bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Industry 4.0‐Driven STEM‐Lab Modernization: Balancing Flexibility and Sustainability
Authors: Aubel Ines , Krinke Stefan , Mende Robert , Dietrich André , Bertau Martin , Zeidler Henning , Zug Sebastian 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe rapid technological advances of Industry 4.0 require Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) education to adapt and meet the needs of an increasingly digital workforce. However, institutions face significant obstacles in updating their lab spaces due to the significant investment of time and resources required. This article presents innovative approaches that aim to reconcile these conflicting goals. Flexible laboratory configuration approaches are described that can be implemented in diverse learning scenarios to optimize the sustainable use of resources in an educational context. The results suggest that, with strategic planning, adaptable STEM laboratory configurations are beneficial for education in the context of Industry 4.0.
Therapeutic Potential of Terpenoids in Cancer Treatment: Targeting Mitochondrial Pathways
Authors: Guo Jianxin , Huang Ming , Hou Shuang , Yuan Jianfeng , Chang Xiaoyue , Gao Shuang , Zhang Zhenhan , Wu Zhongbing , Li Jing 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundIn recent decades, natural compounds have been considered a significant source of new antitumor medicines due to their unique advantages. Several in vitro and in vivo studies have focused on the effect of terpenoids on apoptosis mediated by mitochondria in malignant cells.Recent findingsIn this review article, we focused on six extensively studied terpenoids, including sesquiterpenes (dihydroartemisinin and parthenolide), diterpenes (oridonin and triptolide), and triterpenes (betulinic acid and oleanolic acid), and their efficacy in targeting mitochondria to induce cell death. Terpenoid‐induced mitochondria‐related cell death includes apoptosis, pyroptosis, necroptosis, ferroptosis, autophagy, and necrosis caused by mitochondrial permeability transition. Apoptosis and autophagy interact in meaningful ways. In addition, in view of several disadvantages of terpenoids, such as low stability and bioavailability, advances in research on combination chemotherapy and chemical modification were surveyed.ConclusionThis article deepens our understanding of the association between terpenoids and mitochondrial cell death, presenting a hypothetical basis for the use of terpenoids in anticancer management.
Identification of PI3K‐AKT Pathway‐Related Genes and Construction of Prognostic Prediction Model for ccRCC
Authors: Hu Shaowen , Zhang Xiaoli , Xin Huiru , Guo Mingjie , Xiao Yafei , Chang Zhongwei , Luo Qingyang , Li Yang , Zhu Chaoyang 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundClear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), the predominate histological type of renal cell carcinoma (RCC), has been extensively studied, with poor prognosis as the stage increases. Research findings consistently indicated that the PI3K‐Akt pathway is commonly dysregulated across various cancer types, including ccRCC. Targeting the PI3K‐Akt pathway held promise as a potential therapeutic approach for treating ccRCC. Development and validation of PI3K‐Akt pathway‐related genes related biomarkers can enhance healthcare management of patients with ccRCC.PurposeThis study aimed to identify the key genes in the PI3K‐Akt pathway associated with the diagnosis and prognosis of CCRCC using data mining from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Synthesis (GEO) datasets.MethodsThe purpose of this study is to use bioinformatics methods to screen data sets and clinicopathological characteristics associated with ccRCC patients. The exhibited significantly differential expressed genes (DEGs) associated with the PI3K‐Akt pathway were examined by KEGG. In addition, Kaplan–Meier (KM) analysis used to estimate the survival function of the differential genes by using the UALCAN database and graphPad Prism 9.0. And exploring the association between the expression levels of the selected genes and the survival status and time of patients with ccRCC based on SPSS22.0. Finally, a multigene prognostic model was constructed to assess the prognostic risk of ccRCC patients.ResultsA total of 911 genes with common highly expressed were selected based on the GEO and TCGA databases. According to the KEGG pathway analysis, there were 42 genes enriched in PI3K‐Akt signalling pathway. And seven of highly expressed genes were linked to a poor prognosis in ccRCC. And a multigene prognostic model was established based on IL2RG, EFNA3, and MTCP1 synergistic expression might be utilized to predict the survival of ccRCC patients.ConclusionsThree PI3K‐Akt pathway‐related genes may be helpful to identify the prognosis and molecular characteristics of ccRCC patients and to improve therapeutic regimens, and these risk characteristics might be further applied in the clinic.
