bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Research progress on properties of cement-based composites incorporating graphene oxide
Authors: Zhang Peng , Sun Yaowen , Wei Jiandong , Zhang Tianhang 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Graphene oxide (GO) is a two-dimensional derivative of graphene material, with carboxy, hydroxy group functional groups at the middle of the sheets, and oxygen-containing functional groups at sheet edges. It has multiple advantages, such as high strength, hydrophilicity, and strong reactivity. With the development of construction materials, GO has been widely used as a nano-reinforced material in cement-based composites (CBCs). Based on a large amount of relevant literature, the preparation and dispersion behavior of GO-reinforced CBC are summarized. Besides, the impact of GO on the workability, volume stability, mechanical performance, and durability of CBC are discussed. Moreover, the influencing mechanism of GO on the hydration of CBC is expounded. From the findings of this review, the following conclusions can be drawn: the fluidity of CBC will be decreased when GO is evenly dispersed in the cement slurry, which results in a loss of workability of CBC. Meanwhile, the addition of GO improves the volume stability of CBC, while the tensile, compressive, and flexural strengths are all improved to varying degrees. The improvement of GO on the durability of CBC is mainly reflected in the corrosion resistance and permeability resistance. In addition, problems existing in the current research are summarized and future perspectives are put forward. The review work in this article could offer important guidance for further research and implementation of GO-doped CBC in practical engineering.
What Drives Business Cycles in Egypt? An Analysis of Coincident and Leading Indicators
Authors: Hegazi Nourhan , Noureldin Diaa , Zaki Chahir R. 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
The paper proposes a chronology for the Egyptian economy by detecting phases of expansions and recessions during the period (2002–2019). It examines the cyclical behavior of variables that are considered potentially useful in measuring or predicting aggregate economic activity. To do so, we combine the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) approach together with time series analysis techniques to select the variables best suitable to play the role of coincident and leading indicators. This methodology is found to be the most appropriate when there is no well-established reference chronology as a benchmark for the cyclical analysis, which is the case of Egypt. As a result, two composite indexes are constructed: 1) the composite index of coincident economic indicators (CEI), which can be considered an adequate measure for the Egyptian business cycle; 2) the composite index of leading economic indicators (LEI) that shows good performance in anticipating aggregate economic activity in Egypt. Moreover, the empirical results indicate that total employment, consumption, and investment move coincidently with the reference cycle, while exchange rate and interest rate variables lead the reference cycle and have strong predictive power for economic activity in Egypt.
Secondary metabolites from the marine-derived fungus Penicillium chrysogenum Y20-2, and their pro-angiogenic activity
Authors: Qiu Yue-Zi , Zhu Yong-Qiang , Lu Hong , Li Xiao-Bin , Liu Ke-Chun , Li Pei-Hai , Wang Li-Zhen , Zhang Xuan-Ming , Chen Hao , Lin Hou-Wen , Zhang Shan-Shan 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
A systematic chemical study of the secondary metabolites of the marine fungus, Penicillium chrysogenum (No. Y20-2), led to the isolation of 21 compounds, one of which is new (compound 3). The structures of the 21 compounds were determined by conducting extensive analysis of the spectroscopic data. The pro-angiogenic activity of each compound was evaluated using a zebrafish model. The results showed that compounds 7, 9, 16, and 17 had strong and dose-dependent pro-angiogenic effects, with compound 16 demonstrating the strongest pro-angiogenic activity, compounds 6, 12, 14, and 18 showing moderate activity, and compounds 8, 13, and 19 exhibiting relatively weak activity.
Revealing dynamic-mechanical properties of precipitates in a nanostructured thin film using micromechanical spectroscopy
Authors: Alfreider Markus , Meindlhumer Michael , Ziegelwanger Tobias , Daniel Rostislav , Keckes Jozef , Kiener Daniel 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Nanostructured materials with their remarkable properties are key enablers in many modern applications. For example, industrial dry-milling processes would not be as widely spread without the use of hard, wear-resistant metal nitride coatings to protect the cutting tools. However, improving these nanostructured thin films with regard to dynamical properties is demanding as probing respective parameters of (sub-)micron layers without any substrate influence is still challenging. To extend the scientific toolbox for such spatially confined systems, a novel methodological approach based on resonance peak measurements of a cantilever-transducer system termed micromechanical spectroscopy (µMS) is developed and applied to a Al0.8Cr0.2N model system. The mainly wurtzite type supersaturated Al0.8Cr0.2N system showed precipitation of cubic CrN at grain boundaries and local Cr variations upon annealing at 1050°C. This was accompanied by an increase in the previously unknown damping capability of 63 percent and an increase in Young’s modulus by 36 percent.

