bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microstructure and insulating properties of foamed inorganic polymer composites containing various types of phase change materials (PCM)
Authors: Bąk Agnieszka , Setlak Kinga , Bogucki Rafał , Ciemnicka Justyna , Prałat Karol , Koper Artur , Korniejenko Kinga , Greshta Viktor , Tabunshchyk Galyna , Łach Michał 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of phase change components on the properties of geopolymer foams. Geopolymer foams are lightweight foamed geopolymers that are characterized by a high degree of porosity. Phase change materials, on the other hand, are compounds that, when added to a material, allow it to absorb, store, and then release large amounts of energy. MikroCaps (MikroCaps, Slovenia), GR42, and PX25 (Rubitherm, Germany) were introduced as phase-change materials at 15% by weight. The geopolymer materials were produced based on silica fly ash from the Skawina Heat and Power Plant, and hydrogen peroxide H2O2 was used to foam the geopolymer structure. The PCM geopolymer composites were cured at 60°C. The produced materials were tested for physical, chemical, and thermal properties. The tests included oxide and mineral composition analysis of the base material, PCM particle size analysis, density and porosity tests of the foams, water leachability tests, thermal tests (l, Cv, Cp, a), and structure and texture analysis. The most key tests to confirm the performance of phase change materials were thermal tests. With the introduction of PCM, volumetric heat capacity increased by as much as 41%, specific heat by 45%, and thermal diffusivity decreased by 23%. The results confirm the great potential of geopolymer composites as modern insulation materials for buildings and structures.
Cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers and neuropsychological abnormalities in dementia: A monocentric study of consecutive patients
Authors: Römer Martin , Lange-Asschenfeldt Christian , Müller-Schmitz Katharina , Seitz Rüdiger J. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
In search of indicators for dementia this study investigated the association of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers and neuropsychological test results with disease stage in patients with a beginning or manifested dementia.
Methods
190 consecutive patients with symptoms of dementia the CSF parameters Amyloid-β 1–42 (Aβ1–42), phosphorylated tau protein (pTau), total tau protein (tTau), neuron-specific enolase (NSE), protein S100B (S100B), and the Aβ (1–42)/(1–40) ratio (Aβ ratio) as well as the results of the CERAD-Plus test battery supplemented by the Clock Drawing Test (CDT) were analysed. Patients were divided into two groups based on the median duration of reported symptom onset.
Results
Most prominent were the relations between Aβ1–42 and the neuropsychological memory subtests in the early phase of the disease, which were absent in the later phase. Less pronounced relationships to memory function were detectable for the Aβ ratio and pTau.
Conclusion
The results substantiate the relevance of Aβ1–42 for memory deficits and support the amyloid cascade hypothesis for Alzheimer’s dementia (AD). Our data suggest other pathomechanisms for visual-spatial impairments in AD.
Kitchen waste composting aids in reduction of GHGs emissions
Authors: Ahmad Ali , Fatima Tehreem , Gull Umair , Riaz Husnain , Sajid Muhammad , Sajjad Muhammad , Chughatta Ahsan Rashid 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The emission of greenhouse gases (GHG’s) into the atmosphere due to anthropogenic activities including disposal of large quantities of organic kitchen waste into the environment exacerbates global warming and contributes to climate change. A laboratory incubation experiment was conducted at 20oC at University of Agriculture Faisalabad. The study involved five treatments, each containing fresh fruit and vegetable peels as well as their compost, applied at a rate of 5 g kg− 1 soil. The treatments were distributed according to complete randomized design (CRD). A single control treatment with no alterations was also upheld for the duration of study. The findings of present investigation demonstrated a substantial increase in cumulative C-CO2 emissions attributable to potato peel (597 ± 1 mg C kg− 1 soil) and compost (542 ± 3 mg C kg− 1 soil) relative to other treatments, as a result of their pronounced decomposition within the soil. The microbial biomass carbon (MBC) exhibited higher levels in banana compost (1055. 67 ± 36 mg C kg− 1 soil) and potato compost (983 ± 42 mg C kg− 1 soil) when compared to the remaining treatments. The addition of compost mixture containing banana and potato peels resulted in a significant increase in soil extracellular enzyme activities The application of banana and potato compost has been found to have a positive impact on the macroaggregates of soil, leading to an increase in soil stability due to the compost's ability to stabilize soil particles. The findings of the present study indicate that composting represents the most effective approach for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions originating from kitchen organic waste, while also enhancing the biological and physicochemical characteristics of soil.
