bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A cross-sectional study examining perceptions of discriminatory behaviors experienced and witnessed by veterinary students undertaking clinical extra-mural studies
Authors: Summers Olivia S. , Medcalf Rebecca , Hubbard Katherine A. , McCarroll Charlotte S.
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Recent research showed that 29% of respondents in a survey of veterinary professionals reported experiencing self-described discrimination in their workplaces. Senior colleagues and clients were responsible for discriminatory behaviors. As part of their training, veterinary students are expected to undertake extra-mural study (EMS) within these same workplaces and are likely to be vulnerable to discrimination from senior colleagues and clients. This study's objectives were to identify and characterize the pattern of perceived discriminatory behaviors (i.e., belief of being treated unfairly) that veterinary students encounter while seeing practice and explore students' attitudes toward discrimination.

Methods

Students at British and Irish veterinary schools who undertook some clinical EMS completed a survey of closed and open questions as part of a cross-sectional study. Demographic data and experiences of discrimination with details of incidents and reporting were collected, alongside respondent attitudes. Quantitative data were analyzed using Pearson's chi-squared analysis to analyse respondents' characteristics and their experiences of discriminatory behaviors and subsequent reporting. Qualitative content analysis was used for open-question data.

Results

Of the 403 respondents, 36.0% had perceived behavior they believed was discriminatory. The most frequent form of discrimination was based on gender (38.0%), followed by ethnicity (15.7%). There were significant associations between respondents' experience of discriminatory behaviors and the following characteristics: age (p = 0.0096), disability (p < 0.00001), race/ethnicity (p < 0.0001), gender/sex (p = 0.018), and LGBTQ+ status (p = 0.001). Supervising veterinarians were the most commonly reported perpetrators of discriminatory behaviors (39.3%) compared with clients (36.4%). Only 13.9% of respondents who experienced discrimination reported the event(s). Respondents with a disability were the least likely to agree with the statement that professional bodies are doing enough to tackle discrimination (p < 0.0001). Most respondents agreed that sexism is still an issue (74.4%), but men were more likely to disagree (p = 0.004). Most respondents felt that ethnic diversity needed to be increased (96.3%).

Discussion

Discriminatory behavior is a problem for students seeing practice, especially those with one or more protected characteristics (as defined by the UK Equality Act 2010). Improved education would need to include perspectives from minority groups to help remove discriminatory behavior from veterinary practice.
Soluble B-cell maturation antigen as a monitoring marker for multiple myeloma
Authors: Wiedemann Ádám , Szita Virág Réka , Horváth Róbert , Szederjesi Attila , Sebő Attila , Tóth András Dávid , Masszi Tamás , Varga Gergely
Published: April 2023

Objective: Response to treatment in multiple myeloma (MM) is routinely measured by serum and urine M-protein and free light chain (FLC), as described by the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) consensus statement. A non-negligible subgroup of patients however present without measurable biomarkers, others become oligo or non-secretory during recurrent relapses. The aim of our research was to evaluate soluble B-cell maturation antigen (sBCMA) as a monitoring marker measured concurrent with the standard monitoring in MM patients at diagnosis, at relapse and during follow up, in order to establish its potential usefulness in oligo and non-secretory disease.

Method: sBCMA levels were measured in 149 patients treated for plasma cell dyscrasia (3 monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance, 5 smoldering myeloma, 7 plasmacytoma, 8 AL amyloidosis and 126 MM) and 16 control subjects using a commercial ELISA kit. In 43 newly diagnosed patients sBCMA levels were measured at multiple timepoints during treatment, and compared to conventional IMWG response and progression free survival (PFS).

Results: sBCMA levels among control subjects were significantly lower than among newly diagnosed or relapsed MM patients [20.8 (14.7–38.7) ng/mL vs. 676 (89.5–1,650) and 264 (20.7–1,603) ng/mL, respectively]. Significant correlations were found between sBCMA and the degree of bone marrow plasma cell infiltration. Out of the 37 newly diagnosed patients who have reached partial response or better per IMWG criteria, 33 (89%) have had at least a 50% drop in sBCMA level by therapy week 4. Cohorts made similarly to IMWG response criteria—achieving a 50% or 90% drop in sBCMA levels compared to level at diagnosis—had statistically significant differences in PFS.

Conclusion: Our results confirmed that sBCMA levels are prognostic at important decision points in myeloma, and the percentage of BCMA change is predictive for PFS. This highlights the great potential use of sBCMA in oligo- and non-secretory myeloma.
Evaluating the Effects of Flooding Stress during Multiple Growth Stages in Soybean
Authors: Fletcher Elizabeth , Patterson Robert , Dunne Jeffery , Saski Christopher , Fallen Benjamin
Published: April 2023

