bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prospective modelling of operational offshore wind farms on the distribution of marine megafauna in the southern North Sea
Authors: Virgili Auriane , Laran Sophie , Authier Matthieu , Dorémus Ghislain , Van Canneyt Olivier , Spitz Jérôme
Published: February 2024

Intense development of Offshore Wind Farms (OWFs) has occurred in the North Sea with several more farms planned for the near future. These OWFs pose a threat to marine megafauna stressing the need to mitigate the impact of human activities. To help mitigate impacts, the Before After Gradient (BAG) design was proposed. We explored the use of the BAG method on megafauna sightings recorded at different distances from OWFs in the southern North Sea. We predicted intra-annual variability in species distribution, then correlated species distribution with the presence of operational OWFs and investigated the potential impact the operation of prospective OWFs may have on species distribution. Four patterns of intra-annual variability were predicted: species most abundant in spring, in winter, in both spring and winter, or all year round. We recommend that future OWF constructions be planned in summer and early fall to minimise impact on cetaceans and that offshore areas off northern France and Belgium be avoided to minimise impact on seabirds. Our prospective analysis predicted a decreased density for most species with the operation of prospective OWFs. Prospective approaches, using e.g. a BAG design, are paramount to inform species conservation as they can forecast the likely responses of megafauna to anthropogenic disturbances.
Systematic review for the development of a core outcome set for monofocal intraocular lenses for cataract surgery
Authors: Tarricone Rosanna , Rognoni Carla , Ciarlo Anita , Giabbani Ilaria , Novello Leonardo , Balestrieri Marco , Costa Giacomo , Favuzza Eleonora , Mencucci Rita , Taroni Leonardo , Tognetto Daniele , Giglio Rosa
Published: February 2024

Introduction

The aim of the study was to define a core outcome set (COS) to be measured following cataract surgery for the postoperative evaluation of monofocal intraocular lenses (IOLs). Compared to current COSs, the present work provides updates considering the advances in the technology due to the development of new generation monofocal IOLs, which are characterized by a safety profile comparable to standard monofocal IOLs but with an extended range of intermediate vision.

Methods

Healthcare professionals (ophthalmologist surgeons) and patients were involved in the selection of outcomes to be included in the COS, starting from a list of indicators retrieved from a systematic literature search. The search considered observational studies with both a retrospective or prospective design, case studies and classic randomized controlled trials (RCTs). A mixed methodology integrating a Delphi-driven and an expert panel approach was adopted to reach an agreement among clinicians, while patients were involved in the completion of a questionnaire.

Results

The final COS included 15 outcomes. Eleven outcomes, all clinical, were considered for inclusion after a joint discussion among ophthalmologists; seven outcomes were linked to visual acuity, while the remaining to contrast sensitivity, refractive errors, aberrations and adverse events. Measurement metrics, method of aggregation and measurement time point of these outcomes were specified. The most important aspects for the patients were (1) quality of life after cataract surgery, (2) the capacity to perform activities requiring good near vision (e.g., reading), (3) spectacle independence, and (4) safety of movements without fear of getting hurt or falling (intermediate vision).

Discussion

In a context with limited healthcare resources, it is important to optimize their use considering also the preferences of end-users, namely patients. The proposed COS, developed involving both ophthalmologists and patients, provides an instrument for the postoperative evaluation of different technologies in the context of monofocal IOLs, which can be used not only in clinical trials but also in clinical practice to increase the body of real-world evidence.
Neuroimmune pathways involvement in neurodegeneration of R6/2 mouse model of Huntington’s disease
Authors: Paldino Emanuela , Migliorato Giorgia , Fusco Francesca R.
Published: February 2024

Mechanisms of tissue damage in Huntington’s disease (HD) involve excitotoxicity, mitochondrial damage, and neuroinflammation, including microglia activation. CD47 is a membrane protein that interacts with the inhibitory immunoreceptor SIRPα. Engagement of SIRPα by CD47 provides a downregulatory signal that inhibits host cell phagocytosis, promoting a “don’t-eat-me” signal. These proteins are involved in the immune response and are downmodulated in inflammatory diseases. The involvement of inflammation and of the inflammasome in HD has already been described. In this study, we focused on other factors that can be involved in the unregulated inflammatory response that accelerates and exacerbate the neurodegenerative process in HD. Our results show that CD47 on striatal neurons decreased in HD mice, while it increased in wild type mice with age. SIRPα, on the other hand, was present in neurons in the wild type and increases in the R6/2 mice at all stages. Recruitment of SIRPα and binding to CD47 promotes the activation through phosphorylating events of non-receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1 and SHP-2 in neurons and microglia. SHP phosphatases are able to curb the activity of NLRP3 inflammasome thereby reducing the detrimental effect of neuroinflammation. Such activity is mediated by the inhibition (dephosphorylation) of the proteins signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT). We found that activated SHP-1 was present in microglia and neurons of WT mice at 5 and 13 weeks, increasing with time; while in R6/2 it was not localized in neurons but only in microglia, where it decreases with time. Consequently, STAT1 was overexpressed in neurons of R6/2 mice, as an effect of lack of modulation by SHP-1. Thus, our results shed light on the pathophysiology of neuronal damage, on one hand, paving the way toward a modulation of signal transducer proteins by specific inhibitors to achieve neuroprotection in HD, on the other.
Children with bilateral cerebral palsy use their hip joint to complete a step-up task
Authors: Goyal Vatsala , Gordon Keith E. , Sukal-Moulton Theresa
Published: February 2024

