bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trajectory Planning for Reciprocating Motion in Integrated Servo Motor Linear Stages
Authors: Schnegas Max , Jouaneh Musa K.
Published: December 2024

Many applications in manufacturing, physical therapy, and machining require linear motion stages to move back and forth at specified rates without exceeding the capabilities of the stages. Growing interest has also been in using integrated servo motors for these applications, which would benefit from the integrated nature of the motor, feedback device, and drive electronics in a single package. This paper introduces a methodology for trajectory planning for the reciprocating motion for a linear motion device. The methodology can be implemented on any device, and a simplified version can be applied to the control software for integrated servo motors. The approach develops motion trajectories, such as triangular or trapezoidal, using a dynamic model of the device and the motor’s torque–speed profile characteristics. The simplified version of the methodology was implemented using an integrated servo motor driving a ball screw stage. Tests were conducted at various motion rates and loads. The experimental results show high accuracy between the predicted and measured motion rates, particularly for rates below three cycles per second. These results suggest that the developed methodology can be a valuable tool for predicting the performance of systems that use integrated servo motors for reciprocating motion applications.
The Operational Performance of an Ultrafiltration Pilot Unit for the Treatment of Ultra-Concentrated Brines
Authors: Scelfo Giuseppe , Serrano-Tari Paula , Raffaelli Ritamaria , Vicari Fabrizio , Oller Isabel , Cipollina Andrea , Tamburini Alessandro , Micale Giorgio
Published: December 2024

The valorization of ultra-concentrated seawater brines, named bitterns, requires preliminary purification processes, such as membrane filtration, before they can be fully exploited. This study investigates the performance of an ultrafiltration pilot plant aimed at separating organic matter and large particles from real bitterns. An empirical model for the bittern viscosity was developed to better characterize the membrane. Distinct variations in permeability, fouling resistance and rejection coefficient were observed under operational pressures ranging from 2 to 4 bar. Working at low pressure (2 bar), the pilot plant achieves permeability and rejection coefficient values of 17 L/m2hbar and 95%, respectively. Foulant behavior was characterized by determining a “fouling resistance”, obtaining an average value of 1013 m−1. Tests with three distinct bittern samples were conducted to assess the influence of chemical composition and organic matter content on membrane permeability and fouling characteristics. The collected data enabled a comprehensive characterization of the ultrafiltration pilot unit working with this particular saline feed solution, which has very high technical–economic potential.
Crystallographic Texture Evolution of Aluminum Samples with a Rectangular Cross-Section During Equal Channel Angular Pressing Processing
Authors: Mireles-Ramos Andrea , García-Pastor Francisco
Published: December 2024

The evolution of the crystallographic texture after severe plastic deformation (SPD) of the aluminum alloy AA7075, commonly used in the aeronautical and automotive industries, depends on the parameters of the applied deformation process. In this paper, a combination between experimental ECAP processing and numerical simulation using the visco-plastic self-consistent methodology (VPSC) was carried out. The limitations in the homogeneity of the mechanical properties and texture of the parts processed via ECAP can be improved by an adequate choice of the processing route. According to the literature, the most effective route to increase the properties of this material is the Bc route. However, due to the two-fold symmetry along the extrusion axis, the Bc route cannot be used in the components under study. Because of this, it was decided to study C and modified C routes. The simulation results showed the characteristic fibers of the ECAP process measured through X-ray diffraction. The texture analysis shows that the most effective route to obtain a more homogenous shear deformation and therefore reduce the grain size is the Bc route, followed by the modified C route and finally the C route.
White Light-Emitting Flexible Displays with Quantum-Dot Film and Greenish-Blue Organic Light-Emitting Diodes
Authors: Kim Young Woo , Kim Seojin , Lee Chaeyeong , Jeong Joo Hyun , Jeong Yun Hyeok , Bak Yuhwa , Kim Seo Hyeon , Park Sung Jin , Ham Ko Eun , Lee Doeun , Song Junpyo , Song Youngjin , Jung Seung-Chan , Kwon Oh Kwan , Han Jae-Hee , Kwon Sang Jik , Cho Eou-Sik , Jeon Yongmin
Published: December 2024

White organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) represent a significant technology in the display industry for the achievement of full color. However, sophisticated technologies are required for white light emission. In this paper, we developed a simple white light-emitting display device using a quantum-dot (QD) film and a greenish-blue OLED. The resulting QD-OLED produced a high-purity white color with a color temperature of 6000 K (CIEx,y = 0.32, 0.34) and achieved a maximum brightness of 14,638 cd/m2 at 7 V. This paper reports the fabrication of a white light-emitting QD-OLED with a straightforward structure and technology suitable for flexible displays.
Molecular Analysis of Escherichia coli and Correlations Between Phylogroups and Sequence Types from Different Sources
Authors: Soncini João Gabriel Material , Koga Vanessa Lumi , Fuga Bruna , Tano Zuleica Naomi , Nakazato Gerson , Kobayashi Renata Katsuko Takayama , Lincopan Nilton , Vespero Eliana Carolina
Published: December 2024

