bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Efficient and Low-Cost Deep Learning-Based Method for Counting and Sizing Soybean Nodules
Authors: Wang Xueying , Yu Nianping , Sun Yongzhe , Guo Yixin , Pan Jinchao , Niu Jiarui , Liu Li , Chen Hongyu , Cao Junzhuo , Cao Haifeng , Chen Qingshan , Xin Dawei , Zhu Rongsheng
Published: September 2024

Soybeans are an essential source of food, protein, and oil worldwide, and the nodules on their root systems play a critical role in nitrogen fixation and plant growth. In this study, we tackled the challenge of limited high-resolution image quantities and the constraints on model learning by innovatively employing image segmentation technology for an in-depth analysis of soybean nodule phenomics. Through a meticulously designed segmentation algorithm, we broke down large-resolution images into numerous smaller ones, effectively improving the model’s learning efficiency and significantly increasing the available data volume, thus laying a solid foundation for subsequent analysis. In terms of model selection and optimization, after several rounds of comparison and testing, YOLOX was identified as the optimal model, achieving an accuracy of 91.38% on the test set with an R2 of up to 86%, fully demonstrating its efficiency and reliability in nodule counting tasks. Subsequently, we utilized YOLOV5 for instance segmentation, achieving a precision of 93.8% in quickly and accurately extracting key phenotypic indicators such as the area, circumference, length, and width of the nodules, and calculated the statistical properties of these indicators. This provided a wealth of quantitative data for the morphological study of soybean nodules. The research not only enhanced the efficiency and accuracy of obtaining nodule phenotypic data and reduced costs but also provided important scientific evidence for the selection and breeding of soybean materials, highlighting its potential application value in agricultural research and practical production.
Detection of Clubroot Disease Resistance in Brassica juncea Germplasm at the Seedling Stage
Authors: Yang Wenlong , Song Jiangping , Zhang Xiaohui , Xu Chu , Han Jiaqi , Li Zhijie , Wang Yang , Jia Huixia , Wang Haiping
Published: September 2024

Infection by the mustard clubroot disease pathogen Plasmodiophora brassicae has a significant negative impact on the quality and yield of Chinese mustard (Brassica juncea). At present, screening resistant resources for breeding programs is the most economical and effective method available to control this disease. In this study, we isolated P. brassicae physiological race 4 from Chinese cabbage and examined 483 mustard germplasm resources (193 leaf mustard, 96 stem mustard, and 194 root mustard) from China and abroad to identify resistance to clubroot disease at the seedling stage through irrigation inoculation with the isolated pathogen. The results showed that there were no immune varieties among the tested mustard germplasm, but that there were differences in resistance to clubroot disease among the three mustard types. More than 90% of leaf and stem mustard resources were susceptible to clubroot disease, whereas 38.66% of root mustard resources showed resistance. In total, we detected 4 highly resistant, 9 resistant, and 83 moderately resistant varieties, of which 4 highly resistant, 8 resistant, and 63 moderately resistant varieties were root mustard resources, whereas only 1 resistant and 5 moderately resistant varieties were stem mustard resources, and 15 moderately resistant varieties were leaf mustard resources. In addition, we used seven molecular markers for clubroot disease resistance in Chinese cabbage to detect stem and root mustard resources. The results showed that the marker CRk was detected in 97.87% of stem mustard and 92.49% of root mustard resources. Six markers (Crr1, Crr2, Crr3, CRa, CRb, and CRc) were detected in 18.09%, 7.45%, 2.13%, 6.38%, 12.77%, and 12.77% of stem mustard germplasms, and four markers (Crr1, Crr2, Crr3, and CRc) were detected in 8.09%, 8.67%, 10.40%, and 8.67% of root mustard germplasms, respectively, suggesting that these markers are not suitable for detecting mustard germplasm resistance to clubroot disease. This study provides a technical reference and material support for the breeding of mustard varieties resistant to clubroot disease.
Morpho-Physiological Response of Four Native Accessions of Phaseolus vulgaris L. Subjected to Water Stress under Greenhouse Conditions in Northeastern Peru
Authors: Santillan Huaman Anlly , Tejada-Alvarado José Jesús , García Ligia , Vásquez-García Jheiner , Fernandez Elizabeth , Vilca-Valqui Nuri Carito , Oliva-Cruz Manuel
Published: September 2024

