bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optical and electric characteristics of CuO nanoparticle-doped ZnO thin films using thermionic vacuum arc deposition system
Authors: Ozer Zehra Nur , Ozkan Mehmet , Pat Suat 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn this study, the thermionic vacuum arc (TVA) method was employed to fabricate thin films of zinc oxide (ZnO) doped with copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs). The primary objective was to investigate the influence of the substrate on the characteristics of the CuONPs-doped ZnO thin films. CuONPs were synthesized using both the solution plasma process and the high-voltage liquid plasma generation method, resulting in particle sizes ranging from 20 to 40 nm. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern confirmed the polycrystalline nature of the CuONPs. The prepared CuONPs in powder form were blended with ZnO powder and utilized as an anode material for TVA discharge and coating. The structural, optical, elemental, and topological properties of the resulting thin films were systematically examined. The findings revealed that the deposited thin films exhibited a polycrystalline structure, with transparent and electrically conductive layers. Similar reflection values were observed for films deposited on both glass and indium tin oxide (ITO)-coated glass substrates. Nanostructures on the film surfaces were elucidated through field emission scanning electron microscopy images. The atomic ratios of Cu/Zn were determined as 1/3 and 1/10 for films deposited on uncoated and ITO-coated glass substrates, respectively. The mean grain size of the nanoparticles on the film surface measured approximately 17 nm for films deposited on uncoated glass substrates and 35 nm for those deposited on ITO-coated glass substrates. The film resistance was measured at 20 kΩ, indicating its suitability as a semiconductor. Analysis of the XRD pattern identified peaks corresponding to CuONPs and ZnO in the deposited films, affirming their polycrystalline nature. In conclusion, the deposited thin films exhibit favorable characteristics for semiconductor applications, and the coating method employed proves to be effective in producing high-quality thin films.
Thermophysical properties of ethyl levulinate and n-alkanol systems
Authors: Abidi Raouia , García-Gracia Mario , Hernández Ariel , Hichri Monia , Lafuente Carlos 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSome thermophysical properties such as densities, speeds of sound, refractive indices, and heat flows of the binary systems ethyl levulinate and n-alkanols (methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, and 1-butanol) are reported in the temperature range T = (283.15–313.15) K and at p = 100 kPa. From these experimental data, the excess properties were calculated and correlated with the composition using a modified Redlich–Kister equation. The excess molar volumes were negative for short-chain alcohols and positive for 1-propanol and 1-butanol. The excess refractive indices exhibited the opposite behaviour. The excess isentropic compressibilities were negative and the excess molar enthalpies, were positive. The perturbed chain statistical associating fluid theory equation of state (PC-SAFT EoS) was successfully applied to correlate the densities of the mixtures, and good qualitative results in the computation of the excess molar enthalpy were obtained. Furthermore, Schaaff’s collision factor theory (SCFT) and the Laplace mixing rule were coupled with PC-SAFT to predict the speed of sound and the refractive index, respectively.
Fair and green hyperparameter optimization via multi-objective and multiple information source Bayesian optimization
Authors: Candelieri Antonio , Ponti Andrea , Archetti Francesco 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIt has been recently remarked that focusing only on accuracy in searching for optimal Machine Learning models amplifies biases contained in the data, leading to unfair predictions and decision supports. Recently, multi-objective hyperparameter optimization has been proposed to search for Machine Learning models which offer equally Pareto-efficient trade-offs between accuracy and fairness. Although these approaches proved to be more versatile than fairness-aware Machine Learning algorithms—which instead optimize accuracy constrained to some threshold on fairness—their carbon footprint could be dramatic, due to the large amount of energy required in the case of large datasets. We propose an approach named FanG-HPO: fair and green hyperparameter optimization (HPO), based on both multi-objective and multiple information source Bayesian optimization. FanG-HPO uses subsets of the large dataset to obtain cheap approximations (aka information sources) of both accuracy and fairness, and multi-objective Bayesian optimization to efficiently identify Pareto-efficient (accurate and fair) Machine Learning models. Experiments consider four benchmark (fairness) datasets and four Machine Learning algorithms, and provide an assessment of FanG-HPO against both fairness-aware Machine Learning approaches and two state-of-the-art Bayesian optimization tools addressing multi-objective and energy-aware optimization.
Giving Birth While Facing Death: Cesarean Sections and Community Violence in Latin America
Authors: Svallfors Signe 
Published: February 2024