Escherichia coli is a significant pathogen responsible for infections in both humans and livestock, possessing various virulence mechanisms and antimicrobial resistance that make it even more concerning. In this study, several internationally recognized clones of E. coli were identified, such as ST131, ST38, ST648, and ST354, from chicken meat, pork, and human infection samples. Notably, ST131, belonging to phylogroup B2, was the dominant sequence type (ST) in human samples, while ST38, belonging to phylogroup D, was the most prevalent in meat samples. Several antibiotic resistance genes were identified: the gyrA gene mutation was the most prevalent, and CTX-M-55 was the most common extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs), with significant differences noted for CTX-M-2 and CTX-M-15. Virulence-associated genes (VAGs) such as gad and iss were frequently found, especially in human isolates. These findings highlight the complex epidemiology of antibiotic-resistant E. coli in community settings and the potential risks associated with commercial meat.
Genetic Characterization, Transmission Pattern and Health Risk Analysis of Intestinal Colonization ESBL-Producing Escherichia coli in Vegetable Farming Population
Authors: Yao Fanghui , Zhao Qian , Wang Di , Li Xuewen
Published: December 2024

The surging prevalence rates of ESBL-producing Escherichia coli (ESBL-Ec) pose a serious threat to public health. To date, most research on drug-resistant bacteria and genes has focused on livestock and poultry breeding areas, hospital clinical areas, natural water environments, and wastewater treatment plants. However, few studies have been conducted on drug-resistant bacteria in vegetable cultivation. In this study, a total of vegetable farmers (n = 59) from six villages were surveyed. Fecal samples were collected from vegetable farmers; we also collected environmental samples, including river water, well water, soil, river sediment, vegetable surface swabs, and fish intestinal tracts. The ESBL-Ec intestinal colonization rate in vegetable farmers was 76.27%. PFGE results indicated two patterns of ESBL-Ec transmission within the vegetable cultivation area: among vegetable farmers, and among river water, river sediments, and vegetable farmers. Based on the phylogenetic analysis, three transmission patterns of ESBL-Ec outside the vegetable cultivation area were inferred: human–human, human–animal–human, and human–animal–environment. Twelve of the isolates carried closely related or identical IncF plasmids carrying blaCTX-M. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) analysis showed that ST569-B2-O134:H31 and ST38-D-O50:H30 were associated with high disease risk. We assessed the health risks of the farming population and provided a reference basis for public health surveillance and environmental management by monitoring the prevalence and transmission of ESBL-Ec in vegetable areas.
The Northernmost Effects of the Neo-Tethys Oceanic Slab Subduction Under the Lhasa Terrane: Evidence from the Mazin Rhyolite Porphyry
Authors: Wang Zhuosheng , Wang Nan , Liu Zhibo , Ma Xudong
Published: December 2024

The India–Asia collision represents the most significant geological event in the formation of the Tibetan plateau. The subsidence of the Neo-Tethys oceanic slab and the closure of the ocean basin were precursors of the India–Asia collision. The Linzizong volcanic formations, which range in age from the late Cretaceous to early Cenozoic (70–40 Ma), are widely distributed across the Lhasa terrane and are considered products of the closure of the Neo-Tethys oceanic basin and the India–Asia collision. Here, we report a newly identified series of rhyolite porphyries, which share similar age and geochemical features with typical Linzizong volcanic formations. These porphyries are the northernmost extension of Linzizong volcanic formations discovered to date. Zircon U-Pb dating suggests that they formed between 58.8 and 56.1 Ma. These porphyries are characterized by high SiO2 (75.04%–77.82%), total alkali (K2O: 4.71%–5.03%), and Na2O (2.54%–3.63%) values; relatively low Al2O3 (12.30%–13.62%) and MgO (0.13%–0.33%) values; and low Mg# values (15.8–25.7). They also exhibit strong enrichment in light rare earth elements ([La/Yb]N = 3.76–11.08); negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.10–0.32); Rb, Ba, Th, U, and Pb enrichments; as well as Nb and Ta depletions. The samples have relatively low εNd(t) values (−6.0 to −3.8) and variable zircon εHf(t) values (−6.3 to +3.6). These features suggest they originated from the remelting of the juvenile lower crust of the North Lhasa terrane under high-temperature and extensional conditions. We propose that the Mazin rhyolite porphyries resulted from mantle-derived magma diapirism, triggering juvenile lower crust remelting during Neo-Tethys oceanic slab rollback at the onset of the India–Asia collision. These findings provide new insights into the magmatic processes associated with early collisional tectonics.
Kalanchoe crenata Andrews (Haw.) Improves Losartan’s Antihypertensive Activity
Authors: Amatto Pedro de Padua G. , Coppede Juliana da Silva , Kitanishi Carla Renata , Braga Giovana Graça , Faria Thaysa Carvalho de , Rizzi Elen , França Suzelei de Castro , Basso Fernanda , Lopes Adriana Aparecida , Carmona Fábio , Contini Silvia Helena Taleb , Pereira Ana Maria Soares
Published: December 2024