Phaseolus vulgaris L. is a legume of high nutraceutical value, widely cultivated and consumed. However, common bean production faces challenges such as water stress that severely affects its growth and yield. This study evaluated the morphological and physiological response of four native P. vulgaris accessions subjected to different irrigation treatments under greenhouse conditions. A completely randomized design with factorial arrangement was used, evaluating three irrigation frequencies (100%, 50%, 25%) in combination with four accessions (PER1003541, PER1003542, PER1003543, PER1003544). The results showed that with the 25% irrigation treatment, PER1003544 showed a 54.62% decrease in leaf area, while PER1003542 and PER1003543 experienced reductions of 56.56% and 59.24%, respectively. In addition, accession PER1003544 reported a smaller reduction in the number of flowers and pods, with decreases of 40.21% and 29.9%, in contrast to PER1003543, which showed decreases of 60.66% and 52.63%, respectively. Accessions PER1003541 and PER1003544 also recorded the lowest reductions in dry biomass, with 31.85% and 35.41%, respectively. Regarding yield, PER1003544 and PER1003541 experienced reductions of 59.01% and 69.79%, respectively, unlike PER1003543, which showed a 90% decrease. In relation to stomatal density, PER1003541 recorded a reduction of 28.28%, while PER1003544 had a decrease of 37.10%, and PER1003543 experienced a reduction of 47.05%; chlorophyll content showed a similar trend. Finally, PER1003544 maintained a relatively stable stomatal index, with a reduction of 29.01%, compared to PER1003543, which reduced by 60.99%. In conclusion, accession PER1003544 stands out as a promising variety for breeding programs focused on water stress tolerance, contributing to food security and agricultural sustainability in areas affected by limited water availability. However, PER1003541 would be a suitable additional option, offering farmers flexibility in their crop selection according to the specific conditions of their environment.
Education and Communication in Veterinary Clinical Practice
Authors: Mills Paul C.
Published: September 2024

Effective communication is a hallmark of successful veterinary clinical practice [...]
The Role of Autologous Platelet Concentrates as a Local Antibiotic Delivery System: A Systematic Scoping Review
Authors: Gasparro Roberta , Di Spirito Federica , Campana Maria Domenica , Sammartino Gilberto , di Lauro Alessandro E.
Published: September 2024

Objectives: Ongoing research has begun to develop innovative approaches to deliver local antibiotics while minimizing systemic side effects, antimicrobial resistance, and limited tissue penetration. Autologous platelet concentrates (APCs) offer promise in delivering antibiotics directly to infection sites. Despite the interest, a comprehensive evaluation of their effectiveness is lacking. Therefore, this systematic scoping review aims to collect and appraise studies regarding the efficacy of APCs in delivering antibiotics. Methods: A systematic electronic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, using a combination of keywords, was conducted up to February 2024. Articles addressing the use of APCs as a local antibiotic delivery system were included. Results: A total of 13 articles, including 10 in vitro studies, 1 in vitro and clinical study, 1 ex vivo study, and 1 clinical study, were selected. Antibiotic loading capacity and release was confirmed in all studies using doxycycline, gentamicin, linezolid, vancomycin, metronidazole, and penicillin. In addition, the antibacterial effect was obtained mainly against E. coli., P. aeruginosa, S. mitis, H. influenzae, S. pneumoniae, and S. aureus. Conclusions: The incorporation of antibiotics into APCs has been proven to facilitate the effective release of antimicrobial agents at optimal concentrations, potentially reducing the incidence of post-operative infections, substituting, or augmenting systemic antibiotic treatment while retaining APCs’ inherent healing properties.
Solubility/Insolubility: A Possible Option for Recycling Polystyrene
Authors: Hernández García Ángel Isidro , Alejandro-Hernández Sarai , Cuevas-Carballo Zujey Berenice , Galaviz-Pérez Jorge Alberto , Vázquez-Rodríguez José Manuel , Guerrero-Zárate David
Published: September 2024

This work proposes a conceptual design for recovering polystyrene (PS) using solvents of agro-industrial origin. The literature describes the dilution of expanded polystyrene (EPS) in limonene, followed by its insolubilization with alcohols for recovery. However, there is no information on the solubility limit for the PS + limonene + alcohol system, which is critical for the process design. To determine the solubility limit, we diluted the waste EPS in D-limonene, mixed it with ethanol to form a precipitate, and used a gravimetric method to measure the mass of the compounds. These results allowed for the conceptual design of an EPS recycling process using a chemical process simulator, which includes a separator, a distillation column, and auxiliary equipment such as heaters, coolers, and pumps. An empirical correlation was obtained for the solubility limit, which enabled the design of a process for the treatment of 52 kg/s of PS using 0.75 kg/s of ethanol and 2.4 kg/s of D-limonene once the stationary state had been reached. The distillation column is six-stage, with a reflux ratio of 1.5 and duties of 30,000 and −25 847 kW for the condenser and reboiler, respectively.
Authenticated Multicast in Tiny Networks via an Extremely Low-Bandwidth Medium
Authors: Kutyłowski Mirosław , Cinal Adrian , Kubiak Przemysław , Korniienko Denys
Published: September 2024

We consider authenticating multicast messages in the case of extremely narrow communication channels, such as underwater acoustic communication, with devices such as mobile sensors creating a self-organizing autonomous network. Channel characteristics in this scenario prevent the application of digital signatures (and asymmetric cryptography in general), as it would consume too much of the available bandwidth. As communication is relatively sparse, standard symmetric methods such as TESLA have limited application in this scenario as well. Driven by real-world requirements, we focus on tiny networks of only a few nodes. This paper discusses two issues: (a) strategies of key predistribution enabling flexible creation of multicast groups; (b) authenticating multicast messages in a way that prevents an attacker impersonating the sender by subverting one or more receiver nodes and learning the symmetric keys stored by these nodes. For tiny networks, we show that scalable and asymptotically efficient solutions might be useless, and that specially tailored combinatorial approaches may confer some advantage.
Enhancing Image Dehazing with a Multi-DCP Approach with Adaptive Airlight and Gamma Correction
Authors: Kim Jungyun , Ng Tiong-Sik , Teoh Andrew Beng Jin
Published: September 2024

