bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preparation and n-hexadecane hydroisomerization properties of SAPO-11 based composite molecular sieve
Authors: Tuo Changmin , Liu Qinghua , Wu Xianglian , Abulizi Abulikemu , Ren Tiezhen , Nulahong Aisha 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

In this work, SAPO-11, SAPO-11-γ-Al2O3 and SAPO-11-ZSM-5-γ-Al2O3 molecular sieve supports were prepared by static hydrothermal synthesis, which SAPO-11-γ-Al2O3 and SAPO-11-ZSM-5-γ-Al2O3 supports were loaded with Co and Mo as active metal components. The hydroisomerization properties of n-hexadecane on SAPO-11, SAPO-11-γ-Al2O3 and SAPO-11-ZSM-5-γ-Al2O3 molecular sieves were investigated, as well as the effects of reaction temperature, reaction time, solid-liquid ratio and reaction pressure on the hydroisomerization properties. The results showed that the SAPO-11 molecular sieves under the conditions Al2O3: H3PO4: DPA: SiO2: H2O = 1:2:1.2:0.6:55, a crystallization time of 48 h, and crystallization temperature of 180 ℃ were synthesized, had a higher degree of crystallinity and uniform size distribution, and the pore structure was more obvious. After the metal-loaded SAPO-11-γ-Al2O3 molecular sieves due to the charged metal blocked part of the pore or pore opening of the molecular sieve, resulting in the reduction of the specific surface area and pore volume, some of their acidic sites are blocked occupied by the metal and the acid is weakened. The results of the hydroisomerization experiments showed that SAPO-11 molecular sieves the isoparaffin selectivity and isoparaffin yield reached maximum values of 31.26% and 28.32% at 340 ℃, 60 min, respectively. The selectivity and yield reached maximum of 51.02% and 43.76% at liquid-solid ratio up to 25:1. The selectivity and yield reached maximum values of 55.82% and 51.2% at an initial reaction pressure of 5 MPA. For the SAPO-11-γ-Al2O3 supports, the selectivity and yield the maximum values of 79.50% and 71.49% at a metal Co: Mo loading ratio of 1:3 was achieved. For the SAPO-11-ZSM-5-γ-Al2O3 supports, the selectivity and yield the maximum values of 55.44% and 54.05% were achieved with ZSM-5 loading of 30 wt%. These catalysts have the potential for a wide range of applications.
A novel S-scheme ZnO/Ce-g-C3N5 heterojunctions with enhanced photocatalytic activity
Authors: Jia Jia , Huang Lili , Yan Yumin , Wang Haiqiao , Tian Mingxia , Jiang Jianhui 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Creating a high-performance photocatalyst is critical for enhancing the degradation of organic contaminants in wastewater. A novel ZN/Ce-CN heterojunctions, in which ZnO nanoparticles were uniformly deposited on the rare earth metal cerium doped g-C3N5 (Ce-CN) nanosheets, was fabricated in a two-step process (hydrothermal and calcination). The Mott-Schott test revealed S-scheme heterojunctions formed between Ce-CN and ZnO rather than type II. Regarding methylene blue (MB) degradation, the as-prepared heterojunctions demonstrated significantly more photocatalytic activity than Ce-CN and ZnO. The presence of heterojunctions in ZN/Ce-CN improves the separation efficiency of photo-induced e-h+ pairs, resulting in ZN/Ce-CN's superior photocatalytic activity. The primary active species engaged in photocatalytic degradation have been discovered to be h+, •OH, and •O2- based on the research results using electron spin resonance spectra and radical trapping. Furthermore, ZN/Ce-CN had excellent reusability and stability. These results demonstrate the remarkable photocatalytic activity of S-scheme photocatalyst in the degradation of organic contaminants.
