bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydrogen Co-Combustion of Aromatic Volatile Organic Compounds over Pd/Al2O3 Catalyst
Authors: Ullah Lutf , Munsif Sehrish , Cao Long , Murthy Palle Ramana , Zhang Jing-Cai , Li Wei-Zhen
Published: August 2024

Catalytic combustion is an effective strategy for alleviating volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including hydrocarbons and aromatic compounds, mostly derived from the petrochemical and pharmaceutical industries. We employed Pd/Al2O3 as a catalyst for combusting aromatic VOCs via hydrogen catalytic combustion. It differs from conventional approaches that do not necessitate additional electric heating. Briefly, when hydrogen (H2) is introduced below its lower explosive limit of 4% on the Pd/Al2O3 catalyst, it completely oxidizes important aromatic VOCs like benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, and xylene to carbon dioxide and water. The catalytic performance of the integrated system remains stable even after long-term use. Therefore, hydrogen co-combustion on the Pd/Al2O3 catalyst can provide onsite heating for a facility without needing external electric heat. The catalytic performance shows no significant dependence on the sizes of Pd nanoparticles in both fresh and spent conditions, as demonstrated by XRD, XPS, and STEM analyses. Therefore, renewable green hydrogen can effectively reduce aromatic VOC pollutants, providing a more energy-efficient alternative. Our findings suggest that this integrated process is promising for converting aromatic VOCs into carbon dioxide and water without electric heating.
Structural and Functional Dysregulation of the Brain Endothelium in HIV Infection and Substance Abuse
Authors: Annadurai Narendran , Kanmogne Georgette D.
Published: August 2024

Blood–brain barrier (BBB) injury and dysfunction following infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) enables viral entry into the brain, infection of resident brain cells, neuronal injury and subsequent neurodegeneration leading to HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). Although combination antiretroviral therapy has significantly reduced the incidence and prevalence of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and increased the life expectancy of people living with HIV, the prevalence of HAND remains high. With aging of people living with HIV associated with increased comorbidities, the prevalence of HIV-related central nervous system (CNS) complications is expected to remain high. Considering the principal role of the brain endothelium in HIV infection of the CNS and HAND, the purpose of this manuscript is to review the current literature on the pathobiology of the brain endothelium structural and functional dysregulation in HIV infection, including in the presence of HIV-1 and viral proteins (gp120, Tat, Nef, and Vpr). We summarize evidence from human and animal studies, in vitro studies, and associated mechanisms. We further summarize evidence of synergy or lack thereof between commonly abused substances (cocaine, methamphetamine, alcohol, tobacco, opioids, and cannabinoids) and HIV- or viral protein-induced BBB injury and dysfunction.
Essential Roles of PIEZO1 in Mammalian Cardiovascular System: From Development to Diseases
Authors: Jin Chengjiang , Su Sheng’an , Yu Shuo , Zhang Yue , Chen Kaijie , Xiang Meixiang , Ma Hong
Published: August 2024

Mechanical force is the basis of cardiovascular development, homeostasis, and diseases. The perception and response of mechanical force by the cardiovascular system are crucial. However, the molecular mechanisms mediating mechanotransduction in the cardiovascular system are not yet understood. PIEZO1, a novel transmembrane mechanosensitive cation channel known for its regulation of touch sensation, has been found to be widely expressed in the mammalian cardiovascular system. In this review, we elucidate the role and mechanism of PIEZO1 as a mechanical sensor in cardiovascular development, homeostasis, and disease processes, including embryo survival, angiogenesis, cardiac development repair, vascular inflammation, lymphangiogenesis, blood pressure regulation, cardiac hypertrophy, cardiac fibrosis, ventricular remodeling, and heart failure. We further summarize chemical molecules targeting PIEZO1 for potential translational applications. Finally, we address the controversies surrounding emergent concepts and challenges in future applications.
Memantine and the Kynurenine Pathway in the Brain: Selective Targeting of Kynurenic Acid in the Rat Cerebral Cortex
Authors: Kloc Renata , Urbanska Ewa M.
Published: August 2024

Cytoprotective and neurotoxic kynurenines formed along the kynurenine pathway (KP) were identified as possible therapeutic targets in various neuropsychiatric conditions. Memantine, an adamantane derivative modulating dopamine-, noradrenaline-, serotonin-, and glutamate-mediated neurotransmission is currently considered for therapy in dementia, psychiatric disorders, migraines, or ischemia. Previous studies have revealed that memantine potently stimulates the synthesis of neuroprotective kynurenic acid (KYNA) in vitro via a protein kinase A-dependent mechanism. Here, the effects of acute and prolonged administration of memantine on brain kynurenines and the functional changes in the cerebral KP were assessed in rats using chromatographic and enzymatic methods. Five-day but not single treatment with memantine selectively activated the cortical KP towards neuroprotective KYNA. KYNA increases were accompanied by a moderate decrease in cortical tryptophan (TRP) and L-kynurenine (L-KYN) concentrations without changes in 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK) levels. Enzymatic studies revealed that the activity of cortical KYNA biosynthetic enzymes ex vivo was stimulated after prolonged administration of memantine. As memantine does not directly stimulate the activity of KATs’ proteins, the higher activity of KATs most probably results from the increased expression of the respective genes. Noteworthy, the concentrations of KYNA, 3-HK, TRP, and L-KYN in the striatum, hippocampus, and cerebellum were not affected. Selective cortical increase in KYNA seems to represent one of the mechanisms underlying the clinical efficacy of memantine. It is tempting to hypothesize that a combination of memantine and drugs could strongly boost cortical KYNA and provide a more effective option for treating cortical pathologies at early stages. Further studies should evaluate this issue in experimental animal models and under clinical scenarios.
Evaluation of Growth in Children with Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Altaş Uğur , Ertem Deniz
Published: August 2024