Haze imagery suffers from reduced clarity, which can be attributed to atmospheric conditions such as dust or water vapor, resulting in blurred visuals and heightened brightness due to light scattering. Conventional methods employing the dark channel prior (DCP) for transmission map estimation often excessively amplify fogged sky regions, causing image distortion. This paper presents a novel approach to improve transmission map granularity by utilizing multiple 1×1 DCPs derived from multiscale hazy, inverted, and Euclidean difference images. An adaptive airlight estimation technique is proposed to handle low-light, hazy images. Furthermore, an adaptive gamma correction method is introduced to refine the transmission map further. Evaluation of dehazed images using the Dehazing Quality Index showcases superior performance compared to existing techniques, highlighting the efficacy of the enhanced transmission map.
Particle Packing Optimization for CCR-GGBS-FA Binder Stone Waste Pavement Base Material
Authors: Wang Zimou , Yang Junjie , Wu Yalei
Published: September 2024

Stone waste refers to the waste stone particles generated from mining and stone processing to finished products that are not utilized in a resourceful manner. In this study, a CGF solid waste-based binder (abbreviated as CGF), with calcium carbide residue (CCR), ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS), and fly ash (FA) as components, was developed to solidify the stone waste. Through “treating waste with waste”, the resource utilization of solid waste was realized. In order to improve the performance of the new material, this paper proposes the MAA-SW model for stone waste pavement base material based on the MAA model, establishes the relationship with the target gradation, and obtains the ideal gradation composition of stone waste through the calculation of the response surface analysis so as to obtain an energy-saving stone waste pavement base material with excellent performance.
Developing a Hybrid Detection Approach to Mitigating Black Hole and Gray Hole Attacks in Mobile Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Yazdanypoor Mohammad , Cirillo Stefano , Solimando Giandomenico
Published: September 2024

Mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) have revolutionized wireless communications by enabling dynamic, infrastructure-free connectivity across various applications, from disaster recovery to military operations. However, these networks are highly vulnerable to security threats, particularly black hole and gray hole attacks, which can severely disrupt network performance and reliability. This study addresses the critical challenge of detecting and mitigating these attacks within the framework of the dynamic source routing (DSR) protocol. To tackle this issue, we propose a robust hybrid detection method that significantly enhances the identification and mitigation of black hole and gray hole attacks. Our approach integrates anomaly detection, advanced data mining techniques, and cryptographic verification to establish a multi-layered defense mechanism. Extensive simulations demonstrate that the proposed hybrid method achieves superior detection accuracy, reduces false positives, and maintains high packet delivery ratios even under attack conditions. Compared to existing solutions, this method provides more reliable and resilient network performance, dynamically adapting to evolving threats. This research represents a significant advancement in MANET security, offering a scalable and effective solution for safeguarding critical MANET applications against sophisticated cyber-attacks.
Incorporation of Structural Similarity Index and Regularization Term into Neighbor2Neighbor Unsupervised Learning Model for Efficient Ultrasound Image Data Denoising
Authors: Wei Peiyang , Wang Liping , Gan Jianhong , Shi Xiaoyu , Shang Mingsheng
Published: September 2024

Medical ultrasound imaging is extensively employed for diagnostic purposes. However, image quality remains a major obstacle to achieving greater accuracy. Conventional supervised deep learning denoising methods often rely on matched noise-free and noisy image pairs, which can be highly challenging in practical ultrasound applications. Moreover, due to the limitations associated with independent noise, existing unsupervised denoising methods such as Neighbor2Neighbor are unable to efficiently address correlated noise in ultrasound images. Meanwhile, these methods utilize a random neighborhood downsampling technique, frequently resulting in pixel loss. Hence, this study proposes a novel Neighbor2Neighbor algorithm, which reconstructs ultrasound images by improving the downsampling approach. Moreover, it incorporates a structural similarity index and a regularization term, thereby enhancing its ability to suppress both independent and correlated noise. Extensive experiments on an ultrasound image dataset demonstrate that the proposed Neighbor2Neighbor algorithm outperforms the state-of-the-art baseline algorithms in peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), mean structural similarity index measure (MSSIM), feature similarity index measure (FSIM), and edge preservation index (EPI).
Design and Implementation of an Interactive Question-Answering System with Retrieval-Augmented Generation for Personalized Databases
Authors: Byun Jaeyeon , Kim Bokyeong , Cha Kyung-Ae , Lee Eunhyung
Published: September 2024

