bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Color Dominance in Artwork by Children with ADHD
Authors: Rahmawati Indira Ismi , Wati Tri Linggo
Published: October 2024

General Background: Color is a fundamental element in children's drawings, reflecting their emotions and experiences. Specific Background: Children with special needs, particularly those with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), may exhibit unique patterns in color usage, influenced by their perceptions and memories. Knowledge Gap: Limited research exists on how color dominance in drawings can provide insights into the thoughts and feelings of children with ADHD. Aims: This study aims to identify the dominant colors used by children with ADHD in their drawings, enhancing educators' understanding of these children's emotional landscapes. Results: Employing a qualitative phenomenological approach, data were gathered through observation, interviews, and documentation, with validity assessed via source triangulation. The findings reveal that children with ADHD predominantly select darker colors, such as black, dark blue, and brown, which correspond to significant past experiences or events they have encountered. Novelty: This research contributes new insights into the relationship between color choice and the emotional expression of children with ADHD. Implications: Understanding color dominance in their artwork can aid educators in recognizing and addressing the emotional and psychological needs of these children, fostering a more supportive learning environment.
Highlights:

Color Selection: Children with ADHD predominantly choose dark colors in their drawings.
Emotional Reflection: Color dominance reflects significant past experiences and emotions.
Qualitative Insights: The study uses a phenomenological approach to analyze children's artwork.

Keywords: color dominance, ADHD, children's drawings, emotional expression, qualitative research
Augmented Reality Flashcards for Arabic Vocabulary Learning
Authors: Ramadhani Ummu Hanifah , Arifin Moch. Bahak Udin By
Published: October 2024

General Background: Augmented Reality (AR) has emerged as a transformative technology in educational media, particularly for language learning. Specific Background: In the context of Arabic language acquisition, traditional methods often lack engaging, interactive elements that enhance vocabulary retention. Knowledge Gap: Existing literature has not sufficiently explored the integration of AR technology in vocabulary learning, particularly for specific themes like time. Aims: This study aims to develop AR Flashcards to facilitate mastery of vocabulary related to time in Arabic language learning at MA/SMA Muhammadiyah, utilizing the ADDIE model for product development. Results: The resulting Flashcards consist of thirteen interactive cards that present vocabulary in a sequence, enriching the learning experience through visual and gamified elements. Students can scan QR codes with minimal smartphone specifications, enhancing accessibility. Novelty: This research introduces a novel educational tool that combines AR technology with structured learning, providing a memorable and effective approach to vocabulary acquisition. Implications: The findings suggest that AR Flashcards can significantly improve students' understanding and retention of Arabic vocabulary, highlighting the potential for technology-enhanced learning environments in language education.
Highlights:

Interactive Learning: AR Flashcards provide an engaging way to learn Arabic vocabulary through visual elements.

Structured Development: The product follows the ADDIE model, ensuring a systematic approach to educational tool creation.

Accessibility: Students can use smartphones with minimal specifications to access the learning material via QR codes.

Keywords: Augmented Reality, Flashcards, Arabic language, vocabulary mastery, educational technology.
Smartphone Based Testing in Qur'an Hadith Education
Authors: Cholis Nur , Fahyuni Eni Fariyatul
Published: October 2024

General Background: The use of technology in educational assessments has become increasingly important for evaluating student competencies. Specific Background: In Tsanawiyah madrasas, the implementation of smartphone-based assessments (SBT) in Qur'an-Hadith subjects presents unique challenges and opportunities, yet empirical analysis of its application remains limited. Knowledge Gap: Previous studies have not comprehensively addressed the operational aspects and the context of SBT implementation in this specific educational setting. Aims: This research aims to analyze the application of SBT as an assessment medium in Tsanawiyah madrasas, focusing on its implementation, infrastructure, advantages, and challenges. Results: The findings indicate that the SBT is aligned with the standards set by the Educational Standards, Curriculum, and Assessment Agency (BSKAP) and is generally well-received, supported by adequate infrastructure and enthusiasm from educators and students. However, challenges such as network instability, power outages, and proctoring issues impede its effectiveness. Novelty: This study provides a qualitative insight into the practical dynamics of SBT in an Islamic educational context, emphasizing both supportive and obstructive factors. Implications: The results highlight the need for improved technological support and training to mitigate challenges, suggesting that enhanced collaboration between educators and technical teams could foster more effective assessment practices in madrasas.
Highlights:

Alignment with Standards: SBT implementation adheres to guidelines set by educational authorities, ensuring compliance.

Infrastructure and Support: Adequate facilities and collaboration among educators and technicians contribute to successful assessment.

Challenges Faced: Issues like network instability and power outages hinder effective smartphone-based testing.

