bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Metric for Alzheimer’s Disease Detection Based on Brain Complexity Analysis via Multiscale Fuzzy Entropy
Authors: Cataldo Andrea , Criscuolo Sabatina , De Benedetto Egidio , Masciullo Antonio , Pesola Marisa , Schiavoni Raissa
Published: March 2024

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative brain disorder that affects cognitive functioning and memory. Current diagnostic tools, including neuroimaging techniques and cognitive questionnaires, present limitations such as invasiveness, high costs, and subjectivity. In recent years, interest has grown in using electroencephalography (EEG) for AD detection due to its non-invasiveness, low cost, and high temporal resolution. In this regard, this work introduces a novel metric for AD detection by using multiscale fuzzy entropy (MFE) to assess brain complexity, offering clinicians an objective, cost-effective diagnostic tool to aid early intervention and patient care. To this purpose, brain entropy patterns in different frequency bands for 35 healthy subjects (HS) and 35 AD patients were investigated. Then, based on the resulting MFE values, a specific detection algorithm, able to assess brain complexity abnormalities that are typical of AD, was developed and further validated on 24 EEG test recordings. This MFE-based method achieved an accuracy of 83% in differentiating between HS and AD, with a diagnostic odds ratio of 25, and a Matthews correlation coefficient of 0.67, indicating its viability for AD diagnosis. Furthermore, the algorithm showed potential for identifying anomalies in brain complexity when tested on a subject with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), warranting further investigation in future research.
Nanoparticles and Chemical Inducers: A Sustainable Shield against Onion White Rot
Authors: Elenany Ahmed Mohammed , Atia Mahmoud Mohammed Mohammed , Abbas Entsar E. A. , Moustafa Mahmoud , Alshaharni Mohammed O. , Negm Sally , Elnahal Ahmed Saeed Mohammed Ali
Published: March 2024

This study investigated the effectiveness of nanoparticles and chemical inducers in managing onion white rot caused by Sclerotium cepivorum. The pathogen severely threatens onion cultivation, resulting in significant yield losses and economic setbacks. Traditional fungicides, though effective, raise environmental concerns, prompting a shift toward eco-friendly alternatives. In this study, four S. cepivorum isolates were utilized, each exhibiting varying degrees of pathogenicity, with the third isolate from Abu-Hamad demonstrating the highest potency. During the in vitro studies, three nanoparticles (NPs) were investigated, including Fe3O4 NPs, Cu NPs, and ZnO NPs, which demonstrated the potential to inhibit mycelial growth, with salicylic acid and Fe3O4 NPs exhibiting synergistic effects. In vivo, these nanoparticles reduced the disease incidence and severity, with Fe3O4 NPs at 1000–1400 ppm resulting in 65.0–80.0% incidence and 80.0–90.0% severity. ZnO NPs had the most positive impact on the chlorophyll content, while Cu NPs had minimal effects. At 1000 ppm, Fe3O4 NPs had variable effects on the phenolic compounds (total: 6.28, free: 4.81, related: 2.59), while ZnO NPs caused minor fluctuations (total: 3.60, free: 1.82, related: 1.73). For the chemical inducers, salicylic acid reduced the disease (10.0% incidence, 25.0% to 10.0% severity) and promoted growth, and it elevated the chlorophyll values and enhanced the phenolic compounds in infected onions. Potassium phosphate dibasic (PDP) had mixed effects, and ascorbic acid showed limited efficacy toward disease reduction. However, PDP at 1400 ppm and ascorbic acid at 1000 ppm elevated the chlorophyll values and enhanced the phenolic compounds. Furthermore, this study extended to traditional fungicides, highlighting their inhibitory effects on S. cepivorum. This research provides a comprehensive comparative analysis of these approaches, emphasizing their potential in eco-friendly onion white rot management.
Erythropoietin: A Personal Alice in Wonderland Trip in the Shadow of the Giants
Authors: Migliaccio Anna Rita
Published: March 2024

The identification of the hormone erythropoietin (EPO), which regulates red blood cell production, and its development into a pharmaceutical-grade product to treat anemia has been not only a herculean task but it has also been the first of its kind. As with all the successes, it had “winners” and “losers”, but its history is mostly told by the winners who, over the years, have published excellent scientific and divulgate summaries on the subject, some of which are cited in this review. In addition, “success” is also due to the superb and dedicated work of numerous “crew” members, who often are under-represented and under-recognized when the story is told and often have several “dark sides” that are not told in the polished context of most reviews, but which raised the need for the development of the current legislation on biotherapeutics. Although I was marginally involved in the clinical development of erythropoietin, I have known on a personal basis most, if not all, the protagonists of the saga and had multiple opportunities to talk with them on the drive that supported their activities. Here, I will summarize the major steps in the development of erythropoietin as the first bioproduct to enter the clinic. Some of the “dark sides” will also be mentioned to emphasize what a beautiful achievement of humankind this process has been and how the various unforeseen challenges that emerged were progressively addressed in the interest of science and of the patient’s wellbeing.
A Review for Artificial Intelligence Based Protein Subcellular Localization
Authors: Xiao Hanyu , Zou Yijin , Wang Jieqiong , Wan Shibiao
Published: March 2024

