bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phagocytosis Checkpoints in Glioblastoma: CD47 and Beyond
Authors: Afzal Amber , Afzal Zobia , Bizink Sophia , Davis Amanda , Makahleh Sara , Mohamed Yara , Coniglio Salvatore J.
Published: July 2024

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the deadliest human cancers with very limited treatment options available. The malignant behavior of GBM is manifested in a tumor which is highly invasive, resistant to standard cytotoxic chemotherapy, and strongly immunosuppressive. Immune checkpoint inhibitors have recently been introduced in the clinic and have yielded promising results in certain cancers. GBM, however, is largely refractory to these treatments. The immune checkpoint CD47 has recently gained attention as a potential target for intervention as it conveys a “don’t eat me” signal to tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) via the inhibitory SIRP alpha protein. In preclinical models, the administration of anti-CD47 monoclonal antibodies has shown impressive results with GBM and other tumor models. Several well-characterized oncogenic pathways have recently been shown to regulate CD47 expression in GBM cells and glioma stem cells (GSCs) including Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) beta catenin. Other macrophage pathways involved in regulating phagocytosis including TREM2 and glycan binding proteins are discussed as well. Finally, chimeric antigen receptor macrophages (CAR-Ms) could be leveraged for greatly enhancing the phagocytosis of GBM and repolarization of the microenvironment in general. Here, we comprehensively review the mechanisms that regulate the macrophage phagocytosis of GBM cells.
Aquaporin Modulation by Cations, a Review
Authors: Mom Robin , Mocquet Vincent , Auguin Daniel , Réty Stéphane
Published: July 2024

Aquaporins (AQPs) are transmembrane channels initially discovered for their role in water flux facilitation through biological membranes. Over the years, a much more complex and subtle picture of these channels appeared, highlighting many other solutes accommodated by AQPs and a dense regulatory network finely tuning cell membranes’ water permeability. At the intersection between several transduction pathways (e.g., cell volume regulation, calcium signaling, potassium cycling, etc.), this wide and ancient protein family is considered an important therapeutic target for cancer treatment and many other pathophysiologies. However, a precise and isoform-specific modulation of these channels function is still challenging. Among the modulators of AQPs functions, cations have been shown to play a significant contribution, starting with mercury being historically associated with the inhibition of AQPs since their discovery. While the comprehension of AQPs modulation by cations has improved, a unifying molecular mechanism integrating all current knowledge is still lacking. In an effort to extract general trends, we reviewed all known modulations of AQPs by cations to capture a first glimpse of this regulatory network. We paid particular attention to the associated molecular mechanisms and pinpointed the residues involved in cation binding and in conformational changes tied up to the modulation of the channel function.
Transcriptome Analyses of Liver Sinusoidal Endothelial Cells Reveal a Consistent List of Candidate Genes Associated with Endothelial Dysfunction and the Fibrosis Progression
Authors: Li Penghui , Xie Wenjie , Wei Hongjin , Yang Fan , Chen Yan , Li Yinxiong
Published: July 2024

Liver fibrosis is an important step in the transformation of chronic liver disease into cirrhosis and liver cancer, and structural changes and functional disorders of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) are early events in the occurrence of liver fibrosis. Therefore, it is necessary to identify the key regulatory genes of endothelial dysfunction in the process of liver fibrosis to provide a reference for the diagnosis and treatment of liver fibrosis. In this study, we identified 230 common differentially expressed genes (Co-DEGs) by analyzing transcriptomic data of primary LSECs from three different liver fibrosis mouse models (carbon tetrachloride; choline-deficient, l-amino acid-defined diet; and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis). Enrichment analysis revealed that the Co-DEGs were mainly involved in regulating the inflammatory response, immune response, angiogenesis, formation and degradation of the extracellular matrix, and mediating chemokine-related pathways. A Venn diagram analysis was used to identify 17 key genes related to the progression of liver cirrhosis. Regression analysis using the Lasso–Cox method identified genes related to prognosis among these key genes: SOX4, LGALS3, SERPINE2, CD52, and LPXN. In mouse models of liver fibrosis (bile duct ligation and carbon tetrachloride), all five key genes were upregulated in fibrotic livers. This study identified key regulatory genes for endothelial dysfunction in liver fibrosis, namely SOX4, LGALS3, SERPINE2, CD52, and LPXN, which will provide new targets for the development of therapeutic strategies targeting endothelial dysfunction in LSECs and liver fibrosis.
Generative Models for Periodicity Detection in Noisy Signals
Authors: Barnett Ezekiel , Kaiser Olga , Masci Jonathan , Wit Ernst C. , Fulda Stephany
Published: July 2024

