradiation of an incident 405 nm laser, the photoresponsivity, carrier mobility, external quantum efficiency, and detectivity of R6G/MoS2 nanoscrolls were enhanced to 66.07 A/W, 132.93 cm2V−1s−1, 20,261%, and 1.25 × 1012 cm·Hz1/2W−1, which are four orders of magnitude higher than those of monolayer MoS2 nanosheets. Our work indicates that the R6G/TMDC hybrid nanoscrolls could be promising materials for high-performance optoelectronic devices.
Advances in Functional Ceramics for Water Splitting: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Exeler Julia , Jüstel Thomas
Published: June 2024

The global demand for sustainable energy sources has led to extensive research regarding (green) hydrogen production technologies, with water splitting emerging as a promising avenue. In the near future the calculated hydrogen demand is expected to be 2.3 Gt per year. For green hydrogen production, 1.5 ppm of Earth’s freshwater, or 30 ppb of saltwater, is required each year, which is less than that currently consumed by fossil fuel-based energy. Functional ceramics, known for their stability and tunable properties, have garnered attention in the field of water splitting. This review provides an in-depth analysis of recent advancements in functional ceramics for water splitting, addressing key mechanisms, challenges, and prospects. Theoretical aspects, including electronic structure and crystallography, are explored to understand the catalytic behavior of these materials. Hematite photoanodes, vital for solar-driven water splitting, are discussed alongside strategies to enhance their performance, such as heterojunction structures and cocatalyst integration. Compositionally complex perovskite oxides and high-entropy alloys/ceramics are investigated for their potential for use in solar thermochemical water splitting, highlighting innovative approaches and challenges. Further exploration encompasses inorganic materials like metal oxides, molybdates, and rare earth compounds, revealing their catalytic activity and potential for water-splitting applications. Despite progress, challenges persist, indicating the need for continued research in the fields of material design and synthesis to advance sustainable hydrogen production.
Addressing Challenges in Port Depth Analysis: Integrating Machine Learning and Spatial Information for Accurate Remote Sensing of Turbid Waters
Authors: Li Xin , Wu Zhongqiang , Shen Wei
Published: June 2024

Bathymetry estimation is essential for various applications in port management, navigation safety, marine engineering, and environmental monitoring. Satellite remote sensing data can rapidly acquire the bathymetry of the target shallow waters, and researchers have developed various models to invert the water depth from the satellite data. Geographically weighted regression (GWR) is a common method for satellite-based bathymetry estimation. However, in sediment-laden water environments, especially ports, the suspended materials significantly affect the performance of GWR for depth inversion. This study proposes a novel approach that integrates GWR with Random Forest (RF) techniques, using longitude, latitude, and multispectral remote sensing reflectance as input variables. This approach effectively addresses the challenge of estimating bathymetry in turbid waters by considering the strong correlation between water depth and geographical location. The proposed method not only overcomes the limitations of turbid waters but also improves the accuracy of depth inversion results in such complex aquatic settings. This breakthrough in modeling has significant implications for turbid waters, enhancing port management, navigational safety, and environmental monitoring in sediment-laden maritime zones.
Embolization of a Hepatic Arterio-Portal Venous Fistula to Treat Portal Hypertension in a Liver Transplant Recipient
Authors: Yoon Ji Ae , Chao Cherng , Lominadze Zurabi
Published: June 2024

Hepatic arterio-portal venous fistula (HAPVF) is a rare, abnormal connection between the hepatic artery and portal vein. HAPVFs are usually caused by trauma or hepatobiliary instrumentation. Fistulas can expand and produce symptoms of severe portal hypertension. The decision to embolize should be based on fistula location, size, and symptoms. We report a case of HAPVF in a liver transplant recipient presenting with worsening ascites and variceal hemorrhage after several prior liver biopsies. Given the extensive nature of the fistula and hepatic decompensation, the HAPVF was successfully embolized, resulting in clinical improvement and obviating the need for re-transplantation.
Research on Filtering Algorithm of Vehicle Dynamic Weighing Signal
Authors: Xiong Lingcong , Zhang Tieyi , Yuan Anlu , Zhang Zhipeng
Published: June 2024

This study analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of filtering algorithms for dynamic weighing signals. Highway road surface has road surface unevenness and other influencing factors. The body vibration of the vehicle driving process produces a certain amount of interference signals collected by the load cell to form noise signals. In addition, piezoelectric sensors and amplification circuits introduce a large amount of electrical noise. These noise signals are non-smooth, nonlinear, and have other characteristics. We study the filtering effects of moving average (MA), wavelet transform (WT), and variational mode decomposition (VMD) filtering algorithms on axle weight signals and evaluate the performance of the filtering algorithms through the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and Normalized Correlation Coefficient (NCC). The comprehensive analysis shows that the variational modal decomposition filtering algorithm is more advantageous for axial weight signal processing. The design of the axle weight signal noise filtering algorithm is of great significance for improving the accuracy of the overall dynamic weighing system of the vehicle.
CONTEMPORARY INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN SYSTEM: DYNAMIC CHANGES IN THE FACE OF DEEPENING HUMANITARIAN CRISES
Authors:   Mariupol State University, Vyshniakov O.
Published: June 2024