AbstractArmed conflict and organized crime are known to be linked to numerous negative maternal and neonatal health outcomes, such as stillbirth, low birth weight, and neonatal mortality. This study investigates how exposure to lethal community violence during pregnancy correlates with Cesarean births in Latin America, a region characterized by high rates of both C-sections and violence. The analysis combines micro-level survey data, covering 123,503 births, with subnational homicide statistics from Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, and Mexico. Region-fixed effects linear probability models were used to eliminate geographically varying omitted factors that could potentially confound exposure to violence and health conditions. The findings suggest that the high rates of C-sections in Latin America can partially be attributed to the high levels of violence, due to an increase in both medically unnecessary and emergency procedures. The relationship between exposure to community violence and C-section delivery varied by country, women’s socio-demographic characteristics, and the number of antenatal care visits. Exposure to violence during all trimesters correlated with the uptake of C-sections, indicating that violence negatively affects maternal and child health throughout pregnancy. This study enriches our understanding of the social determinants of maternal and child health. The findings can serve to inform comprehensive interventions aimed at reducing excess C-section rates and improving the health of women and newborns in areas affected by violence.
Functional quantum abstract detecting systems
Authors: Lugilde Guillermo , Combarro Elías F. , Rúa Ignacio F. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractQuantum abstract detecting systems (QADS) provide a common framework to address detection problems in quantum computers. A particular QADS family, that of combinatorial QADS, has been proved to be useful for decision problems on eigenvalues or phase estimation methods. In this paper, we consider functional QADS, which not only have interesting theoretical properties (intrinsic detection ability, relation to the QFT), but also yield improved decision and phase estimation methods, as compared to combinatorial QADS. A first insight into the comparison with other phase estimation methods also shows promising results.
Affect, emotions, and crime decision-making: emerging insights from immersive 360° video experiments
Authors: Herman Shaina , Barnum Timothy C. , Minà Paola Emilia , Wozniak Peter , van Gelder Jean-Louis 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Objectives
This study investigates the effectiveness of immersive 360° video technology in evoking and manipulating two emotions, anger, and sexual arousal, relevant to criminal decision-making. Additionally, we provide a focused review of emotions in decision-making research in criminology, offering a comprehensive foundation for our study.

Methods
We conducted immersive 360° video experiments emulating real-world situations (n = 101). We measured self-reported emotions before and after exposure to the virtual scenarios, considering both between- and within-person effects.

Results
The scenarios effectively elicited the criminogenic emotions in the controlled virtual environments.

