bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management of Donkeys in Assisted Interventions: A Snapshot
Authors: Sobrero Lucia , Dalla Costa Emanuela , Minero Michela
Published: February 2024

People working in the field of Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAIs) often state that they perceive animal welfare as a matter of paramount importance; nevertheless, most scientific literature focuses on the effectiveness of interventions from the user’s perspective. Before focusing on the animals’ management and welfare during their interactions with users, it is important to ensure animal welfare during their “ordinary lives”. This article reports information and considerations about the management of donkeys involved in AAIs in Northern Italy. Six facilities with several years of experience in Donkey-Assisted Interventions were visited for the purpose of an initial data collection regarding the management of donkeys involved in AAIs. Some knowledge gaps regarding the nutritional needs of the donkey and its preventive medicine have been identified; this study also highlighted a need for efforts to create a more stimulating and enriched environment for animals involved in AAIs. Some possible areas for improvement in the management of donkeys involved in AAIs have been highlighted. Further studies are necessary to provide a more comprehensive picture of the welfare of donkeys involved in this context.
Effect of IGFBP-4 during In Vitro Maturation on Developmental Competence of Bovine Cumulus Oocyte Complexes
Authors: Camacho de Gutiérrez Adriana Raquel , Calisici Oguz , Wrenzycki Christine , Gutiérrez-Añez Juan Carlos , Hoeflich Christine , Hoeflich Andreas , Bajcsy Árpád Csaba , Schmicke Marion
Published: February 2024

Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) are essential for oocyte maturation. Their bioavailability is regulated by their respective binding proteins (IGFBPs) and proteases. IGFBP-4 blocks the biological effects of IGFs. High IGFBP-4 expression has been associated with follicle atresia. We hypothesized that IGFBP-4 affects oocyte developmental competence during maturation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the effect of IGFBP-4 on the developmental rate of bovine cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) during in vitro embryo production. Abattoir-derived COCs were matured with rbIGFBP-4 (2000, 540, and 54 ng/mL) compared to a control. Cumulus expansion, oocyte maturation, cleavage, blastocyst, and hatching rates were evaluated. Furthermore, blastocyst gene expression of SOCS2, STAT3, SLC2A1, SLCA3, BAX, and POU5F1 transcripts were quantified using RT-qPCR. No statistical differences were detected among the groups for cumulus expansion, maturation, cleavage, blastocyst rates, or all gene transcripts analyzed. However, at day 8 and 9, the number of total hatching and successfully hatched blastocysts was lower in 2000 ng/mL rbIGFBP-4 compared to the control (day 8: total hatching: 17.1 ± 0.21 vs. 31.2 ± 0.11%, p = 0.02 and hatched blastocyst 6.7 ± 0.31 vs. 21.5 ± 0.14%, p = 0.004; day 9 total hatching 36.4 ± 0.18 vs. 57.7 ± 0.10%, p = 0.009 and hatched blastocyst 18.2 ± 0.21 vs. 38.1 ± 0.11%, p = 0.004). We concluded that high concentrations of rbIGFBP-4 might negatively affect the subsequent ability of the embryo to hatch and possibly compromise further elongation.
Whole-Genome Resequencing of Ujimqin Sheep Identifies Genes Associated with Vertebral Number
Authors: Zhou Chuanqing , Zhang Yue , Ma Teng , Wu Dabala , Yang Yanyan , Wang Daqing , Li Xiunan , Guo Shuchun , Yang Siqi , Song Yongli , Zhang Yong , Zuo Yongchun , Cao Guifang
Published: February 2024

The number of vertebrae is a crucial economic trait that can significantly impact the carcass length and meat production in animals. However, our understanding of the quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and candidate genes associated with the vertebral number in sheep (Ovis aries) remains limited. To identify these candidate genes and QTLs, we collected 73 Ujimqin sheep with increased numbers of vertebrae (T13L7, T14L6, and T14L7) and 23 sheep with normal numbers of vertebrae (T13L6). Through high-throughput genome resequencing, we obtained a total of 24,130,801 effective single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). By conducting a selective-sweep analysis, we discovered that the most significantly selective region was located on chromosome 7. Within this region, we identified several genes, including VRTN, SYNDIG1L, LTBP2, and ABCD4, known to regulate the spinal development and morphology. Further, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) performed on sheep with increased and normal vertebral numbers confirmed that ABCD4 is a candidate gene for determining the number of vertebrae in sheep. Additionally, the most significant SNP on chromosome 7 was identified as a candidate QTL. Moreover, we detected two missense mutations in the ABCD4 gene; one of these mutations (Chr7: 89393414, C > T) at position 22 leads to the conversion of arginine (Arg) to glutamine (Gln), which is expected to negatively affect the protein’s function. Notably, a transcriptome expression profile in mouse embryonic development revealed that ABCD4 is highly expressed during the critical period of vertebral formation (4.5–7.5 days). Our study highlights ABCD4 as a potential major gene influencing the number of vertebrae in Ujimqin sheep, with promising prospects for future genome-assisted breeding improvements in sheep.
Animals and Cities: A Reflection on Their Potential in Innovating Nature-Based Solutions
Authors: Granai Giulia , Borrelli Carmen , Mariti Chiara , Di Iacovo Francesco
Published: February 2024