The main factors contributing to the spread of humanitarian crises in the modern global economy are highlighted, including conflicts, climate change, and socio-economic instability. It is argued that conflicts are rapidly spreading and intensifying worldwide between various countries, resulting from the escalation of contradictions and the intensification of rivalry among major powers. The most dramatic manifestation of geopolitical confrontation has been the war on the European continent. It is identified that climate change, as a factor of humanitarian crises, manifests in the reinforcement of anthropogenic influence and the increase in environmental crimes, and in the proliferation of extreme weather events and natural disasters leading to numerous human casualties and material losses, as well as in the failure of climate change mitigation policies by governments and major companies. Significant influence on the deepening of humanitarian crises is provided by socio-economic instability, resulting from inequality, internal conflicts, low levels of socio-economic development in countries, etc. These factors create an extremely complex contemporary humanitarian landscape. The spread of humanitarian crises ensures a continuous increase in the demand for humanitarian assistance. The contemporary international humanitarian system is a network of entities providing responses to humanitarian crises in accordance with the principles laid down in UN General Assembly Resolution 46/182. The scale of modern humanitarian assistance is analysed based on indicators of the number of countries and the number of people in need of humanitarian assistance. It is found that the main part of the financing of international humanitarian assistance is provided from the budgets of donor countries, with the United States remaining a leader among them. It is determined that russia's war against Ukraine has caused a severe humanitarian crisis, resulting in the largest migration flows of refugees and internally displaced persons. The existing system of international humanitarian assistance has encountered certain problems in its provision, as international humanitarian organizations working in Ukraine during the early stages of the war demonstrated insufficient preparedness and ineffective planning, and as a result, were unable to provide rapid infusion of resources to strengthen and expand existing local response mechanisms. Key words: international assistance, international humanitarian system, humanitarian assistance, crisis, humanitarian crisis.
Iconic-conventional coordinates of the postmodern: Yurii Izdryk «Wozzeck»
Authors:   Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University, Soletskyy O.
Published: June 2024

The article explores the iconic-conventional interactions of scientific and artistic ascertainment of postmodern aesthetics and philosophy. Based on cultural and literary studies devoted to postmodernism, the author tracks the most frequently used conceptual nominations. These categories determine the expression of interpretations of his aesthetics and philosophy as a new contemplative and metaphysical focus, which has a decentralized, fluid cognitive focus and presents a meaningful discrete systematicity. The leading categories that are used to delineate the worldview and stylistic parameters of postmodernism and show a special form of iconicconventional constraints for their expression are “rhizome”, “fold”, “fractal”, “labyrinth”, “figures of similitude”, “simulacrum”, “post-Chornobyl library”. They are interpreted as a new type of linguistic-philosophical concepts that allow us to visualize the “chaos” of cultural artifacts and phenomena. Postmodernism promotes new outlines of hybrid visuality, which becomes a simulated background for textual commenting and deployment of semantic constructions. The configuration of such expressions demonstrates the need for visual representation, optical focusing for the proclamation of abstract generalizations, and their relevance for descriptions of cognitive "liminality". The article notes such trends in Y. Izdryk's “Wozzeсk”, the interpretation of Wozzeck's conscious agency. One can see the intention of focusing on the representative “conflict”, which turns into an extreme and final representative simulation. It is reminiscent of visual-verbal crossings, which state-specific thinking emblematic, whimsical action figurative-verbal connectivity, which reflects postmodern looseness and chaotic meaning-making. The text systematically promotes semantic, expressive, subjective ambivalence, and from the position of the author-hero, "impersonal personality". Postmodernism offers a new optical perceptibility, characterized by deepened and “rhizome” focusing, overlapping, and transforming various spectra of visibility and irregular structural similarity that transforms multi-dimensional homogeneity. Keywords: postmodern, iconic, conventional, Y. Izdryk, rhizome, fractal, labyrinth, simulacrum, meaning.
Forecasting of Turkey's Hazelnut Export Amounts According to Seasons with Dendritic Neuron Model Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Kölemen Emine
Published: June 2024