This study introduces a novel approach to personalized information retrieval by integrating retrieval augmentation generation (RAG) with a personalized database system. Recent advancements in large language models (LLMs) have shown impressive text generation capabilities but face limitations in knowledge accuracy and hallucinations. Our research addresses these challenges by combining LLMs with structured, personalized data to enhance search precision and relevance. By tagging keywords within personal documents and organizing information into context-based categories, users can conduct efficient searches within their data repositories. We conducted experiments using the GPT-3.5 and text-embedding-ada-002 models and evaluated the RAG assessment framework with five different language models and two embedding models. Our results indicate that the combination of GPT-3.5 and text-embedding-ada-002 is effective for a personalized database question-answering system, with potential for various language models depending on the application. Our approach offers improved accuracy, real-time data updates, and enhanced user experience, making a significant contribution to information retrieval by LLMs and impacting various artificial intelligence applications.
Biological Control of Lettuce Drop (Sclerotinia minor Jagger) Using Antagonistic Bacillus Species
Authors: Petkova Mariana , Dimova Milena
Published: September 2024

Sclerotinia minor (S. minor) Jagger is a phytopathogenic fungus that causes lettuce drop, a serious problem in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) production. The control of this pathogen is challenging because of the resistance of sclerotia, which can survive in the soil under favorable conditions. In Bulgaria, the management of lettuce drop relies primarily on the strategic application of synthetic fungicides. To find alternative methods for disease management, four bacterial isolates were screened for antagonism against S. minor. This study reports the in vitro evaluation of the antifungal activity of Bacillus subtilis, Priestia megaterium, Bacillus safensis, and Bacillus mojavensis against S. minor. The molecular identification of the isolates involved in the activity was examined through 16s rRNA sequencing. Isolated bacterial strains produced indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) in a medium supplemented with 0.1% L-tryptophan. The ability of these strains to increase the mobility of phosphorus and zinc was elucidated. The production of siderophores was confirmed on CAS (Chrom azurol S) medium. The inhibitory action of the bacterial growth broth filtrates against S. minor was demonstrated, indicating the nature of the molecules involved. The evaluation of antifungal activity was carried out in vitro and in pot experiments. This study determined the effect of growth-promoting rhizobacteria on the development of lettuce. This research focuses mainly on the development of biocontrol strategies for the management of lettuce drop in greenhouses.
Impact of Wind Pressure Coefficients on the Natural Ventilation Effectiveness of Buildings through Simulations
Authors: Sakiyama Nayara Rodrigues Marques , Carlo Joyce Correna , Sakiyama Felipe Isamu Harger , Abdessemed Nadir , Frick Jürgen , Garrecht Harald
Published: September 2024

Natural Ventilation Effectiveness (NVE) is a performance metric that quantifies when outdoor airflows can be used as a cooling strategy to achieve indoor thermal comfort. Based on standard ventilation threshold and building energy simulation (BES) models, the NVE relates available and required airflows to quantify the usefulness of natural ventilation (NV) through design and building evaluation. Since wind is a significant driving force for ventilation, wind pressure coefficients (Cp) represent a critical boundary condition when assessing building airflows. Therefore, this paper investigates the impact of different Cp sources on wind-driven NVE results to see how sensitive the metric is to this variable. For that, an experimental house and a measurement period were used to develop and calibrate the initial BES model. Four Cp sources are considered: an analytical model from the BES software (i), surface-averaged Cp values for building windows that were calculated with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations using OpenFOAM through a cloud-based platform (iia,b,c), and two databases—AIVC (iii) and Tokyo Polytechnic University (TPU) (iv). The results show a variance among the Cp sources, which directly impacts airflow predictions; however, its effect on the performance metric was relatively small. The variation in the NVE outcomes with different Cp’s was 3% at most, and the assessed building could be naturally ventilated around 75% of the investigated time on the first floor and 60% in the ground floor spaces.
Identifying Key Parameters in Building Energy Models: Sensitivity Analysis Applied to Residential Typologies
Authors: Gervaz Sofía , Favre Federico
Published: September 2024

Building energy modeling tools play a crucial role in quantifying and understanding the energy performance of buildings. These tools require substantial amounts of data, which can be challenging to obtain and are often associated with significant uncertainties. The incorporation of sensitivity analysis is a crucial step toward developing reliable models as it identifies the most critical parameters that require meticulous characterization. In this study, a sensitivity analysis based on the Morris method was conducted to assess the relevance of 14 input parameters affecting thermal loads across four dwelling typologies modeled in EnergyPlus. Different numbers of Morris trajectories and levels were considered to analyze the impact of the user-defined values of r and p when employing the Morris method. Convergence was achieved at r = 200 and p = 12, which are higher than the typically employed values (r = 10 and p = 4). Roof solar absorptivity, setpoint temperatures, orientation, and the roof conductance rank among the top five most influential parameters affecting thermal loads in all four of the studied typologies. Occupancy was also among the top five most relevant parameters in three of the four typologies.
Re-Evaluating Recommended Optimal Sleep Duration: A Perspective on Sleep Literacy
Authors: Kohyama Jun
Published: September 2024

