bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Slow art plus: developing and piloting a single session art gallery-based intervention for mental health promotion via a mixed method waitlist randomized control trial
Authors: Ho Andy Hau Yan , Ma Stephanie Hilary Xinyi , Ng Jing Ting , Choo Ping Ying , Tan-Ho Geraldine , Pooh Karen Chuan Ling , Teng Alicia
Published: May 2024

Introduction

The current study builds on the expertise of National Gallery Singapore and Nanyang Technological University Singapore (NTU) in developing and piloting an enhanced version of the Slow Art program, namely “Slow Art Plus” for mental health promotion.

Methods

A single-site, open-label, waitlist Randomized Control Trial (RCT) design comprising of a treatment group and waitlist control group was adopted (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05803226). Participants (N = 196) completed three online questionnaires at three timepoints: baseline [T1], immediately post-intervention/s baseline [T2], post-intervention follow-up/immediately post-intervention [T3]. Qualitative focus groups were conducted to evaluate program acceptability.

Results

A mixed model ANOVA was performed to understand intervention effectiveness between the immediate intervention group and waitlist control group. The analyses revealed a significant interaction effect where intervention group participants reported an improvement in spiritual well-being (p = 0.001), describing their thoughts and experiences (p = 0.02), and nonreacting to inner experiences (p = 0.01) immediately after Slow Art Plus as compared to the control group. Additionally, one-way repeated measure ANOVAs were conducted for the intervention group to evaluate maintenance effects of the intervention. The analyses indicated significant improvements in perceived stress (p < 0.001), mindfulness (p < 0.001) as well as multiple mindfulness subscales, active engagement with the world (p = 0.003), and self-compassion (p = 0.02) 1 day after the completion of Slow Art Plus. Results from framework analysis of focus group data revealed a total of two themes (1: Experiences of Slow Art Plus, 2: Insights to Effective Implementation) and six subthemes (1a: Peaceful relaxation, 1b: Self-Compassion, 1c: Widened Perspective, 2a: Valuable Components, 2b: Execution Requisites, 2c: Suggested Enhancements), providing valuable insights to the overall experience and implementation of the intervention.

Discussion

Slow Art Plus represents a unique approach, offering a standardized, multimodal, single-session program that integrates mindfulness and self-compassion practices, as well as reflective and creative expressions with Southeast Asian art. It demonstrates potential in meeting the mental health needs of a wide range of individuals and could be readily incorporated into social prescribing initiatives for diverse populations.
Remembering for resilience: nature-based tourism, COVID-19, and green transitions
Authors: Tegelberg Matthew , Griffin Tom
Published: May 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic had transformative effects on the tourism sector at an unparalleled scale. With the rapid onset of unprecedented travel restrictions, tourists were abruptly confined to experiences in their regional surroundings that led to new and refreshed relationships with local destinations. This paper draws on qualitative interviews with small tourism businesses in two distinct but proximate nature-based destinations in Ontario, Canada and considers how they responded to the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings are positioned within Holling's Adaptive Cycle to consider implications for ongoing resiliency planning for disturbances relating to climate change. Over a 2-year period (2020–2022), SMEs revealed that after an initially turbulent period they quickly adapted to the absence of international long-haul visitors by embracing a surge in domestic demand for nature-based, outdoor experiences. The paper contributes to the literature on tourism SMEs by connecting experiences of COVID-19 to resiliency planning for future predictable disturbances. Two critical lessons for enhancing destination resiliency are identified: engagement of regional tourism demand, and destination level leadership, through investment in infrastructure and partnerships, can both be harnessed to support SMEs and their communities in transitioning toward a more sustainable, resilient and climate-friendly tourism future. Given the growing demand for tourism businesses to transition away from environmentally harmful practices and a longstanding dependency on economic growth, these resources can help destinations enhance preparedness for future changes to tourism flows driven by decarbonization scenarios and increased climatic impacts.
Considerations when trying to quantify immersion with secondary tasks
Authors: Payne Emily , Battel Kayli , Baker Nancy , Ward Nathan
Published: May 2024

Immersion is a crucial component to characterizing virtual reality (VR) and discovering its many implications for our lives. Studies have defined immersion as the extent that virtual environments submerge users’ perceptual systems, shut out the physical environments’ inputs, and induce engrossment in users. The present study sought to further understand the applications of immersion in virtual environments by leveraging traditional self-report measures, as well as investigating the use of distraction to quantify immersion objectively. We hypothesized that participants in immersive 3-dimensional VR would self-report higher levels of immersion and engagement compared to a non-VR condition. We also predicted that participants in the VR condition would have impaired responses to a secondary task compared to the non-VR condition. Using a within-subjects design, participants engaged in a VR meditation both on a computer screen (non-VR) and through a VR headset (VR). During the meditations, they completed a secondary detection-response task (DRT) by pressing a button in response to a tactile stimulus. We used DRT reaction times to objectively measure immersion. Following the meditations, participants completed questionnaires regarding their experiences. As predicted, participants reported that the VR condition increased their engagement and presence compared to the non-VR version of the same meditation scenario. With regard to the secondary detection task, we did not find a significant effect of VR on DRT performance, although DRT performance was numerically worse in the VR condition compared to the non-VR condition. These mixed results suggest that the use of a secondary task depends upon several factors, which we discuss.
Adventure in the Tropics: Joining Forces to Heal the Brazilian Atlantic Forest
Authors: Gastauer Markus , Miazaki Angela S. , Tavares Paulo A. , Lino Eric D. S. M. , Rodrigues Ricardo R.
Published: May 2024

