bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measurement of intrinsic parameters, calibration of contact parameters, and test verification of wind-eroded soil
Authors: ZHANG Nannan , PEI Chenghui , XUE Fei , SONG Yufei , CUI Shaoyu , LIU Zhigang 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

In response to the problem of lacking an accurate and reliable model of the interaction between desert soil particles and the drilling device during the study. Perform parameter measurement, calibration, and experimental verification on wind-eroded soil in the northwest desert region of China as the research object. Obtain intrinsic information about soil through crushing tests, direct shear tests, etc. Using the soil stacking angle as the response value, the significant factors affecting the stacking angle were obtained through the Plackett-Burman test. The steepest slope test narrowed down the range of significant factors. The Box-Behnken test established a significant factor regression model to seek the optimal combination. Finally, the optimal combination was experimentally validated through a combination of simulation and physical experiments. The relative errors between simulation and physical experiments are 2.9% and 0.4%, respectively, using the opening diameter and effective depth of machines that inject water and drill holes in the desert as measurement standards. This indicates that the measured parameters are accurate and reliable, providing a reference for constructing the interaction mechanism between desert planting machinery and soil.
Novel NiCo2S4 nanorods arrays grown on carbon nanofibers as high-performance anodes for sodium ion batteries
Authors: Yang Xiaowei , Cai Tongxiang , Yao Zhongran , Chao Guojie 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Novel NiCo2S4 nanorods arrays are uniformly grown onto carbon nanofibers (NiCo2S4@CNF) through a facile hydrothermal approach. The elaborate designed composite structure ensures that the NiCo2S4 nanorods arrays are uniformly dispersed on the surfaces of carbon nanofibers (CNF) and tightly bonded with each other. The conductive networks of CNF can facilitate the electron transport at the interfaces and ions diffusion to readily react with NiCo2S4, thus leading to increased sodium storage. In view of this, NiCo2S4@CNF reveals a high reversible capacity (683.6 mAh g− 1 at 0.1 A g− 1) and long-term cycle stability (only attenuates 0.07% in each cycle after 400 times). This work provides a simple and efficient strategy for synthesizing high-performance sodium ion battery electrodes.
Changes in microbial and metabolic profiles of mice fed with long-term high salt diet
Authors: Lin Dini , Peng Mengmeng , Gao Xiaotang , Du Hanlin , Lin Zhuofeng , Huang Xianen , Lu Xuemian 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Purpose: High salt diet (HSD) has been considered as a risk factor for the development of metabolic disorders. However, less is known about long-term implications of HSD. Therefore, the aim of this study was to conduct a preliminary investigation into the effects of mice feeding with long-term HSD on gut microbial and metabolic profiles.
Methods: In this study, C57BL/6J mice were fed with HSD for 22 weeks, after which fat and gut feces were collected. The composition of fecal microbiota was determined using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Fecal metabolic profiling of mice was identified through untargeted ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. In addition, the serum levels of adipocytokines, including fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) and adiponectin (APN), were measured.
Results: Long-term HSD disrupted the growth performance of mice. Compared to those fed a normal salt diet, mice on a long-term HSD showed slower weight gain, as well as lower fat accumulation and serum levels of APN, while experiencing elevated blood pressure and levels of serum FGF21 and glucose. The 16S rRNA sequencing revealed changes in community richness and diversity, with long-term HSD affecting the abundance of certain gut microbiota, including Firmicutes, Christensenella, Barnesiella, and Lactococcus. Fecal metabolomic analysis also uncovered alterations in metabolites, such as myriocin, cerulenin, norcholic acid, 7-ketocholesterol, and prostaglandins B2. Further analysis indicated that these gut and microbiota and metabolites are predominantly involved in the lipid metabolism of the organism. Importantly, variations in these gut metabolites and microbiota were significantly correlated with body weight, fat accumulation, and the levels of FGF21 and APN.
Conclusion: Long-term HSD affects physiological traits, alters gut metabolites profiles, and impacts the composition and function of gut microbiota, thus causes a certain impact on lipid metabolism.
The Impact of School Sport Club on Students Violent Inclinations
Authors: Cho Ooksang 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background:Various educational attempts have been made recently to reduce violent inclinations in school-age adolescents. This study aimed to investigate changes in students’ inclinations for violence after participating in a sports club program.
Method: Students (n=40) from a middle school located in an urban area of South Korea participated in this study. In the experimental group, researchers enrolled students who had experienced bullying at school and had lower academic records than the average student, and they participated in the 16-week sports club program. In contrast, students in the control group were completely separated from the experimental group and did not participate in the sports club program. Researchers collected data related to changes in participating students’ violence inclinations using the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, Children's Color Trails Test, Stroop Test, Rey–Osterrieth Complex Figure Test, ADHD Diagnostic System, and Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised.
Results: Violent inclinations and the psychological-intellectual conditions of the students who participated in the sports club program changed significantly at p=0.01 level; in contrast, the differences between the pre- and post-measurements of the control group students were not significant. Conclusion: Sports clubs have a positive impact on students’ affective abilities regarding changes in their psychological situations.
Relative Navigation for the ‘In-Air Capturing’ of a Winged Reusable Launch Vehicle
Authors: Singh Sunayna , Luyten Briek , Sagliano Marco 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

