bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Targeting TLR Signaling Cascades in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Rheumatoid Arthritis: An Update
Authors: Kalliolias George D. , Basdra Efthimia K. , Papavassiliou Athanasios G.
Published: January 2024

Evidence from animal models and human genetics implicates Toll-like Receptors (TLRs) in the pathogenesis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Endosomal TLRs sensing nucleic acids were proposed to induce lupus-promoting signaling in dendritic cells, B cells, monocytes, and macrophages. Ligation of TLR4 in synovial macrophages and fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) by endogenous ligands was suggested to induce local production of mediators that amplify RA synovitis. Inhibition of TLRs using antagonists or monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that selectively prevent extracellular or endosomal TLR ligation has emerged as an attractive treatment strategy for SLE and RA. Despite the consistent success of selective inhibition of TLR ligation in animal models, DV-1179 (dual TLR7/9 antagonist) failed to achieve pharmacodynamic effectiveness in SLE, and NI-0101 (mAb against TLR4) failed to improve arthritis in RA. Synergistic cooperation between TLRs and functional redundancy in human diseases may require pharmacologic targeting of intracellular molecules that integrate signaling downstream of multiple TLRs. Small molecules inhibiting shared kinases involved in TLR signaling and peptidomimetics disrupting the assembly of common signalosomes (“Myddosome”) are under development. Targeted degraders (proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs)) of intracellular molecules involved in TLR signaling are a new class of TLR inhibitors with promising preliminary data awaiting further clinical validation.
System of Implantable Electrodes for Neural Signal Acquisition and Stimulation for Wirelessly Connected Forearm Prosthesis
Authors: Ionescu Octavian Narcis , Franti Eduard , Carbunaru Vlad , Moldovan Carmen , Dinulescu Silviu , Ion Marian , Dragomir David Catalin , Mihailescu Carmen Marinela , Lascar Ioan , Oproiu Ana Maria , Neagu Tiberiu Paul , Costea Ruxandra , Dascalu Monica , Teleanu Mihai Daniel , Ionescu Gabriela , Teleanu Raluca
Published: January 2024

There is great interest in the development of prosthetic limbs capable of complex activities that are wirelessly connected to the patient’s neural system. Although some progress has been achieved in this area, one of the main problems encountered is the selective acquisition of nerve impulses and the closing of the automation loop through the selective stimulation of the sensitive branches of the patient. Large-scale research and development have achieved so-called “cuff electrodes”; however, they present a big disadvantage: they are not selective. In this article, we present the progress made in the development of an implantable system of plug neural microelectrodes that relate to the biological nerve tissue and can be used for the selective acquisition of neuronal signals and for the stimulation of specific nerve fascicles. The developed plug electrodes are also advantageous due to their small thickness, as they do not trigger nerve inflammation. In addition, the results of the conducted tests on a sous scrofa subject are presented.
Effect of Magnetic Resonance Image Quality on Structural and Functional Brain Connectivity: The Maastricht Study
Authors: de Jong Joost J. A. , Jansen Jacobus F. A. , Vergoossen Laura W. M. , Schram Miranda T. , Stehouwer Coen D. A. , Wildberger Joachim E. , Linden David E. J. , Backes Walter H.
Published: January 2024

In population-based cohort studies, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is vital for examining brain structure and function. Advanced MRI techniques, such as diffusion-weighted MRI (dMRI) and resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI), provide insights into brain connectivity. However, biases in MRI data acquisition and processing can impact brain connectivity measures and their associations with demographic and clinical variables. This study, conducted with 5110 participants from The Maastricht Study, explored the relationship between brain connectivity and various image quality metrics (e.g., signal-to-noise ratio, head motion, and atlas–template mismatches) that were obtained from dMRI and rs-fMRI scans. Results revealed that in particular increased head motion (R2 up to 0.169, p < 0.001) and reduced signal-to-noise ratio (R2 up to 0.013, p < 0.001) negatively impacted structural and functional brain connectivity, respectively. These image quality metrics significantly affected associations of overall brain connectivity with age (up to −59%), sex (up to −25%), and body mass index (BMI) (up to +14%). Associations with diabetes status, educational level, history of cardiovascular disease, and white matter hyperintensities were generally less affected. This emphasizes the potential confounding effects of image quality in large population-based neuroimaging studies on brain connectivity and underscores the importance of accounting for it.
Autistic Traits as Predictors of Increased Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder Severity: The Role of Inflexibility and Communication Impairment
Authors: Dell’Osso Liliana , Nardi Benedetta , Bonelli Chiara , Amatori Giulia , Pereyra Maria Alessandra , Massimetti Enrico , Cremone Ivan Mirko , Pini Stefano , Carpita Barbara
Published: January 2024