Imagine a magical place with tall trees and amazing animals—the tropical forest. But these forests are disappearing, and we want to make the world better by bringing back their beauty. Restoring forests also helps fight climate change and keeps plants and animals safe. However, we cannot do everything at once, so we need a plan. Planting trees costs money, but some scientists have found that certain forests can grow back all on their own! This is excellent news, but we must also be careful to help other very important places that cannot regrow alone. We need a plan to bring back the forests that can regrow on their own and those that cannot. Ideally, if everyone joins, the cost will be minimal. By working together with nature, we can make the forest healthy again!
Feasibility of hemoperfusion using extracorporeal therapy in the horse
Authors: Hobbs Kallie J. , Le Sueur Andre N. V. , Burke Megan J. , Cooper Bethanie L. , Sheats M. Katie , Ueda Yu
Published: May 2024

Objective

Develop, implement, and monitor for adverse effects of, a novel hemoperfusion therapy in adult horses.

Methods

A prospective, observational feasibility study using three healthy adult horses from the North Carolina State University teaching herd. Health status was determined by physical exam, complete blood count, coagulation panel, and serum biochemistry. Each horse was instrumented with a 14 Fr × 25 cm double-lumen temporary hemodialysis catheter and underwent a 240 min polymer-based hemoperfusion session. Horses were administered unfractionated heparin to maintain anti-coagulation during the session. Given the novelty of this therapy in horses, each horse was treated as a learning opportunity that informed an iterative process of protocol development and modification.

Measurements and main results

Our long-term goal is to investigate potential clinical applications of hemoperfusion in horses, including cytokine reduction in horses with severe SIRS/sepsis. Horses were monitored for changes in clinical exam, biochemistry and hematology parameters. Additionally, cytokines were quantified to determine whether extracorporeal hemadsorption therapy alone caused an inflammatory response. Our results show that hemoperfusion therapy was associated with decreased platelet counts and serum albumin concentration. There was no significant change in plasma cytokine concentrations with hemoperfusion therapy. In one horse, the cytokine concentrations decreased, as previously reported with hemoperfusion therapy in humans.

Hypothesis

We hypothesized that hemoperfusion therapy could be performed in healthy adult horses without significant adverse effects.

Conclusion

Polymer-based hemoperfusion is a feasible extracorporeal therapy (ECT) modality for adult horses. Additional studies are needed to further establish clinical protocols, as well as establish efficacy of polymer-based hemoperfusion for treatment of various conditions in horses, including intoxications, immune-mediated conditions, and sepsis.
Comparative Analysis of Classification Methods and Suitable Datasets for Protocol Recognition in Operational Technologies
Authors: Holasova Eva , Fujdiak Radek , Misurec Jiri
Published: May 2024

The interconnection of Operational Technology (OT) and Information Technology (IT) has created new opportunities for remote management, data storage in the cloud, real-time data transfer over long distances, or integration between different OT and IT networks. OT networks require increased attention due to the convergence of IT and OT, mainly due to the increased risk of cyber-attacks targeting these networks. This paper focuses on the analysis of different methods and data processing for protocol recognition and traffic classification in the context of OT specifics. Therefore, this paper summarizes the methods used to classify network traffic, analyzes the methods used to recognize and identify the protocol used in the industrial network, and describes machine learning methods to recognize industrial protocols. The output of this work is a comparative analysis of approaches specifically for protocol recognition and traffic classification in OT networks. In addition, publicly available datasets are compared in relation to their applicability for industrial protocol recognition. Research challenges are also identified, highlighting the lack of relevant datasets and defining directions for further research in the area of protocol recognition and classification in OT environments.
Metaheuristic and Heuristic Algorithms-Based Identification Parameters of a Direct Current Motor
Authors: Munciño David M. , Damian-Ramírez Emily A. , Cruz-Fernández Mayra , Montoya-Santiyanes Luis A. , Rodríguez-Reséndiz Juvenal
Published: May 2024

