bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neurological Insights into Sleep Disorders in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Thangaleela Subramanian , Sivamaruthi Bhagavathi Sundaram , Kesika Periyanaina , Mariappan Subramanian , Rashmi Subramanian , Choeisoongnern Thiwanya , Sittiprapaporn Phakkharawat , Chaiyasut Chaiyavat
Published: August 2023

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common multidimensional neurological disorder characterized by motor and non-motor features and is more prevalent in the elderly. Sleep disorders and cognitive disturbances are also significant characteristics of PD. Sleep is an important physiological process for normal human cognition and physical functioning. Sleep deprivation negatively impacts human physical, mental, and behavioral functions. Sleep disturbances include problems falling asleep, disturbances occurring during sleep, abnormal movements during sleep, insufficient sleep, and excessive sleep. The most recognizable and known sleep disorders, such as rapid-eye-movement behavior disorder (RBD), insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), restless legs syndrome (RLS), sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBDs), and circadian-rhythm-related sleep–wake disorders (CRSWDs), have been associated with PD. RBD and associated emotional disorders are common non-motor symptoms of PD. In individuals, sleep disorders and cognitive impairment are important prognostic factors for predicting progressing neurodegeneration and developing dementia conditions in PD. Studies have focused on RBD and its associated neurological changes and functional deficits in PD patients. Other risks, such as cognitive decline, anxiety, and depression, are related to RBD. Sleep-disorder diagnosis is challenging, especially in identifying the essential factors that disturb the sleep–wake cycle and the co-existence of other concomitant sleep issues, motor symptoms, and breathing disorders. Focusing on sleep patterns and their disturbances, including genetic and other neurochemical changes, helps us to better understand the central causes of sleep alterations and cognitive functions in PD patients. Relations between α-synuclein aggregation in the brain and gender differences in sleep disorders have been reported. The existing correlation between sleep disorders and levels of α-synuclein in the cerebrospinal fluid indicates the risk of progression of synucleinopathies. Multidirectional approaches are required to correlate sleep disorders and neuropsychiatric symptoms and diagnose sensitive biomarkers for neurodegeneration. The evaluation of sleep pattern disturbances and cognitive impairment may aid in the development of novel and effective treatments for PD.
Interactive Effects and Mediating Roles of Multiple Factors That Influence Learning Adaptative Growth of International Students: Evidence from China
Authors: Li Jian , Xue Eryong , Wei Yukai , Guo Yiling
Published: August 2023

The learning adaptability of international students is pivotal to the success of sustainable international higher education development. The purpose of this study was to explore what factors affect the learning adaptability of international students in China through structural equation modelling and mediation analysis. The data collected through a questionnaire from the overseas students were analysed, and the reliability and validity were also tested. The findings show that the influencing factors that affect learning adaptability of international students in China comprise seven variables: learning attitude, motivation to study abroad, learning ability, language proficiency, learning environment, teaching management and social relations. In addition, when language proficiency is used as the mediating variable, the motivation to study abroad has a significant positive impact on learning attitudes, with an influence coefficient of 0.185 and an effect proportion of 35%, which is a partial mediator. When social relationships are used as the mediating variable, study abroad motivation has a significant positive impact on learning attitude, with an influence coefficient of 0.058, which is completely mediating.
Full-Scale Field Tests on Concrete Slabs Subjected to Close-In Blast Loads
Authors: Chiquito María , López Lina M. , Castedo Ricardo , Santos Anastasio P. , Pérez-Caldentey Alejandro
Published: August 2023

This research evaluates the performance of different protective solutions for reinforced concrete slabs subjected to blast loading. A series of full-scale blast tests were carried out on concrete slabs at scaled distances ranging from 0.20 to 0.83 m/kg1/3. For this purpose, 16 concrete slabs were tested; eight of them were unreinforced as ‘control specimens’, and the other eight were protected with five different protective solutions. After the tests, a damage assessment was conducted based on three different parameters. The results showed that there was no clear improvement in the concrete performance when the charge was located 0.5 m from the slab. Significant local damage that completely perforated the slab occurred. In the tests with the load placed 1 m from the slab, the reinforcements that were used significantly contributed to the retention of some fragments produced in these tests.
HER2 Oncogene as Molecular Target in Uterine Serous Carcinoma and Uterine Carcinosarcoma
Authors: McNamara Blair , Mutlu Levent , Greenman Michelle , Harold Justin , Santin Alessandro
Published: August 2023

Uterine serous carcinoma (USC) and uterine carcinosarcoma (UCS) are two rare histologic variants of uterine carcinoma, with distinct molecular profiles and aggressive metastatic potential. As the effectivity of traditional platinum-based chemotherapy for USC and UCS is low, and there are high rates of resistance and recurrence, the development of novel targeted therapeutics is needed. Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) has proven to be an oncogene of increasing interest in these cancers, as HER2 protein overexpression and/or c-ERBB2 gene amplification ranges from ~30 to 35% in USC, and between ~15 and 20% in UCS. This review summarizes the existing clinical and preclinical evidence, as well as ongoing clinical trials of HER2-targeting therapeutics, and identifies potential areas of further development and inquiry.
Primary Cutaneous Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma—A Review of Clinical, Morphological, Immunohistochemical, and Molecular Features
Authors: Ortiz-Hidalgo Carlos , Pina-Oviedo Sergio
Published: August 2023

Primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is the second most common cutaneous T-cell lymphoma after mycosis fungoides and belongs to the spectrum of cutaneous CD30+ T-cell lymphoproliferative disorders. Although primary cutaneous ALCL usually presents as a localized nodule or papule with or without ulceration, multifocal lesions may occur in up to 20% of cases. Histologically, primary cutaneous ALCL consists of a diffuse dermal infiltrate of medium to large anaplastic/pleomorphic cells with abundant amphophilic-to-eosinophilic cytoplasm, horseshoe-shaped nuclei, strong and diffuse expression of CD30, and with focal or no epidermotropism. The neoplastic infiltrate may show angiocentric distribution and may extend to the subcutis. Patients with localized or multifocal disease have a similar prognosis with a 10-year overall survival rate of 90%. Approximately 30% of primary cutaneous ALCLs harbor a DUSP22 (6p25.3) gene rearrangement that results in decreased expression of this dual-specific phosphatase, decreased STAT3 activation, and decreased activity of immune and autoimmune-mediated mechanisms regulated by T-cells.
Editorial: Special Issue on Advanced Functional Materials for Photo/Electro-Catalysts for Environmental and Energy Applications
Authors: Ramasamy Boopathy , Sekar Karthikeyan
Published: August 2023

In the last three decades, it has become clearly evident that a sustainable approach to environmental issues and non-fossil energy production is impossible without functional materials [...]
Porous Natural Diamond with Embedded Metal (Pt0.50–Co0.50)
Authors: Filatov Evgeny , Chepurov Aleksei , Sonin Valeri , Zadesenets Andrey , Gromilov Sergey , Zhimulev Egor
Published: August 2023

Natural diamond crystals with a highly porous surface were used as substrates for synthesizing single-phase bimetallic Pt–Co nanoparticles at temperatures of 500 °C and 800 °C. The metal nanoparticles inside the pores were determined to take the form of single-phase Pt0.50Co0.50 solid solutions with different degrees of superstructure ordering. A detailed characterization of both nanoalloys revealed a tetragonal symmetry with a space group, P4/mmm. For the sample obtained at 500 °C, the lattice parameters were a = 2.673(2), c = 3.735(3) Å, and c/a = 1.397(1); for the samples obtained at 800 °C, the parameters were—a = 2.688(2), c = 3.697(3) Å, and c/a = 1.375(1). Within the experimental parameters, no significant chemical interaction of the diamond with the Pt–Co particles was identified. The results demonstrate a strong anchoring effect of the metallic material within the etching pores. The successful synthesis of bimetallic Pt–Co particles embedded inside the caverns can facilitate a study of their magnetic properties. The presence of Pt–Co in specific diamond compositions can also be used for marking diamond crystals as a means for their subtle identification, as well as confirming the possibility of capturing significant amounts of metal along with diamonds during their dissolution in the deep Earth.
Facile Fabrication of a Selective Poly(caffeic acid)@MWCNT-Ni(OH)2 Hybrid Nanomaterial and Its Application as a Non-Enzymatic Glucose Sensor
Authors: Kuznowicz Maria , Rębiś Tomasz , Jędrzak Artur , Nowaczyk Grzegorz , Jesionowski Teofil
Published: August 2023

A novel catechol-based PCA@MWCNT-Ni(OH)2 hybrid material was prepared and used to construct a non-enzymatic glucose biosensor. In this synthesis, MWCNTs were covered with a poly(caffeic acid) coating and then subjected to a straightforward electrochemical process to decorate the hybrid material with Ni(OH)2 particles. The physicochemical properties and morphology of the nanomaterial were characterized using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Amperometry and cyclic voltammetric studies demonstrated the enhanced redox properties of a GC/PCA@MWCNT-Ni(OH)2 electrode and its electrocatalytic activity in glucose detection, with a low detection limit (0.29 μM), a selectivity of 232.7 μA mM−1 cm−2, and a linear range of 0.05–10 mM, with good stability (5 months) and reproducibility (n = 8). The non-enzymatic sensor was also used for glucose determination in human serum and human blood, with recovery values ranging from 93.3% to 98.2%. In view of the properties demonstrated, the described GC/PCA@MWCNT-Ni(OH)2 sensor represents a facile synthesis method of obtaining the hybrid nanomaterial and a low-cost approach to electrochemical glucose measurement in real samples (human serum, human blood).
Methods for Calibrating the Electrochemical Quartz Crystal Microbalance: Frequency to Mass and Compensation for Viscous Load
Authors: Olsson Claes-Olof A. , Igual-Muñoz Anna Neus , Mischler Stefano
Published: August 2023

The main output from an Electrochemical Quartz Crystal Microbalance is a frequency shift. This note describes how to separate the mass- and viscous load contributions to this shift by a calibration procedure. The mass calibration is made by electroplating from a copper sulfate solution in ethanol/water with 100% current efficiency. An estimate of viscous load is obtained by measuring the energy dissipation and is related to frequency change using the Kanazawa–Gordon equation. Two approaches are discussed: either by performing calibration experiments in a series of water–glycerol mixtures or by following oscillations in frequency and dissipation by collecting data during the stabilization phase of the experiment.
Characteristics of Adolescents Admitted with Acute Alcohol Intoxication: A Retrospective Multicentre Study in Antwerp, Belgium, in the Period 2015–2021
Authors: van Roozendaal Hanna , Verhulst Stijn , Glazemakers Inge , De Meulder Frederic , Vander Auwera Ann , Bael Anna , Van Damme Emmi , Vlemincx Ilse , De Dooy Jozef , van der Lely Nico , Van Hal Guido
Published: August 2023

