bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The frontal association area: exercise-induced brain plasticity in children and adolescents and implications for cognitive intervention practice
Authors: Zhang Ziyun , Shi Peng , Zhang Kai , Li Chenyang , Feng Xiaosu
Published: September 2024

Objective

Explore the plasticity of the frontal associative areas in children and adolescents induced by exercise and potential moderating variables.

Methods

Computer searches of CNKI, WOS, PubMed and EBSCO databases were conducted, and statistical analyses were performed based on SPSS 25.0, Stata 12.0 and Ginger ALE 2.3 software after literature screening, data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by two researchers.

Results

A total of 13 articles, including 425 participants aged 8.9∼16.8 years, were included. Frequency analysis revealed that exercise induced enhanced activation in frontal, parietal, occipital, limbic system and cerebellum (P < 0.01). Activation Likelihood Estimation (ALE) meta-analysis revealed that exercise altered the activation status of the frontal association (medial frontal gyrus, middle frontal gyrus, inferior frontal gyrus and precentral gyrus), cuneus, lingual gyrus, cingulate gyrus, parahippocampal gyrus, caudate nucleus and cerebellar apex, with the volume of activation in the frontal association accounting for 61.81% of the total activation cluster volume and an enhanced activation effect. Additionally, the study design, age, gender, nationality, cognitive tasks, as well as exercise intensity, intervention time, and type of exercise may be potential moderating variables. Particularly, sustained exercise induced a decrease in activation in the left parahippocampal gyrus, culmen, and lingual gyrus, while variable exercise induced an increase in activation in the left middle frontal gyrus.

Conclusion

Exercise-induced activation increase in the frontal associative areas of children and adolescents is dominant, especially longer periods of moderate-intensity variable exercise can induce more brain region activation. However, some of the included studies are cross-sectional, and the accuracy of the results still requires further verification.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier PROSPERO, CRD42022348781.
Mind wandering, poor sleep, and negative affect: a threefold vicious cycle?
Authors: Fell Juergen
Published: September 2024

Mind wandering (MW) is intricately linked to sleep and affect, bearing clinical relevance for various psychiatric conditions, notably attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, depression, and anxiety disorders. Most reviews concur that the relationship between disturbed sleep and negative affect is bidirectional. The directional relationships between MW propensity and disturbed sleep, as well as MW propensity and negative affect, are less clear. Therefore, this brief review aims to examine the limited studies that have directly explored temporally sequential relationships. These studies provide clear evidence for an impact of affect on MW and of MW on sleep, along with less unequivocal evidence for an influence of MW on affect and sleep on MW. Collectively, these individual reinforcement loops may constitute a threefold vicious cycle, which may contribute to the development and perpetuation of psychiatric disorders. Available data convincingly suggest an impact cycle in the direction “MW propensity → disturbed sleep → negative affect → MW propensity,” while evidence for the inverse impact cycle is less pronounced.
PCAF acetylates AIB1 to form a transcriptional coactivator complex to promote glycolysis in endometrial cancer
Authors: Wu Di , Li Mingxia , Wang Mingyang , Yan Zhifeng , Meng Yuanguang
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Despite rapid advances in molecular biology, personalized molecular therapy remains a clinical challenge for endometrial cancer due to its complex and heterogeneous tumor microenvironment.Based on clinical findings, AIB1 is a marker molecule for poor prognosis in endometrial cancer and may serve as a potential therapeutic target. Moreover, it is well known that aerobic glycolysis plays an important role in tumour energy metabolism. It has been previously reported in various hormone-related tumour studies that AIB1 affects glycolysis and promotes tumour development. However, the link between AIB1 and aerobic glycolysis in estrogen-dependent endometrial cancer remains unclear.

Methods

We used two endometrial cancer cell lines to validate the high expression of target genes and the effect on the proliferative and invasive capacity of the tumours and verified the pattern of interactions and epigenetic modifications by CHIP and CO-IP techniques. Finally, the conclusions were validated on homozygous mice

Results

In this study, we investigated the transcriptional co-activation functions of AIB1, including its acetylation by PCAF, binding to the c-myc transcription factor, and recruitment of glycolysis-related gene promoters.

Discussion

Our findings provide new clues that perturbation of normal homeostatic levels of AIB1 is linked with endometrial cancer. These findings suggest that targeting AIB1-mediated regulation of aerobic glycolysis may offer a novel therapeutic approach for endometrial cancer with high AIB1 expression, opening new avenues for personalized diagnostics and treatment strategies in this disease.
Case report: Two cases of prostate adenocarcinoma progressing to rare sarcomatoid carcinoma with normal PSA levels following endocrine therapy
Authors: Dai Zhicheng , Wang Weikang , Guan Haifang , Wang Xiaohui , Ren Yongheng , Qiu Ying , Liu Jie
Published: September 2024

Background

Patients with prostate adenocarcinoma undergoing regular endocrine therapy may maintain normal PSA levels during follow-up, yet still progress to the highly malignant and rare prostatic sarcomatoid carcinoma, which is seldom reported. This article presents two case studies of prostatic sarcomatoid carcinoma. To date, only a few publications have described prostatic sarcomatoid carcinoma, and the clinical, morphological, and molecular dimensions of prostate adenocarcinoma warrant further investigation.