Flooding is becoming an increasing concern for soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) production worldwide due to the sensitivity of most cultivars grown today to flood stress. Flooding can stunt plant growth and limit yield, causing significant economic loss. One sustainable approach to improve performance under flood stress is to develop flood-tolerant soybean cultivars. This study was conducted to evaluate soybean genotypes for the response to flood stress at three critical growth stages of production—germination, early vegetative growth (V1 and V4), and early reproductive growth (R1). The results demonstrated that stress imposed by flooding significantly affected soybean yield for each growth stage studied. The average germination rate over the various treatments ranged from 95% to 46%. Despite the poor germination rates after the extended flood treatments, the flood-tolerant genotypes maintained a germination rate of >80% after 8 h of flooding. The germination rate of the susceptible genotypes was significantly lower, ranging 58–63%. Imposing flood stress at the V1 and V4 growth stage also resulted in significant differences between the tolerant and susceptible genotypes. Genotypes with the highest level of flood tolerance continually outperformed the susceptible genotypes with an average 30% decrease in foliar damage based on visual scoring and a 10% increase in biomass. The yield of the tolerant genotypes was also on average 25% higher compared to the susceptible genotypes. These results suggest that breeding for flood tolerance in soybean can increase resiliency during crucial growth stages and increase yield under flood conditions. In addition, the genotypes developed from this research can be used as breeding stock to further make improvements to flood tolerance in soybean.
Seed Dormancy and Germination Requirements of Torilis scabra (Apiaceae)
Authors: Zhang Lei , Xu Chaohan , Liu Huina , Tao Jun , Zhang Keliang
Published: April 2023

The timing of seed germination significantly affects the fitness and life cycle of plants. Torilis scabra is a perennial medicinal herb occurring in mixed forests but the increasing use and modification of forestlands in recent decades has led to the degeneration of its natural habitat. Nonetheless, the requirements for germination in T. scabra remain unclear. The present study focused on identifying conditions necessary to break T. scabra seed dormancy and describing its seed dormancy type. By periodically collecting seeds that were sown in the field, germination phenology was studied. The impact of light, temperature, and warm/cold stratification on breaking seed dormancy and promoting germination was also determined through incubating seeds in laboratory conditions. Additionally, the effect of GA3 was explored to more accurately identify the type of dormancy present. The results demonstrated that the seeds of T. scabra possessed small, undeveloped embryos with physiological dormancy at the time of maturity. In the field, embryo growth initiated in early spring and the embryo–seed length ratio increased by ~300% before the radical emerged. In the laboratory, the embryo–seed length ratio increased from 0.24 to 0.82 when seeds were subjected to cold stratification at 4 °C and then transferred to 15/25 °C. Germination was observed across a broad temperature range after cold stratification. GA3 also helped to break dormancy but after-ripening did not. Taken together, the results suggest that seeds of T. scabra have non-deep simple morphophysiological dormancy.
SRI 2.0 and Beyond: Sequencing the Protean Evolution of the System of Rice Intensification
Authors: Uphoff Norman
Published: April 2023

As the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) has evolved in many ways and in several directions over the past two decades, this review follows the software-naming convention of labeling SRI’s different and subsequent versions as SRI 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, etc. In agroecology as with software, variants are not necessarily linear and can establish new directions as well as the further evolution of existing ones. This overview reviews how rainfed SRI, direct-seeded SRI, mechanized SRI, and other modifications of the initial SRI methodology have emerged since 2000, and how versions of SRI have been improvised to improve the production of other crops beyond rice, like wheat, finger millet, maize, and sugar cane. SRI thinking and practices are also being incorporated into diversified farming systems, broadening the logic and impact of SRI beyond monoculture rice cultivation, and SRI methods are also being used to achieve broader objectives like the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the conservation of biodiversity. SRI observations and research have been contributing to the crop and soil sciences by focusing attention on plant roots and soil ecology and by showing how crop management can elicit more desirable phenotypes from a given genotype. Cooperation regarding SRI among farmers, civil-society actors, scientists, private sector agents, governments, and funding agencies has begun introducing noteworthy changes within the agricultural sector, and this collaboration is expected to deepen and expand.
Evaluation of the Analgesic Efficacy of Undiluted Intraperitoneal and Incisional Ropivacaine for Postoperative Analgesia in Dogs after Major Abdominal Surgery
Authors: Henze Inken S. , Navarro Altuna Victoria , Steiger Joëlle I. , Torgerson Paul R. , Kutter Annette P. N.
Published: April 2023

Recommendations for intraperitoneal (IP) and incisional (INC) administration of local anaesthetics after visceral surgery exist, but evidence is scarce. This prospective, randomized, blinded, controlled, clinical trial compared postoperative pain in dogs undergoing major abdominal surgery. Sixteen client-owned dogs were anaesthetized with a standardized balanced protocol including opioids and received either 2 mg/kg ropivacaine IP (0.27 mL/kg) and a 1 mg/kg INC splash (0.13 mL/kg) or equal volumes of saline. Influence of the treatment on heart rate (HR) and postoperative pain was assessed using the Short Form of the Glasgow Composite Pain Scale (GCPS-SF), a dynamic interactive visual analogue scale (DIVAS) and mechanical nociceptive threshold testing (MNT). Data was tested with mixed ordinal regression and log linear mixed models for 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 h after extubation. Rescue analgesia was given to 3/8 dogs after ropivacaine and 0/8 dogs after saline. GCPS-SF and MNT were not different between groups. DIVAS was slightly higher after ropivacaine (odds increased by 5.44 (confidence interval (CI) 1.17–9.96, p = 0.012)), and HR after ropivacaine was 0.76 * that after saline (CI 0.61–0.96, p = 0.02) with no effect of time (p = 0.1). Undiluted ropivacaine IP and INC was not beneficial for postoperative analgesia.
Combined Effects of Clime, Vegetation, Human-Related Land Use and Livestock on the Distribution of the Three Indigenous Species of Gazelle in Eritrea
Authors: Hagos Futsum , Yemane Tecle , Ibrahim Kamal M. , Mangiacotti Marco , Sacchi Roberto
Published: April 2023