Background: Cardiovascular diseases constitute one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Herbal medicines represent viable alternatives to the synthetic drugs currently employed in the control of hypertension. This study aimed to isolate and identify the chemical markers of Kalanchoe crenata and to investigate the antihypertensive and anti-matrix metalloproteinase (MMP2) activities of an aqueous extract of the leaves. Methods: The main constituents of the aqueous extract of K. crenata were separated by ultra-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, and their presence was identified by NMR spectroscopy. Renovascular hypertension was induced in male Wistar rats using the two-kidney one-clip method (HTN groups), while control animals (Sham groups) were submitted to Sham surgery. Six groups of 10 animals each were treated daily for eight weeks as follows: Sham 1 (carrier), Sham 2 (K. crenata extract), HTN.1 (carrier), HTN.2 (K. crenata extract), HTN 3 (losartan), and HTN 4 (K. crenata extract with losartan). Results: The main compounds of the extract were patuletin 3-O-(4″-O-acetyl-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl)-7-O-(3‴-O-acetyl-α-L-rhamnopyranoside) (1), patuletin 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-7-O-L-rhamnopyranoside (2), and trans-caffeoyl-malic acid (3), with compounds 1 and 2 being chemical markers of the species. Significant reductions (p < 0.05) in systolic blood pressure and MMP2 (72kDa isoform) activity were observed in the HTN 4 group. Conclusions: The association of K. crenata extract and losartan presented in vivo effects against hypertension.
Development of Zn-CoS@Ni(OH)2 Heterostructured Nanosheets for High-Performance Supercapacitors
Authors: Cheng Hengxu , Wang Jian , Song Shiwei , Dai Meizhen , Li Yucai , Zhang Dong , Zhao Depeng
Published: December 2024

With the increasing societal demand for sustainable and renewable energy, supercapacitors have become research hotspots. Transition metal oxides, due to their high capacitance and abundant resources, are the preferred electrode materials. However, their poor conductivity and volume changes limit performance enhancement. Therefore, the development of heterogeneous structure electrode materials has become an important research direction. In this study, Zn-CoS@Ni(OH)2-1 nanosheets were synthesized on a nickel foam substrate via a three-step hydrothermal synthesis method, exhibiting excellent capacitance performance. In terms of capacitance, the material achieved a specific capacitance of 624 F/g at a current density of 1 A/g. When assembled into an asymmetric supercapacitor with Active Carbon materials, the device demonstrated an energy density of 35.4 Wh kg−1.
Licochalcone A-Inspired Chalcones: Synthesis and Their Antiproliferative Potential in Prostate Cancer Cells
Authors: Dorado Roxana Gonzalez , Oceguera Nava Esveidy Isabel , Chen Guanglin , Zhang Qiang , Wang Guangdi , Chen Qiao-Hong
Published: December 2024

Prostate cancer remains a significant global health concern, prompting ongoing exploration of novel therapeutic agents. Licochalcone A, a natural product in the chalcone family isolated from licorice root, is characterized by its enone structure and demonstrates antiproliferative activity in the micromolar range across various cell lines, including prostate cancer. Building on our prior success in enhancing curcumin’s antiproliferative potency by replacing the substituted phenol with a 1-alkyl-1H-imizadol-2-yl moiety, we applied a similar approach to design a new class of licochalcone A-inspired chalcones. The synthesis of these target chalcones involved key [3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement of aryl prenyl ethers and Claisen–Schmidt condensations, yielding three derivative series. These compounds were evaluated for antiproliferative activity in both androgen receptor (AR)-positive and AR-null prostate cancer cell models using WST-1 cell proliferation assay. Systematic evaluation of licochalcone A across four prostate cancer cell lines indicated a modest advantage over enzalutamide, an FDA-approved AR antagonist, in suppressing 22Rv1 cell proliferation. Interestingly, three ester derivatives by replacing the phenol next to the carbonyl with an alkoxide demonstrated similar antiproliferative potency to licochalcone A in both AR-positive and AR-negative prostate cancer cell lines. This suggests that the phenol moiety on licochalcone A may be a promising site for chemical manipulations to enhance anti-prostate cancer activity. Among the synthesized chalcones, nine derivatives showed improved selectivity for AR-positive LNCaP and 22RV1 cells relative to AR-negative PC-3 and DU145 cells, surpassing licochalcone A in selectivity. Additionally, the antiproliferative potency was highly dependent on the R group attached to the imidazole. Most of the derivatives showed antiproliferative potency against androgen receptor-positive LNCaP and 22Rv1 cells, comparable to that of enzalutamide and licochalcone A. These findings suggest that optimization of licochalcone A-inspired chalcones as potential anti-prostate cancer agents warrants further investigation.
Nutritional Counseling Based on Mindful Eating for the Eating Behavior of People Living with Overweight and Obesity: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Moreira Maria Fernanda Souza , de Azevedo Brenda Eduarda Fabris , Beretta Mileni Vanti , Busnello Fernanda Michielin
Published: December 2024

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a counseling approach based on Mindful Eating on the eating behavior of individuals living with overweight and obesity. Methods: A 16-week randomized clinical trial was conducted to compare an online group intervention (IG) with individual online nutritional counseling (TAU). Volunteers (n = 61), aged 18 or older with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2, were randomly assigned to the two groups and invited to participate in eight biweekly sessions. Eating behavior was assessed using the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ-21), and anthropometric measures were collected through self-report. Comparison between the groups was performed using generalized linear models and Poisson models with robust variance estimators. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to evaluate the group-by-time interaction. The study was approved by the UFCSPA Ethics Committee. Results: At baseline, the eating behavior domain with the highest mean score was emotional eating (EE) in both groups. At the end of the study, all domains decreased, while an increase in cognitive restraint (CR) was observed in the TAU group, showing a difference between the groups (−23.1; 95%CI −37.7 to −8.5; p = 0.004). A group-by-time interaction difference was noted only in the CR domain, explained by the change in the TAU group for the CR comparison before and after treatment and by the difference between the IG and TAU groups at the end of the treatment period. Conclusions: A Mindful Eating approach may aid in managing dysfunctional cognitive restraint, a key component for sustainable excess weight treatment. The protocol can be found on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05845411).
Psychometric Properties of the Lactation Assessment and Comprehensive Intervention Tool (LAT)
Authors: Grady Julie , Blair Anna , Brimdyr Kajsa , Cadwell Karin
Published: December 2024