Keywords: Smartphone-based assessment, Qur'an-Hadith, Tsanawiyah madrasas, educational technology, challenges.
Impact of Extended Village Leadership on Community Welfare in Indonesia
Authors: Agustino Anggo Dwi , Mediawati Noor Fatimah
Published: October 2024

General Background: In Indonesia, villages serve as the foundational administrative units vital for local management and development, particularly under Law No. 6 of 2014. Specific Background: The headman's term, typically six years, can be extended, influencing community welfare programs. Tanggulangin Village in Sidoarjo exemplifies this practice, focusing on resource management, infrastructure improvement, and social services. Knowledge Gap: Limited research exists on the impacts of term extensions for village heads on community development and governance dynamics. Aims: This study aims to explore both positive and negative outcomes of extending the headman's term and its implications for village governance and community welfare. Results: Interviews reveal that extended terms positively affect program continuity and project completion, fostering better leadership stability, effective resource allocation, and enhanced public services. Conversely, potential drawbacks include diminished leadership effectiveness over time and challenges in adapting to evolving technological landscapes. Novelty: This research contributes to the discourse on local governance by highlighting the dual impacts of leadership term extensions, offering a nuanced understanding of village administration in Indonesia. Implications: Findings suggest that while extended leadership can optimize community welfare initiatives, attention must be paid to the risks of stagnation and resistance to innovation. Sustainable development in villages may necessitate a balance between continuity and the infusion of new ideas through periodic leadership changes.
Highlights:
 

Extended term improves community project continuity and effectiveness.
Stability enhances resource management and public service delivery.
Risks include reduced adaptability and potential leadership stagnation.

 
Keywords: village governance, term extension, community welfare, leadership stability, Indonesia
Spectral interferometry with fiber array for single-shot spatiotemporal characterization of ultrashort lasers
Authors: Liu Jun , Xu Yilin , Shen Xiong , Chen Renjing , Liang Wenhai , Wang Peng , Li Ruxin
Published: October 2024

In the realm of ultra-intense laser physics, the precise characterization of laser pulses is indispensable. An innovativemethod named spectral interferometry with fiber array for single-shot spatiotemporal characterization (SIFAST) is designed to overcome the challenges in measuring the spatiotemporal coupling parameters of petawatt laser pulses. SIFAST employs a specially designed single-mode fiber array to simultaneously collect interferometric spectra from multiple spatial points, thereby eliminating the need for spatial scanning. This method enables the reconstruction of a complete three-dimensional spatiotemporal structure of the laser pulse, marking a significant advancement in the field of laser pulse characterization.
Minimized Optical/Electrical Energy Loss for 25.1% Monolithic Perovskite/Organic Tandem Solar Cells
Authors: Tan Zhan'ao , He Zhangwei , Yu Runnan , Dong Yiman , Wang Ruyue , Zhang Yuling
Published: October 2024

Perovskite/organic tandem solar cells (PO-TSCs) exploit the advantages of cost-effective fabrication, orthogonal solvent processing for perovskite and organic absorber layers, and compatibility with low-temperature, high-throughput deposition techniques. However, their performance remains hampered by energy losses of subcells and interconnecting layers (ICLs). Here, an energy loss management strategy for PO-TSCs is proposed, focusing on the simultaneous regulation of defect states in perovskite front subcells and the reduction of optical and electrical losses in the ICL. The synergistic effect of hydrogen bonding and coordination interactions between the pyridinium bromide perbromide and perovskite layer effectively mitigates ion migration, thereby minimizing energy losses. The optimized V2O5-based ICL structure not only demonstrates excellent transmissivity for near-infrared photons but also allows for barrier-free extraction of charge carriers. This can provide a low-loss interface, facilitating light management within the bulk heterojunction, which effectively balances the current between the front and rear subcells. Taken together, the resulting PO-TSCs deliver a power conversion efficiency of 25.1% with a high open-circuit voltage of 2.10 V.
Predictors of Optimal Angiographic Lesion Outcomes in Drug-Coated Balloon Treatment for De Novo Coronary Artery Disease: Insights from a Prospective Study and Intravascular Ultrasound Subgroup Analysis
Authors: Kang Dong Oh , Lee Jong-Seok , Kim Bitna , Kim Yong-Hyun , Lim Sang-Yup , Kim Seong Hwan , Ahn Jeong-Cheon , Her Ae-Young , Song Woo-Hyuk , Shin Eun-Seok , Kim Sunwon
Published: October 2024

Drug-coated balloon (DCB) treatment is an emerging strategy for de novo coronary artery disease (CAD), but procedural optimization remains uncertain. This study analyzed 317 patients who underwent DCB-based intervention for de novo CAD and angiographic follow-up: SR (successful, stent-like result: diameter stenosis <20% at follow-up angiography, n=84, 93 lesions) and Non-SR (n=224, 358 lesions) groups. Baseline clinical and lesion characteristics were similar, except that SR lesions had larger diameter. In SR lesions, specialty balloons were more frequently utilized (p=0.025), and maximal balloon diameter and balloon-to-artery ratio were significantly greater compared to Non-SR lesions (p<0.001 and p=0.008). At a median 8-month follow-up, SR lesions exhibited larger minimal luminal diameter (MLD) and lower late lumen loss, with negative values indicating positive vessel remodeling. In multivariate analysis, post-DCB MLD (odds ratio 1.17 per 0.1mm increase, p<0.001) and balloon-to-artery ratio (odds ratio 1.43 per 0.1 increase, p=0.002) were independent predictors for successful angiographic outcomes with thresholds of 1.95 mm for post-DCB MLD and 1.13 for balloon-to-artery ratio. In 47 patients, IVUS guidance resulted in balloon-to-artery ratio of 1.23 as calculated by QCA. The study demonstrated the importance of achieving maximal post-DCB MLD through aggressive lesion predilation, underscoring the need for refining procedural strategies.
Modified protocol comparing bio-applicability of different non-thermal plasma generating devices
Authors: Machková Anna , Zampieri Leonardo , Czapka Tomasz , Hrudka Jan , Vaňková Eva , Khun Josef , Martines Emilio , Brotánková Jana , Cordaro Luigi , De Masi Gianluca , Scholtz Vladimír
Published: October 2024