Case description

Patient A was admitted two years ago due to difficulty urinating, with a PSA level of 6.35 ng/ml. A prostate needle biopsy was performed, and the postoperative pathology diagnosed prostate adenocarcinoma with a Gleason score of 9 (5 + 4, grade group 5). Citing personal reasons, the patient declined a radical prostatectomy and instead received ongoing androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), comprising goserelin, abiraterone, and prednisone. During follow-up, regular PSA tests showed no abnormalities. One year ago, the patient was admitted again due to difficulty urinating and hematuria, choosing to address only the urethral obstruction. Transurethral resection of the prostate was performed, and the postoperative pathology diagnosed sarcomatoid carcinoma of the prostate. Patient B was admitted three years ago due to difficulty urinating accompanied by hematuria. A prostate MRI and a whole-body radionuclide bone scan suggested prostate cancer with bone metastasis. Prostate needle biopsy confirmed the diagnosis. The patient was then regularly treated with androgen deprivation therapy, using goserelin. Throughout the follow-up period, the PSA levels consistently remained within normal limits. One year ago, the patient was admitted due to rectal bleeding. It was speculated that the symptoms of rectal bleeding might have been caused by the prostate cancer invading the rectal wall. A prostate needle biopsy was performed, and the pathology diagnosed sarcomatoid carcinoma of the prostate.

Conclusions

This case underscores the inadequacy of relying solely on PSA levels to monitor high-grade prostate adenocarcinoma during endocrine therapy, as patients may progress to highly malignant atypical variants despite normal PSA levels. We propose that for high-grade prostate cancer patients who are unable to undergo radical prostatectomy, regular and frequent MRI screenings or repeat biopsies should be integral during endocrine therapy and follow-up. Furthermore, a detailed review of the patient’s treatment history and clinical data, including immunohistochemical findings, might offer deeper clinical insights into prostatic sarcomatoid carcinoma.
Does practice make perfect? Functional connectivity of the salience network and somatosensory network predicts response to mind–body treatments for fibromyalgia
Authors: Medina Sonia , O’Daly Owen , Howard Matthew A. , Feliu-Soler Albert , Luciano Juan V.
Published: September 2024

Background

Mind–body treatments can improve coping mechanisms to deal with pain, improve the quality of life of patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), and reduce perceived pain in some cases. However, responses to these treatments are highly variable, the mechanisms underpinning them remain unclear, and reliable predictors of treatment response are lacking. We employed resting-state blood oxygen level-dependent (rsBOLD) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to examine changes in brain functional connectivity (FC) following mind–body treatment that may relate to and predict pain relief.

Methods

We recruited patients with FMS who underwent either mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR; n = 18) or a psychoeducational program (FibroQoL; n = 22) and a treatment-as-usual FMS group (TAU; n = 18). We collected rsBOLD data, alongside subjective pain, anxiety, depression, and catastrophizing measures prior to and following treatments. We examined behavioral changes and FC changes in the salience network (SN) and sensorimotor network (SMN) and performed regression analyses to identify predictors for treatment response.

Results

The MBSR and FibroQoL groups experienced significant reductions in pain catastrophizing. After treatment, the FC of the sensorimotor cortex with the rest of the SMN became significantly reduced in the MBSR group compared to the TAU group. The FC between the SN and the SMN at baseline was negatively correlated with pain reductions following MBSR but positively correlated with pain reductions in the FibroQoL group. These results yielded large to very large effect sizes. Following MBSR, only for those patients with lower baseline SMN-SN FC, minutes of mindfulness practice were positively associated with clinical improvement (small to medium effect size).

Conclusions

Different mind–body treatments are underpinned by discrete brain networks. Measures of the functional interplay between SN and SMN have the potential as predictors of mind–body treatment response in patients with FMS.
Anal canal duplication with heterotopic gastric mucosa and anal stenosis: first case report and literature review
Authors: Liu Chen , Xu Chuanzhen , Xu Xiaoliang , Zhang Yan , Geng Lei , Mei Yanhui , Ji Hong , Fu Tingliang , Ding Guojian
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Anal canal duplication (ACD) is a rare entity of gastrointestinal duplication that may be asymptomatic or present complications, such as abscess, fistulae, or malignant changes. The diagnosis and rational management of ACD still need to be clarified.

Case presentation

We present a case of an 18-month-old girl with intractable perianal erosion and painful bowel movements for one year, and chronic constipation for six months. Fistulography revealed a tubular structure (3 cm in length), located posterior to the native anal canal. Mucosectomy was performed through a perineal approach combined with a coccigeal approach, and the postoperative course was uneventful. The pathological findings confirmed the diagnosis of ACD with heterotopic gastric mucosa, a rare combination that has not been described in the literature before. A literature search was conducted on the Medline database for studies reporting ACD in children. The study pool consisted of 77 cases of ACD from 32 studies, including the present case. According to our case report and in line with the literature, 43 cases (55.84%) were incidentally found; the most frequent symptom was constipation (14.29%), followed by painful anal mass or sacral pain (10.39%), and recurrent fistula (7.79%). Coexisting diseases were observed in 31 patients (40.26%), including 19 (24.68%) cases associated with presacral masses. Surgical management was employed in 73 patients (94.81%). ACD excision was performed in 47 patients (64.38%), combined with presacral mass resection or coccygectomy in 19 cases (26.03%).