In recent decades, nature-based solutions (NBSs) have spread in scientific research, and they are increasingly deployed in cities’ strategic planning. While the number of nonhuman animals in cities is growing, a specific reflection on the advantages of human–animal interactions as potential NBSs is still lacking. This article aims to provide an overview of the current situation of animals in cities and to explore the roles of animals and their interactions with humans in such a context. These topics are crucial to the European project IN-HABIT in Lucca (Italy), which aims to codify an integrated policy on the relationship between people and animals; its outputs will then be transferred and replicated in other cities. This article concludes by highlighting the need for the involvement of different stakeholders in public–private–people partnerships to implement actions that aim to valorize human–animal relationships and their positive effects. This study presents a perspective on the relevance of animal NBSs to increase the quality of life in cities, both for citizens and for animals living in cities, and to also introduce the opportunity to develop an integrated animal urban policy able to valorize human–animal interactions in cities.
Antimicrobial Resistance in Qatar: Prevalence and Trends before and Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Al Mana Hassan , Abdel Hadi Hamad , Wilson Godwin , Almaslamani Muna A. , Abu Jarir Sulieman H. , Ibrahim Emad , Eltai Nahla O.
Published: February 2024

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global healthcare challenge with substantial morbidity, mortality, and management costs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a documented increase in antimicrobial consumption, particularly for severe and critical cases, as well as noticeable travel and social restriction measures that might influenced the spectrum of AMR. To evaluate the problem, retrospective data were collected on bacterial infections and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns in Qatar before and after the pandemic from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2021, covering 53,183 pathogens isolated from reported infection episodes. The findings revealed a significant resistance pattern for extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-EBC), carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CR-EBC), and carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA), ciprofloxacin-resistant Salmonella and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). For correlation with social restrictions, ESBL-EBC and MRSA were positively correlated with changing patterns of international travel (ρ = 0.71 and 0.67, respectively; p < 0.05), while CRPA was moderately correlated with the number of COVID-19 hospitalized patients (ρ = 0.49; p < 0.05). CREBC and CRPA respiratory infections were associated with hospitalized patients (OR: 3.08 and 2.00, respectively; p < 0.05). The findings emphasize the challenges experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic and links to international travel, which probably will influence the local epidemiology of AMR that needs further surveillance and control strategies.
Novel Roles of the Greatwall Kinase Rim15 in Yeast Oxidative Stress Tolerance through Mediating Antioxidant Systems and Transcriptional Regulation
Authors: Wang Xue-Qing , Yuan Bing , Zhang Feng-Li , Liu Chen-Guang , Auesukaree Choowong , Zhao Xin-Qing
Published: February 2024

The Greatwall-family protein kinase Rim15 is associated with the nutrient starvation response, whereas its role in oxidative stress responses remains unclear. Here, acetic acid and peroxide were used as two oxidative stress elicitors. The antioxidant indicator assay under acetic acid stress revealed the impaired growth in rim15Δ related to the regulation of antioxidant systems. Comparative transcriptome analysis revealed that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) are predicted to be mostly regulated by oxidative stress-responsive transcriptional factor Yap1. Among the DEGs, acetic acid stress-induced genes were found, and YAP1 disruption also inhibited their induction. The deletion of Rim15 or the Rim15 kinase domain in yap1Δ did not further decrease the gene expression, suggesting that Rim15 functions together with Yap1 in regulating acetic acid stress-induced genes, which requires Rim15 kinase activity. Additionally, Rim15 regulated H2O2 stress tolerance through partially similar but special mechanisms in that Rim15 kinase activity impacted acetic acid and H2O2 stress tolerance in different degrees, indicating the different mechanisms underlying Rim15-mediated redox regulation against different stressors. These results benefit the better understanding of stress signaling pathways related to Rim15. Given that Rim15 and some of its target genes are conserved across eukaryotes, these results also provide a basis for studies of oxidative stress-related processes in other organisms.
Molecular Targets of Oxidative Stress: Focus on the Nrf2 Signaling Pathway in Health and Disease
Authors: Bonay Marcel
Published: February 2024

Oxidative stress, known to increase the risk of multiple metabolic and chronic disorders or cancer development, is defined as an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the capacity of antioxidants to counteract the deleterious effects of oxidants [...]
In Vivo Analysis of Tissue S-Nitrosothiols in Pediatric Sepsis
Authors: Cater Daniel T. , Clem Charles , Marozkina Nadzeya , Gaston Benjamin
Published: February 2024

