bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Online Gambling: A Systematic Review of Risk and Protective Factors in the Adult Population
Authors: Ghelfi Michela , Scattola Paola , Giudici Gilberto , Velasco Veronica 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIn recent decades, internet gambling has seen strong growth and diffusion due to intrinsic characteristics that make it particularly attractive to players (accessibility, anonymity, variety of games). This paper aims to present the current state of knowledge of the risk and protective factors of online gambling. A literature search conducted in the PubMed, PsychInfo, and Scopus databases found 42 articles, which were included in the review. Methodological aspects and risk and protective factors were analysed cross-sectionally. The results concerning risk and protective factors were distinguished by the level of analysis: individual, relational, and contextual. Two types of comparisons were considered: online vs. offline gamblers and online nonproblematic vs. problematic gamblers. The results of the two comparisons were juxtaposed to analyse their consistency and the different associations with factors. In general, the review showed that risk factors and variables at the individual level are investigated to a greater extent, while protective factors at the relational and contextual level need more in-depth study in future research. More specifically, this review found that even if online and offline gamblers shared most risk and protective factors, there are variables that they would not have in common. These factors could be important to consider in preventive interventions aimed at online gamblers and online problematic gamblers.
The Long or the Post of It? Temporality, Suffering, and Uncertainty in Narratives Following COVID-19
Authors: Cheston Katharine , Cenedese Marta-Laura , Woods Angela 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Long COVID affects millions of individuals worldwide but remains poorly understood and contested. This article turns to accounts of patients’ experiences to ask: What might narrative be doing both to long COVID and for those who live with the condition? What particular narrative strategies were present in 2020, as millions of people became ill, en masse, with a novel virus, which have prevailed three years after the first lockdowns? And what can this tell us about illness and narrative and about the importance of literary critical approaches to the topic in a digital, post-pandemic age? Through a close reading of journalist Lucy Adams’s autobiographical accounts of long COVID, this article explores the interplay between individual illness narratives and the collective narrativizing (or making) of an illness. Our focus on temporality and suffering knits together the phenomenological and the social with the aim of opening up Adams’s narrative and ascertaining a deeper understanding of what it means to live with the condition. Finally, we look to the stories currently circulating around long COVID and consider how illness narratives—and open, curious, patient-centered approaches to them—might shape medicine, patient involvement, and critical medical humanities research.
Uranium age dating measurements by laser ablation multi-collector ICP-MS in uranium materials
Authors: Varga Zsolt , Nicholl Adrian , Wallenius Maria , Mayer Klaus 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe aim of the present work was to develop a direct method for age dating (production date measurement) of uranium samples by laser ablation multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-MC-ICP-MS) by the measurement of the 230Th/234U ratio. The major instrumental conditions and sample characteristics affecting the accuracy and precision were investigated in this systematic study. By comparing the obtained LA-MC-ICP-MS results with those obtained after chemical separation measurements, it shows that the LA-MC-ICP-MS method is capable to produce accurate results for pure highly enriched uranium. Natural and low-enriched uranium, however, needs a higher mass resolution to remove the identified interferences, which can lead to erroneous results.
Advancements and sustainable strategies for the treatment and management of wastewaters from metallurgical industries: an overview
Authors: Chalaris Michail , Gkika Despina A. , Tolkou Athanasia K. , Kyzas George Z. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractMetallurgy is pivotal for societal progress, yet it yields wastewater laden with hazardous compounds. Adhering to stringent environmental mandates, the scientific and industrial sectors are actively researching resilient treatment and disposal solutions for metallurgical effluents. The primary origins of organic pollutants within the metallurgical sector include processes such as coke quenching, steel rolling, solvent extraction, and electroplating. This article provides a detailed analysis of strategies for treating steel industry waste in wastewater treatment. Recent advancements in membrane technologies, adsorption, and various other processes for removing hazardous pollutants from steel industrial wastewater are comprehensively reviewed. The literature review reveals that advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) demonstrate superior effectiveness in eliminating persistent contaminants. However, the major challenges to their industrial-scale implementation are their cost and scalability. Additionally, it was discovered that employing a series of biological reactors instead of single-step biological processes enhances command over microbial communities and operating variables, thus boosting the efficacy of the treatment mechanism (e.g., achieving a chemical oxygen demand (COD) elimination rate of over 90%). This review seeks to conduct an in-depth examination of the current state of treating metallurgical wastewater, with a particular emphasis on strategies for pollutant removal. These pollutants exhibit distinct features influenced by the technologies and workflows unique to their respective processes, including factors such as their composition, physicochemical properties, and concentrations. Therefore, it is of utmost importance for customized treatment and disposal approaches, which are the central focus of this review. In this context, we will explore these methods, highlighting their advantages and characteristics.
Potentially toxic element bioaccumulation in consumed indoor shrimp farming associated with diet, water and sediment levels
Authors: Ramos-Miras José Joaquín , Sanchez-Muros Maria Jose , Renteria Patricio , de Carrasco Carlos Gil , Roca-Perez Luis , Boluda-Navarro Mireia , Pro Javier , Martín Jose Antonio Rodríguez 
Published: November 2023