We present the Gaussian Mixture Periodicity Detection Algorithm (GMPDA), a novel method for detecting periodicity in the binary time series of event onsets. The GMPDA addresses the periodicity detection problem by inferring parameters of a generative model. We introduce two models, the Clock Model and the Random Walk Model, which describe distinct periodic phenomena and provide a comprehensive generative framework. The GMPDA demonstrates robust performance in test cases involving single and multiple periodicities, as well as varying noise levels. Additionally, we evaluate the GMPDA on real-world data from recorded leg movements during sleep, where it successfully identifies expected periodicities despite high noise levels. The primary contributions of this paper include the development of two new models for generating periodic event behavior and the GMPDA, which exhibits high accuracy in detecting multiple periodicities even in noisy environments.
Amorphous Alumina ALD Coatings for the Protection of Limestone Cultural Heritage Objects
Authors: Boyce Gillian P. , Sreenilayam Suveena , Balliana Eleonora , Zendri Elisabetta , Phaneuf Raymond J.
Published: July 2024

From natural erosion to pollution-accelerated decay, stone cultural heritage deteriorates constantly through interactions with the environment. Common protective treatments such as acrylic polymers are generally prone to degradation and loss of performance, and they are often limited in their ability to achieve uniform and conformal coverage across a stone’s topographical features. In this work, atomic layer deposition (ALD) was explored to address these issues by growing protective amorphous alumina coatings on compact carbonate (Istria) stone. ALD protective coatings, unlike coatings produced by traditional methods, do not significantly alter morphology by filling open pores or accumulating on the surface in more compact areas. Our morphological and spectroscopic investigations revealed that the ALD alumina films deposited uniformly over the surfaces of Istria stone, without significantly altering the topography or appearance. The protective effects of the ALD coatings were investigated by aqueous acid immersion. The solution pH, along with the Ca2+ concentration, was tracked over time for a constant volume of acetic acid solution with an initial pH of 4 with the stone samples immersed. We found that the protective effects of ALD alumina coatings were extremely promising, slowing the average rate of pH evolution significantly. The eventual failure of the ALD coatings during immersion was also investigated, with interesting morphological findings that point to the role of defects in the coatings, suggesting new directions for improving the use of ALD coatings in future research and applications.
Cu2O Homojunction Solar Cells: Efficiency Enhancement with a High Short Circuit Current
Authors: Thejasiri S. A. A. B. , Jayathilaka K. M. D. C. , Kafi F. S. B. , Kumara L. S. R. , Seo O. , Yasuno S. , Sakata O. , Siripala W. , Wijesundera R. P.
Published: July 2024

Cu2O homojunction solar cells were fabricated using potentiostatic electrodeposition technique. n-Cu2O thin films were grown in an acetate bath while p-Cu2O thin films were grown in a lactate bath. In the growth of n-Cu2O films, cupric acetate concentration, pH and temperature of the bath, deposition potential and duration (film thickness) and annealing temperature were investigated. In the growth of p-Cu2O on n-Cu2O, concentration of copper sulphate and lactic acid solutions, pH and temperature of the bath, deposition potential and duration were investigated. In addition, the procedure of sulfidation of p-Cu2O film surface using (NH4)2S vapor, before depositing Au front contact, was also optimized to enhance the photoactive performance. The structural, morphological and optoelectronic properties of the Cu2O films were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEMs), high energy X-ray diffraction (HEXRD), hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES), spectral response and current–voltage (J-V) measurements. The best Cu2O homojunction solar cell exhibited Voc = 460 mV, Jsc = 12.99 mA·cm−2, FF = 42% and η = 2.51%, under AM 1.5 illumination. Efficiency enhancement with the record high Jsc value for the Cu2O homojunction solar cell has mainly been due to the optimization of pH of the n-Cu2O deposition bath and lactic acid concentration of the p-Cu2O deposition bath.
Identification and Dynamics Understanding of Novel Inhibitors of Peptidase Domain of Collagenase G from Clostridium histolyticum
Authors: Anjum Farah , Hazazi Ali , Alsaeedi Fouzeyyah Ali , Bakhuraysah Maha , Shafie Alaa , Alshehri Norah Ali , Hawsawi Nahed , Ashour Amal Adnan , Banjer Hamsa Jameel , Alharthi Afaf , Niaz Maryam Ishrat
Published: July 2024