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate changes in growth parameters in children diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Methods: The data of children with IBD between 2010 and 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Anthropometric measurements (height, weight, and BMI [body mass index]), and clinical and laboratory data were evaluated at diagnosis and follow-up (1st and 2nd year). Patients’ growth was assessed by calculating weight-for-age, height-for-age, BMI-for-age, and growth velocity z-scores. Results: Thirty-six patients (46.2%) had Crohn’s disease (CD), and 42 (53.8%) had ulcerative colitis (UC). Weight-for-age, height-for-age, and BMI-for-age z-scores significantly increased over the follow-up period in the CD patients (p < 0.05). Growth velocity z-scores were also significantly higher in the second year compared to the first year in the CD patients (p < 0.001). Improvements in weight-for-age, height-for-age, and BMI-for-age z-scores were not significant over the two-year follow-up in the UC patients (p > 0.05). Growth velocity z-scores in the UC patients were higher in the second year compared to the first year, but this difference was not significant (p = 0.115). Conclusions: The growth parameters showed improvement after a two-year follow-up. Regular anthropometric measurements, along with clinical and laboratory markers, should be used to monitor treatment response, which can help achieve optimal growth in children with IBD.
Assessing the Value of a Human Life in Heat-Related Mortality: Lessons from COVID-19 in Belgium
Authors: De Ridder Koen
Published: August 2024

This study evaluates the cost of heat-related mortality using economic impacts and mortality data from the COVID-19 pandemic in Belgium as a proxy. By examining the economic loss measured by gross domestic product (GDP) decline and excess mortality during the first COVID-19 wave (March–June 2020), a new estimate for avoided heat-related mortality is derived. The results show that the cost per avoided death is EUR 377,000 ± EUR 222,000, significantly lower than numerical values of the commonly used Value of a Statistical Life (VSL). However, when this cost is divided by the expected remaining (eight) life years at the age of death, the resulting monetary value for a saved life year, in a EUR 47,000 ± EUR 28,000 range, aligns well with commonly used values for the Value of a Life Year (VOLY). Thus, the present study contributes to the ongoing debate on the most appropriate methods for valuing human life in the context of heat-related mortality. By comparing our results with both VSL and VOLY, we underscore the limitations of VSL in the context of heat-related mortality and advocate for VOLY as a more accurate and contextually relevant metric. These findings may offer useful insights for policymakers in evaluating and prioritizing investments in heat-related mortality-prevention strategies.
Wear Characteristics of Textured Floating Oil Seal Surfaces: A Simulation and Experimental Study
Authors: Zhao Hailin , Li Guilin , Zhai Zhaoyang , Yang Jialin , Zhang Dongya , Zhang Yanchao
Published: August 2024

This study aimed to analyze the effects of surface texture on the wear amount of floating oil seals and how these effects are related to the texture parameters. To achieve this, a finite element model was constructed to simulate the frictional behavior of seal discs under both textured and non-textured conditions. The study focused on a specific set of texture parameters. The texture depth was held constant, while the area density and diameter of the textures were varied. Three different area densities were considered: 10%, 20%, and 30%. Similarly, three different texture diameters were included in the study: 100, 200, and 300 μm. For each combination of area density and diameter, three different texture depths were evaluated: 50, 100, and 150 μm. The results show that compared with the non-texture, the wear loss of the texture is significantly reduced, and the wear loss is reduced by 56.8%. As the texture depth increases, the corresponding increase in wear remains relatively small. In contrast, increasing the texture diameter and area density leads to a more significant increase in wear, indicating that these two parameters have a more significant effect on the wear behavior of the seal. Under the condition of dry friction, the average friction coefficient analysis shows that the texture area density is 30%, the texture diameter is 200 μm, and the minimum value is about 0.602. Under the lubrication condition, the lowest average friction coefficient is about 0.147, the texture area density is 20%, and the texture diameter is 300 μm.
Synthesis of Self-Checking Circuits for Train Route Traffic Control at Intermediate Stations with Control of Calculations Based on Weight-Based Sum Codes
Authors: Efanov Dmitry V. , Pashukov Artyom V. , Mikhailiuta Evgenii M. , Khóroshev Valery V. , Abdullaev Ruslan B. , Plotnikov Dmitry G. , Banite Aushra V. , Leksashov Alexander V. , Khomutov Dmitry N. , Baratov Dilshod Kh. , Ruziev Davron Kh.
Published: August 2024

