bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Randomised Controlled Trial for the Evaluation of the Efficacy of the IDA’s “Living Well” Online Counselling Tool in First-Time Adult Users with Hearing Loss
Authors: Vassou Evgenia , Iliadou Eleftheria , Markatos Nikolaos , Kikidis Dimitrios , Bibas Athanasios
Published: September 2024

Effective management of hearing loss through the use of modern hearing aids significantly improves communication and the quality of life for individuals experiencing auditory impairment. Complementary counselling of patients with hearing loss who will be fitted with hearing aids for the first time should be evidence-based and adapted to their individual needs. To date, several counselling protocols and tools have been developed. The aim of this randomised controlled trial study was to investigate the efficacy of the application of the IDA’s “Living Well” counselling tool in first-time hearing aid users in terms of the degree of their hearing related handicap (using the Hearing Handicap Inventory (HHI)), their communication coping strategies (using the Communication Profile for the Hearing Impaired (CPHI)) and their overall satisfaction of the hearing aids (using a Likert scale). Both groups (the IDA and the control group) were fitted with hearing aids and received counselling for their hearing aids by the same audiologist. The IDA group attended an additional counselling session about communication coping strategies with the use of the “Living Well” tool. Both groups’ participants were seen for their hearing aid fittings 4–6 weeks, 3 and 6 months after their fitting when the HHI and the CPHI were measured. Although there was not a statistically significant difference between the two groups for the primary and secondary outcomes, the IDA group did show a more consistent improvement of their HHI score and less frequent use of maladaptive strategies. The “Living Well” counselling tool proved to be a favourably received and helpful counselling tool in first-time hearing aid users.
Segment Anything in Optical Coherence Tomography: SAM 2 for Volumetric Segmentation of Retinal Biomarkers
Authors: Kulyabin Mikhail , Zhdanov Aleksei , Pershin Andrey , Sokolov Gleb , Nikiforova Anastasia , Ronkin Mikhail , Borisov Vasilii , Maier Andreas
Published: September 2024

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive imaging technique widely used in ophthalmology for visualizing retinal layers, aiding in the early detection and monitoring of retinal diseases. OCT is useful for detecting diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME), which affect millions of people globally. Over the past decade, the area of application of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly deep learning (DL), has significantly increased. The number of medical applications is also rising, with solutions from other domains being increasingly applied to OCT. The segmentation of biomarkers is an essential problem that can enhance the quality of retinal disease diagnostics. For 3D OCT scans, AI is beneficial since manual segmentation is very labor-intensive. In this paper, we employ the new SAM 2 and MedSAM 2 for the segmentation of OCT volumes for two open-source datasets, comparing their performance with the traditional U-Net. The model achieved an overall Dice score of 0.913 and 0.902 for macular holes (MH) and intraretinal cysts (IRC) on OIMHS and 0.888 and 0.909 for intraretinal fluid (IRF) and pigment epithelial detachment (PED) on the AROI dataset, respectively.
Machine Learning-Driven Prediction of Brain Age for Alzheimer’s Risk: APOE4 Genotype and Gender Effects
Authors: Woods Carter , Xing Xin , Khanal Subash , Lin Ai-Ling
Published: September 2024

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a leading cause of dementia, and it is significantly influenced by the apolipoprotein E4 (APOE4) gene and gender. This study aimed to use machine learning (ML) algorithms to predict brain age and assess AD risk by considering the effects of the APOE4 genotype and gender. Methods: We collected brain volumetric MRI data and medical records from 1100 cognitively unimpaired individuals and 602 patients with AD. We applied three ML regression models—XGBoost, random forest (RF), and linear regression (LR)—to predict brain age. Additionally, we introduced two novel metrics, brain age difference (BAD) and integrated difference (ID), to evaluate the models’ performances and analyze the influences of the APOE4 genotype and gender on brain aging. Results: Patients with AD displayed significantly older brain ages compared to their chronological ages, with BADs ranging from 6.5 to 10 years. The RF model outperformed both XGBoost and LR in terms of accuracy, delivering higher ID values and more precise predictions. Comparing the APOE4 carriers with noncarriers, the models showed enhanced ID values and consistent brain age predictions, improving the overall performance. Gender-specific analyses indicated slight enhancements, with the models performing equally well for both genders. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that robust ML models for brain age prediction can play a crucial role in the early detection of AD risk through MRI brain structural imaging. The significant impact of the APOE4 genotype on brain aging and AD risk is also emphasized. These findings highlight the potential of ML models in assessing AD risk and suggest that utilizing AI for AD identification could enable earlier preventative interventions.
Comparison of Multiple Carbapenemase Tests Based on an Unbiased Colony-Selection Method
Authors: Wang Hsin-Yao , Tseng Yi-Ju , Lin Wan-Ying , Wang Yu-Chiang , Lin Ting-Wei , Hsu Jen-Fu , Wu Marie Yung-Chen , Wu Chiu-Hsiang , Kalpana Sriram , Lu Jang-Jih
Published: September 2024