Performance in stair-climbing is largely associated with disruptions to mobility and community participation in children with cerebral palsy (CP). It is important to understand the nature of motor impairments responsible for making stairs a challenge in children with bilateral CP to clarify underlying causes of impaired mobility. In pediatric clinical populations, sensitive measurements of movement quality can be captured during the initial step of stair ascent. Thus, the purpose of this study was to quantify the lower limb joint moments of children with bilateral CP during the stance phases of a step-up task. Participants performed multiple stepping trials in a university gait laboratory. Outcome measures included extensor support moments (the sum of hip, knee, and ankle sagittal plane moments), hip abduction moments, and their timing. We recruited seven participants per group. We found that peak support and hip abduction moments were similar in the bilateral CP group compared to the typical development (TD) group. We also found that children with bilateral CP timed their peak moments closer together and increasingly depended on the hip joint to complete the task, especially in their more affected (MA) lower limb. Our investigation highlights some underlying causes that may make stair climbing a challenge for the CP population, including a loss of selective voluntary motor control (SVMC), and provides a possible treatment approach to strengthen lower limb muscles.
A review and analysis of key biomarkers in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Zhang Zhihao , Liu Xiangtao , Zhang Suixia , Song Zhixin , Lu Ke , Yang Wenzhong
Published: February 2024

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects over 50 million elderly individuals worldwide. Although the pathogenesis of AD is not fully understood, based on current research, researchers are able to identify potential biomarker genes and proteins that may serve as effective targets against AD. This article aims to present a comprehensive overview of recent advances in AD biomarker identification, with highlights on the use of various algorithms, the exploration of relevant biological processes, and the investigation of shared biomarkers with co-occurring diseases. Additionally, this article includes a statistical analysis of key genes reported in the research literature, and identifies the intersection with AD-related gene sets from databases such as AlzGen, GeneCard, and DisGeNet. For these gene sets, besides enrichment analysis, protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks utilized to identify central genes among the overlapping genes. Enrichment analysis, protein interaction network analysis, and tissue-specific connectedness analysis based on GTEx database performed on multiple groups of overlapping genes. Our work has laid the foundation for a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of AD and more accurate identification of key AD markers.
Recent status and trends of nanotechnology in cervical cancer: a systematic review and bibliometric analysis
Authors: Song Xiangzhi , Li Xun , Tan Zhiwei , Zhang Lushun
Published: February 2024

Background

Cervical cancer is currently the second leading cause of cancer death among women from developing countries (1). However, there is a lack of effective treatment methods, and the existing treatments often result in significant adverse reactions and high chances of recurrence, which ultimately impact the prognosis of patients. As a result, the application of nanotechnology, specifically nanoparticle-based approaches, in the diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer has gained significant attention. This study aims to examine the current research status and future development trends of nanotechnology in relation to cervical cancer using a bibliometric perspective.

Methods

A bibliometric analysis was performed to gather relevant research papers from the Web of Science database. VOSviewer and CiteSpace were utilized to conduct quantitative analysis and identify hot topics in the field, focusing on countries, institutions, journals, authors, and keywords.

Result

A total of 997 eligible literature were retrieved. From January 1, 2014 to September 20, 2023, the overall number of publications showed an upward trend. The paper mainly comes from China (n=414). The main institution is the Chinese Academy of Sciences (n=62), and 60% of the top 10 institutions in the number of documents issued are from China. First authors Ma, Rong (n=12) and Alifu, Nuernisha (n=12). The journal with the highest publication volume is ACS Applied Materials&INTERFACES (n=35), and the journal with the highest citation frequency is BIOMATERIALS (n=508). “Nanoparticles (n=295)”, “cervical cancer (n=248)”, and “drug delivery (n=218)” are the top three most frequently occurring keywords. In recent years, photothermal therapy and indocyanine green have become research hotspots.

Conclusion

The application of nanotechnology in the field of cervical cancer has garnered considerable attention. Nanoparticles-based methods for diagnosis, administration, and treatment have proven to be instrumental in enhancing the sensitivity of cervical cancer detection, improving the accuracy and efficiency of administration, and reducing drug toxicity. Enhancing treatment efficacy and improving patient prognosis have emerged as current research priorities and future directions.
Ivacaftor pharmacokinetics and lymphatic transport after enteral administration in rats
Authors: Pozniak Jiří , Ryšánek Pavel , Smrčka David , Kozlík Petr , Křížek Tomáš , Šmardová Jaroslava , Nováková Anežka , Das Debanjan , Bobek Daniel , Arora Mahak , Hofmann Jiří , Doušová Tereza , Šíma Martin , Slanař Ondřej
Published: February 2024

Background: Ivacaftor is a modern drug used in the treatment of cystic fibrosis. It is highly lipophilic and exhibits a strong positive food effect. These characteristics can be potentially connected to a pronounced lymphatic transport after oral administration.