Direct current motors are widely used in industry applications, and it has become necessary to carry out studies and experiments for their optimization. In this manuscript, a comparison between heuristic and metaheuristic algorithms is presented, specifically, the Steiglitz–McBride, Jaya, Genetic Algorithm (GA), and Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO) algorithms. They were used to estimate the parameters of a dynamic model that approximates the actual responses of current and angular velocity of a DC motor. The inverse of the Euclidean distance between the current and velocity errors was defined as the fitness function for the metaheuristic algorithms. For a more comprehensive comparison between algorithms, other indicators such as mean squared error (MSE), standard deviation, computation time, and key points of the current and velocity responses were used. Simulations were performed with MATLAB/Simulink 2010 using the estimated parameters and compared to the experiments. The results showed that Steiglitz–McBride and GWO are better parametric estimators, performing better than Jaya and GA in real signals and nominal parameters. Indicators say that GWO is more accurate for parametric estimation, with an average MSE of 0.43%, but it requires a high computational cost. On the contrary, Steiglitz–McBride performed with an average MSE of 3.32% but required a much lower computational cost. The GWO presented an error of 1% in the dynamic response using the corresponding indicators. If a more accurate parametric estimation is required, it is recommended to use GWO; however, the heuristic algorithm performed better overall. The performance of the algorithms presented in this paper may change if different error functions are used.
A Framework for IBVS Using Virtual Work
Authors: Yu Qiuda , Wei Wu , Wang Dongliang , Li Yanjie , Gao Yong
Published: May 2024

The visual servoing of manipulators is challenged by two main problems: the singularity of the inverse Jacobian and the physical constraints of a manipulator. In order to overcome the singularity issue, this paper presents a novel approach for image-based visual servoing (IBVS), which converts the propagation of errors in the image plane into the conduction of virtual forces using the principle of virtual work. This approach eliminates the need for Jacobian inversion computations and prevents matrix inversion singularity. To tackle physical constraints, reverse thinking is adopted to derive the function of the upper and lower bounds of the joint velocity on the joint angle. This enables the proposed method to configure the physical constraints of the robot in a more intuitive manner. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed method, an eye-in-hand system based on UR5 in VREP, as well as a physical robot, were established.
Implementation and Verification of a Micro-Jet-Vane System of a Solid Rocket Motor for a Micro-Nano Satellite
Authors: Zhang Gang , Feng Wen , Tan Youwen , Liu Yang , Hui Weihua
Published: May 2024

To achieve rapid vector maneuvering of a space micro-nano satellite, a micro-sized solid rocket motor was utilized as its propulsion system, and a micro-jet-vane-thrust-vector control system was devised. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) numerical simulations were conducted on the designed micro-vane structure at various deflection angles to ascertain the lateral force and flow field characteristics. The motor’s combustion temperature is 1380 K. Therefore, materials such as 45 steel, alumina ceramics, and tungsten–molybdenum alloy were chosen for the jet vanes to carry out ground-based-motor-jet-ablation experiments and measure the ablation amount. Concurrently, experimental data, including lateral force, were gathered. The tests demonstrated that despite 45 steel having a higher melting point than the combustion temperature significant ablation still occurred. Alumina ceramics exhibited defects and experienced ablation and fragmentation post-test. In contrast, tungsten–molybdenum alloy, being a refractory metal, showed minimal ablation after testing, making it an ideal material for micro-jet vanes. At a 20° deflection of the jet vanes, the lateral force calculated via numerical simulation was 3.76 N, whereas the lateral force obtained from the test was approximately 3.8 N, resulting in an error within 1% and validating the numerical simulation’s validity and accuracy. The jet vanes can generate a maximum steering angle of 8°, thus ensuring the micro-nano satellite’s swift vector maneuvering at large angles.
A DRL-Based Satellite Service Allocation Method in LEO Satellite Networks
Authors: Zhao Yafei , Zhou Jiaen , Chen Zhenrui , Wang Xinyang
Published: May 2024

Satellite computing represents a recent computational paradigm in the development of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. It aims to augment the capabilities of LEO satellites beyond their current transparent relay functions by enabling real-time processing, thereby providing low-latency computational services to end users. In LEO constellations, a significant deployment of computationally capable satellites is orchestrated to offer enhanced computational resources. Challenges arise in the optimal allocation of terminal services to the most suitable satellite due to overlapping coverage among neighboring satellites, compounded by constraints on satellite energy and computational resources. The satellite service allocation (SSA) problem is recognized as NP-hard, yet assessing allocation methods through results allows for the application of deep reinforcement learning (DRL) to obtain improved solutions, partially addressing the SSA challenge. In this paper, we introduce a satellite computing capability model to quantify satellite computational resources. A DRL model is proposed to address service demands, computational resources, and resolve service allocation conflicts, strategically placing each service on appropriate servers. Through simulation experiments, numerical results demonstrate the superiority of our proposed method over baseline approaches in service allocation and satellite resource utilization, showcasing advancements in this field.
Investigation on the Aerodynamic Performance and Flow Mechanism of Transonic Ultra-Highly Loaded Tandem-Rotor Stage
Authors: Yuan Shilong , Wu Yunfeng , Zhao Shengfeng , Lu Xingen , Han Ge
Published: May 2024