Carbapenemase-producing organisms (CPOs) present a major threat to public health, demanding precise diagnostic techniques for their detection. Discrepancies among the CPO tests have raised concerns, partly due to limitations in detecting bacterial diversity within host specimens. We explored the impact of an unbiased colony selection on carbapenemase testing and assessed its relevance to various tests. Using the FirstAll method for unbiased colony selection to reduce bias, we compared the results from different methods, namely the modified carbapenem inactivation method/EDTA-modified carbapenem inactivation method (mCIM/eCIM), the Carba5, the CPO panel, and the multiplex PCR (MPCR). We compared the FirstAll method to the conventional colony selection for MPCR with seven CPO species. In addition, we evaluated the test performance on seven CPO species using MPCR as a reference and the FirstAll method as the colony-selection method. The results revealed that the selections from the FirstAll method have improved rates of carbapenemase detection, in comparison to approximately 11.2% of the CPO isolates that were noted to be false negatives in the conventional colony-selection methods. Both the Carba5 test and the CPO panel showed suboptimal performance (sensitivity/specificity: Carba5 74.6%/89.5%, CPO panel 77.2%/74.4%) in comparison to the FirstAll method. The Carba5 test provided specific carbapenemase class assignments, but the CPO panel failed in 18.7% of the cases. The Carba5 test and the CPO panel results correlated well with ceftazidime–avibactam minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs). The concordance for Class A/D with MICs was 94.7% for Carba5 and 92.7% for the CPO panel; whereas for Class B, it was 86.5% for Carba5 and 75.9% for the CPO panel. In conclusion, FirstAll, as the unbiased colony-selection method, was shown to impact carbapenemase testing. With FirstAll, the diagnostic performance of both the Carba5 and the CPO panel was found to be lower. Furthermore, the utilization of ceftazidime–avibactam guided by either the CPO panel or Carba5 was appropriate.
How Sports Involvement and Brand Fit Influence the Effectiveness of Sports Sponsorship from the Perspective of Predictive Coding Theory: An Event-Related Potential (ERP)-Based Study
Authors: Shi Haonan , Zhang Li , Zhang Hongfei , Ding Jianlan , Wang Zilong
Published: September 2024

Background/Objectives: With the rapid expansion of the global sports market, the significance of sports sponsorship has attracted growing attention. However, during the golden age of the sports industry’s development in China, international sports brand giants such as Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour have rapidly captured a substantial share of the Chinese sports consumer market through their distinctive product designs and varied marketing strategies. This has resulted in a highly competitive environment for China’s sports goods industry. Therefore, fostering the improved development of domestic sports brands has become a crucial issue deserving of thorough scholarly investigation. This study examines how consumers’ differing levels of sports involvement and the degree of fit between the sponsoring brand and the sponsored event affect their cognitive and emotional responses to sports sponsorships. Methods: By employing Predictive Coding Theory and ERP (event-related potential) brainwave technology, this study delves into the psychological and neurobiological levels to analyze the impact of consumer sports involvement on the processing of sponsorship information. Results: The results indicate significant differences in cognitive and emotional responses between high-involvement and low-involvement consumers. Additionally, the fit between the sponsoring brand and the sponsored event also significantly affects consumers’ cognitive and emotional responses. These differences stem from consumers’ complex and sophisticated predictive coding models. Conclusions: This study not only provides scientific evidence for sports brands in selecting and executing sponsorship activities, but also offers new perspectives for evaluating and optimizing sponsorship effectiveness.
Exploring Constraints and Sport Experiences: A Case Study of Adult Workers in Singapore
Authors: Cho Heetae , Abbasi Ghazanfar Ali , Kang Hyoung-Kil , Lee Ye Hoon
Published: September 2024

Although rapid economic growth can produce various positive outcomes, the fast-paced society that inevitably accompanies it often results in longer working hours and higher stress levels, leading to reduced participation in sport activities among employees. To better understand this phenomenon, we aimed to explore the constraints and experiences of adult workers. We collected data from adult workers in Singapore who desired to participate in sport activities but were unable to do so due to various constraints. A total of 10 individuals were purposefully selected for interviews. This study identified four key themes: (a) factors causing the reduction of sport participation opportunities, (b) changes in sport activities and satisfaction, (c) nostalgic feelings associated with sport activities, and (d) the role of nostalgia in enhancing sport involvement. The findings of this study suggest the possibility of adapting the conceptual model of nostalgia to sport activities, as well as identifying four factors that hinder employees from engaging in sport activities.
Beyond the Whole: Reduced Empathy for Masked Emotional Faces Is Not Driven by Disrupted Configural Face Processing
Authors: McCrackin Sarah D. , Ristic Jelena
Published: September 2024

Sharing of emotional states is reduced for individuals wearing face coverings, but the mechanism behind this reduction remains unknown. Here, we investigated if face occlusion by masks reduces empathy by disrupting configural processing of emotional faces. Participants rated their empathy for happy and neutral faces which were presented in upright or inverted orientation and wore opaque, clear, or no face masks. Empathy ratings were reduced for masked faces (opaque or clear) as well as for inverted faces. Importantly, face inversion disrupted empathy more for faces wearing opaque masks relative to those wearing clear or no masks, which stands in contrast to the predictions generated by the classic configural processing models. We discuss these data within the context of classic and novel configural face perception models, and highlight that studying inverted occluded faces presents an informative case worthy of further investigation.
Experiment on Magnetic Compaction to Reduce Bugholes in Free-Form Concrete Panels
Authors: Youn Jongyoung , Jeong Kyeongtae , Ryu Kyeongrok , Kim Gwanghee , Lee Donghoon
Published: September 2024