When synthesizing systems for railway interlocking, it is recommended to use automated models to implement the logic of railway automation and remote control units. Finite-state machines (FSMs) can be implemented on any hardware component. When using relay technology, the functional safety of electrical interlocking is achieved by using uncontrolled (safety) relays with a high coefficient of asymmetry of failures in types 1 → 0 and 0 → 1. When using programmable components, the use of backup and diverse protection methods is required. This paper presents a flexible approach to synthesizing FSMs for railway automation and remote control units that offer both individual and route-based control. Unlike existing solutions, this proposal considers the pre-failure states of railway automation and remote control units during the finite-state machine synthesis stage. This enables the implementation of self-checking and self-diagnostic modules to manage automation units. By increasing the number of states for individual devices and considering the states of interconnected objects, the transition graphs can be expanded. This expansion allows for the synthesis of the transition graph of the control subsystem and other systems. The authors used a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) to implement a finite-state machine. In this case, the proposal is to encode the states of a finite-state machine using weight-based sum codes in the residue class ring based on a given modulus. The best coverage of errors occurring at the outputs of the logic converter in the structure of the FSM can be ensured by selecting the weighting coefficients and the value of the module. This paper presents an example of synthesizing an FPGA-based FSM using state encoding through modular weight-based sum codes. The operation of the synthesized device was modeled. It was found to operate according to the same algorithm as the real devices. When synthesizing self-checking and self-controlled train control devices, it is recommended to consider the solutions proposed in this paper.
Investigating the Effect of Pore Size Distribution on the Sorption Types and the Adsorption-Deformation Characteristics of Porous Continua: The Case of Adsorption on Carbonaceous Materials
Authors: Kyriakopoulos Grigorios L. , Tsimnadis Konstantinos , Sebos Ioannis , Charabi Yassine
Published: August 2024

In the chemical industry and in the manufacturing sector, the adsorption properties of porous materials have been proven to be of great interest for the removal of impurities from liquid and gas media. While it is acknowledged that significant progress and literature production have been developed in this field, there have been adsorption studies that failed to further advance our knowledge in generating a better understanding of the prevailing sorption types and dominant adsorption processes. Therefore, this review study has focused on porous materials, their sorption types and their adsorption properties, further investigating the adsorption properties of porous materials at either solid–gas and solid–liquid interfaces, underscoring both the properties of the materials, the characterization and the correlation between the porosity and the adsorption capacity, as well as the emergent interactions between the adsorbent and adsorbate molecules, including the adsorption mechanisms, the types of sorption and the kinetic and thermodynamic information conveyed.
The Unusual Functional Role of Protein Flexibility in Photosynthetic Light Harvesting: Protein Dynamics Studied Using Neutron Scattering
Authors: Golub Maksym , Pieper Jörg
Published: August 2024

In addition to investigations of the three-dimensional protein structure, information on the dynamical properties of proteins is indispensable for an understanding of protein function in general. Correlations between protein dynamics and function are typically anticipated when both molecular mobility and function are concurrently affected under specific temperatures or hydration conditions. In contrast, excitation energy transfer within the major photosynthetic light-harvesting complex II (LHC II) presents an atypical case, as it remains fully operational even at cryogenic temperatures, primarily depending on the interactions between electronic states and involving harmonic protein vibrations only. This review summarizes recent work on vibrational and conformational protein dynamics of LHC II and directly relates these findings to its light-harvesting function. In addition, we give a comprehensive introduction into the use of neutron spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the protein dynamics of photosynthetic protein complexes in solution, which is information complementary to that obtained by protein crystallography.
Influence of Ni Doping on Oxygen Vacancy-Induced Changes in Structural and Chemical Properties of CeO2 Nanorods
Authors: Zhu Yuanzheng , Wang Weixia , Chen Gejunxiang , Li Huyi , Zhang Yuedie , Liu Chang , Wang Hao , Cheng Ping , Chen Chunguang , Seong Gimyeong
Published: August 2024

In recent years, cerium dioxide (CeO2) has attracted considerable attention owing to its remarkable performance in various applications, including photocatalysis, fuel cells, and catalysis. This study explores the effect of nickel (Ni) doping on the structural, thermal, and chemical properties of CeO2 nanorods, particularly focusing on oxygen vacancy-related phenomena. Utilizing X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), alterations in crystal structure and peak shifts were observed, indicating successful Ni doping and the formation of Ni2O3 at higher doping levels, likely due to non-equilibrium reactions. Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed changes in oxygen release mechanisms, with increasing Ni doping resulting in the release of lattice oxygen at lower temperatures. Raman spectroscopy corroborated these findings by identifying characteristic peaks associated with oxygen vacancies, facilitating the assessment of Ni doping levels. Ni-doped CeO2 can catalyze the ultrasonic degradation of methylene blue, which has good application prospects for catalytic ultrasonic degradation of organic pollutants. Overall, this study underscores the substantial impact of Ni doping on CeO2 nanorods, shedding light on tailored catalytic applications through the modulation of oxygen vacancies while preserving the nanorod morphology.
Research Viewpoint on Performance Enhancement for Very-High-Cycle Fatigue of Ti-6Al-4V Alloys via Laser-Based Powder Bed Fusion
Authors: Gao Chun , Zhang Yang , Jiang Jingjiang , Fu Rui , Du Leiming , Pan Xiangnan
Published: August 2024