Proteins need to be located in appropriate spatiotemporal contexts to carry out their diverse biological functions. Mislocalized proteins may lead to a broad range of diseases, such as cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. Knowing where a target protein resides within a cell will give insights into tailored drug design for a disease. As the gold validation standard, the conventional wet lab uses fluorescent microscopy imaging, immunoelectron microscopy, and fluorescent biomarker tags for protein subcellular location identification. However, the booming era of proteomics and high-throughput sequencing generates tons of newly discovered proteins, making protein subcellular localization by wet-lab experiments a mission impossible. To tackle this concern, in the past decades, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), especially deep learning methods, have made significant progress in this research area. In this article, we review the latest advances in AI-based method development in three typical types of approaches, including sequence-based, knowledge-based, and image-based methods. We also elaborately discuss existing challenges and future directions in AI-based method development in this research field.
Effects of Prior Metformin Use on Stroke Outcomes in Diabetes Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke Receiving Endovascular Treatment
Authors: Kim Chulho , Kim Yejin , Sohn Jong-Hee , Sung Joo Hye , Han Sang-Won , Lee Minwoo , Kim Yerim , Lee Jae Jun , Mo Hee Jung , Yu Kyung-Ho , Lee Sang-Hwa
Published: March 2024

Diabetes mellitus (DM) predisposes individuals to vascular injury, leading to poor outcomes after ischemic stroke and symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation (SHT) after thrombolytic and endovascular treatment (EVT). Metformin (MET), an oral antidiabetic drug, has shown potential neuroprotective effects, but its impact on stroke prognosis in DM patients undergoing EVT remains unclear. In a multicenter study, 231 patients with DM undergoing EVT for acute ischemic stroke were enrolled. Prior MET use was identified, and patients were stratified into MET+ and MET− groups. Demographics, clinical data, and outcomes were compared between groups. Multivariate analysis was used to assess the effect of MET on stroke prognosis. Of the enrolled patients, 59.3% were previously on MET. MET+ patients had lower initial infarct volumes and NIHSS scores compared to MET-taking patients. Multivariate analysis showed that MET+ was associated with a lower risk of stroke progression and SHT (with stroke progression as follows: odd ratio [OR] 0.24, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.12–0.48], p < 0.001; SHT: OR 0.33, 95% CI [0.14–0.75], p = 0.01) and was also associated with better 3-month functional outcomes (mRS 0–2) after EVT. Prestroke MET use in DM patients undergoing EVT is associated with improved stroke prognosis, including reduced risk of stroke progression and SHT and better functional outcomes. These findings suggest the potential neuroprotective role of MET in this population and highlight its clinical utility as an adjunctive therapy in the management of ischemic stroke. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and to optimize MET therapy in this setting.
Mental Stress and Cognitive Deficits Management
Authors: Al-Shargie Fares , Taresh Sahar Mohammed , Al-Ezzi Abdulhakim
Published: March 2024

Mental stress is a prevalent aspect of contemporary life that affects individuals from diverse backgrounds [...]
Principles for Adapting Assessments of Executive Function across Cultural Contexts
Authors: Jukes Matthew C. H. , Ahmed Ishita , Baker Sara , Draper Catherine E. , Howard Steven J. , McCoy Dana Charles , Obradović Jelena , Wolf Sharon
Published: March 2024

Direct assessments of executive functions (EFs) are increasingly used in research and clinical settings, with a central assumption that they assess “universal” underlying skills. Their use is spreading globally, raising questions about the cultural appropriateness of assessments devised in Western industrialized countries. We selectively reviewed multidisciplinary evidence and theory to identify sets of cultural preferences that may be at odds with the implicit assumptions of EF assessments. These preferences relate to motivation and compliance; cultural expectations for interpersonal engagement; contextualized vs. academic thinking; cultural notions of speed and time; the willingness to be silly, be incorrect, or do the opposite; and subject-matter familiarity. In each case, we discuss how the cultural preference may be incompatible with the assumptions of assessments, and how future research and practice can address the issue. Many of the cultural preferences discussed differ between interdependent and independent cultures and between schooled and unschooled populations. Adapting testing protocols to these cultural preferences in different contexts will be important for expanding our scientific understanding of EF from the narrow slice of the human population that has participated in the research to date.
Vertical Elastic Acceleration Response Spectra for Vrancea Intermediate-Depth Earthquakes
Authors: Pavel Florin , Vacareanu Radu , Aldea Alexandru , Arion Cristian
Published: March 2024