Free-form concrete panel (FCP) molds require precise manufacturing because each mold demands a unique shape. Therefore, automation technology for producing these molds is being developed. However, when concrete is cast in a free-form mold and subjected to the impact of compaction to distribute it, deformation occurs in the precisely designed form. Consequently, free-form molds are often produced manually, which results in bugholes on the surface of FCPs. These bugholes lead to quality issues in the panels, including deterioration in aesthetics and strength. This study aims to develop a magnetic compaction technology that installs an object which rotates due to magnetic force inside a free-form mold and applies magnetic force from the bottom to perform compaction according to the free form. By comparing a control group using the existing manual FCP production method and an experimental group using magnetic compaction, strength was measured and bughole incidence was verified. As a result, although the experimental group was subjected to rotary motion, no material separation or deterioration in strength occurred. Furthermore, a similar standard deviation of 62.23 mm2 and a mean difference of 187.42 mm2 were observed between the control group and the experimental group. The results of the t-test showed that at a 95% confidence level, the t-value was −16.35 and the p-value was 0.00. This confirms that the incidence of bugholes was reduced in the experimental group where magnetic compaction was applied. This research may contribute to reducing the occurrence of bugholes in existing free-form concrete panels and securing both aesthetics and strength.
Research on Safety Risk Evaluation System for Seepage in Ship Lock Foundation Pit Engineering
Authors: Huang Jianhong , Xie Jian , Ren Honglei
Published: September 2024

Ship lock project currently demonstrates a distinct cyclical pattern, accumulating latent hazards that pose a significant threat to project safety. Seepage safety (the condition in which the seepage risk is reduced to an acceptable level) serves as a crucial indicator in the safety risk assessment index system for ship lock project construction, thus necessitating an in-depth analysis of the risk factors impacting seepage safety. Utilizing a ship lock project in China as a case study, this study employs the finite element method (FEM) to analyze the seepage field of the ship lock foundation pit basin and proposes a comprehensive set of methods for risk evaluation and warning models pertaining to seepage safety risks in ship lock engineering. This study reveals that the obstruction of dewatering wells and imperfections in the diaphragm wall are the primary factors contributing to seepage damage. The investigation conducted a quantitative analysis of the impact of these two factors on the seepage field of the ship lock pit, considering pore pressure, water head, gradient, and flow velocity. A comprehensive set of evaluation indicators for seepage safety was formulated, drawing on the principles of multi-objective optimization, and a method for delineating the safe range of ship lock pit excavation under seepage action was proposed. Subsequently, an integrated seepage safety risk assessment system for ship lock pit excavation engineering was established. These research findings offer a scientific foundation for the management of seepage safety in ship lock pit excavation engineering and provide valuable references and guidance for the development of anti-seepage systems.
The Influence of FA Content on the Mechanical and Hydration Properties of Alkali-Activated Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag Cement
Authors: Liu Yunpeng , Fu Zhenbo , Yang Xihao , Zhao Yimeng , Li Binghan , Xu Da , Yu Shige , Yao Zhiyu , Sun Zhibin , Zhen Zhilu , Ouyang Xinfeng , Zong Yangyang , Tian Wendi , Yu Hai , Zhao Shuli , Wei Yen , Niu Kangmin
Published: September 2024

This study primarily investigates the effect of fly ash (FA) content on the mechanical properties and hydration performance of alkali-activated ground granulated blast furnace slag cement (AAGC) and compares the related properties with ordinary Portland cement (OPC). Additionally, we examined the hydration products; performed thermal analysis, MIP, and SEM; and determined chemically bound water and pH values of AAGC. The compressive strength of AAGC showed a retrogression phenomenon from 3 to 28 days, with the 14-day and 28-day compressive strengths of AAGC being higher than those of OPC. The AAGC with 20% FA content exhibited the highest 28-day compressive strength (75 MPa). The hydration heat release rate curve of OPC and AAGC was divided into the initial induction period, induction period, acceleration period, deceleration period, and steady period. As FA content increased, the 28-day pore volume of AAGC increased, while pH values and chemically bound water decreased. SEM images of AAGC with low FA content showed more microcracks.
Coupled Impact of Points of Interest and Thermal Environment on Outdoor Human Behavior Using Visual Intelligence
Authors: Wang Shiliang , Zhang Qun , Gao Peng , Wang Chenglin , An Jiang , Wang Lan
Published: September 2024