Methods: A series of studies was conducted to describe the basic pharmacokinetic parameters of ivacaftor in jugular vein cannulated rats when dosed in two distinct formulations: an aqueous suspension and an oil solution. Additionally, an anesthetized mesenteric lymph duct cannulated rat model was studied to precisely assess the extent of lymphatic transport.

Results: Mean ± SD ivacaftor oral bioavailability was 18.4 ± 3.2% and 16.2 ± 7.8%, respectively, when administered as an aqueous suspension and an oil solution. The relative contribution of the lymphatic transport to the overall bioavailability was 5.91 ± 1.61% and 4.35 ± 1.84%, respectively.

Conclusion: Lymphatic transport plays only a minor role in the process of ivacaftor intestinal absorption, and other factors are, therefore, responsible for its pronounced positive food effect.
Probing the nanomechanics of interfacial interactions between hydrophobic surfaces
Authors: Lu Liqun , Wang Fengjuan , Wang Yuncheng , Zhang Jiawen , Xiang Li , Liu Zhiyong , Jiang Jinyang
Published: February 2024

Hydrophobic interactions are widely applied in diverse fields, yet the effect of the degree of hydrophobicity on the interactions between hydrophobic surfaces is still unaddressed, limiting the development of functional hydrophobic surfaces. In this study, the interfacial interactions and configuration of hydrophobic chains on surfaces with ranging hydrophobicity are surveyed by surface forces apparatus. Our findings revealed that with partial hydrophobicity, a long-range electrical double-layer repulsive force pertains between surfaces, while between fully hydrophobized surfaces, only steric hindrance is observed, and the hydrophobic chains maintain configuration even after long time compression. Our findings provide useful implications for understanding hydrophobic interactions.
Phenylpropane biosynthesis and alkaloid metabolism pathways involved in resistance of Amorphophallus spp. against soft rot disease
Authors: Gao Penghua , Qi Ying , Li Lifang , Yang Shaowu , Guo Jianwei , Liu Jiani , Wei Huanyu , Huang Feiyan , Yu Lei
Published: February 2024

Soft rot of konjac (Amorphophallus spp.) is a devastating disease caused by the bacterium Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum (Pcc) with serious adverse effects on plantation development, corm quality and crop yield due to the current lack of effective control measures. The main objective of the present study was to elucidate the mechanisms underlying plant resistance to soft rot disease. A combination of transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses demonstrated significant enrichment of differentially expressed genes (DEG) and differentially accumulated metabolites (DAM) associated with plant hormones, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and, in particular, alkaloid metabolism, in Amorphophallus muelleri following Pcc infection compared with A. konjac, these data implicate alkaloid metabolism as the dominant mechanism underlying disease resistance of A. muelleri. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis further revealed involvement of PAL, CYP73A16, CCOAOMT1, RBOHD and CDPK20 genes in the response of konjac to Pcc. Analysis of the bacteriostatic activities of total alkaloid from A. muelleri validated the assumption that alkaloid metabolism positively regulates disease resistance of konjac. Our collective results provide a foundation for further research on the resistance mechanisms of konjac against soft rot disease.
Identification of cotton pest and disease based on CFNet- VoV-GCSP -LSKNet-YOLOv8s: a new era of precision agriculture
Authors: Li Rujia , He Yiting , Li Yadong , Qin Weibo , Abbas Arzlan , Ji Rongbiao , Li Shuang , Wu Yehui , Sun Xiaohai , Yang Jianping
Published: February 2024

Introduction

The study addresses challenges in detecting cotton leaf pests and diseases under natural conditions. Traditional methods face difficulties in this context, highlighting the need for improved identification techniques.

Methods

The proposed method involves a new model named CFNet-VoV-GCSP-LSKNet-YOLOv8s. This model is an enhancement of YOLOv8s and includes several key modifications: (1) CFNet Module. Replaces all C2F modules in the backbone network to improve multi-scale object feature fusion. (2) VoV-GCSP Module. Replaces C2F modules in the YOLOv8s head, balancing model accuracy with reduced computational load. (3) LSKNet Attention Mechanism. Integrated into the small object layers of both the backbone and head to enhance detection of small objects. (4) XIoU Loss Function. Introduced to improve the model's convergence performance.

Results

The proposed method achieves high performance metrics: Precision (P), 89.9%. Recall Rate (R), 90.7%. Mean Average Precision (mAP@0.5), 93.7%. The model has a memory footprint of 23.3MB and a detection time of 8.01ms. When compared with other models like YOLO v5s, YOLOX, YOLO v7, Faster R-CNN, YOLOv8n, YOLOv7-tiny, CenterNet, EfficientDet, and YOLOv8s, it shows an average accuracy improvement ranging from 1.2% to 21.8%.

