bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel antimicrobial biodegradable composite films as packaging materials based on shellac/chitosan, and ZnAl2O4 or CuAl2O4 spinel nanoparticles
Authors: Mohamed Salah A. A. , Mekkey Saleh D. , Othman Abdelmageed M. , El-Sakhawy Mohamed 
Published: November 2024

AbstractZnAl2O4 and CuAl2O4 spinel nanoparticles were prepared by a modified Pechini method and used with the natural chitosan (CS) and shellac (SH) polymers to form novel composite membranes as promising food packaging materials. The selection of ZnAl2O4 and CuAl2O4 spinel nanoparticles was based on their antibacterial characteristics, availability, and economy. Using a straightforward and adaptable solution mixing and casting method, the bio-composites were created. The mechanical, physical, antibacterial, homogeneity and air permeability properties of composite films were investigated. The film structure was evaluated in terms of component interactions using FTIR spectra. The addition of 10% SH increased the tensile strength, percentage strain at maximum load, Young’s modulus, and burst strength by 114–101%, 3.6–8.4, 103–119, and 179–153% for low and middle M.wt./CS respectively. Chitosan/shellac-CuAl2O4 composite has superior properties compared to ZnAl2O4 composite. In general, 0.05% spinel provides a composite having better qualities than that of 0.1 additions. Middle M.wt. chitosan provides a composite with superior properties compared to that of low M.wt. The incorporation of ZnAl2O4 or CuAl2O4 enhanced the thermal stability of the SH/CS composite. ZnAl2O4 provides superior thermal stability than CuAl2O4. When shellac/CS film structure is treated with the previously indicated ZnAl2O4 or CuAl2O4 formulation, the % swelling decreases along with an increasing in the gel fraction. The antimicrobial assessment using inhibition zone diameter and shake flask methods showed that a composite of 1:9 shellac/chitosan/0.05% of CuAl2O4 exerted the highest Gram-positive antibacterial activity against B. mycoides (21 mm), and C. albicans (22 mm). So, these enhancements make chitosan/shellac/ZnAl2O4 or CuAl2O4 composite films a good alternative to producing food packaging materials.
Laminar and turbulent flow effects in high-pressure homogenization of liposomes and perfluorocarbon nanoemulsions
Authors: Lubitz Larissa J. , Rieger Harden , Leneweit Gero 
Published: November 2024

AbstractSince flow characteristics are still largely unexplored for high-pressure homogenization, we investigated particle break-up at different Reynolds numbers and transition ranges in two channels (Y- and Z-channel). While the channel geometries are often treated as “black boxes”, opening the channels and measuring their geometries allowed a detailed analysis of flow conditions. Transitions from laminar to turbulent flow for pressures of 250–2,000 bar have measurable effects on the sizes of perfluorocarbon (PFC)-nanoemulsion droplets emulsified by phospholipids processed simultaneously in liposomal conformation. Laminar flow has a higher size-reducing rate with growing pressure compared to turbulent flow and leads to a minimum in polydispersity. A density-driven sucrose gradient allows differential analysis of size-reducing effects on liposomes and PFC-nanoemulsion droplets separately. Liposomes can be broken up in both laminar and turbulent flow at the same size reduction rate. In contrast, emulsion droplets have much smaller size reduction rates in turbulent flow and need sufficient emulsifiers, made available by liposomal break-up, to enable size decreases. Repetitive homogenization is only effective for a limited number of cycles. Beyond this threshold, size distributions remain similar or can be deteriorated because of increased particle collisions and aggregation or coalescence effects.