Binge drinking among adolescents is common in Belgium, posing a risk of serious health consequences. Until today, only estimations of the prevalence of acute alcohol intoxication (AAI) in adolescents have been made. Research into potential risk factors has not yet been conducted in Belgium. Therefore, this study aims to gain more insight into the prevalence, medical characteristics and potential risk factors of AAI among adolescents. A retrospective multicentre chart study was performed on adolescents aged 10–17 years with AAI in Antwerp, Belgium (2015–2021). Patient’s demographics, medical characteristics and information regarding the context of the AAI were collected from medical charts. Over the study period, a total of 1016 patients were admitted with AAI in Antwerp, having a median age of 16.6 years old, a median blood alcohol concentration of 1.95 g/L and combined drug use in 10% of cases. These findings did not significantly change over the study period. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that after correcting for covariates, higher age, no combined drug use and decreased consciousness at admission were associated with more severe AAI cases (higher blood alcohol concentration). This study shows that AAI is prevalent among Belgian adolescents, and better targeted preventive measures and policies are needed. Our findings could be taken into account when developing preventive measures. However, data addressing the demographics and context of AAI were mostly missing. Therefore, prospective research is required to further investigate potential risk factors associated with AAI.
Management and Outcomes of Tibial Eminence Fractures in the Pediatric Population: A Systematic Review
Authors: Limone Beatrice , Zambianchi Francesco , Cacciola Giorgio , Seracchioli Stefano , Catani Fabio , Tarallo Luigi
Published: August 2023

Background: Tibial eminence fractures (TEF) of Meyers–McKeever type II-III-IV usually require surgical management. No consensus in the literature has been achieved regarding the best treatment option. The aims of the present systematic review were (1) to analyze the current literature and describe the outcomes of surgical treatment for TEF; and (2) to compare the outcomes of different surgical options using arthroscopic reduction and internal fixation (ARIF) with sutures or screws and open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). Methods: A search was carried out with Pubmed, Medline, and Cochrane. Key terms were used “tibial” AND “eminence” or “spine” or “intercondylar” AND “paediatric” or “children” AND “fracture” or “avulsion” AND “treatment”. Twelve articles met the inclusion criteria. Demographic data, clinical outcomes, and complication rates were evaluated for each study. Means/standard deviation and sum/percentage were used for continuous and categorical variables, respectively. Chi-square or t-student tests were applied. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: ORIF showed superior clinical outcomes (Tegner (p < 0.05) and Lysholm (p < 0.001) scores) relative to ARIF and a lower incidence of arthrofibrosis (p < 0.05) and implant removal (p < 0.01). The Tegner, IKDC, and Lysholm scores showed statistically significant superior results following arthroscopic sutures compared to arthroscopic screws (p < 0.001). The incidence of arthrofibrosis was higher after arthroscopic sutures (p < 0.05), the implant removal was higher after screw fixation (p < 0.001) Conclusions: Better clinical results with low complication rates were achieved with ORIF surgery rather than ARIF; arthroscopic suture fixation resulted in higher clinical results compared to arthroscopic screw fixation and reduced the incidence of postoperative complications.
Oxidative Stress in Type 2 Diabetes: Impacts from Pathogenesis to Lifestyle Modifications
Authors: Caturano Alfredo , D’Angelo Margherita , Mormone Andrea , Russo Vincenzo , Mollica Maria Pina , Salvatore Teresa , Galiero Raffaele , Rinaldi Luca , Vetrano Erica , Marfella Raffaele , Monda Marcellino , Giordano Antonio , Sasso Ferdinando Carlo
Published: August 2023

Oxidative stress is a critical factor in the pathogenesis and progression of diabetes and its associated complications. The imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and the body’s antioxidant defence mechanisms leads to cellular damage and dysfunction. In diabetes, chronic hyperglycaemia and mitochondrial dysfunction contribute to increased ROS production, further exacerbating oxidative stress. This oxidative burden adversely affects various aspects of diabetes, including impaired beta-cell function and insulin resistance, leading to disrupted glucose regulation. Additionally, oxidative stress-induced damage to blood vessels and impaired endothelial function contribute to the development of diabetic vascular complications such as retinopathy, nephropathy, and cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, organs and tissues throughout the body, including the kidneys, nerves, and eyes, are vulnerable to oxidative stress, resulting in diabetic nephropathy, neuropathy, and retinopathy. Strategies to mitigate oxidative stress in diabetes include antioxidant therapy, lifestyle modifications, and effective management of hyperglycaemia. However, further research is necessary to comprehensively understand the underlying mechanisms of oxidative stress in diabetes and to evaluate the efficacy of antioxidant interventions in preventing and treating diabetic complications. By addressing oxidative stress, it might be possible to alleviate the burden of diabetes and improve patient outcomes.
Past, Current, and Future Perspectives on Transplanting Acute Kidney Injury Kidneys
Authors: Punukollu Rachana , Ryan Margaret , Misra Suman , Budhiraja Pooja , Ohara Stephanie , Kumm Kayla , Guerra Giselle , Reddy Kunam S. , Heilman Raymond , Jadlowiec Caroline C.
Published: August 2023