Clostridium histolyticum is a Gram-positive anaerobic bacterium belonging to the Clostridium genus. It produces collagenase, an enzyme involved in breaking down collagen which is a key component of connective tissues. However, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a great challenge in combating infections caused by this bacteria. The lengthy nature of traditional drug development techniques has resulted in a shift to computer-aided drug design and other modern drug discovery approaches. The above method offers a cost-effective means for gathering comprehensive information about how ligands interact with their target proteins. The objective of this study is to create novel, explicit drugs that specifically inhibit the C. histolyticum collagenase enzyme. Through structure-based virtual screening, a library containing 1830 compounds was screened to identify potential drug candidates against collagenase enzymes. Following that, molecular dynamic (MD) simulation was performed in an aqueous solution to evaluate the behavior of protein and ligand in a dynamic environment while density functional theory (DFT) analysis was executed to predict the molecular properties and structure of lead compounds, and the WaterSwap technique was utilized to obtain insights into the drug–protein interaction with water molecules. Furthermore, principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to reveal conformational changes, salt bridges to express electrostatic interaction and protein stability, and absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) to assess the pharmacokinetics profile of top compounds and control molecules. Three potent drug candidates were identified MSID000001, MSID000002, MSID000003, and the control with a binding score of −10.7 kcal/mol, −9.8 kcal/mol, −9.5 kcal/mol, and −8 kcal/mol, respectively. Furthermore, Molecular Mechanics Poisson–Boltzmann Surface Area (MMPBSA) analysis of the simulation trajectories revealed energy scores of −79.54 kcal/mol, −73.99 kcal/mol, −62.26 kcal/mol, and −70.66 kcal/mol, correspondingly. The pharmacokinetics properties exhibited were under the acceptable range. The compounds hold the potential to be novel drugs; therefore, further investigation needs to be conducted to find out their anti-collagenase action against C. histolyticum infections and antibiotic resistance.
SARS-CoV-2-Related Parotitis in Children: A Narrative-Focused Review
Authors: Marino Andrea , Cacciaguerra Giovanni , Sangiorgio Giuseppe , Maniaci Antonino , La Via Luigi , Cocuzza Salvatore , Stracquadanio Stefano , Leonardi Roberta , Spampinato Serena , Cacopardo Bruno , Pavone Piero , Nunnari Giuseppe
Published: July 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed a diverse spectrum of clinical manifestations in the pediatric population, including the rare but notable presentation of unilateral parotitis. This comprehensive review explores the complexities surrounding SARS-CoV-2-associated unilateral parotitis in children. It addresses the initial clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges, treatment strategies, and the wider epidemiological impacts of this unusual symptom. The review synthesizes the available literature, providing insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying this atypical manifestation and its implications for pediatric healthcare during the pandemic. Through the rigorous analysis of reported cases, this study underscores the need for increased awareness and a broad differential diagnosis among clinicians. It also emphasizes the importance of continued research to delineate the full clinical spectrum of COVID-19 in children.
3Cs: Unleashing Capsule Networks for Robust COVID-19 Detection Using CT Images
Authors: Alaufi Rawan , Abukhodair Felwa , Kalkatawi Manal
Published: July 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has spread worldwide for over two years. It was considered a significant threat to global health due to its transmissibility and high pathogenicity. The standard test for COVID-19, namely, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR), is somehow inaccurate and might have a high false-negative rate (FNR). As a result, an infected person with a negative test result may unknowingly continue to spread the virus, especially if they are infected with an undiscovered COVID-19 strain. Thus, a more accurate diagnostic technique is required. In this study, we propose 3Cs, which is a capsule neural network (CapsNet) used to classify computed tomography (CT) images as novel coronavirus pneumonia (NCP), common pneumonia (CP), or normal lungs. Using 6123 CT images of healthy patients’ lungs and those of patients with CP and NCP, the 3Cs method achieved an accuracy of around 98% and an FNR of about 2%, demonstrating CapNet’s ability to extract features from CT images that distinguish between healthy and infected lungs. This research confirmed that using CapsNet to detect COVID-19 from CT images results in a lower FNR compared to RT–PCR. Thus, it can be used in conjunction with RT–PCR to diagnose COVID-19 regardless of the variant.
Metabolic Syndrome and Pharmacological Interventions in Clinical Development
Authors: Javor Eugen , Šarčević David , Rešić Arnes
Published: July 2024

Metabolic syndrome prevalence is between 24 and 27% and poses a significant risk for the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), type 2 diabetes (T2D), or other comorbidities. Currently, no drugs are approved for metabolic syndrome treatment itself, so the risk factors are treated with therapies approved for cardiac and metabolic conditions. These are approved drugs for dyslipidemia treatment such as statins and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors, cornerstone antihypertensive drugs, or novel class glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) for T2D and overweight or obesity treatment. We have also evaluated new pharmacological interventions in clinical development that have reached Phase 2 and/or Phase 3 randomized clinical trials (RCTs) for the management of the risk factors of metabolic syndrome. In the pipeline are glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), GLP-1, glucagon receptor (GCGR), amylin agonists, and a combination of the latter for T2D and overweight or obesity treatment. Non-entero-pancreatic hormone-based therapies such as ketohexokinase (KHK) inhibitor, growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) agonists, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) as activin type II receptors (ActRII) inhibitors, and a combination of anti-α-myostatin (GFD8) and anti-Activin-A (Act-A) mAbs have also reached Phase 2 or 3 RCTs in the same indications. Rilparencel (Renal Autologous Cell Therapy) is being evaluated in patients with T2D and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in a Phase 3 trial. For dyslipidemia treatment, novel PCSK9 inhibitors (oral and subcutaneous) and cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) inhibitors are in the final stages of clinical development. There is also a surge of a new generation of an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) and small interfering RNA (siRNA)-targeting lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] synthesis pathway that could possibly contribute to a further step forward in the treatment of dyslipidemia. For resistant and uncontrolled hypertension, aldosterone synthase inhibitors and siRNAs targeting angiotensinogen (AGT) messenger RNA (mRNA) are promising new therapeutic options. It would be interesting if a few drugs in clinical development for metabolic syndrome such as 6-bromotryptophan (6-BT), vericiguat, and INV-202 as a peripherally-acting CB1 receptor (CB1r) blocker would succeed in finally gaining the first drug approval for metabolic syndrome itself.
Development and Validation of Virtual Reality Scenarios to Improve Disability Awareness among Museum Employees
Authors: Nourbakhsh Salman , Rehman Ume Salmah Abdul , Carbonneau Hélène , Archambault Philippe S.
Published: July 2024