The role of condition on sexual selection in the seed bug Lygaeus simulans
Authors: Balfour Vicki L. , Corliss Mia K. , Shuker David M. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractOrganism condition plays an important role in sexual selection. Sexual ornaments and displays can be condition‐dependent, reflecting either underlying genetic quality, experience of environmental stressors, or both. As such, the phenotypic expression of such traits, and the resulting patterns of mate choice acting on them, may be shaped by intrinsic genetic quality and the environment. Moreover, condition may also influence the choosing individual in mate choice, influencing their ability to invest in mate discrimination, or changing what traits of the chosen, including resources, are most preferred. Here we consider sexual selection and condition in the seed bug Lygaeus simulans, a species characterised by strong post‐copulatory sexual selection, but rather limited pre‐copulatory discrimination. We manipulated short‐term condition in both males and females by restricting access to water for 24 h. Water is particularly important in these bugs, given their feeding ecology and physiology. We found that water‐deprived males proved less likely to mate, while copulation duration with water‐deprived females was significantly reduced. Given the importance of copulation duration for the successful transfer of sperm by males to females, the data suggest cryptic male choice acting against water‐deprived females. These data add to those suggesting that cryptic male choice for fecund females plays an important role in sexual selection in this species. More generally, our results support the widespread importance of condition in terms of mating dynamics and sexual selection.
Bead‐by‐bead normalization of single antigen assays: A necessary step for accurate detection of weak anti‐HLA antibodies
Authors: Usureau Cédric , Lhotte Romain , Devriese Magali , Siemowski Jérémy , Gabet Lionel , Letort Véronique , Taupin Jean‐Luc 
Published: September 2024

AbstractAscertaining the presence of weakly positive anti‐HLA donor‐specific antibodies (DSA) in organ transplantation with multiplex single antigen beads assays may be challenging despite their high sensitivity due to technical variability issues. Through extensive datasets of Next‐Generation Sequencing HLA typings and single antigen analyses, we reassessed the mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) positivity threshold of the assay to enhance accuracy. By showing that some beads were more prone to false positivity than others, we propose a nuanced approach that accounts for nonspecific intrinsic reactivities at the HLA antigen level, that is, on a bead‐by‐bead basis, as it enhances assay precision and reliability. This is substantiated by a comprehensive statistical analysis of MFI values and the implementation of the determination of a “Quantile Adjusted Threshold 500” (QAT500) value for each bead. Applied to DSA detection during patients’ follow‐up, this approach discriminated better and earlier low‐strength DSA that would later raise their MFI above the clinically relevant threshold of 3000. Moving from a subjective interpretation to a more objective and precise methodology allows for standardizing HLA antibody and DSA detection. The study emphasizes the need for further research with real clinical data to validate and refine this approach.
Valorization of oil‐based drilling cuttings as a substitute for bauxite in fracturing proppants application
Authors: Li Xiaogang , Xiong Junya , Yang Zhaozhong , Chen Hao 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis study aimed to increase the scale of oil‐based drilling cuttings (OBDCs) resource utilization in the ceramic industry. The sintering process and mechanism were explored based on the analysis of physicochemical properties, phase transitions, and microstructure. The results showed that (1) The main ceramic‐technological characteristics of the OBDC were determined, which belonged to high‐silica solid waste with a high Si–Al ratio and a low acid–base ratio of oxides. (2) The low meltability temperature of the OBDC could largely influence the determination of the sintering temperature range for ceramic products. (3) The chemical components OBDC provided were involved in the formation of molten phases, which could affect dimensional accuracy and mechanical properties. Meanwhile, the dolomite promoted the formation of closed pores and enhanced lightweight performance. (4) Before 800°C, dolomite decomposed and reacted with SiO2 to form silicate, and then a new feldspar crystal appeared. After 1000°C, orthoclase completely melted into the molten phase, only two phases of quartz and diopside existed in the material until 1150°C. When the temperature was higher than 1350°C, the glass transition of the phase was basically intensified. (5) In the analyzed scenarios, the results indicated OBDC can only be doped in low contents and degrades the ceramic material properties.
Analysis of flow energy dissipation of a two‐stage storage pump based on entropy generation theory
Authors: Chen Taiping , Wei Xianzhu , Bie Rushan , Li Yang , Xu Bin , Wang Wenbo , Liu Yongxin 
Published: September 2024

AbstractA hybrid power station comprising storage pump units and conventional hydropower components holds the potential to enhance the operational flexibility of basin hydroelectric regulation. The storage pumps must possess significant power capacity and operate with high efficiency to ensure viable energy storage. This study investigates the energy dissipation within a two‐stage storage pump using entropy generation theory. The numerical solution of flow energy dissipation (FED) components was obtained for various flow rates using the steady‐state single‐phase shear stress transport k–ω turbulence model. Results indicate that the return channel contributes the most to FED generation within the entire passage, with the FED proportion decreasing from 66.7% to 41.3% as the flow rate increases from 0.5QBEP to 1.2QBEP. The FED generation percentage from the runners increases from 10.4% to 46.9% with increasing flow rate, ranking second. The FED generation percentage attributed from the spiral case ranges from 10.3% to 16.7%, ranking third. Losses from the draft tube are found to be negligible. Flow pattern analysis reveals that FED generation primarily occurs at the junction of inferior flow (flow separation and vortex flow) and the main flow, where significant velocity gradients exist.