(1) Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) kidneys have high non-utilization rates due to concerns regarding unfavorable outcomes. In this paper, we aimed to review the past, present, and future opinions on AKI kidneys. (2) Methods: A PubMed search was conducted for topics relevant to AKI kidney transplantation. (3) Results: Current short- and long-term data on AKI kidneys have demonstrated good outcomes including favorable graft function and survival. The role of procurement biopsies is controversial, but they have been shown to be beneficial in AKI kidneys by allowing clinicians to differentiate between reversible tubular injury and irreversible cortical necrosis. Machine perfusion has also been applied to AKI kidneys and has been shown to reduce delayed graft function (DGF). The incidence of DGF increases with AKI severity and its management can be challenging. Strategies employed to counteract this have included early initiation of dialysis after kidney transplantation, early targeting of adequate immunosuppression levels to minimize rejection risk, and establishment of outpatient dialysis. (4) Conclusions: Despite good outcomes, there continue to be barriers that impact AKI kidney utilization. Successful strategies have included use of procurement biopsies or machine perfusion and expectant management of DGF. With increasing experience, better use of AKI kidneys can result in additional opportunities to expand the donor pool.
Piezo-Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance of Bismuth Ferrite-Based Thin Film for Organic Pollutants Degradation
Authors: Tiron Vasile , Jijie Roxana , Matei Teodora , Velicu Ioana-Laura , Gurlui Silviu , Bulai Georgiana
Published: August 2023

This work addresses the global sustainable development concerns by investigating the enhancement of piezo-photocatalytic efficiency in bismuth ferrite-based thin films synthesized using reactive high-power impulse magnetron sputtering. The influence of substrate type and Cr addition on structural, optical and ferroelectric properties of bismuth ferrite (BFO) based thin films was investigated. X-ray diffraction measurements showed the formation of different phases depending on the substrate used for sample growth. Compared to the BFO film deposited on FTO (F-SnO2), the Cr-doped BFO (BFCO) sample on SrTiO3 (STO) exhibits higher photodegradation efficiency (52.3% vs. 27.8%). The enhanced photocatalytic activity of BFCO is associated with a lower energy band gap (1.62 eV vs. 1.77 eV). The application of ultrasonic-wave vibrations simultaneously with visible light improved 2.85 times and 1.86 times the photocatalytic degradation efficiencies of BFO/FTO and BFCO/STO catalysts, respectively. The piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM) measurements showed that both catalysts exhibit ferroelectric behavior, but a higher piezoelectric potential was evidenced in the case of the BFO/FTO thin film. The enhancement of piezo-photodegradation efficiency was mainly attributed to the piezoelectric-driven separation and transport of photo-generated carriers toward the surface of the photocatalyst.
Proposal of New Natural Hydraulic Lime-Based Mortars for the Conservation of Historical Buildings
Authors: Destefani Marco , Falchi Laura , Zendri Elisabetta
Published: August 2023

NHL mortars are known to be compatible materials for the conservation of architectural heritage. To improve their properties with regard to salt resistance and lower their carbon footprint, NHL-based mortars with salt inhibitor agents were studied and different formulations were produced: NHL-based mortars (MSs), composed of natural hydraulic lime; and sand and cocciopesto mortars (MSCs), in which NHL, sand and brick powder were admixed with two different products, diethylenetriaminapenta and chitosan, in different concentrations. The mortar performance was tested against freeze–thaw and salt crystallization through immersion–drying cycles in a 14% sodium sulfate solution. The results highlighted that the addition of cocciopesto was effective in increasing the salt resistance, but increased the water intake during the freeze–thaw tests. The use of DTPMP produced less thixotropic mortars and decreased the water uptake, but worsened the salt resistance of hardened mortars. Chitosan allowed a good workability of fresh mortar; its water uptake was similar to the reference mortar and slightly increased the salt resistance. In the cocciopesto samples, both additives reduced the weight variation during freeze–thaw tests; meanwhile, for the lime samples, the additives increased the weight variation during the final cycles.
Stochastic Modeling for Intelligent Software-Defined Vehicular Networks: A Survey
Authors: Ravi Banoth , Varghese Blesson , Murturi Ilir , Donta Praveen Kumar , Dustdar Schahram , Dehury Chinmaya Kumar , Srirama Satish Narayana
Published: August 2023

Digital twins and the Internet of Things (IoT) have gained significant research attention in recent years due to their potential advantages in various domains, and vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) are one such application. VANETs can provide a wide range of services for passengers and drivers, including safety, convenience, and information. The dynamic nature of these environments poses several challenges, including intermittent connectivity, quality of service (QoS), and heterogeneous applications. Combining intelligent technologies and software-defined networking (SDN) with VANETs (termed intelligent software-defined vehicular networks (iSDVNs)) meets these challenges. In this context, several types of research have been published, and we summarize their benefits and limitations. We also aim to survey stochastic modeling and performance analysis for iSDVNs and the uses of machine-learning algorithms through digital twin networks (DTNs), which are also part of iSDVNs. We first present a taxonomy of SDVN architectures based on their modes of operation. Next, we survey and classify the state-of-the-art iSDVN routing protocols, stochastic computations, and resource allocations. The evolution of SDN causes its complexity to increase, posing a significant challenge to efficient network management. Digital twins offer a promising solution to address these challenges. This paper explores the relationship between digital twins and SDN and also proposes a novel approach to improve network management in SDN environments by increasing digital twin capabilities. We analyze the pitfalls of these state-of-the-art iSDVN protocols and compare them using tables. Finally, we summarize several challenges faced by current iSDVNs and possible future directions to make iSDVNs autonomous.
Requirement Change Prediction Model for Small Software Systems
Authors: Fatima Rida , Zeshan Furkh , Ahmad Adnan , Hamid Muhamamd , Filali Imen , Alhussan Amel Ali , Abdallah Hanaa A.
Published: August 2023