The compressor serves as a crucial component that influences the performance of the gas turbine engine. Researchers have been endeavoring to explore compressor types that possess a high loading level and high-efficiency characteristics concurrently. In this study, tandem blade technology was applied to a transonic ultra-highly loaded axial compressor, and the Baseline single-blade rotor was replaced by a tandem rotor to take into account the loading level and compressor performance. Detailed investigations were carried out to identify the effects on the aerodynamic performance of the ultra-highly loaded stage and the fundamental flow mechanism within the tandem-rotor stage. This paper presents original design maps for the tandem-rotor stage, and the selection criteria for tandem parameters in tandem-rotor stage are refined. The results indicate that the peak efficiency improved by 0.83%, the stall margin increased by 2.16%, and the choke flow rate rose by 0.30% for the optimal tandem-rotor configuration. The meridional division position of the rotor primarily affects the ratio of loading of the front and rear blades, while the circumferential relative position of the tandem rotor mainly influences the channel types formed by the front and rear blades. Larger values for the meridional division position parameter and smaller values for circumferential relative position parameter should be selected for the tandem rotor design to optimize both the isentropic efficiency and total pressure ratio. This investigation offers the theoretical foundation for the design of a transonic ultra-highly loaded tandem-rotor compressor.
Analysis of Tobacco Straw Return to the Field to Improve the Chemical, Physical, and Biological Soil Properties and Rice Yield
Authors: Huang Jie , Wang Xinyue , Yang Lili , Li Yuanhuan , Xia Bing , Li Hailin , Deng Xiaohua
Published: May 2024

Straw incorporation into soil contributes significantly to the sustainable development of agriculture. To investigate the impact of tobacco straw returns on a tobacco–rice replanting system, we designed an experiment with two straw return levels and a control group: T1 (full return), T2 (root return), and CK (no straw return). Over a three-year field experiment in rice fields in South China, we assessed the effects of tobacco straw return on soil quality, microbial diversity, dry matter accumulation, and yield composition of rice. The results demonstrated that returning tobacco straw to the field effectively enhanced rice yield by positively influencing various soil physical, chemical, and biological properties. Compared to those in the CK treatment, as the soil porosity increased from 9.0% to 12.4%, the mean weight diameter of the soil aggregates substantially increased, ranging from 28.7% to 45.2%. There were significant increases in soil organic matter, total nitrogen, and alkaline dissolved nitrogen. Soil sucrase activity increased between 29.8% and 44.9%, and urease activity increased between 4.3% and 62.2% over the three consecutive years of straw return. The diversity index of soil fungi significantly increased. Additionally, rice yield increased markedly, ranging from 1.8% to 5.1%. Overall, the enhancement effect of T1 surpassed that of T2. According to our comprehensive analysis, the incorporation of tobacco straw into the field was found to enhance the physical properties of the soil, elevate soil enzyme activity, and increase the abundance of soil microorganisms. Consequently, this practice led to improved rice yield and a reduction in agricultural waste output. Overall, the return of tobacco straw to the field represents a clean and dependable approach in rice-cultivated tobacco areas to improve soil health and rice productivity.
Analysis of the Effects of Population Structure and Environmental Factors on Rice Nitrogen Nutrition Index and Yield Based on Machine Learning
Authors: Jia Yan , Zhao Yu , Ma Huimiao , Gong Weibin , Zou Detang , Wang Jin , Liu Aixin , Zhang Can , Wang Weiqiang , Xu Ping , Yuan Qianru , Wang Jing , Wang Ziming , Zhao Hongwei
Published: May 2024

With the development of rice varieties and mechanized planting technology, reliable and efficient nitrogen and planting density status diagnosis and recommendation methods have become critical to the success of precise nitrogen and planting density management in crops. In this study, we combined population structure, plant shape characteristics, environmental weather conditions, and management information data using a machine learning model to simulate the responses of the yield and nitrogen nutrition index and developed an ensemble learning model-based nitrogen and planting density recommendation strategy for different varieties of rice types. In the third stage, the NNI and yield prediction effect of the ensemble learning model was more significantly improved than that of the other two stages. The scenario analysis results show that the optimal yields and nitrogen nutrition indices were obtained with a density and nitrogen amount of 100.1 × 104 plant/ha and 161.05 kg·ha−1 for the large-spike type variety of rice, 75.08 × 104 plant/ha and 159.52 kg·ha−1 for the intermediate type variety of rice, and 75.08 × 104 plant/ha and 133.47 kg·ha−1 for the panicle number type variety of rice, respectively. These results provide a scientific basis for the nitrogen application and planting density for a high yield and nitrogen nutrition index of rice in northeast China.
A Rapid Construction Method for High-Throughput Wheat Grain Instance Segmentation Dataset Using High-Resolution Images
Authors: Gao Qi , Li Heng , Meng Tianyue , Xu Xinyuan , Sun Tinghui , Yin Liping , Chai Xinyu
Published: May 2024