This study is focused on the evaluation of vertical elastic acceleration response spectra for Vrancea intermediate-depth earthquakes in Romania in the context of the ongoing update of the national seismic design code. The ground motion database employed in this research consists of about 500 ground motions recorded during moderate and large Vrancea intermediate-depth earthquakes with moment magnitudes MW ≥ 5.2. The analysis of the dataset showed that a single ground motion recording had a peak ground acceleration larger than 0.20 g. The results of the analyses showed that no significant differences between the control periods of the vertical elastic response spectra as a function of the site class could be inferred. It was also observed that the mean value of the amplification factor computed for the entire ground motion database was about 2.5, irrespective of the earthquake magnitude, site class, or level of horizontal peak ground acceleration. However, larger-magnitude earthquakes generate larger spectral amplifications in the medium- and long-period ranges. The analysis of the ground motions recorded in Bucharest area revealed a magnitude dependency of the control period for the vertical ground motion TC,v. Finally, a single spectral shape for vertical acceleration response spectra characterized by a maximum dynamic amplification factor of 2.5 and control periods TBv and TCv of 0.05 s and 0.60 s is proposed for design purposes. This aspect allows for a major update from the current version of the national seismic design code which proposes control periods of the elastic vertical response spectrum dependent on the horizontal ones. The short-period (at T = 0.2 s) and long-period (at T = 1.0 s) ratios of the vertical acceleration response spectrum to the corresponding horizontal ones are 0.50 and 0.40.
Investigation of Rates of Demolition Waste Generated in Decoration and Renovation Projects: An Empirical Study
Authors: Zhang Lianxiang , Wu Huanyu , Wang Xin , Wu Fugui , Ding Zhikun , Song Lei , Rong Xin , Wen Xin , Liu Jing , Zhong Ping
Published: March 2024

There is an increase in decoration and renovation activities in the construction industry, and waste generation rates (WGRs) play a crucial role in guiding the management of demolition waste in decoration and renovation projects (DWDRPs). However, there has been little systematic research on this type of waste. Based on site surveys and a document review of 26 projects, this study offers insights into DWDRP wastes, from their initial generation to their final disposal. The results revealed that the WGRs for DWDRPs ranged from 30.96 kg/m2 to 629.96 kg/m2 and that the key components of DWDRPs included mortar, concrete, timber, tile, and metal; these five types of waste contributed 75.02% of the total waste. Although these findings deviate slightly from those of previous studies, these variations are attributed to diverse waste management practices, awareness levels, and employed construction technologies. Despite its importance, in China, the management of DWDRPs faces challenges, such as limited public awareness, inadequate collection and sorting guidance, and insufficient legislation. To counter these issues, we recommend a set of strategies, including stringent regulations, enhanced supervision, government incentives, improved collection and sorting methods, and the adoption of innovative technologies. This study not only sheds light on the specific challenges in decoration and demolition waste management in rapidly urbanizing areas but also proposes a comprehensive approach for improving waste management practices.
Integration of Industry Foundation Classes and Ontology: Data, Applications, Modes, Challenges, and Opportunities
Authors: Jia Jing , Ma Hongxin , Zhang Zijing
Published: March 2024

Industry Foundation Classes (IFCs), as the most recognized data schema for Building Information Modeling (BIM), are increasingly combined with ontology to facilitate data interoperability across the whole lifecycle in the Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Facility Management (AEC/FM). This paper conducts a bibliometric analysis of 122 papers from the perspective of data, model, and application to summarize the modes of IFC and ontology integration (IFCOI). This paper first analyzes the data and models of the integration from IFC data formats and ontology development models to the IfcOWL data model. Next, the application status is summed up from objective and phase dimensions, and four frequent applications with maturity are identified. Based on the aforementioned multi-dimensional analysis, three integration modes are summarized, taking into account various data interoperability requirements. Accordingly, ontology behaves as the representation of domain knowledge, an enrichment tool for IFC model semantics, and a linkage between IFC data and other heterogeneous data. Finally, this paper points out the challenges and opportunities for IFCOI in the data, domain ontology, and integration process and proposes a building lifecycle management model based on IFCOI.
Non-Surgical Bladder-Sparing Multimodal Management in Organ-Confined Urothelial Carcinoma of the Urinary Bladder: A Population-Based Analysis
Authors: de Angelis Mario , Baudo Andrea , Siech Carolin , Jannello Letizia Maria Ippolita , Di Bello Francesco , Goyal Jordan A. , Tian Zhe , Longo Nicola , de Cobelli Ottavio , Chun Felix K. H. , Saad Fred , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Carmignani Luca , Gandaglia Giorgio , Moschini Marco , Montorsi Francesco , Briganti Alberto , Karakiewicz Pierre I.
Published: March 2024

Background: Trimodal therapy is considered the most validated bladder-sparing treatment in patients with organ-confined urothelial carcinoma of the urinary bladder (T2N0M0). However, scarce evidence exists regarding cancer-specific mortality (CSM) differences between trimodal therapy and other non-extirpative multimodal treatment options such as radiotherapy alone after transurethral resection (TURBT + RT) or chemotherapy alone after transurethral resection (TURBT + CT). Methods: Within the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database (2004–2020), we identified T2N0M0 patients treated with either trimodal therapy, TURBT + CT, or TURBT + RT. Temporal trends described trimodal therapy vs. TUBRT + CT vs. TURBT + RT use over time. Survival analyses consisting of Kaplan–Meier plots and multivariable Cox regression (MCR) models addressed CSM according to each treatment modality. Results: 3729 (40%) patients underwent TMT vs. 4030 (43%) TURBT + CT vs. 1599 (17%) TURBT + RT. Over time, trimodal therapy use (Estimating annual percent change, EAPC: +1.2%, p = 0.01) and TURBT + CT use increased (EAPC: +1.5%, p = 0.01). In MCR models, relative to trimodal therapy, TURBT + CT exhibited 1-14-fold higher CSM and TURBT + RT 1.68-fold higher CSM. In a subgroup analysis, TURBT + RT was associated with 1.42-fold higher CSM than TURBT + CT (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Strict trimodal therapy that includes both CT and RT after TURBT offers the best cancer control. When strict trimodal therapy cannot be delivered, cancer-specific survival outcomes appear to be superior with TURBT + chemotherapy compared to TURBT + RT.
Impact of Thrombocytopenia on Survival in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Updated Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review
Authors: Kraj Leszek , Chmiel Paulina , Gryziak Maciej , Grabowska-Derlatka Laretta , Szymański Łukasz , Wysokińska Ewa
Published: March 2024

