bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Demanda en la Red de Distribución del Circuito Primario Olímpica y su Impacto en la Implementación de Electrolineras
Authors: Calo-Villalva Eduardo , Segura-Flores Roberto , Vaca-Ortega Gabriel , Balseca-Jijón Edison
Published: November 2023

El objetivo del estudio es analizar la demanda en la red de distribución del circuito primario Olímpica y su posible impacto con proyección a la implementación de electrolineras. Para ello, se inició conociendo las regulaciones energéticas, los sistemas de distribución, los vehículos eléctricos en Ecuador, los sistemas de carga para los vehículos eléctricos. De la misma manera se realizó la recopilación de datos a través de la Empresa Eléctrica Ambato SA, conociendo con exactitud el lugar de estudio ‘‘Circuito primario Olímpica’’ y la demanda actual. Con la ayuda del Software Power World se buscó determinar el estado actual del sistema y evaluar las características en el alimentador a futuro. La metodología establecida comprende en realizar una proyección de demanda, mediante la simulación de flujos de potencia de la demanda actual y una comparativa a futuro con la proyección de demanda al 2030 donde se evidenció un crecimiento de 0.42MW, en comparación con la demanda estimada en el 2023, esto representa un porcentaje de aproximado del 21 % lo cual nos muestra que la demanda de autos eléctricos abastecidos con carga rápida, causara inconvenientes en las líneas de distribución de media tensión.
La cultura tributaria y su incidencia en la recaudación de tributos a la actividad económica de los contribuyentes en el Gobierno Autónomo Descentralizado Municipal del cantón Portoviejo, 2021
Authors: Chonillo-Mera María , Salazar-Cobeña Gladys
Published: November 2023

Las naciones recurren a la recaudación de impuestos, como medida para la obtención de ingresos, los mismos que serán usados para inversión pública; vialidad, viviendas, salud, educación, cultura y deporte. Sin embargo, los ciudadanos generalmente opinan que esto no tiene corresponsabilidad, debido a que no es palpable a su vista la inversión en obras públicas, por lo tanto, esta investigación tiene como objetivo analizar la incidencia de la cultura tributaria en la recaudación de tributos a la actividad económica de los contribuyentes en el Gobierno Autónomo Descentralizado del cantón Portoviejo, 2021. La metodología aplicada en esta investigación se basó en el enfoque cuantitativo de tipo documental y de campo, obteniendo como resultados que, se evidencia la existencia de procedimientos para los trámites relacionados con la recaudación, el monto por recaudar para el año 2021 solo representó un 29.85%, y existen una divulgación informativa a través de distintos medios para hacer del conocimiento de los contribuyentes, concluyendo que, es necesario fomentar la cultura tributaria en los contribuyentes para lograr que todos cumplan con sus obligaciones de pagar sus tributos y de esta forma lograr la meta de recaudación.
Educación no formal, su diversidad y extensión: análisis desde la epistemología compleja
Authors: Brambilla Carla , Gonfiantini Virginia , Ibarra María
Published: November 2023

Nuestro ensayo surge con la premisa de situar en la agenda pública y política una temática que, desde hace ya varias décadas, busca su lugar a Nivel Internacional. Nos referimos a la delimitación, objeto y trabajo de la Educación No Formal. La problematización que presentamos intenta contextualizarla, definiéndola y enmarcando su sustrato teórico-metodológico como espacio de formación que, desde organizaciones no educativas, aporta a la construcción de las trayectorias de los sujetos hoy.
Creemos que las discusiones y argumentaciones que desarrollamos, ayudarán a estudiantes y profesionales de la educación que transitan por estos espacios, con aportes teóricos y metodológicos, en la fascinante tarea de educar en contexto situado.
Mystical and Archetypal Journeys in Leila Aboulela’s Bird Summons
Authors: Saleh Lina , Saleh Sabrine , Al-Shboul Yasser
Published: November 2023

This article aims at exploring the significance of intertwining the mystical and the archetypal journey structures in Leila Aboulela’s novel, Bird Summons (2019). It highlights the author’s indebtedness to Islamic Sufi tradition and shows how she appropriates Farid ud-din Attar’s mystical pilgrimage of the seven valleys to a postmodern context where three Arab-British female characters attain spiritual transcendence. On the other hand, the article employs Joseph Campbell’s structure of the archetypal journey narratives to explicate the relationship between the narrative structure and the author’s chief thematic concerns. Campbell’s seventeen stages of the “Monomyth,” or the “hero’s journey,” illuminate Aboulela’s proficient projection of the characters’ spiritual quest in their physical movement from the city into the forest. England performs a cultural contact zone which entices the protagonists to overcome their identity crises caused by traumatic experiences, acute sense of displacement, and nostalgia. The success of their physical journey to Lady Evelyn Cobbold’s grave functions as an allegory for the redemptive impact of spirituality which ultimately empowers them to become more functional individuals and to integrate into English society. The study concludes that Aboulela’s deliberate fusion of Islamic journey structure with a Western one attests to the author’s belief in the universality of Islam and the possibility of religious tolerance and intercultural coexistence.
Lexical Calque as a Secondary Term-formation Method Framing Cognition in the Target Language
Authors: Giaber Jamal
Published: November 2023