Background: Despite the short- and long-term acknowledged benefits of breastfeeding for mothers and their infants, worldwide rates trail behind international goals. Prior research confirms that breastfeeding is a nurse sensitive indicator and that problems with latching the baby and painful breastfeeding rank high among the reasons given for not continuing to breastfeed. The Lactation Assessment Tool (LATTM) was previously evaluated in a study conducted in Latvia by nurse midwives. Use of the LAT to assess breastfeeding and suggesting corrective interventions were shown to decrease pain and promote healing in traumatized nipples. The inter-rater reliability for that study was by test/re-test amongst participating researcher midwives. The aim of the current study is to expand the understanding of LAT inter-rater reliability to include novice and expert assessors. Methods: A convenience sample of twenty participants, including both novices (nine nursing students) and 11 self-identified experts, assessed four videos of breastfeeding dyads using the assessment tool, the LAT. Novice participants received a 2 h training session before final tool assessment. Each video was viewed three times, with a 3 min pause between viewings. All elements of the LAT that could be visually evaluated were included, with each element appearing in at least two of the videos. Results: Acceptable internal consistency of the LAT tool was found, with Cronbach’s alpha measuring 0.799, 0.740, 0.756 and 0.735 for each video, respectively. The reliability of the novice assessors improved over the course of the four videos, from 0.484 and 0.610 to 0.714 and 0.711. All of the experts had Cronbach’s alpha numbers that were acceptable, ranging from 0.769 to 1.00. Conclusions: Results indicate that experts perform much better using the tool than trained novices. However, the subsequent use of the tool resulted in the last two video assessments having an acceptable measure for the trained novice group. The LAT is a reliable tool for trained novices and experts to assess breastfeeding positioning and latch.
Analysis of Efflux Pump Contributions and Plasmid-Mediated Genetic Determinants in Ciprofloxacin-Resistant Salmonella
Authors: Zhou Xiujuan , Yi Shanrong , Kuang Dai , Shi Chunlei , Qu Chunbo
Published: December 2024

This study aimed to explore the interactions among genetic determinants influencing ciprofloxacin resistance in Salmonella. Treatment with PAβN, an efflux pump inhibitor, resulted in a 4–32-fold reduction in the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) across all 18 ciprofloxacin-resistant Salmonella isolates. Notably, isolates without point mutations reverted from resistance to sensitivity. The efflux pump played a crucial role in resistance development, particularly in serovar Enteritidis, where PAβN treatment caused a more significant MIC reduction (16–32-fold) in five strains carrying the GyrA (Asp87Tyr) mutation, which initially exhibited high MICs (8 μg/mL). Several resistance genes were identified on transferable plasmids: oqxAB and aac(6′)-Ib-cr were associated with IncF plasmids in S. Enteritidis, IncA/C plasmids in S. Typhimurium, and IncHI2 plasmids in S. Virchow. Additionally, qnrS1 and/or qepA were carried by IncA/C plasmids in S. Thompson. Whole-genome sequencing revealed the presence of an oqxAB module integrated into the chromosomal DNA of S. Derby. Although the MICs of ciprofloxacin in transconjugants and transformants remained low (1–4 μg/mL), they exceeded the clinical breakpoint for susceptibility. These findings highlight the synergistic impact of efflux pumps and plasmid-mediated resistance mechanisms, contributing to the increasing prevalence of ciprofloxacin resistance and posing a significant threat to food safety.
Correlation Between West Nile Virus and Pregnancy: A Systematic Review
Authors: Marnezi Maria , Tsiakalos Aristotelis , Akinosoglou Karolina
Published: December 2024

Background: West Nile Virus [WNV] is a mosquito-borne flavivirus. It has spread globally, causing asymptomatic to severe neurological diseases in humans, with an increased risk in older adults and those with underlying conditions. This review examines WNV’s impact on pregnancy, focusing on maternal and neonatal symptoms and risks. Methods: This systematic review included primary studies from “PUBMED” and “SCOPUS” databases, as well as Google and Google Scholar, conducted in July 2024 using the appropriate keywords. This review adhered to PRISMA guidelines and utilized the Newcastle–Ottawa scale for bias assessment. Results: Seven primary studies were included in the systematic review. Fever was the predominating symptom, including neurological manifestations, respiratory symptoms, myalgia, weakness, nausea, vomiting, and rashes. Delivery, in most cases, progressed without any complications, while no infection was noted. Most of the neonates had a normal Apgar score, and their developmental functions did not seem to be affected. Even though, antibodies against WNV were detected in breast milk, no association with transmission to the neonate was observed. Conclusions: WNV infection is mostly associated with favorable outcomes during pregnancy. However, larger cohorts are needed to confirm our conclusions. Prompt diagnosis and public health surveillance are pivotal to eliminate disease transmission.
The Interaction of Histamine H3 and Dopamine D1 Receptors on Hyperkinetic Alterations in Animal Models of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Avila-Luna Alberto , Verduzco-Mendoza Antonio , Olmos-Hernández Adriana , Cortes-Altamirano José Luis , Alfaro-Rodríguez Alfonso , Arias-Montaño José-Antonio , Bueno-Nava Antonio
Published: December 2024