Additive manufacturing (AM) or 3D printing is a promising industrial technology that enables rapid prototyping of complex configurations. Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) is one of the most popular AM techniques for metallic materials. Until today, only a few metals and alloys are available for AM, e.g., titanium alloys, the most common of which is Ti-6Al-4V. After optimization of PBF parameters, with or without post processing such as heat treatment or hot isostatic pressing, the printed titanium alloy can easily reach tensile strengths of over 1100 MPa due to the quick cooling of the AM process. However, attributed to the unique features of metallurgical defects and microstructure introduced by this AM process, their fatigue strength has been low, often less than 30% of the tensile strength, especially in very-high-cycle regimes, i.e., failure life beyond 107 cycles. Here, based on our group’s research on the very-high-cycle fatigue (VHCF) of additively manufactured (AMed) Ti-6Al-4V alloys, we have refined the basic quantities of porosity, metallurgical defects, and the AMed microstructure, summarized the main factors limiting their VHCF strengths, and suggested possible ways to improve VHCF performance.
The First Crystal Structure of an Anti-Geometric Homoleptic Zinc Complex from an Unsymmetric Curcuminoid Ligand
Authors: Obregón Mendoza Marco A. , Escamilla Gabriela Marmolejo , Tavera-Hernández Rosario , Sánchez-Obregón Rubén , Toscano Rubén A. , Enríquez Raúl G.
Published: August 2024

Curcuminoids are widely studied due to their well-recognized therapeutic properties. These molecules are often derivatized with metals, producing their corresponding homoleptic metal complexes. Numerous crystal structures of homoleptic symmetric curcuminoids with physiologically essential metals are known, although the literature lacks reports of homoleptic metal complexes of unsymmetric curcuminoids (or hemi-curcuminoids) as ligands. Three unknowns must be solved when an unsymmetric curcuminoid ligand is reacted with a metal ion: (a) the degree of coordination (MLn); (b) the spatial geometry; and (c) the conformational nature (syn or anti) of the complex. Herein, we report the structure of the anti-isomer of the Zn complex of the hemi-curcuminoid 5-hydroxy-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)hexa-1,4-dien-3-one. While the NMR shows only one set of signals for this homoleptic complex, the unambiguous stereochemistry was established through single-crystal X-ray diffractometry, revealing an anti-hexacoordinated octahedral ML2 structure.
Screening, Growing, and Validation by Catalog: Using Synthetic Intermediates from Natural Product Libraries to Discover Fragments for an Aspartic Protease Through Crystallography
Authors: Huschmann Franziska U. , Mueller Janis , Metz Alexander , Ruf Moritz , Senst Johanna , Glinca Serghei , Schiebel Johannes , Heine Andreas , Klebe Gerhard
Published: August 2024

Fragment screening directly on protein crystals has been applied using AnalytiCon’s collection of intermediates that have been utilized to generate libraries of larger synthetic natural product-like molecules. The fragments with well-balanced physicochemical properties show an impressively high hit rate for a screen using the aspartic protease endothiapepsin. The subsequent validation and expansion of the discovered fragment hits benefits from AnalytiCon’s comprehensive library design. Since the screened fragments are intermediates that share a common core with larger and closely related analogs with modulated substitution patterns, they allow for the retrieval of off-the-shelf follow-up compounds, which enable the development of design strategies for fragment optimization. A promising bicyclic core scaffold found in several fragment hits could be validated by selecting a set of enlarged follow-up compounds. Due to unexpected changes in binding mode and no significant improvement in ligand efficiency, this series was quickly deemed unsuitable and therefore discontinued. The structures of follow-up compounds of two other fragments helped to evaluate a putative fusion of two overlapping fragment hits. A design concept on how to fuse the two fragments could be proposed and helps to plan a suitable substitution pattern and promising central bridging element.
Effect of Lattice Misfit on the Stability of the Misfit Layer Compound (SnS)1+xNbS2
Authors: Fang Changming
Published: August 2024

The prototype misfit layer compound (SnS)1.17NbS2 consists alternatingly of a metallic triatomic NbS2 layer, in which Nb atoms are sandwiched by S atoms, and an insulating SnS double layer featuring a NaCl-type structure. Here we investigate the effect of lattice misfit on the stability and chemical bonding in the misfit layer compound using a first-principles density functional theory approach. The calculations show that for the (SnS)1+xNbS2 approximants, the most stable one has x = 0.167, close to the experimental observations. Charge analysis finds a moderate charge transfer from SnS to NbS2. Sn or S vacancies in the SnS part affect the electronic properties and interlayer interactions. The obtained information here helps in understanding the mechanism of formation and stability of misfit layer compounds and ferecrystals and further contributes to the design of novel multilayer compounds and emerging van der Waals heterostructures.
The Nested Topological Band-Gap Structure for the Periodic Domain Walls in a Photonic Super-Lattice
Authors: Lai Zhen , Liu Yufu , Li Yunlin , Wang Xuezhi , Jiang Xunya
Published: August 2024