Discussion

The study demonstrates that the CFNet-VoV-GCSP-LSKNet-YOLOv8s model can effectively identify cotton pests and diseases in complex environments. This method provides a valuable technical resource for the identification and control of cotton pests and diseases, indicating significant improvements over existing methods.
The relationship of kinesiophobia in patients with lymphedema: a case-control investigation
Authors: Monteiro Ana Júlia , de Labra Carmen , Losa-Iglesias Marta Elena , Dias Adriano , Becerro-de-Bengoa-Vallejo Ricardo , Silva-Migueis Helena , Macedo Filipe , López-López Daniel , Gómez-Salgado Juan
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Kinesiophobia and lymphedema appear to be related conditions, and it is important to understand this relationship, as many of the symptoms and comorbidities presented by individuals with lower limb lymphedema are prevented and treated through movement, thus constituting kinesiophobia as a barrier to intervention. The objective of this study is, therefore, to evaluate and analyze the kinesiophobic beliefs reported by individuals with and without lower limb lymphedema, regarding the agreement, severity and differences found, and to establish levels of kinesiophobia.

Methods

A case-control study with a total sample of 80 participants (40 with lower limb lymphedema and 40 without) was performed. Both groups (with and without lymphedema) were characterized anthropologically, sociodemographically, and clinically. In the case group, lymphedema was evaluated. Participants in both groups completed the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia - 13 items (TSK-13).

Results

Individuals with lower limb lymphedema had higher TSK-13 scores than their matched group without lymphedema. The items belonging to the activity avoidance subscale had the highest agreement and score in both groups. Differences between groups were mainly established for items belonging to the somatic focus subscale, showing that individuals with lower limb lymphedema have kinesiophobic beliefs related to the perceived severity of their lymphedema. The prevalence of kinesiophobia was increased in both groups, but the severity was mild.

Conclusions

Considering the apparent tendency of people with lower limb lymphedema to present kinesiophobia and movement-limiting beliefs regarding the condition, greater attention should be paid to its assessment, prevention and treatment from a multidisciplinary and multimodal perspective, which takes into account the multiplicity of factors inherent to kinesiophobia and lymphedema and thus reduce their impact on the management of lymphedema.
Integrative analysis of RNA-sequencing and microarray for the identification of adverse effects of UVB exposure on human skin
Authors: Jang Yujin , Na Hye-Won , Shin Dong Yeop , Lee Jun , Han Jun Pyo , Kim Hyun Soo , Kim Su Ji , Choi Eun-Jeong , Lee Charles , Hong Yong Deog , Kim Hyoung-June , Seo Young Rok
Published: February 2024

Background

Ultraviolet B (UVB) from sunlight represents a major environmental factor that causes toxic effects resulting in structural and functional cutaneous abnormalities in most living organisms. Although numerous studies have indicated the biological mechanisms linking UVB exposure and cutaneous manifestations, they have typically originated from a single study performed under limited conditions.

Methods

We accessed all publicly accessible expression data of various skin cell types exposed to UVB, including skin biopsies, keratinocytes, and fibroblasts. We performed biological network analysis to identify the molecular mechanisms and identify genetic biomarkers.

Results

We interpreted the inflammatory response and carcinogenesis as major UVB-induced signaling alternations and identified three candidate biomarkers (IL1B, CCL2, and LIF). Moreover, we confirmed that these three biomarkers contribute to the survival probability of patients with cutaneous melanoma, the most aggressive and lethal form of skin cancer.

Conclusion

Our findings will aid the understanding of UVB-induced cutaneous toxicity and the accompanying molecular mechanisms. In addition, the three candidate biomarkers that change molecular signals due to UVB exposure of skin might be related to the survival rate of patients with cutaneous melanoma.
Current scenario and challenges of clinical pharmacists to implement pharmaceutical care in DRG/DIP payment hospitals in China: a qualitative interview study
Authors: Gao Suyu , Wang Xuanxuan , Lu Yun , Liu Yunkun , Jiang Qiaoli , Feng Jiajia , Kong Weihua , Lin Likai , Cheng Hong
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The Diagnosis-Related Group (DRG) or Diagnosis-Intervention Packet (DIP) payment system, now introduced in China, intends to streamline healthcare billing practices. However, its implications for clinical pharmacists, pivotal stakeholders in the healthcare system, remain inadequately explored. This study sought to assess the perceptions, challenges, and roles of clinical pharmacists in China following the introduction of the DRG or DIP payment system.

Methods

Qualitative interviews were conducted among a sample of clinical pharmacists. Ten semi-structured interviews were conducted, either online or face to face. Thematic analysis was employed to identify key insights and concerns related to their professional landscape under the DRG or DIP system.

Results

Clinical pharmacists exhibited variable awareness levels about the DRG or DIP system. Their roles have undergone shifts, creating a balance between traditional responsibilities and new obligations dictated by the DRG or DIP system. Professional development, particularly concerning health economics and DRG-based or DIP-based patient care, was highlighted as a key need. There were calls for policy support at both healthcare and national levels and a revised, holistic performance assessment system. The demand for more resources, be it in training platforms or personnel, was a recurrent theme.

