bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Navigating the complexity of p53-DNA binding: implications for cancer therapy
Authors: Thayer Kelly M. , Stetson Sean , Caballero Fernando , Chiu Christopher , Han In Sub Mark
Published: July 2024

The tumor suppressor protein p53, a transcription factor playing a key role in cancer prevention, interacts with DNA as its primary means of determining cell fate in the event of DNA damage. When it becomes mutated, it opens damaged cells to the possibility of reproducing unchecked, which can lead to formation of cancerous tumors. Despite its critical role, therapies at the molecular level to restore p53 native function remain elusive, due to its complex nature. Nevertheless, considerable information has been amassed, and new means of investigating the problem have become available.

Objectives

We consider structural, biophysical, and bioinformatic insights and their implications for the role of direct and indirect readout and how they contribute to binding site recognition, particularly those of low consensus. We then pivot to consider advances in computational approaches to drug discovery.

Materials and methods

We have conducted a review of recent literature pertinent to the p53 protein.

Results

Considerable literature corroborates the idea that p53 is a complex allosteric protein that discriminates its binding sites not only via consensus sequence through direct H-bond contacts, but also a complex combination of factors involving the flexibility of the binding site. New computational methods have emerged capable of capturing such information, which can then be utilized as input to machine learning algorithms towards the goal of more intelligent and efficient de novo allosteric drug design.

Conclusions

Recent improvements in machine learning coupled with graph theory and sector analysis hold promise for advances to more intelligently design allosteric effectors that may be able to restore native p53-DNA binding activity to mutant proteins.

Clinical relevance

The ideas brought to light by this review constitute a significant advance that can be applied to ongoing biophysical studies of drugs for p53, paving the way for the continued development of new methodologies for allosteric drugs. Our discoveries hold promise to provide molecular therapeutics which restore p53 native activity, thereby offering new insights for cancer therapies.

Graphical Abstract
A Coaching-Based Leadership Program for Women Postdoctoral Fellows at the National Cancer Institute that Cultivates Self-confidence and Persistence in STEMM
Authors: Sutton Samantha , Palmisano Alida , Ginsburg Erika
Published: July 2024

Despite making strides in gender equality, women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine (STEMM) continue to face a persistent underrepresentation in leadership roles. In an effort to reverse this trend, the National Cancer Institute created the Sallie Rosen Kaplan (SRK) Postdoctoral Fellowship, a year-long coaching-based leadership training program. The SRK program aims to empower women to explore careers across a broad range of fields, including academia, industry, and government, and to excel in leadership positions in those fields. Analyzing a decade of data from 111 participants, we describe the positive impact of the SRK program on participant's self-reported capabilities. Increased self-confidence, improved time management and work/life balance, enhanced goal-setting and attainment skills, and strengthened communication and relationship-building abilities are highlighted as statistically significant outcomes. Moreover, the program’s emphasis on coaching, mentorship, peer cohort support, and building lasting professional relationships also contributed to high ratings for satisfaction and value of the program. Successful programs like SRK can serve as a model for institutions striving to close gender gaps in leadership.
Archetypal typology of European forest ecosystems integrating management intensity and naturalness
Authors: Barredo José I. , Vizzarri Matteo , Kuželová Klára
Published: July 2024

The crises of climate change and biodiversity loss have pushed the aim for increasing the resilience of forest ecosystems high on the agenda of foresters and policymakers. At the same time, synergistic opportunities for restoring forests and biodiversity are emerging to safeguard these ecosystems. Naturalness is a key characteristic of forest ecosystems, which should be considered when estimating benchmarks for resilience and biodiversity conservation. The naturalness of forest ecosystems is highly dependent on the intensity of human activity, as different levels of management intensity can change the original traits of forest ecosystems. This paper presents an archetypal typology of forest ecosystems, describing the association between management and naturalness. Both features are represented as gradients covering the full spectrum observed in European forests. The array of forest ecosystem archetypes was verified using case studies across Europe. The typology provides useful information for setting targets for resilience and restoration of forest ecosystems.
Anticancer therapeutic potential of multimodal targeting agent- “phosphorylated galactosylated chitosan coated magnetic nanoparticles” against N-nitrosodiethylamine-induced hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Udupi Anushree , Shetty Sachin , Aranjani Jesil Mathew , Kumar Rajesh , Bharati Sanjay
Published: July 2024