A significant number of adolescents experience sleepiness, primarily due to sleep deprivation. The detrimental effects of inadequate sleep on both physical and mental health are well documented, particularly during adolescence—a critical developmental stage that has far-reaching implications for later life outcomes. The International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision recently introduced the disorder termed ‘insufficient sleep syndrome,’ characterized by a persistent reduction in sleep quantity. However, diagnosing this condition based solely on sleep duration is challenging due to significant individual variation in what constitutes optimal sleep. Despite this, managing sleep debt remains difficult without a clear understanding of individual optimal sleep needs. This review aims to reassess recommended sleep durations, with a focus on enhancing sleep literacy. Beginning with an exploration of insufficient sleep syndrome, this review delves into research on optimal sleep duration and examines foundational studies on sleep debt’s impact on the developing brain. Finally, it addresses the challenges inherent in sleep education programs from the perspective of sleep literacy. By doing so, this review seeks to contribute to a deeper understanding of the chronic sleep debt issues faced by adolescents, particularly those affected by insufficient sleep syndrome.
Engineering of Substrate-Binding Domain to Improve Catalytic Activity of Chondroitin B Lyase with Semi-Rational Design
Authors: Tian Miao , Xu Yuan-Yuan , Li Yang-Nan , Yu Shen , Wang Yi-Lin , Ma Xiao-Lai , Zhang Ye-Wang
Published: September 2024

Dermatan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate are dietary supplements that can be utilized as prophylactics against thrombus formation. Low-molecular-weight dermatan sulfate (LMWDS) is particularly advantageous due to its high absorbability. The enzymatic synthesis of low-molecular-weight dermatan sulfates (LMWDSs) using chondroitin B lyase is a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to manufacturing. However, the industrial application of chondroitin B lyases is severely hampered by their low catalytic activity. To improve the activity, a semi-rational design strategy of engineering the substrate-binding domain of chondroitin B lyase was performed based on the structure. The binding domain was subjected to screening of critical residues for modification using multiple sequence alignments and molecular docking. A total of thirteen single-point mutants were constructed and analyzed to assess their catalytic characteristics. Out of these, S90T, N103C, H134Y, and R159K exhibited noteworthy enhancements in activity. This study also examined combinatorial mutagenesis and found that the mutant H134Y/R159K exhibited a substantially enhanced catalytic activity of 1266.74 U/mg, which was 3.21-fold that of the wild-type one. Molecular docking revealed that the enhanced activity of the mutant could be attributed to the formation of new hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions with the substrate as well as neighbor residues. The highly active mutant would benefit the utilization of chondroitin B lyase in pharmaceuticals and functional foods.
Usability Heuristics for Metaverse
Authors: Omar Khalil , Fakhouri Hussam , Zraqou Jamal , Marx Gómez Jorge
Published: September 2024

The inclusion of usability heuristics into the metaverse is aimed at solving the unique issues raised by virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) environments. This research points out the usability challenges of metaverse user interfaces (UIs), such as information overloading, complex navigation, and the need for intuitive control mechanisms in these immersive spaces. By adapting the existing usability models to suit the metaverse context, this study presents a detailed list of heuristics and sub-heuristics that are designed to improve the overall usability of metaverse UIs. These heuristics are essential when it comes to creating user-friendly, inclusive, and captivating virtual environments (VEs) that take care of the needs of three-dimensional interactions, social dynamics demands, and integration with digital–physical worlds. It should be noted that these heuristics have to keep up with new technological advancements, as well as changing expectations from users, hence ensuring a positive user experience (UX) within the metaverse.
Bioactive Compounds, Antioxidant Properties, and Cosmetic Applications of Selected Cold-Pressed Plant Oils from Seeds
Authors: Michalak Monika , Błońska-Sikora Ewelina , Dobros Natalia , Spałek Olga , Zielińska Agnieszka , Paradowska Katarzyna
Published: September 2024

Plant oils are currently not only an essential element of the healthy eating pyramid, but also a valuable cosmetic material, which, in line with the eco-friendly trends of recent years, is effectively replacing petroleum-derived fatty ingredients. The fatty acids, phenolic compounds, pigments, and vitamins (e.g., A and E) present in plant oils contribute to their health-promoting properties, including antioxidant activity. This study assessed the contents of carotenoids and chlorophylls, as well as the antioxidant properties of 10 selected plant oils. Fenugreek seed oil was shown to have the highest total content of carotenoids, and the most β-carotene. Chokeberry and rosehip oils also contained large amounts of provitamin A, in comparison to the other oils tested. Lycopene was the dominant compound in black currant and rosehip seed oils. Among chlorophyll pigments, elderberry oil had the highest content of chlorophyll a, while black currant oil had large amounts of both chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b. The antioxidant properties of the cold pressed oils obtained from selected seeds and fruit stones, assessed by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy as the ability to interact with the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radical, can be ranked as follows: pomegranate > fenugreek > poppy > black currant > chokeberry > rosehip > perilla > elderberry > carrot > fig. The results of this study showed that these plant oils are valuable natural materials with antioxidant properties, which can be an important complement to synthetic antioxidants due to their additional skin care properties.
Helping People with Intellectual and Visual Disabilities Manage Object Use and Mobility via Technology-Regulated Instructions, Spatial Cues, and Stimulation
Authors: Lancioni Giulio E. , Singh Nirbhay N. , O’Reilly Mark F. , Sigafoos Jeff , Alberti Gloria , Chiariello Valeria , Damiani Sabino
Published: September 2024