The software industry plays a vital role in driving technological advancements. Software projects are complex and consist of many components, so change is unavoidable in these projects. The change in software requirements must be predicted early to preserve resources, since it can lead to project failures. This work focuses on small-scale software systems in which requirements are changed gradually. The work provides a probabilistic prediction model, which predicts the probability of changes in software requirement specifications. The first part of the work considers analyzing the changes in software requirements due to certain variables with the help of stakeholders, developers, and experts by the questionnaire method. Then, the proposed model incorporates their knowledge in the Bayesian network as conditional probabilities of independent and dependent variables. The proposed approach utilizes the variable elimination method to obtain the posterior probability of the revisions in the software requirement document. The model was evaluated by sensitivity analysis and comparison methods. For a given dataset, the proposed model computed the low state revisions probability to 0.42, and the high state revisions probability to 0.45. Thus, the results proved that the proposed approach can predict the change in the requirements document accurately by outperforming existing models.
High-Temperature Energy Storage Properties of Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3-0.06BaTiO3 Thin Films
Authors: Alaoui Ilham Hamdi , Lemée Nathalie , Belhadi Jamal , Le Marrec Françoise , Cantaluppi Anna , Lahmar Abdelilah
Published: August 2023

Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3-0.06BaTiO3 (BNT-BT) thin films were prepared via both chemical solution (CSD) and pulsed laser deposition (PLD). The structural, dielectric, and ferroelectric properties were investigated. High stability of the dielectric permittivity or TCC (∆ε/ε (150 °C) ≤ ±15%) over a wide temperature range from room temperature to 300 °C was obtained. Distinctly, the CSD film showed high TCC stability with variation of ±5% up to 250 °C. Furthermore, the CSD film showed an unsaturated ferroelectric hysteresis loop characteristic of the ergodic relaxor phase. However, the PLD one exhibited an almost saturated loop characteristic of the coexistence of both ergodic and non-ergodic states. The energy storage properties of the prepared films were determined using P–E loops obtained at different temperatures. The results show that these films exhibited a stable and improved energy storage density comparable to ceramic capacitors. Moreover, the CSD film exhibited more rigidity and better energy storage density, which exceeded 1.3 J/cm3 under a weak applied field of 317 kV/cm, as well as interesting efficiency in a large temperature range. The obtained results are very promising for energy storage capacitors operating at high temperatures.
Crystal Structure, Ionic Conductivity, Dielectric Properties and Electrical Conduction Mechanism of the Wyllieites Na1.5Mn3.5(AsO4)3 and Na1.5Mn3Fe0.5(AsO4)3
Authors: Rezgui Eya , Ouerfelli Najoua , Gavinho S. R. , Carvalho J. P. F. , Graça M. P. F. , Teixeira S. Soreto
Published: August 2023

Na1.5MnII3MnIII0.5(AsO4)3 and Na1.5MnII3FeIII0.5(AsO4)3 compounds were synthesized via a high-temperature solid-state combustion reaction. The obtained samples were submitted to structural, morphological, and electrical characterizations. X-ray diffraction measurements revealed that both compounds crystallize in the monoclinic system with the space group P21/c. The lattice parameters were determined to be a = 6.78344 Å, b = 12.93830 Å, c = 11.22825 Å, and β = 98.5374° for Na1.5MnII3MnIII0.5(AsO4)3, and a = 6.76723 Å, b = 12.9864 Å, c = 11.256 Å, and β = 98.8636° for Na1.5Mn2+3Fe3+0.5(AsO4)3. The structures consist of octahedral MnII and MnIII or FeIII ions connected by sharing edges, forming infinite chains. These chains are further connected by AsO4 tetrahedra, resulting in a three-dimensional anionic framework with tunnels parallel to the a-direction and cavities according to the c-direction. The structural models were validated using bond valence and charge distribution analyses. In addition to the structural characterization, the electric results depended on the crystal structures, indicating the potential of the studied materials for being used in several applications.
Characteristics of Wires of the Long-Operated Aluminum-Steel Cable at Different Places on an Overhead Power Line Span
Authors: Levin Aleksandr A. , Panfilov Andrei G. , Lihachev Alexey I. , Narykova Maria V. , Kardashev Boris K. , Kadomtsev Andrej G. , Prasolov Nikita D. , Sokolov Roman V. , Brunkov Pavel N. , Sultanov Makhsud M. , Kul’kov Victor G. , Boldyrev Ilia A. , Norov Dzhonibek Sh.
Published: August 2023