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) are extensively used as carriers in targeted drug delivery and has several advantages in the field of magnetic hyperthermia, chemodynamic therapy and magnet assisted radionuclide therapy. The characteristics of SPIONs can be tailored to deliver drugs into tumor via “passive targeting” and they can also be coated with tissue-specific agents to enhance tumor uptake via “active targeting”. In our earlier studies, we developed HCC specific targeting agent- “phosphorylated galactosylated chitosan”(PGC) for targeting asialoglycoprotein receptors. Considering their encouraging results, in this study we developed a multifunctional targeting system- “phosphorylated galactosylated chitosan-coated magnetic nanoparticles”(PGCMNPs) for targeting HCC. PGCMNPs were synthesized by co-precipitation method and characterized by DLS, XRD, TEM, VSM, elemental analysis and FT-IR spectroscopy. PGCMNPs were evaluated for in vitro antioxidant properties, uptake in HepG2 cells, biodistribution, in vivo toxicity and were also evaluated for anticancer therapeutic potential against NDEA-induced HCC in mice model in terms of tumor status, electrical properties, antioxidant defense status and apoptosis. The characterization studies confirmed successful formation of PGCMNPs with superparamagnetic properties. The internalization studies demonstrated (99–100)% uptake of PGCMNPs in HepG2 cells. These results were also supported by biodistribution studies in which increased iron content (296%) was noted inside the hepatocytes. Further, PGCMNPs exhibited no in vivo toxicity. The anticancer therapeutic potential was evident from observation that PGCMNPs treatment decreased tumor bearing animals (41.6%) and significantly (p ≤ 0.05) lowered tumor multiplicity. Overall, this study indicated that PGCMNPs with improved properties are efficiently taken-up by hepatoma cells and has therapeutic potential against HCC. Further, this agent can be tagged with 32P and hence can offer multimodal cancer treatment options via radiation ablation as well as magnetic hyperthermia.

Graphical Abstract

Schematic illustration of PGCMNPs synthesis, characterization and its anticancer potential: PGCMNPs were synthesized by co-precipitation method. The successful synthesis of PGCMNPs was confirmed by physical and chemical characterizations. PGCMNPs were biocompatible and exhibited no toxicity at tested parameters. PGCMNPs demonstrated higher uptake in HepG2 cells. The anticancer therapeutic potential of PGCMNPs in HCC mouse model, was evident from improved tumor statistics, increased low conductivity tumors and increased apoptosis mediated cell death.
Clinical and microbiological features of positive blood culture episodes caused by non-fermenting gram-negative bacilli other than Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter species (2020–2023)
Authors: Casale Roberto , Boattini Matteo , Comini Sara , Bastos Paulo , Corcione Silvia , De Rosa Francesco Giuseppe , Bianco Gabriele , Costa Cristina
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Non-fermenting Gram-negative bacilli (NFGNB) other than Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii complex are pathogens of interest due to their ability to cause health-care associated infections and display complex drug resistance phenotypes. However, their clinical and microbiological landscape is still poorly characterized.

Methods

Observational retrospective study including all hospitalized patients presenting with a positive positive blood culture (BC) episode caused by less common NFGNB over a four-year period (January 2020–December 2023). Clinical-microbiological features and factors associated with mortality were investigated.

Results

Sixty-six less common NFGNB isolates other than Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter species causing 63 positive BC episodes were recovered from 60 patients. Positive BC episodes were predominantly sustained by Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (49.2%) followed by Achromobacter species (15.9%) that exhibited the most complex resistance phenotype. Positive BC episodes had bloodstream infection criteria in 95.2% of cases (60 out 63), being intravascular device (30.2%) and respiratory tract (19.1%) the main sources of infection. Fourteen-day, 30-day, and in-hospital mortality rates were 6.4%, 9.5%, and 15.9%, respectively. The longer time from admission to the positive BC episode, older age, diabetes, admission due to sepsis, and higher Charlson Comorbidity Index were identified as the main predictors of in-hospital mortality.

Conclusions

Positive BC episodes sustained by NFGNB other than Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter species were predominantly sustained by Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Achromobacter species, having bloodstream infection criteria in the vast majority of cases. Factors that have emerged to be associated with mortality highlighted how these species may have more room in prolonged hospitalisation and at the end of life for patients with chronic organ diseases.
Towards direct superlubricity and superlow wear via amino modification of polyhydroxy alcohol solutions
Authors: Ma Qiang , Yan Chengpeng , Yan Rui , Xu Xin , Wang Haifeng
Published: July 2024

Friction remains as the primary mode of energy dissipation and components wear, and achieving superlubricity shows high promise in energy conservation and lifetime wear protection. The results in this work demonstrate that direct superlubricity combined with superlow wear can be realized for steel/Si3N4 contacts on engineering scale when polyhydroxy alcohol solution was selectively modified by amino group. Macroscopic direct superlubricity occurs because 3-amino-1,2-propanediol molecules at the friction interface could be induced to rotate and adsorb vertically on the friction surface, forming in-situ thick and dense molecular films to passivate the asperity contacts. Furthermore, amino modification is also conducive to improving the lubrication state from boundary to mixed lubrication regime by strengthening the intermolecular hydrogen bonding interaction, presenting enhanced load-bearing capability and reduced direct solid asperity contacts. Thus, direct superlow average friction of 0.01 combined with superlow wear are achieved simultaneously. The design principle of direct superlubricity and superlow wear in this work indeed offers an effective strategy to fundamentally improve energy efficiency and provide lifetime wear protection for moving mechanical assemblies.
C@Ag core-shell structure as lubricating additives towards high efficient lubrication
Authors: Ao Dong , Fan Xiaoqiang , Zhu Minhao
Published: July 2024