Due to the great increase in the non-thermal plasma (NTP) bio-applications, especially thanks to its antimicrobial properties, many types of NTP generating devices have been developed recently. However, a comparison of these devices is difficult due to the differences in the setup of studies testing them, e.g., in species of microorganisms used and sample preparations. In this study, we propose a unified protocol and use it to compare seven different NTP generating devices in terms of technical parameters and sporicidal properties. To our knowledge, a comparative study of this extent has not been published to date. For this purpose, we optimized a robust and reproducible standard protocol using Bacillus subtilis spores. Inhibition zones determined using the Aurora software and the complete inhibition of bacteria growth induced by the NTP treatment were analyzed to determine both local and overall effects, respectively. The presented protocol is based on an established bacterial method and can therefore serve as a general standard for an effective comparison of NTP sources across laboratories worldwide.
Helminth-driven gut inflammation and microbial translocation are linked to altered vaccine responses in rural Uganda
Authors: Nassuuna Jacent , Sterk Joas , Walusimbi Bridgious , Natukunda Agnes , Nkangi Ronald , Amongin Rebecca , Zirimenya Ludoviko , Webb Emily L , Elliott Alison M , Nkurunungi Gyaviira
Published: October 2024

Vaccine responses are sometimes impaired in rural, low-income settings. Helminth-associated gut barrier dysfunction and microbial translocation (MT) may be implicated. We used samples from a trial of praziquantel treatment-effects on vaccine responses in Schistosoma mansoni (Sm)-endemic Ugandan islands, measuring intestinal fatty acid-binding protein 2 (I-FABP2), lipopolysaccharide-binding protein, anti-endotoxin core antibodies (EndoCab), soluble CD14 (sCD14) in plasma, and faecal lipocalin-2, occult blood (FOB), and calprotectin (fCAL), and evaluating their associations with baseline helminth infection, praziquantel treatment, and responses to BCG, yellow fever, typhoid, HPV, and tetanus-diphtheria vaccines. Sm associated positively with fCAL and FOB, hookworm with I-FABP2, and any helminth with EndoCab IgM, fCAL and FOB. Sm associated inversely with sCD14. Praziquantel treatment reduced all marker concentrations, significantly fCAL and FOB, implying that Sm-associated gut inflammation and MT is reversible. Associations of assessed markers with vaccine-specific responses were predominantly inverse. Interventions to improve gut barrier function may enhance vaccine responsiveness.
The prevalence of ENPP1 deficiency and the preclinical efficacy of ENPP1 biologic therapy in OPLL.
Authors: Braddock Demetrios , Srivast Shivani , Kato Hajime , von Kroge Simon , Weise Keith , Stabach Paul , Lopez Sam , O’Brien Kevin , Lester Ethan , Kim Hana , Dammen-Brower Kris , Schinke Thorsten , Kimura Soichiro , Miyahara Junya , Doi Toru , Oshima Yasushi , Yarema Kevin , Carpenter Thomas , Sabbagh Yves , Tommasini Steven , Ito Nobuaki , Oheim Ralf
Published: October 2024

Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament (OPLL) and Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH) are disorders in which patients suffer from pain and stiffness due to progressive spinal fractures and enthesospathy. Myelopathy and impaired mobility worsen with age and may progress to hemiplegia; the mechanisms driving disease progression are unknown, and effective treatments are lacking. To investigate OPLL disease pathogenesis we prospectively quantiated plasma PPi in consecutive OPLL and cervical osteoarthritic (OA) patients who presented for surgical correction, and further sequenced the OPLL patients for genes associated with phosphate wasting and spinal enthesopathy, and to evaluate novel OPLL therapeutics we explored the efficacy of soluble and bone targeted ENPP1 biologics on the plasma biomarkers and the skeletal phenotype of OPLL mice. We found that a significant proportion of OPLL patients harbored monoallelic pathogenic ENPP1 loss of function variants and that those OPLL patients requiring surgical intervention had significantly reduced plasma PPi levels in comparison to cervical OA patients with comparably severe disease. In murine OPLL, bone targeted ENPP1-Fc corrected plasma biomarkers and spinal hyperostosis, significantly improved or normalized spinal and long bone fragility, and ameliorated Achilles tendon enthesopathy. Our findings support the notion that OPLL patients are ENPP1 deficient, and that treatment with ENPP1 biologics may ameliorate the spinal hyperostosis, fracture risk, and enthesopathies present in OPLL.
Integration of Airborne Geophysical Data, and Remote Sensing, in Groundwater Potential Mapping in the Central Region of Ghana.
Authors: Teye Emmanuel Mensah , Wemegah David Dotse , Preko Kwesi , Boadi Benjamen Kwesi
Published: October 2024