Translating texts from one language into another involves the use of different translation techniques. One particularly interesting technique is ‘lexical calque’ which consists in the creation in the target language of a new expression based on a literal translation of a source language expression to introduce a new concept into the target language. This process involves secondary term-formation which entails cognitive, lexical, and cultural implications for the target language and its users. Therefore, calques frame the way target language users conceptualize the concepts they denote. This study explores the nature of lexical calques resulting from English-Arabic translation with the aim of (a) identifying the lexical, cultural and cognitive implications of English-based lexical calques for Modern Standard Arabic and its users and (b) identifying the views of native users of Arabic over the cognitive impact of lexical calques as loan translations in modern Arabic. The study is based on two types of primary data: (a) data collected from authentic journalistic texts representing different domains, contexts and text types and (b) data collected from native users of Arabic in the form of feedback over their reactions towards calques in Arabic. The study findings indicate that lexical calque is a productive method of word-creation, but has a strong power for framing the cognition of target language users.
What makes people accept carbon capture and utilization products? Exploring requirements of use in the German population
Authors: Haverkämper Imke , Wilkowska Wiktoria , Ziefle Martina
Published: November 2023

Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) is often referred to as an important cornerstone in the context of counteracting climate change. It aims to capture CO2 from various sources and to store it in valuable products more or less permanently. While the environmental impact of this technology has already received much scientific attention, this work takes a social science perspective on the matter. Using an empirical mixed-methods approach consisting of an exploratory focus group study (N = 13) and a validating quantitative questionnaire study (N = 198), public perceptions and acceptance of CCU were assessed in Germany by identifying motivators, barriers, and usage requirements. As CCU products, clothing, cosmetics, and food packaging were under study. Potential cost savings from shortened supply chains or manufacturing steps were the biggest motivator for using CCU. However, environmental impacts resulting from the degradation and reuse of CO2 were also recognized and the conservation of fossil resources was also acknowledged. The biggest barrier, in contrast, was the concern about possible manipulation of consumers through marketing. Participants feared that CCU would be publicly portrayed as better than it actually is. In addition, a high energy input in the production of CCU products was expected and doubts were expressed about the longevity of the positive environmental impacts of CCU. General acceptance within the sample was quite high, however, the level of CCU awareness was rather low. Our results show a considerable lack of public knowledge about and information regarding the environmental impact of CCU, among other factors, despite this very topic garnering plenty of scientific attention. A need for publicly accessible information materials uniquely tailored toward potential consumer target groups was revealed.
Load Emulation with Independent Metering for a Pump Test Bench
Authors: Pfizenmaier Max , Pippes Thomas , Bohr Artur , Falkenstein Jens
Published: November 2023

For the investigation of new types of internal gear pumps under realistic conditions, a test bench is presented that enables dynamic load emulation via the pressure with simultaneous dynamic speed control of the pump. For pressure control, a hydraulic half-bridge with separate control edges is used on both sides of the pump and a pressure control is presented. An error-based adaptive controller is used for pressure control and tested experimentally. It is shown that the error-based adaptive controller has a better performance compared to a simple PID control.
Natural Antioxidants in Obesity and Related Diseases
Authors: Kim Hyo In , Park Jinbong
Published: November 2023

Obesity is a chronic complex disease defined by excessive adiposity that impairs health [...]
Creep Properties and Creep Modelling of Guilin Red Clay
Authors: Wei Hailong , Gu Zhanfei , Liu Zhikui , Wang Yipeng , Shi Yansong
Published: November 2023

In order to explore the creep characteristics of red clay under different pressures, the stress–strain curve and stress–strain–time curve of red clay under different pressures were obtained, and the triaxial shear and creep characteristics of red clay under different pressures were analysed. A triaxial shear test and creep test were carried out on red clay from Guilin as the research object under different pressures. The results show that: ➀ the cohesion and the angle of internal friction of red clay from Guilin, obtained from a triaxial shear test, are 57.20 kPa and 22.47°, respectively; ➁ according to the physical meaning of the parameters of the Burgers creep model, a simple and practical parameter inversion method is proposed, which can be used to obtain the parameters of the Burgers model for red clay under different perimeter pressures and differing deviatoric stress; and ➂ when comparing the calculation results with the test results, the correlation coefficients R2 of the two are above 0.9, with a good fitting effect, so the model can accurately describe the creep characteristics of red clay from Guilin. This study can provide a theoretical basis and technical support for engineering construction in the red clay area of Guilin.
Experimental Activities on a Hydrogen-Fueled Spark-Ignition Engine for Light-Duty Applications
Authors: Molina Santiago , Novella Ricardo , Gomez-Soriano Josep , Olcina-Girona Miguel
Published: November 2023