Helping people with intellectual and visual disabilities engage in activity and mobility is considered crucially important to promote constructive occupation and a basic form of physical exercise (i.e., objectives that are essential for the individuals’ wellbeing and in line with their rights). This study assessed two new programs aimed at helping eight participants with intellectual and visual disabilities (four in each program) to independently move through specific indoor destinations, collect and transport objects, and access stimulation events (e.g., music) with the support of technology systems involving a smartphone linked to mini cameras and speakers. The second program was more advanced than the first and (a) required the participants to discriminate the objects used and transport two (rather than one) of them before any stimulation event, and (b) included telephone calls to and stories from preferred communication partners among the stimulation events. Each program was implemented using a single-case research design (i.e., a non-concurrent multiple baseline design across participants). The results showed that both programs were effective in enabling the participants to collect, transport, and put away objects and access stimulation independently during 20-min sessions. Based on the results, both programs might be considered useful tools to help people with intellectual and visual disabilities manage independent activity and mobility.
Academic Integrity Crisis: Exploring Undergraduates’ Learning Motivation and Personality Traits over Five Years
Authors: Eshet Yovav
Published: September 2024

Academic misconduct is ubiquitous, a fortiori during crisis periods. The present research examines undergraduates’ learning motivation, based on Self-Determination Theory and personality traits factors, according to the Big Five Factor Model, affecting academic misconduct across different time spans: Before, during, and after a life-changing event. Using online questionnaires, we measured the level of academic misconduct, learning motivation, and personality traits of 1090 social sciences students during five different time spans pre-COVID-19, during COVID-19 (before and after vaccination), and after COVID-19 (post and long post). The results showed significant differences in students’ self-reported academic misconduct levels among the different periods and similar misconduct levels in pre-COVID-19 and long post-COVID-19. Additionally, the findings exhibited that external motivation significantly increases academic misconduct and that two out of five personality traits (agreeableness and emotional stability) reduce their occurrences. We conclude that higher education preparedness for academic integrity during an emergency is still a desideratum and that ethical concerns should not be abandoned but rather be fully addressed during emergency periods. This could be addressed by instructors allocating tasks during emergency groups involving students with pro-social personalities (agreeableness and emotional stability) and intrinsic motivation to serve as social agents in deterring academic misconduct.
A Brief Review on Differentiable Rendering: Recent Advances and Challenges
Authors: Gao Ruicheng , Qi Yue
Published: September 2024

Differentiable rendering techniques have received significant attention from both industry and academia for novel view synthesis or for reconstructing shapes and materials from one or multiple input photographs. These techniques are used to propagate gradients from image pixel colors back to scene parameters. The obtained gradients can then be used in various optimization algorithms to reconstruct the scene representation or can be further propagated into a neural network to learn the scene’s neural representations. In this work, we provide a brief taxonomy of existing popular differentiable rendering methods, categorizing them based on the primary rendering algorithms employed: physics-based differentiable rendering (PBDR), methods based on neural radiance fields (NeRFs), and methods based on 3D Gaussian splatting (3DGS). Since there are already several reviews for NeRF-based or 3DGS-based differentiable rendering methods but almost zero for physics-based differentiable rendering, we place our main focus on PBDR and, for completeness, only review several improvements made for NeRF and 3DGS in this survey. Specifically, we provide introductions to the theories behind all three categories of methods, a benchmark comparison of the performance of influential works across different aspects, and a summary of the current state and open research problems. With this survey, we seek to welcome new researchers to the field of differentiable rendering, offer a useful reference for key influential works, and inspire future research through our concluding section.
Using Mixed Reality for Control and Monitoring of Robot Model Based on Robot Operating System 2
Authors: Janecký Dominik , Kučera Erik , Haffner Oto , Výchlopeňová Erika , Rosinová Danica
Published: September 2024

This article presents the design and implementation of an innovative human–machine interface (HMI) in mixed reality for a robot model operating within Robot Operating System 2 (ROS 2). The interface is specifically developed for compatibility with Microsoft HoloLens 2 hardware and leverages the Unity game engine alongside the Mixed Reality Toolkit (MRTK) to create an immersive mixed reality application. The project uses the Turtlebot 3 Burger model robot, simulated within the Gazebo virtual environment, as a representative mechatronic system for demonstration purposes. Communication between the mixed reality application and ROS 2 is facilitated through a publish–subscribe mechanism, utilizing ROS TCP Connector for message serialization between nodes. This interface not only enhances the user experience by allowing for the real-time monitoring and control of the robotic system but also aligns with the principles of Industry 5.0, emphasizing human-centric and inclusive technological advancements. The practical outcomes of this research include a fully functional mixed reality application that integrates seamlessly with ROS 2, showcasing the potential of mixed reality technologies in advancing the field of industrial automation and human–machine interaction.
Contribution of Metastable Oxygen Spectra to Fluctuated Waveform Tails after Breakdown Time in Air under Positive and Negative Impulse Voltages
Authors: Ikhwanus Muhammad , Morimoto Takeshi
Published: September 2024