We study the nested topological band-gap structure of one-dimensional (1D) photonic super-lattices. One cell of the super-lattice is composed of two kinds of photonic crystals (PhCs) with different topologies so that there is a domain wall (DW) state at the interface between the two PhCs. We find that the coupling of periodic DWs could form a new band-gap structure inside the original gap. The new band-gap structure could be topologically nontrivial, and a topological phase transition can occur if the structural or material parameters of the PhCs are tuned. Theoretically, we prove that the Hamiltonian of such coupled DWs can be reduced to the simple Su–Schrieffer–Heeger (SSH) model. Then, if two super-lattices carrying different topological phases are attached, a new topological interface state can occur at the interface between the two super-lattices. Finally, we find the nested topological band-gap structure in two-dimensional (2D) photonic super-lattices. Consequently, such nested topological structures can widely exist in complex super-lattices. Our work improves the topological study of photonic super-lattices and provides a new way to realize topological interface states and topological phase transitions in 1D and 2D photonic super-lattices. Topological interface states in super-lattices are sensitive to frequency and have high accuracy, which is desired for high-performance filters and high-finesse cavities.
No Correlation between PD-L1 and NIS Expression in Lymph Node Metastatic Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Bernadett Lévay , Alexandra Kiss , Georgina Fröhlich , Erika Tóth , András Slezák , Ilona Péter , Ferenc Oberna , Orsolya Dohán
Published: August 2024

Approximately 90% of thyroid cancers are differentiated thyroid cancers (DTCs), originating from follicular epithelial cells. Out of these, 90% are papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), and 10% are follicular thyroid cancer (FTC). The standard care procedure for PTC includes surgery, followed by radioiodine (RAI) ablation and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) suppressive therapy. Globally, treating radioiodine-refractory DTC poses a challenge. During malignant transformation, thyroid epithelial cells often lose their ability to absorb radioiodine due to impaired membrane targeting or lack of NIS (sodium/iodide symporter) expression. Recent reports show an increase in PD-L1 (programmed death ligand 1) expression in thyroid cancer cells during dedifferentiation. However, no research exists wherein NIS and PD-L1 expression are analyzed together in thyroid cancer. Therefore, we aimed to investigate and correlate PD-L1 and NIS expression within primary tumor samples of lymph node metastatic PTC. We analyzed the expression of hNIS (human sodium/iodide symporter) and PD-L1 in primary tumor samples from metastatic PTC patients using immunohistochemistry. Immunohistochemistry analysis of PD-L1 and NIS was conducted in 89 and 86 PTC cases, respectively. Any subcellular NIS localization was counted as a positive result. PD-L1 expression was absent in 25 tumors, while 58 tumors displayed PD-L1 expression in 1–50% of their cells; in 6 tumors, over 50% of the cells tested positive for PD-L1. NIS immunohistochemistry was performed for 86 primary papillary carcinomas, with 51 out of 86 tumors showcasing NIS expression. Only in seven cases was NIS localized in the plasma membrane; in most tumors, NIS was primarily found in the intracytoplasmic membrane compartments. In the case of PD-L1 staining, cells showing linear membrane positivity of any intensity were counted as positive. The evaluation of NIS immunostaining was simpler: cells showing staining of any intensity of cytoplasmic or membranous fashion were counted as positive. The number of NIS positive cells can be further divided into cytoplasmic and membrane positive compartments. There was no observed correlation between PD-L1 and NIS expression. We can speculate that the manipulation of the PD-1/PD-L1 axis using anti-PD-L1 or anti-PD-1 antibodies could reinstate the functional expression of NIS. However, based on our study, the only conclusion that can be drawn is that there is no correlation between the percentage of NIS- or PD-L1-expressing tumor cells in the primary tumor of lymph node metastatic PTC.
Feature Identification Using Interpretability Machine Learning Predicting Risk Factors for Disease Severity of In-Patients with COVID-19 in South Florida
Authors: Datta Debarshi , Ray Subhosit , Martinez Laurie , Newman David , Dalmida Safiya George , Hashemi Javad , Sareli Candice , Eckardt Paula
Published: August 2024