AbstractShrimp production is an important industry for many countries and shrimp consumption is increasing worldwide. Shrimps are a highly nutritional food, but can pose a risk for human health if subject to high levels of environmental contaminants. This work studies the presence of As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn in shrimps from Ecuador and compares them to such contents noted in other shrimp-production areas in the world to evaluate the possible risks associated with these elements for consumer health, and to relate them to potentially toxic element (PTE) contents in water, sediments and diets, and also to animal biometric parameters. The PTE levels (mg kg−1DM) obtained are as follows: in the head—As (3.52–6.11), Cd (0.02–0.10), Co (0.14–0.49) Cr (0.23–4.89), Cu (99.9––233.0), Ni (0.52–1.86), Pb (0.24–1.09), Zn (51.8–100.5) and Hg (μg kg−1DM) (10.00–66.81); in the tail—(0.91–3.21), Cd (0.01–0.02), Co (0.01–0.43) Cr (0.01–6.52), Cu (20.0–72.44), Ni (0.15–2.03), Pb (0.01–0.69), Zn (31.2–66.1) and Hg (μg kg−1DM) (10.00–67.18). The concentration of all the PTEs is generally lower than the limits set for seafood by European regulations, except for As in the cephalothorax (4.63 mg kg−1). Different behaviours for PTE accumulation in shrimps were found, which preferentially tend to accumulate in the cephalothorax, except for Hg (40.13 μg kg−1DM), which accumulates in muscle (body) and is associated with contents of proteins, lipids and total shrimp weight. Nonetheless, the target hazard quotient (THQ) values for PTEs indicate that the consumption of shrimp muscles from Ecuador does not pose a human health risk because the values of these indices are below 1 in all cases.
Heart Failure and Erectile Dysfunction: a Review of the Current Evidence and Clinical Implications
Authors: Carella Maria Cristina , Forleo Cinzia , Stanca Alessandro , Carulli Eugenio , Basile Paolo , Carbonara Umberto , Amati Fabio , Mushtaq Saima , Baggiano Andrea , Pontone Gianluca , Ciccone Marco Matteo , Guaricci Andrea Igoren 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Purpose of Review
Heart failure (HF) and erectile dysfunction (ED) are two common conditions that affect millions of men worldwide and impair their quality of life. ED is a frequent complication of HF, as well as a possible predictor of cardiovascular events and mortality. ED deserves more attention from clinicians and researchers.

Recent Findings
The pathophysiology of ED in HF involves multiple factors, such as endothelial dysfunction, reduced cardiac output, neurohormonal activation, autonomic imbalance, oxidative stress, inflammation, and drug side effects. The diagnosis of ED in HF patients should be based on validated questionnaires or objective tests, as part of the routine cardiovascular risk assessment. The therapeutic management of ED in HF patients should be individualized and multidisciplinary, considering the patient’s preferences, expectations, comorbidities, and potential drug interactions. The first-line pharmacological treatment for ED in HF patients with mild to moderate symptoms (NYHA class I–II) is phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5Is), which improve both sexual function and cardiopulmonary parameters. PDE5Is are contraindicated in patients who use nitrates or nitric oxide donors for angina relief, and these patients should be advised to avoid sexual activity or to use alternative treatments for ED. Non-pharmacological treatments for ED, such as psychotherapy or couples therapy, should also be considered if there are significant psychosocial factors affecting the patient’s sexual function or relationship.