It is seen that artificial neural networks have begun to be used extensively in the literature in solving the time series forecasting problem. In addition to artificial neural networks, classical forecasting methods can often be used to solve this problem. It is seen that classical forecasting methods give successful results for linear time series analysis. However, there is no linear relationship in many time series. Therefore, it can be thought that deep artificial neural networks, which contain more parameters but create more flexible non-linear model structures compared to classical time series forecasting methods, may enable the production of more successful forecasting methods. In this study, the problem of forecasting hazelnut export amounts according to seasons in Turkey with a dendritic neuron model artificial neural network is discussed. In this study, a training algorithm based on the particle swarm optimization algorithm is given for training the dendritic neuron model artificial neural network. The motivation of the study is to investigate Turkey's hazelnut export amounts according to seasons, using a dendritic neuron model artificial neural network. The performance of the proposed method has been compared with artificial neural networks used in the literature.
Tasavvufun Metafizik Evreni Nur-i Siyah: Amâ
Authors: Arslan Meçin Buşra
Published: June 2024

Çalışmanın konusu tasavvufun metafizik konularından ve varlık mertebelerinden biri sayılan “amâ” kavramıdır. Çalışma, İbnü’l-Arabî ve ilk dönem şarihlerinin "amâ"ya yönelik düşünceleri çerçevesinde ele alınmıştır. "Amâ" düşüncesi, Allah'ın varlığının ilk belirginleştiği nokta olma özelliğiyle önem arz etmektedir. İslam literatüründe bu düşüncenin temellendirilmesi yolunda yapılan açıklamaların kökeni, İslam Peygamberinin yaratılış öncesinde “Hakk’ın nerede olduğu” şeklinde sorulan bir soruya “amâ”da diye verdiği cevaba dayanır. Buna göre amâ, âlemin yaratılışından önce Allah'ın bulunduğu konuma işaret eder. Bu bakımdan İbnü’l-Arabî, amâ kavramı üzerinden yaradılışın kökeni ile ilgili tasavvurunu yaratıcı hayal gücüyle birleştirerek kendini başka suretlerde tahayyül eden Hakk’ın nefes vermesinin amâya kaynaklık eden bir bulut oluşturduğunu ifade etmiştir. Ona göre, bu ilk bulut sonradan meydana gelecek olan varlığın tüm tümel formlarını kabul eden bir kaptır. Bu nedenle amâ hem nefes hem de Hakk’ın mutlak hayali ile ilişkilidir. Bu çalışmada Hakk’ın kendi nefesiyle ilkin "amâ"yı yarattığı ve "amâ" içerisinde tüm varlık âlemini yaratmasıyla da İlahi varlığın tüm mekan ve zamanlara hükmettiği sonucuna varılmıştır.
Through Feminist Eyes: Gender Identities and Gender Roles in the Fiction of Fay Weldon
Authors: Rajagopal Vidya
Published: June 2024

In a society of patriarchal hegemony, women have been subordinated and humiliated in such a way that many feminist writers have highlighted the pathetic plight of women. The commodification and humiliation to which the women have been subjected form favourite fictional themes for writers like Fay Weldon. The premise is that man is woman’s protector whose authority she has to acquiesce in whether she wills it or not. Female relationships in all their multiplicity and complexity are what Fay Weldon probes in most of her works. Some of her novels set in the seventies reflect certain features of radical feminism in that they deal with gender difference and its impact on women. This article focuses on Weldon’s concern for the creation of female spaces and the need for the assertion of their identities in a patriarchal society. Weldon does not adopt a tone of confrontation, rather strikes a healthy compromise between conciliation and confrontation.
PKM INSTALASI PANEL SURYA SEBAGAI SUMBER LISTRIK DI TAMBAK RAKYAT PALUH MERBAU DESA TANJUNG REJO KECAMATAN PERCUT SEI TUAN KABUPATEN DELI SERDANG SUMATERA UTARA
Authors: Sundawa Bakti Viyata , Amelia Afritha , Nasution Anriza Witi , Roslina Roslina
Published: June 2024

Indonesia merupakan negara pengekspor ikan dunia. Pemerintah melalui Kementerian Perikanan dan Kelautan mendukung pengembangan budidaya ikan yang mandiri, berdaya saing dan berkelanjutan. Tambak rakyat paluh merbau merupakan salah satu usaha tambak milik masyarakat paluh merbau di Desa Tanjung Rejo. Tambak ini memiliki memiliki kincir sebagai pensuplai oksigen kedalam kolam. Fungsi kincir juga sebagai pembersih area permukaan air dan dasar air sehingga menciptakan arus air yang stabil. Untuk menggerakkan kincir digunakan listrik dari PLN. Kendala yang dihadapi oleh tambak ini adalah biaya pakan yang mahal dan biaya listrik yang juga mahal. Biaya pakan tidak bisa dikurangi karena terkait dengan produksi ikan. Namun biaya penggunaan token listrik dapat dihemat dengan penggunaan sumber listrik tenaga surya. Melalui kegiatan PKM ini akan dibangun instalasi panel surya dengan sistem hybrid sebagai sumber listrik untuk menggerakkan kincir di tambak. Diharapkan dengan kegiatan ini dapat menghemat penggunaan token listrik di tambak rakyat paluh merbau sehingga bisa mengurangi biaya produksi.