Efficient cooperative lubrication can be achieved via the introduction of core-shell structure lubricant additives with hard core and soft shell, for obtaining the expected anti-wear performance from the structural changes in the friction process. In this study, C@Ag microspheres with a core-shell structure were prepared by the redox method with carbon spheres as the core and Ag nanoparticles as the shell. Their tribological behaviors as base oil (G1830) additive with different concentrations were investigated in detail. Compared with base oil, the addition of C@Ag particles at 0.5 wt% can reduce the coefficient of friction (COF) and wear volume (Wv) up to 15.5% and 88%, respectively. More importantly, C@Ag particles provide superior lubrication performance to single additive (like carbon sphere (CS) and Ag nanoparticle). C@Ag core-shell particles contribute to the formation of tribo-film by melt bonding of flexible Ag and carbon sphere (CS) toward excellent self-repair performance and high-efficiency lubrication. Hence, core-shell structural nanoparticles with hard-core and soft-shell hold bright future for high-performance lubrication application.
Enhancement of mechanical and tribological performance of Ti–6Al–4V alloy by laser surface alloying with Inconel 625 and SiC precursor materials
Authors: Cheng Hao-Ran , Shin Ki-Hoon , Kim Hong Seok
Published: July 2024

This study focused on producing metal matrix composite (MMC) coatings on Ti–6Al–4V alloy through laser surface alloying using a novel combination of Inconel 625 and SiC precursor materials. Various ratios of alloying powders were examined to evaluate surface properties such as microhardness, wear resistance, and friction coefficient, along with analyzing the phase composition and microstructure of the coatings. The in situ synthesized MMC coatings exhibited the presence of α-Ti, NiTi, NiTi2, and TiC phases. Additionally, Ti5Si3 and α-Ti/Ti5Si3 eutectic structures were observed when the SiC content exceeded 20%. In comparison to the titanium substrate, the MMC coating significantly enhanced microhardness by over threefold and reduced wear by 95%. However, it was crucial to carefully select the appropriate combination of alloying powders to avoid a substantial decrease in friction performance and excessive formation of cracks. Through a comparative analysis of experimental results, the optimal precursor material composition was identified as 85% Inconel 625 and 15% SiC. This study demonstrated the effective utilization of Inconel 625 and SiC alloying materials to enhance the surface properties of titanium alloys, thereby expanding their application in challenging environments.
From super-wicked problems to more-than-human justice: new bioethical frameworks for antimicrobial resistance and climate emergency
Authors: Sudenkaarne Tiia , Butcher Andrea
Published: July 2024

In this article, building on our multidisciplinary expertise on philosophy, anthropology, and social study of microbes, we discuss and analyze new approaches to justice that have emerged in thinking with more-than-human contexts: microbes, animals, environments and ecosystems. We situate our analysis in theory of and practical engagements with antimicrobial resistance and climate emergency that both can be considered super-wicked problems. In offering solutions to such problems, we discuss a more-than-human justice orientation, seeking to displace human exceptionalism while still engaging with human social justice issues. We offer anthropological narratives to highlight how more-than-human actors already play an important role in environmental and climate politics. These narratives further justify the need for new ethical frameworks, out of which we, for further development outside the scope of this article, suggest a queer feminist posthumanist one.
Treating Mycoplasma genitalium (in pregnancy): a social and reproductive justice concern
Authors: McKnight Ulla , Farsides Bobbie , Soni Suneeta , Will Catherine
Published: July 2024

Antimicrobial Resistance is a threat to individual and to population health and to future generations, requiring “collective sacrifices” in order to preserve antibiotic efficacy. ‘Who should make the sacrifices?’ and ‘Who will most likely make them?’ are ethical concerns posited as potentially manageable through Antimicrobial Stewardship. Antimicrobial stewardship almost inevitably involves a form of clinical cost-benefit analysis that assesses the possible effects of antibiotics to treat a diagnosed infection in a particular patient. However, this process rarely accounts properly for patients – above and beyond assessments of potential (non)compliance or adherence to care regimes. Drawing on a vignette of a pregnant woman of colour and migrant diagnosed with Mycoplasma genitalium, a sexually transmissible bacterium, this article draws out some of the ethical, speculative, and practical tensions and complexities involved in Antimicrobial Stewardship. We argue that patients also engage in a form of cost-benefit analysis influenced by experiences of reproductive and social (in)justice and comprising speculative variables - to anticipate future possibilities. These processes have the potential to have effects above and beyond the specific infection antimicrobial stewardship was activated to address. We contend that efforts to practice and research antimicrobial stewardship should accommodate and incorporate these variables and acknowledge the structures they emerge with(in), even if their components remain unknown. This would involve recognising that antimicrobial stewardship is intricately connected to other social justice issues such as immigration policy, economic justice, access to appropriate medical care, racism, etc.
ESG & Executive Remuneration in Europe
Authors: Dell’Erba Marco , Ferrarini Guido
Published: July 2024

Executive remuneration has traditionally attracted the attention of scholars, regulators, and public opinion. In recent years, especially after epochal corporate scandals and financial crises, executive remuneration has polarized the political debate, leading to consequences for the way it was theorized, structured, and ultimately quantified within corporations. This article specifically examines the relationship between executive compensation and sustainability, with a focus on the influence of Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) metrics in the context of European companies. The article provides a qualitative analysis of the historical debate on executive remuneration and considers the different theories informing corporate law. Furthermore, it offers a qualitative and empirical analysis of how executive compensation policies of the 300 largest companies by target capitalization in Europe – listed in the FTSE EuroFirst300 – take ESG parameters into account. Lastly, this article presents some policy considerations, particularly questioning whether executive remuneration is the right incentive for ESG compliance, and emphasizing the importance of a shift in corporate culture to effectively make corporate practices more sustainable.
Interpretation of the Scope of International Commercial Arbitration Agreements: A Comparison of Swiss and Turkish Case Law
Authors: Önay Işık
Published: July 2024