Conclusion

The DRG or DIP system’s introduction in China poses both opportunities and challenges for clinical pharmacists. Addressing awareness gaps, offering robust policy support, ensuring adequate resource allocation, and recognizing the evolving role of pharmacists are crucial for harmoniously integrating the DRG or DIP system into the Chinese healthcare paradigm.
Effect of different forms of tobacco on the oral microbiome in healthy adults: a systematic review
Authors: Senaratne Nikitha Lalindri Mareena , Yung on Cheng , Shetty Naresh Yedthare , Gopinath Divya
Published: February 2024

Objective

The study aimed to evaluate the impact of tobacco use on the composition and functions of the oral microbiome in healthy adult humans.

Methods

We conducted a systematic search on PubMed, Web of Science, and Cinhal databases for literature published until 15 December 2023, to identify studies that have evaluated the oral microbiome with culture-independent next-generation techniques comparing the oral microbiome of tobacco users and non-users. The search followed the PECO format. The outcomes included changes in microbial diversity and abundance of microbial taxa. The quality assessment was performed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS) (PROSPERO ID CRD42022340151).

Results

Out of 2,435 articles screened, 36 articles satisfied the eligibility criteria and were selected for full-text review. Despite differences in design, quality, and population characteristics, most studies reported an increase in bacterial diversity and richness in tobacco users. The most notable bacterial taxa enriched in users were Fusobacteria and Actinobacteria at the phylum level and Streptococcus, Prevotella, and Veillonella at the genus level. At the functional level, more similarities could be noted; amino acid metabolism and xenobiotic biodegradation pathways were increased in tobacco users compared to non-users. Most of the studies were of good quality on the NOS scale.

Conclusion

Tobacco smoking influences oral microbial community harmony, and it shows a definitive shift towards a proinflammatory milieu. Heterogeneities were detected due to sampling and other methodological differences, emphasizing the need for greater quality research using standardized methods and reporting.

Systematic Review Registration

CRD42022340151.
Bacterial vaginosis testing gaps for transmasculine patients may exacerbate health disparities
Authors: Thompson Hale M. , Rusie Laura K. , Schneider John A. , Mehta Supriya D.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is associated with non-optimal changes in the vaginal microbiome and increased susceptibility to STIs and HIV in cisgender women. Much less is known about the sexual health of transmasculine people and susceptibility to BV, STIs, and HIV. This study's objective was to assess BV testing and outcomes of transmasculine and cisgender women patient populations at a large, LGBTQ + federally qualified health center.

Methods

Retrospective electronic health record data were extracted for eligible patients having at least one primary care visit between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2021. Transmasculine patients were limited to those with a testosterone prescription in 2021. We conducted log binomial regression analysis to determine the probability of receiving a BV test based on gender identity, adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics.

Results

During 2021, 4,903 cisgender women patients and 1,867 transmasculine patients had at least one primary care visit. Compared to cisgender women, transmasculine patients were disproportionately young, White, queer, privately insured, living outside Chicago, and had a lower rate of BV testing (1.9% v. 17.3%, p < 0.001). Controlling for sociodemographics, transmasculine patients were less likely to receive a BV test [Prevalence Ratio = 0.19 (95% CI 0.13–0.27)].

Discussion

The low rate of BV testing among transmasculine patients may contribute to disparities in reproductive health outcomes. Prospective community- and provider-engaged research is needed to better understand the multifactorial determinants for sexual healthcare and gender-affirming care for transmasculine patients. In particular, the impact of exogenous testosterone on the vaginal microbiome should also be determined.
Cognitive bias in voters' retrospective evaluations associated with COVID-19: evidence from Japan
Authors: Ohmura Hanako
Published: February 2024

Retrospective voting studies on catastrophic disasters can entail cognitive biases and politically affected approval/disapproval toward the government. In this study, I conducted an online survey experiment to assess the impact of providing individuals with information about COVID-19 infection status on their attitudes toward the government, governor, local administration, and national/local economic policies (n = 2,975). The findings indicated that the group exposed to positive information regarding infection status demonstrated a higher likelihood of adopting positive attitudes, while the group exposed to negative information showed a higher likelihood of adopting negative attitudes, despite receiving no other information. Although it was expected that individuals residing in prefectures with regular appearances of the governor on mass media platforms and that obtained COVID-19-related funding from the government would have a greater likelihood of experiencing such an attitude change, the findings do not corroborate these hypotheses.
Love Rising: The Transformation of Emotions in Contemporary Art
Authors: Bedell Rebecca
Published: February 2024

This essay surveys the shifting emotional regimes in Western art from the eighteenth century into the twenty-first, concentrating on the place accorded social affections. In particular, it calls attention to a significant change underway in recent decades as the suppression of the full range of emotions instigated by modernism has been challenged and the tender emotions re-embraced. Important contemporary artists, such as Hank Willis Thomas and Emily Hass, are invoking and exploring themes of love, care, empathy, and concern and, in many cases, making creative use of them to advance social, political, and environmental justice.
Vegetation Classification and a Biomass Inversion Model for Wildfires in Chongli Based on Remote Sensing Data
Authors: Xu Feng , Chen Wenjing , Xie Rui , Wu Yihui , Jiang Dongming
Published: February 2024