Developing a theoretical framework for enhancing green project approaches via Agile methodology
Authors: Ali Ahmed. , Sameh Hesham. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe application of green building approaches has significantly increased in many countries and buildings, accompanied by the development of numerous standards and methodologies for their implementation. Despite these efforts, not all risks and challenges facing green projects have been eliminated in some regions. Issues such as financing difficulties, budget overruns, and schedule delays continue to pose significant challenges. As a result, no substantial improvements have been made in the approach to green projects. Therefore, this study aims to develop a theoretical framework that enhances the approach to green projects. By utilizing the AGILE methodology, specifically SCRUM, the most significant risks facing green projects were identified and converted into indicators based on prior studies. Furthermore, Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology, particularly Green BIM (GBIM), was employed to create tools and elements to address these challenges, leading to the development of a conceptual framework capable of providing solutions. This framework was built around 30 indicators, whose weights were determined through an electronic questionnaire involving 140 specialists in green projects, AGILE methodology, and BIM technology. Assistance from academic experts was also sought. The results of the questionnaire, analyzed using statistical methods, contributed to the development of a theoretical framework aimed at improving the approach to green projects.
Comparative volatiles profiling of two marjoram products via GC-MS analysis in relation to the antioxidant and antibacterial effects
Authors: Abouelela Mostafa B. , Shawky Enas M. , Elgendy Omayma , Farag Mohamed A. , Baky Mostafa H. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractMarjoram (Origanum majorana L.), also known as “sweet marjoram” or “sweet oregano” is a Mediterranean herbaceous perennial herb cultivated in Egypt and widely consumed as an herbal supplement for treatment of several ailments. The main goal of this study was to assess volatiles’ variation in marjoram samples collected from two different widely consumed commercial products using two different extraction techniques viz. head space solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and petroleum ether using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis and multivariate data analysis. A total of 20 major aroma compounds were identified in samples extracted with HS-SPME found enriched in monoterpene hydrocarbons and oxygenated compounds. The major volatiles included β-phellandrene (20.1 and 14.2%), γ-terpinene (13.4 and 11.7%), 2-bornene (12.3 and 11.5%), p-cymene (9.8 and 4.6%) terpenen-4-ol (16.4 and 7.5%), sabinene hydrate (16.02 and 8.8%) and terpineol (4.2 and 3.2%) in MR and MI, respectively. Compared with HS-SPME, 51 aroma compounds were identified in marjoram samples extracted with petroleum ether, found more enriched in aliphatic hydrocarbons (42.8 and 73.8%) in MR and MI, respectively. While a higher identification score was observed in the case of solvent extraction, SPME appeared to be more selective in the recovery of oxygenated terpenes to account more for marjoram aroma. Multivariate data analysis using principal component analysis (PCA) revealed distinct discrimination between volatile composition of both marjoram samples. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents in marjoram samples were at (111.9, 109.1 µg GA/mg) and (18.3, 19.5 µg rutin eq/mg) in MR and MI, respectively. Stronger antioxidant effects were observed in MR and MI samples with IC50 at 45.5 and 56.8 µg/mL respectively compared to IC50 6.57 µg/mL for Trolox as assayed using DPPH assay. Moderate anti-bacterial effect was observed in MR and MI samples and expressed as a zone of inhibition mostly against Bacillus subtilis (16.03 and 15.9 mm), B. cereus (12.9 and 13.7 mm), Enterococcus faecalis (14.03 and 13.97 mm), and Enterobacter cloacae (11.6 and 11.6 mm) respectively.
The Motility Ratio method as a novel approach to qualify semen assessment
Authors: Camus Agnès , Rouillon Charlène , Gavin-Plagne Lucie , Schmitt Eric 
Published: November 2024

AbstractMany scientific studies often assumed that the most reliable methods for assessing sperm motility are those that give the highest values, and this leads to misinterpretation of the results. This study aims to propose an objective method to validate sperm motility reliability. Bovine and porcine semen samples were split into two equal fractions. Fraction A was kept alive with a motile population considered at maximum proportion, while fraction B was killed with 0% motile population. A range of motile/non motile sperm was performed by mixing both fractions. The Motility Ratio method, comparing measured and theoretical motility, was validated using LEJA slide and IVOS II and applied to other slides. All slides showed strong Concordance Correlation Coefficient between measured and theoretical motility. However, with IVOS II, LEJA slide showed the lowest bias (< 1) while MAKLER or coverslip showed higher bias (> 2 and > 7 respectively) between measured and theoretical motility. This study shows that the best sperm motility is not always the true motility and highlights the importance of implementing a gold standard methodology for motility reliability such as The Motility Ratio method.