To improve inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWD), it is important to create suitable physical and social environments. This can be done by improving awareness about disability, specifically for employees working in the service and cultural sectors. Virtual reality (VR) simulation can be advantageous by providing an engaging experience highlighting physical accessibility issues, as well as social interactions with virtual avatars. This study’s objective was to validate the content of two disability awareness VR scenarios in museum employees and individuals with disabilities in terms of perceived usefulness. Five PWD and seven museum employees experienced two VR scenarios illustrating a museum visit for a person with low vision or using a wheelchair. The scenarios consisted of different scenes such as finding an accessible entrance and interacting with virtual employees. Participants were interviewed about their experience, with questions related to the realism of the scenarios and their perceived usefulness. Four main themes were identified specifically: emotions, experience, usefulness, and realism. Our scenarios were seen as useful in describing social and physical barriers experienced by PWD. VR can be a valid tool to promote disability awareness among employees in a sociocultural setting, representing a step towards the inclusion of PWD.
Paediatric Calcaneal Osteochondroma: A Case Report and a Literature Review
Authors: Calogero Valeria , Florio Michela , Careri Silvia , Aulisa Angelo Gabriele , Falciglia Francesco , Giordano Marco
Published: July 2024

Background: Heel pain in children is a common condition. The aetiology can be ascribed to fractures, osteochondrosis, tendinitis, calcaneal-navicular or talo-calcaneal coalition, osteomyelitis, rheumatic diseases, anatomic variants, malignant tumours (osteosarcoma, Ewing’s sarcoma), and benign lesions (bone cyst, aneurismal bone cyst, osteoid osteoma, or exostosis). In particular, this manuscript focuses on a case of calcaneal exostosis in the paediatric age, aiming to highlight its rarity. Osteochondromas are benign tumours of the surface of the bone and the overlying cartilage. They grow until skeletal maturity and can cause stiffness, pain, cosmetic alterations, tendinitis, and neuro-vascular compression. The calcaneus is an extremely rare site for these tumours. Only two case reports of paediatric exostosis of the calcaneus bone are available. Methods: We describe a case of a girl of 16 years of age, affected by multiple cartilaginous exostosis, who presented with a painful mass on the inferior margin of the foot in the calcaneal region, which was diagnosed as an exostosis. The neoformation was excised, and the girl underwent clinical follow-up. Results: The patient was promptly discharged in good condition, and on the 25th postoperative day, she was completely pain-free and allowed weight bearing. Conclusions: In the case of heel pain resistant to conservative treatment, the presence of an osteochondroma should be considered after excluding more common causes. If symptomatic, calcaneal osteochondromas could require surgical excision.
Heterogeneous Multi-UAV Mission Reallocation Based on Improved Consensus-Based Bundle Algorithm
Authors: Bi Wenhao , Shen Junyi , Zhou Jiuli , Zhang An
Published: July 2024

In dynamic complex environments, it is inevitable for UAVs to be damaged due to their confrontational nature. The challenge to minimize the adverse effects of the damage and reallocate the mission is vital for achieving the operational goal. This paper proposes a distributed Multi-UAV mission reallocation method in the case of UAV damage based on the improved consensus-based bundle algorithm (CBBA). Firstly, a dynamic optimization model for Multi-UAV mission reallocation is established based on an improved resource update model. Secondly, a distributed damage inspection method based on the heartbeat hold mechanism is proposed for real-time monitoring of UAV conditions, which could enable the rapid response to UAV damage events. Furthermore, the CBBA is improved by introducing a timeliness parameter to adjust the bidding strategy and optimizing the mission selection strategy based on the time-order priority insertion principle to generate mission reallocation plans quickly. Through numerical examples, the results show that the proposed method can effectively reallocate Multi-UAV missions under damage events and has superior performance compared with original the CBBA, the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm, and the performance impact (PI) algorithm. The proposed method has a faster solving speed, while the obtained solution has higher mission reallocation effectiveness.
Machine Learning-Based Risk Prediction of Discharge Status for Sepsis
Authors: Cai Kaida , Lou Yuqing , Wang Zhengyan , Yang Xiaofang , Zhao Xin
Published: July 2024