Although it is well established that thermal environments significantly influence travel behavior, the synergistic effects of points of interest (POI) and thermal environments on behavior remain unclear. This study developed a vision-based outdoor evaluation model aimed at uncovering the driving factors behind human behavior in outdoor spaces. First, Yolo v5 and questionnaires were employed to obtain crowd activity intensity and preference levels. Subsequently, target detection and clustering algorithms were used to derive variables such as POI attractiveness and POI distance, while a validated environmental simulator was utilized to simulate outdoor thermal comfort distributions across different times. Finally, multiple classification models were compared to establish the mapping relationships between POI, thermal environment variables, and crowd preferences, with SHAP analysis used to examine the contribution of each variable. The results indicate that XGBoost achieved the best predictive performance (accuracy = 0.95), with shadow proportion (|SHAP| = 0.24) and POI distance (|SHAP| = 0.12) identified as the most significant factors influencing crowd preferences. By extrapolation, this classification model can provide valuable insights for optimizing community environments and enhancing vitality in areas with similar climatic and cultural contexts.
Comparative Analysis of the Impact of Vertical Irregularities on Reinforced Concrete Moment-Resisting Frame Structures According to Eurocode 8
Authors: Santos Davi , Melo José , Varum Humberto
Published: September 2024

Eurocode 8 is undergoing a revision process encompassing novel ductility classes, damage limitation limits, local ductility conditions corresponding to detailing prescriptions and structural irregularity criteria. In this paper, we specifically assessed the influence of an irregularity in elevation, imposed by different elevations, on the first and third storeys of buildings, and variations in the cross-sections of columns during the seismic response of reinforced concrete (RC) structures. To assess this impact, an extensive examination was conducted on thirteen five-storey moment-resisting frame (MRF) buildings. The design of those structures was carried out on the Robot Structural Analysis Professional framework following the current generation of Eurocodes 2 and 8, and the seismic response analysis was carried out using the SeismoStruct v2024 software. The results were compared to evaluate the influence of imposed irregularities in elevation due to the increasing height, column cross-section, mass, and resistance variation. The study’s outcomes revealed that, for DCM structures, the imposed irregularities in elevation have different impacts on the seismic response. Increasing the heights of ground or middle floor have substantial deleterious effects on the building’s seismic response. The planned geometry and variations in the cross-sections of columns substantially impact inter-storey drift and base shear. The effects of mass and resistance irregularities were neglected in this study. As such, more studies on those matters are necessary to allow our results to be further generalised.
Study on Discrete Fracture Network Model and Rock Mass Quality Evaluation of Tunnel Surrounding Rock
Authors: Sun Shunxian , Tian Haiguang , Zhang Zhanjun , Diao Zhaoke , Deng Longhua , Yang Xuxu , Guo Junwei
Published: September 2024

In order to fully explore the development degree and distribution law of the structural plane of a tunnel surrounding rock in three-dimensional space, this paper studies the geometric characteristic parameters of a structural plane in the study area through field investigation, data acquisition and statistical analysis. The structural plane is divided into three dominant groups by using DIPS. v5. 103 software. The probability distribution model of occurrence, trace length, diameter and spacing of the structural plane is established. This paper focuses on the error correction of structural plane occurrence and the estimation of average trace length based on the rectangular window method. The discrete fracture network model is generated by using MATLAB R2021b software, and the discrete fracture network model is verified from three aspects: structural plane occurrence, average trace length and area density. The verification results are compared with the measured data, and the simulation results are in line with the actual situation on site. Based on the discrete fracture network model, the volume joint number of rock mass is calculated. Based on the JSR index, BQ classification method and RQD classification, the development degree of fractures and surrounding rock classification in this area are evaluated. A method of surrounding rock classification based on three evaluation indexes is discussed to comprehensively and accurately classify the quality of rock mass in this area.
An Analysis of Pedestrian Preferences for Wayfinding Signage in Urban Settings: Evidence from Nanning, China
Authors: Zhou Jialu , Ujang Norsidah
Published: September 2024

As global urbanization accelerates, the integration, readability, and connectivity of urban spaces are becoming focal points of international concern, particularly in rapidly developing regions like Asia. The inadequacies of urban wayfinding systems directly affect pedestrians’ wayfinding experiences within city spaces. Pedestrian wayfinding signage, as a critical element supporting pedestrian navigation and urban readability, is often neglected in vehicle-centric urban planning. This study explores the visual preferences of pedestrians regarding wayfinding signage and how these perceptions can be incorporated into the design process. A photo-based survey consisting of 385 pedestrians in Nanning, China, reveals that while many wayfinding signs provide cognitive information, they score lower in visual preference due to poor sensory perception and difficulty in conveying meaning. This study also highlights that the material, color, graphics, and text on signage are key physical attributes influencing the visual preferences of pedestrians. Demographic factors such as age, gender, and professional background also impact these preferences. These findings underscore a broader urban design issue: wayfinding signs must not only clearly communicate navigational information but also enhance the aesthetic and cultural expressions of urban spaces. Current signage systems often neglect these aesthetic and cultural needs, potentially leading to visual fatigue or cultural disconnection, thereby affecting navigation efficiency and urban experience. The results provide empirical foundations for optimizing wayfinding signage designs in urban areas, aiding urban planners and designers in integrating pedestrian preferences to create clearer, more attractive navigation systems, thus improving walking experiences and significantly enhancing the daily lives of city residents.
MRD in Acute Leukemias: Lessons Learned from Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia
Authors: Kegyes David , Thiagarajan Praveena S. , Ghiaur Gabriel
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Advances in molecular biology, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and next-generation sequencing (NGS) have transformed the concept of minimal residual disease (MRD) from a philosophical idea into a measurable reality. Current Treatment Paradigms and Lessons Learned from APL: Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) leads the way in this transformation, initially using PCR to detect MRD in patients in remission, and more recently, aiming to eliminate it entirely with modern treatment strategies. Along the way, we have gained valuable insights that, when applied to other forms of acute leukemia, hold the potential to significantly improve the outcomes of these challenging diseases. Does the BM Microenvironment Play a Role in MRD?: In this review, we explore the current use of MRD in the management of acute leukemia and delve into the biological processes that contribute to MRD persistence, including its overlap with leukemia stem cells and the role of the bone marrow microenvironment.
Vitamin D in Cancer Prevention and Treatment: A Review of Epidemiological, Preclinical, and Cellular Studies
Authors: Dallavalasa Siva , Tulimilli SubbaRao V. , Bettada Vidya G. , Karnik Medha , Uthaiah Chinnappa A. , Anantharaju Preethi G. , Nataraj Suma M. , Ramashetty Rajalakshmi , Sukocheva Olga A. , Tse Edmund , Salimath Paramahans V. , Madhunapantula SubbaRao V.
Published: September 2024