Summary
This review aims to summarize the most recent evidence regarding the prevalence of ED, the pathophysiology of this condition with an exhaustive analysis of factors involved in ED development in HF patients, a thorough discussion on diagnosis and management of ED in HF patients, providing practical recommendations for clinicians.
Factors Defining Human Adipose Stem/Stromal Cell Immunomodulation in Vitro
Authors: Mahmoud Marwa , Abdel-Rasheed Mazen , Galal Eman Reda , El-Awady Rehab R. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractHuman adipose tissue-derived stem/stromal cells (hASCs) are adult multipotent mesenchymal stem/stromal cells with immunomodulatory capacities. Here, we present up-to-date knowledge on the impact of different experimental and donor-related factors on hASC immunoregulatory functions in vitro. The experimental determinants include the immunological status of hASCs relative to target immune cells, contact vs. contactless interaction, and oxygen tension. Factors such as the ratio of hASCs to immune cells, the cellular context, the immune cell activation status, and coculture duration are also discussed. Conditioning of hASCs with different approaches before interaction with immune cells, hASC culture in xenogenic or xenofree culture medium, hASC culture in two-dimension vs. three-dimension with biomaterials, and the hASC passage number are among the experimental parameters that greatly may impact the hASC immunosuppressive potential in vitro, thus, they are also considered. Moreover, the influence of donor-related characteristics such as age, sex, and health status on hASC immunomodulation in vitro is reviewed. By analysis of the literature studies, most of the indicated determinants have been investigated in broad non-standardized ranges, so the results are not univocal. Clear conclusions cannot be drawn for the fine-tuned scenarios of many important factors to set a standard hASC immunopotency assay. Such variability needs to be carefully considered in further standardized research. Importantly, field experts’ opinions may help to make it clearer.
Graphical Abstract
Parameters that promote ASC immunosuppression on immune cells. Activation of immune cells induces their proliferation and differentiation and presence of ASCs modulates/suppresses such consequences. Augmented immunosuppressive effects of ASCs can be introduced in direct contact with the immune cells and via complementing the repeatedly reported experimental settings (texts in grey shapes). Abbreviations: ASCs: adipose tissue-derived stem/stromal cells, IFN-ɤ: Interferon gamma, MLR: Mixed lymphocyte reaction, TNF: Tumor necrosis factor.
Geophysical assessment of seawater intrusion: the Volturno Coastal Plain case study
Authors: Tarallo D. , Alberico I. , Cavuoto G. , Pelosi N. , Punzo M. , Di Fiore V. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIn coastal alluvial plains, the variability of sedimentary inputs, tectonic and eustatism causes a complex subsurface geology which influences the position of fresh/saltwater interface. Furthermore, in these areas densely populated, the over-pumping of freshwater, coupled with the climate change events, promotes the landward migration of freshwater/saltwater boundary. This research illustrates the ability of geophysical tools to recognize the presence of salt/brackish water at Volturno Coastal Plain, Southern Italy. This area is characterized by a peculiar geological setting, due to the proximity at Somma–Vesuvio and Campi Flegrei volcanic areas, which profoundly influences the circulation of groundwater. The subsurface is mainly characterized by: (i) two denser layers located at − 10 m and − 20 m depth which in part prevents the vertical migration of groundwater, (ii) facies heteropy that facilitates the hydraulic connection between the different geological bodies, (iii) a discontinuous Campanian Ignimbrite deposits which favor the hydraulic connection between deeper and shallower aquifers. In this geological framework, 2D-ERT and 3D-ERT integrated with Downhole, Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves and boreholes made possible to recognize the presence of two main zones with salt and brackish waters, respectively. The first zone, characterized by very low resistivity (≤ 1 Ωm) typical of salt water, stretches 1.5 km inland from the coast. The second zone, with a resistivity between 2 and 5 Ωm typical of brackish water, continues for other 3 km inland. This knowledge is useful for the engagement of all stakeholders (farmers, ranchers and policy makers) in the sustainable use of fresh water and for making water management plan operational tools.
Tunable polymeric micelles for taxane and corticosteroid co-delivery
Authors: Shalmani Armin Azadkhah , Wang Alec , Ahmed Zaheer , Sheybanifard Maryam , Mihyar Rahaf , Buhl Eva Miriam , Pohl Michael , Hennink Wim E. , Kiessling Fabian , Metselaar Josbert M. , Shi Yang , Lammers Twan , Peña Quim 
Published: November 2023