Parkinson’s disease is associated with the loss of more than 40% of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. One of the therapeutic options for restoring striatal dopamine levels is the administration of L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-Dopa). However, Parkinson’s disease patients on long-term L-Dopa therapy often experience motor complications, such as dyskinesias. L-Dopa-induced dyskinesias (LIDs) manifest as abnormal involuntary movements and are produced by elevated striatal dopamine levels, which lead to increased activity of the basal ganglia direct striato-nigral pathway. Dopamine D1 receptors are more than 95% confined to neurons of the direct pathway, where they colocalize with histamine H3 receptors. There is evidence of functional interactions between D1 and H3 receptors, and here we review the consequences of these interactions on LIDs.
Effect of Herbicide-Resistant Oil-Degrading Bacteria on Plants in Soil Contaminated with Oil and Herbicides
Authors: Korshunova Tatyana , Kuzina Elena , Mukhamatdyarova Svetlana , Iskuzhina Milyausha , Kulbaeva Liliya , Petrova Svetlana
Published: December 2024

Biological remediation of agricultural soils contaminated with oil is complicated by the presence of residual amounts of chemical plant protection products, in particular, herbicides, which, like oil, negatively affect the soil microbiome and plants. In this work, we studied five strains of bacteria of the genera Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter, which exhibited a high degree of oil biodegradation (72–96%). All strains showed resistance to herbicides based on 2,4-D, imazethapyr and tribenuron-methyl, the ability to fix nitrogen, phosphate mobilization, and production of indole-3-acetic acid. The presence of pollutants affected the growth-stimulating properties of bacteria in different ways. The most promising strain P. citronellolis N2 was used alone and together with oat and lupine plants for soil remediation of oil, including herbicide-treated oil-contaminated soil. Combined contamination was more toxic to plants and soil microorganisms. Bacterization stimulated the formation of chlorophyll and suppressed the synthesis of abscisic acid and malonic dialdehyde in plant tissues. The combined use of bacteria and oat plants most effectively reduced the content of hydrocarbons in the soil (including in the presence of herbicides). The results obtained can be used to develop new methods for bioremediation of soils with polychemical pollution.
Characterization of Composites from Post-Consumer Polypropylene and Oilseed Pomace Fillers
Authors: Lipska Karolina , Betlej Izabela , Rybak Katarzyna , Nowacka Małgorzata , Boruszewski Piotr
Published: December 2024

This study investigates the properties of composites produced using post-consumer polypropylene (PP) reinforced with lignocellulosic fillers from Nigella sativa (black cumin) and rapeseed pomace. Using agri-food by-products like pomace supports waste management efforts and reduces the demand for wood in wood–plastic composites. The composite production method combined extrusion and hot flat pressing. Mechanical tests showed a decrease in the tested parameters. Compared to the control variant, the MOE decreased by 26.4% (PP_R variant) and 46.9% (PP_N variant), and the MOR value decreased by 78.7% (PP_N) and 55.1% (PP_R). No significant differences in surface roughness parameters were observed. The composite with nigella particles demonstrated increased wettability. TGA tests showed reduced thermal stability compared to PP and differences between composite variants. The composites exhibited susceptibility to fungal overgrowth, which suggests potential biodegradability. The composites demonstrated complete overgrowth by inoculated fungi, reaching 100% coverage, while samples from PP known to be resistant to biological factors remained unaffected. Although the mechanical properties of the composites were degraded, the use of lignocellulosic fillers offers undeniable advantages, such as waste management of lignocellulosic and polypropylene byproducts, reduced wood demand, and the potential biodegradability of the obtained composites. However, there is a need for further optimization of manufacturing processes and material composition to enhance the material performance.
Towards Green Dentistry: Evaluating the Potential of 4D Printing for Sustainable Orthodontic Aligners with a Reduced Carbon Footprint
Authors: Palmieri Elena , Montaina Luca , Bellisario Denise , Lucarini Ivano , Maita Francesco , Ielmini Martina , Cataldi Maria Elena , Cerroni Loredana , Condò Roberta , Maiolo Luca
Published: December 2024

Clear aligners have transformed orthodontic care by providing an aesthetic, removable alternative to traditional braces. However, their significant environmental footprint, contributing to approximately 15,000 tons of plastic waste annually, poses a critical challenge. To address this issue, advancements in 4D printing have introduced “smart” aligners with shape memory properties, enabling reshaping and reducing the number of aligners required per treatment. This study focuses on ClearX aligners, an innovative 4D-printed solution aimed at extending usage duration and minimizing environmental impact. Using a comprehensive suite of tests, including morphological, optical, and mechanical evaluations conducted via scanning electron microscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and bending and strain assessments, we evaluated the optical and mechanical stability of the ClearX material before and after thermal activation. Our results demonstrate that ClearX aligners retain their structural and functional properties after reshaping. Temporary changes in transparency, observed only under prolonged treatment durations exceeding manufacturer recommendations, are fully reversible within 12 h and do not compromise the aligner’s usability. These findings support the potential of ClearX aligners to effectively combine patient-centered, high-quality orthodontic care with sustainable practices.
Optimizing Tolerance Allocation in the Remanufacturing Process of Used Electromechanical Products
Authors: Chen Yanxiang , Li Jie , Yang Suhua , Chen Shuhua , Jiang Zhigang
Published: December 2024