S-nitrosothiols are endogenous, bioactive molecules. S-nitrosothiols are implicated in many diseases, including sepsis. It is currently cumbersome to measure S-nitrosothiols clinically. We have previously developed an instrument to measure tissue S-nitrosothiols non-invasively using ultraviolet light. We have performed a prospective case control study of controls and children with sepsis admitted to the PICU. We hypothesized that tissue S-nitrosothiols would be higher in septic patients than controls. Controls were patients with no cardiopulmonary instability. Cases were patients with septic shock. We measured S-nitrosothiols, both at diagnosis and after resolution of shock. A total of 44 patients were enrolled: 21 controls and 23 with sepsis. At baseline, the controls were younger [median age 5 years (IQR 0, 9) versus 11 years (IQR: 6, 16), p-value = 0.012], had fewer comorbidities [7 (33.3%) vs. 20 (87.0%), p-value < 0.001], and had lower PELOD scores [0 (IQR: 0, 0) vs. 12 (IQR: 11, 21), p-value < 0.001]. S-nitrosothiol levels were higher in sepsis cohort (1.1 ppb vs. 0.8 ppb, p = 0.004). Five patients with sepsis had longitudinal measures and had a downtrend after resolution of shock (1.3 ppb vs. 0.9 ppb, p = 0.04). We dichotomized patients based on S-nitrosothiol levels and found an association with worse clinical outcomes, but further work will be needed to validate these findings.
Intelligent Healthcare Platform for Diagnosis of Scalp and Hair Disorders
Authors: Ha Changjin , Go Taesik , Choi Woorak
Published: February 2024

Various scalp and hair disorders distress numerous people. Severe scalp hair disorders have an adverse effect on appearance, self-confidence, and quality of life. Therefore, early and exact diagnosis of various scalp hair disorders is important for timely treatment. However, conventional manual examination method is time-consuming, objective, and labor-intensive. The presented study proposes an intelligent healthcare platform for identifying severity levels of six common scalp hair disorders such as dryness, oiliness, erythema, folliculitis, dandruff, and hair loss. To establish a suitable scalp image classification model, we tested three deep learning models (ResNet-152, EfficientNet-B6, and ViT-B/16). Among the three tested deep learning models, the ViT-B/16 model exhibited the best classification performance with an average accuracy of 78.31%. In addition, the attention rollout method was applied to explain the decision of the trained ViT-B/16 model and highlight approximate lesion areas with no additional annotation procedure. Finally, Scalp checker software was developed based on the trained ViT-B/16 model and the attention rollout method. Accordingly, this proposed platform facilitates objective monitoring states of the scalp and early diagnosis of hairy scalp problems.
Numerical Modeling and Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis of Conventional and 3D-Printed Spinal Braces
Authors: Rossetos Iason , Gantes Charis J. , Kazakis George , Voulgaris Stefanos , Galanis Dimitrios , Pliarchopoulou Fani , Soultanis Konstantinos , Lagaros Nikos D.
Published: February 2024

This study aims to describe the numerical modeling and nonlinear finite element analysis of typical spinal braces as a first step towards optimizing their topology for 3D printing. Numerical simulation was carried out in Abaqus CAE software Version 2021, utilizing a CAD (Meshmixer Version 3.5.474) scan of an actual spinal brace. Boundary conditions were defined by means of contact surfaces between the human body and the supporting pads located in the interior of the brace. The process of tightening the straps on the rear face of the brace was simulated via appropriate imposed displacements. The response is described through the deformations and developing stresses of the brace and the contact pressures in the areas of interaction with the human body. Parametric analysis indicated that increasing the cross-sectional thickness or elastic modulus of the brace material results in higher maximum von Mises stresses and lower displacements. The comparison between 3D-printed and conventional braces highlighted the potential of 3D-printing technology to achieve comparable performance with customized designs, leveraging the constitutive properties of 3D-printed material obtained from tension tests. The tension tests demonstrated that the 3D-printed material achieved higher values of modulus of elasticity compared to traditional brace materials. Finally, the topology optimization criteria to be applied for the design of spinal braces in the next step of this ongoing research are briefly described.
A Study on the Results of Risk Analyses Applying the Concept of Rock Mass Stand-Up Time for Underground Mining Sites
Authors: Nguyen Phong Duyen , Nguyen Hiep Huy , Dam Hung Huu , Nguyen Manh Van , Osinski Piotr , Koda Eugeniusz
Published: February 2024

Throughout all the countries in the world, including Vietnam, nations with well-established mining industries have undertaken extensive research on the stability of rock masses when constructing underground tunnels in varied geological conditions. The present study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the risk assessment related to rock masses during the construction of pit lines in mining operations. Consequently, the standing time of unsupported tunnels is assessed based on different values of the strength index and deformation characteristics of the rock mass. The objective was to perform both experimental and theoretical investigations to analyse how the stand-up time of rock masses surrounding a tunnel affects the unsupported span. The analyses were based on considering the rock parameters, including strain modulus; geological strength index; and allowable displacement values, and consideration of hereditary creep properties. By examining tunnels excavated in rock strata, it was concluded that varying geological strength index values resulted in distinct creep behaviour in the surrounding rock masses. Thus, it was reasonable to compute the unsupported span and stand-up time of tunnels. The research revealed that permissible displacements are significantly influenced by the types of rock materials surrounding the tunnel structure. Recognising the significance of time, the authors introduce a more practical interpretation and evaluation of the stability of rock masses, thus enhancing the precision of commonly available models.
Numerical Analysis of Differential Settlement in Road Due to Widening Considering Different Reinforcement Techniques
Authors: Abbasi Shaista Jabeen , Weng Xiaolin , Iqbal Muhammad Jawed
Published: February 2024