In the Central Region of Ghana, electromagnetic, electrical resistivity, and magnetotelluric surveys have been used extensively for groundwater exploration for specific locations in the region. In order to determine the spatial distribution of groundwater potential across the region, airborne magnetic and radiometric data, and remote sensing data was used in addition to Weighted Overlay Model in a Geographic Information System’s environment leading to identification of five groundwater potential zones: very low, low, moderate, high and very high. Assessment of the groundwater potential zones mapped, shows that approximately 0.91%, 14.03%, 56.20%, 27.53% and 1.32% of the area respectively were observed to constitutes very low (yield ≤ 0.66 m3/h), low (0.66m3/h < yield ≤ 2.4 m3/h), moderate (2.4 m3/h < yield ≤ 6.3 m3/h), high (6.3m3/h < yield ≤ 14.4m3/h) and very high (> 14.4 m3/h) groundwater potentials zones. Validation potential zones using modified Index of Agreement and Modified Nash-Sutcliffe Error gave 0.81 and 0.74, efficiencies respectively. These efficiencies respectively show very good and good estimates for the hydrological model, showing that the method adopted in delineating groundwater potential is very good, and can be adopted for future detailed groundwater exploration in the area.
Effective removal of As5+ from aqueous medium using date palm fiber biochar/chitosan/glutamine nanocomposite: kinetic and thermodynamic studies
Authors: Khalifa Al Isaee , Alshandoudi Laila M. , Hassan Asaad F. , Braish Amany G.
Published: October 2024

In the current work, three adsorbent materials were developed; biochar derived from date palm fiber (C), date palm fiber biochar/chitosan nanoparticles (CCS), and biochar/chitosan nanoparticles composite supplemented with glutamine (CCSG). These compounds were used as solid adsorbents to remove As5+ from polluted water. Several characterization approaches were used to investigate all the synthesized solid adsorbents, including TGA, N2 adsorption/desorption isotherm, SEM, TEM, ATR-FTIR, and zeta potential. CCSG demonstrated good thermal stability, with a maximum specific surface area of 518.69 m2/g, a microporous radius of 0.97 nm, total pore volume of 0.25 cm3/g, an average particle size of 38 nm, and pHpzc of 6.9. To optimize the reaction conditions, various sorption factors were examined, including contact time, pH, initial As5+ concentration, adsorbent dosage, temperature, and ionic strength. The study found that the modified samples were able to remove more As5+ (CCS; 256.0 mg/g and CCSG; 376.0 mg/g) than unmodified ones (C; 150.5 mg/g). The As5+ removal procedure corresponded well with Langmuir isotherm model. Thermodynamic and kinetic experiments show that the Elovich, PFO, and Van't Hoff plot with endothermic, spontaneous, and physisorption nature are the best fitted models. EDTA has the highest desorption efficiency percentage (98.8%). CCSG demonstrated enhanced reusability after six application cycles of As5+ adsorption/desorption, with only a 4% decrease in the efficiency of adsorption. This study demonstrates that CCSG effectively remove As5+ in wastewater and use agricultural solid waste residues (date palm fiber; DPF) for environmental remediation purposes.
The Price of ED: Annual Out of Pocket Cost Disparities of Erectile Dysfunction Medications
Authors: Gurayah Aaron , KUCHAKULLA MANISH ,   Samantha Thorogood1, Fisch Robert , Davuluri Meenakshi
Published: October 2024

Our objective was to understand the out-of-pocket (OOP) annual costs for PDE5-I to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) through traditional Medicare Part D drug coverage programs and other popular discount programs.
We collected data on annual OOP costs for ED medications from four different sources: Medicare Part D, GoodRx, Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company (MCCPDC), and Amazon Pharmacy. We compared the cost of lowest and highest routinely prescribed dosage of medications for Sildenafil, Tadalafil, and Vardenafil. We examined the cost of PDE5-I under Medicare Part D at 1) hospital retail pharmacies (using twelve zip codes encompassing areas with comprehensive urologic oncology centers) and 2) three most prevalent commercial retail pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart). These findings were compared to discount platforms GoodRx (via CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart), MCCPDC, and Amazon Pharmacy using R (V4.1.1).
For Sildenafil 20mg, the Part D annual OOP costs including hospitals and retail pharmacies were comparable ranging from $1 024-$1 098. The cost at discount platforms was cheaper, ranging from $82-$275. For Sildenafil 100mg, the hospital-based pharmacies had a median price of $1 446, whereas retail pharmacies under Part D ranged from $22 528-$22 542. Discount platforms were preferred at $89-$324. For Tadalafil 2.5mg, the Part D groups ranged from $4 721-$4 759. The cost of this drug via discount platforms was much lower, ranging from $82-$312. For Tadalafil 20mg, the cost via Part D ranged from $25 210-$25 235. The discount platforms were reported to have lower costs ranging from $103-$496. Vardenafil ranged from $19 015-$19 039 from Part D groups and $86-418 from discount platforms. For both sildenafil dosages and tadalafil dosages, MCCPDC was the most affordable option.
There are significant cost-savings when utilizing drug discount platforms. These options should be presented to patients to help improve accessibility and compliance to medications for ED.
Trend of Sedative-Hypnotic, Antiepileptic, and Anti-Parkinsonism poisoning in Tehran, during the last four decades; a retrospective study
Authors: Sadeghi Mahsa , Vatanpour Hossein , Hassanian-Moghaddam Hossein
Published: October 2024

Background: The purpose of this study is to examine the frequency of intoxication with sedatives-hypnotics, antiepileptics, and anti-Parkinsonism drugs in the last four decades (from 1979 to 2019); considering population growth changes.
Methods: All poisoned patients admitted to Loghman Hakim Hospital in Tehran were evaluated. The information was classified according to the ICD-10 coding system. The most common reason for poisoning was identified in this period. A new variable was defined as the percentage of poisoning per population to take the population factor into account.
Results: Antiepileptic, antiparkinsonism, and sedative-hypnotic drugs were the most common cause of poisoning (22.07%) in this period. Considering the population factor, however, no significant increase was observed in poisoning.
Conclusion: Despite the increasing trend of the frequency of intoxication with anti-epileptic, sedative-hypnotic, and antiparkinsonism drugs, no significant increase was observed considering the population factor.
Wildfires Are Burning Less Frequently and More Severely in the Western US: An Integrative Approach to Calculating Fire-Regime Departures
Authors: Chandler Jeffrey R. , Parks Sean A. , Hoecker Tyler J. , Cansler C. Alina , Dobrowski Solomon Z.
Published: October 2024