Due to similar manifestations, some authors have proposed a potential correlation between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). This link has long been recognized and debated, with some authors arguing that these disorders frequently occur comorbid but distinct while others believe they are part of the same spectrum. The aim of our study was to explore the prevalence and correlates of autistic traits in 55 OCD patients and 55 matched controls and to assess possible autistic dimensions predictive of higher OCD symptoms. All participants were assessed with the Obsessive–Compulsive Spectrum-Short Version (OBS-SV) and the Adult Autism Subthreshold Spectrum (AdAS Spectrum). The OCD group scored significantly higher in both questionnaires. Total OBS-SV scores and domains were significantly correlated with all AdAS Spectrum domains and total score. The AdAS Spectrum total, Verbal Communication and Inflexibility and adherence to routine domain scores were significant positive predictors of higher OBS-SV scores. Lastly, when two clusters of subjects (high and low autism) were determined, Inflexibility and adherence to routine domain presented the greatest influence in forming the clusters. Our findings support the association between OCD and autistic traits in the adult population, supporting the hypothesis of a neurodevelopmental basis for these psychiatric conditions.
Age-Related Differences in Motor Skill Transfer with Brief Memory Reactivation
Authors: Tomlin Kylie B. , Johnson Brian P. , Westlake Kelly P.
Published: January 2024

Motor memories can be strengthened through online practice and offline consolidation. Offline consolidation involves the stabilization of memory traces in post-practice periods. Following initial consolidation of a motor memory, subsequent practice of the motor skill can lead to reactivation and reconsolidation of the memory trace. The length of motor memory reactivation may influence motor learning outcomes; for example, brief, as opposed to long, practice of a previously learned motor skill appears to optimize intermanual transfer in healthy young adults. However, the influence of aging on reactivation-based motor learning has been scarcely explored. Here, the effects of brief and long motor memory reactivation schedules on the retention and intermanual transfer of a visuomotor tracing task are explored in healthy older adults. Forty older adults practiced a virtual star-tracing task either three (“brief reactivation”) or ten (“long reactivation”) times per session over a two-week period. Comparison with a previously reported group of younger adults revealed significant age-related differences in the effect of the motor memory reactivation schedule on the intermanual transfer of the motor task. In older adults, unlike younger adults, no significant between-group differences were found by practice condition in the speed, accuracy, or skill of intermanual task transfer. That is, motor task transfer in healthy younger, but not older, adults appears to benefit from brief memory reactivation. These results support the use of age-specific motor training approaches and may inform motor practice scheduling, with possible implications for physical rehabilitation, sport, and music.
Variations in the Properties of Engineered Mycelium-Bound Composites (MBCs) under Different Manufacturing Conditions
Authors: Huang Zicheng , Wei Yaning , Hadigheh S. Ali
Published: January 2024

Mycelium-bound composites (MBCs) are innovative materials created by combining lignocellulosic sub-products with fungal mycelium. These composites possess a remarkable ability to transform waste fragments into a continuous material without requiring additional energy input or generating further waste. The production process of MBCs involves utilising different fungal species, substrates, and pressing techniques, resulting in composites with diverse physical, mechanical, and functional properties. A comprehensive evaluation of MBCs’ properties is crucial to explore their potential applications in the construction sector and ensure their suitability for specific purposes. This study provides a critical evaluation of the physical and mechanical properties of engineered mycelium-bound composites under various manufacturing conditions. Additionally, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation (FCE) methodologies were applied to investigation the optimum conditions for mycelium composites in the construction industry. The outcomes of FCE show the most promising fungal species, offering an optimal balance between material performance and production efficiency. Furthermore, the future development of MBCs manufacturing techniques was reviewed, providing a valuable reference for future research endeavours and showcasing the potential of MBCs applications within the field of civil engineering.
Developing a Framework Leveraging Building Information Modelling to Validate Fire Emergency Evacuation
Authors: Wang Bin , Ren Guoqian , Li Haijiang , Zhang Jisong , Qin Jian
Published: January 2024