Determining the extent to which parties have agreed to submit their disputes to arbitration is a matter of contract interpretation. It is very rare that an international arbitration convention or national legislation on international arbitration provides specific rules pertaining to interpretation of the scope of arbitration agreements. Therefore, general rules of contract interpretation are usually used as a starting point to construe the scope of international commercial arbitration agreements. Developing specific principles for interpretation is left to courts and arbitral tribunals. This paper focuses on the practice of courts regarding this matter in two countries, i.e., Switzerland and Turkey. The paper firstly provides an overview of the general principles adopted by the courts in the two countries. Then case law in both countries is compared and contrasted with regard to selected scenarios frequently occurring in practice. The comparison of case law reveals how courts’ differing approaches to arbitration can make a difference in practice, even where very similar rules are applied. The comparison confirms the reputation of Swiss courts for adopting a pro-arbitration approach. Turkish courts, on the other hand, seem to be more reluctant in construing the scope of international commercial arbitration agreements broadly. This paper argues that the current practice in Turkey does not reflect the legislator’s intent and courts should change their practice and adopt a more liberal approach in line with contemporary trends in international commercial arbitration practice.
Social Media Ills and Evolutionary Mismatches: A Conceptual Framework
Authors: Lim Amy J. , Tan Edison
Published: July 2024

From the erosion of mental well-being through incessant comparison, unrealistic portrayals, and addiction, the negative effects of social media are well-documented. However, it is necessary to move beyond the simplistic characterizations of social media as inherently either beneficial or detrimental and, instead, underscore the nuanced mechanisms that underlie its adverse outcomes. To this end, this paper delineates a conceptual framework grounded in evolutionary psychology, designed to explain the prevalent negative repercussions often linked to the utilization of social media. Specifically, we argue that these “social media ills” are manifestations of evolutionary mismatches between social media features and our evolved mechanism designed for social living. We start by reviewing how our psychological mechanisms—sociometer, social monitoring system, and social comparison—facilitate living within complex social situations and fulfill our fundamental need to belong. We then identify features of social media that may hijack these processes to produce the consequences we observe today. We have also recommended several evolutionarily informed directions policymakers and social media companies can undertake to treat social media ills at their root cause. This article concludes by discussing the theoretical implications and interventions the evolutionary mismatch hypothesis provides.
Secure electronic monitoring of sex offenders
Authors: Buccafurri Francesco , De Angelis Vincenzo , Idone Maria Francesca , Labrini Cecilia
Published: July 2024

Electronic monitoring is a viable approach to controlling sex offenders and making the environment safe for victims. Two technologies are currently being adopted: RFID and GPS. Both technologies aim to detect the proximity between the offender and the victim and alert the relevant authorities in real time. However, the security of the system adopted is a key issue, given the risk to the victim’s safety. In this paper, we analyze the existing approaches from the perspective of security, in case of possible misbehavior of the offender. The theoretical analysis shows that GPS is the best choice when high security requirements are desired. In fact, radio frequency attacks are possible for RFID, endangering the victim. However, when GPS is adopted, privacy issues become critical. In particular, when considering a victim moving around the territory, it is unacceptable to track them even with the goal of offering protection. To overcome this drawback, we propose a GPS-based solution that does not allow the victim’s location to be revealed unless the offender is nearby, thus finding a solution that advances the state of the art.
Effects of key process parameters on tensile properties and interlayer bonding behavior of 3D printed PLA using fused filament fabrication
Authors: Gajjar Tusharbhai , Yang Richard , Ye Lin , Zhang Y. X.
Published: July 2024

Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF), also known as Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM), is one of the innovative 3D printing technologies for fabricating complex components and products. Mechanical properties of 3D-printed components mostly depend on intricate process parameters of 3D printing. This study experimentally investigates the effects of four key process parameters, including layer thickness, raster angle, feed rate, and nozzle temperature, on the tensile properties and interfacial bonding behaviours of FFF printed Polylactic Acid (PLA), and their failure mechanisms. The effect of the key parameters on surface roughness is also evaluated, which is critical for enhancing manufacturing and material performance, expecting to provide a potential guide for optimisation of the FFF printing process for improving product quality. The experimental results demonstrate that tensile strength improves up to 10 and 7% with increasing nozzle temperature (200 °C to 220 °C) and low feed rate (60 mm/sec to 40 mm/sec) during the 3D printing process. The tensile strength increases up to 12% with decreasing layer thickness (0.4 mm to 0.2 mm) and 40% with decreasing raster angle (90° to 0°). The experimental findings on surface roughness indicate that FFF-printed PLA samples were significantly influenced by the layer thickness and raster angle, and an improvement in surface roughness is observed with the increase of nozzle temperature and reduction in feed rate. Microstructural SEM analysis was conducted to investigate the ruptured surfaces of the FFF printed PLA samples, focusing on the interlayer bonding quality and morphological characteristics including the effect of void formation, poor adhesion, and insufficient fusion between adjacent surface contact area with the effect of printing parameters. The feed rate and nozzle temperature were found to substantially influence the interlayer bonding between two adjacent surfaces.
Study of baryon number transport dynamics and strangeness conservation effects using $$\Omega$$-hadron correlations
Authors: Dong Wei-Jie , Yu Xiao-Zhou , Ping Si-Yuan , Wu Xia-Tong , Wang Gang , Huang Huan-Zhong , Lin Zi-Wei
Published: July 2024