Background
Changing climate, vegetation, and fire exclusion are altering and homogenizing fire regime attributes compared to historical conditions. Fire-regime changes are commonly quantified using departure metrics, which are often based on measures of central tendency (i.e., the mean). These metrics can mischaracterize complex changes to the distributional characteristics of fire regime attributes.
Results
Here we develop a fire regime departure metric that quantifies non-parametric distributional changes to fire regime attributes. We use this departure metric to compare fire frequency and severity between historical (~ 1600–1880) and contemporary (1980–2021) time periods in western US forests. Our analysis revealed that 89% of western US forests are experiencing less frequent fire and that departures in fire severity tend to increase with human land use intensity. We also evaluated prioritization within the Wildfire Crisis Mitigation plan and found that priority landscapes are, on average, more departed than non-priority landscapes. We found that previously developed fire regime departure metrics underestimate departures in frequent fire forests and overestimate departures in infrequent fire forests.
Conclusions
By leveraging our distributional metrics, land managers can more effectively target restoration efforts, such as intentional fire use and mechanical thinning, to restore historical fire regimes and bolster the resilience of fire-prone landscapes.
Postoperative Outcomes Linked to Congestive Heart Failure in Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair
Authors: Loyst Rachel , Liu Steven , Mahboubiardakani Rustin , Cerri-Droz Patricia , Walker Paul , Komatsu David , Wang Edward
Published: October 2024

Purpose: This study aims to explore potential complications and risk factors associated with arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (aRCR) in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF).
Methods: This study examined all individuals who underwent aRCR from 2015 to 2021, sourced from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement database. The analysis encompassed patient demographics, comorbidities, and 30-day postoperative complications. Logistic regression was employed to analyze the postoperative complications linked to patients with CHF.
Results: Compared to patients without CHF, patients with CHF undergoing aRCR were independently associated with a significantly greater likelihood of experiencing any complication (OR 3.21, 95% CI 1.89-5.48; P < .001), sepsis (OR 13.04, 95% CI 2.45-69.31; P = .003), cardiac event (OR 7.76, 95% CI 1.59-37.97; P = .011), readmission (OR 3.61, 95% CI 1.78-7.35; P < .001), and non-home discharge (OR 5.43, 95% CI 2.27-13.02; P < .001).
Conclusion: CHF was identified as an independent risk factor for experiencing any complication, sepsis, cardiac event, readmission, and non-home discharge in patients undergoing aRCR. The increased risk of postoperative complications in CHF patients after aRCR highlights the need for diligent preoperative management of these patients to reduce the risk of severe complications and enhance surgical outcomes.
Level of evidence: Level III; Retrospective Cohort Comparison Using Large Database; Prognosis Study
Injectable 2D-MoS 2 -integrated bioadhesive hydrogel as photothermal-derived and drug-delivery implant for colorectal cancer therapy
Authors: Long Xiaojun , Wang Jiawei , Wang Huijuan , Hu Kepeng , Zhang Wei , Lin Weiming , Fang Chao , Cheng Kui , Song Zhangfa
Published: October 2024

Patients with advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) and diffuse peritoneal metastasis are not eligible for surgical intervention, and calling for more efficient and precise treatment strategies to complement the traditional systemic chemotherapy and intraperitoneal chemotherapy. Herein, an injectable two-dimensional molybdenum disulfide (2D-MoS2)-integrated adhesive N-(2-aminoethyl)-4-(4-(hydroxymethyl)-2-methoxy-5-nitro-sophenoxy) butanamide-linked sodium alginate-MoS2-5-fluorouracil (AlgNB/MoS2/5-FU) hydrogel, which can function as an near-infrared light (NIR)-triggered photothermal and drug-delivery implant for CRC treatment is introduced. Ultraviolet (UV) light-activated aldehyde groups in AlgNB bound to the surface-modified MoS2 nanosheets via a Schiff base reaction. The MoS2 nanosheets maintained superior dispersibility in the hydrogel and exhibited a highly efficient NIR-triggered photothermal effect. More importantly, the aldehyde group in AlgNB also imparted tissue adhesion to the hydrogel, the adhesive hydrogel was used to infiltrate and fix in tumor tissue. Combining applications as a 5-FU drug delivering implant, the injectable adhesive AlgNB/MoS2/5-FU hydrogel shows remarkable capability in the inhibition of SW480 cells and colorectal tumour regression by triggering photothermal therapy (PTT) and delivering the 5-FU drug in both in vitro and in vivo studies. The possible synergistic mechanism of PTT and 5-FU chemotherapy could contributed to inhibit DNA repair and boost robust immune response. Therefore, this research provides distinct guidance strategies for the synergistic tumor therapy of localized CRC and shows enormous potential for cancer treatment in the clinical setting.
95% ethanol rinses combined with lauromacrogol injection versus lauromacrogol injection alone in the ultrasound-guided percutaneous sclerotherapy for simple renal cysts in elderly patients：Which is safer and more effective?
Authors: Gao Kan , Wang Feiliang , Xu Lengnan , Dai Weide
Published: October 2024