The status and habitat selection of the three species of gazelle indigenous to Eritrea, i.e., Nanger soemmerringii, Gazella dorcas and Eudorcas tilonura, are not well known. In this study, we analyzed the present distribution of the three species in the country in order to identify preferred habitats and assess the effect of human disturbance (land use for agricultural purposes and livestock) on species occurrence. These data represent baseline information for evidence-based strategies for conservation of the three species in Eritrea. Presence/absence data of the three species in each of the 67 administrative subregions (Sub Zoba) composing the country were collected using direct (field surveys) and indirect methods (questionnaires). For each sampling unit, we collected fifteen environmental variables, of which three are associated with climatic features, eight with vegetation structure and four with human disturbance (human-related land use and livestock). The occurrence probability of each species was modeled through Generalized Linear Models (GLM). The analyses showed that Dorcas gazelle occurred more frequently in warmer conditions and in a wide range of natural vegetation types. Heuglin’s gazelle occurred in warmer regions with higher seasonality in both temperature and precipitation with a preference for closed woody and open grassland areas. In the case of Soemmerring’s gazelle, the GLM with climatic variables predicted a preference for warmer conditions but with lower seasonality of temperature and precipitation. The species also seemed to prefer arid and semi-arid open vegetation. Human disturbance is the variable with the strongest, negative, effect on the species occurrence. Indeed, the occurrence probability of each species decreased with increasing livestock density and agricultural land use. Most of these gazelle occurred in unprotected areas, thus the human-related activities are undoubtedly the most important threat for the three species of gazelle in Eritrea. Therefore, the establishment of protected areas that preserve the potential optimal habitats for gazelle and reduce the impact of livestock ranching are essential to ensure a future for these gazelle in Eritrea.
A Machine Learning Framework Based on Extreme Gradient Boosting to Predict the Occurrence and Development of Infectious Diseases in Laying Hen Farms, Taking H9N2 as an Example
Authors: Liu Yu , Zhuang Yanrong , Yu Ligen , Li Qifeng , Zhao Chunjiang , Meng Rui , Zhu Jun , Guo Xiaoli
Published: April 2023

The H9N2 avian influenza virus has become one of the dominant subtypes of avian influenza virus in poultry and has been significantly harmful to chickens in China, with great economic losses in terms of reduced egg production or high mortality by co-infection with other pathogens. A prediction of H9N2 status based on easily available production data with high accuracy would be important and essential to prevent and control H9N2 outbreaks in advance. This study developed a machine learning framework based on the XGBoost classification algorithm using 3 months’ laying rates and mortalities collected from three H9N2-infected laying hen houses with complete onset cycles. A framework was developed to automatically predict the H9N2 status of individual house for future 3 days (H9N2 status + 0, H9N2 status + 1, H9N2 status + 2) with five time frames (day + 0, day − 1, day − 2, day − 3, day − 4). It had been proven that a high accuracy rate > 90%, a recall rate > 90%, a precision rate of >80%, and an area under the curve of the receiver operator characteristic ≥ 0.85 could be achieved with the prediction models. Models with day + 0 and day − 1 were highly recommended to predict H9N2 status + 0 and H9N2 status + 1 for the direct or auxiliary monitoring of its occurrence and development. Such a framework could provide new insights into predicting H9N2 outbreaks, and other practical potential applications to assist in disease monitor were also considerable.
Rational Design of New Monoterpene-Containing Azoles and Their Antifungal Activity
Authors: Li-Zhulanov Nikolai S. , Zaikova Nadezhda P. , Sari Suat , Gülmez Dolunay , Sabuncuoğlu Suna , Ozadali-Sari Keriman , Arikan-Akdagli Sevtap , Nefedov Andrey A. , Rybalova Tatyana V. , Volcho Konstantin P. , Salakhutdinov Nariman F.
Published: April 2023