Embankment and pavement widening of an existing road is a viable option to cope with increased traffic volume. One of the common challenges in road expansion is the occurrence of differential settlement between the old and the new portions. This article pertains to the field case study of the National Highway-120, where pavement distresses developed in the weak sections of the highway following the operation of traffic within a few months. Field monitoring and geotechnical tests, including the requisite in situ as well as laboratory tests, were conducted on soil specimens from the study area, followed by the performance of a numerical analysis using the two-dimensional finite element software Abaqus CAE 2021 to investigate the weak section of the road. Different techniques such as geogrid reinforcement, installation of cement–fly-ash–gravel (CFG) piles, and lightweight foamed concrete (LWFC) embankment fill were used to analyze the reduction in differential settlement between the old and the widened portions. Among the applied reinforcement techniques, the use of LWFC as embankment fill in the widened portion was determined to be most effective in minimizing the differential settlement in the weak section of the highway.
PD-Based Iterative Learning Control for the Nonlinear Low-Speed-Jitter Vibration of a Wind Turbine in Yaw Motion
Authors: Liu Tingrui , Nie Zhifeng
Published: February 2024

Aiming at the nonlinear low-speed-jitter (LSJ) vibration suppression for a yaw system of a megawatt wind turbine, a kinematics mechanism of the yaw system is investigated from the perspective of tribology, and a kinematics model of the yaw system based on an equilibrium position is established. On the basis of the dynamic modeling of the yaw system, a nonlinear mathematical model of the LSJ system is deduced. Based on the two lead motors’ driving of the conventional yaw motion, an innovative design with a special installation of two auxiliary motors for yaw transmission is carried out, which is integrated with a matching centralized lubrication system (CLS). Based on open-loop proportional-derivative (PD) control and the iterative learning control methods of the time-varying continuous system, the stability control and jitter amplitude suppression of the yaw system are realized by using a combined driving torque provided by the lead and auxiliary gears. From the stability and convergence of the time-domain response and the convergence of the iterative error, the effectiveness of the iterative learning control method with the PD-based regulation is verified, and its advantages for engineering applications are shown based on the algorithm solver improvement. The feasibility of the physical realization and engineering application of the control methodology is verified by using controller-hardware-in-the-loop (C-HITL) simulation technology.
Model and Dynamic Analysis of a Three-Body Tethered Satellite System in Three Dimensions
Authors: He Teng , Zhu ZhanXia
Published: February 2024

The three-body tethered satellite system is a new potential technology for the purposes of orbital transportation. In contrast to conventional orbit transfer methods, this system is expected to transport space supplies to a predetermined orbital altitude without consuming fuel; however, the unwanted libration resulting from the Coriolis force acting on moving subsatellites may induce tumbling within the system. In order to analyze the strongly coupled characteristics of the libration motion and the variable-length tethers, a six-DOF dynamic model of the system based on Newton’s law is established. By utilizing the dynamic equations and stability criterion for linear systems, three equilibrium configurations of the satellite system with two constant-length tethers are given. The coupling characteristics of the libration angles are analyzed based on mechanical features and simulations. The results demonstrate that part of the libration energy can transfer from out-of-plane motion to in-plane motion during out-of-plane libration, but not vice versa or when in-plane libration occurs alone. Furthermore, the dynamic characteristic of this system with a predesigned deployment strategy is surveyed. This investigation reveals that such a strategy can rapidly suppress the out-of-plane libration motion while maintaining purely sinusoidal oscillations in the in-plane motion.
Shear Mechanical Properties of Bolt-Grout Interface under Different Bolt Surface Profiles
Authors: Zhang Zhaoyun , Liu Jiankang , Luan Hengjie , Wang Yahua , Jiang Yujing , Shi Qingzhai , Wang Changsheng , Zhang Sunhao
Published: February 2024

The shear behavior of the Bolt-Grout interface has a significant effect on the stability of a bolting system. In this paper, a series of shear tests were conducted on Bolt-Grout interfaces, and the effects of rib spacing, rib angles, and normal stress on the shear characteristics and failure modes of the Bolt-Grout interface were investigated. The results showed that the shear strength varied nonlinearly with an increase in rib spacing and angle, and also that it increased linearly with an increase in normal stress. With smaller rib spacings, the effect of rib spacing on peak shear strength was more apparent. The failure modes of the interface can be categorized as shear-slip failure, shear-break failure, and composite failure. The proportion of shear-slip failure and shear-break failure mainly depends on the rib spacing, rib face angle and normal stress.
A Major Facilitator Superfamily Transporter Contributes to Ergot Alkaloid Accumulation but Not Secretion in Aspergillus leporis
Authors: Jones Abigail M. , Davis Kyle A. , Panaccione Daniel G.
Published: February 2024