In nuclear collisions at RHIC energies, an excess of $$\Omega$$
Ω
hyperons over $$\bar{\Omega }$$

Ω

¯

is observed, indicating that $$\Omega$$
Ω
has a net baryon number despite s and $$\bar{s}$$

s

¯

quarks being produced in pairs. The baryon number in $$\Omega$$
Ω
may have been transported from the incident nuclei and/or produced in the baryon-pair production of $$\Omega$$
Ω
with other types of anti-hyperons such as $$\bar{\Xi }$$

Ξ

¯

. To investigate these two scenarios, we propose to measure the correlations between $$\Omega$$
Ω
and K and between $$\Omega$$
Ω
and anti-hyperons. We use two versions, the default and string-melting, of a multiphase transport (AMPT) model to illustrate the method for measuring the correlation and to demonstrate the general shape of the correlation. We present the $$\Omega$$
Ω
-hadron correlations from simulated Au+Au collisions at $$\sqrt{s_\text{NN}} = 7.7$$

s
NN

=
7.7

and $$14.6 \ \textrm{GeV}$$

14.6

GeV

and discuss the dependence on the collision energy and on the hadronization scheme in these two AMPT versions. These correlations can be used to explore the mechanism of baryon number transport and the effects of baryon number and strangeness conservation on nuclear collisions.
Radikale Orientierungen Jugendlicher vor dem Hintergrund der Entwicklung der religiösen Identität im Jugendalter
Authors: Schramm Alexandra , Stein Margit , Zimmer Veronika
Published: July 2024

Im Prozess der Identitätsentwicklung und der damit häufig verknüpften Erfahrung der Verunsicherung und des Zweifels sind Jugendliche besonders empfänglich für Angebote und Versprechungen der Wertschätzung und Anerkennung, wie sie häufig vermeintlich von radikalen Gruppierungen offeriert werden. Jugendliche beginnen spätestens ab der Pubertät aus all dem Wissen über sich, der Gesellschaft und der Welt ihr eigenes Selbstbild zu formen. „Ich bin, was ich bin“ beschreibt Erikson diesen Prozess. Was sie sind, erleben Jugendliche in Auseinandersetzung mit sich und ihrer sozialen Umwelt. Erleben sie hier, dass sich ihre religiöse Zugehörigkeit, welche maßgeblich zu ihrer Identität gehört und sich möglicherweise auch nach außen zeigt, subjektiv gesehen nicht mit einer gesamtgesellschaftlichen Zugehörigkeit vereinbaren lässt, wenden sie sich leicht Communities und Peers zu, in denen sie entsprechend ihres Selbstbildes Anerkennung und Wertschätzung erfahren.

Der Beitrag befasst sich mit der Entwicklung der religiösen Identität im Jugendalter und potenziell dysfunktionalen Prozessen, die zu radikalen Orientierungen führen können. Basierend auf der Auswertung qualitativer Interviews mit 26 Wissenschaftler:innen aus elf der 13 Zentren und Institute für Islamische Theologie in Deutschland wird die Bedeutung der jugendlichen Phase der Identitätsbildung für Radikalisierungsprozesse herausgearbeitet. Die Auswertung der Interviews zeigt, dass die Befragten nicht adäquat gelöste Konflikte und Krisen in der Entwicklungsphase der Ausbildung einer eigenen Identität im Jugendalter als eine der wesentlichsten Ursachen für die Entwicklung von radikalen Orientierungen ausmachen und diese Entwicklung radikaler Orientierungen als einen dysfunktionalen Sozialisationsprozess verstehen. Insbesondere die Bedeutung der Auseinandersetzung mit der eigenen Religion und der damit verbundenen religiösen Identität bewerten die Expert:innen als zentral.
Additive manufacturing and mechanical analysis of multi-material polymer parts combining thermosets and thermoplastics
Authors: Setter Robert , Wudy Katrin
Published: July 2024