As a severe inflammatory response syndrome, sepsis presents complex challenges in predicting patient outcomes due to its unclear pathogenesis and the unstable discharge status of affected individuals. In this study, we develop a machine learning-based method for predicting the discharge status of sepsis patients, aiming to improve treatment decisions. To enhance the robustness of our analysis against outliers, we incorporate robust statistical methods, specifically the minimum covariance determinant technique. We utilize the random forest imputation method to effectively manage and impute missing data. For feature selection, we employ Lasso penalized logistic regression, which efficiently identifies significant predictors and reduces model complexity, setting the stage for the application of more complex predictive methods. Our predictive analysis incorporates multiple machine learning methods, including random forest, support vector machine, and XGBoost. We compare the prediction performance of these methods with Lasso penalized logistic regression to identify the most effective approach. Each method’s performance is rigorously evaluated through ten iterations of 10-fold cross-validation to ensure robust and reliable results. Our comparative analysis reveals that XGBoost surpasses the other models, demonstrating its exceptional capability to navigate the complexities of sepsis data effectively.
Flare Removal Model Based on Sparse-UFormer Networks
Authors: Wu Siqi , Liu Fei , Bai Yu , Han Houzeng , Wang Jian , Zhang Ning
Published: July 2024

When a camera lens is directly faced with a strong light source, image flare commonly occurs, significantly reducing the clarity and texture of the photo and interfering with image processing tasks that rely on visual sensors, such as image segmentation and feature extraction. A novel flare removal network, the Sparse-UFormer neural network, has been developed. The network integrates two core components onto the UFormer architecture: the mixed-scale feed-forward network (MSFN) and top-k sparse attention (TKSA), creating the sparse-transformer module. The MSFN module captures rich multi-scale information, enabling the more effective addressing of flare interference in images. The TKSA module, designed with a sparsity strategy, focuses on key features within the image, thereby significantly enhancing the precision and efficiency of flare removal. Furthermore, in the design of the loss function, besides the conventional flare, background, and reconstruction losses, a structural similarity index loss has been incorporated to ensure the preservation of image details and structure while removing the flare. Ensuring the minimal loss of image information is a fundamental premise for effective image restoration. The proposed method has been demonstrated to achieve state-of-the-art performance on the Flare7K++ test dataset and in challenging real-world scenarios, proving its effectiveness in removing flare artefacts from images.
DNA Takes Over on the Control of the Morphology of the Composite Self-Organized Structures of Barium and Calcium Silica–Carbonate Biomorphs, Implications for Prebiotic Chemistry on Earth
Authors: Cuéllar-Cruz Mayra , Islas Selene R. , Moreno Abel
Published: July 2024

The origin of life is associated with the existing environmental factors of the Precambrian Era of the Earth. The minerals rich in sodium silicates, in aluminum and in other chemical elements, such as kaolinite, were among the factors present at that time. Kaolinite is an abundant mineral on our planet, which indicates that it possibly had an essential role in the origin of the first blocks that constructed life on Earth. Evidence of this is the cherts, which are rocks with a high concentration of silica that retain the vestiges of the most ancient life on our planet. There are also inorganic structures called biomorphs that are like the cherts of the Precambrian, which take on a morphology and crystalline structure depending on the chemical molecules that make up the reaction mixture. To evaluate the interaction of kaolinite with DNA, the objective of this work is to synthesize biomorphs in the presence of kaolinite and genomic DNA that comes from a prokaryote and a eukaryote microorganism. Our results show that the difference between the prokaryote DNA and the eukaryote DNA favors the morphology and the crystalline phase of the calcium silica–carbonate biomorphs, while in the case of the barium silica–carbonate biomorphs, the environmental factors participate directly in the morphology but not in the crystalline phase. Results show that when a mineral such as kaolinite is present in genomic DNA, it is precisely the DNA that controls both the morphology and the crystalline phase as well as the chemical composition of the structure. This fact is relevant as it shows that, independently of the morphology or the of size of the organism, it is the genomic DNA that controls all the chemical elements toward the most stable structure, therefore allowing the perpetuation, conservation and maintenance of life on our planet (since the origin of the genomic DNA in the Precambrian Era to the present day).
Nursing Care at Critical Care Patient Inter-Hospital Transfer: The Construction of a Checklist through a Scoping Review
Authors: Carvalho Catarina , Costeira Cristina , Pereira Sousa Joana
Published: July 2024