Ergot alkaloids are fungal natural products with important roles in agriculture and medicine. We used heterologous expression and gene knockout approaches to investigate potential roles for the product of a major facilitator superfamily transporter gene (easT) recently found in an ergot alkaloid biosynthetic gene cluster in Aspergillus leporis. A strain of Aspergillus fumigatus previously engineered to accumulate lysergic acid, but which did not convert the precursor agroclavine to lysergic acid efficiently or secrete lysergic acid well, was chosen as an expression host for easT. Expression of easT in this strain resulted in accumulation of significantly more pathway intermediates but no detectable lysergic acid. Secretion of ergot alkaloids was reduced in the easT-expressing strain. EasT localized to discrete vesicle-like structures in the cytosol of A. fumigatus, with no localization detected in the plasma membrane. When easT was knocked out in A. leporis, accumulation of lysergic acid amides was reduced relative to the wild type. There was no negative effect on secretion of ergot alkaloids in the knockout mutant. The data indicate that easT encodes a product that contributes to accumulation of ergot alkaloids, perhaps by transporting intermediates between cellular compartments, but does not have a significant role in secreting ergot alkaloids.
MoMA Goes beyond the Iron Curtain: The Eastern European Tour of The Prints of Andy Warhol
Authors: Sidorova Elena
Published: February 2024

In 1990, three years after Andy Warhol’s death and one year after the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) organized the first one-man show of this pop artist in Eastern Europe. The Prints of Andy Warhol, although never shown at the MoMA in New York, traveled to the Fondation Cartier pour l’Art Contemporain in Jouy-en-Josas, France, the Národní Galerie in Prague, Czechoslovakia, the Staatliche Kunstsammlung in Dresden, the GDR, the Mücsarnok in Budapest, Hungary, and the Muzeum Narodowe in Warsaw, Poland. The current paper analyzes the cultural–political context of The Prints of Andy Warhol. It first discusses the place of both American pop art and Eastern Europe in MoMA’s International Program (IP) and then explores the organizational challenges, art historical contents, and public reception of the exhibition. The paper concludes by examining the broader impact of The Prints of Andy Warhol on both the growing awareness of American pop art in Eastern Europe and MoMA’s cultural diplomacy in this region after the fall of the Iron Curtain.
NH3 Emissions and Lifetime Estimated by Satellite Observations with Differential Evolution Algorithm
Authors: Xie Yu , Wang Wei , Chen Ye , Qian Zhengwei , Chen Jie , Tong Jiping , Li Long , Yue Yang , Chen Keqiong , Chu Zhong , Hu Xueyou
Published: February 2024

As an important irritant trace gas in the atmosphere, ammonia (NH3) significantly impacts human health and environment. Bottom-up emission inventories are widely used to estimate ammonia emissions and their geographical distributions over China. However, high uncertainties are still associated with emission inventories due to inaccurate emission factors used. The Differential Evolution (DE) algorithm is a population-based stochastic optimization algorithm used to solve complicated optimization problems. We quantify NH3 emissions and lifetime from Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI) NH3 observations together with MERRA-2 wind fields based on the DE algorithm. Two inland cities, Urumchi and Golmud in China, are chosen to study of the NH3 emissions based on the distributions of NH3 total columns and wind fields. The NH3 emissions rate estimated is about 5.84 × 10−11 and 4.19 × 10−11 kg·m−2s−1 in Urumchi and in the Golmud area from May to September from 2008 to 2023, respectively. The lifetime of NH3 estimated in the two areas is 4.31 and 9.19 h, respectively. We compare the NH3 emissions and lifetime estimated in this study with the values in other studies, and the results show the reliability of the method used. This work is one of few quantitative studies of NH3 emissions from cities using satellite observations in China.
Association of Head Injury, Neck Injury or Acoustic Trauma on Phenotype of Ménière’s Disease
Authors: Pyykkö Ilmari , Vinay Vinay , Vetkas Artur , Zou Jing , Manchaiah Vinaya
Published: February 2024

The aim of the present study was to investigate adverse effects of head injury, neck trauma, and chronic noise exposure on the complaint profile in people with Ménière’s disease (MD). The study used a retrospective design. Register data of 912 patients with MD from the Finnish Ménière Federation database were studied. The data comprised case histories of traumatic brain injury (TBI), neck trauma and occupational noise exposure, MD specific complaints, impact related questions, and the E-Qol health-related quality of life instrument. TBI was classified based on mild, moderate, and severe categories of transient loss of consciousness (TLoC). The mean age of the participants was 60.2 years, the mean duration of the disease was 12.6 years, and 78.7% were females. Logistic regression analysis, linear correlation, and pairwise comparisons were used in evaluating the associations. 19.2% of the participants with MD had a history of TBI. The phenotype of participants with TBI was associated with frequent vestibular drop attacks (VDA), presyncope, headache-associated vertigo, and a reduction in the E-QoL. Logistic regression analysis explained the variability of mild TBI in 6.8%. A history of neck trauma was present in 10.8% of the participants. Neck trauma associated with vertigo (NTwV) was seen in 47 and not associated with vertigo in 52 participants. The phenotype of NTwV was associated with balance problems, VDA, physical strain-induced vertigo, and hyperacusia. Logistic regression analysis explained 8.7% of the variability of the complaint profile. Occupational noise exposure was recorded in 25.4% of the participants and correlated with the greater impact of tinnitus, hyperacusis, and hearing loss. Neither the frequency, duration, or severity of vertigo or nausea were significantly different between the baseline group and the TBI, NTwV, or noise-exposure groups. The results indicate that TBI and NTwV are common among MD patients and may cause a confounder effect.
A Novel Algorithm for Multi-Criteria Ontology Merging through Iterative Update of RDF Graph
Authors: Rudwan Mohammed Suleiman Mohammed , Fonou-Dombeu Jean Vincent
Published: February 2024