In the ‘In-Air Capturing’ recovery mode, a winged rocket stage is captured mid-air by an aircraft and towed back to the launch site. A critical aspect of ‘In-Air Capturing’ involves a capturing device released from the towing aircraft, tasked with autonomously navigating to the launcher stage and connecting the vehicles with a tether. This operation demands high-precision close-range navigation techniques for the final docking maneuver. Hence, this paper proposes and studies different navigation solutions for the full-scale ‘In-Air Capturing’ application. A Vision-Based Navigation System (VisNav) is compared against the classical GPS/INS and a combined GPS/INS/VisNav navigation system. Simulations show that the GPS/INS/VisNav has a higher accuracy and provides a more robust navigation solution against model uncertainties and external disturbances.
Influence of atomic configuration on electronic properties of complex transition-metal oxides: Case study of Ruddlesden-Popper oxides La2-xSrxCo1/2Fe1/2O4
Authors: Fazlizhanova Dina , Levchenko Sergey 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Ruddlesden-Popper (RP) transition-metal oxides belong to a versatile class of functional materials whose electronic properties can be tuned by varying chemical composition in a wide range. However, the relation between chemical composition and electronic properties of multi-metal RP oxides, in particular taking into account different distributions of metal ions in the lattice, has not been investigated systematically so far. In this work, we use density-functional theory (DFT) to explore the compositional dependence of electronic, magnetic, and structural properties of La2-xSrxCo1/2Fe1/2O4 oxide series for x = 0, 1, 2. To account for localized nature of transition-metal d-orbitals, self-consistent DFT+U approach ACBN0 is employed. We show that widely used electronic-structure-based descriptors of oxygen-defect formation energies, oxygen transport, and catalytic activity strongly depend on the distribution of transition metal ions. Nevertheless, the distribution-averaged and ground-state descriptor values for La2-xSrxCo1/2Fe1/2O4are found to depend monotonically on the composition x. In addition, we showed that in complex systems such as multi-metal Ruddlesden-Popper phases, Hubbard U values for the same species vary significantly between crystallographically non-equivalent sites.
RETRACTED: Analysis of ChatGPT-3.5’s Potential in Generating NBME-Standard Pharmacology Questions: What Can Be Improved?
Authors: Saad Marwa , Almasri Wesam , Hye Tanvirul , Roni Monzurul , Mohiyeddini Changiz 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Acute Effect of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation - Based Warm-Up on Isokinetic Strength, Endurance and Balance
Authors: YILDIZ Muhammed , ÇEBİ Mehmet 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

This study investigated the acute effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF)-based warm-up on isokinetic strength, endurance, and body balance in 50 soccer players. Measurements were taken on four separate days, with participants resting completely between sessions. Isokinetic strength tests for hip, knee, and ankle flexion and extension were conducted using an isokinetic dynamometer at angular velocities of 60o/sec, 180o/sec and 240o/sec. Endurance was assessed with 25 repetitions at 240o/sec by analyzing the change in peak torque values. On the first day, players underwent general warm-up, balance tests, and isokinetic strength measurements. Subsequent sessions included these measurements along with additional testing. Results showed that the PNF-based warm-up significantly improved static and dynamic balance compared to other methods (p<,001). Peak torque values at all angular velocities indicated that the PNF-based warm-up was more effective than other warm-ups. Additionally, PNF-based warm-up had a better acute effect on knee joint isokinetic endurance (p<,05). In conclusion, the PNF-based warm-up significantly enhanced static and dynamic balance, isokinetic strength, and endurance in soccer players. It is recommended to include PNF-based warm-ups in soccer training, especially for the lower extremities, and to consider combining it with active warm-up methods for optimal acute performance benefits.
Advancing Resource Efficiency: Evaluation of Plastic Upcycling Methodologies and Their Applications in Sustainable Flooring Solutions
Authors: F Antony Leo 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