Background: Safe inter-hospital transport of critically ill patients is a complex procedure where nurses are integral to maintaining patient safety. A structured checklist is pivotal to ensuring the transfer process mitigates potential complications. Objective: The objective of this scoping review was to devise and implement a detailed checklist to enhance patient safety during the transfer of critically ill patients. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted by Joanna Briggs Institute’s guidelines across several databases including MEDLINE, CINAHL Complete, LILACS, and Scopus. The search considered works published in Portuguese, English, or Spanish from 2008 onwards. A total of eight studies met our inclusion criteria and were selected for detailed analysis. Results: Our analysis delineated the critical clinical information necessary to compose an effective transfer checklist. This checklist was developed through iterative refinement, informed by the literature and appraised during a focus group meeting with experts. Subsequent to its development, the checklist was implemented in the emergency department of a Central Portuguese hospital. Conclusions: This scoping review emphasizes the significance of evidence-based protocols and clear communication in safeguarding patient welfare during critical transfers. The developed checklist is a tool that standardizes care processes, supports clinical decision-making, and is instrumental in minimizing adverse events during inter-hospital transfers.
A Review of Research on Mathematics Teacher Educator Knowledge: Mapping the Terrain
Authors: Castro Superfine Alison , Olanoff Dana , Welder Rachael M. , Prasad Priya V.
Published: July 2024

Over the past two decades, the landscape of research on mathematics teacher educators (MTEs) has grown considerably. One particular area of interest has focused on MTE knowledge and the ways in which it is developed and used in teaching practice. However, studies have conceptualized MTE knowledge in different ways and have employed considerably different methodologies and approaches to its study. In an effort to understand this varied landscape, we conducted an extensive review of research on the nature and development of MTE knowledge. This review provides a broad descriptive analysis of the existing theoretical and empirical research on MTEs’ knowledge, explores the theoretical underpinnings of the existing frameworks for and studies on MTE knowledge, and considers implications for future research.
Transforming Pedagogy: The Digital Revolution in Higher Education
Authors: Bitar Nizar , Davidovich Nitza
Published: July 2024

The rapid integration of Digital Learning into higher education, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has transformed educational landscapes globally. This qualitative study employs a phenomenological approach, through thematic analysis of in-depth interviews with 15 lecturers, to investigate the implementation of a Digital Learning initiative by the Council for Higher Education (CHE) and the Planning and Budgeting Committee (PBC) at a leading institution in northern Israel. Our findings reveal four interconnected domains influencing Digital Learning implementation: educational, personal, cultural and social, and institutional. We found that while Digital Learning enhances pedagogical innovation and accessibility, it also presents significant challenges in terms of technological adaptation and cultural integration. This study provides strategic recommendations for refining Digital Learning strategies and offers unique insights into implementing Digital Learning in a culturally diverse, technologically advanced setting. Key recommendations include developing culturally responsive Digital Learning environments, integrating traditional practices like ‘chavruta’ into digital platforms, and investing in flexible technological infrastructure to support diverse pedagogical approaches within the unique Israeli educational context.
What Do the General Public Know about Infertility and Its Treatment?
Authors: Nancarrow Lewis , Fernando Anuthi , Hampton Lucy , Murray Courtney , Hapangama Dharani K. , Tempest Nicola
Published: July 2024

Rates of infertility are rising, and informed decision making is an essential part of reproductive life planning with the knowledge that ART success decreases dramatically while a woman’s age increases and that high costs can often be incurred during fertility treatment. We aimed to determine the current knowledge of infertility and its treatments in the general public through an online survey. We received 360 complete responses. The average age of respondents was 35 years with most respondents being female (90%), heterosexual (88%), white (85%) and university educated (79%). Of the total, 49% had children and 23% had a condition that affects their fertility; 41% had concerns about future fertility and 78% knew someone who had had fertility treatment. Participants’ understanding of basic reproductive biology and causes of infertility varied with correct responses to questions ranging from 44% to 93%. Understanding of IVF outcomes was poorer with only 32% to 55% of responses being correct, and 76% of respondents felt that their education in fertility was inadequate. This survey highlights the inconsistencies in the general public’s understanding of infertility in this relatively educated population. With increasing demands on fertility services and limited public funds, better education is essential to ensure patients are fully informed with regard to their reproductive life planning.
How to Promote Walking in Women with Fibromyalgia: A Look at Catastrophizing, Goal Conflict, and Avoidance from a Self-Emotional Regulatory Perspective
Authors: Ecija Carmen , Gutiérrez Lorena , Catalá Patricia , Peñacoba Cecilia
Published: July 2024

The aim of this study was twofold: to explore the concordance between two measures of physical activity (accelerometer and IPAQ) among female fibromyalgia (FM) patients, as well as to examine the impact of psychosocial variables (catastrophism, activity avoidance) on walking among these patients. Helplessness, activity avoidance, and commitment to physical activity were evaluated in 132 FM women. After the first assessment, an accelerometer was placed by a psychologist on each participant for seven consecutive days. Eight days later, accelerometers were collected, and participants were evaluated again using the IPAQ. Two models were tested to analyze mediation and a moderated mediation effect. The mediating role of activity avoidance between helplessness and minutes walked was corroborated regarding the objective measure of walking. The effect of helplessness on minutes walked during a week was mediated by activity avoidance and assessed by accelerometers. Cognitive variables played a contextual role when trying to promote exercise. Activity avoidance must be understood as a key variable in physical activity promotion, specifically in the promotion of walking with the aim to do exercise in individuals with FM.
Renewable Electricity and Green Hydrogen Integration for Decarbonization of “Hard-to-Abate” Industrial Sectors
Authors: Franco Alessandro , Rocca Michele
Published: July 2024