Variation in surgical treatment by body mass index in patients with invasive lobular carcinoma of the breast
Authors: Falade Israel O. , Switalla Kayla M. , Baxter Molly E. , Quirarte Astrid , Record Helena , Rothschild Harriet T. , Clelland Elle N. , Mukhtar Rita A. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Patients with invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) face high rates of positive margins and completion mastectomy, which can be improved with the use of specific techniques such as oncoplastic surgery. However, prior studies have shown that type of breast cancer surgery performed is also associated with patient factors such as elevated body mass index (BMI). Thus, this study investigates whether BMI impacts the type of surgical interventions in patients with ILC.
Methods
A retrospective analysis of 705 patients with stage I-III ILC from an institutional database was conducted. Patients were stratified by BMI (underweight, normal weight, overweight, obese). Pearson’s chi-square, ANOVA, and multivariable logistic regression were used to evaluate the relationship between BMI and surgical procedures.
Results
Breast conserving surgery (BCS) was the initial operation in 60% of patients, with no significant difference by BMI. Among those undergoing BCS, patients with obese BMI were significantly more likely to undergo oncoplastic surgery (46.9% vs. 7.7%, 37.3%, and 33.6% for underweight, normal, and overweight respectively, p = 0.032). Obese BMI patients undergoing mastectomy were less likely to have reconstruction compared to those with BMI groups 1–3 (44.2% vs. 50%, 71.1%, and 64.1%, p = 0.002).
Conclusion
Overweight/obese BMI patients with ILC underwent different surgical interventions compared to those with lower BMI. While initial BCS rates were similar, overweight/obese patients had higher oncoplastic surgery rates in BCS and lower reconstruction rates in mastectomy. Further research is needed to understand BMI's impact on surgical decisions and outcomes in ILC.
Bovine lactoferrin inhibits Plasmodium berghei growth by binding to heme
Authors: Obayashi Momoka , Kimura Momoko , Haraguchi Asako , Gotanda Mari , Kitagawa Taiki , Matsuno Misato , Sakao Kozue , Hamanaka Daisuke , Kusakisako Kodai , Ibrahim Hisham , Miyata Takeshi , Ikadai Hiromi 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Bovine lactoferrin (bLF) is a 77 kDa glycoprotein that is abundant in bovine breast milk and exerts various bioactive functions, including antibacterial and antiviral functions. Few studies have explored bLF activity against parasites. We found that bLF affects hemozoin synthesis by binding to heme, inhibiting heme iron polymerization necessary for Plasmodium berghei ANKA survival in infected erythrocytes, and also binds to hemozoin, causing it to disassemble. In a challenge test, bLF administration inhibited the growth of murine malaria parasites compared to untreated group growth. To determine whether the iron content of bLF affects the inhibition of malaria growth, we tested bLFs containing different amounts of iron (apo-bLF, native-bLF, and holo-bLF), but found no significant difference in their effects. This indicated that the active sites were located within the bLFs themselves. Further studies showed that the C-lobe domain of bLF can inhibit hemozoin formation and the growth of P. berghei ANKA. Evaluation of pepsin degradation products of the C-lobe identified a 47-amino-acid section, C-1, as the smallest effective region that could inhibit hemozoin formation. This study highlights bLF’s potential as a novel therapeutic agent against malaria, underscoring the importance of its non-iron-dependent bioactive sites in combating parasite growth.
Testicular Atrophy Risk after Orchidopexy Surgery in Children with Cryptorchidism in Isfahan Hospitals
Authors: Hosseinpour Mehrdad , Zahed Ali , Mirjalali Kimia 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Introduction: This study was conducted to investigate testicular atrophy risk after orchidopexy surgery in children with Cryptorchidism.
Method: "This prospective cross-sectional study , included 80 patients from Imam Hussein and Al-Zahra hospital in Isfahan. Children with endocrine disorders or retractable testes were excluded. Testicular measurements were taken before and 6 months after surgery using Lambert's criteria. The significance level was set at p ≤ 0.05.
Results: A total of 70 children, with a mean age of 26.1 ± 67.1 months, participated in this study and were examined. A prevalence of 21.4% for testicular atrophy was reported. A statistically significant association was found between the variables of testicular torsion, initial inguinal testis position, and laparoscopic surgical method with the occurrence of atrophy. Logistic regression analysis revealed that testicular torsion prior to surgery, initial abdominal testicular position, and laparoscopic surgery increased the risk of testicular atrophy six months post-operatively.