Conclusions
Immersive technologies, such as 360° video and virtual reality, can serve as a bridge between laboratory-based investigations and real-world criminogenic situations, offering an ecologically effective tool for exploring the intricate relationship between state affect and decision-making processes.
Longitudinal gut fungal alterations and potential fungal biomarkers for the progression of primary liver disease
Authors: Jiang Shiman , Xu Lvwan , Chen Yanfei , Shu Zheyue , Lv Longxian , Zhao Yuxi , Bi Kefan , Yang Sisi , Wang Qiangqiang , Li Lanjuan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractLiver disease, a major health concern worldwide, is a serious and progressive disorder. Herein, we not only established a mouse model of DEN+CCl4-induced primary liver disease but also collected clinical human samples to investigate longitudinal alterations in the gut mycobiome. As liver disease advanced, gut integrity was disrupted, and the mycobiota was disturbed in the mouse models. The metabolites associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) differed from those associated with the cirrhotic phase as follows: levels of stercobilin and aflatoxin B1 dialcohol were reduced, while levels of triterpenoids, bafilomycin A1, and DHEA were increased in the HCC group. The abundance of the phylum Chytridiomycota increased as the chronic liver disease progressed and was then replaced by the phylum Ascomycota in HCC. Based on the results from clinical human samples, the genus Candida (Ascomycota) (in humans) and the genus Kazachstania (Ascomycota) (in mice) occupied a dominant position in the HCC group, while other fungi were depleted. The increased abundance of C. albicans and depletion of S. cerevisiae may be hallmarks of the progression of liver cirrhosis to early HCC. Moreover, the administration of C. albicans and S. cerevisiae in the LC-HCC progression could accelerate or retard the progression of HCC. Therefore, gut fungi have the potential to serve as a noninvasive clinical biomarker and even a treatment method.
Influence of freezing directions on ice lens formations in soils
Authors: Niggemann K. , Ziegler M. , Fuentes R. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis research work presents a comprehensive experimental study of frost heave in a fine-grained material to investigate the effects of top freezing (TF) and bottom freezing (BF) mechanisms with ice lens formation. A novel test device was built to investigate artificial ground freezing (AGF)-related temperature and load boundary conditions. This paper includes 62 frost heave experiments and test observations up to 10 days. The long test duration allows a precise examination of ice lens growth during thermal steady state when the frost line remains largely stable and the ice lens grows. This state corresponds to the holding phase of a practical in situ AGF implementation where the cooling is used to maintain the frozen body thickness. The freezing observations show that BF heaving is larger than TF heaving in most cases. This is caused by the more favorable hydraulic conditions caused by gravitational effects and vertical cracking that occurs during ice lens formation due to suction. This facilitates water accumulation at the ice lens. An applied load reduces the differences between BF and TF conditions beyond a certain value which corresponds to an overburden capable of preventing the formation of the longitudinal cracks.
A theorem of existence of solution for the nonlocal formulation of the problem of microwave heating
Authors: Cimatti Giovanni 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMicrowave electromagnetic heating are widely used in many industrial processes. The mathematics involved is based on the Maxwell’s equations coupled with the heat equation. The thermal conductivity is strongly dependent on the temperature, itself an unknown of the system of P.D.E. We propose here a model which simplifies this coupling using a nonlocal term as the source of heating. We prove that the corresponding mathematical initial-boundary value problem has solutions using the Schauder’s fixed point theorem.
Copper Coatings for Antibiotics Reduction in Fattening Livestock
Authors: Möhrke Lukas , Hauer Michél , Gericke Andreas , Breitrück Anne , Kreikemeyer Bernd , Henkel Knuth-Michael 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn the current work, twin-wire arc-sprayed copper coatings are investigated to reduce the spread of pathogenic germs in broiler farming. Compressed air and nitrogen are used as process gasses, while the coating torches are varied. The results demonstrate a reduction of 99% pathogenic load due to the presence of coatings in comparison with the uncoated nickel-chromium-steel. This accounts especially for the bacterial strains E.coli, S.aureus and E.cecorum, which are the predominant bacteria in broiler farming. Moreover, posttreatment processes like cold plasma, tungsten inert gas arc processing and shot peening are investigated to further increase the bactericidal properties and abrasion resistance characteristics of the coatings. Further investigations involve the microstructure and the electrical conductivity of the coatings. In this work, it is demonstrated that copper-coated surfaces have an inhibitory effect on bacterial growth of the three investigated bacterial strains compared to the uncoated bulk nickel-chromium-steel material.
Systematic review comparing uretero-enteric stricture rates between open cystectomy with ileal conduit, robotic cystectomy with extra-corporeal ileal conduit and robotic cystectomy with intra corporeal ileal conduit formation
Authors: McNicholas Daniel P. , El-Taji Omar , Siddiqui Zain , Hanchanale Vishwanath 
Published: February 2024