Auto Beam: Automatic Beam Adjuster For Enhanced Vehicle Safety Using Deep Learning
Authors: Kumar Aditya , Singh Aryan , Malakar Akanksha , Gupta Sarvagya , Vyas Sonali 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

In today’s scenario, automobiles have been a huge part of our day-to-day life and also have a huge impact on the nation's economy. But with the increase in the number of automobiles, there is a rise in accidents too. The use of a high beam in front of a coming vehicle, creates a glare on the eyes of the driver which makes him/her partially blind for a few microseconds, which is enough for an accident to take place. This paper proposes an Automatic High to low beam adjuster that adjusts the beam according to the presence of the car in front of it. We are using deep learning and a masking approach independently for detection of a vehicle in front of the primary vehicle whose beam we would be adjusting. The AI model would then be connected with an Arduino by which we would be converting digital signals to electrical signals. The scope of the project is to be able to detect headlights of oncoming vehicles and adjust the beam of the vehicle (high to low and vice versa) without the driver’s intervention as it would be of great help to the people driving at night, aged people and people with vision problems like cataracts etc. It could bring a whole new dimension of traffic control and road safety by detecting the headlights of the vehicles using dynamic footage recorded by sensors in real time. This paper will also be of crucial importance in reducing the number of accidents therefore preventing mishaps, saving lives and preventing financial losses. The future scopes could be integrating Raspberry Pi and using it with an Arduino and a camera to develop and test the fully functional product which can then be installed in vehicles to control accidents. The camera that would be used to detect oncoming vehicles could also detect emergency factors like sudden accident-like situations and could take preventive measures to reduce the impact or the probability of an accident.
Optimization of cone beam computed tomography scan protocols for the intraoperative detection of residual stones in percutaneous nephrolithotomy
Authors: Kingma Riemer Adam , Asten Nienke T.L. , Greuter Marcel J.W. , de Jong Igle-Jan , Roemeling Stijn 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Purpose:
The primary surgical treatment modality for large or complex renal stones is percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) allows for intraoperative imaging and can be used to enhance intraoperative assessment of a stone-free status during a PCNL procedure. However, scanning protocols have not yet been optimized for this purpose. The high degree of stone and patient characteristics require a tailored approach. This study aims to select the most suitable CBCT-protocols for imaging stone fragments intraoperatively during PCNL.
Methods:
A phantom insert with 100 calcifications varying in size and density was placed in an anthropomorphic abdominal phantom. Nine different CBCT protocols were used with varying dose settings, and each scan was repeated 5 times with a small translation between each scan. Detectability of the calcifications was scored by visual assessment and visibility curves were generated for each protocol, depicting the minimum size and density at which calcifications were still detectable. Image noise and contrast-to-noise ratios were calculated for each protocol, as well as estimated effective patient doses per CBCT-scan.
Results:
Calcification detectability, and contrast-to-noise ratios decreased with a decrease in radiation dose, whereas noise ratios increased. Three suitable scanning protocols were selected, a high-dose or soft-stone CBCT-protocol resulting in an effective dose of 10.7 mSv per CBCT-scan, a medium-dose CBCT-protocol resulting in an effective dose of 4.6 mSv and a low-dose or hard-stone CBCT-protocol resulting in an effective dose of 2.2 mSv.
Conclusion:
Radiation dose for intraoperative CBCT for imaging calcifications can effectively be lowered whilst maintaining calcification visibility, by implementing low-dose CT-protocols with lowered dose settings and the application of a copper filter. The three proposed scanning protocols provide options to select a scan protocol based on stone type and patient characteristics.