Background
To compare the effcacy and safety of 95% ethanol rinses combined lauromacrogol injection and lauromacrogol injection alone in scleratherapy of renal cyst.
Methods
We retrospectively analysed 97 symptomatic Bosniak type I renal cysts between 2019 and 2023 underwent by US-guided percutaneous sclerotherapy. 23 cases were treated by lauromacrogol injection alone, and 74 were treated by 95% ethanol rinses combined lauromacrogol injection. All cysts were followed up at 1, 6 and 12 months after the procedure. Success was defined as cured or effective: >90% reduction or 50–90% reduction in cyst size, respectively. Failure was defined as < 50% reduction in cyst size. Intraoperative pain, fever, drowsy, and minor hematuria defined as complication were assessed within 3 days after the operation.
Results
The volume of renal cysts tended to shrink during follow-up. The total resolution rate and the cure rate was 96.9% (94/97) and 90.7% (88/97), respectively at 12 months. No significant differences in the reduction of volume reduction rate, resolution rate and cure rate were observed between the groups during follow-up (P > .05). The complication rates for ethanol combined group 58.1% (43/74) were higher than those for lauromacrogol alone group 17.4% (4/23) (P < .05). Ethanol was found to be significantly painful and prone to cause fever, even used to rinse the lumen of simple renal cysts before lauromacrogol injection .
Conclusion
Success of percutaneous scleratherapy of renal cysts can be obtained in two groups. However, the safety was much higher in lauromacrogol injection alone.
Enhanced Multi-Layer Steel Bar Intersection Recognition through Depth-Based Ground Plane Fitting and Image Fusion
Authors: Xue Zhenfeng , Li Hui , Li Qian , Xue Yiheng , Miao Zhonghua
Published: October 2024

The development of construction automation has significantly reduced labour intensity, with steel binding robots emerging as a pivotal tool. However, accurately recognizing steel intersections remains a challenging task due to multi-layer steel arrangements, conduit interference, and varying visual angles and lighting conditions. This paper proposes an innovative multi-layer steel bar intersection recognition algorithm leveraging depth cameras and image fusion techniques. By fitting the ground plane using random patches and probability statistics from depth images, we separate multiple steel bar layers. Subsequently, a binary mask generated from the depth image is fused with the RGB image, enhancing the semantic information for training a deep neural network, specifically YOLOv8. A new dataset, MuLSIR-252, is introduced, comprising images from various working conditions. Extensive experiments demonstrate that our algorithm achieves high accuracy and robustness, with an mAP of 98.8\%, validating its practical applicability in construction sites. Our contributions include a novel ground fitting method, a unique image fusion approach, and a comprehensive multi-layer steel bar recognition dataset. The code is available at: https://github.com/xuezhen2018/steel_detection.
Extracting commuters from automated road traffic counters; a Gaussian mixture approach
Authors: Brustad Hilde Kjelgaard , Midtbø Jørgen E. , Tomba Gianpaolo Scalia , Kivelä Mikko , Gregersen Fredrik Alexander , Alesandretti Laura
Published: October 2024

Assessing traffic patterns is important for many applications such as rush hour traffic management, cross-border commuting statistics, transportation disruption assessment, and crisis management. We present a method for detecting commuting patterns from time-detailed traffic sensor data. Our method uses Gaussian mixture models to identify morning peaks that also exhibit expected variation patterns over weekends and holidays as corresponding to commuting. We apply the method to detect the variation in commuting between countries in the Nordics during the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Results show that the commuting traffic experienced a smaller decrease (42\% - 71\%) than the total traffic (87\% -92\%) during the pandemic. For Finland and Sweden, both types of traffic have in 2023 returned to approximately the same level as before the pandemic, while the traffic between Norway and Sweden has only recovered to about 73\% of the pre-pandemic level. Our methods can be applied in real-time to provide useful information for applications.
Amdoparvoviruses. Part 1. The global taxonomic analysis of Aleutian mink disease virus strains and isolates is based on the phylogenetic analysis of full VP2 protein sequences.
Authors: Zyrianova Irina M.
Published: October 2024

The Aleutian mink disease virus (AMDV) is a highly contagious parvovirus that is a causative agent of the Aleutian mink disease (AMD). AMD is a commercially important infectious disease because it causes great economic losses to mink farmers worldwide. AMDVs represent themselves as a highly variable group of the Parvoviridae family. The AMDV group is quickly filled out with various representatives. Only about 10 years have passed since this group included only the two species. Today, there are 11 species in this group. The AMDV is the typical representative of this group, and all AMDV-like parvoviruses are now integrated into the Amdoparvovirus genus. The Protoparvovirus genus appears to be ancestral to the Amdoparvovirus genus. In this study, a global phylogenetic analysis of the full VP2 protein sequences of the Amdoparvovirus genus was conducted with suggestions for a new species.
Visualized high-Tc superconducting mechanism of polyhedral quantum wells confined electrons
Authors: huang xiuqing
Published: October 2024