Multi-material additive manufacturing (AM) represents one of the most promising solutions to target the contemporary demand for complex products with high individuality and inherent functionalities. Besides continuous advances in machinery and the available material spectrum, a substantial aspect of multi-material AM is still underrepresented: the simultaneous combination of thermosets and thermoplastic within a single AM process. A promising technology in this regard is the newly developed Fusion Jetting (FJ) process. This investigation focuses on the combination of acrylate-based photopolymers (thermoset) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) with FJ. Tensile specimens are built with strategic variations of the process parameters and experimentally analyzed to derive beneficial processing conditions. A proof of concept is delivered by demonstrating a significant increase in Young’s modulus of TPU specimens from approximately 65 to 160 MPa through integration of photopolymer reinforcements. Further experiments regarding variable layer heights and laser powers identify an optimum layer height of 100 µm along with a tolerable laser power of 15 W for maximum mechanical properties. An overall challenging aspect of the FJ process is the presence of unwanted delamination between reinforced and non-reinforced layers. The failure mode is observed during tensile testing on multiple multi-material specimens of this investigation. The origin of delamination can be correlated to the deviation of integrated reinforcements from their originally intended dimensions as well as the unwanted crystallization within reinforced layers. First, countermeasures to minimize delamination are identified, such as decreasing the rotational increment of the laser hatch orientation from 90 to 10° per layer.
Bacterial community in apparently healthy and asymptomatic Eucalyptus trees and those with symptoms of bacterial wilt
Authors: Coutinho Teresa A. , Carstensen Gabrielle , Venter Stephanus N. , Chen ShuaiFei , Tarigan Marthin , Wingfield Michael J.
Published: July 2024

Ralstonia solanacearum and R. pseudosolanacearum are well-known bacterial plant pathogens that cause significant losses to both ornamental and agricultural plants. It has been suggested that they are not the primary cause of bacterial wilt in Eucalyptus species, but rather are opportunistic, taking advantage of trees predisposed to infection by abiotic and biotic factors. To test this hypothesis, the bacterial community within the vascular tissue of asymptomatic Eucalyptus grandis x E. urophylla trees, and those displaying varying stages of infection in China and Indonesia were compared using 16S rRNA profiling. Asymptomatic trees growing in areas where bacterial infections had never previously been reported to occur were included as controls. Ralstonia species were found within the vascular tissue of both asymptomatic and symptomatic trees, in high abundance. In the control samples, bacterial diversity within the vascular tissue was high with a low abundance of Ralstonia species. The presence of Ralstonia species in asymptomatic and control samples supports the hypothesis that these species are latent and/or opportunistic pathogens in E. grandis x E. urophylla trees.
Impacts of corrosion inhibiting admixture and supplementary cementitious material on early strength concrete
Authors: Reddy Panga Narasimha , Vijay Kunamineni , Kavyatheja Bodevenkata , Reddy G. Gautham Kishore , Reddy Avuthu Narender , Jindal Bharat Bhushan , Kumar A. Uday
Published: July 2024

This research aimed to evaluate the influence of alccofine 1203 on a mineral admixture and sodium nitrite as a corrosion inhibitor on the properties of concrete. To achieve these aims, an experimental investigation was carried out on a set of composite samples comprising five distinct concrete formulations. Five different mixes for the concrete were used as the overlay materials such as NC as a reference concrete, alccofine concrete (i.e. 25% cement replaced with alccofine), and alccofine concrete with varying dosages of sodium nitrite (i.e. 1%, 1.25%, and 1.5%). Alccofine reduced the workability and water absorption and increased the compressive strength of the concrete (5%) at curing age of 28 days. Adding sodium nitrite further reduced water absorption of the concrete and workability but compressive strength of 29.15% and 26.93% for the curing period of 3 and 7 days, respectively. The pH of the concrete powdered solution became more alkaline with the replacement of alccofine and addition of sodium nitrite. Free chloride content dropped by 48 and 66%, respectively, with the introduction of GGBS and sodium nitrite. Corrosion properties of the concrete samples were examined using open circuit potentials and linear polarization resistance of various concrete mixes after being immersed in 1 M H2SO4 and 3% NaCl environment. The findings indicated a notable improvement in the corrosion resistance, water absorption test, thermal conductivity, strength properties, and microstructural properties of concrete with the incorporation of SN in combination with alccofine. The application of the response surface method allowed for the prediction, validation, and optimization of experimental data using a regression equation.
Application and Efficacy of Virtual Sailing as an Exercise Therapy: A Narrative Review
Authors: Xiao Junhua
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The concept of virtual exercise is still a nascent domain for therapeutic intervention. In light of the importance of exercise and the fast development of digital technologies, virtual exercise possesses a promising potential for future development. Sailing is a recreational exercise that has helped the rehabilitation of patients with neurological and physiological disorders and improved their quality of life. However, challenges exist in implementing physical sailing as an intervention, due to the cost and the extent of uncertainty of this sport. While studies remain limited, over the past twenty years, simulated sailing that combines virtual reality with complex motor learning and optimum decision-making is emerging as a potential digital exercise that possesses broad therapeutic applications for future exploration. This review aims to have a more complete understanding of the clinical application of virtual sailing as an emerging exercise therapy.

Methods

Literature searches were performed using PubMed, EMBASE and MEDLINE bibliographic databases for research articles published from January 1994 to January 2024 (inclusive). We performed a Strength, Weakness, Opportunity and Threat (SWOT) analysis to evaluate the implementation of virtual sailing as a new therapeutic intervention, opening unanswered questions for future investigation.