Conclusion: This study revealed that testicular torsion, laparoscopic surgery, and abdominal positioning of the initial testis were significantly associated with increased rates of atrophy. No significant correlation was found between atrophy and age. We recommend conducting future orchidopexy studies with larger sample sizes and conducting longer-term follow-up examinations to further elucidate these findings.
GaitHF: Enhancing Appearance-Based Gait Recognition through Height Fused Images
Authors: Zhu Jinchang , Sun Dayang , Cheng Yu , Wang Hailong , Chen Yujing , Chen Yaowei 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Gait recognition, an emerging field at the intersection of computer vision and biometrics, has garnered significant attention for its potential applications in surveillance, security, and healthcare. In this paper, we present a novel method that combines appearance-based gait recognition with human height data. The proposed approach aims to enhance the accuracy and robustness of gait recognition systems by incorporating complementary features derived from both gait patterns and human height. We believe that incorporating height information can offer additional discriminative power to gait recognition models, enabling them to better distinguish individuals in various scenarios. Many gait recognition convolutional neural networks using deep learning methods have made good data progress in recent years, so we also adopt this approach, e.g., deep learning methods such as (CNN) and Recurrent Neural Networks (RNN), which can automatically learn hierarchical representations of gait and height features to capture intricate patterns and relationships. Our experiments involve a comprehensive analysis using benchmark gait datasets, demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed approach in comparison to traditional gait recognition methods. The results highlight the potential of leveraging human height information to enhance the overall performance of gait recognition systems. Our experimental data show that the results achieved by many appearance-based gait recognition models on the CASIA-B and OU-MVLP datasets progress in most conditions after using our proposed new approach, which are eye-catching in that the average accuracy improves by 1.875% and 6% on BG and CL of CASIA-B, respectively, and the average accuracy improves on the large dataset OU-MVLP is also improved by 1.35%. Overall, our work focuses on analyzing and recognizing gait images, contributing to gait recognition. The source code and datasets can be accessed at https://github.com/ReinerBRO/GaitHF.
Adaptive Cross-platform Scheduling Framework for NWP in Hybrid Clouds
Authors: Ding Fan 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) requires real-time, high-accuracy processing, straining traditional high-performance computing clusters with limited resources, complex operations, and long queue times. Hybrid clouds merge the security of local clusters with the scalability of public clouds, providing a viable solution for high-performance computations. However, it also poses challenges: parallel programming for local clusters is not suitable for the various settings of hybrid clouds; complex parallelization policies increase communication overhead and complicate scheduling; and traditional static resource binding can lead to load imbalance in heterogeneous environments. This paper proposes an adaptive cross-platform scheduling strategy tailored to the characteristics of NWP models. This approach harmonizes the advantages of traditional and cloud-based parallel computing, integrating two distinct parallel programming methodologies and reconfiguring the parallel programming framework of the forecasting models. Experimental results show that the framework effectively improves adaptability and resource utilization, significantly improves computational efficiency and reduces operational overhead in hybrid cloud deployments.
Bioinformatics Approach Unravels Potential Crosstalk Between Cytomegalovirus and Epilepsy
Authors: Rashdi Salim Al , Al-Mahrami Nabras 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background Cytomegalovirus is a double-stranded DNA virus that is known to be associated with congenital disorders. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that happens due to the activation of the inception of neurotransmitters. It is suggested that cytomegalovirus can affect epilepsy since it can reach the brain. This study aims to investigate the molecular crosstalk between epilepsy and Cytomegalovirus infection using a bioinformatics approach.Methods We used gene expression datasets related to each condition retrieved from the public database. Differentially expressed gene analysis has been done on each dataset group separately. The common genes that are significantly expressed in both conditions have been processed into protein-to-protein network analysis and gene enrichment analysis.Results Results showed that 192 common genes were identified across the two conditions. The three genes CCL2, CD44, and CCL3 have been defined as hub genes in protein-to-protein interaction networks with the highest centralities measures. This suggests the essential roles of these molecules in biological systems. Additionally, these genes are involved in inflammatory processing and immune response.Conclusion We suggest that inflammatory chemokine molecules have potential molecular crosstalk between Cytomegalovirus and Epilepsy. Therefore, more investigations are required to demonstrate the role of each suggested molecule in the association.