Optimizing tolerance allocation is crucial for balancing cost and performance in the remanufacturing of used electromechanical products. However, the traditional remanufacturing model of “individual part precision restoration + secondary machining trial assembly” lacks an integrated approach to tolerance planning in the design and manufacturing stages, leading to excessive fluctuations in cost and quality. To address this issue, a remanufacturing value-based tolerance allocation method is proposed, integrating remanufacturing value into the tolerance allocation process. First, a remanufacturing value quantification and evaluation indicator system was established at the failure surface layer (i.e., the remanufacturing processing surface) at the design stage and comprehensively considers the used part quality and enterprise processing capabilities. Quantification methods for each indicator were developed, and a comprehensive weighting strategy combining subjective enterprise standards and objective return quality adopted. Then, a multi-objective optimization model for remanufacturing tolerance allocation was established, targeting remanufacturing cost, quality loss, process stability, and corrected by the failure surface value. Finally, the beetle antennae search (BAS) algorithm was employed to determine the optimal solution. A case study on a used gearbox demonstrated that the proposed method significantly improves cost, quality loss, and process stability compared to the traditional remanufacturing approaches.
Steam-Alternating CO2/Viscosity Reducer Huff and Puff for Improving Heavy Oil Recovery: A Case of Multi-Stage Series Sandpack Model with Expanded Sizes
Authors: Tao Lei , Yin Guangzhi , Shi Wenyang , Bai Jiajia , Xu Zhengxiao , Zhang Na , Zhu Qingjie , Wang Chunhao , Song Yong , Cao Lili
Published: December 2024

Aiming at the challenges of rapid heat dissipation, limited swept efficiency, and a rapid water cut increase in steam huff and puff development in heavy oil reservoirs, an alternating steam and CO2/viscosity reducer huff and puff method for IOR was proposed. In this work, the effect of CO2 on the physical properties of heavy oil was evaluated, and the optimal concentration of viscosity reducer for synergistic interaction between CO2 and the viscosity reducer was determined. Next, novel huff and puff simulation experiments by three sandpack models of different sizes in series were analyzed. Then, the IOR difference between the pure steam huff and puff experiments and the steam-alternating CO2/viscosity reducer huff and puff were compared. Finally, the CO2 storage rate was obtained based on the principle of the conservation of matter. The results show that the optimal viscosity reducer concentration, 0.8 wt%, can achieve a 98.5% reduction after combining CO2. The steam-alternating CO2/viscosity reducer huff and puff reached about 45 cm at 80 °C in the fifth cycle due to the CO2/viscosity reducer effects. CO2/viscosity reducer huff and puff significantly reduces water cut during cold production, with an ultimate IOR 15.89% higher than pure steam huff and puff. The viscosity reducer alleviates heavy oil blockages, and CO2 decreases oil viscosity and enhances elastic repulsion energy. The highest CO2 storage rate of 76.8% occurs in the initial stage, declining to 15.2% by the sixth cycle, indicating carbon sequestration potential. These findings suggest that steam-alternating CO2/viscosity reducer huff and puff improves heavy oil reservoir development and provides theoretical guidance for optimizing steam huff and puff processes.
LPA3: Pharmacodynamic Differences Between Lysophosphatidic Acid and Oleoyl-Methoxy Glycerophosphothionate: Biased Agonism, Two Sites
Authors: Solís K. Helivier , Romero-Ávila M. Teresa , Rincón-Heredia Ruth , Martínez-Morales Juan Carlos , García-Sáinz J. Adolfo
Published: December 2024

Background: Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) receptor 3 (LPA3) is involved in many physiological and pathophysiological actions of this bioactive lipid, particularly in cancer. The actions of LPA and oleoyl-methoxy glycerophosphothionate (OMPT) were compared in LPA3-transfected HEK 293 cells. Methods: Receptor phosphorylation, ERK 1/2 activation, LPA3-β-arrestin 2 interaction, and changes in intracellular calcium were analyzed. Results: Our data indicate that LPA and OMPT increased LPA3 phosphorylation, OMPT being considerably more potent than LPA. OMPT was also more potent than LPA to activate ERK 1/2. In contrast, OMPT was less effective in increasing intracellular calcium than LPA. The LPA-induced LPA3-β-arrestin 2 interaction was fast and robust, whereas that induced by OMPT was only detected at 60 min of incubation. LPA- and OMPT-induced receptor internalization was fast, but that induced by OMPT was more marked. LPA-induced internalization was blocked by Pitstop 2, whereas OMPT-induced receptor internalization was partially inhibited by Pitstop 2 and Filipin and entirely by the combination of both. When LPA-stimulated cells were rechallenged with 1 µM LPA, hardly any response was detected, i.e., a “refractory” state was induced. However, a conspicuous and robust response was observed if OMPT was used as the second stimulus. Conclusions: The differences in these agents’ actions suggest that OMPT is a biased agonist. These findings suggest that two binding sites for these agonists might exist in the LPA3 receptor, one showing a very high affinity for OMPT and another likely shared by LPA and OMPT (structural analogs) with lower affinity.
Roads to the Sky: Indic Ritual Elements in the Vietnam-China Borderlands and Their Maritime Transmission
Authors: Holm David
Published: December 2024