This paper investigates hydrogen’s potential to accelerate the energy transition in hard-to-abate sectors, such as steel, petrochemicals, glass, cement, and paper. The goal is to assess how hydrogen, produced from renewable sources, can foster both industrial decarbonization and the expansion of renewable energy installations, especially solar and wind. Hydrogen’s dual role as a fuel and a chemical agent for process innovation is explored, with a focus on its ability to enhance energy efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions. Integrating hydrogen with continuous industrial processes minimizes the need for energy storage, making it a more efficient solution. Advances in electrolysis, achieving efficiencies up to 60%, and storage methods, consuming about 10% of stored energy for compression, are discussed. Specifically, in the steel sector, hydrogen can replace carbon as a reductant in the direct reduced iron (DRI) process, which accounts for around 7% of global steel production. A next-generation DRI plant producing one million tons of steel annually would require approximately 3200 MW of photovoltaic capacity to integrate hydrogen effectively. This study also discusses hydrogen’s role as a co-fuel in steel furnaces. Quantitative analyses show that to support typical industrial plants, hydrogen facilities of several hundred to a few thousand MW are necessary. “Virtual” power plants integrating with both the electrical grid and energy-intensive systems are proposed highlighting hydrogen’s critical role in industrial decarbonization and renewable energy growth.
Alternative Measurement Approach for the Evaluation of Hot-Electron Degradation in p-GaN Gate AlGaN/GaN Power HEMTs
Authors: Cioni Marcello , Giorgino Giovanni , Chini Alessandro , Parisi Antonino , Cappellini Giacomo , Miccoli Cristina , Castagna Maria Eloisa , Tringali Cristina , Iucolano Ferdinando
Published: July 2024

In this paper, a new method for evaluating hot-electron degradation in p-GaN gate AlGaN/GaN power HEMTs is proposed. The method exploits a commercial parameter analyzer to study VTH and RON drifts induced by on-state stress at VDS = 50 V. The results show that VTH drift and part of the RON degradation induced by the on-state stress are recoverable and likely due to the ionization of C-related acceptors in the buffer. This was confirmed by a preliminary characterization of C-related buffer traps. Conversely, the remaining part of RON degradation (not recovered in 1000 s) was strongly affected by the surface treatment. The current level set during on-state stress affected the amount of non-recoverable degradation, confirming the involvement of hot electrons. Thanks to the monitoring of the parameters’ recovery, the proposed method provides important insights into the physical mechanisms governing the parameters’ degradation. This extends the capabilities of state-of-the art systems, without the need for custom setup development.
Performance Investigations of VSLAM and Google Street View Integration in Outdoor Location-Based Augmented Reality under Various Lighting Conditions
Authors: Brata Komang Candra , Funabiki Nobuo , Riyantoko Prismahardi Aji , Panduman Yohanes Yohanie Fridelin , Mentari Mustika
Published: July 2024

The growing demand for Location-based Augmented Reality (LAR) experiences has driven the integration of Visual Simultaneous Localization And Mapping (VSLAM) with Google Street View (GSV) to enhance the accuracy. However, the impact of the ambient light intensity on the accuracy and reliability is underexplored, posing significant challenges in outdoor LAR implementations. This paper investigates the impact of light conditions on the accuracy and reliability of the VSLAM/GSV integration approach in outdoor LAR implementations. This study fills a gap in the current literature and offers valuable insights into vision-based approach implementation under different light conditions. Extensive experiments were conducted at five Point of Interest (POI) locations under various light conditions with a total of 100 datasets. Descriptive statistic methods were employed to analyze the data and assess the performance variation. Additionally, the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) analysis was utilized to assess the impact of different light conditions on the accuracy metric and horizontal tracking time, determining whether there are significant differences in performance across varying levels of light intensity. The experimental results revealed that a significant correlation (p < 0.05) exists between the ambient light intensity and the accuracy of the VSLAM/GSV integration approach. Through the confidence interval estimation, the minimum illuminance 434 lx is needed to provide a feasible and consistent accuracy. Variations in visual references, such as wet surfaces in the rainy season, also impact the horizontal tracking time and accuracy.
Review on Aging Risk Assessment and Life Prediction Technology of Lithium Energy Storage Batteries
Authors: Liao Zhiwei , Lv Dongze , Hu Qiyun , Zhang Xiang
Published: July 2024