In fire emergency management, a delayed execution will cause a significant number of casualties. Conventional fire drills typically only identify a certain percentage of evacuation bottlenecks after the building has been constructed, which is hard to improve. This paper proposes an innovative framework to validate fire emergency evacuation at the early design stage. According to the experience and knowledge of fire emergency evacuation design, the proposed framework also introduces a seamless two-way information channel to embed fire emergency evacuation simulations into a BIM-based design environment. Several critical factors for fire evacuation have been reviewed in relevant domain knowledge, which is used to build virtual characters to test in experimental scenarios. The results are analyzed to validate fire emergency evacuation factors, and the feedback knowledge is stored as a knowledge model for further applications.
Analysis and Experiment on the Welding Temperature Field of Multi-Layer and Multi-Pass for RHS–RHS Y-Connections
Authors: Yan Zhaoru , Zheng Feihong , Ju Jinsan
Published: January 2024

The temperature measuring instrument was utilized to monitor the welding temperature field at designated points along steel rectangular hollow sections (RHSs) during welding. A total of 32 temperature monitoring points were established on the four surfaces of the RHS branch. Additionally, the welding process was simulated using finite element software to calculate the temperature distribution. The calculated temperature results were then compared with the experimental results obtained from the temperature measuring instrument. The relative errors between the numerical simulation and the experimental temperature results remained within 10%, indicating a reasonable agreement between the two. Once the temperature field was determined, it was used as an input load to calculate the welding residual stress. The longitudinal and transverse residual stresses were analyzed for two paths on the four surfaces of the RHS-to-RHS Y-shaped connection branch. By analyzing the residual stresses, it is possible to evaluate the structural integrity and performance of the welded RHS connection. The analysis process in this paper is crucial for ensuring the safety and reliability of tubular steel structure projects.
Quantitative Analysis of Bolt Loosening Angle Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Qian Yi , Huang Chuyue , Han Beilin , Cheng Fan , Qiu Shengqiang , Deng Hongyang , Duan Xiang , Zheng Hengbin , Liu Zhiwei , Wu Jie
Published: January 2024

Bolted connections have become the most widely used connection method in steel structures. Over the long-term service of the bolts, loosening damage and other defects will inevitably occur due to various factors. To ensure the stability of bolted connections, an efficient and precise method for identifying loosened bolts in a given structure is proposed based on computer vision technology. The main idea of this method is to combine deep learning with image processing techniques to recognize and label the loosening angle from bolt connection images. A rectangular steel plate was taken as the test research object, and three grade 4.8 ordinary bolts were selected for study. The analysis was conducted under two conditions: manual loosening and simulated loosening. The results showed that the method proposed in this article could accurately locate the position of the bolts and identify the loosening angle, with an error value of about ±0.1°, which proves the accuracy and feasibility of this method, meeting the needs of structural health monitoring.
Microscopic Properties of Asphalt and Polyethylene at an Extraordinary High Dosage through Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Jin Yuye , Li Haoyi , Chen Jie , Wang Qianqian , Bao Yanhua , Hou Shuguang
Published: January 2024