Deep learning models can enhance the detection efficiency and accuracy of rapid on-site screening for imported grains at customs, satisfying the need for high-throughput, efficient, and intelligent operations. However, the construction of datasets, which is crucial for deep learning models, often involves significant labor and time costs. Addressing the challenges associated with establishing high-resolution instance segmentation datasets for small objects, we integrate two zero-shot models, Grounding DINO and Segment Anything model, into a dataset annotation pipeline. Furthermore, we encapsulate this pipeline into a software tool for manual calibration of mislabeled, missing, and duplicated annotations made by the models. Additionally, we propose preprocessing and postprocessing methods to improve the detection accuracy of the model and reduce the cost of subsequent manual correction. This solution is not only applicable to rapid screening for quarantine weeds, seeds, and insects at customs but can also be extended to other fields where instance segmentation is required.
Quantum Vision Transformers for Quark–Gluon Classification
Authors: Comajoan Cara Marçal , Dahale Gopal Ramesh , Dong Zhongtian , Forestano Roy T. , Gleyzer Sergei , Justice Daniel , Kong Kyoungchul , Magorsch Tom , Matchev Konstantin T. , Matcheva Katia , Unlu Eyup B.
Published: May 2024

We introduce a hybrid quantum-classical vision transformer architecture, notable for its integration of variational quantum circuits within both the attention mechanism and the multi-layer perceptrons. The research addresses the critical challenge of computational efficiency and resource constraints in analyzing data from the upcoming High Luminosity Large Hadron Collider, presenting the architecture as a potential solution. In particular, we evaluate our method by applying the model to multi-detector jet images from CMS Open Data. The goal is to distinguish quark-initiated from gluon-initiated jets. We successfully train the quantum model and evaluate it via numerical simulations. Using this approach, we achieve classification performance almost on par with the one obtained with the completely classical architecture, considering a similar number of parameters.
The Histological and Biochemical Assessment of Monoiodoacetate-Induced Knee Osteoarthritis in a Rat Model Treated with Salicylic Acid-Iron Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Bică George , Rogoveanu Otilia-Constantina , Gherghina Florin-Liviu , Pisoschi Cătălina-Gabriela , Buteică Sandra-Alice , Biță Cristina-Elena , Paliu Iulia-Alexandra , Mîndrilă Ion
Published: May 2024

Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) represent an important advance in the field of medicine with application in both diagnostic and drug delivery domains, offering a therapeutic approach that effectively overcomes physical and biological barriers. The current study aimed to assess whether oral administration of salicylic acid-functionalized iron oxide nanoparticles (SaIONPs) may exhibit beneficial effects in alleviating histological lesions in a murine monoiodoacetate (MIA) induced knee osteoarthritis model. In order to conduct our study, 15 Wistar male rats were randomly distributed into 3 work groups: Sham (S), MIA, and NP. At the end of the experiments, all animals were sacrificed for blood, knee, and liver sampling. Our results have shown that SaIONPs reached the targeted sites and also had a chondroprotective effect represented by less severe histological lesions regarding cellularity, altered structure morphology, and proteoglycan depletion across different layers of the knee joint cartilage tissue. Moreover, SaIONPs induced a decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) and circulating Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) levels. The findings of this study suggest the therapeutic potential of SaIONPs knee osteoarthritis treatment; further studies are needed to establish a correlation between the administrated dose of SaIONPs and the improvement of the morphological and biochemical parameters.
Changes in Rhizosphere Soil Microorganisms and Metabolites during the Cultivation of Fritillaria cirrhosa
Authors: Liu Zhixiang , Ying Jizhe , Liu Chengcheng
Published: May 2024

Fritillaria cirrhosa is an important cash crop, and its industrial development is being hampered by continuous cropping obstacles, but the composition and changes of rhizosphere soil microorganisms and metabolites in the cultivation process of Fritillaria cirrhosa have not been revealed. We used metagenomics sequencing to analyze the changes of the microbiome in rhizosphere soil during a three-year cultivation process, and combined it with LC-MS/MS to detect the changes of metabolites. Results indicate that during the cultivation of Fritillaria cirrhosa, the composition and structure of the rhizosphere soil microbial community changed significantly, especially regarding the relative abundance of some beneficial bacteria. The abundance of Bradyrhizobium decreased from 7.04% in the first year to about 5% in the second and third years; the relative abundance of Pseudomonas also decreased from 6.20% in the first year to 2.22% in the third year; and the relative abundance of Lysobacter decreased significantly from more than 4% in the first two years of cultivation to 1.01% in the third year of cultivation. However, the relative abundance of some harmful fungi has significantly increased, such as Botrytis, which increased significantly from less than 3% in the first two years to 7.93% in the third year, and Talaromyces fungi, which were almost non-existent in the first two years of cultivation, significantly increased to 3.43% in the third year of cultivation. The composition and structure of Fritillaria cirrhosa rhizosphere metabolites also changed significantly, the most important of which were carbohydrates represented by sucrose (48.00–9.36–10.07%) and some amino acid compounds related to continuous cropping obstacles. Co-occurrence analysis showed that there was a significant correlation between differential microorganisms and differential metabolites, but Procrustes analysis showed that the relationship between bacteria and metabolites was closer than that between fungi and metabolites. In general, in the process of Fritillaria cirrhosa cultivation, the beneficial bacteria in the rhizosphere decreased, the harmful bacteria increased, and the relative abundance of carbohydrate and amino acid compounds related to continuous cropping obstacles changed significantly. There is a significant correlation between microorganisms and metabolites, and the shaping of the Fritillaria cirrhosa rhizosphere’s microecology by bacteria is more relevant.
Advances in Drug Treatments for Companion Animal Obesity
Authors: Zomer Helena D. , Cooke Paul S.
Published: May 2024