In response to the dual carbon policy, the proportion of clean energy power generation is increasing in the power system. Energy storage technology and related industries have also developed rapidly. However, the life-attenuation and safety problems faced by energy storage lithium batteries are becoming more and more serious. In order to clarify the aging evolution process of lithium batteries and solve the optimization problem of energy storage systems, we need to dig deeply into the mechanism of the accelerated aging rate inside and outside the lithium ion from the perspective of the safety and stability of a lithium battery in view of the complex and changeable actual working conditions during the operation of the battery. This paper takes a lithium-iron phosphate battery and a lithium-ion battery as examples to analyze. According to the specific scene of lithium battery operation, the actual operating conditions of lithium battery environmental impact factors and attenuation mechanisms are described in detail. The damage to the internal structure of lithium batteries was systematically analyzed. Furthermore, the correlation between the external influencing factors and the aging rate of lithium batteries under the coupling effect of internal failure mechanisms is analyzed. Finally, future energy storage failure analysis technology is anticipated, hoping to play a positive role in promoting the development of energy storage and lithium battery failure analysis technology.
Engineering Biomedical Problems to Detect Carcinomas: A Tomographic Impedance Approach
Authors: Laganà Filippo , Prattico Danilo , De Carlo Domenico , Oliva Giuseppe , Pullano Salvatore A. , Calcagno Salvatore
Published: July 2024

Computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and radiography expose patients to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and ionizing radiation. As an alternative, Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) offers a less EMF-influenced method for imaging by measuring superficial skin currents to provide a map of the body’s conductivity. EIT allows for functional monitoring of anatomical regions using low electromagnetic fields and minimal exposure times. This paper investigates the application of EIT for the morphological and functional assessment of tissues. Using the Finite Element Method (FEM) (Comsol 5.2), both two-dimensional and three-dimensional models and simulations of physiological and pathological tissues were developed to replicate EIT operations. The primary objective is to detect carcinoma by analysing the electrical impedance response to externally applied excitations. An eight-electrode tomograph was utilised for this purpose, specifically targeting epithelial tissue. The study allowed the characterisation of tomographs of any size and, therefore, the possibility to verify both their geometric profile and the ideal value of the excitation current to be delivered per second of the type of tissue to be analysed. Simulations were conducted to observe electrical impedance variations within a homogeneously modelled tissue and a carcinoma characterized by regular geometry. The outcomes demonstrated the potential of EIT as a viable technique for carcinoma detection, emphasizing its utility in medical diagnostics with reduced EMF exposure.
Characterization of the Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) Biosynthetic Gene Cluster in High GABA-Producing Enterococcus avium G-15
Authors: Noda Masafumi , Ozaki Moeko , Ogura Saori , Danshiitsoodol Narandalai , Nakashima Etsuji , Sugiyama Masanori
Published: July 2024

We have previously shown that the lactic acid bacterium (LAB) Enterococcus avium G-15 produces gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) from monosodium l-glutamate (Glu) at a hyper conversion rate. We have also found a gene cluster, designated as a gad cluster, that consists of four genes for the conversion of Glu to GABA, a Glu–GABA antiporter, and two transcriptional regulatory proteins, GadR1 and GadR2. The present study has been designed to investigate what characteristics of the GadG enzyme may contribute to the high production of GABA and how these two regulators play a role in high GABA productivity. The kinetic study showed that compared with E. coli glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) enzymes, GadG has relatively high Km (1.3–2.4 times) and kcat (1.3–1.6 times) values, indicating that although there are no remarkable differences in kinetic parameters between the three GAD enzymes, GadG may contribute to the high production of GABA in the presence of enough substrates. Further, the G-15 strain lacks the ornithine decarboxylase pathway-based acid resistance mechanism observed in some LAB strains, suggesting that the GAD-based acid resistance system is relatively important and may be vigorously employed in the G-15 strain. The molecular biological analysis of GadR1 revealed that the protein plays a role in GABA production as a transcriptional activator through an indirect pathway.
Health-Promoting Effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Its Technological Applications in Fermented Food Products and Beverages
Authors: Liu Yanyan , Nawazish Hira , Farid Muhammad Salman , Abdul Qadoos Khansa , Habiba Umm E. , Muzamil Muhammad , Tanveer Mahwish , Sienkiewicz Monika , Lichota Anna , Łopusiewicz Łukasz
Published: July 2024

Lactobacillus acidophilus is a probiotic bacterium that possesses numerous health-promoting properties and has significant technological applications in the fermentation of a wide range of food products and beverages. This review discusses the health benefits of L. acidophilus, including its ability to enhance immunity; promote digestive wellness; and exhibit antioxidant, antitumor, and antimicrobial properties. This review also discusses the production of bioactive peptides and extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) by L. acidophilus. Factors, such as salinity, temperature, carbon sources, and nutrient availability, influence the growth of L. acidophilus, which can affect the survival and bioactive potential of fermented products. The proteolytic effects of L. acidophilus contribute to protein breakdown, which leads to the release of bioactive peptides with various health benefits. This review also discusses the applications of L. acidophilus in the fermentation of dairy products, cereal beverages, soymilk, fruit and vegetable juices, and other functional food preparations, highlighting its potential for improving the nutritional value, organoleptic properties, and probiotic delivery of these products. This review highlights the importance of understanding and controlling fermentation conditions to maximize the growth and health-promoting benefits of L. acidophilus in various food and beverage products.