The increase in the overall global temperature and its subsequent impact on extreme weather events are the most critical consequences of human activity. In this scenario, transportation plays a significant role in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which are the main drivers of climate change. The decline of non-renewable energy sources, coupled with the aim of reducing GHG emissions from fossil fuels, has forced a shift towards a net-zero emissions economy. As an example of this transition, the European Union has set 2050 as the target for achieving carbon neutrality. Hydrogen (H2) is gaining increasing relevance as one of the most promising carbon-free energy vectors. If produced from renewable sources, it facilitates the integration of various alternative energy sources for achieving a carbon-neutral economy. Recently, interest in its application to the transportation sector has grown, including different power plant concepts, such as fuel cells or internal combustion engines. Despite exhibiting significant drawbacks, such as low density, combustion instabilities, and incompatibilities with certain materials, hydrogen is destined to become one of the future fuels. In this publication, experimental activities are reported that were conducted on a spark-ignition engine fueled with hydrogen at different operating points. The primary objective of this research is to gain a better understanding of the thermodynamic processes that control combustion and their effects on engine performance and pollutant emissions. The results show the emission levels, performance, and combustion characteristics under different conditions of dilution, load, and injection strategy and timing.
Modeling Lightning Activity in the Third Pole Region: Performance of a km-Scale ICON-CLM Simulation
Authors: Singh Prashant , Ahrens Bodo
Published: November 2023

The Third Pole region, especially the Himalayas, is a lightning hotspot. Predicting lightning activity in this region is difficult due to the complex monsoon and westerly circulations, as well as the complex orography. Km-scale simulations can explicitly, without parameterization, tackle deep convective phenomena. A year-long (October 2019–September 2020) ICON-CLM simulation was performed with a km-scale horizontal grid spacing of 3.3 km to assess the region’s lightning activity and evaluate the model ICON-CLM. The simulated lightning potential index (LPI) was compared against the lightning proxy CAPE × PREC (CP) derived from ICON-CLM and reanalysis ERA5. In addition, the LPI was evaluated against the TRMM lightning climatology and observed flashes from the International Space Station Lightning Imaging Sensor (ISS-LIS). The LPI reproduced the major spatial, seasonal, and diurnal features of lightning activity as represented in the TRMM climatology. In contrast, the CP from both ICON-CLM and ERA5 performed less well regarding the location of events and the diurnal features. Taking the mean values of the LPI and CP of all the grids within 90 km × 90 km around the ISS-LIS detected lightning event, we found that over 80% of lightning events were recorded using the ICON-CLM simulation. Analysis of individual cases showed that the LPI predicted localization of lightning events better, but flash counts were slightly lower than the CP. Therefore, the combined use of ICON-CLM’s simulated LPI and CP can be a valuable predictor for lightning events over the Third Pole region.
Lax Extensions of Conical I-Semifilter Monads
Authors: Zhang Gao , Zhang Shao-Qun
Published: November 2023

For a quantale I, the unit interval endowed with a continuous triangular norm, we introduce the canonical, op-canonical and Kleisli extensions of the conical I-semifilter monad to I-Rel. It is proved that the op-canonical extension coincides with the Kleisli extension.
Endothelin Modulates Rhythm Disturbances and Autonomic Responses to Acute Emotional Stress in Rats
Authors: Mouchtouri Eleni-Taxiarchia , Konstantinou Thomas , Lekkas Panagiotis , Lianopoulou Alexandra , Kotsaridou Zoi , Mourouzis Iordanis , Pantos Constantinos , Kolettis Theofilos M.
Published: November 2023

The ubiquitous peptide endothelin is currently under investigation as a modulatory factor of autonomic responses to acute emotional stress. Baseline plasma levels of endothelin alter blood pressure responses, but it remains unclear whether autonomic activity and arrhythmogenesis (i.e., brady- or tachyarrhythmias) are affected. We recorded sympathetic and vagal indices (derived from heart rate variability analysis), rhythm disturbances, voluntary motion, and systolic blood pressure after acute emotional stress in conscious rats with implanted telemetry devices. Two strains were compared, namely wild-type and ETB-deficient rats, the latter displaying elevated plasma endothelin. No differences in heart rate or blood pressure were evident, but sympathetic responses were blunted in ETB-deficient rats, contrasting prompt activation in wild-type rats. Vagal withdrawal was observed in both strains at the onset of stress, but vagal activity was subsequently restored in ETB-deficient rats, accompanied by low voluntary motion during recovery. Reflecting such distinct autonomic patterns, frequent premature ventricular contractions were recorded in wild-type rats, as opposed to sinus pauses in ETB-deficient rats. Thus, chronically elevated plasma endothelin levels blunt autonomic responses to acute emotional stress, resulting in vagal dominance and bradyarrhythmias. Our study provides further insights into the pathophysiology of stress-induced tachyarrhythmias and syncope.
Effects of Prenatal Exposure to Bisphenol A Substitutes, Bisphenol S and Bisphenol F, on Offspring’s Health: Evidence from Epidemiological and Experimental Studies
Authors: Algonaiman Raya , Almutairi Abdulkarim S. , Al Zhrani Muath M. , Barakat Hassan
Published: November 2023