This study explores the development of eco-friendly bricks using recycled plastic waste, specifically high-density polyethylene (HDPE), quartz sand, and bitumen. The research demonstrates the potential for addressing plastic pollution while reducing construction costs. Key findings include: 1) a production cost of 0.092 euros per brick, approximately half that of traditional bricks; 2) enhanced structural integrity with a peak compression strength of 37.5 MPa at 2% bitumen content and a 3:2 plastic-to-sand ratio; 3) improved water resistance and reduced permeability; 4) minimal water absorption (less than 1% after 24 hours); 5) negligible efflorescence, particularly in bricks with higher plastic content; and 6) enhanced heat conduction resistance in plastic-rich bricks. The study highlights the viability of these innovative bricks in various construction applications, including structural frameworks, parking installations, and pathways. This research contributes to sustainable construction practices by offering an economically viable and environmentally responsible alternative to traditional bricks, while simultaneously addressing the global challenge of plastic waste management.
Potential anti-osteoclastic and anti-inflammatory effects of metformin-encapsulated hyaluronic acid-decorated niosome nanoparticles: possible application for effective treatment of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Hatem Shatha Jassim , Al-Tu’ma Fadhil Jawad , Mukheef Maher Abbood 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Nanodrug delivery systems offer promising solutions to the limitations of conventional treatments for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Among nanoparticles, niosomes are particularly effective due to their stability, ease of preparation, and ability to reduce systemic toxicity. They provide controlled drug release and enhance the solubility and stability of pharmaceutical compounds. Incorporating hyaluronic acid (HA) into niosomes can further enhance their efficacy by targeting specific cells, improving drug delivery, and increasing therapeutic impact. In this study, metformin, a common T2DM medication, was effectively delivered using HA-coated niosomes, to demonstrate the potential of this approach in treating RA patients with T2DM.
Methods
Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were extracted from blood samples of RA patients, RA patients with T2DM, and healthy individuals. Metformin-loaded niosomal nanoparticles (Nio-met NPs) were synthesized using the thin-film hydration method and modified into Hyalo-Nio-met NPs by adding hyaluronic acid. The drug release pattern of metformin was studied, and these NPs were characterized using Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR). Factors like reactive oxygen species (ROS), interleukin-23 (IL-23), nuclear factor of activated T-cells cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1), receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand (RANKL), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) were assessed in both treated and untreated PBMCs.
Results
The synthesized Hyalo-Nio-met NPs exhibited a spherical morphology with sizes of 179 ± 8.5 nm, a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.663, and a zeta potential of -9.76 ± 3.4 mV. FT-IR analysis confirmed the effective encapsulation of metformin within the Hyalo-Nio-met NPs. Approximately 68% of the loaded metformin was released from the Hyalo-niosomal NPs after 120 hours. Treatment with Hyalo-Nio-met NPs led to a significant reduction in reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and decreased activity of pro-inflammatory cytokine (IL-23) and inflammation-related genes (NFATc1, RANKL, and COX-2).
Conclusion
Taken together the Hyalo-Nio-met NPs drug delivery system was acceptable in terms of characteristics and effectively delivery of metformin to the vicinity of PBMCs. The treatment demonstrated a notable reduction in inflammatory markers and an enhancement of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant defenses in the PBMCs from both RA patients and RA patients with T2DM.
Influence of Seamless Patient-Centered Care on Efficiency, Satisfaction, and Patient Awareness in Imaging Departments: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Yan Shouzhen , Luo Xiaohua , Xia Qianzhi , Luo Shijie , Xu Feng 
Published: July 2024

Aims:
This study aimed to enhance the existing nursing model in imaging departments by implementing a characteristic seamless nursing care approach
and assessing its impact on patient and medical staff satisfaction, nursing quality, examination efficiency, and patient awareness. We hypothesized
that the implementation of a seamless nursing care model would be associated with higher patient satisfaction, improved nursing quality, increased
examination efficiency, and better patient awareness compared to the traditional nursing model.

Materials and Methods:
This prospective cohort study included 300 patients undergoing imaging examinations from January 2019 to January 2022. Subjects were divided
into control and observation groups (n=150 each) based on different nursing methods. The control group received routine care, and the observation
group received seamless care. The following outcome measures were assessed using validated questionnaires: patient satisfaction (measured using
a 5-point Likert scale), medical staff satisfaction with patient examination cooperation (measured using a 5-point Likert scale), nursing quality
compliance rate (percentage of nursing tasks performed according to established guidelines), dissatisfaction rate (percentage expressing
dissatisfaction with examination cooperation), and effect evaluation [measured using a knowledge test validated in previous studies (Chung et al.,
2020) with a total score range of 0-20].

Results:
Average imaging examination and nursing times were significantly lower in the observation group compared to the control group (P<0.05). The
examination cooperation dissatisfaction rate was significantly lower in the observation group (P<0.05). There were significant differences in
examination precautions, procedures, breathing training methods, and injection comparisons between the groups (all P<0.05).