Using waste plastics in asphalt mixtures could be an exploratory way to dispose of waste plastics. This study aims to investigate the microscopic properties between asphalt and polyethylene (PE) at an extraordinary dosage of 20 wt.%. Various types of PE with different degrees of polymerization (DP) and structural configurations were considered. Molecular dynamics simulations were used to calculate the mechanical parameters, free volume ratio (FVR), and Flory–Huggins parameter of the resulting PE-modified asphalt (PEA). Two types of PEA were made and characterized by fluorescence microscopy. The simulation results indicate that the addition of PE reduces the density of modified asphalt by less than 5%, and a higher density of PEA is associated with a lower FVR. When the FVR is close, the mechanical properties are greatly influenced by the DP and configuration. The DP and the number of chains are the main parameters impacting the compatibility between PE and asphalt, based on the Flory–Huggins parameter analysis. Decreasing the DP of PE (e.g., 50, with a minimum Flory–Huggins parameter and a relative molecular mass of 1300) will significantly increase the compatibility between asphalt and PE. LDPE−2 has better compatibility with asphalt, possibly because LDPE−2 has higher purity. These findings provide valuable insights into plastic thermal cracking and industrial modification practices.
Simple Nonlinear Numerical Modeling for Unreinforced and FRP-Reinforced Masonry Domes
Authors: Gandolfi Alessandro , Pingaro Natalia , Milani Gabriele
Published: January 2024

This paper presents a new method to model the nonlinear behavior of double-curvature masonry structures, possibly reinforced by composite materials, by means of conventional elasto-plastic analyses. The method is meant to be used in professional design, especially for assessment and retrofitting purposes, based on the exploitation of the simplest nonlinear finite elements available in commercial software, namely, trusses with elasto-fragile and elasto-ductile behavior (Cutoff Bars, according for instance to the definition provided by Strand7 R3.1.3a). Numerical static nonlinear analyses are carried out by considering elastic hexahedral elements for bricks and by lumping nonlinearities on joints. These are assumed, in turn, to be elastic–brittle and elastic–plastic by using 1D elements, namely, Point Contacts, under the No-Tension Material hypothesis, and Cutoff Bars, respectively, assigning a small tensile resistance to the material. The reinforcement, realized with FRP hooping strips, is successfully modeled in a similar fashion, i.e., by applying perfectly bonded elastic–plastic Cutoff Bars at the extrados of the dome, where debonding is accounted for in a conventional way, limiting the tensile strength according to Italian Standards’ indications. The procedure is validated against benchmark models with the same geometry, using experimental data and more refined structural model results for comparison. After an in-depth analysis of the obtained results, in terms of capacity curves, the robustness and accuracy of the proposed approach are assessed.
Primary Multi-Systemic Metastases in Osteosarcoma: Presentation, Treatment, and Survival of 83 Patients of the Cooperative Osteosarcoma Study Group
Authors: Mettmann Vanessa L. , Blattmann Claudia , Friedel Godehard , Harrabi Semi , von Kalle Thekla , Kager Leo , Kevric Matthias , Kühne Thomas , Nathrath Michaela , Sorg Benjamin , Werner Mathias , Bielack Stefan S. , Hecker-Nolting Stefanie
Published: January 2024

Background: To evaluate patient and tumour characteristics, treatment, and their impact on survival in patients with multi-systemic metastases at initial diagnosis of high-grade osteosarcoma. Precedure: Eighty-three consecutive patients who presented with multi-systemic metastases at initial diagnosis of high-grade osteosarcoma were retrospectively reviewed. In cases of curative intent, the Cooperative Osteosarcoma Study Group recommended surgical removal of all detectable metastases in addition to complete resection of the primary tumour and chemotherapy. Results: Eighty-three eligible patients (1.8%) were identified among a total of 4605 individuals with high-grade osteosarcoma. Nine (10.8%) of these achieved complete surgical remission, of whom seven later had recurrences. The median follow-up time was 12 (range, 1–165) months for all patients. Actuarial event-free survival after 1, 2, and 5 years was 9.6 ± 3.2%, 1.4 ± 1.4%, and 1.4 ± 1.4%, and overall survival was 54.0 ± 5.6%, 23.2 ± 4.9%, and 8.7 ± 3.3%. In univariate analyses, elevated alkaline phosphatase before chemotherapy, pleural effusion, distant bones as metastatic sites, and more than one bone metastasis were negative prognostic factors. Among treatment-related factors, the microscopically complete resection of the primary tumour, a good response to first-line chemotherapy, the macroscopically complete resection of all affected tumour sites, and local treatment (surgery ± radiotherapy) of all bone metastases were associated with better outcomes. Tumour progression under first-line treatment significantly correlated with shorter survival times. Conclusion: The outlook for patients with multi-systemic primary metastases from osteosarcoma remains very poor. The utmost importance of surgical resection of all tumour sites was confirmed. For unresectable bone metastases, radiotherapy might be considered. In the patient group studied, standard chemotherapy was often insufficiently effective. In the case of such advanced disease, alternative treatment options are urgently required.
Interaction of O2 with Reduced Ceria Nanoparticles at 100–400 K: Fast Oxidation of Ce3+ Ions and Dissolved H2
Authors: Chakarova Kristina , Drenchev Nikola , Mihaylov Mihail , Hadjiivanov Konstantin
Published: January 2024