Impact statement
There is a wide variety of applications for nano- to micrometer-sized thin films in today’s engineering technology, from thermal barrier- and wear-resistant coatings in turbines and bearings, over diffusion barriers and heatsinks in microelectronic devices, to optically active layers in lasers or mirrors. The mechanical properties of such thin films are oftentimes governed by their thermal history, leading to either intentional or undesired changes in the microstructure (e.g., the formation of precipitates). While the investigation of such features is usually constricted to static analysis using high-resolution techniques, such as transmission electron microscopy, understanding their impact on dynamic properties of the film remains a challenge. However, these are highly relevant in many engineering applications where cyclic behavior is common, such as high-speed dry milling. In the present work, we investigate the change in mechanical damping capability upon annealing of a 6-µm thin AlCrN film, commonly used in demanding dry-milling applications, using micromechanical spectroscopy (µMS) of cantilever-shaped specimens. After a carefully adjusted heat treatment, the film exhibits the formation of cubic CrN precipitates in an otherwise wurtzite AlCrN matrix, which leads to a previously unknown beneficial increase in damping capability of the film.

Graphical abstract
SKIL/SnoN attenuates TGF-β1/SMAD signaling-dependent collagen synthesis in hepatic fibrosis
Authors: Chi Cheng , Liang Xifeng , Cui Tianyu , Gao Xiao , Liu Ruixia , Yin Chenghong 
Published: June 2023

The Ski-related novel gene (SnoN), encoded by the SKIL gene, has been shown to negatively regulated transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) signaling pathway. However, the roles of SnoN in hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation and hepatic fibrosis (HF) are still unclear. To evaluate the role of SnoN in HF, we combined bulk RNA sequencing analysis and single-cell RNA sequencing analysis to analyse patients with HF. The role of SKIL/SnoN was verified using liver samples from rat model transfected HSC-T6 and LX-2 cell lines. Immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, PCR, and western blotting techniques were used to demonstrate the expression of SnoN and its regulatory effects on TGF-β1 signaling in fibrotic liver tissues and cells. Furthermore, we constructed competitive endogenous RNA regulatory network and potential drug network associated with the SnoN gene. We identified SKIL gene as a differentially expressed gene in hepatic fibrosis. SnoN protein was found to be widely expressed in the cytoplasm of normal hepatic tissues, whereas it was almost absent in HF tissues. In the rat group subjected to bile duct ligation (BDL), SnoN protein expression decreased, while TGF-β1, collagen III, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1), and fibronectin levels increased. We observed the interaction of SnoN with p-SMAD2 and p-SMAD3 in the cytoplasm. Following SnoN overexpression, apoptosis of HSCs was promoted, and the expression of HF-associated proteins, including collagen I, collagen III, and TIMP-1, was reduced. Conversely, downregulation of SnoN inhibited HSC apoptosis, increased collagen III and TIMP-1 levels, and decreased matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP-13) expression. In conclusion, SnoN expression is downregulated in fibrotic livers, and could attenuate TGF-β1/SMADs signaling-dependent de-repression of collagen synthesis.
Evaluation of Changes in Antioxidant Factors and Albumin Level Following the Administration of a Controlled-Releasing Drug Delivery System of Chitosan Hydrogel Loaded with Buprenorphine and Ketorolac in an Experimental Bone Defect in the Tibia of the Rat
Authors: Javdani Moosa , Khosravian Pegah , Barzegar Abolfazl , Hashemnia Mohammad 
Published: June 2023