Results

Out of 205 articles searched from databases, 31 advanced to full-text screening and 7 articles were eligible for inclusion in this narrative review. This review summarises the application and therapeutic efficacy of virtual sailing in improving both motor and psychosocial functions. We also shared our perspectives on developing virtual sailing as an exercise therapy for treating neurodegenerative diseases, focusing on pre-clinical and clinical evidence as well as the proposed mechanism by which virtual sailing could influence neural plasticity in the central nervous system.

Conclusion

Virtual sailing is a promising exercise therapy feasible for future implementation, although large-scale trial studies involving a diverse range of clinical conditions are required.
Disability and marketing: a bibliometric analysis and systematic literature review
Authors: Celestino Sabrina , Garofano Antonella , Masiello Barbara , Izzo Francesco , Bonetti Enrico
Published: July 2024

The needs of people with disabilities have been largely overlooked in the marketplace and in the development and promotion of products and services. As the marketing system has the potential to drive changes in the education system, industry, market, and society, a more grounded and comprehensive understanding of the scholarly debate on disability is essential for advancing academic knowledge and marketing practice. Therefore, this paper provides a bibliometric analysis and systematic literature review on disability and marketing, based on 68 articles published between 1985 and 2022. After identifying the most prominent journals, authors, countries, and research methods employed, a qualitative content analysis is used to thematically map this domain of research. Descriptive data provide evidence of a recent surge in marketing studies addressing disability, which has received increased attention since 2020. Existing research has been primarily driven by studies on tourism, services, and social marketing, while other fields remain largely unexplored. In recent years, there has been growing scholarly interest in marketing communications and the representation of disability; however, the focus on barriers and accessibility has hindered the advancement of the knowledge base regarding the social inclusion of people with disabilities from a marketing perspective. Based on its main results, the paper identifies possible avenues for further research, which may also offer valuable insights for policymakers and marketing practitioners interested in the inclusion of people with disabilities in society and the market.
“It Could Have Been Us”: media frames and the coverage of Ukrainian, Afghan and Syrian refugee crises
Authors: Ajana Btihaj , Connell Hannah , Liddle Tyler
Published: July 2024

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 forced millions of Ukrainians to flee their homes and seek refuge in other countries, resulting in one of Europe’s largest refugee crises in decades. Many countries were quick to mobilise and provide the needed assistance to Ukrainians refugees. In contrast to the usual responses to asylum seekers coming from outside Europe, EU countries as well as the UK were uncharacteristically welcoming. Similarly, news reports of the Ukraine refugee situation have been marked by affectionate headlines and an outpouring of support and sympathy arguably not seen previously in the context of other refugee crises outside of Europe. This prompted questions and discussions about the alleged double standards and disparities in the treatments and portrayals of refugees from different countries. Inspired by such discussions and through a media frame analysis approach, this article examines a sample of relevant online UK news articles from the BBC and The Sun and compares their coverage of the Ukrainian refugee crisis to that of the Syrian and Afghan ones. The overarching aim is to identify how these distinct refugee crises are framed within the sampled articles and whether there are, in fact, discursive differences in the representation and framing of these crises, as often claimed in existing debates on the subject.
Urban cultural dynamics in planning: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Kattimani Raghavendra , Devadas Varuvel
Published: July 2024

This paper comprehends the global research scenario about incorporating cultural components in contemporary urban planning practice. Various urban cultural elements have been analysed under the umbrella of ‘Urban Cultural Dynamics’ (UCD). This study aims to identify hot spots and explore influential sources through a bibliometric investigation of the evolutionary patterns of cultural dynamics in urban planning research. Data was collected from the Web of Science core collection (1965-2021). The data mining tools VOSviewer, Biblioshiny, KNIME, and WordStat were used to analyse hot topics, keywords, influential journals, core papers, top authors, and cooperation networks of countries and institutions. The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) is employed in journal analysis. The analysis showed that publications on UCD increased exponentially between 2016 and 2022. Italy (32), China (26), and Spain (18) are the top countries in total publications. Technical universities of Dresden and Munich have the most significant influence on UCD's research, with 103 and 101 total citations, respectively. Landscape and Urban Planning, Journal of Cultural Heritage, and Tourism Geographies are the top three consistently influential journals. The top ten core papers were identified. The keywords and topic analysis charted out the evolution of multidisciplinary UCD research topics. The hotspot analysis revealed the significance of cultural dynamics in sustainable urban development. The results highlighted the need for intercontinental cooperation between developed countries and the third world. The future scope of research on UCD topics is discussed in the conclusion.
Breastfeeding support among healthcare workers in Nigeria
Authors: Alao Michael Abel , Ibrahim Olayinka Rasheed , Briggs Datonye Christopher , Yekinni Sakiru Abiodun , Nri-Ezedi Chisom Adaobi , Sotimehin Sikirat Adetoun , Olasinde Yetunde Toyin , Aliu Rasaki , Borokinni Ayodeji Mathew , Elo-Ilo Jacinta Chinyere , Bello Oyeronke Olubunmi , Diala Udochukwu Michael , Olaniyi-George Joyce Foluke , Adeniyi Temilade Oluwatoyosi , Ashiru Usman Hadiza , Tongo Olukemi Oluwatoyin
Published: July 2024

Background

The exclusive breastfeeding rate in Sub-Saharan Africa is abysmally low, and based on current trends, achieving the World Health Organization's (WHO) global nutrition goal of a 50% exclusive breastfeeding rate by 2025 will require an additional three decades.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study involving healthcare workers (HCWs) providing direct care to breastfeeding mothers in six geopolitical zones in Nigeria. HCWs were recruited using a stratified random sampling method, with a minimum sample size of 1537. Data was collected through validated-interviewer-administered-questionnaires.