The interaction between O2 and reduced ceria nanocubes was mainly investigated using FTIR spectroscopy. Nanorods and nanoparticles were also studied for comparison. Adsorption of O2 at 100 K on unreduced ceria produces only O2 molecularly adsorbed on Ce4+ sites. The Ce3+ cations on ceria reduced by H2 at 773 K were monitored using the 2F5/2 → 2F7/2 electronic transition band at 2133–2095 cm−1. This band possesses a fine structure well resolved at 100 K. The positions of the individual components depend on the Ce3+ environment, including the presence of nearby species such as OH groups. Even at 100 K, adsorption of O2 on reduced ceria leads to fast oxidation of about half of the Ce3+ cations, including all Ce3+ sites bound to OH groups and carbonates, and the simultaneous formation of superoxo (O2−) and peroxo (O22−) species. The remaining Ce3+ sites disappear upon heating up to 348 K. At higher temperatures, the peroxo species decompose directly, yielding lattice oxygen. Superoxides are converted to hydroperoxides, which then decompose into terminal OH groups. Reduced samples evacuated at T < 773 K contain sorbed H2. Part of this hydrogen is also fast oxidized even at 100 K.
Effect of Thickness on Ferroelectric Properties of Bi3.25La0.75Ti3O12 Thin Films
Authors: Yue Wenfeng , Cai Yali , Guo Quansheng , Wang Dawei , Jia Tingting
Published: January 2024

The pursuit of low-power/low-voltage operation in devices has prompted a keen interest in the mesoscale effects within ferroelectric thin films. The downsizing of ferroelectrics can significantly influence performance; for instance, the remanent polarization and coercive field are susceptible to alterations based on thickness. In this study, randomly oriented Bi3.25La0.75Ti3O12 thin films were fabricated on Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si substrates using the sol–gel method, and SEM observations revealed rod-like grains in all thin films. The investigation delved into the correlation between dielectric and ferroelectric properties with thin film thickness. The thin film exhibited an increased remanent polarization and a reduced coercive electric field. Additionally, the ferroelectric domain structure was scrutinized through PFM, and the resistor properties of the BLT4 thin film were studied, which shows the potential of BLT thin films in non-volatile memory and memristor.
Surgical and Endoscopic Intervention for Chronic Pancreatitis in Children: The Kings College Hospital Experience
Authors: Jeropoulos Renos M. , Joshi Deepak , Aldeiri Bashar , Davenport Mark
Published: January 2024

Paediatric chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a rare and debilitating pathology that often requires invasive diagnostics and therapeutic interventions either to address a primary cause such as a pancreaticobiliary malunion or to deal with secondary complications such as chronic pain. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) are two endoscopic modalities that have an established diagnostic role in paediatric CP, and their therapeutic utilisation is increasing in popularity. Surgical decompression of the obstructed and dilated pancreatic duct plays a role in alleviating pancreatic duct hypertension, a common association in CP. Surgery equally has a role in certain anatomical abnormalities of the pancreaticobiliary draining system, or occasionally in some CP complications such as drainage of a symptomatic pancreatic pseudocyst.
SUPERhip Reconstruction Treatment in Patients with Congenital Femoral Deficiency of Paley’s Classification Type 1b
Authors: Violante Júnior Francisco Hélio , Farcetta Júnior Fernando , Prina Douglas Manuel Carrapeiro , Nogueira Monica Paschoal
Published: January 2024