AbstractCystectomy is the gold standard treatment for muscle invasive bladder cancer. Robotic cystectomy has become increasingly popular owing to quicker post- operative recovery, less blood loss and less post-operative pain. Urinary diversion is increasingly being performed with an intracorporeal technique. Uretero-enteric strictures (UES) cause significant morbidity for patients. UES for open cystectomy is 3–10%, but the range is much wider (0–25%) for robotic surgery. We aim to perform systematic review for studies comparing all 3 techniques, to assess for ureteric stricture rates. A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement (Page et al. in BMJ 29, 2021). PubMed, Scopus and Embase databases were searched for the period January 2003 to June 2023 inclusive for relevant publications.The primary outcome was to identify ureteric stricture rates for studies comparing open cystectomy and urinary diversion, robotic cystectomy with extracorporeal urinary diversion (ECUD) and robotic cystectomy with intracorporeal urinary diversion (ICUD). Three studies were identified and included 2185 patients in total. The open operation had the lowest stricture rate (9.6%), compared to ECUD (12.4%) and ICUD (15%). ICUD had the longest time to stricture (7.55 months), ECUD (4.85 months) and the open operation (4.75 months). Open operation had the shortest operating time. The Bricker anastomoses was the most popular technique. Open surgery has the lowest rates of UES compared to both robotic operations. There is a learning curve involved with performing robotic cystectomy and urinary diversion, this may need to be considered to decide whether the technique is comparable with open cystectomy UES rates. Further research, including Randomised Control Trials (RCT), needs to be undertaken to determine the best surgical option for patients to minimise risks of UES.
Postoperative outcomes of transperitoneal versus retroperitoneal robotic partial nephrectomy: a propensity-score matched comparison focused on patient mobilization, return to bowel function, and pain
Authors: Bertolo Riccardo , Ditonno Francesco , Veccia Alessandro , De Marco Vincenzo , Migliorini Filippo , Porcaro Antonio Benito , Rizzetto Riccardo , Cerruto Maria Angela , Autorino Riccardo , Antonelli Alessandro ,   PubMed-indexed collaborators, D’Aietti Damiano , Gallina Sebastian , Brusa Davide , Boldini Michele , Costantino Sonia , Baielli Alberto , Montanaro Francesca , Artoni Francesco 
Published: February 2024

AbstractLiterature meta-analyses comparing transperitoneal versus retroperitoneal approach to robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN) suggested some advantages favoring retroperitoneoscopy. Unfortunately, patient-centered data about mobilization, canalization, pain, and use of painkillers remained anecdotally reported. The present analysis aimed to compare transperitoneal versus retroperitoneal RPN focusing on such outcomes. Study data including baseline variables, perioperative, and postoperative outcomes of interest were retrieved from prospectively maintained institutional database (Jan 2018–May 2023) and compared between treatment groups (transperitoneal versus retroperitoneal). Propensity score matching was performed using the STATA command psmatch2 considering age, sex, body mass index, previous abdominal surgery, RENAL score, tumor size and location, and cT stage. The logit of propensity score was used for matching, with a 1:1 nearest neighbor algorithm, without replacement (caliper of 0.001). A total of 442 patients were included in the unmatched analysis: 330 underwent transperitoneal RPN 112 retroperitoneal RPN. After propensity score, 98 patients who underwent retroperitoneal RPN were matched with 98 patients who underwent transperitoneal RPN. Matched cohorts had comparable patients’ demographics and tumor features. We found similarity between the two laparoscopic accesses in all outcomes but in blood loss, which favored retroperitoneoscopic RPN (median 150 (IQR 100–300) versus 100 (IQR 0–100) ml, p = 0.03). No differences were found in terms of time to mobilization with ambulation, return to complete bowel function, postoperative pain, but higher painkillers consumption was reported after transperitoneal RPN (p < 0.004). The present study compared the transperitoneal versus the retroperitoneal approach to RPN, confirming the similarity between the two approaches in all perioperative outcomes. Based on our findings, the choice of the surgical approach to RPN may remain something that the surgeon decides.
Adolescent sleep and mental health in times of COVID-19
Authors: Kater Maren-Jo , Werner Anika , Lohaus Arnold 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
The COVID-19 pandemic caused major changes in public and private life, especially for adolescents. As a result, the mental health and sleep of many adolescents were significantly impaired, although some adolescents report also positive sleep changes.