Background: Platelets (PLT) have a role in the pathogenesis, progression, and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and could represent a readily measurable laboratory parameter to enhance the comprehensive evaluation of HCC patients. Methods: The PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched with a focus on survival as well as patient and tumor-specific characteristics in correlation to reported PLT counts. Survival outcomes were analyzed with both common-effect and random-effects models. The hazard ratio (HR) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) from analyzed trials were incorporated. Studies that did not provide survival data but focused on platelet count correlation with HCC characteristics were reviewed. Results: In total, 26 studies, including a total of 9403 patients, met our criteria. The results showed that thrombocytopenia in HCC patients was associated with poor overall survival (common-effect HR = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.06–1.25; random-effect HR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.05–1.63). Moreover, three studies reveal significant correlations between PLT indices and tumor characteristics such as size, foci number, and etiology of HCC development. Conclusion: Our meta-analysis confirmed that PLT count could act as a prognostic marker in HCC, especially with a PLT count cut off <100 × 103/mm3. Further prospective studies focusing on the role of PLT in clearly defined subgroups are necessary.
An Updated Review of Management of Resectable Stage III NSCLC in the Era of Neoadjuvant Immunotherapy
Authors: Verma Saurav , Breadner Daniel , Mittal Abhenil , Palma David A. , Nayak Rahul , Raphael Jacques , Vincent Mark
Published: March 2024

Immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have an established role in the treatment of locally advanced and metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). ICIs have now entered the paradigm of early-stage NSCLC. The recent evidence shows that the addition of ICI to neoadjuvant chemotherapy improves the pathological complete response (pCR) rate and survival rate in early-stage resectable NSCLC and is now a standard of care option in this setting. In this regard, stage III NSCLC merits special consideration, as it is heterogenous and requires a multidisciplinary approach to management. As the neoadjuvant approach is being adopted widely, new challenges have emerged and the boundaries for resectability are being re-examined. Consequently, it is ever more important to carefully individualize the treatment strategy for each patient with resectable stage III NSCLC. In this review, we discuss the recent literature in this field with particular focus on evolving definitions of resectability, T4 disease, N2 disease (single and multi-station), and nodal downstaging. We also highlight the controversy around adjuvant treatment in this setting and discuss the selection of patients for adjuvant treatment, options of salvage, and next line treatment in cases of progression on/after neoadjuvant treatment or after R2 resection. We will conclude with a brief discussion of predictive biomarkers, predictive models, ongoing studies, and directions for future research in this space.
RNA m6a Methylation Regulator Expression in Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Progression and Its Genetic Associations
Authors: Liyanage Chamikara , Fernando Achala , Chamberlain Audrey , Moradi Afshin , Batra Jyotsna
Published: March 2024

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation, a prevalent epitranscriptomic modification, plays a crucial role in regulating mRNA expression, stability, and translation in mammals. M6A regulators have gained attention for their potential implications in tumorigenesis and clinical applications, such as cancer diagnosis and therapeutics. The existing literature predominantly addresses m6A regulators in the context of primary prostate cancer (PCa). However, a notable gap in the knowledge emerges regarding the dynamic expression patterns of these regulators as PCa progresses towards the castration-resistant stage (CRPC). Employing sequential window acquisition of all theoretical mass spectra (SWATH-MS) and RNAseq analysis, we comprehensively profiled the expression of 27 m6A regulators in hormone/androgen-dependent and -independent PCa cell lines, revealing distinct clustering between tumor and adjacent normal prostate tissues. High-grade PCa tumors demonstrated the upregulation of METTL3, RBM15B, and HNRNAPA2B1 and the downregulation of ZC3H13, NUDT21, and FTO. Notably, we identified six m6A regulators associated with PCa survival. Additionally, association analysis of the PCa-associated risk loci in the cancer genome atlas program (TCGA) data unveiled genetic variations near the WTAP, HNRNPA2B1, and FTO genes as significant expression quantitative trait loci. In summary, our study unraveled abnormalities in m6A regulator expression in PCa progression, elucidating their association with PCa risk loci. Considering the heterogeneity within the PCa phenotypes and treatment responses, our findings suggest that prognostic stratification based on m6A regulator expression could enhance PCa diagnosis and prognosis.
Sonochemical Synthesis of Indium Nitride Nanoparticles and Photocatalytic Composites with Titania
Authors: Paraskevopoulou Aikaterina , Pandis Pavlos , Argirusis Christos , Sourkouni Georgia
Published: March 2024