Pregnancy and lactation are critical periods for human well-being and are sensitive windows for pollutant exposure. Bisphenol A (BPA) is well demonstrated as a toxicant and has been replaced in the plastic industry with other bisphenol analogs that share similarities in structure and characteristics, most commonly Bisphenol S (BPS) and Bisphenol F (BPF). Maternal exposure to BPS or BPF can result in their accumulation in the fetal compartment, leading to chronic exposure and potentially limiting normal fetal growth and development. This review summarizes considerable findings of epidemiological or experimental studies reporting associations between BPS or BPF and impaired fetal growth and development. Briefly, the available findings indicate that exposure to the two bisphenol analogs during pregnancy and lactation can result in multiple disturbances in the offspring, including fetal growth restrictions, neurological dysfunctions, and metabolic disorders with the potential to persist throughout childhood. The occurrence of premature births may also be attributed to exposure to the two bisphenols. The possible mechanisms of actions by which the two bisphenols can induce such effects can be attributed to a complex of interactions between the physiological mechanisms, including impaired placental functioning and development, dysregulation of gene expression, altered hormonal balance, and disturbances in immune responses as well as induced inflammations and oxidative stress. In conclusion, the available evidence suggests that BPS and BPF have a toxic potential in a compartment level to BPA. Future research is needed to provide more intensive information; long-term studies and epidemiological research, including a wide scale of populations with different settings, are recommended. Public awareness regarding the safety of BPA-free products should also be enhanced, with particular emphasis on educating individuals responsible for the well-being of children.
Preventive Effects of Collagen-Derived Dipeptide Prolyl-Hydroxyproline against Dexamethasone-Induced Muscle Atrophy in Mouse C2C12 Skeletal Myotubes
Authors: Kimira Yoshifumi , Osawa Konosuke , Osawa Yoshihiro , Mano Hiroshi
Published: November 2023

Glucocorticoids, commonly used to manage inflammatory diseases, can induce muscle atrophy by accelerating the breakdown of muscle proteins. This research delves into the influence of Prolyl-hydroxyproline (Pro-Hyp), a collagen-derived peptide, on muscle atrophy induced with dexamethasone (DEX), a synthetic glucocorticoid, in mouse C2C12 skeletal myotubes. Exposure to DEX (10 μM) for 6 days resulted in a decrease in myotube diameter, along with elevated mRNA and protein levels of two muscle-atrophy-related ubiquitin ligases, muscle atrophy F-box (MAFbx, also known as atrogin-1) and muscle ring finger 1 (MuRF-1). Remarkably, treatment with 0.1 mM of Pro-Hyp mitigated the reduction in myotube thickness caused by DEX, while promoting the phosphorylation of Akt, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and forkhead box O3a (Foxo3a). This led to the inhibition of the upregulation of the ubiquitin ligases atrogin-1 and MuRF-1. These findings indicate the potential significance of Pro-Hyp as a promising therapeutic target for countering DEX-induced muscle atrophy.
The Role of Insulin Resistance in the Development of Complications after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Sumin Alexey N. , Bezdenezhnykh Natalia A. , Bezdenezhnykh Andrey V. , Osokina Anastasiya V. , Kuzmina Anastasiya A. , Sinitskaya Anna V. , Barbarash Olga L.
Published: November 2023

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of carbohydrate metabolism disorders and insulin resistance indices on the immediate results of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Method. Patients with coronary artery disease who underwent CABG (n = 383) were examined to determine glycemic status, free fatty acid and fasting insulin levels, and insulin resistance indices (Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), McAuley index, Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index (QUICKI), Revised-QUICKI). Patients were assessed for the development of perioperative complications and their length of stay in the hospital. Two groups were formed: group 1, patients with a combined endpoint (CEP, any complication and/or duration of hospital stay >10 days), n = 291; and group 2 (n = 92) without a CEP. Perioperative characteristics were analyzed, and predictors of hospital complications and prolonged hospital stay were evaluated. Results. Patients in the CEP group were older, and there were more women among them (p = 0.003). Additionally, in this group, there were more patients with diabetes mellitus (37.5% vs 17.4%, p < 0.001), obesity (p < 0.001), and a higher percentage of combined operations (p = 0.007). In the group with a CEP, the levels of glucose (p = 0.031), glycated hemoglobin (p = 0.009), and free fatty acids (p = 0.007) and the Revised-QUICKI (p = 0.020) were higher than in the group without complications. In a regression analysis, the independent predictors of complications were combined operations (p = 0.016) and the predictors of a long hospital stay (>14 days) were female gender, the left atrium size, and diabetes mellitus (p < 0.001). The predictors of a composite endpoint included female gender, age, the left atrium size, and free fatty acid levels (p < 0.001). Conclusions: In the group with in-hospital complications after CABG, not only was the presence of diabetes mellitus more often detected, but there were also higher levels of free fatty acids and a higher Revised-QUICKI. Therefore, additional assessments of insulin resistance and free fatty acid levels are advisable in patients before CABG.
Screening of Crucial Cytosolicproteins Interconnecting the Endoplasmic Reticulum and Mitochondria in Parkinson’s Disease and the Impact of Anti-Parkinson Drugs in the Preservation of Organelle Connectivity
Authors: Anirudhan Athira , Mahema S. , Ahmad Sheikh F. , Emran Talha Bin , Ahmed Shiek S. S. J. , Paramasivam Prabu
Published: November 2023