Objective: The objective of the study was to establish an AI-driven decision support system by identifying the most important features in the severity of disease for Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with Mechanical Ventilation (MV) requirement, ICU, and InterMediate Care Unit (IMCU) admission for hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in South Florida. The features implicated in the risk factors identified by the model interpretability can be used to forecast treatment plans faster before critical conditions exacerbate. Methods: We analyzed eHR data from 5371 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 from South Florida Memorial Healthcare Systems admitted between March 2020 and January 2021 to predict the need for ICU with MV, ICU, and IMCU admission. A Random Forest classifier was trained on patients’ data augmented by SMOTE, collected at hospital admission. We then compared the importance of features utilizing different model interpretability analyses, such as SHAP, MDI, and Permutation Importance. Results: The models for ICU with MV, ICU, and IMCU admission identified the following factors overlapping as the most important predictors among the three outcomes: age, race, sex, BMI, diarrhea, diabetes, hypertension, early stages of kidney disease, and pneumonia. It was observed that individuals over 65 years (‘older adults’), males, current smokers, and BMI classified as ‘overweight’ and ‘obese’ were at greater risk of severity of illness. The severity was intensified by the co-occurrence of two interacting features (e.g., diarrhea and diabetes). Conclusions: The top features identified by the models’ interpretability were from the ‘sociodemographic characteristics’, ‘pre-hospital comorbidities’, and ‘medications’ categories. However, ‘pre-hospital comorbidities’ played a vital role in different critical conditions. In addition to individual feature importance, the feature interactions also provide crucial information for predicting the most likely outcome of patients’ conditions when urgent treatment plans are needed during the surge of patients during the pandemic.
Enhancing Breast Cancer Detection through Advanced AI-Driven Ultrasound Technology: A Comprehensive Evaluation of Vis-BUS
Authors: Kwon Hyuksool , Oh Seok Hwan , Kim Myeong-Gee , Kim Youngmin , Jung Guil , Lee Hyeon-Jik , Kim Sang-Yun , Bae Hyeon-Min
Published: August 2024

This study aims to enhance breast cancer detection accuracy through an AI-driven ultrasound tool, Vis-BUS, developed by Barreleye Inc., Seoul, South Korea. Vis-BUS incorporates Lesion Detection AI (LD-AI) and Lesion Analysis AI (LA-AI), along with a Cancer Probability Score (CPS), to differentiate between benign and malignant breast lesions. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 258 breast ultrasound examinations to evaluate Vis-BUS’s performance. The primary methods included the application of LD-AI and LA-AI to b-mode ultrasound images and the generation of CPS for each lesion. Diagnostic accuracy was assessed using metrics such as the Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve (AUROC) and the Area Under the Precision-Recall curve (AUPRC). The study found that Vis-BUS achieved high diagnostic accuracy, with an AUROC of 0.964 and an AUPRC of 0.967, indicating its effectiveness in distinguishing between benign and malignant lesions. Logistic regression analysis identified that ‘Fatty’ lesion density had an extremely high odds ratio (OR) of 27.7781, suggesting potential convergence issues. The ‘Unknown’ density category had an OR of 0.3185, indicating a lower likelihood of correct classification. Medium and large lesion sizes were associated with lower likelihoods of correct classification, with ORs of 0.7891 and 0.8014, respectively. The presence of microcalcifications showed an OR of 1.360. Among Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System categories, category C5 had a significantly higher OR of 10.173, reflecting a higher likelihood of correct classification. Vis-BUS significantly improves diagnostic precision and supports clinical decision-making in breast cancer screening. However, further refinement is needed in areas like lesion density characterization and calcification detection to optimize its performance.
Current Gallstone Treatment Methods, State of the Art
Authors: Li Xiangtian , Ouyang Jun , Dai Jingxing
Published: August 2024

This study aims to provide valuable references for clinicians in selecting appropriate surgical methods for biliary tract stones based on patient conditions. In this paper, the advantages and disadvantages of various minimally invasive cholelithiasis surgical techniques are systematically summarized and innovative surgical approaches and intelligent stone removal technologies are introduced. The goal is to evaluate and predict future research priorities and development trends in the field of gallstone surgery. In recent years, the incidence of gallstone-related diseases, including cholecystolithiasis and choledocholithiasis, has significantly increased. This surge in cases has prompted the development of several innovative methods for gallstone extraction, with minimally invasive procedures gaining the most popularity. Among these techniques, PTCS, ERCP, and LCBDE have garnered considerable attention, leading to new surgical techniques; however, it must be acknowledged that each surgical method has its unique indications and potential complications. The primary challenge for clinicians is selecting a surgical approach that minimizes patient trauma while reducing the incidence of complications such as pancreatitis and gallbladder cancer and preventing the recurrence of gallstones. The integration of artificial intelligence with stone extraction surgeries offers new opportunities to address this issue. Regarding the need for preoperative preparation for PTCS surgery, we recommend a combined approach of PTBD and PTOBF. For ERCP-based stone extraction, we recommend a small incision of the Oddi sphincter followed by 30 s of balloon dilation as the optimal procedure. If conditions permit, a biliary stent can be placed post-extraction. For the surgical approach of LCBDE, we recommend the transduodenal (TD) approach. Artificial intelligence is involved throughout the entire process of gallstone detection, treatment, and prognosis, and more AI-integrated medical technologies are expected to be applied in the future.
Fundamental Movement Skills in Hong Kong Kindergartens: A Grade-Level Analysis
Authors: Fan Thomas , Bautista Alfredo , Chan Derwin K. C.
Published: August 2024