Full Title: Evaluation of Changes in Antioxidant Factors and Albumin Level Following the Administration of a Controlled-Releasing Drug Delivery System of Chitosan Hydrogel Loaded with Buprenorphine and Ketorolac in an Experimental Bone Defect in the Tibia of the Rat Model
Background: In the present study, the effectiveness of a controlled-release drug delivery system of chitosan hydrogel loaded with ketorolac and buprenorphine on oxidative stress indices and albumin changes in the experimental bone defect model was considered.
Methods: After creating an experimental defect in the right tibia of each rat, 5 groups, including (A) the control group that did not receive any pharmacological intervention, (B) the chitosan hydrogel receiving group, (C) the group receiving chitosan hydrogel loaded with buprenorphine, (D) the group receiving chitosan hydrogel loaded with ketorolac, and (E) the group receiving chitosan hydrogel loaded with ketorolac and buprenorphine, were considered. Serum concentrations of antioxidant factors and albumin levels were then measured on days 0, 3, 7, and 21 after surgery.
Results: In the control group, the maximum amount of oxidative stress and the maximum activity of antioxidant enzymes on the third and seventh days were compared between the 4 treatment groups. Moreover, the maximum amount of albumin on the third day was recorded and compared between the 4 other treatment groups. In 4 treatment groups, a significant decrease was observed in the mean of parameters related to oxidative stress compared to the control group, which was more noticeable in the group receiving ketorolac.
Conclusion: In the present study, the highest rate of control of oxidative stress conditions was observed in the group treated with the ketorolac-loaded chitosan hydrogel system, possibly due to its antioxidant properties and better control of inflammatory conditions caused by the use of chitosan and ketorolac in this treatment group.
Foreword to the Journal of Food Nutrition Chemistry
Authors: Liu Libing 
Published: June 2023

Food is the foundation for human survival and healthy development. People need to eat every day, and obtain the essential nutrients from food in order to promote body growth and development through biochemical process such as digestion, absorption and metabolism. With the increasing concern about health and nutrition, people gradually realize that the nutrients contained in food are critical to our physical functions and overall well-beings. To formulate a proper diet plan, prevent diseases and keep good health, it is critical for us to have a thorough understanding of the nutritional ingredients, functions and chemical interactions of food. Food Nutrition Chemistry is a comprehensive interdisciplinary science, focusing on the nutrients contained in food and their impact on human health, which plays an important role in the field of life and health.
Obtaining the Effective Dielectric Permittivity of a Conducting Surface in the Terahertz Range via the Characteristics of Surface Plasmon Polaritons
Authors: Gerasimov Vasily Valerievich , Nikitin Alexey Konstantinovich , Lemzyakov Alexey Georgievich , Azarov Ivan Aleksandrovich , Kotelnikov Igor Aleksandrovich 
Published: June 2023

With the intensive development of data transmitting and processing devices of the terahertz (THz) frequency range, an important part of which are integrated plasmonic components and communication lines, it becomes necessary to measure correctly the optical constants of their conductive surfaces. In the paper we describe a reliable method for determining the effective permittivity εm of a metal surface from the measured characteristics (refractive and absorption indices) of THz surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs). The novelty of the method is the conduction of measurements on a metal surface with a dielectric layer of subwavelength thickness, suppressing the radiative losses of SPPs, which are not taken into account by the SPP dispersion equation. The method was tested on a number of flat &quot;gold sputtering - zinc sulfide layer - air&quot; structures with the use of the THz radiation (λ0 = 141 μm) of the Novosibirsk free electron laser (NovoFEL). The SPP characteristics were determined from interferograms measured with a plasmon Michelson interferometer. It was found that the method allowed a significant increase in the accuracy of εm in comparison with measurements on the same metal surface without a dielectric layer.
Internet Wizard for Enhancing Open Domain Question Answering Chatbot Knowledge-base in Education
Authors: Mzwri Kovan , Turcsányi-Szabo Márta 
Published: June 2023