Mitochondrial dysfunction is well-established in Parkinson’s disease (PD); however, its dysfunctions associating with cell organelle connectivity remain unknown. We aimed to establish the crucial cytosolic protein involved in organelle connectivity between mitochondria and the endopalmic reticulum (ER) through a computational approach by constructing an organelle protein network to extract functional clusters presenting the crucial PD protein connecting organelles. Then, we assessed the influence of anti-parkinsonism drugs (n = 35) on the crucial protein through molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulation and further validated its gene expression in PD participants under, istradefylline (n = 25) and amantadine (n = 25) treatment. Based on our investigation, D-aspartate oxidase (DDO )protein was found to be the critical that connects both mitochondria and the ER. Further, molecular docking showed that istradefylline has a high affinity (−9.073 kcal/mol) against DDO protein, which may disrupt mitochondrial-ER connectivity. While amantadine (−4.53 kcal/mol) shows negligible effects against DDO that contribute to conformational changes in drug binding, Successively, DDO gene expression was downregulated in istradefylline-treated PD participants, which elucidated the likelihood of an istradefylline off-target mechanism. Overall, our findings illuminate the off-target effects of anti-parkinsonism medications on DDO protein, enabling the recommendation of off-target-free PD treatments.
PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway in Blood Malignancies—New Therapeutic Possibilities
Authors: Wiese Wojciech , Barczuk Julia , Racinska Olga , Siwecka Natalia , Rozpedek-Kaminska Wioletta , Slupianek Artur , Sierpinski Radoslaw , Majsterek Ireneusz
Published: November 2023

Blood malignancies remain a therapeutic challenge despite the development of numerous treatment strategies. The phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR) signaling pathway plays a central role in regulating many cellular functions, including cell cycle, proliferation, quiescence, and longevity. Therefore, dysregulation of this pathway is a characteristic feature of carcinogenesis. Increased activation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling enhances proliferation, growth, and resistance to chemo- and immunotherapy in cancer cells. Overactivation of the pathway has been found in various types of cancer, including acute and chronic leukemia. Inhibitors of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway have been used in leukemia treatment since 2014, and some of them have improved treatment outcomes in clinical trials. Recently, new inhibitors of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling have been developed and tested both in preclinical and clinical models. In this review, we outline the role of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in blood malignancies’ cells and gather information on the inhibitors of this pathway that might provide a novel therapeutic opportunity against leukemia.
A Brief Review of Bone Cell Function and Importance
Authors: Šromová Veronika , Sobola Dinara , Kaspar Pavel
Published: November 2023

This review focuses on understanding the macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of bone tissue and reviews current knowledge of its physiology. It explores how these features intricately collaborate to maintain the balance between osteoblast-mediated bone formation and osteoclast-mediated bone resorption, which plays a pivotal role in shaping not only our physical framework but also overall health. In this work, a comprehensive exploration of microscopic and macroscopic features of bone tissue is presented.
Heavy Metals in Follicular Fluid Affect the Ultrastructure of the Human Mature Cumulus-Oocyte Complex
Authors: Miglietta Selenia , Cristiano Loredana , Battaglione Ezio , Macchiarelli Guido , Nottola Stefania Annarita , De Marco Maria Paola , Costanzi Flavia , Schimberni Mauro , Colacurci Nicola , Caserta Donatella , Familiari Giuseppe
Published: November 2023

It is known that exposure to heavy metal such as lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) has several adverse effects, particularly on the human reproductive system. Pb and Cd have been associated with infertility in both men and women. In pregnant women, they have been associated with spontaneous abortion, preterm birth, and impairment of the development of the fetus. Since these heavy metals come from both natural and anthropogenic activities and their harmful effects have been observed even at low levels of exposure, exposure to them remains a public health issue, especially for the reproductive system. Given this, the present study aimed to investigate the potential reproductive effects of Pb and Cd levels in the follicular fluid (FF) of infertile women and non-smokers exposed to heavy metals for professional reasons or as a result of living in rural areas near landfills and waste disposal areas in order to correlate the intrafollicular presence of these metals with possible alterations in the ultrastructure of human cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs), which are probably responsible for infertility. Blood and FF metals were measured using atomic absorption spectrometry. COCs corresponding to each FF analyzed were subjected to ultrastructural analyses using transmission electron microscopy. We demonstrated for the first time that intrafollicular levels of Pb (0.66 µg/dL–0.85 µg/dL) and Cd (0.26 µg/L–0.41 µg/L) could be associated with morphological alterations of both the oocyte and cumulus cells’ (CCs) ultrastructure. Since blood Cd levels (0.54 µg/L–1.87 µg/L) were above the current reference values established by the guidelines of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (0.4 µg/L), whereas blood Pb levels (1.28 µg/dL–3.98 µg/dL) were below the ATSDR reference values (≤5 µg/dL), we believe that these alterations could be due especially to Cd, even if we cannot exclude a possible additional effect of Pb. Our results highlighted that oocytes were affected in maturation and quality, whereas CCs showed scarcely active steroidogenic elements. Regressing CCs, with cytoplasmic alterations, were also numerous. According to Cd’s endocrine-disrupting activity, the poor steroidogenic activity of CCs might correlate with delayed oocyte cytoplasmic maturation. So, we conclude that levels of heavy metals in the blood and the FF might negatively affect fertilization, embryo development, and pregnancy, compromising oocyte competence in fertilization both directly and indirectly, impairing CC steroidogenic activity, and inducing CC apoptosis.
circRNA-miRNA-mRNA Deregulated Network in Ischemic Heart Failure Patients
Authors: Madè Alisia , Bibi Alessia , Garcia-Manteiga Jose Manuel , Tascini Anna Sofia , Piella Santiago Nicolas , Tikhomirov Roman , Voellenkle Christine , Gaetano Carlo , Leszek Przemyslaw , Castelvecchio Serenella , Menicanti Lorenzo , Martelli Fabio , Greco Simona
Published: November 2023

Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), which include circular RNAs (circRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs), regulate the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Notably, circRNAs can interact with miRNAs, influencing their specific mRNA targets’ levels and shaping a competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNA) network. However, these interactions and their respective functions remain largely unexplored in ischemic heart failure (IHF). This study is aimed at identifying circRNA-centered ceRNA networks in non-end-stage IHF. Approximately 662 circRNA-miRNA-mRNA interactions were identified in the heart by combining state-of-the-art bioinformatics tools with experimental data. Importantly, KEGG terms of the enriched mRNA indicated CVD-related signaling pathways. A specific network centered on circBPTF was validated experimentally. The levels of let-7a-5p, miR-18a-3p, miR-146b-5p, and miR-196b-5p were enriched in circBPTF pull-down experiments, and circBPTF silencing inhibited the expression of HDAC9 and LRRC17, which are targets of miR-196b-5p. Furthermore, as suggested by the enriched pathway terms of the circBPTF ceRNA network, circBPTF inhibition elicited endothelial cell cycle arrest. circBPTF expression increased in endothelial cells exposed to hypoxia, and its upregulation was confirmed in cardiac samples of 36 end-stage IHF patients compared to healthy controls. In conclusion, circRNAs act as miRNA sponges, regulating the functions of multiple mRNA targets, thus providing a novel vision of HF pathogenesis and laying the theoretical foundation for further experimental studies.
Lifestyle Sports and Public Education in Japan: New Collectivism, Contest(ed) Benefits, and Community Revitalization in Aoshima’s Surfing Bukatsu
Authors: Todaka Eriko , Doering Adam
Published: November 2023

Physical activity levels among youth have declined globally during the twentieth century. In Japan, the context of this study, this trend is evidenced through decreasing participation rates in school sports bukatsu [extracurricular club activities], where youth participation in sport and physical activity have become a growing concern. Research suggests that incorporating lifestyle sports into the public education curriculum may better align with current youth trends, thereby helping to address these challenges, but little empirical research exist, particularly outside Western contexts. The purpose of this study is to address this gap by offering contextual insights into how the lifestyle sport of surfing is being incorporated into the public education system in Japan, and how this transforms the meanings of both surfing and bukatsu in new and interesting ways. Drawing on the case of Aoshima Junior High School’s Surfing Bukatsu, ethnographic fieldwork was conducted over a two-week period in July 2021 and included participant observation, focus groups with students and parents, and 22 in-depth interviews with various stakeholders. Three themes emerged that guide the interpretation and discussion: (1) a “new collectivism” fostered amongst members of the surfing bukatsu, (2) a “contest(ed) surf style” that marked a tension between the competitive and the informal benefits associated with lifestyle sports, and (3) the role of surfing bukatsu in school/community revitalization. The study shows how incorporating lifestyle sports in PE curricula has the potential to encourage a co-constitutive practice of student/school/community development.
BioEdge: Accelerating Object Detection in Bioimages with Edge-Based Distributed Inference
Authors: Ahn Hyunho , Lee Munkyu , Seong Sihoon , Lee Minhyeok , Na Gap-Joo , Chun In-Geol , Kim Youngpil , Hong Cheol-Ho
Published: November 2023

Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have enabled effective object detection tasks in bioimages. Unfortunately, implementing such an object detection model can be computationally intensive, especially on resource-limited hardware in a laboratory or hospital setting. This study aims to develop a framework called BioEdge that can accelerate object detection using Scaled-YOLOv4 and YOLOv7 by leveraging edge computing for bioimage analysis. BioEdge employs a distributed inference technique with Scaled-YOLOv4 and YOLOv7 to harness the computational resources of both a local computer and an edge server, enabling rapid detection of COVID-19 abnormalities in chest radiographs. By implementing distributed inference techniques, BioEdge addresses privacy concerns that can arise when transmitting biomedical data to an edge server. Additionally, it incorporates a computationally lightweight autoencoder at the split point to reduce data transmission overhead. For evaluation, this study utilizes the COVID-19 dataset provided by the Society for Imaging Informatics in Medicine (SIIM). BioEdge is shown to improve the inference latency of Scaled-YOLOv4 and YOLOv7 by up to 6.28 times with negligible accuracy loss compared to local computer execution in our evaluation setting.
A Systematic Review on Deep-Learning-Based Phishing Email Detection
Authors: Thakur Kutub , Ali Md Liakat , Obaidat Muath A. , Kamruzzaman Abu
Published: November 2023