Fundamental movement skills (FMSs) are essential building blocks for children’s physical development and future participation in physical activities. While early childhood curriculum frameworks recognize the importance of teaching FMSs, little research has been conducted to explore actual teaching practices in center-based programs and their variations across different grade levels. The goals of this study were to investigate (1) the frequency of a variety of FMSs in the physical activities conducted by Hong Kong kindergarten teachers, (2) the association among these FMSs based on the frequency of use in the classroom, and (3) potential differences in FMSs across the three grade levels of kindergarten education in Hong Kong. The participants were 526 kindergarten teachers. Descriptive statistics, principal component analysis, and parametric statistical techniques (e.g., one-way ANOVA) were employed to analyze their responses to a survey, in which we asked teachers to report the frequency with which FMSs are involved in their classroom physical activities. Overall, we found that the participants practiced an imbalanced set of FMSs in classrooms. K3 teachers were found to incorporate a wider variety of FMSs into their physical activities compared to K1 and K2 teachers. Through principal component analysis, seven components of activities were identified. K3 teachers were found to implement more activities involving springing, object manipulation, uneven locomotor movements, and agility and coordination. We concluded that there is a need to provide structured opportunities for teachers to better facilitate children’s FMS acquisition. Offering more explicit guidelines and further professional development for teachers is crucial to enhancing this situation.
Environmental Literacy in Initial Teacher Training: Pre-Service Teachers’ Perceptions of the Socio-Environmental Impact of Food
Authors: Rodríguez Pérez Lucía , Azcárate Goded María del Pilar , García-González Esther
Published: August 2024

This qualitative descriptive-interpretive study aims to understand and describe the perceptions of a group of pre-service teachers of the degree of environmental literacy in primary education at the University of Seville. They participated in a training proposal focused on the current eco-social crisis related to the socio-environmental impact of food in which the different dimensions constituting environmental literacy were analysed. Those dimensions are knowledge, attitudes and emotions, behaviour, and the didactic knowledge associated with socio-environmental issues. The students’ diaries were used as a data-collecting tool in this study. The results reveal a heterogeneous distribution in the students’ understanding and internalisation of concepts related to the dimensions of environmental literacy. In terms of knowledge, most students show a deep and holistic understanding. Diversity is observed in their attitudes and emotions towards socio-environmental issues, and tentative attitudes towards change prevail. Finally, their intentions and proposals for solutions mainly reflect simplistic perceptions. This emphasises the importance of encouraging active participation and collaboration in the search for socio-environmental solutions. In general, the results stress the need to continue improving the preparation of future teachers with regard to environmental education. A deeper understanding and a committed attitude towards sustainability and the preservation of the social and natural environment should be encouraged in initial teacher training.
Diagnostic and Feedback Behavior of German Pre-Service Teachers Regarding Argumentative Pupils’ Texts in Geography Education
Authors: Steingrübl Saskia , Budke Alexandra
Published: August 2024

The study sheds light on the importance of diagnostic and feedback skills regarding argumentative pupils’ texts for (prospective) teachers and the current state of research in this area. The importance of argumentation in geography education is undisputed, as geographical problems often require multi-layered solutions that can be analyzed, assessed and reflected upon by teachers and pupils through argumentation skills. Nevertheless, research findings reveal that both teachers and pupils often have limited argumentation skills, which poses a challenge for both. The present study investigates the attitudes and practices of prospective geography teachers regarding the diagnosis of and feedback on pupils’ argumentative texts. Using a qualitative research design, twenty German pre-service teachers of geography were interviewed about their diagnostic and feedback experiences and asked to analyze and provide feedback on an argumentative pupil text. The results were evaluated using qualitative content analysis. In addition, a theoretical model for diagnosis was developed, which was used to analyze the pre-service teachers’ diagnostic behavior. The criteria used by the pre-service teachers to evaluate the argumentative pupils’ text were examined. The results show that the diagnosis often lacks the exploration of causes and the deduction of consequences, and that only a few subject-specific criteria were taken into account in the text assessment. In addition, the feedback was generally more positive than the diagnosis itself. The results offer insights into the design of diagnostic and feedback processes in geography education and provide impulses for (higher) education teaching and future research.
How Scientific Is Cognitive Load Theory Research Compared to the Rest of Educational Psychology?
Authors: Martella Amedee Marchand , Lawson Alyssa P. , Robinson Daniel H.
Published: August 2024

Cognitive load theory (CLT) has driven numerous empirical studies for over 30 years and is a major theme in many of the most cited articles published between 1988 and 2023. However, CLT articles have not been compared to other educational psychology research in terms of the research designs used and the extent to which recommendations for practice are justified. As Brady and colleagues found, a large percentage of the educational psychology articles reviewed were not experimental and yet frequently made specific recommendations from observational/correlational data. Therefore, in this review, CLT articles were examined with regard to the types of research methodology employed and whether recommendations for practice were justified. Across several educational psychology journals in 2020 and 2023, 16 articles were determined to directly test CLT. In contrast to other articles, which employed mostly observational methods, all but two of the CLT articles employed experimental or intervention designs. For the two CLT articles that were observational, recommendations for practice were not made. Reasons for the importance of experimental work are discussed.
A Qualitative Exploration into How Teachers Understand and Practice Forgiveness
Authors: DenHartog Corinne
Published: August 2024