Investigation on Cooling Performance of Composite PCM and Graphite Fin for Battery Thermal Management System of Electric Vehicles
Authors: Mane Nikhil S. , Kodancha Pradyumna , Hemadri Vadiraj , Tripathi Siddhartha 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTModern electric vehicle (EV) batteries need phase change materials (PCM) that are capable of efficient battery cooling. In this work, a composite PCM is prepared by mixing Fe3O4 nanoparticles (1 wt.%) in paraffin, and the effects of these nanoparticles on the enthalpy and melting point of PCM are studied. It is found that the Fe3O4 nanoparticle additives reduce the onset of melting from 61.46°C to 57.03°C. The composite PCM is used for the cooling of a battery module of 6 substitute‐18 650 batteries, and the cooling performance is experimentally and numerically investigated. The hybrid battery thermal management system (BTMS) utilizing composite paraffin demonstrates a significant reduction of 11.2°C in lithium‐ion battery (LIB) temperature compared with natural convection cooling at a heat generation rate of 2W. The numerical results in this study are in good agreement with the experimental temperature values, with a modest mean absolute error of 1.35°C detected between experimentally obtained and simulated battery temperature values. In order to deal with the low thermal conductivity of liquid PCM after PCM melting, a numerical investigation is conducted to study the effect of a graphite fin on the battery temperature. The use of a fin in hybrid BTMS considerably reduces the temperature of LIBs and temperature difference in the module. The numerical simulations capture the behavior of the phase change phenomenon, showing the evolution of liquid PCM under constant heating. This work presents the dynamic melting patterns of PCM along the length of LIB with and without a fin, which is useful for the effective design of BTMS.
Demand Forecasting New Fashion Products: A Review Paper
Authors: S. Anitha , R. Neelakandan 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTNew product demand forecasting is an important but challenging process that extends to multiple sectors. The paper reviews various forecasting models across different domains, emphasizing the unique challenges of forecasting new fashion products. The challenges are multifaceted and subject to constant change, including consumer preferences, seasonality, and the influence of social media. Understanding such difficulties enables us to provide an approach for improved and flexible prediction techniques. Machine learning techniques have the potential to address these issues and improve the accuracy of fashion product demand forecasting. Various advanced algorithms, including deep learning approaches and ensemble methods, employ large datasets and real‐time data to predict demand patterns accurately. The paper suggests valuable information to experts, researchers, and decision‐makers in the fashion industry, as it addresses the unique challenges and examines innovative solutions in new product forecasting.
Predictor Preselection for Mixed‐Frequency Dynamic Factor Models: A Simulation Study With an Empirical Application to GDP Nowcasting
Authors: Franjic Domenic , Schweikert Karsten 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTWe investigate the performance of dynamic factor model nowcasting with preselected predictors in a mixed‐frequency setting. The predictors are selected via the elastic net as it is common in the targeted predictor literature. A simulation study and an application to empirical data are used to evaluate different strategies for variable selection, the influence of tuning parameters, and to determine the optimal way to handle mixed‐frequency data. We propose a novel cross‐validation approach that connects the preselection and nowcasting step. In general, we find that preselecting provides more accurate nowcasts compared with the benchmark dynamic factor model using all variables. Our newly proposed cross‐validation method outperforms the other specifications in most cases.
Antidiabetic potential of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum‐graecum): A magic herb for diabetes mellitus
Authors: Sarker Dipto Kumer , Ray Pallobi , Dutta Ashit Kumar , Rouf Razina , Uddin Shaikh Jamal 
Published: September 2024

AbstractFenugreek (Trigonella foenum‐graecum) is a widely grown dietary herb in Asia, and its seeds are traditionally used for several diseases, including diabetes. The seeds and leaves possess a variety of compounds that play an important role in regulating their hypoglycemic effect. However, so far, no extensive systematic review exists on its antidiabetic effect, highlighting the molecular mechanisms and isolated compounds. The purpose of this review is to summarize the preclinical and clinical antidiabetic properties of fenugreek and its isolated compounds by focusing on underlying mechanisms. PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Scopus databases were searched to retrieve articles until June, 2024. Preclinical studies demonstrated that the antidiabetic effect of fenugreek was mostly associated with enhanced glucose transporter type‐4 (GLUT4) translocation and hexokinase activity, decreased glucose‐6‐phosphatase and fructose‐1,6‐bisphosphatase activities, inhibited α‐amylase and maltase activities, protected β cells, and increased insulin release. Furthermore, few studies have reported its role as a glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) modulator, 5′‐AMP‐activated kinase (AMPK) activator, and dipeptidyl peptidase‐IV (DPP‐IV) inhibitor. Further clinical trials showed that fenugreek seeds improved blood glucose levels, insulin resistance, insulin sensitivity, and lipid profiles. This study highlights significant evidence of the antidiabetic effect of fenugreek and its isolated compounds; therefore, it could be a potential therapy for diabetes.