AbstractNanomedicine holds promise for potentiating drug combination therapies. Increasing (pre)clinical evidence is available exemplifying the value of co-formulating and co-delivering different drugs in modular nanocarriers. Taxanes like paclitaxel (PTX) are widely used anticancer agents, and commonly combined with corticosteroids like dexamethasone (DEX), which besides for suppressing inflammation and infusion reactions, are increasingly explored for modulating the tumor microenvironment towards enhanced nano-chemotherapy delivery and efficacy. We here set out to develop a size- and release rate-tunable polymeric micelle platform for co-delivery of taxanes and corticosteroids. We synthesized amphiphilic mPEG-b-p(HPMAm-Bz) block copolymers of various molecular weights and used them to prepare PTX and DEX single- and double-loaded micelles of different sizes. Both drugs could be efficiently co-encapsulated, and systematic comparison between single- and co-loaded formulations demonstrated comparable physicochemical properties, encapsulation efficiencies, and release profiles. Larger micelles showed slower drug release, and DEX release was always faster than PTX. The versatility of the platform was exemplified by co-encapsulating two additional taxane-corticosteroid combinations, demonstrating that drug hydrophobicity and molecular weight are key properties that strongly contribute to drug retention in micelles. Altogether, our work shows that mPEG-b-p(HPMAm-Bz) polymeric micelles serve as a tunable and versatile nanoparticle platform for controlled co-delivery of taxanes and corticosteroids, thereby paving the way for using these micelles as a modular carrier for multidrug nanomedicine.
Graphical abstract
Proprioceptive and olfactory deficits in individuals with Parkinson disease and mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Li Kuan-yi , Pickett Kristen A. , Fu Hsuan-wei , Chen Rou-shayn 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Individuals with neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson disease (PD) and Alzheimer’s (AD) disease often present with perceptual impairments at an early clinical stage. Therefore, early identification and quantification of these impairments could facilitate diagnosis and early intervention.

Objectives
This study aimed to compare proprioceptive and olfactory sensitivities in individuals diagnosed with PD and mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Methods
Proprioception in the forearm and olfactory function were measured in neurotypical older adults, individuals with PD, and individuals with MCI. Position and passive motion senses were assessed using a passive motion apparatus. The traditional Chinese version of the University of Pennsylvania smell identification test (UPSIT-TC) and the smell threshold test (STT) were used to identify and discriminate smell, respectively.

Results
Position sense threshold between the groups differed significantly (p < 0.001), with the PD (p < 0.001) and MCI (p = 0.004) groups showing significantly higher than the control group. The control group had significantly higher mean UPSIT-TC scores than the PD (p < 0.001) and MCI (p = 0.006) groups. The control group had a significantly lower mean STT threshold than the PD and MCI groups (p < 0.001 and p = 0.008, respectively). UPSIT-TC scores significantly correlated with disease progression in PD (r = − 0.50, p = 0.008) and MCI (r = 0.44, p = 0.04).