Background: Inhibition of human carcinomas has previously been linked to vitamin D due to its effects on cancer cell proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, and apoptosis induction. The anticancer activity of vitamin D has been confirmed by several studies, which have shown that increased cancer incidence is associated with decreased vitamin D and that dietary supplementation of vitamin D slows down the growth of xenografted tumors in mice. Vitamin D inhibits the growth of cancer cells by the induction of apoptosis as well as by arresting the cells at the G0/G1 (or) G2/M phase of the cell cycle. Aim and Key Scientific Concepts of the Review: The purpose of this article is to thoroughly review the existing information and discuss and debate to conclude whether vitamin D could be used as an agent to prevent/treat cancers. The existing empirical data have demonstrated that vitamin D can also work in the absence of vitamin D receptors (VDRs), indicating the presence of multiple mechanisms of action for this sunshine vitamin. Polymorphism in the VDR is known to play a key role in tumor cell metastasis and drug resistance. Although there is evidence that vitamin D has both therapeutic and cancer-preventive properties, numerous uncertainties and concerns regarding its use in cancer treatment still exist. These include (a) increased calcium levels in individuals receiving therapeutic doses of vitamin D to suppress the growth of cancer cells; (b) hyperglycemia induction in certain vitamin D-treated study participants; (c) a dearth of evidence showing preventive or therapeutic benefits of cancer in clinical trials; (d) very weak support from proof-of-principle studies; and (e) the inability of vitamin D alone to treat advanced cancers. Addressing these concerns, more potent and less toxic vitamin D analogs have been created, and these are presently undergoing clinical trial evaluation. To provide key information regarding the functions of vitamin D and VDRs, this review provided details of significant advancements in the functional analysis of vitamin D and its analogs and VDR polymorphisms associated with cancers.
Enhanced Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting Performance of Ce-Doped TiO2 Nanorod Array Photoanodes for Efficient Hydrogen Production
Authors: Lin Bi-Li , Chen Rui , Zhu Mei-Ling , She Ao-Sheng , Chen Wen , Niu Bai-Tong , Chen Yan-Xin , Lin Xiu-Mei
Published: September 2024

In this study, original titanium dioxide (TiO2) and cerium (Ce)-doped TiO2 nanorod array photoanodes are prepared by hydrothermal method combined with high-temperature annealing, and their morphology, photoelectrochemical properties, and photocatalytic hydrogen production ability are systematically evaluated. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis shows that as the Ce content increases, the diffraction peak of the rutile phase (110) shifts towards lower angles, indicating the successful doping of different contents of Ce into the TiO2 lattice. Photoelectric performance test results show that Ce doping significantly improves the photocurrent density of TiO2, especially for the 0.54wt% Ce-doped TiO2 (denoted as CR5). The photocurrent density of CR5 reaches 1.98 mA/cm2 at a bias voltage of 1.23 V (relative to RHE), which is 2.6 times that of undoped TiO2 (denoted as R). Photoelectrochemical hydrolysis test results show that the hydrogen yield performance under full-spectrum testing conditions of Ce-doped TiO2 photoanodes is better than that of original TiO2 as well, which are 37.03 and 12.64 µmol·cm−2·h−1 for CR5 and R, respectively. These results indicate that Ce doping can effectively promote charge separation and improve hydrogen production efficiency by reducing resistance, accelerating charge transfer, and introducing new electronic energy levels. Our findings provide a new strategy for designing efficient photocatalysts with enhanced photoelectrochemical (PEC) water-splitting performance.
Enhancing Biomedical and Photocatalytic Properties: Synthesis, Characterization, and Evaluation of Copper–Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles via Co-Precipitation Approach
Authors: Almoneef Maha M. , Awad Manal A. , Aldosari Haia H. , Hendi Awatif A. , Aldehish Horiah A. , Merghani Nada M. , Alshammari Saad G. , Alsuliman Latifah M. , Alghareeb Alhanouf A. , Ahmed Magd S.
Published: September 2024