One of the basic features of shamanic rituals cross-culturally in East and Southeast Asia is that the ritual itself is structured as a journey up to the sky, climbing the world mountain or the world tree, or else a journey down to the bottom of the sea and back again. The shamanic retinue is understood to make this journey in person, rather than, as in Daoist ritual, sending divine emissaries up to the highest heavens. The journey is conducted through narrative song and dance, accompanied by strings of bells and lutes. The point of departure is the physical village or village household where the ritual is being conducted, and the journey progresses through a series of well-marked way stations via the temple of the earth god to the higher hills and finally to the villages and markets in the sky, before crossing the heavenly seas and ascending the highest mountain. On the way, demons and other impediments are encountered. The route and way stations vary depending on the purpose of the ritual and the intended divine recipient of offerings and submissions. The present article will explore the route up to the sky and the way stations in more detail, taking a single ritual type as performed by the Pụt and Then ritual practitioners as an example. The Pụt and Then are literate ritual specialists found among the Tày and Nùng peoples in northern Vietnam and southern China, near an area which is known to have been a centre of Brahmanical and Buddhist learning from very early times.
Hesychasm and Sufism—A Comparison Between Jesus Prayer and Dhikr
Authors: Hisamatsu Eiji
Published: December 2024

The comparison between Hesychasm and Sufism focuses on their respective mystical practices: the Jesus Prayer in Hesychasm and Dhikr in Sufism. Both traditions emphasize withdrawing from worldly distractions to achieve spiritual purity and communion with the divine. In Hesychasm, practitioners use the Jesus Prayer to attain inner stillness and experience divine light, aiming for a state of contemplation where the mind is enveloped in spiritual radiance. Similarly, Sufism’s Dhikr involves a repetitive invocation of Allah’s name to achieve spiritual awareness and unity with God, promoting inner tranquility and protection from negative influences. Both practices stress the continuity of prayer and the progression from vocal to mental recitation, fostering deep spiritual states. Despite theological and doctrinal differences, both traditions share a universal quest for mystical union and emphasize the transformative power of spiritual practice in achieving a direct connection with the divine. These practices continue to shape spiritual life in their respective religious contexts, illustrating common themes of seeking spiritual enlightenment through disciplined meditation and prayer.
The Corporeal, the Physical, and Work in Maimonides’ Teachings
Authors: Mashiach Amir
Published: December 2024

Rabbinical literature has an ambivalent attitude toward work. Some see work as a religious value: “Great is labor, as just as Israel were commanded to keep the Sabbath, thus they were commanded to perform labor, as it is said: ‘Six days you shall labor and do all your work’”. However, others see work as a mere existential need. The current article seeks to comprehend the attitude of R. Moses ben Maimon, also known as Maimonides (1138–1204, Spain–Egypt), to the corporeal, the physical, and work.
The Use of Large Language Models for Translating Buddhist Texts from Classical Chinese to Modern English: An Analysis and Evaluation with ChatGPT 4, ERNIE Bot 4, and Gemini Advanced
Authors: Wei Xiang
Published: December 2024

This study conducts a comprehensive evaluation of large language models (LLMs), including ChatGPT 4, ERNIE Bot 4, and Gemini Advanced, in the context of translating Buddhist texts from classical Chinese to modern English. Focusing on three distinct Buddhist texts encompassing various literary forms and complexities, the analysis examines the models’ capabilities in handling specialized Buddhist terminology, classical Chinese grammar, and the translation of complex, lengthy sentences. The study employs a methodology where selected excerpts from these texts are translated by the LLMs, followed by an in-depth analysis comparing these machine-generated translations to human translations. The evaluation criteria include word translation accuracy, the ability to recognize and correctly interpret specific meanings within both classical and modern contexts, and the completeness of phrases without omitting or unnecessarily adding words. The findings reveal significant variations in the performance of these LLMs, with detailed observations on their strengths and weaknesses in translating specialized terms, managing grammatical structures unique to classical Chinese, and maintaining the integrity of the original texts’ meanings. This paper aims to shed light on the potential and limitations of using LLMs for translating complex literary works from ancient to modern languages, contributing valuable insights into the field of computational linguistics and the ongoing development of translation technologies.
Correction: Kazemi Garajeh et al. A Comprehensive Assessment of Climate Change and Anthropogenic Effects on Surface Water Resources in the Lake Urmia Basin, Iran. Remote Sens. 2024, 16, 1960
Authors: Kazemi Garajeh Mohammad , Akbari Rojin , Aghaei Chaleshtori Sepide , Shenavaei Abbasi Mohammad , Tramutoli Valerio , Lim Samsung , Sadeqi Amin
Published: December 2024

In the original publication [...]
Climate-Driven Effects on NPP in the Tibetan Plateau Alpine Grasslands Diminish with Increasing Elevation
Authors: Tang Ze , Zhang Yangjian , Lei Ming , Li Zhaolei , Zhao Guang , Chen Yao , Zhu Wenquan
Published: December 2024