Ontology merging is an important task in ontology engineering to date. However, despite the efforts devoted to ontology merging, the incorporation of relevant features of ontologies such as axioms, individuals and annotations in the output ontologies remains challenging. Consequently, existing ontology-merging solutions produce new ontologies that do not include all the relevant semantic features from the candidate ontologies. To address these limitations, this paper proposes a novel algorithm for multi-criteria ontology merging that automatically builds a new ontology from candidate ontologies by iteratively updating an RDF graph in the memory. The proposed algorithm leverages state-of-the-art Natural Language Processing tools as well as a Machine Learning-based framework to assess the similarities and merge various criteria into the resulting output ontology. The key contribution of the proposed algorithm lies in its ability to merge relevant features from the candidate ontologies to build a more accurate, integrated and cohesive output ontology. The proposed algorithm is tested with five ontologies of different computing domains and evaluated in terms of its asymptotic behavior, quality and computational performance. The experimental results indicate that the proposed algorithm produces output ontologies that meet the integrity, accuracy and cohesion quality criteria better than related studies. This performance demonstrates the effectiveness and superior capabilities of the proposed algorithm. Furthermore, the proposed algorithm enables iterative in-memory update and building of the RDF graph of the resulting output ontology, which enhances the processing speed and improves the computational efficiency, making it an ideal solution for big data applications.
Carotid Artery Bypass Surgery of In-Body Tissue Architecture-Induced Small-Diameter Biotube in a Goat Model: A Pilot Study
Authors: Umeno Tadashi , Mori Kazuki , Iwai Ryosuke , Kawashima Takayuki , Shuto Takashi , Nakashima Yumiko , Tajikawa Tsutomu , Nakayama Yasuhide , Miyamoto Shinji
Published: February 2024

Biotubes are autologous tubular tissues developed within a patient’s body through in-body tissue architecture, and they demonstrate high potential for early clinical application as a vascular replacement. In this pilot study, we used large animals to perform implantation experiments in preparation for preclinical testing of Biotube. The biological response after Biotube implantation was histologically evaluated. The designed Biotubes (length: 50 cm, internal diameter: 4 mm, and wall thickness: 0.85 mm) were obtained by embedding molds on the backs of six goats for a predetermined period (1–5 months). The same goats underwent bypass surgery on the carotid arteries using Biotubes (average length: 12 cm). After implantation, echocardiography was used to periodically monitor patency and blood flow velocity. The maximum observation period was 6 months, and tissue analysis was conducted after graft removal, including the anastomosis. All molds generated Biotubes that exceeded the tensile strength of normal goat carotid arteries, and eight randomly selected Biotubes were implanted. Thrombotic occlusion occurred immediately postoperatively (1 tube) if anticoagulation was insufficient, and two tubes, with insufficient Biotube strength (<5 N), were ruptured within a week. Five tubes maintained patency for >2 months without aneurysm formation. The spots far from the anastomosis became stenosed within 3 months (3 tubes) when Biotubes had a wide intensity distribution, but the shape of the remaining two tubes remained unchanged for 6 months. The entire length of the bypass region was walled with an αSMA-positive cell layer, and an endothelial cell layer covered most of the lumen at 2 months. Complete endothelial laying of the luminal surface was obtained at 3 months after implantation, and a vascular wall structure similar to that of native blood vessels was formed, which was maintained even at 6 months. The stenosis was indicated to be caused by fibrin adhesion on the luminal surface, migration of repair macrophages, and granulation formation due to the overproliferation of αSMA-positive fibroblasts. We revealed the importance of Biotubes that are homogeneous, demonstrate a tensile strength > 5 N, and are implanted under appropriate antithrombotic conditions to achieve long-term patency of Biotube. Further, we clarified the Biotube regeneration process and the mechanism of stenosis. Finally, we obtained the necessary conditions for a confirmatory implant study planned shortly.
A Wearable Upper Limb Exoskeleton System and Intelligent Control Strategy
Authors: Wang Qiang , Chen Chunjie , Mu Xinxing , Wang Haibin , Wang Zhuo , Xu Sheng , Guo Weilun , Wu Xinyu , Li Weimin
Published: February 2024

Heavy lifting operations frequently lead to upper limb muscle fatigue and injury. In order to reduce muscle fatigue, auxiliary force for upper limbs can be provided. This paper presents the development and evaluation of a wearable upper limb exoskeleton (ULE) robot system. A flexible cable transmits auxiliary torque and is connected to the upper limb by bypassing the shoulder. Based on the K-nearest neighbors (KNN) algorithm and integrated fuzzy PID control strategy, the ULE identifies the handling posture and provides accurate active auxiliary force automatically. Overall, it has the quality of being light and easy to wear. In unassisted mode, the wearer’s upper limbs minimally affect the range of movement. The KNN algorithm uses multi-dimensional motion information collected by the sensor, and the test accuracy is 94.59%. Brachioradialis muscle (BM), triceps brachii (TB), and biceps brachii (BB) electromyogram (EMG) signals were evaluated by 5 kg, 10 kg, and 15 kg weight conditions for five subjects, respectively, during lifting, holding, and squatting. Compared with the ULE without assistance and with assistance, the average peak values of EMG signals of BM, TB, and BB were reduced by 19–30% during the whole handling process, which verified that the developed ULE could provide practical assistance under different load conditions.
Dendritic Growth Optimization: A Novel Nature-Inspired Algorithm for Real-World Optimization Problems
Authors: Priyadarshini Ishaani
Published: February 2024