Does economic liberty impact banks’ performance and risk-taking behaviour? A cross-country analysis.
Authors: Mamoon Abdullah 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Performance and optimal risk-taking behaviour of the financial sector in a country play a crucial role in the overall health and strength of the market, it is also important for economic growth and financial stability. This study examines whether the degree of economic liberty influences the performance and risk-taking behaviour in banking, using a panel dataset of 130 emerging and developed countries between 2010 to 2021. To achieve a robust outcome from the analysis of our study, we employ Newey-West regression with standard error and GMM econometric techniques, along with baseline panel OLS regression. Our findings suggest that increasing economic liberty enhances banking sector performance while also supporting optimal risk-taking behaviour. However, economic liberty provides more balanced risk-taking behaviour or stability in developed countries than in emerging countries. On the other hand, economic liberty enhances performance in emerging countries relative to developed countries. Our findings have significant implications for finance and economics literature as well as policy practices in the banking sector in a country.
JEL classification E4,F4,G1,G21,G28
Ultrafast surface esterification of cellulosic materials in aqueous media at room temperature
Authors: Xing Tianqing , Zhao Tengfei , Hu Chensheng , Cao Xuefei , Sun Shaoni , Shen Xiaojun , Wen Jialong , Yuan Tongqi , Sun Runcang 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Cellulose is the most abundant and renewable biopolymers on earth. The hydrophilic nature of cellulose endows cellulosic materials good compatibility with polar matrices, but it also leads to their poor dispersion in non-polar matrices. Regulating the surface hydrophobicity of cellulosic materials via surface esterification can greatly extend their applications. However, the existing surface esterification methods for cellulosic materials are time-consuming and costly, which makes them less attractive to practical application. Here we found that when vinyl esters were used as esterifying agents, various alkalis can be used to catalyze the ultrafast surface esterification of cellulose materials in aqueous media at room temperature within seconds or minutes, which is highly attractive to the surface esterification of nanocellulose in suspension state. Surface acetylated cellulose nanofibers (ACNF) and surface acetylated cellulose nanocrystals (ACNC) with acetyl group content (Ac%) up to 10.7% and 6.5%, respectively, were successfully prepared within 5 min in aqueous diethylamine solution. Additionally, this method can also be used to achieve the rapid acetylation of phenol hydroxyl group in aqueous media.
Predicting the Conversion from Mild Cognitive Impairment to Alzheimer's Disease Using Graph Frequency Bands and Functional Connectivity-Based Features
Authors: Zamani Jafar , Jafadideh Alireza Talesh 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Accurate prediction of the progression from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to Alzheimer's disease (AD) is crucial for disease management. Machine learning techniques have demonstrated success in classifying AD and MCI cases, particularly with the use of resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) data.This study utilized three years of rs-fMRI data from the ADNI, involving 142 patients with stable MCI (sMCI) and 136 with progressive MCI (pMCI). Graph signal processing was applied to filter rs-fMRI data into low, middle, and high frequency bands. Connectivity-based features were derived from both filtered and unfiltered data, resulting in a comprehensive set of 100 features, including global graph metrics, minimum spanning tree (MST) metrics, triadic interaction metrics, hub tendency metrics, and the number of links. Feature selection was enhanced using particle swarm optimization (PSO) and simulated annealing (SA). A support vector machine (SVM) with a radial basis function (RBF) kernel and a 10-fold cross-validation setup were employed for classification. The proposed approach demonstrated superior performance, achieving optimal accuracy with minimal feature utilization. When PSO selected five features, SVM exhibited accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity rates of 77%, 70%, and 83%, respectively. The identified features were as follows: (Mean of clustering coefficient, Mean of strength)/Radius/(Mean Eccentricity, and Modularity) from low/middle/high frequency bands of graph. The study highlights the efficacy of the proposed framework in identifying individuals at risk of AD development using a parsimonious feature set. This approach holds promise for advancing the precision of MCI to AD progression prediction, aiding in early diagnosis and intervention strategies.