Temperature and precipitation are important abiotic factors affecting net primary productivity (NPP) in grassland ecosystems. However, findings on how elevation influences the effects of these factors on NPP in alpine grasslands are not yet consistent. In addition, the impact of varied patterns of climate change on NPP sensitivity with elevation remain unclear. Therefore, alpine grassland on the Tibetan Plateau (TP) was selected to profile the spatial and temporal patterns of NPP from 2001 to 2022, and subsequently to reveal the effects of temperature and precipitation on the sensitivity of NPP with altitudinal gradient. The results showed that (1) 91% of the TP grassland experienced positive NPP trends, and the NPP trends followed a unimodal curve with elevation, with the largest mean value at 2500 m; (2) a positive correlation between precipitation and NPP dominated the grassland NPP up to an elevation of 3400 m, and a positive correlation between temperature and NPP dominated the grassland NPP above an elevation of 3400 m; (3) temperature, precipitation, and their interaction explained, on average, 21% of the temporal variation in the NPP of TP grassland, and the explanatory capacity decreased significantly with elevation; and (4) elevation, temperature, and precipitation variations together explained 35% of the NPP sensitivity of the TP grasslands. This study reveals the altitudinal characteristics of NPP in grasslands affected by climate, and reminds us to take elevation into account when carrying out grassland management.
DCA-YOLOv8: A Novel Framework Combined with AICI Loss Function for Coronary Artery Stenosis Detection
Authors: Duan Hualin , Yi Sanli , Ren Yanyou
Published: December 2024

Coronary artery stenosis detection remains a challenging task due to the complex vascular structure, poor quality of imaging pictures, poor vessel contouring caused by breathing artifacts and stenotic lesions that often appear in a small region of the image. In order to improve the accuracy and efficiency of detection, a new deep-learning technique based on a coronary artery stenosis detection framework (DCA-YOLOv8) is proposed in this paper. The framework consists of a histogram equalization and canny edge detection preprocessing (HEC) enhancement module, a double coordinate attention (DCA) feature extraction module and an output module that combines a newly designed loss function, named adaptive inner-CIoU (AICI). This new framework is called DCA-YOLOv8. The experimental results show that the DCA-YOLOv8 framework performs better than existing object detection algorithms in coronary artery stenosis detection, with precision, recall, F1-score and mean average precision (mAP) at 96.62%, 95.06%, 95.83% and 97.6%, respectively. In addition, the framework performs better in the classification task, with accuracy at 93.2%, precision at 92.94%, recall at 93.5% and F1-score at 93.22%. Despite the limitations of data volume and labeled data, the proposed framework is valuable in applications for assisting the cardiac team in making decisions by using coronary angiography results.
Development of a Virtual Robot Rehabilitation Training System for Children with Cerebral Palsy: An Observational Study
Authors: Lu Zhenli , Luo Yuming , Penčić Marko , Oros Dragana , Čavić Maja , Đukić Verislav , Krasnik Rastislava , Mikov Aleksandra , Orošnjak Marko
Published: December 2024

This paper presents the development of a robotic system for the rehabilitation and quality of life improvement of children with cerebral palsy (CP). The system consists of four modules and is based on a virtual humanoid robot that is meant to motivate and encourage children in their rehabilitation programs. The efficiency of the developed system was tested on two children with CP. The effect of using the robot is an increase in the number of exercise repetitions, as well as the time spent on therapy, developing and strengthening the child’s musculature. Additionally, the children are able to produce socially acceptable gestures in the context of non-verbal communication for socialization. The main advantages of this system are its flexibility and ease of use. Besides the proposed use in CP rehabilitation, this system can be used in the rehabilitation of people recovering from surgery or injuries. Use of the proposed system significantly decreases the work load of the therapist who would be conducting the repetitive motion, allowing the therapist to see an increased number of patients. In the future, the number of different movements the robot is able to perform will be increased by way of domain-specific modelling and language.
Sybil Attack-Resistant Blockchain-Based Proof-of-Location Mechanism with Privacy Protection in VANET
Authors: Khatri Narayan , Lee Sihyung , Nam Seung Yeob
Published: December 2024

In this paper, we propose a Proof-of-Location (PoL)-based location verification scheme for mitigating Sybil attacks in vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs). For this purpose, we employ smart contracts for storing the location information of the vehicles. This smart contract is maintained by Road Side Units (RSUs) and acts as a ground truth for verifying the position information of the neighboring vehicles. To avoid the storage of fake location information inside the smart contract, vehicles need to solve unique computational puzzles generated by the neighboring RSUs in a limited time frame whenever they need to report their location information. Assuming a vehicle has a single Central Processing Unit (CPU) and parallel processing is not allowed, it can solve a single computational puzzle in a given time period. With this approach, the vehicles with multiple fake identities are prevented from solving multiple puzzles at a time. In this way, we can mitigate a Sybil attack and avoid the storage of fake location information in a smart contract table. Furthermore, the RSUs maintain a dedicated blockchain for storing the location information of neighboring vehicles. They take part in mining for the purpose of storing the smart contract table in the blockchain. This scheme guarantees the privacy of the vehicles, which is achieved with the help of a PoL privacy preservation mechanism. The verifier can verify the locations of the vehicles without revealing their privacy. Experimental results show that the proposed mechanism is effective in mitigating Sybil attacks in VANET. According to the experiment results, our proposed scheme provides a lower fake location registration probability, i.e., lower than 10%, compared to other existing approaches.