Conclusion:
The application of seamless nursing care may be associated with improved patient satisfaction, nursing service quality, imaging examination
efficiency, and patient awareness of imaging examinations. However, further research is needed to establish causal relationships
Isolation and Characterization of Cytotoxic Compounds from Detarium microcarpum Guill. and Perr. Stem Bark
Authors: Salawu Kayode Muritala , Ogbole Omonike Oluyemisi , Abiodun Oyindamola Oduola , Wang Yan 
Published: July 2024

Introduction:
Globally, about 8.2 million cancer-related deaths are recorded annually. Sadly, most of
the deaths result from the toxicity of most chemotherapeutic agents. Hence, there are growing demands for
chemotherapeutic agents with high specificity and selectivity. This study was designed to assess the cytotoxic
potential of Detarium microcarpum and isolate cytotoxic compounds with better selectivity profiles.

Methods:
Detarium microcarpum Stem bark (DMS) was collected and authenticated at the Forest Herbarium
Ibadan (FHI), and a voucher (FHI-111954) was issued. Dried DMS was pulverized and extracted into 70% methanol.
The extract was partitioned into hexane, dichloromethane, and ethyl acetate fractions. The cytotoxicities of
the extract, fractions, and isolated compounds were determined. The cytotoxicity of the isolated compounds was
tested against different cell lines, including human breast (AU565 and MDA MB231), oral adenosquamous
(CAL27), and cervical (HeLa) cancer cells, as well as healthy (3T3) non-cancer cells.

Results:
Methyl gallate, eriodictyol, quercetin, quebrachitol, catechin, catechin gallate, and gallic acid, isolated
from dichloromethane and ethyl acetate fractions, displayed weak cytotoxicity against breast (AU565 and MDAMD-
231) and cervical (HeLa) cancer cell lines. Interestingly, all the compounds, except gallic acid (48.91±4.51%
inhibition), displayed potent cytotoxicity on oral cancer cells. Methyl gallate and quercetin displayed the highest
activity, with IC50 values of 89.57±1.98μM and 78.19±1.49μM, respectively. Interestingly, all the compounds
were not toxic to healthy non-cancer (3T3) cells.

Conclusion:
The compounds displayed anticancer activity specific to oral cancer cells and were highly selective
for cancer cells without causing significant toxicity to healthy non-cancer cells.
Exploring How Older Adults Experience semAPP, a 360° Media–Based Tool for Memory Assessment: Qualitative Study
Authors: Bruni Francesca , Mancuso Valentina , Panigada Jonathan , Stramba-Badiale Marco , Cipresso Pietro , Pedroli Elisa 
Published: July 2024

Background
Technology is already a part of our daily lives, and its influence is growing rapidly. This evolution has not spared the health care field. Nowadays, a crucial challenge is considering aspects such as design, development, and implementation, highlighting their functionality, ease of use, compatibility, performance, and safety when a new technological tool is developed. As noted in many works, the abandonment rate is usually higher when a user has a terrible experience with these instruments. It would be appropriate to incorporate the final users—whether they are patients, health care professionals, or both—in the stages of instrument design to understand their needs and preferences. Since most apps that fail did not include end users and health care professionals in the development phase, their involvement at all stages of app development may increase their commitment and improve integration, self-management, and health outcomes.

Objective
This study aims (1) to develop semAPP (spatial and episodic memory assessment application), a 360° media–based tool, to assess memory in aging by simulating a real-life situation and (2) to test the usability of the app and the connected experience in an end-user population.

Methods
A total of 34 older adults participated in the study: 16 (47%) healthy individuals and 18 (53%) patients with mild cognitive impairment. They used semAPP and completed qualitative and quantitative measures. The app includes 2 parts: object recognition and spatial memory tasks. During the first task, users have to navigate in an apartment freely and visit rooms, and then they must recognize the right map of the house. In the second task, users are immersed in a living room, and they have to encode and then recall some target objects, simulating a relocation. We deployed this app on an 11.2-inch iPad, and we tested its usability and the experience of users interacting with the app. We conducted descriptive analyses for both the entire sample and each subgroup; we also conducted parametric and correlation analyses to compare groups and to examine the relationship between task execution and the virtual experience, as well as the acceptance of technology.

Results
Both groups judged the app as an easy-to-use tool, and they were willing to use it. Moreover, the results match the idea that usability might be influenced by different factors depending on instrument and personal features, such as presentation, functionality, system performance, interactive behavior, attitudes, skills, and personality.

Conclusions
The findings support the possibility of using semAPP in older patients, as well as the importance of designing and evaluating new technological tools, considering not only the general population but also the specific target ones.