In this work, researchers synthesized copper–zinc oxide nanoparticles (NPs) of different shapes and sizes and tested their antibacterial and anticancer effects. The current research used a straightforward method to synthesize copper-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles (Cu-ZnO NPs). Next, the photocatalytic, antibacterial, and anticancer properties of the Cu-ZnO NPs were ascertained. Nanoparticles of Cu-doped ZnO were synthesized using co-precipitation technology. The physicochemical characterization was carried out using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), ultraviolet–visible (UV-Vis) and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and other imaging techniques. The SEM analysis confirmed that the particles observed by SEM were found to be below 100 nm in size, which aligns with the results obtained from XRD. The size histogram in the figure inset shows that the nanoparticles are mostly round and have a size range of 5 to 50 nm. The XRD diffractograms revealed the classic structure of wurtzite-phase crystalline Cu-ZnO, and the crystallite size is 26.48 nm. Differences in the principal absorption peaks between the FTIR and UV-vis spectra suggest that varying ZnO NP morphologies might lead to spectrum shifts. We used the agar diffusion method to determine how effective Cu-doped ZnO NPs were against bacteria and the MTT assay to see how well they worked against cancer. The photocatalytic disintegration capacity of Cu-doped ZnO NPs was investigated by degrading crystal violet (CV) and methylene blue (MB) dyes under ultraviolet lamp irradiation. A value of 1.32 eV was recorded for the band gap energy. All peaks conformed to those of the Zn, O, and Cu atoms, and there were no impurities, according to the EDS study. Additionally, the nanoparticles had anticancer properties, indicating that the NPs were specifically targeting cancer cells by inducing cell death. At a 100 µg/mL concentration of the synthesized Cu-doped ZnO NPs, the cell availability percentages for the SW480, MDA-231, and HeLa cell lines were 29.55, 30.15, and 28.2%, respectively. These findings support the idea that Cu-doped ZnO NPs might be a new cancer treatment. Moreover, the results show the percentage of dye degradation over different time durations. After 180 h, the degradation of CV dye reached 79.6%, while MB dye exhibited a degradation of 69.9%. Based on these findings, Cu-doped ZnO NPs have the potential to be effective photocatalysts, antibacterial agents, and cancer fighters. This bodes well for their potential applications in the fields of ecology, medicine, and industry in the future.
Kinetic Evaluation and Catalytic Efficiency of Sebacic Acid as a Novel Catalyst in Hydrogen Generation via NaBH4 Alcoholysis Reactions
Authors: Gurdal Savas
Published: September 2024

This study explores the use of sebacic acid, a catalyst not previously examined in the literature, for hydrogen production from NaBH4 through methanolysis and ethanolysis reactions. Solutions of sebacic acid with concentrations ranging from 0.1 M to 0.4 M were prepared and tested. At a concentration of 0.3 M, 90% of the hydrogen from a 0.33 M NaBH4 solution was released within 3 s, and full release was achieved in 4 s. Hydrogen production rates reached 4500 mL/min for ethanolysis and 4845 mL/min for methanolysis, with methanolysis reactions proving faster. The activation energies for methanolysis and ethanolysis were calculated as 7.17 kJ/mol and 52.3 kJ/mol, respectively. These results demonstrate that sebacic acid enables rapid and efficient hydrogen production, offering a new approach that significantly advances current hydrogen production methods.
Inverse Correlation of Th2-Specific Cytokines with Hepatic Egg Burden in S. mansoni-Infected Hamsters
Authors: Russ Lena , von Bülow Verena , Wrobel Sarah , Stettler Frederik , Schramm Gabriele , Falcone Franco H. , Grevelding Christoph G. , Roderfeld Martin , Roeb Elke
Published: September 2024

Schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease caused by Schistosoma spp., affects more than 250 million people worldwide. S. mansoni in particular affects the gastrointestinal tract and, through its eggs, induces a Th2 immune response leading to granuloma formation. The relationship between egg load and immune response is poorly understood. We investigated whether the quantity of parasitic eggs influences the immune response in S. mansoni-infected hamsters. The hepatic and intestinal egg load was assessed, and cytokine expression as well as the expression of three major egg-derived proteins were analyzed in monosex- and bisex-infected animals by qRT-PCR. Statistical correlations between egg load or egg-derived factors Ipse/alpha-1, kappa-5, and omega-1, and the immune response were analyzed in liver and colon tissue. Surprisingly, no correlation of the Th1 cytokines with the hepatic egg load was observed, while the Th2 cytokines Il4, Il5, and Il13 showed an inverse correlation in the liver but not in the colon. A longer embryogenesis of the parasitic eggs in the liver could explain this correlation. This conclusion is supported by the lack of any correlation with immune response in the colon, as the intestinal passage of the eggs is limited to a few days.
The Effects of the Pneumonia Lung Microenvironment on MSC Function
Authors: Liu Lanzhi , Fandiño Juan , McCarthy Sean D. , Masterson Claire H. , Sallent Ignacio , Du Shanshan , Warren Abigail , Laffey John G. , O’Toole Daniel
Published: September 2024