The Agency, Resources, and Institutional Structures for Sanitation-related Empowerment (ARISE) Scales: Psychometric evaluation across Asia and Africa
Authors: Sinharoy Sheela , Xia Derun , Patrick Madeleine , McManus Shauna , Chipungu Jenala , Reddy Malini , Ahmed Tanvir , Mink Thea , Pan Yuzhou , Bhan Tanushree , Conrad Amelia , Caruso Bethany 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

A well-established need exists for valid and reliable measures of empowerment across sectors, including in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). To address this need, we followed a multi-phased, theory-informed approach to develop the Agency, Resources, and Institutional Structures for Sanitation-related Empowerment (ARISE) scales, a set of 16 distinct yet interrelated scales, each of which measures a different sub-domain of women’s empowerment related to urban sanitation in low- and middle-income country settings. The objective of the current phase of work was to evaluate the validity, reliability, and measurement properties of the ARISE scales using cross-sectional data collected between August 2021 and June 2022 from a total of 5,586 women across eight cities in Asia and Africa: Meherpur (N = 720) and Saidpur (N = 730), Bangladesh; Narsapur (N = 721), Tiruchirappalli (N = 563), and Warangal (N = 704), India; Dakar, Senegal (N = 720); Kampala, Uganda (N = 713); and Lusaka, Zambia (N = 715). We evaluated the psychometric properties of the scales, including by using factor analytic methods to assess structural validity and measurement invariance across country settings and over time; calculating coefficients of internal consistency (composite reliability) and test-retest reliability; and using generalized linear regression, nonparametric Spearman rank correlations, t-tests, and ANOVA to test for construct, known groups, and criterion validity. We provide researchers and implementers with tools to measure sub-constructs of sanitation-related empowerment in a valid and reliable way, to generate data for better targeting, design, implementation, and evaluation of strategies to improve women’s empowerment in the context of urban sanitation at the program and policy level. We also describe how these scales can advance the measurement of women’s empowerment not only in WASH but across sectors, through their contribution to our understanding of empowerment as a universal concept and process that can be quantitatively measured across contexts and populations using rigorous psychometric methods.
Combining Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture for Resilience to Global Catastrophic Risks Disrupting Trade: Quantified case study of a median-sized city
Authors: Boyd Matt , Wilson Nick 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Global catastrophic risks (GCRs) are not improbable and could cause immense disruption to global trade leading to shortages of critical commodities, such as liquid fuels, upon which industrial food production, processing and distribution depends. We aimed to determine the potential contribution a radical pivot to urban agriculture (UA) might have in building resilience to GCRs by calculating the potential land area available and food production under optimal crop selection for UA in a globally median-sized city. Google Earth image analysis was used to estimate UA potential of residential lots and open city spaces. While yield analysis of industrial agriculture was used to estimate the peri-urban land required to make up the UA shortfall under both normal climate, and potential nuclear winter conditions. Results demonstrate that protection of peri-urban cultivation and expansion of crops such as potatoes, wheat and carrots, provide the most efficient method of ensuring food supply (both dietary energy and protein) to the population of a global median-sized city. A 1 km perimeter of peri-urban agriculture focused on optimized and frost-resistant crops could provide resilience for total population food needs in a median-sized city. A relatively small additional peri-urban crop of biofuel feedstock would be sufficient to power the relevant farm machinery in the absence of fuel trade. Governments and municipal authorities could consider protecting peri-urban cultivation and incentivizing expansion of optimal cropping, local biofuel refining and wheat milling capacity.