Phishing attacks are a growing concern for individuals and organizations alike, with the potential to cause significant financial and reputational damage. Traditional methods for detecting phishing attacks, such as blacklists and signature-based techniques, have limitations that have led to developing more advanced techniques. In recent years, machine learning and deep learning techniques have gained attention for their potential to improve the accuracy of phishing detection. Deep learning algorithms, such as CNNs and LSTMs, are designed to learn from patterns and identify anomalies in data, making them more effective in detecting sophisticated phishing attempts. To develop a comprehensive understanding of the current state of research on the use of deep learning techniques for phishing detection, a systematic literature review is necessary. This review aims to identify the various deep learning techniques used for phishing detection, their effectiveness, and areas for future research. By synthesizing the findings of relevant studies, this review identifies the strengths and limitations of different approaches and provides insights into the challenges that need to be addressed to improve the accuracy and effectiveness of phishing detection. This review aims to contribute to developing a coherent and evidence-based understanding of the use of deep learning techniques for phishing detection. The review identifies gaps in the literature and informs the development of future research questions and areas of focus. With the increasing sophistication of phishing attacks, applying deep learning in this area is a critical and rapidly evolving field. This systematic literature review aims to provide insights into the current state of research and identify areas for future research to advance the field of phishing detection using deep learning.
Pixel-Level Degradation for Text Image Super-Resolution and Recognition
Authors: Qian Xiaohong , Xie Lifeng , Ye Ning , Le Renlong , Yang Shengying
Published: November 2023

In the realm of image reconstruction, deep learning-based super-resolution (SR) has established itself as a prevalent technique, particularly in the domain of text image restoration. This study aims to address notable deficiencies in existing research, including constraints imposed by restricted datasets and challenges related to model generalization. Specifically, the goal is to enhance the super-resolution network’s reconstruction of scene text image super-resolution and utilize the generated degenerate dataset to alleviate issues associated with poor generalization due to the sparse scene text image super-resolution dataset. The methodology employed begins with the degradation of images from the MJSynth dataset, using a stochastic degradation process to create eight distinct degraded versions. Subsequently, a blank image is constructed, preserving identical dimensions to the low-resolution image, with each pixel sourced randomly from the corresponding points across the eight degraded images. Following several iterations of training via Finetune, the LR-HR method is applied to the TextZoom dataset. The pivotal metric for assessment is optical character recognition (OCR) accuracy, recognized for its fundamental role in gauging the pragmatic effectiveness of this approach. The experimental findings reveal a notable enhancement in OCR accuracy when compared to the TBSRN model, yielding improvements of 2.4%, 2.3%, and 4.8% on the TextZoom dataset. This innovative approach, founded on pixel-level degradation, not only exhibits commendable generalization capabilities but also demonstrates resilience in confronting the intricate challenges inherent to text image super-resolution.
Numerical Simulation Method for Flash Evaporation with Circulating Water Based on a Modified Lee Model
Authors: Li Bingrui , Wang Xin , Man Yameng , Li Bingxi , Wang Wei
Published: November 2023

Flash evaporation processes are widely adopted in the desalination, food processing, waste heat recovery and other industries for heat extraction or product separation. In this paper, a pressure-driven phase transition model is developed by improving the Lee model and combined with the VOF (Volume of Fluid) method to numerically simulate the flash evaporation process. In this modified Lee phase transition model, the driving force for the rates of the local phase transition is calculated using the local temperature and static pressure magnitude. Numerical simulations are carried out in a water-circulating flash chamber and compared with the experimental results to obtain the values of the time relaxation parameters. And the non-equilibrium fraction of the outlet water can be effectively obtained under different conditions of flow rate, inlet temperature and initial liquid level height. The time relaxation factor takes values from 0.195 to 0.43 (Pout,v = 19.9 kPa) and from 0.31 to 0.92 (Pout,v = 31.2 kPa) with increasing superheat. In addition, the model can effectively represent the evolution of the unstable flow flash evaporation from the initial rapid boiling state to dynamic equilibrium.
Immunosuppressive Agents—Effects on the Cardiovascular System and Selected Metabolic Aspects: A Review
Authors: Opałka Bianka , Żołnierczuk Michał , Grabowska Marta
Published: November 2023