Companion animal obesity has emerged as a significant veterinary health concern globally, with escalating rates posing challenges for preventive and therapeutic interventions. Obesity not only leads to immediate health problems but also contributes to various comorbidities affecting animal well-being and longevity, with consequent emotional and financial burdens on owners. While past treatment strategies have shown limited success, recent breakthroughs in human medicine present new opportunities for addressing this complex issue in companion animals. Here, we discuss the potential of GLP-1 receptor agonists, specifically semaglutide and tirzepatide, already approved for human use, for addressing companion animal obesity. These drugs, originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes in humans and subsequently repurposed to treat obesity, have demonstrated remarkable weight loss effects in rodents, non-human primates and people. Additionally, newer drug combinations have shown even more promising results in clinical trials. Despite current cost and supply challenges, advancements in oral and/or extended-release formulations and increased production may make these drugs more accessible for veterinary use. Thus, these drugs may have utility in companion animal weight management, and future feasibility studies exploring their efficacy and safety in treating companion animal obesity are warranted.
Integrative Multi-Omics Analysis for Etiology Classification and Biomarker Discovery in Stroke: Advancing towards Precision Medicine
Authors: Labarga Alberto , Martínez-Gonzalez Judith , Barajas Miguel
Published: May 2024

Recent advancements in high-throughput omics technologies have opened new avenues for investigating stroke at the molecular level and elucidating the intricate interactions among various molecular components. We present a novel approach for multi-omics data integration on knowledge graphs and have applied it to a stroke etiology classification task of 30 stroke patients through the integrative analysis of DNA methylation and mRNA, miRNA, and circRNA. This approach has demonstrated promising performance as compared to other existing single technology approaches.
Genomic, Phylogenetic and Physiological Characterization of the PAH-Degrading Strain Gordonia polyisoprenivorans 135
Authors: Frantsuzova Ekaterina , Bogun Alexander , Kopylova Olga , Vetrova Anna , Solyanikova Inna , Streletskii Rostislav , Delegan Yanina
Published: May 2024

The strain Gordonia polyisoprenivorans 135 is able to utilize a wide range of aromatic compounds. The aim of this work was to study the features of genetic organization and biotechnological potential of the strain G. polyisoprenivorans 135 as a degrader of aromatic compounds. The study of the genome of the strain 135 and the pangenome of the G. polyisoprenivorans species revealed that some genes, presumably involved in PAH catabolism, are atypical for Gordonia and belong to the pangenome of Actinobacteria. Analyzing the intergenic regions of strain 135 alongside the “panIGRome” of G. polyisoprenivorans showed that some intergenic regions in strain 135 also differ from those located between the same pairs of genes in related strains. The strain G. polyisoprenivorans 135 in our work utilized naphthalene (degradation degree 39.43%) and grew actively on salicylate. At present, this is the only known strain of G. polyisoprenivorans with experimentally confirmed ability to utilize these compounds.
Efficacy of Engraftment and Safety of Human Umbilical Di-Chimeric Cell (HUDC) Therapy after Systemic Intraosseous Administration in an Experimental Model
Authors: Siemionow Maria , Chambily Lucile , Brodowska Sonia
Published: May 2024

Cell-based therapies hold promise for novel therapeutic strategies in regenerative medicine. We previously characterized in vitro human umbilical di-chimeric cells (HUDCs) created via the ex vivo fusion of human umbilical cord blood (UCB) cells derived from two unrelated donors. In this in vivo study, we assessed HUDC safety and biodistribution in the NOD SCID mouse model at 90 days following the systemic intraosseous administration of HUDCs. Twelve NOD SCID mice (n = 6/group) received intraosseous injection of donor UCB cells (3.0 × 106) in Group 1, or HUDCs (3.0 × 106) in Group 2, without immunosuppression. Flow cytometry assessed hematopoietic cell surface markers in peripheral blood and the presence of HLA-ABC class I antigens in lymphoid and non-lymphoid organs. HUDC safety was assessed by weekly evaluations, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and at autopsy for tumorigenicity. At 90 days after intraosseous cell administration, the comparable expression of HLA-ABC class I antigens in selected organs was found in UCB control and HUDC therapy groups. MRI and autopsy confirmed safety by no signs of tumor growth. This study confirmed HUDC biodistribution to selected lymphoid organs following intraosseous administration, without immunosuppression. These data introduce HUDCs as a novel promising approach for immunomodulation in transplantation.
Long-Term Follow-Up of Phase I Trial of Oncolytic Adenovirus-Mediated Cytotoxic and Interleukin-12 Gene Therapy for Treatment of Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Bhatnagar Aseem Rai , Siddiqui Farzan , Khan Gazala , Pompa Robert , Kwon David , Nyati Shyam
Published: May 2024