In numerous scientific disciplines and practical applications, addressing optimization challenges is a common imperative. Nature-inspired optimization algorithms represent a highly valuable and pragmatic approach to tackling these complexities. This paper introduces Dendritic Growth Optimization (DGO), a novel algorithm inspired by natural branching patterns. DGO offers a novel solution for intricate optimization problems and demonstrates its efficiency in exploring diverse solution spaces. The algorithm has been extensively tested with a suite of machine learning algorithms, deep learning algorithms, and metaheuristic algorithms, and the results, both before and after optimization, unequivocally support the proposed algorithm’s feasibility, effectiveness, and generalizability. Through empirical validation using established datasets like diabetes and breast cancer, the algorithm consistently enhances model performance across various domains. Beyond its working and experimental analysis, DGO’s wide-ranging applications in machine learning, logistics, and engineering for solving real-world problems have been highlighted. The study also considers the challenges and practical implications of implementing DGO in multiple scenarios. As optimization remains crucial in research and industry, DGO emerges as a promising avenue for innovation and problem solving.
The Signature of Fluctuations of the Hydrogen Bond Network Formed by Water Molecules in the Interfacial Layer of Anionic Lipids
Authors: Pavlek Ana-Marija , Pem Barbara , Bakarić Danijela
Published: February 2024

As the water molecules found at the interface of lipid bilayers exhibit distinct structural and reorientation dynamics compared to water molecules found in bulk, the fluctuations in their hydrogen bond (HB) network are expected to be different from those generated by the bulk water molecules. The research presented here aims to gain an insight into temperature-dependent fluctuations of a HB network of water molecules found in an interfacial layer of multilamellar liposomes (MLVs) composed of anionic 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-L-serine (DMPS) lipids. Besides suspending DMPS lipids in phosphate buffer saline (PBS) of different pH values (6.0, 7.4, and 8.0), the changes in HB network fluctuations were altered by the incorporation of a non-polar flavonoid molecule myricetin (MCE) within the hydrocarbon chain region. By performing a multivariate analysis on the water combination band observed in temperature-dependent FTIR spectra, the results of which were further mathematically analyzed, the temperature-dependent fluctuations of interfacial water molecules were captured; the latter were the greatest for DMPS in PBS with a pH value of 7.4 and in general were greater for DMPS multibilayers in the absence of MCE. The presence of MCE made DMPS lipids more separated, allowing deeper penetration of water molecules towards the non-polar region and their restricted motion that resulted in decreased fluctuations. The experimentally observed results were supported by MD simulations of DMPS (+MCE) lipid bilayers.
Complete Prevention of Bubbles in a PDMS-Based Digital PCR Chip with a Multifunction Cavity
Authors: Gao Shiyuan , Xu Tiegang , Wu Lei , Zhu Xiaoyue , Wang Xuefeng , Chen Ying , Li Gang , Li Xinxin
Published: February 2024

In a chamber-based digital PCR (dPCR) chip fabricated with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), bubble generation in the chambers at high temperatures is a critical issue. Here, we found that the main reason for bubble formation in PDMS chips is the too-high saturated vapor pressure of water at an elevated temperature. The bubbles should be completely prevented by reducing the initial pressure of the system to under 13.6 kPa to eliminate the effects of increased-pressure water vapor. Then, a cavity was designed and fabricated above the PCR reaction layer, and Parylene C was used as a shell covering the chip. The cavity was used for the negative generator in sample loading, PDMS degassing, PCR solution degassing in the digitization process and water storage in the thermal reaction process. The analysis was confirmed and finally achieved a desirable bubble-free, fast-digitization, valve-free and no-tubing connection dPCR.
Miniaturized Biosensors Based on Lanthanide-Doped Upconversion Polymeric Nanofibers
Authors: Dubey Neha , Chandra Sudeshna
Published: February 2024

Electrospun nanofibers possess a large surface area and a three-dimensional porous network that makes them a perfect material for embedding functional nanoparticles for diverse applications. Herein, we report the trends in embedding upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) in polymeric nanofibers for making an advanced miniaturized (bio)analytical device. UCNPs have the benefits of several optical properties, like near-infrared excitation, anti-Stokes emission over a wide range from UV to NIR, narrow emission bands, an extended lifespan, and photostability. The luminescence of UCNPs can be regulated using different lanthanide elements and can be used for sensing and tracking physical processes in biological systems. We foresee that a UCNP-based nanofiber sensing platform will open opportunities in developing cost-effective, miniaturized, portable and user-friendly point-of-care sensing device for monitoring (bio)analytical processes. Major challenges in developing microfluidic (bio)analytical systems based on UCNPs@nanofibers have been reviewed and presented.
A Novel EEG-Based Assessment of Distraction in Simulated Driving under Different Road and Traffic Conditions
Authors: Ronca Vincenzo , Brambati Francois , Napoletano Linda , Marx Cyril , Trösterer Sandra , Vozzi Alessia , Aricò Pietro , Giorgi Andrea , Capotorto Rossella , Borghini Gianluca , Babiloni Fabio , Di Flumeri Gianluca
Published: February 2024