Indium nitride is an excellent semiconductor that belongs to the group of III nitride materials. Due to its unique properties, it is applied to various optoelectronic applications. However, its low thermal stability makes it difficult to synthesize. The present study introduces the synthesis of indium nitride nanoparticles, using ultrasound power (sonochemistry). The sonochemical method provides a low-cost and rapid technique for nanomaterial synthesis. InN nanoparticles were produced in only 3 h through the sonochemical reaction of InCl3 and LiN3. Xylene was used as a reaction solvent. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) as well as high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) were adopted for the characterization of the obtained powder. According to our results, ultrasound contributed to the synthesis of InN nanocrystals in a cubic and a hexagonal phase. The obtained InN nanoparticles were further used to decorate titanium dioxide (TiO2) by means of ultrasound. The contribution of InN nanoparticles on the processes of photocatalysis was investigated through the degradation of methylene blue (MB), a typical organic substance acting in place of an environment pollutant. According to the obtained results, InN nanoparticles improved the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 by 41.8% compared with commercial micrometric titania.
Synthesis and Characterization of Silica-Titanium Oxide Nano-Coating on NiTi Alloy
Authors: Dudek Karolina , Dulski Mateusz , Podwórny Jacek , Kujawa Magdalena , Gerle Anna , Rawicka Patrycja
Published: March 2024

To functionalize the surface of the NiTi alloy, hybrid layers comprising nanometric silica and titanium oxides were synthesized. The TiO2–SiO2 nanosystem was chemically prepared and utilized for electrophoretic deposition (EPD) to create multifunctional layers on the alloy surface. The impact of pH on Zeta potential and ceramic particle size was explored to ensure a stable colloidal suspension for EPD, with optimal parameters established at a pH of approximately 6. A uniform layer was formed by applying a voltage of 40 V for 3 min, appearing as a thin film interspersed with regularly spaced larger agglomerates. The thin film primarily consisted of a minor fraction of defective rutile nanoparticles, accompanied by silica and carbon agglomerates from the nanosystem synthesis process. Heat treatment at 800 °C for 2 h induced significant structural changes, developing a novel-generation material with a different structure. An interlayer with strong Si–O–Ti connections was formed. Moreover, the mechanism of layer formation was extensively discussed.
Microstructure, Mechanical Properties, and Lead–Bismuth Eutectic Corrosion Behaviors of FeCrAlY-Al2O3 Nanoceramic Composite Coatings
Authors: Li Qingyu , Zhong Yilong , Zhang Wei , Liu Hao , Yang Jian , Zhu Changda , Deng Jiuguo , Zhao Sha , Zhong Yuxin , Zhou Mingyang , Qiu Xi , Yang Jijun
Published: March 2024

Seven FeCrAlY-Al2O3 nanoceramic composite coatings are deposited on F/M steel via plasma spraying and laser remelting. A systematic investigation is conducted to examine the dependence of microstructure, mechanical properties, and lead–bismuth eutectic (LBE) corrosion resistance on the nano-Al2O3 addition and different Cr and Al contents. With the increase in Al content in FeCrAlY, gradual refinement of the coating grains occurs. The addition of nano-Al2O3 promotes the elemental segregation and precipitation of the second phase. The nano-Al2O3 notably enhances the mechanical properties of the coatings that are primarily attributed to second-phase and fine-grain strengthening. After LBE corrosion tests, intergranular corrosion morphology could be observed, where the contents of Cr and Al significantly influence the corrosion behavior of the coatings at varying temperatures.
An Integrative Taxonomic Revision of the Freshwater Atyid Shrimps (Crustacea: Decapoda: Caridea) of Micronesia
Authors: de Mazancourt Valentin , Marquet Gérard , Keith Philippe
Published: March 2024

Twelve species of atyid shrimps are reported from three Micronesian islands (Babeldaob, Pohnpei, and Guam) and studied using a combined morphological and molecular approach. Among them, three are new records for the area (Caridina appendiculata, Caridina lobocensis, and Caridina rubella), while three new species are here described: Atyoida chacei sp. nov., Caridina ponapensis sp. nov., and Caridina rintelenorum sp. nov. Descriptions for these new species, diagnoses for poorly known species, and taxonomic notes are provided herein and their biogeography is discussed.
Finite Element Analysis of Patient-Specific Cranial Implants under Different Design Parameters for Material Selection
Authors: Mejía Rodríguez Manuel , González-Estrada Octavio Andrés , Villegas-Bermúdez Diego Fernando
Published: March 2024

This work presents the study of the thickness vs. stiffness relationship for different materials (PMMA and PEEK) in patient-specific cranial implants, as a criterion for the selection of biomaterials from a mechanical perspective. The geometry of the implant is constructed from the reconstruction of the cranial lesion using image segmentation obtained from computed axial tomography. Different design parameters such as thickness and perforations are considered to obtain displacement distributions under critical loading conditions using finite element analysis. The models consider quasi-static loads with linear elastic materials. The null hypothesis underlying this research asserts that both biomaterials exhibit the minimum mechanical characteristics necessary to withstand direct impact trauma at the implant center, effectively averting critical deformations higher than 2 mm. In this way, the use of PMMA cranioplasties is justified in most cases where a PEEK implant cannot be accessed.
Topological Map-Based Autonomous Exploration in Large-Scale Scenes for Unmanned Vehicles
Authors: Cao Ziyu , Du Zhihui , Yang Jianhua
Published: March 2024