Azole antifungals, including fluconazole, have long been the first-line antifungal agents in the fight against fungal infections. The emergence of drug-resistant strains and the associated increase in mortality from systemic mycoses has prompted the development of new agents based on azoles. We reported a synthesis of novel monoterpene-containing azoles with high antifungal activity and low cytotoxicity. These hybrids demonstrated broad-spectrum activity against all tested fungal strains, with excellent minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values against both fluconazole-susceptible and fluconazole-resistant strains of Candida spp. Compounds 10a and 10c with cuminyl and pinenyl fragments demonstrated up to 100 times lower MICs than fluconazole against clinical isolates. The results indicated that the monoterpene-containing azoles had much lower MICs against fluconazole-resistant clinical isolates of Candida parapsilosis than their phenyl-containing counterpart. In addition, the compounds did not exhibit cytotoxicity at active concentrations in the MTT assay, indicating potential for further development as antifungal agents.
Ongoing Strategies to Improve Antimicrobial Utilization in Hospitals across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA): Findings and Implications
Authors: Haseeb Abdul , Saleem Zikria , Maqadmi Aseel Fayk , Allehyani Roaa Abdulrahman , Mahrous Ahmad J. , Elrggal Mahmoud E. , Kamran Sairah Hafeez , AlGethamy Manal , Naji Asem Saleh , AlQarni Abdullmoin , Alhariqi Khalid W. , Khan Muhammad Arslan , Ibrahim Kiran , Raees Fahad , Azmat Aisha , Cook Aislinn , Campbell Stephen M. , Lorenzetti Giulia , Meyer Johanna C. , Godman Brian , Moore Catrin E.
Published: April 2023

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an increasing global concern, increasing costs, morbidity, and mortality. National action plans (NAPs) to minimize AMR are one of several global and national initiatives to slow down rising AMR rates. NAPs are also helping key stakeholders understand current antimicrobial utilization patterns and resistance rates. The Middle East is no exception, with high AMR rates. Antibiotic point prevalence surveys (PPS) provide a better understanding of existing antimicrobial consumption trends in hospitals and assist with the subsequent implementation of antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs). These are important NAP activities. We examined current hospital consumption trends across the Middle East along with documented ASPs. A narrative assessment of 24 PPS studies in the region found that, on average, more than 50% of in-patients received antibiotics, with Jordan having the highest rate of 98.1%. Published studies ranged in size from a single to 18 hospitals. The most prescribed antibiotics were ceftriaxone, metronidazole, and penicillin. In addition, significant postoperative antibiotic prescribing lasting up to five days or longer was common to avoid surgical site infections. These findings have resulted in a variety of suggested short-, medium-, and long-term actions among key stakeholders, including governments and healthcare workers, to improve and sustain future antibiotic prescribing in order to decrease AMR throughout the Middle East.
Machine Learning Classification for a Second Opinion System in the Selection of Assistive Technology in Post-Stroke Patients
Authors: Rosiński Joachim , Kotlarz Piotr , Rojek Izabela , Mikołajewski Dariusz
Published: April 2023

It is increasingly important to provide post-stroke patients with rapid access to patient-tailored assistive technologies to increase independence, mobility, and participation. Automating the selection of assistive devices based on artificial intelligence could speed up the process and improve accuracy. It would also relieve the burden on diagnosticians and therapists and speed up the introduction of new ranges by automating databases. This article compares selected machine learning classification methods in the area of post-stroke rehabilitation device selection. The article covers the specifics of the selection, the choice of classification methods, and the identification of the best one, as well as the experimental part, the description of the results, the comparison process, and directions for further research. The novelty lies both in the topic, as the choice of classification method has an impact on the accuracy of classification in the selection of medical materials, and in the manner of the comprehensive approach. The possible contribution is of great scientific and clinical relevance, but above all, it has economic and social importance, enabling post-stroke individuals to return more quickly to the community, learning, and work, and relieving the burden on the health care system.
Intelligent Multi-Criteria Decision Support for Renovation Solutions for a Building Based on Emotion Recognition by Applying the COPRAS Method and BIM Integration
Authors: Velykorusova Anastasiia , Zavadskas Edmundas Kazimieras , Tupenaite Laura , Kanapeckiene Loreta , Migilinskas Darius , Kutut Vladislavas , Ubarte Ieva , Abaravicius Zilvinas , Kaklauskas Arturas
Published: April 2023

With accelerating climate change and the urgent need to cut carbon emissions, global focus has turned to the existing building stock and its renovation. Sustainable renovation helps to achieve better energy performance and gain wider sustainability benefits, such as increased value of a building, improved indoor and outdoor comfort, reduced carbon emissions, and the higher satisfaction and better emotional state of inhabitants. Numerous systems and tools have been developed worldwide to assist with decision making in the choice of preferred modernisation scenarios and alternatives. However, social aspects are often neglected in the existing systems, and emotions of inhabitants are rarely analysed. To close this gap, the present study proposes an innovative decision-making framework for sustainable renovation solutions, based on emotion recognition. The framework makes it possible to assess various renovation alternatives against sustainability criteria and real-time measurements of the emotional states of inhabitants. Based on the proposed framework, an intelligent multi-criteria decision support system was developed by integrating COPRAS and the facial action coding system, the method of automatic facial expression recognition, and the continuous calibration and participant methods. The system was tested in the case study of renovation solutions for a building located in Ukraine. The research results revealed that the proposed renovation solutions had a positive impact on the emotional state of inhabitants, especially when visual materials such as drawings were presented. Some case studies were analysed together with the application of decision system tools and building information modelling (BIM) subsystem integration as a multidiscipline application of various applied sciences for representation and data analysis. The authors of this research have been analysing human emotional, affective and physiological states for many years and collected over a billion of these data in Vilnius city during the H2020 ROCK, SAVAS and BIM4REN projects. Data acquired during measurements in Vilnius were used to determine correlations and trends for the case study. The proposed methodology and findings of the study can be useful for researchers who use the evaluation and analysis of human emotions when there is a need to choose appropriate renovation measures or find alternative solutions.
Open-Bite Correction Using a Mid-Palatal TAD with an Intrusion TPA: Anteroposterior Position of TAD
Authors: Kim Tae-Woo , Wu Tingxi
Published: April 2023