The widespread use of immunosuppressive drugs makes it possible to reduce inflammation in autoimmune diseases, as well as prevent transplant rejection in organ recipients. Despite their key action in blocking the body’s immune response, these drugs have many side effects. These actions primarily affect the cardiovascular system, and the incidence of complications in patients using immunosuppressive drugs is significant, being associated with a higher incidence of cardiovascular incidents such as myocardial infarction and stroke. This paper analyzes the mechanisms of action of commonly used immunosuppressive drugs and their impact on the cardiovascular system. The adverse effect of immunosuppressive drugs is associated with toxicity within the cardiovascular system, which may be a problem in the clinical management of patients after transplantation. Immunosuppressants act on the cardiovascular system in a variety of ways, including fibrosis and myocardial remodeling, endothelium disfunction, hypertension, atherosclerosis, dyslipidemia or hyperglycaemia, metabolic syndrome, and hyperuricemia. The use of multidrug protocols makes it possible to develop regimens that can reduce the incidence of cardiovascular events. A better understanding of their mechanism of action and the range of complications could enable physicians to select the appropriate therapy for a given patient, as well as to reduce complications and prolong life.
Subgingival Use of Air-Polishing Powders: Status of Knowledge: A Systematic Review
Authors: Gheorghe Dorin Nicolae , Bennardo Francesco , Silaghi Margarita , Popescu Dora-Maria , Maftei George-Alexandru , Bătăiosu Marilena , Surlin Petra
Published: November 2023

Effective subgingival biofilm removal is crucial for achieving positive and stable outcomes in periodontal therapy, forming an indispensable part of any periodontal treatment approach. The development of air-polishing tools has emerged as a promising alternative to hand and ultrasonic scalers for dental biofilm removal. The objective of this systematic review was to assess existing literature regarding the subgingival use of various types of air-polishing powders, as an effective method of subgingival biofilm control. For this, 55 articles on this subjected were sourced from searched databases and subjected to an evaluation process of their contained information, which was subsequently structured and compiled into this manuscript. The existing literature acknowledges that good subgingival biofilm control is essential for the success of periodontal therapy, including through subgingival air-polishing, as an adjunctive procedure. This approach has the potential to enhance patient comfort during and after subgingival mechanical plaque removal, thereby mitigating damage to periodontal structures. Consequently, it may lead to improved healing capabilities within the periodontal tissues and the formation of a more stable reparative gingival junctional epithelium.
How Does Age Affect Injury Characteristics in Young Elite Footballers?—A Prospective Cohort Study of a German Youth Academy
Authors: Weishorn Johannes , Jaber Ayham , Trefzer Raphael , Zietzschmann Severin , Kern Ralph , Spielmann Jan , Renkawitz Tobias , Bangert Yannic
Published: November 2023

Background: Little is known about age-related changes in injury characteristics and burden, and existing data are inconsistent, highlighting the need for new studies on this topic. This study aimed to describe age-related injury risk, severity and burden in a German elite youth football academy. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted in the 2012/2013 season, reporting 109 time-loss injuries among 138 young athletes playing at an elite football academy in Germany. For the most severe injuries, the injury burden in the different age groups was considered separately. Results: Athletes missed a total of 2536 days of exposure, resulting in an overall incidence of 2.6 per 1000 h (1.7–3.0; 95% CI) and a burden of 60.6 days lost per 1000 h (40.8–80.3; 95% CI). The incidence and burden of joint sprains and muscle injuries were higher in the older age groups. Physeal injuries peaked in the U14 age group during the pubertal growth spurt. Bone injuries and contusions showed no age trend. Conclusion: Injury characteristics vary with age. The overall incidence, severity and burden of injuries increased with the age of the athletes. To ensure the optimal development of young athletes, it is important to be aware of the differences in injury susceptibility between age groups in order to implement tailored prevention programmes.
Green Hydrogen Generation from Eco-Friendly and Cost-Effective Red Sea Water Using a Highly Photocatalytic Nanocomposite Film, As2O3/Poly-3-methylaniline
Authors: Rabia Mohamed , Elsayed Asmaa M. , Abdallah Alnuwaiser Maha , Awad Madeha A.
Published: November 2023

The primary objective of this research is to address the energy challenges by introducing an innovative nanocomposite material. This material is designed to facilitate the conversion of environmentally friendly and economically viable Red Sea water into hydrogen gas. The ultimate goal of this work is to pave the way for the development of a practical device that can be employed within households and industrial settings to directly convert water into hydrogen gas. This novel nanocomposite material synthesized through oxidative polymerization comprises As2O3 and Poly-3-methylaniline (P3MA). This material possesses an extensive absorption range, spanning up to 700 nm, and features a bandgap of 1.75 eV, making it a promising candidate for use as a photoelectrode in green hydrogen production. The unique aspect of this setup lies in the utilization of Red Sea water, a natural sacrificing agent, as the electrolyte, rendering the process eco-friendly and cost-effective. When it is employed as a photoelectrode, this material exhibits high sensitivity to green hydrogen production, generating 6 moles/10 cm2·h of hydrogen. At a voltage of −0.83 V, the current density values are measured as −0.08 mA·cm−2 (Jph) in light and −0.02 mA·cm−2 (Jo) in darkness. Furthermore, the photoelectrode’s responsiveness to light is assessed with different optical filters, revealing the optimal performance at 340 nm, where Jph reaches −0.052 mA·cm−2. These outcomes provide strong evidence of the photoactivity of the As2O3/P3MAphotoelectrode for green hydrogen production using Red Sea water. This underscores its potential for the development of an electrochemical cell for the direct conversion of sea water into H2 gas.