In this study, we explored the correlation between fluctuated waveform tails under both positive and negative impulse voltages and their corresponding spectral lines during millisecond observations of arc discharge. We examined impulse voltages in ±100, ±125, and ±150 kV across 3, 3.5, and 4 cm gaps using spectroscopic analysis focused on oxygen excitations. Six selected spectra in ±100, ±125, and ±150 kV at 3.5 cm and two negative spectra of −100 kV at 3 and 4 cm were analyzed by identifying spectral lines in the wavelength range of 200–900 nm. The results revealed a correlation between the fluctuated waveform tails and spectral lines in positive voltage discharges, which were almost similar, while in negative voltage discharges, this correlation was found only in −100 kV at 3 and 4 cm. We concluded that during the spark phase for both positive and negative voltage discharges, symmetrical fluctuation in the waveform tails was observed after breakdown time, especially above the voltage level of the recombination phase. This suggested the presence of energetic oxygen excited states in the 200–400 nm range, with higher peak intensity than the O I line at 777.417 nm, observed in most positive impulse voltage discharges and at −100 kV with 3 and 4 cm gaps, contributing to rapid breakdown.
Inhibitory Mechanism of Camellianin A against α-Glucosidase: In Vitro and Molecular Simulation Studies
Authors: Jia Jinze , Bai Lu , Chen Yuzhen , Liu Benguo
Published: September 2024

α-Glucosidase is an important target for type II diabetes treatment, and the search for natural α-glucosidase inhibitors is currently a hot topic in functional food research. Camellianin A is the main flavonoid in the leaves of Adinandra nitida, but research on its inhibition of α-glucosidase is rarely reported. In view of this, the present study systematically investigated the inhibitory impact of camellianin A on α-glucosidase, combining the fluorescence method and molecular docking to explore their interaction, aiming to reveal the relevant inhibitory mechanism. The results indicated that camellianin A possessed excellent α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (IC50, 27.57 ± 0.59 μg/mL), and van der Waals force and hydrogen bonding dominated the binding process between camellianin A and α-glucosidase, with a binding-site number of 1. A molecular docking experiment suggested that camellianin A formed hydrogen bonding with Glu771, Trp391, Trp710, Gly566, Asp568, and Phe444 of α-glucosidase, consistent with the thermodynamic result. Our result can provide a reference for the development of natural α-glucosidase inhibitors.
The Prague-Frankfurt Orient Express: Eschatology, New Humanism, and the Birth of Dialogical Thinking
Authors: Beizaei Baharak
Published: September 2024

The Prague Circle, under the leadership of Max Brod (1884–1968), was a prominent literary group that flourished from 1900 to 1939. This era witnessed a struggle between emancipation and assimilation for German-speaking Jews within the Habsburg and German Empires. The Prague literati possessed a unique capacity for Dialogfähigkeit, which played a crucial role in safeguarding them against aggressive nationalism. The Patmos Circle, led by Martin Buber (1878–1965) and Franz Rosenzweig (1886–1929), transformed this readiness for dialogue into dialogical thinking: a distinct capability and an action-plan to combat the prevailing forms of confessionalism and nationalism during that period. Taking the concept of Dialogfähigkeit as a crucial cornerstone of Prague and Patmos literary groups, this paper analyzes some of the key moments in its development. The aim of this paper is to highlight a certain cross-pollination of ideas between the Prague and Patmos groups without arguing for explicit vectors of influence between them. This article places the Patmos Circle in its proper context through an examination of their publication, the quarterly magazine Die Kreatur (1926–1930). By focusing on the concept of New Humanism and the end of history, this research will analyze two modernist masterpieces authored by members of the Patmos Circle: Karl Barth’s Römerbrief (1919) and Franz Rosenzweig’s Der Stern der Erlösung (1919). Through a study of the evolution of dialogical thinking within the Patmos Circle, I contend that the term “circle” is more appropriate than “school” to describe such associations, as it acknowledges the diverse and overlapping group interests that united its various members. What distinguishes the Patmos group from the literary-aesthetic circles in Prague is their commitment to eschatology within a critique of progress and their pursuit of a New Humanism based on the value of dialogue as a vital occurrence.
Do Audible Sounds during a Lumbar Spine Thrust Manipulation Have an Impact on Brainwave Activity?
Authors: Sillevis Rob , de Zayas Tiffanny , Hansen Anne Weller , Krisinski Halle
Published: September 2024