Mechanics using a mid-palatal temporary anchorage device (TAD) and an intrusion transpalatal arch (TPA) were applied to correct the open bites. Two different intrusion patterns could be obtained according to the anteroposterior position of mid-palatal TADs. When the TAD was placed posterior to the first molar, the posterior teeth were intruded (“posterior intrusion”), and the open bite was corrected efficiently. This is commonly used in most open bites. However, sometimes, in an open bite with a gummy smile, intrusion of the maxillary anterior teeth, as well as the posterior teeth, may be necessary. In this case, the TAD was placed anterior to the first molar, and a “total intrusion” was obtained, including anterior intrusion. In conclusion, the intrusion pattern of the maxillary teeth differs depending on the anterior–posterior position of the mid-palatal TAD, necessitating posterior intrusion or Total intrusion.
Modification of Cv. Merlot Berry Composition and Wine Sensory Characteristics by Different Leaf Area to Fruit Ratios
Authors: Bubola Marijan , Rossi Sara , Váczy Kálmán Zoltán , Hegyi Ádám István , Persic Martina , Zdunić Goran , Bestulić Ena , Orbanić Fumica , Zsofi Zsolt , Radeka Sanja
Published: April 2023

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of cluster thinning and severe shoot trimming on berry and wine composition and wine sensory characteristics of Merlot variety, in the context of climate change challenges related to grapevine ripening and the corresponding high alcohol content in wine. In two seasons, two different crop sizes were obtained via cluster thinning and combined in a two-factorial design with severe shoot trimming (SST) and its respective high canopy control (HC). In both seasons, cluster thinning (CT) resulted in higher Brix in grape juice and higher alcohol in wine than full crop size (FC), whereas SST obtained lower values than HC. Total anthocyanins and phenolics in wine were increased by CT, whereas SST had no any significant effect on wine’s phenolic content. Several sensory characteristics of wine were positively affected by CT in both seasons, including aroma intensity, wine body and overall wine quality, whereas SST wines were in one season characterized by increased perception of vegetal aroma, acidity and bitterness, and decreased perception of body, persistency and taste balance. Our results demonstrate that practices which affect the leaf area to fruit ratio have a major impact on wine sensorial characteristics, concluding that their choice should be based on the desired wine style.
PhotoMatch: An Open-Source Tool for Multi-View and Multi-Modal Feature-Based Image Matching
Authors: Ruiz de Oña Esteban , Barbero-García Inés , González-Aguilera Diego , Remondino Fabio , Rodríguez-Gonzálvez Pablo , Hernández-López David
Published: April 2023

The accurate and reliable extraction and matching of distinctive features (keypoints) in multi-view and multi-modal datasets is still an open research topic in the photogrammetric and computer vision communities. However, one of the main milestones is selecting which method is a suitable choice for specific applications. This encourages us to develop an educational tool that encloses different hand-crafted and learning-based feature-extraction methods. This article presents PhotoMatch, a didactical, open-source tool for multi-view and multi-modal feature-based image matching. The software includes a wide range of state-of-the-art methodologies for preprocessing, feature extraction and matching, including deep learning detectors and descriptors. It also provides tools for a detailed assessment and comparison of the different approaches, allowing the user to select the best combination of methods for each specific multi-view and multi-modal dataset. The first version of the tool was awarded by the ISPRS (ISPRS Scientific Initiatives, 2019). A set of thirteen case studies, including six multi-view and six multi-modal image datasets, is processed by following different methodologies, and the results provided by the software are analysed to show the capabilities of the tool. The PhotoMatch Installer and the source code are freely available.
Spare Parts Forecasting and Lumpiness Classification Using Neural Network Model and Its Impact on Aviation Safety
Authors: Shafi Imran , Sohail Amir , Ahmad Jamil , Espinosa Julio César Martínez , López Luis Alonso Dzul , Thompson Ernesto Bautista , Ashraf Imran
Published: April 2023

Safety critical spare parts hold special importance for aviation organizations. However, accurate forecasting of such parts becomes challenging when the data are lumpy or intermittent. This research paper proposes an artificial neural network (ANN) model that is able to observe the recent trends of error surface and responds efficiently to the local gradient for precise spare prediction results marked by lumpiness. Introduction of the momentum term allows the proposed ANN model to ignore small variations in the error surface and to behave like a low-pass filter and thus to avoid local minima. Using the whole collection of aviation spare parts having the highest demand activity, an ANN model is built to predict the failure of aircraft installed parts. The proposed model is first optimized for its topology and is later trained and validated with known historical demand datasets. The testing phase includes introducing input vector comprising influential factors that dictate sporadic demand. The proposed approach is found to provide superior results due to its simple architecture and fast converging training algorithm once evaluated against some other state-of-the-art models from the literature using related benchmark performance criteria. The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach. The accurate prediction of the cost-heavy and critical spare parts is expected to result in huge cost savings, reduce downtime, and improve the operational readiness of drones, fixed wing aircraft and helicopters. This also resolves the dead inventory issue as a result of wrong demands of fast moving spares due to human error.
Advances in Data Analysis for Wearable Sensors
Authors: Belli Alberto , Pierleoni Paola , Raggiunto Sara
Published: April 2023