Vegetation classification, biomass assessment, and wildfire dynamics are interconnected wildfire-ecosystem components. The Chongli District, located in Zhangjiakou City, was the venue for skiing at the 2022 Winter Olympics. Its high mountains and dense forests create a unique environment. The establishment of alpine ski resorts highlighted the importance of comprehensive forest surveys. Understanding vegetation types and their biomass is critical to assessing the distribution of local forest resources and predicting the likelihood of forest fires. This study used satellite multispectral data from the Sentinel-2B satellite to classify the surface vegetation in the Chongli District through K-means clustering. By combining this classification with a biomass inversion model, the total biomass of the survey area can be calculated. The biomass inversion equation established based on multispectral remote sensing data and terrain information in the Chongli area have a strong correlation (shrub forest R2 = 0.811, broadleaf forest R2 = 0.356, coniferous forest R2 = 0.223). These correlation coefficients are key indicators for our understanding of the relationship between remote sensing data and actual vegetation biomass, reflecting the performance of the biomass inversion model. Taking shrubland as an example, a correlation coefficient as high as 0.811 shows the model’s ability to accurately predict the biomass of this type of vegetation. In addition, through multiple linear regression, the optimal shrub, broadleaf, and coniferous forest biomass models were obtained, with the overall accuracy reaching 93.58%, 89.56%, and 97.53%, respectively, meeting the strict requirements for survey accuracy. This study successfully conducted vegetation classification and biomass inversion in the Chongli District using remote sensing data. The research results have important implications for the prevention and control of forest fires.
Determining the Conditions That Lead to the Self-Extinguished and Self-Sustained Smoldering Combustion of Wood
Authors: Ding Pengfei , Zhang Chunyin , He Qize , Wang Lijing , Yang Yun
Published: February 2024

To improve our understanding of flaming, smoldering, or self-extinction in the burning of wood, it is necessary to quantify the conditions that lead to self-extinguished and self-sustained smoldering combustion. Experiments were performed in a cone calorimeter under an external irradiation of 10 to 25 kW/m2 to analyze the temperature and mass loss of self-extinguished and self-sustained smoldering. The smoldering front depth was the significant parameter used to capture the smoldering characteristic, and it was defined as the axial thickness that reaches the smoldering characteristic temperature. The critical smoldering front depth of self-extinguished smoldering was lower than 10–15 mm for 30 mm thick wood at 15.5 kW/m2 irradiation. This critical depth decreased with the increase in heat flux, from 26.5 ± 1.5 mm at 10 kW/m2 to 11 ± 1 mm at 25 kW/m2. A simple theoretical analysis is proposed to explain the smoldering thickness threshold of self-sustained smoldering propagation based on the local heat balance. The equation predicts that the critical depth decreases as the heat flux increases, from 23.9 mm at 8 kW/m2 to 7.3 mm at 25 kW/m2. The predicted critical depth and heating duration were consistent with the experimental results. This study proposes a feasible parameter to help understand the threshold of smoldering propagation and the development of biomass burners.
Functional Hydrogels for Delivery of the Proteolytic Enzyme Serratiopeptidase
Authors: Kamenova Katya , Prancheva Anna , Stoyanova Stiliyana , Radeva Lyubomira , Tibi Ivanka Pencheva-El , Yoncheva Krassimira , Ravutsov Martin A. , Marinova Maya K. , Simeonov Svilen P. , Mitova Simona , Eneva Rumyana , Zaharieva Maya M. , Najdenski Hristo , Petrov Petar D.
Published: February 2024

Hydrogels are superior wound dressings because they can provide protection and hydration of the wound, as well as the controlled release of therapeutic substances to aid tissue regeneration and the healing process. Hydrogels obtained from natural precursors are preferred because of their low cost, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. We describe the synthesis of novel functional hydrogels based on two natural products—citric acid (CA) and pentane-1,2,5-triol (PT, a product from lignocellulose processing) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG-600)—via an environment friendly approach. The hydrogels were prepared via monomer crosslinking through a polycondensation reaction at an elevated temperature in the absence of any solvent. The reagents were blended at three different compositions with molar ratios of hydroxyl (from PT and PEG) to carboxyl (from CA) groups of 1:1, 1:1.4, and 1.4:1, respectively. The effect of the composition on the physicomechanical properties of materials was investigated. All hydrogels exhibited pH-sensitive behavior, while the swelling degree and elastic modulus were dependent on the composition of the polymer network. The proteolytic enzyme serratiopeptidase (SER) was loaded into a hydrogel via physical absorption as a model drug. The release profile of SER and the effects of the enzyme on healthy skin cells were assessed. The results showed that the hydrogel carrier could provide the complete release of the loaded enzyme.
Bipolar Plasticity in Synaptic Transistors: Utilizing HfSe2 Channel with Direct-Contact HfO2 Gate Dielectrics
Authors: Lu Jie , Xiang Zeyang , Wang Kexiang , Shi Mengrui , Wu Liuxuan , Yan Fuyu , Li Ranping , Wang Zixuan , Jin Huilin , Jiang Ran
Published: February 2024