Molecular dynamics simulation of extraction of Curcuma longa L. extract using subcritical water
Authors: Gazmeh Motahareh , Khajenoori Maryam , Yousefi-Nasab Sadegh , Haghighi Asl Ali 
Published: November 2024

AbstractHumans have utilized plants for various purposes, including sustenance and medical treatment for millennia. Researchers have extensively investigated medicinal plants’ potential in drug development, spurred by their rich array of chemical compounds. Curcumin, a valuable bioactive compound, is extracted from Turmeric, known by the scientific name Curcuma Longa L. Notably, curcumin boasts potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a promising candidate for treating cancer and other microbial diseases. Therefore, the simulation study of the extraction of this important medicinal compound by water, which is a green solvent, was carried out. This study employed molecular dynamics simulation for the first time to explore the extraction of Curcuma Longa L. extract using subcritical water. The simulations were carried out at constant pressure and different temperatures, using the Compass force field in the Lammps simulation package. The findings revealed an increase in the amount of Curcuma longa extract with rising temperature, indicating a weakening of hydrogen bonds in water molecules. Water lost its polar state with increasing temperature and became a suitable non-polar solvent for extracting non-polar compounds. The average absolute relative deviation (AARD) for calculated and simulated density data was 6.45%.
Effect of menstrual cycle phase on physiological responses in healthy women at rest and during submaximal exercise at high altitude
Authors: Tagliapietra Guia , Citherlet Tom , Raberin Antoine , Bourdillon Nicolas , Krumm Bastien , Narang Benjamin J. , Giardini Guido , Pialoux Vincent , Debevec Tadej , Millet Grégoire P. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractAs more women engage in high-altitude activities, understanding how ovarian hormone fluctuations affect their cardiorespiratory system is essential for optimizing acclimatization to these environments. This study investigates the effects of menstrual cycle (MC) phases on physiological responses at rest, during and after submaximal exercise, at high-altitude (barometric pressure 509 ± 6 mmHg; partial pressure of inspired oxygen 96 ± 1 mmHg; ambient temperature 21 ± 2 °C and relative humidity 27 ± 4%) in 16 eumenorrheic women. Gas exchange, hemodynamic responses, heart rate variability and heart rate recovery (HRR) were monitored at low altitude, and then at 3375 m on the Mont Blanc (following nocturnal exposure) during both the early-follicular (EF) and mid-luteal (ML) phases. Significant differences were observed between low and high-altitude in ventilation, heart rate and cardiac output. Resting ventilation (15.2 ± 1.9 vs. 13.2 ± 2.5 L.min-1; p = 0.039) and tidal volume (812 ± 217 vs. 713 ± 190 mL; p = 0.027) were higher during EF than ML at high-altitude. These differences between EF and ML were no longer evident during exercise, with comparable responses in oxygen uptake kinetics, cycling efficiency and HRR. The MC had negligible effects on physiological responses to high-altitude. An individualized approach, tailored to each woman’s specific responses to hypoxia across the MC, may be more beneficial in optimizing high-altitude sojourns than general guidelines.
Explicit description of viral capsid subunit shapes by unfolding dihedrons
Authors: Toyooka Ryuya , Nishimoto Seri , Tendo Tomoya , Horiyama Takashi , Tachi Tomohiro , Matsunaga Yasuhiro 
Published: November 2024

AbstractViral capsid assembly and the design of capsid-based nanocontainers critically depend on understanding the shapes and interfaces of constituent protein subunits. However, a comprehensive framework for characterizing these features is still lacking. Here, we introduce a novel approach based on spherical tiling theory that explicitly describes the 2D shapes and interfaces of subunits in icosahedral capsids. Our method unfolds spherical dihedrons defined by icosahedral symmetry axes, enabling systematic characterization of all possible subunit geometries. Applying this framework to real T = 1 capsid structures reveals distinct interface groups within this single classification, with variations in interaction patterns around 3-fold and 5-fold symmetry axes. We validate our classification through molecular docking simulations, demonstrating its consistency with physical subunit interactions. This analysis suggests different assembly pathways for capsid nucleation. Our general framework is applicable to other triangular numbers, paving the way for broader studies in structural virology and nanomaterial design.