Background: Despite promise in preclinical models of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have failed to translate to therapeutic benefit in clinical trials. The MSC is a live cell medicine and interacts with the patient’s disease state. Here, we explored this interaction, seeking to devise strategies to enhance MSC therapeutic function. Methods: Human bone-marrow-derived MSCs were exposed to lung homogenate from healthy and E. coli-induced ARDS rat models. Apoptosis and functional assays of the MSCs were performed. Results: The ARDS model showed reduced arterial oxygenation, decreased lung compliance and an inflammatory microenvironment compared to controls. MSCs underwent more apoptosis after stimulation by lung homogenate from controls compared to E. coli, which may explain why MSCs persist longer in ARDS subjects after administration. Changes in expression of cell surface markers and cytokines were associated with lung homogenate from different groups. The anti-microbial effects of MSCs did not change with the stimulation. Moreover, the conditioned media from lung-homogenate-stimulated MSCs inhibited T-cell proliferation. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the ARDS microenvironment plays an important role in the MSC’s therapeutic mechanism of action, and changes can inform strategies to modulate MSC-based cell therapy for ARDS.
Optimization by Hydrogen Plasma Treatment of a-CH and Hydrogen/Nitrogen-Assisted a-CH Layers for SAW Sensors
Authors: Satulu Veronica , Paunica Mihai , Brajnicov Simona , Vizireanu Sorin , Dinescu Gheorghe , Mitu Bogdana , Viespe Cristian
Published: September 2024

The high toxicity of hydrogen sulfide combined with poor sensitivity at room operating temperature urge for the development of new sensitive materials for sensors complying with this requirement, as well as a fast response and low cost. In this work, we have successfully developed materials for surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors sensitive to H2S gas that provide a reversible response at room temperature. The sensitive materials were created by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition of a-CH films using methane as a precursor with argon and argon admixed with hydrogen or nitrogen and applied on piezoelectric quartz substrates. Smooth films, with an AFM root mean square below 1.5 nm, were obtained in all cases, although slight topographical variations were noted, depending on the gas types. XPS detected varying degrees of oxidation, indicating that the assisting gases played a crucial role in introducing oxygen-containing functional groups, thus influencing the material’s surface chemistry and sensitivity response. A hydrogen plasma treatment was applied on the a-CH deposited sensors as a further sensor preparation step. The hydrogen plasma treatment resulted in significant modifications in the topographical features, including roughness increase and notable variations in the surface aspect ratios, as confirmed through AFM data analysis, which involved advanced pixel height analysis and line profile processing. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) studies indicated the formation of new functional groups, increased defect density, and a significant reduction in electron transitions following hydrogen plasma treatment. The sensors demonstrated a reversible response to H2S gas within 8 to 20 ppm concentration ranges, effectively detecting these levels. The sensitivity of the sensors was significantly enhanced, up to 39% through hydrogen plasma treatment, reaching an improved overall performance in detecting low concentrations of H2S down to 0.9 ppm. These findings highlight a-CH thin films as an excellent candidate for next-generation SAW sensors. The study also suggests the potential for experimenting with various assisting gases during plasma deposition and additional plasma treatments to push detection capabilities to below ppm levels.
Craniofacial Measurements and Indices Trends in Latvian Children Aged 1–15
Authors: Grabcika Arta , Kazoka Dzintra , Vetra Janis , Pilmane Mara
Published: September 2024

Craniofacial development is a critical aspect of pediatric growth, influencing fields such as physical anthropology, pediatrics, forensic sciences, and clinical practice. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the trends in craniofacial measurements and indices in Latvian children aged 1–15. Methods: The anthropometrical measurements (head circumference, length, width, facial length, and width) were conducted on 375 children according to the guidelines by R. Martin, K. Saller, and J. Prīmanis at the Anthropology laboratory at the Institute of Anatomy and Anthropology, Rīga Stradiņš University. The cephalic index (CI) and the facial or prosopic index (PI) were calculated, allowing for a detailed examination of cranial and facial proportions. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including the Pearson Chi-square test and the Spearman correlation coefficient. Results: The findings revealed a consistent increase in head circumference with age, with boys generally having slightly larger heads than girls. The boys and girls exhibited growth in head length and width, particularly noticeable between 1 and 2 years of age. Facial length and width increased with age, with boys typically having longer facial lengths and broader faces than girls. The most common cephalic index category is mesocephaly, which accounts for 52.85% of the population, followed by dolichocephaly at 32.94%. Brachycephaly and hyperbrachycephaly are less prevalent, representing 11.36% and 2.86% of the population. Regarding the facial index categories, hypereuryprosopic is the most prevalent, representing 45.54% of the population, closely followed by euryprosopic at 43.74%. Mesoprosopic is significantly less common, representing only 9.95%. The least common categories are leptoprosopic and hyperleptoprosopic, with prevalences of 0.64% and 0.12%, respectively. The indices analysis showed variations across age groups, with dolichocephaly being more common at younger ages and decreasing over time. Brachycephaly and hyperbrachycephaly remained relatively stable or decreased slightly with age, while mesocephaly displayed less variation. The relationship between the FI and CI in younger age groups was typically weak to moderate and inverse, with a significance level of p < 0.001 or p < 0.01. However, no meaningful correlation was observed in older children aged 14–15. Conclusions: This study provides valuable insights into the craniofacial development of Latvian children, highlighting the measurements, cranial and facial types, and their variations across age groups.
Comparative Strength Study of Indirect Permanent Restorations: 3D-Printed, Milled, and Conventional Dental Composites
Authors: Tribst João Paulo Mendes , Veerman Adelheid , Pereira Gabriel Kalil Rocha , Kleverlaan Cornelis Johannes , Dal Piva Amanda Maria de Oliveira
Published: September 2024