Results

The mean age of the 1294 respondents was 35.2 ± 10.0 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:3. Overall, breastfeeding knowledge was subsufficient (41.2% across three domains), with specific knowledge gaps observed in breastfeeding for mothers with breast cancer (13.4%) and hepatitis B (59.4%). Only 18.9% correctly identified laid-back and cross-cradle breastfeeding positions. High school and tertiary education were significantly associated with sufficient breastfeeding knowledge (AOR: 2.2, 95% CI 1.299–3.738; AOR: 2.0, 95% CI 1.234–3.205). Negative attitudes toward breastfeeding support were associated with being female (AOR: 1.5, 95% CI 1.094–1.957), while being a doctor was linked to the lowest instructional support (AOR: 0.3, 95% CI 0.118–0.661). Positive attitudes toward breastfeeding support were significantly associated with sufficient knowledge (AOR: 2.4, 95% CI 1.833–3.161; p < 0.001), but not with technical knowledge (AOR: 0.8, 95% CI 0.629–0.993).

Conclusion

Healthcare workers showed subsufficient overall breastfeeding knowledge, especially regarding breastfeeding in maternal illnesses and positioning. Targeted programs are needed to improve breastfeeding support knowledge, instructional support and attitudes, especially among female HCWs and physicians.
Mobile toolbox (MTB) remote measures of executive function and processing speed: development and validation
Authors: Novack Miriam A. , Young Stephanie Ruth , Dworak Elizabeth M. , Kaat Aaron J. , Slotkin Jerry , Nowinski Cindy , Yao Lihua , Adam Hubert , Stoeger Jordan , Hosseinian Zahra , Amagai Saki , Pila Sarah , Varela Diaz Maria , Almonte Correa Anyelo , Alperin Keith , Carlson Sonia , Kellen Michael , Omberg Larsson , Camacho Monica R. , Landavazo Bernard , Nosheny Rachel L. , Weiner Michael W. , Gershon Richard C.
Published: July 2024

Objective:

The ability to remotely monitor cognitive skills is increasing with the ubiquity of smartphones. The Mobile Toolbox (MTB) is a new measurement system that includes measures assessing Executive Functioning (EF) and Processing Speed (PS): Arrow Matching, Shape-Color Sorting, and Number-Symbol Match. The purpose of this study was to assess their psychometric properties.

Method:

MTB measures were developed for smartphone administration based on constructs measured in the NIH Toolbox® (NIHTB). Psychometric properties of the resulting measures were evaluated in three studies with participants ages 18 to 90. In Study 1 (N = 92), participants completed MTB measures in the lab and were administered both equivalent NIH TB measures and other external measures of similar cognitive constructs. In Study 2 (N = 1,021), participants completed the equivalent NIHTB measures in the lab and then took the MTB measures on their own, remotely. In Study 3 (N = 168), participants completed MTB measures twice remotely, two weeks apart.

Results:

All three measures exhibited very high internal consistency and strong test-retest reliability, as well as moderately high correlations with comparable NIHTB tests and moderate correlations with external measures of similar constructs. Phone operating system (iOS vs. Android) had a significant impact on performance for Arrow Matching and Shape-Color Sorting, but no impact on either validity or reliability.

Conclusions:

Results support the reliability and convergent validity of MTB EF and PS measures for use across the adult lifespan in remote, self-administered designs.
Quantifying Biogeochemical Controls of Open Ocean CDOM From a Global Mechanistic Model
Authors: Yamamoto Kana , DeVries Tim , Siegel David A. , Nelson Norman B.
Published: July 2024

Chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) is an important part of ocean carbon biogeochemistry with relevance to long‐term observations of ocean biology due to its dominant light absorption properties. Thus, understanding the underlying processes controlling CDOM distribution is important for predicting changes in light availability, primary production, and the cycling of biogeochemically important matter. We present a biogeochemical CDOM model for the open ocean with two classes of biological lability and uncertainty estimates derived from 43 ensemble members that provide a range of model parameter variations. Ensemble members were optimized to match global ocean in situ CDOM measurements and independently assessed against satellite CDOM estimates, which showed good agreement in spatial patterns. Based on the ensemble median, we estimate that about 7% of open‐ocean CDOM is of terrestrial origin, but the ensemble range is large (<0.1–26%). CDOM is rapidly removed in the surface ocean (<200 m) due to biological degradation for short‐lived CDOM and photodegradation for long‐lived CDOM, leading to a net flux of CDOM to the surface ocean from the dark ocean. This deep‐water source (ensemble median 0.001 m−1 yr−1) is similar in magnitude to the riverine flux (0.005 m−1 yr−1) into the surface ocean. Though discrepancies between the model and observational data remain, this work serves as a foundational framework for a mechanistic assessment of global CDOM distribution that is independent of satellite data.