During operation, cables of overhead power lines (OPLs) are exposed to the impact that differs in separate parts of the OPL span due to the different responses of cables near the clamps and far from them. This paper presents the results of a study of aluminum and steel wires cut from such separate parts of ACSR cables before and after exploitation. Structural, microstructural, and elastic–microplastic properties of wires and their changes during operation were studied through optical microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis, electron backscattering diffraction, X-ray diffraction, densitometry, and acoustic measurements. The characteristics of the properties of the wires along the span were found to change in a coordinated manner. Numerical estimates of the influence of the steel core on aging the ACSR cable were obtained. Changes in the properties of the wires, as well as oxidization and corrosion of their near-surface layers, were studied in detail. Quantitative values of the characteristics of properties, the most distant from those observed in the new wires, were revealed for samples of aluminum and steel wires cut from the cable at 1/4 span and near clamps. It is assumed that these cable parts should be the most crucial for cable durability.
Structural Investigation of Tetra-n-Butylammonium Perchlorate
Authors: Ling Irene , Sobolev Alexandre N. , Chek Chang Hoong , Harrowfield Jack M.
Published: August 2023

The crystal structure of tetra-n-butylammonium perchlorate has been successfully elucidated using single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The compound crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1¯ with unit cell of dimensions a = 14.2706(7) Å, b = 20.6904(9) Å, c = 39.970(2) Å, α = 89.316(4)°, β = 88.638(4)°, and γ = 87.801(4)°. Although complicated by partial disorder, the structure has remarkable features where columns of some of the perchlorate anions running down [100] lie within what can be regarded as nanotubular entities formed by some of the tetrabutylammonium cations, while the remaining tetrabutylammonium cations lie in parallel columns surrounded by the remaining perchlorate anions, one entity being essentially the inverse of the other. Interactions within the structure have been characterized using Hirshfeld surface analysis and comparisons drawn with other unsolvated salts of the cation.
Combining Ability and Heterosis among Bottle Gourd [Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl.] Selections for Yield and Related Traits under Drought-Stressed and Non-Stressed Conditions
Authors: Mkhize Phumzile , Shimelis Hussein , Mashilo Jacob
Published: August 2023

Bottle gourd [Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl.] is cultivated for multiple utilities, including as a leafy vegetable, for fresh and dried fruits and seeds. It is an under-researched and -utilized crop, and modern varieties are yet to be developed and deployed in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). There is a dire need for pre-breeding and breeding of bottle gourds for commercialization in SSA. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the combining ability and heterosis among selected genotypes of bottle gourd for fruit yield and related traits under drought-stressed and non-stressed conditions to select the best parents and hybrids. Eight preliminarily selected and contrasting parents with drought tolerance were crossed using a half-diallel mating design. The 8 parents and 28 crosses were evaluated under non-stressed (NS) and drought-stressed (DS) conditions across two growing seasons (2020/21 and 2021/22) using a 6 × 6 alpha lattice design with three replicates. Data were collected on fruit yield and related traits and subjected to analysis of variance, combining ability and heterosis analyses. Significant (p < 0.05) specific combining ability (SCA) and general combining ability (GCA) effects were computed for fruit yield per plant (FYPP). The SCA × environment and GCA × environment interaction effects were highly significant (p < 0.001) for FYPP and SYPP. The results suggest that genetic effects were affected by the test environment. Parental genotypes BG-58 and GC recorded positive and significant GCA effects for FYPP under the DS condition, whereas GC recorded positive and significant GCA effects for FYPP under the NS condition. The two genotypes are ideal breeding parents for population development to select genotypes with high fruit and seed yields. Crosses BG-27 × BG-79, BG-79 × BG-52, BG-79 × BG-70, BG-80 × BG-70, BG-80 × GC, and BG-70 × GC recorded high and positive SCA effects for FYPP and SYPP under DS condition. Crosses BG-81 × BG-52, BG-81 × GC, BG-27 × BG-79, BG-27 × GC, BG-79 × GC, BG-80 × BG-70, BG-81 × BG-58, BG-27 × BG-80, BG-27 × BG-58, BG-79 × BG-52, BG-52 × BG-58, BG-80 × BG-58, and BG-58 × BG-70 recorded high and positive SCA effects for FYPP and SYPP under NS condition. Crosses BG-80 × BG-58, BG-27 × BG-79, BG-79 × BG-52, BG-27 × BG-52, and BG-52 × BG-80 showed high and positive mid- and better-parent heterosis under DS condition for FYPP and SYPP. Crosses BG-27 × GC, BG-79 × GC, BG-27 × BG-58, and BG-27 × BG-79 showed high and positive mid- and better parent heterosis under NS condition for FYPP and SYPP. The newly selected families are recommended for multi-environment evaluation forrelease and commercialization in South Africa or similar agroecologies.
The Role of Ultrasound Examination in the Assessment of Suitability of Calcified Arteries for Vascular Access Creation—Mini Review
Authors: Gubensek Jakob
Published: August 2023