Objective
The present study investigates how adolescents with positive subjective COVID-19-related sleep changes (CSC), without CSC, or with negative CSC differ in terms of their sleep parameters, resources, and mental health profiles.

Methods
Self-reports of 92 German adolescents (mean age 14.43 ± 1.69 years; 54% female) on mental health were collected before pandemic onset (T1; July 2019–March 2020) and during the pandemic (T2; June 2020–February 2021).

Results
A profile analysis indicated different profile patterns for adolescents with positive, negative, and no CSC, revealing decreased sleep onset latency, pre-sleep arousal, and stress experiences, and higher quality of life, sleep-related self-efficacy, and personal resources in adolescents with subjective positive CSC. However, no differences between T1 and T2 were found for mental health parameters, indicating that higher levels partly existed even before the pandemic.

Conclusion
Subjectively evaluated sleep improvements occur in conjunction with better mental health and personal resources, underscoring the need for holistic prevention. Accordingly, personal and sleep-specific resources should be strengthened in a targeted manner.
Role of SIRT1 in Potentially Toxic Trace Elements (Lead, Fluoride, Aluminum and Cadmium) Associated Neurodevelopmental Toxicity
Authors: Fathima Aqsa , Bagang Newly , Kumar Nitesh , Dastidar Somasish Ghosh , Shenoy Smita 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe formation of the central nervous system is a meticulously planned and intricate process. Any modification to this process has the potential to disrupt the structure and operation of the brain, which could result in deficiencies in neurological growth. When neurotoxic substances are present during the early stages of development, they can be exceptionally dangerous. Prenatally, the immature brain is extremely vulnerable and is therefore at high risk in pregnant women associated with occupational exposures. Lead, fluoride, aluminum, and cadmium are examples of possibly toxic trace elements that have been identified as an environmental concern in the aetiology of a number of neurological and neurodegenerative illnesses. SIRT1, a member of the sirtuin family has received most attention for its potential neuroprotective properties. SIRT1 is an intriguing therapeutic target since it demonstrates important functions to increase neurogenesis and cellular lifespan by modulating multiple pathways. It promotes axonal extension, neurite growth, and dendritic branching during the development of neurons. Additionally, it contributes to neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, memory development, and neuroprotection. This review summarizes the possible role of SIRT1 signalling pathway in potentially toxic trace elements -induced neurodevelopmental toxicity, highlighting some molecular pathways such as mitochondrial biogenesis, CREB/BDNF and PGC-1α/NRF1/TFAM.
Enhancing Vasculogenesis in Dental Pulp Development: DPSCs-ECs Communication via FN1-ITGA5 Signaling
Authors: Di Tiankai , Feng Chao , Wang Lulu , Xu Jinlong , Du Yang , Cheng Baixiang , Chen Yujiang , Wu Lian 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Dental pulp regeneration therapy is a challenge to achieve early vascularization during treatment. Studying the regulatory mechanisms of vascular formation during human dental pulp development may provide insights for related therapies. In this study, we utilized single-cell sequencing analysis to compare the gene expression of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) and vascular endothelial cells (ECs) from developing and mature dental pulps.

Method
Immunohistochemistry, Western blot, and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were used to detect fibronectin 1 (FN1) expression and molecules, such as PI3K/AKT. Cell proliferation assay, scratch assay, tube formation assay and were used to investigate the effects of DPSCs on the vasculogenetic capability of ECs. Additionally, animal experiments involving mice were conducted.

Result
The results revealed that DPSCs exist around dental pulp vasculature. FN1 expression was significantly higher in DPSCs from young permanent pulps than mature pulps, promoting HUVEC proliferation, migration, and tube formation via ITGA5 and the downstream PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Conclusion
Our data indicate that intercellular communication between DPSCs and ECs mediated by FN1-ITGA5 signaling is crucial for vascularizationduring dental pulp development, laying an experimental foundation for future clinical studies.

Graphical Abstract