The long-term follow-up findings of the phase I trial evaluating the efficacy of oncolytic adenovirus-mediated cytotoxic and interleukin-12 gene therapy in metastatic pancreatic cancer (mPC) seem very promising. The study employed a replication-competent Adenovector in combination with chemotherapy in a dose-escalation format. The trial demonstrated a clinically meaningful median overall survival (OS) benefit, with patients in the highest dose cohort exhibiting an impressive median OS of 18.4 months. This contrasts starkly with patients receiving lower doses who experienced a median OS of 4.8 and 3.5 months, respectively. Remarkably, subject number 10, who received the highest dose, demonstrated an extraordinary survival of 59.1 months, presenting a compelling case for further exploration. Additionally, this patient displayed complete responses in lung and liver metastases, a rare occurrence in mPC treatment. Statistical analyses supported the observed survival benefit. The unprecedented OS results emphasize the potential of this treatment strategy and pave the way for future investigations into this promising gene therapy approach.
Intelligent Learning-Based Methods for Determining the Ideal Team Size in Agile Practices
Authors: Olivares Rodrigo , Noel Rene , Guzmán Sebastián M. , Miranda Diego , Munoz Roberto
Published: May 2024

One of the significant challenges in scaling agile software development is organizing software development teams to ensure effective communication among members while equipping them with the capabilities to deliver business value independently. A formal approach to address this challenge involves modeling it as an optimization problem: given a professional staff, how can they be organized to optimize the number of communication channels, considering both intra-team and inter-team channels? In this article, we propose applying a set of bio-inspired algorithms to solve this problem. We introduce an enhancement that incorporates ensemble learning into the resolution process to achieve nearly optimal results. Ensemble learning integrates multiple machine-learning strategies with diverse characteristics to boost optimizer performance. Furthermore, the studied metaheuristics offer an excellent opportunity to explore their linear convergence, contingent on the exploration and exploitation phases. The results produce more precise definitions for team sizes, aligning with industry standards. Our approach demonstrates superior performance compared to the traditional versions of these algorithms.
Experimental Study on the Performance of Glass/Basalt Fiber Reinforced Concrete Unidirectional Plate under Impact Load
Authors: Li Liancheng , Chen Jueliang , Liu Siyu , Huang Xin , Chen Hui
Published: May 2024

Fiber-reinforced composite materials have emerged as essential solutions for addressing the durability challenges of traditional reinforced concrete, owing to their lightweight nature, high strength, ease of construction, superior tensile capacity, robust corrosion resistance, and excellent electromagnetic insulation properties. This paper delves into the influence of loading rate and fiber bar type on the mechanical characteristics of concrete one-way plates through impact experiments on such plates fitted with glass/basalt fiber bars at varying drop weight heights. The test results reveal a direct correlation between increasing loading rates and escalating damage in fiber-reinforced concrete one-way plates, reflected in the progressive rise in peak deflection and residual displacement at the mid-span of the specimens. Notably, when subjected to higher impact loads, glass fiber-reinforced concrete specimens exhibit amplified deformation and intricate crack formations, consequently diminishing the overall deformation resistance of the plate. Furthermore, glass/basalt fiber-reinforced composites demonstrate notable vibration damping qualities, characterized by substantial residual displacement, minimal rebound, and rapid decay following vibration stimulation. Overall, glass fiber-reinforced one-way plates display marginally superior impact resistance compared to their basalt fiber-reinforced counterparts.
Can Architectural Identity Be Measured?
Authors: Baper Salahaddin Yasin
Published: May 2024

The sustainable breadth of architectural identity is a remarkable phenomenon with many dimensions. These dimensions are melded together to produce an architectural form. Form as the final architectural product is shaped by the visual cues that produce symbols as a powerful tool in identifying a specific architectural trend. This study aims to construct a theoretical framework for the permanence of local identities to answer the main assumption, which is the following: Can identity be measured? It endeavors to clarify the main effective parameters that affect the permanency of architectural identity. It assesses the measurement variables of architectural identity based on multiple architectural perspectives and different points of view. The methodology of this study contains two broad approaches: a checklist and a questionnaire. The results provide a new model that includes three significant poles of architectural identity (mental images, originality, and building regulation). The findings enhanced the sustainability concept of architectural identity, which forecasts the permanency of architectural identity.
Innovative Approaches and Challenges in the Demolition of Large-Span Post-Tensioned Beams: Insights from a Case Study
Authors: Jonaidi Mohammad , Kaplan Adam , Keyvanfar Ali
Published: May 2024

Large-span, post-tensioned (PT) beams play a crucial role in maximizing the benefits of post-tensioning techniques. Bonded and unbonded systems are prevalent, with the latter being more widespread in the United States. While bonded systems are advantageous for creating long spans when multiple tendons are grouped in ducts, limited studies in the literature exist on their demolition. With a case study, this paper addresses the unique challenge of demolishing large-span-bonded, post-tensioned beams that occurs due to a building’s functional change. Emphasizing insights for engineers, it explores the use of cutting and dismantling methods, thereby considering the presence of prestressed cables. The demolition process is distinctive due to the presence of numerous prestressed cables along the beams, necessitating a specialized and cautious cutting approach. This is accomplished through the use of a drilling technique that selectively distresses the tendons, ensuring they are not all affected simultaneously. An intriguing observation discussed in this paper pertains to the occurrence of horizontal cracks accompanied by loud sounds following the drilling process, thereby offering insights from the design perspective of PT systems. This paper details an innovative method for safely demolishing large-span, bonded PT beams using ground-penetrating radar and computer models to navigate structural complexities and ensure nearby structures’ safety.
A Bibliometric Analysis of the Outdoor Thermal Environment Based on CiteSpace
Authors: Xie Chao , Feng Tangjun , Hu Li
Published: May 2024