Histopathological Features of Gastric Map-Like Redness under Image-Enhanced Endoscopy
Authors: You Yixiang , Zheng Jin , Lin Wulian , Yu Shentong , Gao Chao , Zheng Yunmeng , Li Dazhou , Zhang Guanpo , Wang Wen 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background and study aims: Map-like redness (MLR) is a characteristic feature and independent risk factor of gastric cancer after Helicobacter pylori eradication. The present study investigated the endoscopic manifestations and histopathological features of MLR.
Patients and methods: We enrolled 56 consecutive MLR patients between January 2023 and July 2023. Endoscopic signs and histopathological characteristics were compared among the reddish area, transition zone, and background mucosa (areas R, T, and B, respectively).
Results: The histopathological analysis showed significantly greater atrophy, gastric intestinal metaplasia (GIM), and dysplasia in area R compared to other areas (P < 0.05). Incomplete GIM predominated in area R, while complete GIM predominated in areas T and B. Area R had a higher microvascular density compared to areas T and B. Intervening parts width for area T was greater than that for area B, which was greater than that for area R (P < 0.05). Crypt opening sizes in area R were greater than those in area T, which were greater than those in area B (P < 0.05).
Conclusions: The histological features of MLR included moderate-to-severe atrophy and intestinal metaplasia, incomplete GIM, increased microvascular density in the red zone, and widened intervening parts in the transition zone.
Crisis Communication of Public Agencies in Twitter: A Case Study of Hurricane Irma Exploring the Relationship between Topics and Engagement
Authors: Jamal Tasnuba Binte , Rogers Aidan , Ge Yue , Hasan Samiul 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

This study analyzes the crisis communication posts of public agencies on Twitter during a major natural disaster, Hurricane Irma. Analyzing engagement metrics of tweets’ relationship with factors such as communication topics, tweet and Twitter account characteristics, and time of posting tweets, the research aims to uncover effective aspects for enhancing public engagement and response during extreme events. Using machine learning and statistical approaches, we analyze tweets from prominent public agencies active in response to Hurricane Irma. An engagement metric, such as the number of retweets, was used to measure the effectiveness of crisis communication posts. Results indicate that real-time updates on storm prediction, preparedness activity, user concern and recovery gained higher engagement. Besides posting frequent tweets by agencies, time of tweeting and an agency’s popularity measured by the number of likes and followers, level of the agencies (e.g., federal, or regional) are associated with higher engagement. The study emphasizes the significance of efficient messaging and clear communication in capturing public attention during crises. It provides valuable insights for public and emergency management agencies seeking to improve their crisis-related social media strategies, specifically on Twitter. This study also assists public agencies in refining their social media communication strategies for future crises by identifying key elements of successful engagement in social media.
Genome-Wide Identifification and Characterization of RsbHLH Transcription Factors Involved in Flower development of R. simsii
Authors: Tu Shenghui , zhao Xuechun , wang Xiaojing 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) gene family, as one of the largest transcription factor families in plants, played essential roles in regulating plant growth and development as well as in response to various environmental stress. However, the bHLH gene family in R. simsii has not yet been reported. In this study, 116 RsbHLH genes were identified in the R. simsii genome, which were divided into 13 groups based on the sequence similarity and phylogenetic relationships. Analysis of gene/protein structure, chromosome location, cis-acting elements and synteny of the RsbHLH family genes were conducted using the bioinformatic methods. Gene duplication analysis showed that 99 RsbHLH genes were expanded and retained after dispersed and WGD/segmental duplication events. Investigation of cis-acting elements within promoters of RsbHLHs indicated that many RsbHLH genes might be involved in regulating the diverse physiological processes in R. simsii. The expression patterns of RsbHLHs in different tissues and in different stages of flower development were investigated based on the RNA-seq data. Further analysis revealed that 13 candidate RsbHLH genes might be involved in regulating the flower development of R. simsii. In addition, the results of qRT-PCR showed that five RsbHLH genes (RsbHLH033, RsbHLH016, RsbHLH048, RsbHLH114, and RsbHLH115) may be involved in positively and negatively regulating the high- and low-temperature stress. These results provide a basis for the functional characterization of RsbHLH genes and investigations on the molecular mechanisms of flower development of R. simsii.