The investigation of dual-mode synaptic plasticity was conducted in thin-film transistors (TFTs) featuring an HfSe2 channel, coupled with an oxygen-deficient (OD)-HfO2 layer structure. In these transistors, the application of negative gate pulses resulted in a notable increase in the post-synaptic current, while positive pulses led to a decrease. This distinctive response can be attributed to the dynamic interplay of charge interactions, significantly influenced by the ferroelectric characteristics of the OD-HfO2 layer. The findings from this study highlight the capability of this particular TFT configuration in closely mirroring the intricate functionalities of biological neurons, paving the way for advancements in bio-inspired computing technologies.
Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing in Heart Failure
Authors: Juarez Michel , Castillo-Rodriguez Cristian , Soliman Dina , Del Rio-Pertuz Gaspar , Nugent Kenneth
Published: February 2024

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) provides important information for the assessment and management of patients with heart failure. This testing measures the respiratory and cardiac responses to exercise and allows measurement of the oxygen uptake (V˙O2) max and the relationship between minute ventilation (V˙E) and carbon dioxide excretion (V˙CO2). These two parameters help classify patients into categories that help predict prognosis, and patients with a V˙O2 < 14 mL/kg/min and V˙E/V˙CO2 slope >35 have a poor prognosis. This testing has been used in drug trials to determine complex physiologic responses to medications, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. For example, a study with enalapril demonstrated that the peak V˙O2 was 14.6 ± 1.6 mL/kg/min on placebo and 15.8 ± 2.0 mL/kg/min on enalapril after 15 days of treatment. The V˙E/V˙CO2 slopes were 43 ± 8 on placebo and 39 ± 7 on enalapril. Chronic heart failure and reduced physical activity measured by cardiopulmonary exercise testing are associated with increases in BNP, and several studies have demonstrated that cardiac rehabilitation is associated with reductions in BNP and increases in V˙O2. Therefore, BNP measurements can help determine the benefits of cardiac rehabilitation and provide indirect estimates of changes in V˙O2. In addition, measurement of microRNAs can determine the status of skeletal muscle used during physical activity and the changes associated with rehabilitation. However, CPET requires complicated technology, and simpler methods to measure physical activity could help clinicians to manage their patients. Recent advances in technology have led to the development of portable cardiopulmonary exercise testing equipment, which can be used in various routine physical activities, such as walking upstairs, sweeping the floor, and making the bed, to provide patients and clinicians a better understanding of the patient’s current symptoms. Finally, current smart watches can provide important information about the cardiorespiratory system, identify unexpected clinical problems, and help monitor the response to treatment. The organized use of these devices could contribute to the management of certain aspects of these patients’ care, such as monitoring the treatment of atrial fibrillation. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the current use of CPET in heart failure patients and discusses exercise principles, methods, clinical applications, and prognostic implications.
Experimental Investigation of Influence of Fibre Orientation on the Dynamic Properties of Carbon Fibre and Intra-Ply Woven Carbon-Kevlar/Epoxy Hybrid Composite
Authors: Poojary Umanath R. , Hegde Sriharsha
Published: February 2024

Composite materials are popular substitutes for conventional materials owing to their high strength-to-weight ratio. Reinforcements in the form of woven fabric clothes are common due to their ease of availability and preparation. The use of hybrid intra-ply as reinforcements synergises the advantages of more than one type of fibre. The current work focuses on the preparation of woven carbon fibre (CF) and carbon–Kevlar (CF-K) intra-ply hybrid fibre-based composites. Epoxy resin was used as the matrix and balsa sheet was used as the sandwich material. The angle of orientation of the woven fibre cloth was varied from 0° to 45° along the direction of loading. The dynamic properties of prepared samples were experimentally investigated using an impact hammer test. The natural frequency and damping ratio were influenced by the angle of orientation and the fibre reinforcement. The CF-K hybrid composite showed better dynamic properties when compared with the CF composite. The natural frequency was highest for the 0° sample, it reduced with the angle of orientation, and a reverse trend was observed for damping ratio. Both CF- and CF-K-based composites showed similar trends. The storage modulus variation also showed a similar trend as that of the natural frequency for both types of samples with orientation, but a reverse trend was observed for loss modulus, i.e., the loss modulus increased with the change in the angle of orientation, indicating the improvement in energy storage ability of the composite.
Automatic MTF Conversion between Different Characteristics Caused by Imaging Devices
Authors: Tanaka Midori , Ando Tsubasa , Horiuchi Takahiko
Published: February 2024

Depending on various design conditions, including optics and circuit design, the image-forming characteristics of the modulated transfer function (MTF), which affect the spatial resolution of a digital image, may vary among image channels within or between imaging devices. In this study, we propose a method for automatically converting the MTF to the target MTF, focusing on adjusting the MTF characteristics that affect the signals of different image channels within and between different image devices. The experimental results of MTF conversion using the proposed method for multiple image channels with different MTF characteristics indicated that the proposed method could produce sharper images by moving the source MTF of each channel closer to a target MTF with a higher MTF value. This study is expected to contribute to technological advancements in various imaging devices as follows: (1) Even if the imaging characteristics of the hardware are unknown, the MTF can be converted to the target MTF using the image after it is captured. (2) As any MTF can be converted into a target, image simulation for conversion to a different MTF is possible. (3) It is possible to generate high-definition images, thereby meeting the requirements of various industrial and research fields in which high-definition images are required.
Interaction between Sovereign Quanto Credit Default Swap Spreads and Currency Options
Authors: Tsuruta Masaru
Published: February 2024