Background: To manage pain and stiffness of the lumbar spine, thrust manipulation is commonly used. High-velocity, small-amplitude thrust manipulation often elicits audible sounds. What causes this audible sound remains unclear, and its clinical significance has not been shown. This study aimed to identify how audible sound affects brainwave activity following a side-lying right rotatory thrust manipulation in a group of healthy individuals. Methods: This was a quasi-experimental repeated measures study design in which 44 subjects completed the study protocol. A portable Bluetooth EEG device was used to capture brainwave activity. The environment was controlled during testing to minimize any factors influencing the acquisition of real-time EEG data. After a short accommodation period, initial brainwaves were measured. Following this, each subject underwent a lumbar 4–5 side-lying right rotatory thrust manipulation, immediately followed by a second brainwave measurement. A third measurement took place one minute later, followed by a fourth one at the three-minute mark. Results: 21 subjects did not experience audible sounds, while 23 subjects experienced audible sounds. Both groups had significant changes measured by the 14 electrodes (p < 0.05). The audible group had more significant changes, which lasted only two minutes. Conclusion: The lack of brainwave response differences between the audible and non-audible groups implies no direct, measurable placebo or beneficial effect from the audible sound. This study could not identify a benefit from the audible sound during an HVLA manipulation of the subjects.
Identification and Analysis of Ecological Corridors in the Central Urban Area of Xuchang Based on Multi-Source Geospatial Data
Authors: Wei Wenyu , Wang Shaohua , Li Xiao , Zhou Junyuan , Zhong Yang , Li Pengze , Zhang Zhidong
Published: September 2024

With the development of ecological civilization construction, urban planning and development in China have entered a phase in which optimizing and constructing ecological spaces is required. As a national livable city, Xuchang has experienced rapid economic development in recent years, leading to significant urban expansion that has impacted the layout of ecological space networks in the central urban area and its surroundings. Therefore, identifying and optimizing the spatial layout of ecological corridors in Xuchang City are crucial for ecological development and park city construction. This study utilizes multisource geospatial data to identify and extract ecological corridors in the central urban area of Xuchang City. Ecological resistance and gravity models are employed to identify and verify that the primary ecological corridor pattern in Xuchang City is situated in Weidu District, which is a central urban area. Finally, 11 main ecological corridors in the central urban area are delineated. In response to the identification of ecological corridors, this study integrates spatial analysis methods and text analysis methods to evaluate the characteristics of urban ecological corridors. The results indicate that Xudu Park extends outward, serving as the hub of the ecological network, and that West Lake Park and Luming Lake Park form the core of the urban park system. Finally, based on the spatial relationships, ecological benefits, and citizen experience of each ecological corridor and the green parks it traverses, strategies for optimizing the layout of urban ecological corridors are proposed.
Novel Surgical Interventions for the Treatment of Obesity
Authors: Perrotta Gerardo , Bocchinfuso Sara , Jawhar Noura , Gajjar Aryan , Betancourt Richard , Portela Ray , Ghusn Wissam , Ghanem Omar
Published: September 2024

Metabolic and bariatric surgery is widely recognized as the most effective and durable treatment for the disease of obesity and its associated comorbidities. In recent years, the field has seen significant advancements, introducing numerous innovative surgical options. This review aims to comprehensively examine these emerging surgical techniques, which have recently received endorsement from the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). Additionally, we will explore new technologies and methodologies supported by the latest scientific evidence. Our analysis will include a critical evaluation of the efficacy, safety, and long-term outcomes of these novel approaches, providing a detailed update on the current state of metabolic and bariatric surgery, highlighting key developments and their potential implications for clinical practice.
Feasibility and Reproducibility of Isokinetic Dynamometry in Children with Neuromuscular Diseases
Authors: van der Woude Danny R. , Takken Tim , Ruyten Thijs , Asselman Fay-Lynn , van Eijk Ruben P. A. , van der Pol W. Ludo , Bartels Bart
Published: September 2024

Background/Objectives: High-precision measurement tools are needed to measure relevant changes in strength and power in children with neuromuscular diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility (i), reproducibility (ii), and validity (iii) of isokinetic dynamometry in this population. Methods: Isometric and isokinetic knee and elbow flexion and extension were measured twice on the same day. Feasibility was based on completion rate and acceptability. Acceptability was measured with a 100 mm visual analog scale. We measured reproducibility as the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC-agreement), standard error of measurement (SEM), and smallest detectable change (SDC). We investigated relationships between isometric strength and isokinetic power with Pearson’s correlation coefficient. ROC curves were used to determine the cutoff of isometric strength to conduct isokinetic measurements. Results: Fifty children with NMDs participated with completion rates of 78–90% for isometric and 39–75% for isokinetic measurements. Acceptability was high (mean (SD) = 73 (19) mm). The ICCs for all measurements were over 0.9 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.932–0.998). The SEM% ranged from 5 to 14% and the SDC% from 14 to 28%. The correlations of strength and power were high (Pearson’s correlation coefficient >0.9 (95% CI: 0.89–0.98)). The isometric strength needed to conduct isokinetic measurements ranged from 11.1 N in elbow flexors to 24.9 N in knee extensors. Conclusions: Isokinetic dynamometry is a feasible and reproducible method for measuring isometric strength in children with neuromuscular diseases with moderate weakness to normal strength, and isokinetic measurements are only feasible in knee extension for children with moderate weakness to normal strength. The convergent validity between isometric strength and power at low velocities is high.