Chatbots have gained widespread popularity for their task automation capabilities and consistent availability in various domains, including education. However, their ability to adapt to the continuously evolving and dynamic nature of knowledge is limited. This research investigates the implementation of an internet wizard to enhance the knowledge base of an open-domain question-answering chatbot. The proposed approach leverages search engines, particularly Google, and its features, including feature snippets, knowledge graph, and organic search, in conjunction with data science and natural language models. This mechanism empowers the chatbot to dynamically access the extensive and up-to-date knowledge available on the web, enabling the provision of real-time and pertinent answers to user queries sourced from web documents. A pilot study in a higher education context evaluated the chatbot&#039;s mechanism and features, confirming its proficiency in generating responses across a broad range of educational and non-educational topics. Positive feedback and high user satisfaction validate these findings. Notably, the chatbot&#039;s dynamic feature of retrieving related or follow-up questions from search engines significantly enhances student engagement and facilitates exploration of supplementary information beyond the curriculum.
Post-traumatic Stress and Depressive Sequelae in ICU Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients 6 Months after Discharge: A Comparison with Non-COVID ICU Patients
Authors: Carmassi Claudia , Pini Silvia , Martelli Maria , Fantasia Sara , Calvaruso Martina , Castellani Lucrezia , Pedrinelli Virginia , Bertelloni Carlo Antonio , Dell’Osso Liliana 
Published: June 2023

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a major impact on the mental and physical health of hospitalized patients. In our study we focused on the onset of symptoms correlated with Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and physical disabilities in patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) because of a severe respiratory distress related to COVID-19 (COVID Group) compared with patients admitted to the same ICU for trauma and other medical conditions than COVID-19 (No-COVID Group). The physical symptoms and the level of disability were evaluated with the Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (GOS-E), the Quality of Life after Brain Injury (QOLIBRI) and the 3 levels version of EQ-5D (EQ-5D-3L) questionnaire; psychiatric symptoms were investigated using the Impact of Event Scale-Revised 22-item (IES-R), the Patient Health Questionnaire, 9-Item Version (PHQ-9) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assessment, 7-items version (GAD-7). These questionnaires were administered 6 months after discharge. Patients in the No-COVID Group showed statistically significant more severe scores in all the physical assessments while similar relevant PTSD and depressive symptoms were reported in both groups. The results of the present study underline the psychopathological impact of being hospitalized in ICU because of COVID-19 even after 6 months from discharge ,suggesting the importance of assessing the psychiatric effects of COVID-19 in the long term in order to create supportive measures.
Waste load allocation by integrated GMS modeling and economic evaluation for nitrate reduction in Varamin aquifer
Authors: Souri MohammadAmin , Jamshidi Shervin , Moghaddam Hamid Kardan 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Groundwater is a dependable freshwater resource in arid and semi-arid areas where its quality management is essential. However, untreated wastewater is a risk to safe water supply from aquifers. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) can reduce pollutants, but their impact on groundwater quality versus their operating costs requires case studies. This research uses the two modules of the groundwater modeling system (GMS) to simulate the Varamin Plain, south-eastern Tehran, Iran. The MODFLOW and MT3D were used for groundwater quantity and quality modeling, respectively. Through these modules, the effectiveness of two WWTPs (Pakdasht and Varamin) in six waste load allocation (WLA) scenarios was compared based on nitrate reduction in 3-year and 10-year periods. The construction and operating costs of each WLA scenario were also calculated. The best WLA is a scenario with the lowest marginal cost. Therefore, constructing Varamin WWTP with 25% nitrogen removal was the selected option. Here, the average nitrate concentration in the aquifer is reduced from 28.4 mg/L (±4.1) to less than 25 mg/L (±2.4) with an annual marginal cost of 8 M$.L/mg. It implies that constructing more WWTPs or tertiary units for nitrate removal is not recommended as they do not add significant nitrate abatement in groundwater regarding the related costs.
Measurement of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater: A case study of the Northern Cape, South Africa
Authors: Lekhanya Thapelo , Musvuugwa Tendai , Mashifana Tebogo , Modley Lee-Ann Sade 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has resulted in the infection and death of many South Africans. This is in part due to a lack of testing facilities, equipment, and staff in many areas, particularly those with low population densities. The study focused on the infection dynamics of the virus in the Northern Cape province in all five municipalities investigating wastewater-based surveillance for the province. Reverse transcription was used to identify the virus, and SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in a batch of wastewater from four of the five areas sampled and was collected in the months that fall within the third wave of COVID as well as the winter season (May–July). The detection of the SARS-CoV-2 RNA correlated with infection statistics as well as the seasonality of the virus. This research showed a positive result in using wastewater epidemiology to track the spread of the virus but also highlighted the need for improved methodology when it comes to this surveillance. This includes sampling smaller areas and frequent sampling in multiple areas to show clear patterns within smaller, sparsely populated communities.
Efficacy of a Brief Blended Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Program for the Treatment of Depression and Anxiety in University Students: Uncontrolled Intervention Study
Authors: Atik Ece , Stricker Johannes , Schückes Magnus , Pittig Andre 
Published: June 2023