Wearable sensors have drawn a lot of attention from the research community during the last decade [...]
Does Power Output at Critical Power Intensity Interchange between Cycling and Running?
Authors: Olaya-Cuartero Javier , Pueo Basilio , Penichet-Tomas Alfonso , Villalon-Gasch Lamberto
Published: April 2023

The differences in power meters and gestures between cycling and running can have an impact on determining Critical Power (CP) intensity in each sport. CP is a concept that has been extensively researched in cycling, but with the advent of power measurement in running, it can now be examined in that discipline as well. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether power output at CP intensity is interchangeable between cycling and running segments measured with their respective discipline-specific power meters. A group of 18 trained triathletes (age 33.0 ± 11.1 years, height 1.75 ± 0.06 m, body mass 71.2 ± 7.1 kg) performed a CP test in cycling (3-min All-Out Test) and running (9/3-min Stryd CP Test). The main results of the present study showed significant differences (p < 0.001) between CP in cycling and running. The running CP (301.8 W ± 41.5 W) was 20.2% overestimated compared with the cycling CP (251.1 W ± 37.0 W). Cycling power only explained 26.7% of the running power (R2 = 0.267; p = 0.284). Therefore, power would not be interchangeable between the cycling and running disciplines at CP intensity. In conclusion, it would be necessary to carry out a specific test for each discipline to be able to make a correct determination of CP.
Haar Wavelet-Based Classification Method for Visual Information Processing Systems
Authors: Huan Wang , Shcherbakova Galina , Sachenko Anatoliy , Yan Lingyu , Volkova Natalya , Rusyn Bohdan , Molga Agnieszka
Published: April 2023

Nowadays, the systems for visual information processing are significantly extending their application field. Moreover, an unsolved problem for such systems is that the classification procedure has often-conflicting requirements for performance and classification reliability. Therefore, the goal of the article is to develop the wavelet method for classifying the systems for visual information processing by evaluating the performance and informativeness of the adopted classification solutions. This method of classification uses the Haar wavelet functions with training and calculates the ranges of changes in the coefficients of the separating surfaces. The authors proposed to select the ranges of changes in these coefficients by employing the Shannon entropy formula for measuring the information content. A case study proved that such a method will significantly increase the speed of detecting the intervals of coefficient values. In addition, this enables us to justify the choice of the width of the ranges for the change of coefficients, solving the contradiction between the performance and reliability of the classifier.
Gut Microbiome in the Progression of NAFLD, NASH and Cirrhosis, and Its Connection with Biotics: A Bibliometric Study Using Dimensions Scientific Research Database
Authors: Pezzino Salvatore , Sofia Maria , Mazzone Chiara , Castorina Sergio , Puleo Stefano , Barchitta Martina , Agodi Antonella , Gallo Luisa , La Greca Gaetano , Latteri Saverio
Published: April 2023

There is growing evidence that gut microbiota dysbiosis is linked to the etiopathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), from the initial stage of disease until the progressive stage of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and the final stage of cirrhosis. Conversely, probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics have shown promise in restoring dysbiosis and lowering clinical indicators of disease in a number of both preclinical and clinical studies. Additionally, postbiotics and parabiotics have recently garnered some attention. The purpose of this bibliometric analysis is to assess recent publishing trends concerning the role of the gut microbiome in the progression of NAFLD, NASH and cirrhosis and its connection with biotics. The free access version of the Dimensions scientific research database was used to find publications in this field from 2002 to 2022. VOSviewer and Dimensions’ integrated tools were used to analyze current research trends. Research into the following topics is expected to emerge in this field: (1) evaluation of risk factors which are correlated with the progression of NAFLD, such as obesity and metabolic syndrome; (2) pathogenic mechanisms, such as liver inflammation through toll-like receptors activation, or alteration of short-chain fatty acids metabolisms, which contribute to NAFLD development and its progression in more severe forms, such as cirrhosis; (3) therapy for cirrhosis through dysbiosis reduction, and research on hepatic encephalopathy a common consequence of cirrhosis; (4) evaluation of diversity, and composition of gut microbiome under NAFLD, and as it varies under NASH and cirrhosis by rRNA gene sequencing, a tool which can also be used for the development of new probiotics and explore into the impact of biotics on the gut microbiome; (5) treatments to reduce dysbiosis with new probiotics, such as Akkermansia, or with fecal microbiome transplantation.
Interactions of Amino Group Functionalized Tetraphenylvinyl and DNA: A Label-Free “On-Off-On” Fluorescent Aptamer Sensor toward Ampicillin
Authors: Geng Weifu , Feng Yan , Chen Yu , Zhang Xin , Zhang Haoyi , Yang Fanfan , Wang Xiuzhong
Published: April 2023