Robot autonomous exploration is a challenging and valuable research field that has attracted widespread research interest in recent years. However, existing methods often encounter problems such as incomplete exploration, repeated exploration paths, and low exploration efficiency when facing large-scale scenes. Considering that many indoor and outdoor scenes usually have a prior topological map, such as road navigation maps, satellite road network maps, indoor computer-aided design (CAD) maps, etc., this paper incorporated this information into the autonomous exploration framework and proposed an innovative topological map-based autonomous exploration method for large-scale scenes. The key idea of the proposed method is to plan exploration paths with long-term benefits by tightly merging the information between robot-collected and prior topological maps. The exploration path follows a global exploration strategy but prioritizes exploring scenes outside the prior information, thereby preventing the robot from revisiting explored areas and avoiding the duplication of any effort. Furthermore, to improve the stability of exploration efficiency, the exploration path is further refined by assessing the cost and reward of each candidate viewpoint through a fast method. Simulation experimental results demonstrated that the proposed method outperforms state-of-the-art autonomous exploration methods in efficiency and stability and is more suitable for exploration in large-scale scenes. Real-world experimentation has also proven the effectiveness of our proposed method.
Dynamics and Stability of Double-Walled Carbon Nanotube Cantilevers Conveying Fluid in an Elastic Medium
Authors: Vassilev Vassil M. , Valchev Galin S.
Published: March 2024

The paper concerns the dynamics and stability of double-walled carbon nanotubes conveying fluid. The equations of motion adopted in the current study to describe the dynamics of such nano-pipes stem from the classical Bernoulli–Euler beam theory. Several additional terms are included in the basic equations in order to take into account the influence of the conveyed fluid, the impact of the surrounding medium and the effect of the van der Waals interaction between the inner and outer single-walled carbon nanotubes constituting a double-walled one. In the present work, the flow-induced vibrations of the considered nano-pipes are studied for different values of the length of the pipe, its inner radius, the characteristics of the ambient medium and the velocity of the fluid flow, which is assumed to be constant. The critical fluid flow velocities are obtained at which such a cantilevered double-walled carbon nanotube embedded in an elastic medium loses stability.
Interpretation of Second Law of Thermodynamics in Extended Procedures for the Exploitation of the Entropy Inequality: Korteweg Fluids and Strain-Gradient Elasticity as Examples
Authors: Cimmelli Vito Antonio
Published: March 2024

In continuum physics the dissipation principle, first proposed by Coleman and Noll in 1963, regards second law of thermodynamics as a unilateral differential constraint on the constitutive equations. In 1996, Muschik and Ehrentraut provided a rigorous proof of such an approach under the assumption that, at an arbitrary instant, t0, in an arbitrary point, P0, of a continuous system, the entropy production is zero if, and only if, P0 is in thermodynamic equilibrium. In 2022, Cimmelli and Rogolino incorporated such an assumption in a more general formulation of the second law of thermodynamics. In this paper, we prove that the same conclusions hold if both the fundamental balance laws and their gradients are substituted into the entropy inequality. Such a methodology is applied to analyze the strain-gradient elasticity.
Non-Markovian Diffusion and Adsorption–Desorption Dynamics: Analytical and Numerical Results
Authors: Gryczak Derik W. , Lenzi Ervin K. , Rosseto Michely P. , Evangelista Luiz R. , Zola Rafael S.
Published: March 2024

The interplay of diffusion with phenomena like stochastic adsorption–desorption, absorption, and reaction–diffusion is essential for life and manifests in diverse natural contexts. Many factors must be considered, including geometry, dimensionality, and the interplay of diffusion across bulk and surfaces. To address this complexity, we investigate the diffusion process in heterogeneous media, focusing on non-Markovian diffusion. This process is limited by a surface interaction with the bulk, described by a specific boundary condition relevant to systems such as living cells and biomaterials. The surface can adsorb and desorb particles, and the adsorbed particles may undergo lateral diffusion before returning to the bulk. Different behaviors of the system are identified through analytical and numerical approaches.
The Dual Pillars of Progress: Institutional and Cultural Dynamics in Economic Development
Authors: Kafka Kyriaki I.
Published: March 2024

This study examines the critical interplay between institutional and cultural backgrounds and their collective impact on economic development, suggesting that their synchronized evolution—timing, pace, and direction—boosts economic development, while misalignment hinders it. It seeks to determine if these backgrounds complement or substitute each other in fostering economic development. The analysis employs an unbalanced panel dataset encompassing 113 countries across four decades (1980–2019) through a fixed-effects model enhanced by robustness checks (adding control variables, using alternative analysis methods, and applying adjustment criteria). The analysis uncovers a synergistic relationship between institutional and cultural backgrounds in which each element reinforces the other’s impact on economic development. Countries with robust institutional and cultural backgrounds exhibit the highest levels of economic development, whereas those with weaker backgrounds experience diminished economic progress. This study further reveals that the influence of institutional background on economic development is more pronounced than that of cultural background. However, this effect is significantly amplified when both institutional and cultural backgrounds are considered. Considering these insights, this study recommends that effective development strategies prioritize simultaneously nurturing institutional and cultural backgrounds. This approach is essential for crafting a successful and comprehensive development roadmap.
A Narrative Approach to Foster the Construction of Recursive Thinking in High School Students
Authors: Nicchiotti Bianca , Donatiello Angela , Bianco Giuseppe
Published: March 2024