Therapeutic effects of a complex of montmorillonite intercalated with porcine glucagon-like peptide in weaning piglets challenged with lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Qi Keke , Wu Jie , Deng Bo , Xu Ziwei 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

This study aimed to prepare a complex of montmorillonite (MMT) intercalated with porcine glucagon-like peptide (pGLP-2) and evaluate its therapeutic effects in weaning piglets challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Forty-eight 28-day-old weaning pigs with an average body weight (BW) of 8.47 kg were divided into two groups: a control group fed a basal diet and an MMT/pGLP-2 group fed a basal diet supplemented with 0.5‰ MMT/pGLP-2 complex. At the end of the experiment, 12 piglets from each group were intraperitoneally administered LPS (100 g/kg BW) or saline. The results demonstrated that at pH 3.4, 98.67% of pGLP-2 was adsorbed onto MMT. At pH 9.0 and 7.5, the desorption rates of pGLP-2 were approximately 40% and 26%, respectively, which were significantly greater than those at pH 5.0 or 2.0 (less than 1%). Desorption reached equilibrium within 0.5 h. The interlayer spacing of MMT increased from 1.28 nm to 1.49 nm after pGLP-2 adsorption. Compared to the control diet, the MMT/pGLP-2-supplemented diet significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced maltase, lactase, and Na+-K+-ATPase activities in the jejunum and ileum and sucrose activity in the jejunum. The lengths and weights of the jejunum and ileum were significantly greater in the MMT/pGLP-2 group (P > 0.05). No significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed in body weight, average daily gain, average daily feed intake, or feed-to-gain ratio among the groups. Under LPS challenge, piglets supplemented with MMT/pGLP-2 exhibited significant increases (P < 0.05) in maltase, sucrose, and Na+-K+-ATPase activities in the jejunum and ileum and lactase activity in the jejunum compared to those in piglets administered saline. These findings suggest that the MMT/pGLP-2 complex, prepared under acidic conditions and releasing pGLP-2 under basic conditions, can mitigate intestinal injury from LPS and restore intestinal function, making it a potential feed additive for piglets.
Impact of SLC16A8 on Tumor Microenvironment and Angiogenesis in Colorectal Cancer: New Therapeutic Target Insights
Authors: Tian Hongpeng , Xiao Zhongxiang , Su Bowen , Li Yixuan , Peng Hong , Meng Changyuan 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Aim
SLC16A8, a lactate efflux transporter, is upregulated in various cancers, but its effect on tumor microenvironments remains understudied. This research explores its role in colorectal cancer and the impact on the associated microenvironment consisting of vascular endothelial cells.
Methods
Hypoxic conditions prompted examination of SLC16A8 expression, glycolysis, lactate efflux, and Warburg effect correlations in colorectal cancer cell lines. Co-culture with HUVEC allowed for EndMT characterization, revealing lactate efflux's influence. Knockdown of SLC16A8 in colorectal cancer cells enabled relevant phenotype tests and tumorigenesis experiments, investigating tumor growth, blood vessel distribution, and signaling pathway alterations.
Results
Under hypoxic conditions, SLC16A8 upregulation not only promoted anaerobic glycolysis, LDHA, and PKM2 expression in colorectal cancer cells but also suggested Warburg effect involvement. Co-culturing with HUVEC triggered an increase in EndMT characteristics in endothelial cells. Knocking down SLC16A8 reversed these phenotypes in both cell types. In vivo, SLC16A8 inhibition led to reduced tumor growth, decreased angiogenesis, and enhanced apoptosis signals. SLC16A8 plays a pivotal role in promoting tumor angiogenesis and fostering a favorable environment for colorectal cancer development.
Conclusions
The findings emphasize the importance of addressing lactate efflux in cancer therapy and warrant further investigation into SLC16A8 as a potential therapeutic target.