Conclusions
Proprioceptive and olfactory sensitivities were reduced in individuals with PD and MCI, and these deficits were related to disease severity. These findings support previous findings indicating that perceptual loss may be a potential biomarker for diagnosing and monitoring disease progression in individuals with neurodegenerative diseases.
Effective turbid water treatment using natural eco-friendly coagulants derived from oat and onion seeds
Authors: Mahanna H. , Fouad M. , Zedan T. , Mossad M. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractConventional chemical coagulants are used for potable water treatment, which requires unsustainable mining and transformation of raw materials for their production with costly sludge disposal. Natural coagulants are potential alternatives to chemical coagulants. This study emphasized the use of natural eco-friendly coagulants (oat and onion seed) for turbid water treatment. Coagulant seeds were characterized by different techniques such as SEM, EDX, FTIR, and zeta potential analyzer. Response surface method (RSM) was used to optimize the coagulation process. The effect of initial water turbidity, pH, coagulant seed extract dose, slow mix time, and settling time on the efficiency of turbidity removal was studied. The relation between removal efficiency and the main three significant operational parameters (initial water turbidity, pH, and coagulant extract dose) was fitted to a quadratic model. The optimal removal was achieved at alkaline and neutral media (pH = 7–11 for oat extract and pH = 7–9 for onion extract). The turbidity removal efficiency was 99% using 6 ml/L oat extract dose and 98.9% using 4 ml/L onion extract dose at pH equal to 8 and initial turbidity of 190 NTU. The effect of using oat extract or onion extract with alum was studied, and the results indicated that the optimum dose was found to be 1 ml/L of a natural extract with 10 mg/L alum. Furthermore, oat and onion extract aids were able to decrease the organic load in the treated water. Oat and onion seed extracts were proven to be efficient and eco-friendly natural coagulants or coagulant aids for surface water treatment.
Classification of additive mappings on certain rings and algebras
Authors: Ansari Abu Zaid 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe objective of this research is to prove that an additive mapping $$\Delta :{\mathcal {A}}\rightarrow {\mathcal {A}}$$

Δ
:
A
→
A

will be a generalized derivation associated with a derivation $$\partial :{\mathcal {A}}\rightarrow {\mathcal {A}}$$

∂
:
A
→
A

if it satisfies the following identity $$\Delta (r^{m+n+p})=\Delta (r^m)r^{n+p}+r^m\partial (r^{n})r^p+r^{m+n}\partial (r^p)$$

Δ

(

r

m
+
n
+
p

)

=
Δ

(

r
m

)

r

n
+
p

+

r
m

∂

(

r
n

)

r
p

+

r

m
+
n

∂

(

r
p

)

for all $$r\in {\mathcal {A}}$$

r
∈
A

, where $$m, n\ge 1$$

m
,
n
≥
1

and $$p\ge 0$$

p
≥
0

are fixed integers and $${\mathcal {A}}$$
A
is a semiprime ring. Another analogous has been done where an additive mapping behaves like a generalized left derivation associated with a left derivation on $${\mathcal {A}}$$
A
satisfying certain algebraic identity. The proofs of these advancements are derived employing algebraic concepts. These theorems have been validated by offering an example that shows they are not insignificant. Furthermore, we provide an application in the framework of Banach algebra.
Ripple spreading algorithm: a new method for solving multi-objective shortest path problems with mixed time windows
Authors: Yu Shilin , Song Yuantao 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIn emergency management, the transportation scheduling of emergency supplies and relief personnel can be regarded as the multi-objective shortest path problem with mixed time window (MOSPPMTW), which has high requirements for timeliness and effectiveness, but the current solution algorithms cannot simultaneously take into account the solution accuracy and computational speed, which is very unfavorable for emergency path decision-making. In this paper, we establish MOSPPMTW matching emergency rescue scenarios, which simultaneously enables the supplies and rescuers to arrive at the emergency scene as soon as possible in the shortest time and at the smallest cost. To solve the complete Pareto optimal surface, we present a ripple spreading algorithm (RSA), which determines the complete Pareto frontier by performing a ripple relay race to obtain the set of Pareto optimal path solutions. The proposed RSA algorithm does not require an initial solution and iterative iterations and only needs to be run once to obtain the solution set. Furthermore, we prove the optimality and time complexity of RSA and conduct multiple sets of example simulation experiments. Compared with other algorithms, RSA performs better in terms of computational speed and solution quality. The advantage is especially more obvious in the computation of large-scale problems. It is applicable to various emergency disaster relief scenarios and can meet the requirements of fast response and timeliness.