In this paper, we will explain the development of a mathematical activity involving narrative and short stories in particular, with the aim of investigating whether it is possible to use the narrative approach to promote the construction of recursive thinking in high school students from a four-year scientific high school (Grades 11 and 12). We present qualitative research based on the networking of two theoretical frameworks used to analyze students’ protocols and the issues surfacing during class discussion: Abstraction in Context (AiC) and Documenting Collective Activity (DCA). In our research, the students, divided into small groups, dealt with a highly immersive “story problem” with the Sierpinski Triangle as its central element. The task was designed to ensure consistency with the story and involved the construction, with GeoGebra 6.0 software, of a fractal city, Fractlandia, with squares and sinkholes. The preliminary results show that the story proposed functioned as a motivation to solve the problem, and the last questions of the task proved the most engaging for the students, mainly because of the connection with the story, and also because they involved some reflection about the behavior to the infinity of the perimeter and the area of the Sierpinski Triangle.
Network Traffic Classification Model Based on Spatio-Temporal Feature Extraction
Authors: Wang Cheng , Zhang Wei , Hao Hao , Shi Huiling
Published: March 2024

The demand for encrypted communication is increasing with the continuous development of secure and trustworthy networks. In edge computing scenarios, the requirement for data processing security is becoming increasingly high. Therefore, the accurate identification of encrypted traffic has become a prerequisite to ensure edge intelligent device security. Currently, encrypted network traffic classification relies on single-feature extraction methods. These methods have simple feature extraction, making distinguishing encrypted network data flows and designing compelling manual features challenging. This leads to low accuracy in multi-classification tasks involving encrypted network traffic. This paper proposes a hybrid deep learning model for multi-classification tasks to address this issue based on the synergy of dilated convolution and gating unit mechanisms. The model comprises a Gated Dilated Convolution (GDC) module and a CA-LSTM module. The GDC module completes the spatial feature extraction of encrypted network traffic through dilated convolution and gating unit mechanisms. In contrast, the CA-LSTM module focuses on extracting temporal network traffic features. By employing a collaborative approach to extract spatio-temporal features, the model ensures feature extraction diversity, guarantees robustness, and effectively enhances the feature extraction rate. We evaluate our multi-classification model using the ISCX VPN-nonVPN public dataset. Experimental results show that the proposed method achieves an accuracy rate of over 95% and a recall rate of over 90%, significantly outperforming existing methods.
Control Strategies of Thrust Ripple Suppression for Electromagnetic Microgravity Facility
Authors: Li Yuman , Dong Wenbo , Lv Congmin , Wang Zhe , Zhang Yongkang
Published: March 2024

This paper presents an innovative solution that is able to suppress the thrust ripple in a high-power asynchronous linear induction motor (LIM) used in a microgravity experiment facility electromagnetic launch (MEFEL) system. By addressing the crucial need for low levels of thrust ripple in MEFEL applications, we propose a dynamic model-based adaptive controller (MAC) and an enhanced quasi-proportional-resonant (PR) controller. The MAC is designed to compensate for the inherent impedance asymmetry of the linear motor. The PR controller minimizes thrust ripple by eliminating harmonics within the current loop. A comparative analysis indicates that both MAC and PR control are effective in reducing harmonics, suppressing the thrust ripple, and maintaining system stability. Computer simulations show a noteworthy 75% reduction in the thrust ripple and a decrease in the negative current. Partial tests on the MEFEL device validate the practical efficacy of the proposed control methods, emphasizing the method’s ability to enhance the quality of microgravity in real-world scenarios significantly.
Measurements and Modelling of the Discharge Cycle of a Grid-Connected Hydro-Pneumatic Energy Storage System
Authors: Aquilina Luke , Sant Tonio , Farrugia Robert N. , Licari John , Spiteri Staines Cyril , Buhagiar Daniel
Published: March 2024

Hydro-pneumatic energy storage is a form of compressed-air energy storage that can provide the long-duration storage required for integrating intermittent renewable energies into electrical power grids. This paper presents results based on numerical modelling and laboratory tests for a kilowatt-scale HPES system tested at the University of Malta. This paper presents measurements of the discharge cycle, in which energy stored in compressed air within a pressure vessel is hydro-pneumatically converted back into electricity via a Pelton turbine and fed into the national electricity grid. The tests were conducted using a hydraulic turbine operated under different fixed-turbine rotational speed settings, with the pressure being allowed to decrease gradually during the HPES system’s discharge cycle. The system’s overall efficiency accounted for flow losses, turbine inefficiencies, and electrical losses. The tests showed that this efficiency was practically independent of the compressed-air pressure of specific water turbine runner speeds, despite the water turbine operating at fixed speeds. A numerical model developed in MATLAB Simulink (R2022a) was also presented for use simulating the hydraulic performance of the system during the discharge cycle. The model used secondary loss coefficients for the hydraulic circuit and derived velocity coefficients from computational fluid dynamics (CFD) for the Pelton turbine nozzle. We achieved very good agreement between the predictions based on numerical modelling and the measurements taken during laboratory testing.
Renewable Energy Proliferation and the New Local Energy Community Paradigm: Analysis of a Case Study in Italy
Authors: Marchetti Barbara , Vitali Matteo , Biancini Giovanni
Published: March 2024