This study analyzes the term structures of sovereign quanto credit default swap (CDS) spreads and currency options, which are driven by anticipated currency depreciation risk following sovereign credit default (Twin Ds). We develop consistent pricing models for these instruments using a jump-diffusion stochastic volatility model, which allows us to decompose the term structure into the risk components. We find a common risk factor between the intensity process of sovereign credit risk and the stochastic volatility of the exchange rate, and the depreciation risk mainly captures the dependence structure between these markets during periods of high market stress in the Eurozone countries. Depreciation risk is an important component of sovereign quanto CDS spreads and is evident in the negative slope of the volatility smile in the currency option market.
A Privacy-Preserving Multilingual Comparable Corpus Construction Method in Internet of Things
Authors: Weng Yu , Dong Shumin , Chaomurilige Chaomurilige
Published: February 2024

With the expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, multilingual scenarios are gradually increasing, and applications based on multilingual resources are also on the rise. In this process, apart from the need for the construction of multilingual resources, privacy protection issues like data privacy leakage are increasingly highlighted. Comparable corpus is important in multilingual language information processing in IoT. However, the multilingual comparable corpus concerning privacy preserving is rare, so there is an urgent need to construct a multilingual corpus resource. This paper proposes a method for constructing a privacy-preserving multilingual comparable corpus, taking Chinese–Uighur–Tibetan IoT based news as an example, and mapping the different language texts to a unified language vector space to avoid sensitive information, then calculates the similarity between different language texts and serves as a comparability index to construct comparable relations. Through the decision-making mechanism of minimizing the impossibility, it can identify a comparable corpus pair of multilingual texts based on chapter size to realize the construction of a privacy-preserving Chinese–Uighur–Tibetan comparable corpus (CUTCC). Evaluation experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed provable method, which outperforms in accuracy rate by 77%, recall rate by 34% and F value by 47.17%. The CUTCC provides valuable privacy-preserving data resources support and language service for multilingual situations in IoT.
Carbon Reduction Incentives under Multi-Market Interactions: Supply Chain Vertical Cooperation Perspective
Authors: Huang Xiaohui , He Juan , Mao Lin
Published: February 2024

The greening trend in consumer markets and the marketization and financialization of carbon emission rights have begun to revitalize carbon assets. However, solitary efforts and the spillover of environmental protection effects still hamper enterprises’ enthusiasm for carbon emission reduction. To tackle this challenge, two vertical cooperation mechanisms, cost cooperation and alliance cooperation, are proposed. The mathematical models and solutions are developed for both of the two mechanisms, and their values and applicability are explored, respectively. In addition, the impact of fluctuations in consumer markets, financial markets, and carbon markets on cooperation is examined. The results show that both cooperation models effectively motivate enterprises to enhance carbon reduction and boost market demand. However, cost cooperation may result in inflated product prices and even weaken the profitability of the supply chain. In contrast, alliance cooperation can enhance product price performance and effectively increase supply chain profits. Concerning environmental performance, the initial market is better suited for alliance cooperation, whereas cost cooperation fits the mid-to-late market. The higher financing costs of the financial market and the trading price of the carbon market will strengthen the applicability of cost cooperation. This study offers managerial insights for collaborative decision-making in the context of a multi-market cross-section.
High Dynamic Bipedal Robot with Underactuated Telescopic Straight Legs
Authors: Mou Haiming , Tang Jun , Liu Jian , Xu Wenqiong , Hou Yunfeng , Zhang Jianwei
Published: February 2024

Bipedal robots have long been a focal point of robotics research with an unwavering emphasis on platform stability. Achieving stability necessitates meticulous design considerations at every stage, encompassing resilience against environmental disturbances and the inevitable wear associated with various tasks. In pursuit of these objectives, here, the bipedal L04 Robot is introduced. The L04 Robot employs a groundbreaking approach by compactly enclosing the hip joints in all directions and employing a coupled joint design. This innovative approach allows the robot to attain the traditional 6 degrees of freedom in the hip joint while using only four motors. This design not only enhances energy efficiency and battery life but also safeguards all vulnerable motor reducers. Moreover, the double-slider leg design enables the robot to simulate knee bending and leg height adjustment through leg extension. This simulation can be mathematically modeled as a linear inverted pendulum (LIP), rendering the L04 Robot a versatile platform for research into bipedal robot motion control. A dynamic analysis of the bipedal robot based on this structural innovation is conducted accordingly. The design of motion control laws for forward, backward, and lateral movements are also presented. Both simulation and physical experiments corroborate the excellent bipedal walking performance, affirming the stability and superior walking capabilities of the L04 Robot.