Arterial calcifications are present in 20–40% of patients with end-stage kidney disease and are more frequent among the elderly and diabetics. They reduce the possibility of arterio-venous fistula (AVF) formation and maturation and increase the likelihood of complications, especially distal ischemia. This review focuses on methods for detecting arterial calcifications and assessing the suitability of calcified arteries for providing inflow before the construction of an AVF. The importance of a clinical examination is stressed. A grading system is proposed for quantifying the severity of calcifications in the arteries of the arm with B-mode and Doppler ultrasound exams. Functional tests to assess the suitability of the artery to provide adequate inflow to the AVF are discussed, including Doppler indices (peak systolic velocity and resistive index during reactive hyperemia). Possible predictors of the development of distal ischemia are discussed (finger pressure, digital brachial index, acceleration and acceleration time), as well as the outcomes of AVFs placed on calcified arteries. It is concluded that a noninvasive ultrasound examination is probably the best tool for a morphologic and functional assessment of the arteries. An arterial assessment is of utmost importance if we are to create distal radiocephalic AVFs in our elderly patients whenever possible without burdening them with futile surgical attempts.
Video-Based versus On-Site Neonatal Pain Assessment in Neonatal Intensive Care Units: The Impact of Video-Based Neonatal Pain Assessment in Real-World Scenario on Pain Diagnosis and Its Artificial Intelligence Application
Authors: Chen Xiaofei , Zhu Huaiyu , Mei Linli , Shu Qi , Cheng Xiaoying , Luo Feixiang , Zhao Yisheng , Chen Shuohui , Pan Yun
Published: August 2023

Background: Neonatal pain assessment (NPA) represents a huge global problem of essential importance, as a timely and accurate assessment of neonatal pain is indispensable for implementing pain management. Purpose: To investigate the consistency of pain scores derived through video-based NPA (VB-NPA) and on-site NPA (OS-NPA), providing the scientific foundation and feasibility of adopting VB-NPA results in a real-world scenario as the gold standard for neonatal pain in clinical studies and labels for artificial intelligence (AI)-based NPA (AI-NPA) applications. Setting: A total of 598 neonates were recruited from a pediatric hospital in China. Methods: This observational study recorded 598 neonates who underwent one of 10 painful procedures, including arterial blood sampling, heel blood sampling, fingertip blood sampling, intravenous injection, subcutaneous injection, peripheral intravenous cannulation, nasopharyngeal suctioning, retention enema, adhesive removal, and wound dressing. Two experienced nurses performed OS-NPA and VB-NPA at a 10-day interval through double-blind scoring using the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale to evaluate the pain level of the neonates. Intra-rater and inter-rater reliability were calculated and analyzed, and a paired samples t-test was used to explore the bias and consistency of the assessors’ pain scores derived through OS-NPA and VB-NPA. The impact of different label sources was evaluated using three state-of-the-art AI methods trained with labels given by OS-NPA and VB-NPA, respectively. Results: The intra-rater reliability of the same assessor was 0.976–0.983 across different times, as measured by the intraclass correlation coefficient. The inter-rater reliability was 0.983 for single measures and 0.992 for average measures. No significant differences were observed between the OS-NPA scores and the assessment of an independent VB-NPA assessor. The different label sources only caused a limited accuracy loss of 0.022–0.044 for the three AI methods. Conclusion: VB-NPA in a real-world scenario is an effective way to assess neonatal pain due to its high intra-rater and inter-rater reliability compared to OS-NPA and could be used for the labeling of large-scale NPA video databases for clinical studies and AI training.
Esophageal Mucosal Resistance in Reflux Esophagitis: What We Have Learned So Far and What Remains to Be Learned
Authors: Maev Igor V. , Livzan Maria A. , Mozgovoi Sergei I. , Gaus Olga V. , Bordin Dmitry S.
Published: August 2023

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has the highest prevalence among diseases of the digestive system and is characterized by a significant decrease in patients’ quality of life, comparable to arterial hypertension and coronary heart disease. One in every ten cases of reflux esophagitis leads to the formation of Barrett’s esophagus, which is associated with a high risk of esophagus adenocarcinoma. The key factors determining the progression of the disease are the frequency and duration of the reflux of the stomach’s contents. As a result, refluxate, which includes hydrochloric acid, pepsin, and, in the case of concomitant duodeno-gastric reflux, bile acids and lysolecithin, is thrown into the overlying sections of the digestive tract. At the same time, in addition to aggression factors, it is necessary to take into account the state of resistance in the esophageal mucosa to the effects of aggressive refluxate molecules. This review was prepared using systematized data on the protective properties of the esophageal mucosa and modern methods to assess the mucosal barrier in reflux esophagitis. Lesions of the epithelial barrier structure in the esophagus are recognized as the main pathogenetic factor in the development of reflux esophagitis and are a potentially significant therapeutic target in the treatment of GERD and Barrett’s esophagus. This article presents the characteristics of the esophageal mucosal barrier and the protective mechanisms of the esophagus’s mucous membrane in conditions of gastroesophageal reflux. Diagnostic approaches for assessing the course of reflux esophagitis are described for both histological criteria and the possibility of a comprehensive assessment of the state of mucins, tight-junction proteins, and the proliferative activity of the mucosa, including under the conditions of ongoing therapy.
Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (CMRI) Applications in Patients with Chest Pain in the Emergency Department: A Narrative Review
Authors: Zareiamand Hossein , Darroudi Amin , Mohammadi Iraj , Moravvej Seyed Vahid , Danaei Saba , Alizadehsani Roohallah
Published: August 2023