As a type of aggregation-induced emission (AIE) fluorescent probe, tetraphenylvinyl (TPE) or its derivatives are widely used in chemical imaging, biosensing and medical diagnosis. However, most studies have focused on molecular modification and functionalization of AIE to enhance the fluorescence emission intensity. There are few studies on the interaction between aggregation-induced emission luminogens (AIEgens) and nucleic acids, which was investigated in this paper. Experimental results showed the formation of a complex of AIE/DNA, leading to the quenching of the fluorescence of AIE molecules. Fluorescent test experiments with different temperatures proved that the quenching type was static quenching. The quenching constants, binding constants and thermodynamic parameters demonstrated that electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions promoted the binding process. Then, a label-free “on-off-on” fluorescent aptamer sensor for the detection of ampicillin (AMP) was constructed based on the interaction between the AIE probe and the aptamer of AMP. Linear range of the sensor is 0.2–10 nM with a limit of detection 0.06 nM. This fluorescent sensor was applied to detect AMP in real samples.
Construction Industry and Its Contributions to Achieving the SDGs Proposed by the UN: An Analysis of Sustainable Practices
Authors: Barbosa Júnior Isaias de Oliveira , Macêdo Alcebíades Negrão , Martins Vitor William Batista
Published: April 2023

This research aimed to analyze the perceptions of professionals in the construction sector operating in Brazil regarding the development of sustainability practices in the sector and their contributions to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To this end, a literature review was developed, a survey was conducted among industry professionals, and the collected data were treated using Cronbach’s alpha, hierarchical cluster analysis, and the TOPSIS multicriteria method. As a result, considering the generated ranking, the practices determining the promotion of a more sustainable construction sector were the encouragement and promotion of sustainability-focused events, education on sustainability, water treatment, and community project development. From the perspective of contributions to achieving the UN SDGs, greater alignment of sustainable practices with the established goals was highlighted in SDG 1, which seeks to eradicate poverty; SDG 4, which promotes inclusive education; SDG 6, referring to the importance of water treatment and access for all; SDG 7, which aims to ensure access to clean and affordable energy; SDG 9, which proposes the development of resilient, inclusive, and sustainable infrastructure; SDG 11, which advocates for sustainable cities and communities; and SDG 12, which proposes the adoption of more sustainable production and consumption patterns. It is believed that this research represents the first exploratory study to consider sustainable practices in the civil construction sector, which are aligned with the sustainable development objectives proposed by the UN and consider the context of a country with an emerging economy from the perspective of professionals working in the sector.
Discovering the Research Topics on Construction Safety and Health Using Semi-Supervised Topic Modeling
Authors: Zhou Kai , Wang Jun , Ashuri Baabak , Chen Jianli
Published: April 2023

Safety and health have been one of the major issues in the construction industry worldwide for decades, and the relevant research has correspondingly drawn much attention in the academic field. Considering the expanding size and increasing heterogeneity of this research field, this paper proposes the topic modeling approach to cluster latent topics, extract coherent keywords, and discover evolving trends over the past three decades. Focusing on a total of 1984 articles published in 27 different journal sources until February 2023, this paper applied both unsupervised topic modeling techniques—Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) and Correlation Explanation (CorEx)—and their semi-supervised versions—Guided LDA and Anchored CorEx. The evolving trends and inter-relationship of 15 research topics generated by the Anchored CorEx model (the best-performing model) were analyzed. Top-listed documents of major topics were analyzed to discuss their standalone research focuses. The results of this paper provided helpful insights and implications of existing research and offered potential guides for future research on construction safety and health by helping researchers (1) select research topics of interest and clearing decaying topics; (2) extract the top words of each research topic using systematic approaches; and (3) explore the interconnection of different research topics as well as their standalone focuses.
Simplified Analytical Methods for Prefabricated Concrete Wall Panel Building System with Alveolar-Type Joints
Authors: Xiao Yang , Luo Xiaoyong , Xing Minliang , Pan Zhen , Cheng Junfeng , Liu Jinhong
Published: April 2023

This paper presents a type of prefabricated concrete wall panel building system with novel flexible alveolar-type joints, which has the advantages of fast assembly and controllable quality. Seven alveolar-type joint specimens were designed and fabricated to investigate the influence of the axial compression ratio, the size of the joint (in the interface contact area), and the strength of the mortar on the joints’ performance. The shear–slip constitutive model of the alveolar-type joints was established on this basis. The accuracy of the constitutive model was verified by comparing two full-scale loading tests with the exact finite element analysis model of ABAQUS. A finite element model of a multi-story apartment building was established by using the aforementioned shear–slip constitutive model; thus, the simplified analysis method for the prefabricated concrete wall panel building structure with alveolar-type joints was proposed. It was concluded that increasing the axial compression ratio, mortar strength, and size of the joints could increase the shear-bearing capacity by different degrees and that the 50 mm depth joint could increase the capacity by 18.6%. The proposed shear–slip constitutive model simulated the interface mechanism well by comparing the test results. Furthermore, the simplified analytical methods of the integral structure were in good agreement with the FEA results.
Development of Highly Efficient Hydroisodeparaffinization Catalysts Based on Micro-Mesoporous SAPO-31: New Approaches in the Synthesis of SAPO-31 and the Preparation of Bifunctional Catalysts
Authors: Echevsky Gennady V. , Toktarev Aleksander V. , Kodenev Evgeny G. , Aksenov Dmitry G.
Published: April 2023