Conclusion

Preoperative imaging, including fistulography, ultrasonography, and magnetic resonance imaging, can provide useful information, especially for screening its associated anomalies. To prevent potential complications, surgical removal of ACD and associated anomalies is recommended. Mucosectomy may be one of the most effective surgical options for ACD due to its excellent functional outcome.
Compositional variances in petal cuticular wax of eight rose species and their impacts on vase life under water-loss stress
Authors: Hao Xuan , Lv Junheng , Zhao Zixian , Tong Yuxin , Deng Minghua , Wen Jinfen
Published: September 2024

Cuticular wax is the first barrier between plants and the environment. Here, the densities of cuticular wax crystals on the petals of eight rose cultivars were determined to be sparse; the crystals were mostly granular and only a few rod-shaped crystals were observed in ‘Sweet’. The total contents and chemical compositions of waxes were significantly different among the rose varieties. The waxes were mainly composed of n-alkanes, iso-alananes and alkenes. Under water-loss stress, ‘Diana’ and ‘Carola’ cultivars, having high petal wax contents, had low water permeability levels, long vase lives, high relative water contents and low relative conductivity levels. However, the low wax contents of the ‘Jubilance’ and ‘Candy Avalanche’ cultivars resulted in high water permeability levels and short vase lives. Pearson correlation analyses showed the total wax content in petal epidermis was positively correlated with vase life. The data provide novel insights into the compositional variances in the cuticular waxes of rose petals and their impacts on cut rose vase lives.
Analysis of motor behavior in piano performance from the mixed methods approach
Authors: Santisteban Isabel E. , Anguera M. Teresa , Granda-Vera Juan , Pastrana-Brincones José Luis
Published: September 2024

Introduction

The focus of this study centers on the extraction, analysis, and interpretation of the motor behavior of advanced-level pianists using observational methodology, itself framed within the field of mixed methods, paying particular attention to those aspects that characterize the pressed and struck touch. The aim of this research was to analyze the motor interactions of activation or inhibition associated with the production of a type of touch in the movements of the right upper limb of the participating pianists.

Methods

An ad hoc observational instrument was built that was incorporated into the software Lince Plus for data recording and coding. Data reliability was guaranteed applying Cohen’s Kappa coefficient, and an analysis of polar coordinates was carried out to identify the motor interactions involved in piano playing.

Results

The study provided significant information about the interaction of motor functions linked to two types of touch, such as those that occur in the sliding finger movement over the key in the pressed touch or the lifting finger movement above the key in the struck touch, obtaining clearly identified patterns of piano touch motor behavior.

Discussion

This research represents an innovative perspective of the study of piano-playing movement via the direct and perceptible observation of the pianist’s motor behavior in an everyday context. Observational methodology is distinguished by its low degree of internal control, which makes it possible to scientifically study the spontaneous behavior of pianists in their natural environment. This model allows us to describe and analyze piano touch for its application in the field of piano performance and teaching, emphasizing the practical implications of motor interactions in piano touch.
The need for stronger international support to integrate health and well-being and transform education: a perspective on developing countries
Authors: Abduvahobov Parviz , Cameron Stuart J. , Ibraheem Ayodeji , Herat Joanna , Castle Christopher
Published: September 2024

The reciprocal relationship between education and health is well-established, emphasizing the need for integrating health, nutrition, and well-being components into educational sector planning. Despite widespread acknowledgment of this need, countries lack concrete measures to achieve this integration. We examine challenges that countries have faced and the progress they have made in integrating these components into education sector plans and review the extent to which existing educational planning guidelines and tools address health and well-being. The review reveals a significant underrepresentation of health, well-being, and related themes in existing educational planning frameworks. Recent tools and frameworks developed to support a more holistic approach to education have not yet been widely adopted in standard education sector planning processes. The implementation of such approaches remains inconsistent, with significant barriers including limited cross-sectoral collaboration, lack of capacity, and insufficient funding, among others. Addressing these gaps requires improved guidance, technical support, and a multisectoral approach to education planning that includes health, nutrition, and well-being as fundamental components of foundational learning, supported by political commitment, capacity, and adequate financing.
Evaluating the protective effects of mouthguards with neutralizing agents against chlorinated water-induced enamel erosion
Authors: Kitsahawong Kemporn , Pitiphat Waranuch , Thongpaiboon Pawin , Thongpaiboon Sasitorn , Saengsuwannarot Sutthiphon
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Dental erosion is a common problem among swimmers. This study evaluated the effects of mouthguard use with or without neutralizing agents, compared to no mouthguard use, on the microhardness of dental enamel after a swimming simulation.

Methods

Ninety-six human premolars were randomly allocated into six groups of 16 each: Group A (no mouthguard), Group B (mouthguard only), Group C (mouthguard with fluoride toothpaste), Group D (mouthguard with fluoride-free toothpaste), Group E (mouthguard with CPP-ACP), and Group F (mouthguard with arginine-fluoride toothpaste). Enamel slabs were fixed in a wax model (Typodont Articulator) and used to fabricate mouthguards for all groups except Group A. Each specimen underwent cyclic immersion: 2 h in acidic chlorinated water (pH 3.1) followed by 22 h in artificial saliva, for 28 days, to simulate swimming exposure. The change in enamel surface hardness was measured using a Vickers hardness tester. All groups underwent microhardness testing, scanning electron microscopy, and polarized light microscopy.