Investigation of musculoskeletal symptoms, work postures, quantification of muscle activity, and estimation of grip/push forces among sonographers
Authors: ZangiAbadi Zahra , Khabiri Hamid , Mirbagheri Alireza , Halvani Gholamhossein , Askarishahi Mohsen , Nasiri Mehnoosh 
Published: September 2024

AbstractDue to the physical nature of their work, sonographers are exposed to many musculoskeletal disorder risk factors, including awkward posture, repetitive movements, forceful manual exertion, and static muscle contractions, especially in the upper limbs. The current study is an investigation of musculoskeletal disorders among sonographers, caused by various occupational risk factors via different sonographic scan types. During the first phase of this study, the musculoskeletal symptoms and work postures of 29 subjects were investigated. During the second phase, muscle activity was quantified, and grip/push forces were estimated using the data obtained from 10 volunteer sonographers. 82% of sonographers experienced musculoskeletal symptoms. Based on the final scores and action levels obtained via rapid upper limb assessment, while performing scans of left regions; ergonomic changes and interventions were found necessary, to relieve stress on the sonographer's body. The results of muscular activity per muscle and scan type, showed that the mean muscle activity of the middle deltoid muscle was significantly higher during the right abdominal scan (17.64% maximum voluntary contraction [MVC]), compared to those of thyroid (12.54% MVC) and left abdominal (7.32% MVC) scans. Additionally, mean grip and push forces during both abdominal scans were significantly higher than those during the thyroid scan. Despite an injury risk during all scans, risk factor impact was different among scan types. This groundbreaking study represents the first that captures and measures both grip and push forces simultaneously, which may prove helpful while investigating corrective interventions or optimizing design of sonography robots and ergonomic probes in future studies.
Simulation model to analyze the impact of work on absenteeism
Authors: Lucas Ruan Eduardo Carneiro , Merino Eugenio A. D. , Merino Giselle S. A. D. , Silva Luiz B. da , Leite Wilza K. dos Santos , Silva Jonhatan M. N. , Júnior José F. R. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractShoe manufacturing companies often use overtime work but neglect the impacts and importance of physical recovery time. Ergonomic methods aim to analyze this, but they focus on deterministic aspects, which limits their ability to evaluate working conditions amid variations over time. This research explores how a simulation model can mitigate these limitations and enhance analysis of overtime and physical recovery on worker absenteeism. The objective was developed a simulation model using System Dynamics (SD) to represent working conditions and assess the influence of overtime and recovery time in Brazil's footwear industry. An Ergonomic Analysis of Work was conducted in a large company's production cell. Using SD, were constructed a causal and simulation model to analyze three scenarios. An additional hour of work increased physical overload by 44%, leading to 5, 4 leave requests, and 48 days of absenteeism per year. Increasing recovery time by 15 min reduced overload to 38,96%, resulting in 4, 9 leave requests and 13,68 days of absenteeism. The SD simulation model mitigated the limitations of ergonomic methods in understanding the dynamic relationships over time, emphasizing the importance of actively managing overtime and physical recovery time.
Acquisition Time for Resting‐State HbO/Hb Coupling Measured by Functional Near‐Infrared Spectroscopy in Assessing Autism
Authors: Lin Fang 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTFunctional near‐infrared spectroscopy was used to record spontaneous hemodynamic fluctuations form the bilateral temporal lobes in 25 children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and 22 typically developing (TD) children. The coupling between oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO) and deoxygenated hemoglobin (Hb) was calculated by Pearson correlation coefficient, showing significant difference between ASD and TD, thus the coupling could be a characteristic feature for ASD. To evaluate the discrimination ability of the feature obtained in different acquisition times, the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was constructed and the area under curve (AUC) was calculated. The results showed AUC > 0.8 when the time duration was longer than 1.5 min, but longer than 4 min, AUC value (~0.87) hardly varied, implying the maximal discrimination ability reached. This study demonstrated the coupling could be one of characteristic features for ASD even acquired in a short measurement time.