A method is proposed for the synthesis of micro-mesoporous SAPO-31 with a high external surface area and large mesopore volume using tetraethoxysilane as a source of silicon. The synthesis of SAPO-31 is based on the principles underlying the Stöber process approach, which allows control of the pore diameter and volume and, hence, the external surface area of the product material. The use of the proposed methods for depositing the hydro-dehydrogenating component on the synthesized micro-mesoporous SAPO-31 made it possible to obtain highly efficient bifunctional hydroisodeparaffinization catalysts with the platinum or palladium content not higher than 0.2 wt.%. As a result, the process temperature can be decreased by 50–60 °C in comparison with the known analogs. Therewith, for example, in the test reaction of n-decane hydroisodeparaffinization at a temperature of 300 °C and feed rate of 1.5 h−1, the conversion above 90%, and the 97–98% yield of liquid products, the 95% selectivity to isomeric products were achieved.
Circulatory Serum Krebs von Den Lungen-6 and Surfactant Protein-D Concentrations Predict Interstitial Lung Disease Progression and Mortality
Authors: Rai Meghna , Parthasarathi Ashwaghosha , Beeraka Narasimha M. , Kaleem Ullah Mohammed , Malamardi Sowmya , Padukudru Sunag , Siddaiah Jayaraj Biligere , Uthaiah Chinnappa A. , Vishwanath Prashant , Chaya Sindaghatta Krishnarao , Ramaswamy Subramanian , Upadhyay Swapna , Ganguly Koustav , Mahesh Padukudru Anand
Published: April 2023

There is a need for biomarkers to predict outcomes, including mortality, in interstitial lung disease (ILD). Krebs von den Lungen-6 (KL-6) and surfactant protein D (SP-D) are associated with lung damage and fibrosis in all ILDs and are related to important clinical outcomes. Though these two biomarkers have been associated with ILD outcomes, there are no studies that have evaluated their predictive potential in combination. This study aims to determine whether KL-6 and SP-D are linked to poor disease outcomes and mortality. Additionally, we plan to examine whether changes in KL-6 and SP-D concentrations correspond with changes in lung function and whether serial measurements improve their predictive potential to identify disease progression and mortality. Forty-four patients with ILD participated in a prospective 6-month longitudinal observational study. ILD patients who succumbed had the highest KL-6 levels (3990.4 U/mL (3490.0–4467.6)) and highest SP-D levels (256.1 ng/mL (217.9–260.0)), followed by those who deteriorated: KL-6 levels 1357.0 U/mL (822.6–1543.4) and SP-D levels 191.2 ng/mL (152.8–210.5). The generalized linear model (GLM) analysis demonstrated that changes in forced vital capacity (FVC), diffusing capacity of lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), and partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2) were correlated to changes in KL6 (p = 0.016, 0.014, 0.027, 0.047) and SP-D (p = 0.008, 0.012, 0.046, 0.020), respectively. KL-6 (odds ratio (OR): 2.87 (1.06–7.79)) and SPD (OR: 1.76 (1.05–2.97)) were independent predictors of disease progression, and KL-6 (hazard ratio (HR): 3.70 (1.46–9.41)) and SPD (HR: 2.58 (1.01–6.59)) were independent predictors of death by Cox regression analysis. Combined biomarkers (KL6 + SPD + CT + FVC) had the strongest ability to predict disease progression (AUC: 0.797) and death (AUC: 0.961), on ROC analysis. Elevated KL-6 and SPD levels are vital biomarkers for predicting the severity, progression, and outcomes of ILD. High baseline levels or an increase in levels over a six-month follow-up despite treatment indicate a poor prognosis. Combining KL6 and SPD with conventional measures yields a more potent prognostic indicator. Clinical studies are needed to test additional interventions, and future research will determine if this combined biomarker benefits different ethnicities globally.
Effect of Scanning Strategies on Anisotropy of YCF104 Alloy Mechanical Properties by Laser Cladding
Authors: Zhao Yu , Shi Wenkai , Chen Liaoyuan , Wu Wenzheng , Yu Tianbiao
Published: April 2023

YCF104 alloy specimens were fabricated by laser cladding on #45 steel following three different scanning strategies. The microstructure, phase composition, friction coefficient, microhardness, tensile strength, and compressive strength of the specimens formed by different scanning strategies were investigated. The results show that the uniformity of laser remelting of solidified layers improved the uniformity of microstructure and refined the grains. The strengthening effect of the Fe–Cr/Mo solid solution was primarily responsible for the high strength. YCF104 cladding specimens exhibit brittle failure, and with the change of metallurgical bonding form in the overlap area, the compressive strength (the maximum value is 3235 MPa) and the tensile strength (specimen via strategy 3 is 527.44 MPa), there appears significant anisotropy. With the improvement of the uniformity of temperature distribution, the friction coefficient as well as the microhardness decreased when the GCr15 was used as the friction pair. The mechanical anisotropy of the coating is related to both the microstructure and metallurgical bonding strength in the overlap area.