Results

The enamel hardness significantly decreased in all groups after the swimming simulation (paired t-test, P-values < 0.001), except for Group F, which used a mouthguard with arginine-fluoride toothpaste [mean reduction: 17.9 kg/mm2, 95% confidence interval (CI): −1.9, 37.7, P-value = 0.07]. Group A, without a mouthguard, exhibited the highest reduction in enamel surface hardness (mean: 190.6 kg/mm2; 95%CI: 177.4, 203.9), significantly differing from all other groups with mouthguards (P-values < 0.001). However, no statistically significant differences were observed in enamel hardness reduction among the mouthguard groups. SEM micrographs illustrated rough, irregular erosion patterns and several deep porous areas on enamel surfaces of Group A. In contrast, all mouthguard groups showed enamel surfaces similar to sound tooth surfaces. A polarized light microscopic study revealed the deepest dark areas on the enamel surface of Group A.

Conclusions

Mouthguards significantly reduced enamel microhardness loss compared to no mouthguard use. While no significant differences were found among mouthguard groups with or without neutralizing agents, those lined with arginine-fluoride toothpaste showed the least enamel loss, suggesting its potential protective effect. Within the limitations of this in vitro study, further clinical trials are needed to validate these results.
Multi-messenger emission characteristics of blazars
Authors: Gamble Ronald , Forman Jordan , Barnes Amethyst , Srinivasaragavan Gokul , Holt Isiah , Jones Marvin
Published: September 2024

Multi-messenger observations and theories of astrophysical objects are rapidly becoming a critical research area in the astrophysics scientific community. In particular, point-like objects such as BL Lacertae (BL Lac) objects, flat-spectrum radio quasars (FSRQs), and blazar candidates of uncertain type (BCUs) are of distinct interest to researchers studying the synchrotron, Compton, neutrino, and cosmic ray emissions sourced from compact objects. Notably, there is also much interest in the correlation between multi-frequency observations of blazars and neutrino surveys on source demographics. In this review, we look at such multi-frequency and multi-physics correlations of the radio, X-ray, and γ-ray fluxes of different classes of blazars from a collection of survey catalogs. This multi-physics survey of blazars shows that there are characteristic cross-correlations in the spectra of blazars when considering their multi-frequency and multi-messenger emission. In addition, a review of cosmic ray and neutrino emissions from blazars and their characteristics is presented.
Clinical values of oblique lumbar interbody fusion on the treatment of single-level degenerative lumbar diseases
Authors: Yu Yu
Published: September 2024

Objectives

Minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (Mis-TLIF) and oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) are increasingly replacing traditional approaches. This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of OLIF and Mis-TLIF in treating single-level degenerative lumbar diseases.

Methods

Patients with single-level degenerative lumbar diseases underwent either OLIF (30 patients) or Mis-TLIF (30 patients). Surgical data, including operation time, blood loss, postoperative drainage, and postoperative bed rest duration, were collected. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Oswestry disability index, the visual analog scale scores for low back pain and leg pain, and Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores for daily ability, along with monitoring of complications.

Results

The OLIF group showed significantly shorter operative times, less blood loss, reduced postoperative drainage, and shorter bed rest durations than the Mis-TLIF group. At the 1-month follow-up, OLIF patients also demonstrated significantly better clinical outcome scores than Mis-TLIF patients. No significant differences were observed between OLIF and Mis-TLIF patients before surgery and after 3 months. Furthermore, lumbar lordosis and disc height were significantly greater in the OLIF group at the final follow-up.

Conclusions

Both OLIF and Mis-TLIF achieved satisfactory and effective long-term clinical outcomes for single-level lumbar degenerative diseases. However, OLIF resulted in less tissue damage, reduced bleeding, better short-term clinical outcomes, and improved recovery of segmental lordosis compared to Mis-TLIF. Therefore, OLIF appears to be the preferable option over Mis-TLIF.
Research on a Real-Time, High-Precision End-to-End Sorting System for Fresh-Cut Flowers
Authors: Duan Zhaoyan , Liu Weihua , Zeng Shan , Zhu Chenwei , Chen Liangyan , Cui Wentao
Published: September 2024

As the quality of life rises, the demand for flowers has increased significantly, leading to higher expectations for flower sorting system efficiency and speed. This paper presents a real-time, high-precision end-to-end method, which can complete three key tasks in the sorting system: flower localization, flower classification, and flower grading. In order to improve the challenging maturity detection, red–green–blue depth (RGBD) images were captured. The multi-task and multi-dimension-You Only Look Once (MTMD-YOLO) network was proposed to complete these three tasks in an end-to-end manner. The feature fusion was simplified to increase training speed, and the detection head and non-maximum suppression (NMS) were optimized for the dataset. This optimization allowed the loss function for the grading task to be added to train each task separately. The results showed that the use of RGBD and multi-task improved by 3.63% and 1.87% of mean average precision (mAP) on flower grading task, respectively. The final mAP of the flower classification and grading task reached 98.19% and 97.81%, respectively. The method also achieved real-time speed on embedded Jetson Orin NX, with 37 frames per second (FPS). This method provided essential technical support to determine the automatic flower picking times, in combination with a picking robot.
Effects of a Single Biochar Application on Soil Carbon Storage and Water and Fertilizer Productivity of Drip-Irrigated, Film-Mulched Maize Production
Authors: Jia Yonglin , Xu Zhe , Zhang Dongliang , Yang Wei , Ding Yanhong , Li Changjian , Gao Lihua , Siddique Kadambot H. M. , Qu Zhongyi
Published: September 2024