Renewable energy communities (RECs) have been gaining momentum around the world, as a way to promote sustainable development and combat climate change. These communities are typically composed of individuals, businesses, and organizations that come together to invest in and promote the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydraulic power. This article focuses on the benefits that renewable energy communities bring to a territory through the diffusion of renewable energy systems, tackling different issues like local depopulation, increasing energy prices, and a lack of jobs, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality. The novelty of this article lies in the results from the first-of-its-kind national call within the Next Appennino program, part of the National Complementary plan, aimed at the formation and proliferation of RECs in the area severed by the 2009 and 2016 earthquakes in Italy, as a way to add social, environmental, and sustainable value to the reconstruction of this territory. The data refer to the municipality of Castelraimondo and Unione Montana dei Monti Azzurri (a consortium of mountain municipalities), both located in the Marche region. Analysis of the consumer and prosumer energy needs, as well as the quantification of the exploitable production from the new renewable generators installed, showed that a total of 6.134 GWh/year can be shared by the community.
Recent Progress and Challenges in Controlling Secondary Phases in Kesterite CZT(S/Se) Thin Films: A Critical Review
Authors: Zaki Mohamed Yassine , Velea Alin
Published: March 2024

Kesterite-based copper zinc tin sulfide (CZTS) and copper zinc tin selenide (CZTSe) thin films have attracted considerable attention as promising materials for sustainable and cost-effective thin-film solar cells. However, the successful integration of these materials into photovoltaic devices is hindered by the coexistence of secondary phases, which can significantly affect device performance and stability. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of recent progress and challenges in controlling secondary phases in kesterite CZTS and CZTSe thin films. Drawing from relevant studies, we discuss state-of-the-art strategies and techniques employed to mitigate the formation of secondary phases. These include a range of deposition methods, such as electrodeposition, sol-gel, spray pyrolysis, evaporation, pulsed laser deposition, and sputtering, each presenting distinct benefits in enhancing phase purity. This study highlights the importance of employing various characterization techniques, such as X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, for the precise identification of secondary phases in CZTS and CZTSe thin films. Furthermore, the review discusses innovative strategies and techniques aimed at mitigating the occurrence of secondary phases, including process optimization, compositional tuning, and post-deposition treatments. These approaches offer promising avenues for enhancing the purity and performance of kesterite-based thin-film solar cells. Challenges and open questions in this field are addressed, and potential future research directions are proposed. By comprehensively analyzing recent advancements, this review contributes to a deeper understanding of secondary phase-related issues in kesterite CZT(S/Se) thin films, paving the way for enhanced performance and commercial viability of thin-film solar cell technologies.
Transcriptional Profiling of BpWRKY49 Reveals Its Role as a Master Regulator in Stress Signaling Pathways in Birch (Betula platyphylla)
Authors: Abbas Sammar , Jing Ruotong , Abbas Manzar , Hu Zijian , Kalsoom Rabia , Hussain Syed Sarfaraz , Du Liang , Lin Jinxing , Zhang Xi
Published: March 2024

The WRKY family of transcription factors (TFs) is one of the most diverse families in plants, playing crucial roles in various plant growth and stress response processes. Asian white birch (Betula platyphylla) is a globally distributed tree species that holds ecological, medical, and economic significance. However, the regulatory mechanisms of WRKY TFs in birch remain poorly understood. Herein, we cloned and characterized the BpWRKY49 gene from birch. Through bioinformatics analyses, we revealed the potential involvement of BpWRKY49 in both biotic and abiotic stress responses. In addition, BpWRKY49 was found to be localized in the nucleus and exhibited transcriptional activity in yeast. Transactivation assays further confirmed that BpWRKY49 exhibited transcriptional activity at its C-terminal end. Notably, our binding specificity assays demonstrated the specific interaction of BpWRKY49 with the W-box cis element in vitro. Furthermore, tissue-specific expression analysis demonstrated that BpWRKY49 exhibited the highest expression level in the roots. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis of birch plants subjected to salt and drought treatments revealed that BpWRKY49 displayed significant 30-fold and 10-fold upregulations under salt and drought stress conditions, respectively. DAP-seq analysis of BpWRKY49 identified a total of 21,832 peaks, with 3477 occurring in the promoter region of genes. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis highlighted prominent terms related to defense against biotic stress, followed by terms associated with abiotic stress and development. Y1H assays of three genes provided evidence for the binding ability of BpWRKY49 to the promoters of BpPUB21, BpBTL15, and BpHIP47 in vitro. Collectively, our findings strongly suggest that BpWRKY49 possesses diverse functions and may activate multiple genes to contribute to various biological processes, including salt stress tolerance, in birch.