Background
Blended cognitive behavioral therapy (bCBT)—the combination of cognitive behavioral therapy and digital mental health applications—has been increasingly used to treat depression and anxiety disorders. As a resource-efficient treatment approach, bCBT appears promising for addressing the growing need for mental health care services, for example, as an early intervention before the chronification of symptoms. However, further research on the efficacy and feasibility of integrated bCBT interventions is needed.

Objective
This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a novel bCBT program comprising short (25 min), weekly face-to-face therapy sessions combined with a smartphone-based digital health app for treating mild to moderate symptoms of depression or anxiety.

Methods
This prospective uncontrolled trial comprised 2 measurement points (before and after treatment) and 2 intervention groups. We recruited university students with mild to moderate symptoms of depression or anxiety. On the basis of the primary symptoms, participants were assigned to either a depression intervention group (n=67 completers) or an anxiety intervention group (n=33 completers). Participants in each group received 6 weekly individual psychotherapy sessions via videoconference and completed modules tailored to their respective symptoms in the smartphone-based digital health app.

Results
The depression group displayed medium to large improvements in the symptoms of depression (Cohen d=−0.70 to −0.90; P<.001). The anxiety group experienced significant improvements in the symptoms of generalized anxiety assessed with the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scale with a large effect size (Cohen d=−0.80; P<.001) but not in symptoms of anxiety assessed with the Beck Anxiety Inventory (Cohen d=−0.35; P=.06). In addition, both groups experienced significant improvements in their perceived self-efficacy (Cohen d=0.50; P<.001 in the depression group and Cohen d=0.71; P<.001 in the anxiety group) and quality of life related to psychological health (Cohen d=0.87; P<.001 in the depression group and Cohen d=0.40; P=.03 in the anxiety group). Work and social adjustment of patients improved significantly in the depression group (Cohen d=−0.49; P<.001) but not in the anxiety group (Cohen d=−0.06; P=.72). Patients’ mental health literacy improved in the anxiety group (Cohen d=0.45; P=.02) but not in the depression group (Cohen d=0.21; P=.10). Patient satisfaction with the bCBT program and ratings of the usability of the digital app were high in both treatment groups.

Conclusions
This study provides preliminary evidence for the feasibility and efficacy of a novel brief bCBT intervention. The intervention effects were generalized across a broad spectrum of patient-reported outcomes. Hence, the newly developed bCBT intervention appears promising for treating mild to moderate depression and anxiety in young adults.
Post-dural puncture headache
Authors: Byshovets S.M. 
Published: June 2023

The problem was analyzed and the pathophysiology of post-dural puncture headache was highlighted. Clinical manifestations, risk factors and diagnosis of this complication are given. Modern methods for the treatment of post-dural puncture headache are described. The own experience on the prevention of this problem was made public with the conclusion that when using Ball-Pen needles, only 12 (0.56 %) of 2125 patients complained of post-dural puncture hea­dache, which is 12.5 times less than the average statistical indicators.