Biochar is a widely recognized soil amendment used to improve soil physicochemical properties and crop productivity. However, its compositive effects on soil water, fertilizer, and carbon in cropping systems are not extensively understood. A two-year field study was conducted to investigate the influence of integrating maize-residue-derived biochar on evapotranspiration, water and fertilizer utilization efficiency, soil organic carbon (SOC) content, and soil carbon emissions in maize farming, employing drip irrigation in conjunction with film mulching. The treatments included the following three biochar amendments: 15 (B15); 30 (B30); and 45 (B45) t ha−1. Biochar was exclusively incorporated prior to sowing during the initial year of the experiment, and no biochar was used as a control (CK). After two years, the biochar amendments, especially B30, improved crop water productivity and the partial factor productivities of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizer. Relative to CK, the biochar amendments significantly reduced soil CO2 and CH4 emissions during crop growth by 17.6–40.6% and −1.21–268.4%, respectively, averaged across two years. The best treatment effect was achieved by adding 15 t ha−1 of biochar. The biochar needed replenishing in the third year for B30 and in the fourth year for B45 to increase the SOC content by 20 g kg−1. An application rate of 22 metric tons per hectare of biochar is proposed to optimize water and fertilizer utilization efficiency, alongside augmenting the soil organic matter content, within maize farming under drip irrigation and mulching practices on sandy loam soil. However, the biochar must be added at 20 t ha−1 in the third year to counterbalance soil carbon losses and improve SOC.
Returned Rate and Changed Patterns of Systemic Antibiotic Use in Ambulatory Care in Hungary after the Pandemic—A Longitudinal Ecological Study
Authors: Hambalek Helga , Matuz Mária , Ruzsa Roxána , Papfalvi Erika , Nacsa Róbert , Engi Zsófia , Csatordai Márta , Soós Gyöngyvér , Hajdú Edit , Csupor Dezső , Benkő Ria
Published: September 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic affected the epidemiology of infectious diseases and changed the operation of health care systems and health care seeking behavior. Our study aimed to analyze the utilization of systemic antibiotics in ambulatory care in Hungary after the COVID-19 pandemic and compare it to the period before COVID. We defined three periods (24 months each): Before COVID, COVID, and After COVID. Monthly trends in systemic antibiotic (J01) use were calculated using the WHO ATC-DDD index and expressed as DDD/1000 inhabitants/day (DID) and number of exposed patients per active agent. The data were further categorized by the WHO AWaRe classification. In the After COVID period, we detected almost the same (11.61 vs. 11.11 DID) mean monthly use of systemic antibiotics in ambulatory care compared to the Before COVID period. We observed a decrease in the seasonality index in the After COVID period (46.86% vs. 39.86%). In the After COVID period, the use of cephalosporins and quinolones decreased significantly, while in the case of macrolides, a significant increase was observed compared to the Before COVID period, with excessive azithromycin use (66,869 vs. 97,367 exposed patients). This study demonstrated significant changes in the pattern of ambulatory care antibiotic use in Hungary.
Terminalia Chebula Extract Replacing Zinc Oxide Enhances Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Capabilities, Improves Growth Performance, and Promotes Intestinal Health in Weaned Piglets
Authors: Wang Tao , Li Yuying , Yin Lichen , Chen Jiashun , Shi Pengjun , Wang Fang , Wu Kangle , Yao Kang , Yin Yulong
Published: September 2024