CMRI is the exclusive imaging technique capable of identifying myocardial edema, endomyocardial fibrosis, pericarditis accompanied by pericardial effusions, and apical thrombi within either the left or right ventricle. In this work, we examine the research literature on the use of CMRI in the diagnosis of chest discomfort, employing randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate its effectiveness. The research outlines the disorders of the chest and the machine learning approaches for detecting them. In conclusion, the study ends with an examination of a fundamental illustration of CMRI analysis. To find a comprehensive review, the Scopus scientific resource is analyzed. The issue, based on the findings, is to distinguish ischemia from non-ischemic cardiac causes of chest pain in individuals presenting with sudden chest pain or discomfort upon arrival at the emergency department (ED). Due to the failure of conventional methods in accurately diagnosing acute cardiac ischemia, individuals are still being inappropriately discharged from the ED, resulting in a heightened death rate.
Exploring the Role of IL-17A in Oral Dysbiosis-Associated Periodontitis and Its Correlation with Systemic Inflammatory Disease
Authors: Irie Koichiro , Azuma Tetsuji , Tomofuji Takaaki , Yamamoto Tatsuo
Published: August 2023

Oral microbiota play a pivotal role in maintaining homeostasis, safeguarding the oral cavity, and preventing the onset of disease. Oral dysbiosis has the potential to trigger pro-inflammatory effects and immune dysregulation, which can have a negative impact on systemic health. It is regarded as a key etiological factor for periodontitis. The emergence and persistence of oral dysbiosis have been demonstrated to mediate inflammatory pathology locally and at distant sites. The heightened inflammation observed in oral dysbiosis is dependent upon the secretion of interleukin-17A (IL-17A) by various innate and adaptive immune cells. IL-17A has been found to play a significant role in host defense mechanisms by inducing antibacterial peptides, recruiting neutrophils, and promoting local inflammation via cytokines and chemokines. This review seeks to present the current knowledge on oral dysbiosis and its prevention, as well as the underlying role of IL-17A in periodontitis induced by oral dysbiosis and its impact on systemic inflammatory disease.
Magic Numbers and Mixing Degree in Many-Fermion Systems
Authors: Monteoliva D. , Plastino A. , Plastino A. R.
Published: August 2023

We consider an N fermion system at low temperature T in which we encounter special particle number values Nm exhibiting special traits. These values arise when focusing attention upon the degree of mixture (DM) of the pertinent quantum states. Given the coupling constant of the Hamiltonian, the DMs stay constant for all N-values but experience sudden jumps at the Nm. For a quantum state described by the matrix ρ, its purity is expressed by Trρ2 and then the degree of mixture is given by 1−Trρ2, a quantity that coincides with the entropy Sq for q=2. Thus, Tsallis entropy of index two faithfully represents the degree of mixing of a state, that is, it measures the extent to which the state departs from maximal purity. Macroscopic manifestations of the degree of mixing can be observed through various physical quantities. Our present study is closely related to properties of many-fermion systems that are usually manipulated at zero temperature. Here, we wish to study the subject at finite temperature. The Gibbs ensemble is appealed to. Some interesting insights are thereby gained.
Analysis of Weather Factors on Aircraft Cancellation using a Multilayer Complex Network
Authors: Kim Kyunghun , Lee Hoyong , Lee Myungjin , Bae Young Hye , Kim Hung Soo , Kim Soojun
Published: August 2023

Airlines provide one of the most popular and important transportation services for passengers. While the importance of the airline industry is rising, flight cancellations are also increasing due to abnormal weather factors, such as rainfall and wind speed. Although previous studies on cancellations due to weather factors considered both aircraft and weather factors concurrently, the complex network studies only treated the aircraft factor with a single-layer network. Therefore, the aim of this study was to apply a multilayer complex network (MCN) method that incorporated three different factors, namely, aircraft, rainfall, and wind speed, to investigate aircraft cancellations at 14 airports in the Republic of Korea. The results showed that rainfall had a greater impact on aircraft cancellations compared with wind speed. To find out the most important node in the cancellation, we applied centrality analysis based on information entropy. According to the centrality analysis, Jeju Airport was identified as the most influential node since it has a high demand for aircraft. Also, we showed that characteristics and factors of aircraft cancellation should be appropriately defined by links in the MCN. Furthermore, we verified the applicability of the MCN method in the fields of aviation and meteorology. It is expected that the suggested methodology in this study can help to understand aircraft cancellation due to weather factors.
Beliefs and Social Structure: Determinants of Female Labour Participation in an Ecuadorian Andean Community
Authors: Hernández-Medina Patricia , Pinilla-Rodríguez Diego , Toapanta Jefferson , Delgado Cristhian
Published: August 2023

The aim was to identify the determinants of female labour participation and willingness to work in one of the poorest agricultural areas of the Ecuadorian Andes with a high indigenous population. A stratified random sample of 268 women by parish was used to collect the information. Social, demographic, and economic variables, as well as norms, values, beliefs, and social structure were consulted. A hypothesis test of means was used to identify possible differences in cultural variables. In addition, the identification of the determinants of labour market insertion was estimated through discrete choice models (logit), selecting the one that best classified the data by means of the confusion matrix. Significant differences were identified in the beliefs analysed based on prejudice towards women’s work (gender roles), attitudes towards children, and intersectionality (discrimination based on ethnicity) by estimating mean differences, considering education, marital status, ethnicity, and labour insertion as grouping variables. The results of the estimations indicate that female labour force participation depends on age, marital status, experience, number of children, education, ethnicity, head of household, social structure (ethnicity), and dimensions of beliefs and values. Willingness to work is explained by attitude towards children, experience, and age. Beliefs and social structure can therefore enhance female labour.