Despite decades of research, the origin of high-temperature superconductivity is still unclear, and its microscopic mechanism remains a subject of intense debate. The intrinsic Mott insulating properties of copper oxide parent compounds and the experimentally observed charge-ordered phases in real space suggest that high-temperature superconductivity may stem from localized electrons rather than itinerant electrons. In this work, we propose a unified microscopic mechanism where confined electrons within polyhedral quantum wells represent the Mott ground state, and symmetry-breaking of electron-hole pairs acts as the superconducting mechanism. A single parameter formula for the critical temperature (Tc) of unconventional superconductors is developed, allowing accurate determination of Tc based on lattice constants. The approach elucidates relationships between various charge-order phases and doping concentration, explores Fermi surface structures, investigates spin resonance peaks and parities, and examines pressure-induced dual superconducting phase transitions - all consistent with experimental observations. It is also estimated that the highest Tc of the newly discovered nickel-based superconductor will not exceed 100 K. This work offers critical insights into unconventional superconductivity’s fundamental mechanisms while introducing a new paradigm to reveal more intrinsic connections between superconductivity, conductivity, and magnetism.
Utility is all you need: fidelity-agnostic synthetic data generation
Authors: Achterberg Jim , Haas Marcel , Dijk Bram van , Spruit Marco
Published: October 2024

Synthesizing data has been popularized as a method to publish useful datasets in a privacy-aware manner, making it useful across a range of scientific domains involving human subjects like health, social, financial, and other applied sciences. It is typically generated by sampling from algorithms which mimic the probability distribution of real datasets, thereby maximizing statistical similarity to real data. However, we argue and demonstrate that synthetic data only needs to be similar in ways relevant to its intended use and may neglect any irrelevant information, which in turn may improve privacy protection. As such, we address the tension between synthesizing data which is useful and protective of privacy, by proposing a new data synthesis method entitled Fidelity Agnostic Synthetic Data. The method first extracts relevant features to the dataset's intended use using a neural net, then generates synthetic versions of the extracted features, after which they are decoded to mimic the real dataset. We show that our synthetic data improves performance in prediction tasks, whilst retaining privacy protection compared to other state-of-the-art methods. This result holds across datasets from a variety of scientific disciplines which benefit from privacy protection, further underscoring the potential of our method in human subject research.
„Inclusion or Inklusion?” – Zur Intensivierung von Lernprozessen durch die Internationalisierung von Lehr- und Fortbildungsformaten im Kontext der Lehrer:innenbildung
Authors: Vogt Michaela , Neuhaus Till , Pieper Marlene , Bierschwale Christoph , Schäffer-Trencsényi Mark
Published: October 2024

Dieser Aufsatz skizziert, diskutiert und reflektiert zwei Lehr- bzw. Fortbildungskonzepte. Diese Konzepte adressieren das Problem der übermäßigen Responsibilisierung von Lehrpersonen im Spannungsfeld Inklusion. Der Ansatz, den die beide Projekte verfolgen, erscheint auf den ersten Blick kontraintuitiv, denn die Projekte diversifizieren die verfügbaren Perspektiven auf Inklusion durch eine bewusste, international ausgerichtete, Perspektiverweiterung. Dadurch – so die im­plizite Hoffnung – werden Denk-, Reflexions- und Handlungskorridore für angehende wie auch bereits praktizierende Lehrer:innen geschaffen, um mit den Anforderungen und Herausfor­derungen, die Inklusion als Agenda mit sich bringt, umzugehen.
Abstract
The following paper presents and discusses two projects. Each of the projects addresses the problem of overly excessive demands posed on teachers and stemming from the normative agenda of inclusion. The approach of the two projects is counter-intuitive as they equip teachers with more perspectives and theories through workshops – internationalization playing a key role in the diversification of perspectives. The underlying hope of this approach is that through internationalization teachers gain more potential levels to speak about, think, and reflect their local circumstances and thereby have a more elaborate approach towards inclusion.
Atomistic Mechanism of Al Substitution Effects on the Ferroelastic Post-stishovite Transition by High-Pressure Single-Crystal X-Ray Diffraction
Authors: Zhang Yanyao , Chariton Stella , Prakapenka Vitali B. , Okuchi Takuo , Lin Jung-Fu
Published: October 2024

The influence of Al substitution on the elastic properties of stishovite and its transition to post-stishovite is of great importance for interpreting the seismic wave velocities of subducted mid-ocean ridge basalt (MORB) within the mantle transition zone and the lower mantle. However, atomistic mechanisms of Al substitution effects on the transition and its associated elasticity remain debated. Here synchrotron single-crystal X-ray diffraction measurements have been performed at room temperature on Al1.3-SiO2 (1.3 mol% Al in the chemical formula of Si0.965(3)Al0.041(1)O2H0.017(4)) and Al2.1-SiO2 (2.1 mol% Al in Si0.948(2)Al0.064(1)O2H 0.018(3)) crystals in diamond anvil cells with Boehler-Almax designed anvils up to 38.0 GPa and 28.5 GPa, respectively. Refinements of the diffraction patterns show that a transformation from stishovite (space group P42/mnm; No. 136) to CaCl2-typed post-stishovite (space group Pnnm; No. 58) is accompanied by splitting of O coordinates. The Al substitution in stishovite results in a faster decrease in the O coordinate, softer apical (Si,Al)-O bonds, and a softer and less distorted (Si,Al)O6 octahedron under compression. This leads to reduced adiabatic bulk modulus (KS), shear modulus (G), shear wave velocity (VS), and compressional wave velocity (VP) in the stishovite phase, explaining seismic wave perturbations in the mantle transition zone. Together with Raman data, Landau theory modeling shows that Al substitution increases the order parameter and excess free energy, stabilizing the post-stishovite phase at lower pressures. Correlation between elasticity and octahedral distortion index (D) reveals that at certain D, the Al substitution reduces KS, G, VS, and VP of the stishovite phase while increasing G, VS, and VP of the post-stishovite phase. Importantly, the maximum shear reduction is slightly enhanced at D = 0.00620(9) at the transition point. Our results help explain the seismically observed small-scale VS anomalies beneath subduction regions in the shallow lower mantle where Al,H-bearing stishovite undergoes the post-stishovite transition.
Formation of bonanza Au-Ag-telluride ores in epithermal systems: Constraints from Cu-O isotopes and modeling
Authors: Gao Shen , Hofstra Albert H. , Qin Kezhang , Zou Xinyu , Xu Hong
Published: October 2024