WITHDRAWN: Underwater Image Compression and Reconstruction Based on VQ-VAE-2
Authors: Yang Qiuling , Fei Hansheng , Zhang ZhiPeng , Chen Jianan , Zhang Yunuo 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Due to the low bandwidth of underwater acoustic communication, large-sized color images cannot be transmitted in a timely manner. In response to this problem, this paper uses the deep learning-based VQ-VAE-2 model to propose two other fine-tuning model structures, NVQ and VQI, to encode, compress, transmit, reconstruct and generate large-information original images through convolutional networks. The NVQ model reduces the characteristics of the bottom quantization, and the VQI model re-quantizes the bottom quantization result, which significantly reduces the amount of data transmitted. The picture compression rate of the VQ-VAE-2 model is 13:1, and the picture compression rates of NVQ and VQI are 32:1 and 60:1. SSIM (Structural Similarity) of VQ-VAE-2, NVQ and VQI are 0.94, 0.91 and 0.87, respectively. In contrast to previous work, 1) we obtain visually pleasing reconstructions that are perceptually similar to the input, and 2) our approaches have short encoding time and decoding time, generate character strings directly without adding additional overhead, so have shorter transmission time compared with other methods.
Research on the elastic-plastic displacement response of SDOF systems and post-yield stiffness ratio of components under long-period ground motions
Authors: Zhang Jiawei , Wang Bo , Liu Yang , Cheng Fei , Wang Zhipeng , Dai Huijuan 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The elastic-plastic displacement response of structures under long-period ground motions including far-field long-period ground motions (FLGM) and near-fault pulse-like ground motions (NPGM), are significantly different from ordinary ground motions (OGM), and the post-yield stiffness ratio of structures is a crucial index that determines the residual displacements and repairability of structures after earthquakes. Studying the influence of the post-yield stiffness ratio on the maximum and residual displacements of structures under long-period ground motions is crucial for post-earthquake repairs. This paper selected 25 OGM, 25 FLGM, and 25 NPGM to calculate the elastic-plastic displacement response of single degree of freedom (SDOF) systems, analyzing the influence of ground motion types, natural periods, and strength reduction coefficients on normalized elastic-plastic displacement. And the influence of design parameters and loading paths on the post-yield stiffness ratio of components was analyzed by finite element analysis based on the method of calculating the post-yield stiffness ratio of components. The results show that the normalized maximum displacement decreases with the increase of the period, the increase of post-yield stiffness ratio and the decrease of strength reduction coefficient. Nevertheless, the variation degree of the normalized maximum displacement is distinguishing under different ground motions. The normalized residual displacement of SDOF system under the NPGM is the most significant and the variation of normalized residual displacement with post-yield stiffness ratio, strength reduction coefficient and natural period is different under different ground motions. Moreover, post-yield stiffness ratio of components is significantly influenced by design parameters and loading path.
Donor climate coloniality, ecological debt and vulnerabilities in coastal Bangladesh: redesigning institutions for recognition justice
Authors: Hossen M. Anwar , Benson David , Lecturer Mohibul Islam 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Climate change impacts create survival challenges for local people in the coastal areas of Bangladesh. Government responses are typically exercised through top-down adaptation governance structures reflecting a neo-colonial perspective, evident in externally funded water development projects such as the Flood Control, Drainage and Irrigation (FCDI) scheme. Problematically, this form of donor ‘climate coloniality’ creates novel ecological debts that in turn increase localised socio-economic vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities are concentrated within marginalised, poorer groups, although the attendant impacts of one climate-related ecological debt, waterlogging, are not widely understood. Two critical research questions emerge from this context: (i) in what ways does waterlogging impact marginalised groups in coastal regions?; (ii) how could adaptation institutions be decolonised to reduce resultant vulnerabilities? Primary data from research conducted in Jessore District in south western Bangladesh is utilised in answering these questions. The findings show that marginalised groups disproportionately endure the impacts of historically path dependent, climate-related ecological debts through multiple vulnerabilities such as declining crop production, loss of domestic animals and income, unemployment, price hikes for daily essentials, gendered inequalities and increasing crime, primarily resulting from their exclusion from adaptation decision-making. In response to this neo-colonial perspective, such structural domination needs to be challenged by decolonizing adaptation institutions through the integration of recognition and procedural justice interventions. Decolonized institutions based on this justice perspective could provide a governance space for recognizing local community voices related to coastal ecosystems and agricultural practices.