The outdoor thermal environment (OTE) is closely related to sustainable urban development and human living, and related research has attracted widespread attention. The research hotspots and research frontiers were obtained using CiteSpace to analyze 4473 relevant studies published in English from the Web of Science (WOS) core database from 1998 to 2023. The results show that (1) Hong Kong Polytechnic University, National University of Singapore, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tsinghua University, and Harbin Institute of Technology are important in OTE research. China has the largest number of publications in the field of OTE, but the United States has the greatest centrality and significant influence. (2) The focus of OTE keyword clustering research is divided into four main categories: thermal environment perception, the thermal environment index, thermal environment quality, and thermal environment optimization. (3) The frontiers of OTE research have changed from focusing on environmental quality, thermal perception, numerical simulation, urban space, and thermal adaptation to thermal mitigation, energy conservation, energy consumption, and optimization strategies. Visualization research in the field of OTE helps to provide references for the direction of future research on improving climate change, human thermal comfort, urban planning, and pre-planning.
Visual Perception of Regularity and the Composition Pattern Type of the Facade
Authors: Malewczyk Michał , Taraszkiewicz Antoni , Czyż Piotr
Published: May 2024

The present study investigates the degree of visual regularity perceived by viewers in architectural compositions, specifically concerning the type of pattern used. The research is grounded in psychological and neuropsychological universal determinants of visual perception, particularly the perception of visual regularity. The study is based on an empirical survey that involved 48 participants who rated various compositions on a Likert scale. The stimuli presented consisted of a typology of compositional patterns of facades of Polish multifamily buildings developed by Malewczyk, Taraszkiewicz, and Czyż in 2022. The survey results were subjected to statistical analyses, which revealed a clear relationship between the type of composition and its perceived regularity. This implies that architects can predict the perceived regularity of a composition based on its type, which is crucial since visual regularity is closely linked to the sense of spatial order and aesthetic value. Both of these aspects are vital for perceiving architecture as a built environment. The study highlights the significance of visual perception in architectural design, particularly how the public perceives composition types.
Correlation Analysis of Tunnel Deformation and Internal Force in the Earthquake Based on Tunnel Inclination
Authors: Yang Zhiyong , Liu Yin , Chen Can
Published: May 2024

An increasing number of studies have shown that the seismic response of shield tunnels differs from that of aboveground structures. While the seismic response of aboveground structures is mainly influenced by the peak acceleration and frequency of the earthquake, the seismic response of shield tunnels is more influenced by the ground displacement due to the surrounding soil layers. In this study, it is not appropriate to follow the seismic concept of aboveground structures. Dynamic time-history analysis is a powerful and effective method to study the seismic response of tunnels in the typical subway in this paper. The analysis results show that the overall levelling of the tunnel will not affect the tunnel too much, and the seismic response of the tunnel is mainly related to the relative displacement of the ground around the tunnel. The analysis results show that the internal force of the tunnel and the tunnel inclination have a good linear relationship, and the tunnel inclination can be used to measure the magnitude of the seismic response of the tunnel. In the seismic design of shield tunnels, the inclination of the tunnel can be taken into account to evaluate the change in the internal forces of the tunnel during earthquakes, which avoids the need for complex dynamic time-history analysis and greatly improves the efficiency of the seismic design of shield tunnels.
Methane Combustion Kinetics over Palladium-Based Catalysts: Review and Modelling Guidelines
Authors: Kumar Roshni Sajiv , Mmbaga Joseph P. , Semagina Natalia , Hayes Robert E.
Published: May 2024

Fugitive methane emissions account for a significant proportion of greenhouse gas emissions, and their elimination by catalytic combustion is a relatively easy way to reduce global warming. New and novel reactor designs are being considered for this purpose, but their correct and efficient design requires kinetic rate expressions. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the current state of the art regarding kinetic models for precious metal catalysts used for the catalytic combustion of lean methane mixtures. The primary emphasis is on relatively low-temperature operation at atmospheric pressure, conditions that are prevalent in the catalytic destruction of low concentrations of methane in emission streams. In addition to a comprehensive literature search, we illustrate a detailed example of the methodology required to determine an appropriate kinetic model and the constants therein. From the wide body of literature, it is seen that the development of a kinetic model is not necessarily a trivial matter, and it is difficult to generalize. The model, especially the dependence on the water concentration, is a function of not only the active ingredients but also the nature of the support. Kinetic modelling is performed for six catalysts, one commercial and five that were manufactured in our laboratory, for illustration purposes.