This study aimed to assess the effects of substituting zinc oxide with terminalia chebula extract (TCE) on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, immune function, and intestinal health in weaned pigs. Initially, 72 weaned Duroc × Landrace × Large White piglets, 28 days old with an initial weight of 7.43 ± 0.14 kg, equally divided by gender, were randomly assigned into three groups, with six replicates and four piglets per replicate. They were fed a basal diet (CON group), a diet containing 2 g/kg zinc oxide (ZnO group), or 2 g/kg TCE (TCE group) for a duration of 28 days. Subsequently, to further confirm the most appropriate levels of TCE in piglets, 96 piglets of the same breeds and age, with an initial weight of 7.42 ± 0.12 kg, also equally divided by gender, were randomly assigned into four groups, each with six replicates and four piglets per replicate, and fed a basal diet (CON group), or diets supplemented with 1 g/kg TCE (LTCE group), 2 g/kg TCE (MTCE group), or 4 g/kg TCE (HTCE group) for a duration of 28 days. The results demonstrated that both TCE and ZnO reduced diarrhea rates (p = 0.001) and enhanced average daily gain (ADG) (p = 0.014) compared to the control group. TCE at 1 g/kg and 4 g/kg reduced the feed to gain ratio (p = 0.050). Dietary supplementing with TCE and ZnO increased serum total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) (p = 0.020). Various doses of TCE also increased jejunal IgA (p = 0.000) levels and IL-10 expression (p = 0.004), and decreased the levels of TNF-α in both serum (p = 0.043) and jejunal mucosa (p = 0.000). Notably, TCE reduced the crypt depth (CD) of the duodenal (p = 0.007) and increased the villus height (VH) of the ileal (p = 0.045), and with increased dosage, there was a rise in the villus height to crypt depth ratio (VH:CD) in the duodenum (p = 0.000) and jejunum (p = 0.001). Higher abundances of Lactobacillaceae (p = 0.000) and lower levels of Streptococcaceae (p = 0.000) and Peptostreptococcaceae (p = 0.035) in cecal contents were fed the ZnO and TCE pigs compared with CON pigs. Therefore, TCE was firstly presented as being able to replace zinc oxide, improve intestinal morphology, and enhance antioxidant and immune functions, thus safeguarding intestinal mucosal health and promoting piglet growth.
Geochemical Characteristics of Carbonates and Indicative Significance of the Sedimentary Environment Based on Carbon–Oxygen Isotopes and Trace Elements: Case Study of the Lower Ordovician Qiulitage Formation in Keping Area, Tarim Basin (NW China)
Authors: Wang Li-Xin , Liu Tian-Jia , Xiao Hong-Ji , Chu Hong-Xian , Yan Kun , Wang Qing-Tong , Jiang Wen-Qin
Published: September 2024

The carbonate rock of the Qiulitage Formation is a significant stratum for oil and gas exploration in the Tarim Basin. To elucidate its environmental characteristics, we conducted tests and analyses of trace elements, carbon, and oxygen isotopes of the carbonate rocks of the Qiulitage Formation in the Kekeqigankake section of the Keping area. The results reveal that δ13C values range between −1.7‰ and 4.3‰, with an average value of 1.645‰. δ18O values fluctuate from −11.4‰ to −6‰, with an average value of −8.2475‰. Z values (paleosalinity) vary from 120.33 to 131.67, significantly exceeding 120 with an average value of 126.52, indicating a marine sedimentary environment. Paleotemperature values (T) range from 12.75 to 29.09 °C, with an average value of 21.36 °C, suggesting warm climate conditions. The Sr/Ba (3.42~24.39) and Sr/Cu (57.5~560) ratios are elevated, while Th/U (<1.32) and V/Cr (0.989~1.70) ratios are reduced, suggesting that the Qiulitage Formation was deposited in an oxygen-rich, warm marine sedimentary environment with relatively high salinity.
Machine Learning Regressors to Estimate Continuous Oxygen Uptakes (V˙O2)
Authors: Hong Daeeon , Sun Sukkyu
Published: September 2024

Oxygen consumption (V˙O2) estimation is vital for evaluating aerobic performance and cardiovascular fitness. This study explores various regression models to develop a real-time V˙O2 and V˙O2max estimation model. Utilizing a dataset from PhysioNet, encompassing cardiorespiratory measurements from 992 treadmill tests conducted at the University of Malaga’s Exercise Physiology and Human Performance Lab from 2008 to 2018, participants aged 10 to 63, including amateur and professional athletes, underwent breath-by-breath monitoring of physiological parameters. The study underlines the efficacy of regressor models in handling complex datasets and developing a robust real-time V˙O2 estimation model. After adjusting parameters to V˙O2 in “mL/kg/min” from “mL/min”, and selecting ‘Age’, ‘Weight’, ‘Height’, ‘HR’, ‘Sex’, and ‘Time’ as parameters for V˙O2 estimation, XGBoost emerged as the optimal choice. Validation using a test dataset of 132 participants yielded the following results for Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Mean Squared Error (MSE), Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE), R-squared (R2), Root Mean Squared Logarithmic Error (RMSLE), and Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) metrics: MAE of 0.1793, MSE of 0.1460, RMSE of 0.3821, R2 of 0.9991, RMSLE of 0.0140, and MAPE of 0.0066. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of various regressor models in developing a continuous V˙O2max estimation model that has promising performance metrics.
Jaw Reconstruction with Scapular Bone Flap and Prosthetic Implant Rehabilitation: A Comprehensive Systematic Review
Authors: Di Giorgio Danilo , Nocini Riccardo , Di Bartolomeo Mattia , Fatiga Matteo , Della Monaca Marco , Priore Paolo , Terenzi Valentina , Battisti Andrea , Cassoni Andrea , Valentini Valentino
Published: September 2024

A rising demand for prosthetic-driven jaw reconstruction is encountered in maxillo-facial surgery. The free scapula flap is a workhorse of cervico-facial reconstructions, but an implant-based prosthetic rehabilitation on this flap is a debated topic. A systematic review of the papers on this subject has been conducted on Embase, MEDLINE, and Cochrane libraries following PRISMA guidelines, in order to analyze the results described in the literature. A total of nine papers were eligible for inclusion, with 83 scapula flaps overall being used for an implant-based prosthetic rehabilitation. The mandible was the reconstructed jaw in 58.0% of the cases. Overall, 249 implants were positioned (mean 3.0 implant per flap) with a 3.6% implant failure rate. In 95.2% of the cases, delayed rehabilitation was performed. Radiotherapy and the timing of implant placement did not seem to influence implant failure. Only two papers analyzed the quality of life following the rehabilitation, highlighting a functional improvement. Scapula-based implant-prosthetic rehabilitation is a feasible technique that can also benefit from the new CAD/CAM technologies and digital workflows. Nonetheless, further studies focused on this topic and on its impact on the quality of life are needed in order to analyze risk factors and to optimize the outcomes.
Digital Maturity of Logistics Processes Assessed in the Areas of Technological Support for Performance Measurement, Employees, and Process Management
Authors: Tubis Agnieszka A. , Koliński Adam , Poturaj Honorata
Published: September 2024