Accounting for heterogeneity due to environmental sources in meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies
Authors: Wang Siru , Ojewunmi Oyesola O. , Kamiza Abram , Ramsay Michele , Morris Andrew P. , Chikowore Tinashe , Fatumo Segun , Asimit Jennifer L. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractMeta-analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) across diverse populations offers power gains to identify loci associated with complex traits and diseases. Often heterogeneity in effect sizes across populations will be correlated with genetic ancestry and environmental exposures (e.g. lifestyle factors). We present an environment-adjusted meta-regression model (env-MR-MEGA) to detect genetic associations by adjusting for and quantifying environmental and ancestral heterogeneity between populations. In simulations, env-MR-MEGA has similar or greater association power than MR-MEGA, with notable gains when the environmental factor has a greater correlation with the trait than ancestry. In our analysis of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in ~19,000 individuals across twelve sex-stratified GWAS from Africa, adjusting for sex, BMI, and urban status, we identify additional heterogeneity beyond ancestral effects for seven variants. Env-MR-MEGA provides an approach to account for environmental effects using summary-level data, making it a useful tool for meta-analyses without the need to share individual-level data.
An optimised scattering power decomposition method oriented to ship detection in polarimetric synthetic aperture radar imagery
Authors: Fang Lu , Mu Wenxing , Wang Ning , Liu Tao 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThis paper describes an optimised scattering power decomposition method suitable for ship detection in polarimetric synthetic aperture radar imagery. Based on the principal component analysis technique for dimension reduction and the scattering power decompositions with strong physical interpretation, a novel optimised scattering power decomposition model is proposed which comprises surface scattering, double‐bounce scattering, ±45° oriented dipole, and volume scattering components. Wherein, the oriented dipole component can be used to characterise the compounded scattering of the target which is composed of even‐bounce and odd‐bounce reflectors. Furthermore, pocket algorithm and support vector machine are adopted to solve linear non‐separable problems under complex experimental conditions in this study. Extensive experiments carried out on RADARSAT‐2 data and NASA/JPL AIRSAR data show that the oriented dipole component significantly contributes to the optimised four‐component decomposition method and can play a vital role in ship detection. Compared to other scattering power decompositions, the optimised decomposition method not only achieves better performance but is more in accordance with the real scattering mechanisms, which is more applicable to ship detection.
Pulsar timing methods for evaluating dispersion measure time series
Authors: Iraci F. , Chalumeau A. , Tiburzi C. , Verbiest J. P. W. , Possenti A. , Shaifullah G. M. , Susarla S. C. , Krishnakumar M. A. , Lam M. T. , Cromartie H. T. , Kerr M. , Grießmeier Jean-Mathias 
Published: November 2024

Context. Radio pulsars can be used for many studies, including the investigation of the ionized interstellar medium and the solar wind via their dispersive effects. These phenomena affect the high-precision timing of pulsars and are among the main sources of noise in experiments searching for low-frequency gravitational waves in pulsar data.
Aims. In this paper, we compare the functionality and reliability of three commonly used schemes to measure temporal variations in interstellar propagation effects in pulsar timing data.
Methods. We carried out extensive simulations at low observing frequencies (100–200 MHz) by injecting long-term correlated noise processes with power-law spectra and white noise, to evaluate the robustness, accuracy, and precision of the following three mitigation methods: epoch-wise (EW) measurements of interstellar dispersion; the DMX method of simultaneous, piece-wise fits to interstellar dispersion; and DM GP, which models dispersion variations through Gaussian processes using a Bayesian analysis method. We then evaluated how reliably the input signals were reconstructed and how the various methods reacted to the presence of achromatic long-period noise.
Results. All the methods perform well, provided the achromatic long-period noise is modeled for DMX and DM GP. The most precise method is DM GP, followed by DMX and EW, while the most accurate is EW, followed by DMX and DM GP. We also tested different scenarios including simulations of L-band times of arrival and realistic DM injection, with no significant variation in the obtained results.