Background/Objectives: Limited research has been performed to assess the strength of resin-bonded 3D-printed restorations. Based on that, this study investigates the impact of different manufacturing methods on the fracture load of indirect composite restorations (ICRs) following an aging process. Methods: Three manufacturing techniques—conventional (CRC), milled (MRC), and printed (PRC)—were evaluated using 60 specimens, each with a diameter of 10 mm and a thickness of 1.0 mm. Sandblasting with Al2O3 particles was employed to optimize the bonding process, significantly influencing surface roughness parameters (Ra, Rz, RSm). All specimens were bonded to the dentin analog using composite resin cement and subjected to either 10,000 thermocycles (TC) or storage (ST) at 37 °C in distilled water. Fracture load assessments were performed using a universal testing machine. A finite element analysis was conducted to assess stress distribution. Results: Two-way ANOVA results indicated that the manufacturing method significantly affected mean fracture load values (p < 0.001), with PRC showing the highest mean fracture load (4185 ± 914 N), followed by MRC (2495 ± 941 N) and CRC (599 ± 292 N). The aging protocol did not have a significant impact on fracture load. Conclusions: This study revealed that 3D-printed resin composite exhibited comparable strength to milled resin composite when adhesively cemented, suggesting it is a promising option for indirect composite restorations based on its mechanical performance. However, further research is needed to evaluate its bond strength and optimal surface treatment methods to prevent early debonding.
Mechanical Performance Assessment of a Hot-Mix Asphalt Modified with Biochar Obtained from Pine Wood Shavings
Authors: Chaves-Pabón Saieth Baudilio , Rondón-Quintana Hugo Alexander , Bastidas-Martínez Juan Gabriel
Published: September 2024

Diverse types of waste are generated during the sawmilling process. One of them is pine wood shavings (PWSs). This waste can be transformed by pyrolysis into biochar (BC) to produce a sustainable material that can serve as an asphalt binder modifier. In this study, a BC produced with PWS as biomass (BC-PWS) was used to modify the properties of an asphalt cement (AC). This type of BC has not been investigated as a modifier of ACs and asphalt mixtures. Three BC-PWS contents were used for this purpose (BC/AC = 5, 10, and 15% by weight). Conventional characterization tests such as penetration, softening point, and rotational viscosity were performed on the unmodified and modified ACs. Rheological properties were also evaluated at high and intermediate temperatures, and observations were made with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The modified BC/AC = 10% binder was chosen to manufacture a hot-mix asphalt (HMA). Marshall, indirect tensile strength—ITS, Cantabro, resilient modulus (RM), permanent deformation, and fatigue resistance (under stress-controlled mode) tests were performed on the HMA. The Tensile Strength Ratio (TSR) parameter was determined from ITS tests. BC-PWS is a promising material as an AC modifier from the technical-environmental point of view, which tends to enhance the evaluated properties of AC and HMA (monotonic load, rutting, fatigue, moisture damage, and raveling resistance), without resorting to increases in asphalt content or increases in mixing and compaction temperatures.
Experimental Analysis of Noise Characteristics on Different Types of Pavements inside and outside Highway Tunnels
Authors: Ren Wanyan , Zhang Yi , Yuan Minmin , Li Jun
Published: September 2024

Aiming to reduce noise pollution and optimize the acoustic quality in highway tunnels, the noise characteristics on different types of pavements were analyzed and compared in this research, based on the on-site noise measurement in two tunnels with the free fields as a control group. Specifically, the noise characteristics include two aspects: various noise and noise time attenuation performance. Various noise includes on-board sound intensity (OBSI) noise and cabin noise. The noise time attenuation performance uses the indicator of reverberation time. Three types of pavements were measured, including dense-graded asphalt concrete (DAC) and single-layered and double-layered porous asphalt (PA) pavement. The results showed that, for the same type of pavement, compared with the free fields, the difference in OBSI noise in tunnels was within a range of less than 1 dBA; the cabin noise increased by 3.4 dBA~6.6 dBA. The noise level in tunnels was greater than that outside tunnels, and the longer tunnel exhibited higher traffic noise and worse noise time attenuation performances. For the same tunnel, PA pavement could reduce the cabin noise by 3.8 dBA~6.7 dBA. PA pavement also exhibited shorter reverberation time. The application of PA pavement could effectively improve the acoustic quality in the tunnel. This research contributes to noise pollution abatement and the improvement of the comfort and safety of drivers in tunnels.