Forgiveness, though hard for many to simply define in concrete terms, is not necessarily a foreign concept or practice for the average individual. In an attempt to further understanding of forgiveness, the present study gathered the thoughts, opinions, and experiences of a specific community of individuals, public school teachers. Using a series of six focus group interviews, analysis of data produced insights and conclusions related to how teachers understand forgiveness in theory and practice, how they practice forgiveness within their jobs, and their thoughts on forgiveness or virtue education within schools. Thematic analysis is presented with quotational support and a discussion of application to both forgiveness theory and future forgiveness education pursuits is offered in summation. Due to the many mental, emotional, and physical health benefits associated with forgiveness, the value of exploring forgiveness and forgiveness education is readily evident. This study provides a glimpse into the experiences of a community of individuals who practice forgiveness regularly within the context of their jobs as public school educators.
Exploring Forgiveness through Theologically Informed Education: Lessons from Judaism
Authors: Ben Yair Yitzhak , Ohayon Sarel , Ronel Natti , Freedman Suzanne
Published: August 2024

Education serves as the primary line of defense against crime and other psychological difficulties. Children exposed to adversity and emotional challenges may be susceptible to various risks, potentially leading to criminal activities. Forgiveness has been demonstrated as a healing influence in the lives of individuals who have experienced hurt and accumulated negative emotions due to life events. Understanding forgiveness from a young age, in both theory and practice, may facilitate improved relationships and psychological well-being. This article underscores the significance of forgiveness education, advocating for a culturally and theologically sensitive approach. In this article we will offer an example of integrating forgiveness education principles with insights from Judaic sources. The aim is to generate insights regarding theologically sensitive forgiveness in general by focusing on Judaism. As we demonstrate, the implications of this approach extend beyond the Jewish context, and our conclusions and recommendations are applicable to diverse cultures and religions worldwide.
The Role of Family and Friends to Broaden and Diversify Participation in Educational Research
Authors: Carmona Guadalupe , Rivera Jessica , Montero-Moguel Luis
Published: August 2024

This study examined critical factors in a mentoring system within a federally-funded Pathways to the Education Sciences Research Training Program to prepare undergraduates at a Hispanic-serving institution (HSI) for graduate studies in educational research. Our conceptual framework integrates an inclusive model of family engagement consistent with the literature recommendations for diverse families of college students. We considered the following question: what is the role of family and friends within an orchestrated network of mentors who provide support to undergraduate fellows from minoritized groups in their pathways toward graduate studies in educational sciences? We analyzed quantitative and qualitative responses from an end-of-program survey administered to one cohort of this program. Within their mentoring network, fellows reported that family and friends provided important support in socio-emotional, cognitive, and identity development, but not as strong as that provided by distributed faculty and academic mentors. This study furthers our understanding of the role of family and friends within an orchestrated network of mentors within our Pathways Training Program. However, we still need to extend our knowledge of how research training programs at HSIs can be more intentional in emphasizing the important contributions family and friends provide to promote the success of diverse students in their pathways toward graduate studies.
Where Are We Now with the Implementation of the Talent Development Framework for Gifted Students and Where Do We Go in the Future?
Authors: Olszewski-Kubilius Paula
Published: August 2024

Talent development as a framework for services for advanced learners has gained traction within schools, but there are challenges that remain. In this paper, we address some of these, including identification systems that are consistent with a domain focus and geared towards the stage of talent development; exceptional abilities that are often ignored by schools but could be identified and cultivated; programming that is continuous, articulated with the school curriculum, with defined outcomes for growth and performance; better understanding and use of data for identification and monitoring of progress; and policies that support acceleration and advanced learning options. The major challenge for schools is the potential to bifurcate services into talent development for underserved learners versus gifted services for high achieving students, rather than providing multiple pathways for learners with different needs that lead to high achievement for all.
Application of Student-Centered Learning in Improving Teaching English as a Foreign Language Students’ 21st-Century Skills Performance
Authors: Hadiyanto Hadiyanto
Published: August 2024

A student-centered learning (SCL) method has been applied to improve Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) students’ 21st-century skills at the English department of a university. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of SCL application on TEFL students’ 21st-century skills performance. To achieve this objective, a total of 220 questionnaires were distributed to TEFL students, and ten course designs were obtained from the department. Content analysis on course designs showed that hard skills were more prioritized than soft skills, while character slightly ebbed in learning design. Furthermore, SCL application through Group, Independent, and Online learning methods significantly increased TEFL students’ 21st-century skills. Hard and soft skills were most and slightly associated with cumulative grade point average (CGPA), respectively. These results showed that SCL should be properly applied to deliver course content and improve 21st-century skills performance.