Conclusions. Given the nature of our simulations and our scope, we deem that EW is the most reliable method to study the Galactic ionized media. Follow-up works should be conducted to confirm this result via more realistic simulations. We note that DM GP and DMX seem to be the best-performing techniques in removing long-term correlated noise, and hence for gravitational wave studies. However, full simulations of pulsar timing array experiments are needed to support this interpretation.
Sinonasal Plasmablastic Lymphoma: A Systematic Review
Authors: Chen Sophia , Chen Haidee , Song Sophie , Wang Marilene B. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Objective Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is a type of non-Hodgkin's B-cell lymphoma associated with human immunodeficiency virus and Epstein–Barr virus, commonly located in the oral cavity or gastrointestinal tract. Sinonasal involvement is rare, and there is no consensus on treatment.
Data Sources Peer-reviewed published articles served as data sources.
Review Methods A systematic review was conducted of the PubMed database for all cases of sinonasal PBL between 1978 and 2023 with the phrase “plasmablastic lymphoma.” Studies not written in English and that did not separate individual cases of sinonasal PBL from aggregated data were excluded. Age, sex, immune status, treatment, and outcomes were collected.
Conclusion PBL is a rare malignancy in the sinonasal region usually treated with chemotherapy. It most commonly occurs in immunocompromised adults but has also been diagnosed in immunocompromised children and in immunocompetent adults. It is aggressive and has a poor prognosis.
Implications for Practice PBL is a recently described entity with few cases of the sinonasal anatomic variant in the literature. Sinonasal PBL was most frequently treated with chemotherapy alone, closely followed by chemoradiation. The most common chemotherapy regimen utilized in the literature is cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, oncovin/vincristine, and prednisone, which is also the most common chemotherapy regimen in nonsinonasal PBL. A second commonly used regimen is cyclophosphamide, vincristine/oncovin, doxorubicin/adriamycin, and dexamethasone. However, no treatment has emerged as superior to others with regard to survival. Further data are needed to better understand this rare disease.
Ethische Herausforderungen einer Telepsychiatrie
Authors: Willms Julien , Sader Alice , Juckel Georg , Mavrogiorgou Paraskevi , Kramer Marco 
Published: November 2024

ZusammenfassungDie Telepsychiatrie verlagert den Fokus von Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie von
persönlicher Interaktion und Beziehungsaufbau auf eine Kommunikation mit
technologischen Mediatoren in Form von Telekommunikation, virtueller Realität
(VR), sozialen Robotern oder Künstlichen Intelligenzen (KI). Dieser Artikel
diskutiert Chancen und Risiken neuer Technologien in der psychiatrischen
Behandlung unter Berücksichtigung medizinethischer Aspekte. Telepsychiatrische
Behandlungen können die Selbstbestimmung im häuslichen Umfeld entgegen einer
Institutionalisierung fördern, bergen jedoch das Risiko unkontrollierter
Datenweitergabe. Als potenzielle Nachteile können soziale Isolation, negative
Auswirkungen auf die Arzt-Patienten-Beziehung und langfristige Veränderungen des
Patientenverhaltens durch z. B. VR genannt werden. Bezüglich Gerechtigkeit
könnten demografische und psychopathologische Faktoren einen ungleichen Zugang
zur Telepsychiatrie bedingen, mit fraglichen Nachhaltigkeitseffekten. Durch die
Anonymität der Telepsychiatrie droht eine Entfremdung, während moralische
Abwägungen vorerst nicht durch KI ersetzt werden können. Die Fürsorgepflicht
verpflichtet zur sorgfältigen Nutzen-Risiko-Abwägung neuer Technologien,
besonders in ländlichen Regionen zur Versorgungsoptimierung.Gerade aufgrund
ethischer Bedenken ist weitere intensive Forschung für eine
Nutzen-Risiko-Abwägung notwendig. Die Entwicklung telepsychiatrischer Systeme
erfordert transdisziplinäre Kooperationen. Auf gesellschaftlicher Ebene sollte
der Stellenwert von Technologien als Ergänzung oder Ersatz für die
Arzt-Patienten-Beziehung diskutiert werden.