(1) Background: Industry 4.0 and the COVID-19 pandemic have resulted in an acceleration of digital transformation, primarily in production systems and logistics. This raises the need to assess where a company is in its digital transformation today and what measures must be taken to improve logistics processes. This article aims to present the results of a study assessing the digital maturity of logistics processes in a group of selected enterprises located in Poland. The research was conducted among companies that are business partners of the Poznan School of Logistics. (2) Methods: The DMM-OP digital process maturity assessment model was used in the study. Digital maturity was assessed on a five-point scale in four areas of company activity: process management, performance measurement, employee support, and technology. The research procedure included four stages. (3) Results: The results indicate that companies in the process management and performance measurement dimensions achieved the highest level of digital maturity. In commercial enterprises, the level of digital transformation is at the lowest level. Large enterprises achieved the best results, but there were also very good results in the group of small enterprises. (4) Conclusions: The results presented in the article can be used by industry and academia. The research was not statistical but can form the basis for benchmarking analyses.
Conducting Research to Identify Key Features and Critical Nodes in the Coalescence and Instability of Pre-Fabricated Jointed Rock
Authors: Zhang Buchu , Zhang Shichuan , Shen Baotang , Li Yangyang , Song Shilong , Han Xuexian
Published: September 2024

The instability of jointed rock masses has been a persistent concern in China’s underground geotechnical engineering, particularly regarding rock mass instability triggered by structural activation, such as faulting. This form of instability constitutes a significant type of dynamic geological hazard in the field of geotechnical engineering. Research on the mechanism of jointed rock mass instability typically concentrates on various characteristics associated with structural activation but frequently neglects the interplay between coalescence instability within the jointed zones and the intact zones, as well as the development and evolution of abrupt water channels. To delve into the coalescence instability characteristics between jointed and intact zones, this study conducted uniaxial compression tests on macro-scale pre-fabricated jointed sandstone. The research results show that the failure process of the specimen consists of a strong deviation linear stage, a sub-critical stage, and an unstable stage. The main failure process occurs during the sub-critical stage.
Computational Evaluation of Turbulent Supersonic Jet Impinging on Inclined Plate
Authors: Mezzacapo Antonio , De Stefano Giuliano
Published: September 2024

A computational fluid dynamics investigation of a turbulent supersonic jet impacting a solid flat plate is conducted utilizing the OpenFOAM software. The research focuses on simulating the three-dimensional mean compressible flow for jet impingement on an inclined plate by analyzing the complex flow field and the surface distribution of pressure. Various simulations are carried out at a jet Mach number of 2.2 maintaining a constant nozzle-to-plate distance while varying the angle of inclination of the plate. In contrast to earlier numerical studies, this work employs a modern turbulence modeling technique known as detached eddy simulation (DES), along with a traditional unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes model. Making a comparison with experimental findings, the current analysis reveals that both turbulence modeling techniques effectively predict the mean pressure distribution on the plate. However, the DES approach offers deeper insights into the turbulent flow field, showing notable consistency with the experiments. The complex compressible flow patterns are simulated with higher accuracy compared to the traditional approach. Enhanced turbulence resolution is attained by utilizing the same computational grid with a limited increase in computational complexity.
Brake Torque Sensor Calibration Device
Authors: Kowalski Sławomir , Barta Dalibor , Dižo Ján , Dittrich Aleš
Published: September 2024

This paper deals with the design of a calibration device for measuring the residual torque of the vehicle brake. It informs about the problems and purpose of the brakes, requirements placed on the brake system, and the design of vehicle brake systems. The practical part of the research contains the design of four versions of the calibration device and the 3D model of the proposed calibration device. There is also a new calibration methodology and calculation of the theoretical fault of the calibration device. An analysis and comparison of the original and new torque sensor calibration methods are presented at the end of this paper. By comparing the original and new calibration methods, it was revealed that the deviations from the required torque value compared to the original calibration version decreased from an average value of 0.154 Nm to 0.0047 Nm, and the variance of the measured values decreased on average from 0.00276 Nm to 2.07 × 10−6 Nm. The proposed new torque sensor calibration method has shown a positive contribution to the accuracy of torque sensor calibration, which as a result will significantly increase the reliability and accuracy of measuring the residual torque of automobile brakes and shorten the measurement time.
Development of a Capsule-Type Inspection Robot Customized for Ondol Pipelines
Authors: Lee Myungdo , Lee Ung-Kyun
Published: September 2024