The drivers’ distraction plays a crucial role in road safety as it is one of the main impacting causes of road accidents. The phenomenon of distraction encompasses both psychological and environmental factors and, therefore, addressing the complex interplay contributing to human distraction in automotive is crucial for developing technologies and interventions for improving road safety. In scientific literature, different works were proposed for the distraction characterization in automotive, but there is still the lack of a univocal measure to assess the degree of distraction, nor a gold-standard tool that allows to “detect” eventual events, road traffic, and additional driving tasks that might contribute to the drivers’ distraction. Therefore, the present study aimed at developing an EEG-based “Distraction index” obtained by the combination of the driver’s mental workload and attention neurometrics and investigating and validating its reliability by analyzing together subjective and behavioral measures. A total of 25 licensed drivers were involved in this study, where they had to drive in two different scenarios, i.e., City and Highway, while different secondary tasks were alternatively proposed in addition to the main one to modulate the driver’s attentional demand. The statistical analysis demonstrated the reliability of the proposed EEG-based distraction index in identifying the drivers’ distraction when driving along different roads and traffic conditions (all p < 0.001). More importantly, the proposed index was demonstrated to be reliable in identifying which are the most impacting additional driving tasks on the drivers’ distraction (all p < 0.01).
The Combined Effects of Nicotine and Cannabis on Cortical Thickness Estimates in Adolescents and Emerging Adults
Authors: Hernandez Mejia Margie , Courtney Kelly E. , Wade Natasha E. , Wallace Alexander , Baca Rachel E. , Shen Qian , Happer Joseph Patrick , Jacobus Joanna
Published: February 2024

Early life substance use, including cannabis and nicotine, may result in deleterious effects on the maturation of brain tissue and gray matter cortical development. The current study employed linear regression models to investigate the main and interactive effects of past-year nicotine and cannabis use on gray matter cortical thickness estimates in 11 bilateral independent frontal cortical regions in 223 16–22-year-olds. As the frontal cortex develops throughout late adolescence and young adulthood, this period becomes crucial for studying the impact of substance use on brain structure. The distinct effects of nicotine and cannabis use status on cortical thickness were found bilaterally, as cannabis and nicotine users both had thinner cortices than non-users. Interactions between nicotine and cannabis were also observed, in which cannabis use was associated with thicker cortices for those with a history of nicotine and tobacco product (NTP) use in three left frontal regions. This study sheds light on the intricate relationship between substance use and brain structure, suggesting a potential modulation of cannabis’ impact on cortical thickness by nicotine exposure, and emphasizing the need for further longitudinal research to characterize these interactions and their implications for brain health and development.
The Role of Higher Education in Shaping Essential Personality Traits for Achieving Success in Entrepreneurship in Spain
Authors: Puerta Gómez Joaquín R. , Aceituno-Aceituno Pedro , Burgos García Concepción , González-Ortiz-de-Zárate Aitana
Published: February 2024

Research on university education and its role in developing personality traits essential to achieving success in entrepreneurship is required because of the significance of entrepreneurship for advancements in the economic, social, technological, and environmental spheres. Additionally, the value of a university education in shaping an individual’s personality, and the necessity of emphasizing entrepreneurship in higher education for students to achieve real success, should be a priority in our society. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to explore how university education influences personality traits that are key to success in entrepreneurship in Spain. To achieve this objective, a qualitative methodology based on the study of 11 cases has been adopted. The results allow us to conclude that university education has a decisive influence on the development of the personality traits that integrally determine entrepreneurial success as the culmination of the final stage of the maturation process; however, a university education is not fundamental to the development of these traits. Nevertheless, entrepreneurs emphasized that the personality traits analyzed need to be reinforced explicitly in university education since they effectively positively impact the success of entrepreneurial initiatives.
The Invisible Discrimination: Biases in the Clinical Approach Regarding Migrants: A Study to Help Ethnopsychology Services and Clinicians
Authors: Iudici Antonio , Colombo Lucia , Caravita Simona Carla Silvia , Cottone Paolo , Neri Jessica
Published: February 2024

The complexity of migration flows across the world has led to a redefinition of psychological and social services users. The access of migrants from different cultural backgrounds to clinical services or social health services has diversified the demand for concomitant help. Biases and misinterpretations have been created by unaccustomed professionals in this field, which could lead to serious consequences and invalidate diagnostic and treatment procedures. The purpose of this study is to summarize the evidence about errors or prejudices observed in clinical practices regarding the provision of social health services to people from different cultural backgrounds. Results show three main types of biases: racial stereotype activation, ethnocentrism and micro-aggressions. Some implications on the clinical setting were discussed, as being aware of these biases can help mental health professionals manage communication more consciously with users.