The formation of bonanza Au-Ag-telluride ores in adularia-sericite epithermal deposits is hypothesized to be attributed to the input of magmatic fluid into flow systems dominated by barren meteoric water. However, understanding of the role and importance of magmatic fluids in the formation of bonanza ores remains limited. To address these concerns, we conducted Cu isotope analyses of chalcopyrite, which coexists with Au-Ag-tellurides in the Te-rich Sandaowanzi deposit located in northeastern China, as well as ore-bearing quartz veins, coeval igneous rocks, and older igneous rocks that underlie the deposit. To aid interpretation, we use geochemical modeling techniques along with O isotope data from calcite and quartz, as well as thermal outputs from modern geothermal systems.

At Sandaowanzi, the δ65Cu values of chalcopyrite vary widely, ranging from 0.48 to 0.86‰. These values are higher than underlying Early Jurassic monzogranite (-0.06 to 0.27‰), as well as coeval Early Cretaceous andesite and basaltic andesite (0.01 to 0.11‰) and Early Cretaceous dacite and granodiorite (0.33 to 0.52‰). The O values of calcite vary from -3.2 to 6.7‰. The present isotope data, together with previous δ18O analyses of quartz, support the idea that the fluids responsible for ore formation at Sandaowanzi were derived from a magmatic source. Progressive input of magmatic fluids into covecting meteoric water explains the telluride precipitation. Subsequent boiling can explain Au, Ag, and Cu precipitation in the upwelling limb of convection cells. Injection of high-temperature magmatic fluids (~300 °C) into shallow meteoric groundwater (~250 °C) and formation of Au-Ag-telluride ores can take place over a relatively short timeframe, typically around 1,000 years. In contrast, the process of electrum precipitation occurs at a later stage compared to the formation of Au-Ag-telluride ores in the boiling zones (<300 °C). These findings indicate that Au-Ag-telluride precipitation occurs at the mixing interface under high temperatures (>300 °C), suggesting that it is located at greater depths compared to typical Au-Ag mineralization in adularia-sericite epithermal systems.
Josephson current through the SYK model
Authors: Dell'Anna Luca
Published: October 2024

We calculate the equilibrium Josephson current through a disordered interacting quantum dot described by a Sachdev-Ye-Kitaev model fully contacted by two BCS superconductors, such that all modes of the dot contribute to the coupling, which encodes hopping and spin-flip processes. We show that, at zero temperature and at the conformal limit, i.e. in the strong interacting limit, the Josephson current is suppressed by UU, the strength of the interaction, as ln(U)/U and becomes universal, namely it gets independent on the superconducting gap. At finite temperature, instead, it depends on the ratio between the gap and the temperature. A proximity effect exists but the self-energy corrections induced by the coupling with the superconducting leads seem subleading as compared to the interaction self-energy and the tunneling matrix for large number of particles. Finally we compare the results of the original four-fermion model with those obtained considering zero interaction, two-fermions and a generalized qq-fermion model.
Experimental Investigation of the Impact of Deposition Temperature on the Fracture of PLA-Printed CT Specimens
Authors: Aourik Oumaima , Chouaf Abdelkerim , Saadouki Bouchra
Published: October 2024

The additive manufacturing process known as Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is distinguished by numerous parameters to be set. These parameters determine the mechanical properties and the overall quality of the printed parts. Among these parameters, we are interested in the filament deposition temperature. Indeed, during the systematic printing of each layer, the filaments that compose it undergo fusion, both inside the layer itself and between successive layers. The quality of this welding process significantly influences the resistance to crack propagation, between filaments of the same layer and/or between superimposed layers. This article focuses on the study of the impact of deposition temperature on the resistance to crack propagation in structures created by FDM. An analysis based on the J-Integral approach is developed.
Powder spreading effects on laser powder bed fused parts quality
Authors: Jabri Fatima-Ezzahrae , Ouballouch Aissa , Lasri Larbi , El Alaiji Rachid
Published: October 2024

Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) is an additive manufacturing technique whose efficiency and quality depend largely on a consistent and precise powder spreading procedure. This article examines the crucial role of powder spreading in influencing the quality of 3D-printed parts. Through case studies and experimental results, the article demonstrates in detail the impact of parameters such as: powder flowability, spreading speed, layer thickness, and recoater type on powder uniformity during spreading. In addition, the paper presents a comparison between types of recoaters in order to obtain optimum surface finish, mechanical properties, and reduced defects. This paper reviews the most appropriate powder spreading techniques to maintain the flowability and uniformity of the powder. Therefore, the primary objective of this work is to present an in-depth review of the impact of powder spreading dynamics in LPBF. In addition, it aims to demonstrate to the reader the various factors influencing powder spreading and the methodologies employed to optimize this crucial process.