Ondol is a heating system unique to Korean homes that increases indoor temperatures by supplying hot water through pipes embedded in floor slabs. Known for its comfort and sustained heating advantages, ondol has garnered international interest in countries requiring efficient heating solutions. Given the inherent challenges faced during installation and operation, timely inspection of ondol is crucial due to difficulties in detecting and locating defects in buried concrete pipes, often leading to costly rework and removal. However, specialized inspection systems tailored to ondol pipes remain underexplored. Therefore, this paper proposes a robotic inspection system capable of assessing the conditions of ondol pipelines. We analyze the characteristics of ondol piping to establish system requirements and develop a prototype of a compact capsule-shaped inspection robot tailored for ondol pipe inspection. Subsequent laboratory testing validates system performance and usability, confirming field applications through curvature maneuverability and image reception quality tests. This study aims to motivate advancements in ondol-specific system implementation and performance validation, potentially contributing to the smartification of ondol maintenance practices.
Pollution Characteristics, Toxicological Properties, and Health Risk Assessment of Phthalic Acid Esters in Water, Soil, and Atmosphere
Authors: Long Fangyun , Ren Yanqin , Ji Yuanyuan , Li Junling , Zhang Haijie , Wu Zhenhai , Gao Rui , Bi Fang , Liu Zhengyang , Li Hong
Published: September 2024

Phthalic acid esters (PAEs) are a class of common environmental endocrine disruptors (EEDs), capable of causing considerable pollution to water, soil, and air and producing a range of adverse health impacts in humans. Although various studies have investigated the pollution characteristics and health hazards of PAEs in different media, a systematic review of PAEs in the broader environmental context is still lacking. In order to comprehensively explore current issues and suggest prospects, the current status, detection technology, toxicity, and health hazards of PAEs were investigated. The results suggest that PAE pollution is a widespread and complex global phenomenon, transported over long distances. The traditional techniques used for determination include high-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS), gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Various detection techniques offer distinct advantages and disadvantages. Moreover, PAEs can cause differing extents of harm to the nervous and reproductive systems of mammals. In the future, it is imperative to improve the detection of PAEs, establish rapid identification approaches, refine toxicological research methods, and investigate more comprehensive health risk assessment methods. These efforts will provide scientific support for the prevention and management of the resulting contaminants.
Air Quality Assessment in Six Major Greek Cities with an Emphasis on the Athens Metropolitan Region
Authors: Dimitriou Konstantinos , Mihalopoulos Nikolaos
Published: September 2024

To assess the impact of air pollution on human health in multiple urban areas in Greece, hourly concentrations of common air pollutants (CO, NO2, O3, SO2, PM10, and PM2.5) from 11 monitoring stations in six major Greek cities (Athens, Thessaloniki, Patra, Volos, Ioannina, and Kozani), were used to implement the U.S. EPA’s Air Quality Index (AQI) during a seven-year period (2016–2022). In Athens, the capital city of Greece, hourly PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations were also studied in relation to the prevailing wind patterns, while major PM10 episodes exceeding the official daily EU limit (50 μg/m3) were analyzed using the Potential Source Contribution Function (PSCF) in terms of the air mass origin. According to the AQI results, PM10 and PM2.5 were by far the most hazardous pollutants associated with moderate and unhealthy conditions in all the studied areas. In addition, in Athens, Thessaloniki, and Patra, where the benzene levels were also studied, a potential inhalation cancer risk (>1.0 × 10−6) was detected. In Athens, Saharan dust intrusions were associated with downgraded air quality, whilst regional transport and the accumulation of local emissions triggered increased PM10 and PM2.5 levels in traffic sites, especially during cold periods. Our study highlights the need for the development of early warning systems and emission abatement strategies for PM pollution in Greece.
Performance Evaluation of TGFS Typhoon Track Forecasts over the Western North Pacific with Sensitivity Tests on Cumulus Parameterization
Authors: Chen Yu-Han , Sha Sheng-Hao , Lin Chang-Hung , Hsiao Ling-Feng , Huang Ching-Yuang , Kuo Hung-Chi
Published: September 2024

This study employed the new generation Taiwan global forecast system (TGFS) to focus on its performance in forecasting the tracks of western North Pacific typhoons during 2022–2023. TGFS demonstrated better forecasting performance in typhoon track compared to central weather administration (CWA) GFS. For forecasts with large track errors by TGFS at the 120th h, it was found that most of them originated during the early stages of typhoon development when the typhoons were of mild intensity. The tracks deviated predominantly towards the northeast and occasionally towards the southwest, which were speculated to be due to inadequate environmental steering guidance resulting from the failure to capture synoptic environmental features. The tracks could be corrected by replacing the original new simplified Arakawa–Schubert (NSAS) scheme with the new Tiedtke (NTDK) scheme to change the synoptic environmental field, not only for Typhoon Khanun, which occurred in the typhoon season of 2023, but also for Typhoon Bolaven, which occurred after the typhoon season, in October 2023, under atypical circulation characteristics over the western Pacific. The diagnosis of vorticity budget primarily analyzed the periods where divergence in typhoon tracks between control (CTRL) and NTDK experiments occurred. The different synoptic environmental fields in the NTDK experiment affected the wavenumber-1 vorticity distribution in the horizontal advection term, thereby enhancing the accuracy of typhoon translation velocity forecasts. This preliminary study suggests that utilizing the NTDK scheme might improve the forecasting skill of TGFS for typhoon tracks. To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of NTDK on typhoon tracks, further examination for more typhoons is still in need.