Background: Congenital femoral deficiency (CFD) is a challenging and complex condition that causes limb lengthening. We focused on the clinical and radiographic results of SUPERhip procedures in patients with congenital femoral deficiency type 1b, according to Paley’s classification, prior to femoral lengthening. Methods: We reviewed all records and radiographs of patients who underwent this procedure between 2005 and 2020. We included 26 patients, with clinical and radiographic assessments performed during pre- and post-operative evaluations. Results: There were twenty-six patients (15 right vs. 11 left), with a mean age of 7 years (1–18). Most of the patients were female (17 patients; 65.4%). Twenty (76.9%) patients were undergoing their first procedure and six (23.1%) had already undergone a previous surgery. There was a significant improvement in all radiographic parameters, with the mean preoperative and postoperative Neck-Shaft Angle (NSA) being 72.3 ± 7.1° vs. 133.1 ± 12.7°, the Center-Edge Angle (CEA) 16.8 ± 9.8° vs. 33.5 ± 14.1°, and the Acetabular Index (AI) 27.8 ± 6.9° vs. 16.4 ± 6.8°, respectively. The complication rate was 15.4%, predominantly affecting patients under 5 years old. Conclusions: The SUPERhip procedure is an effective and reproducible technique for clinical and radiographic correction to a significant degree in patients with Paley’s type 1b CFD, in preparation for bone lengthening surgery.
The Role of Interleukin-10 in the Pathogenesis and Treatment of a Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Patilas Christos , Varsamos Iordanis , Galanis Athanasios , Vavourakis Michail , Zachariou Dimitrios , Marougklianis Vasileios , Kolovos Ioannis , Tsalimas Georgios , Karampinas Panagiotis , Kaspiris Angelos , Vlamis John , Pneumaticos Spiros
Published: January 2024

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating condition that often leads to severe and permanent neurological deficits. The complex pathophysiology of an SCI involves a cascade of events, including inflammation, oxidative stress, and secondary injury processes. Among the myriad of molecular players involved, interleukin-10 (IL-10) emerges as a key regulator with the potential to modulate both the inflammatory response and promote neuroprotection. This comprehensive review delves into the intricate interplay of IL-10 in the pathogenesis of an SCI and explores its therapeutic implications in the quest for effective treatments. IL-10 has been found to regulate inflammation, oxidative stress, neuronal apoptosis, and glial scars after an SCI. Its neuroprotective properties have been evaluated in a plethora of animal studies. IL-10 administration, either isolated or in combination with other molecules or biomaterials, has shown neuroprotective effects through a reduction in inflammation, the promotion of tissue repair and regeneration, the modulation of glial scar formation, and improved functional outcomes. In conclusion, IL-10 emerges as a pivotal player in the pathogenesis and treatment of SCIs. Its multifaceted role in modulating inflammation, oxidative stress, neuronal apoptosis, glial scars, and neuroprotection positions IL-10 as a promising therapeutic target. The ongoing research exploring various strategies for harnessing the potential of IL-10 offers hope for the development of effective treatments that could significantly improve outcomes for individuals suffering from spinal cord injuries. As our understanding of IL-10′s intricacies deepens, it opens new avenues for innovative and targeted therapeutic interventions, bringing us closer to the goal of alleviating the profound impact of SCIs on patients’ lives.
Clinical Role of Upfront F-18 FDG PET/CT in Determining Biopsy Sites for Lung Cancer Diagnosis
Authors: Park Byunggeon , Lim Jae-Kwang , Shin Kyung Min , Hong Jihoon , Cha Jung Guen , Cho Seung Hyun , Park Seo Young , Ryeom Hun Kyu , Kim See Hyung , Seo An Na , Cha Seung-Ick , Lee Jaehee , Lee Hoseok , Park Jongmin
Published: January 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the impact of FDG PET/CT timing for biopsy site selection in patients with stage IV lung cancer regarding complications and diagnostic yield. Methods: This retrospective analysis was performed on 1297 patients (924 men and 373 women with a mean age of 71.4 ± 10.2 years) who underwent percutaneous needle biopsy (PNB) for stage IV lung cancer diagnosis in two hospitals. Data collected included the patient’s characteristics, order date of the biopsy and PET/CT exams, biopsy target site (lung or non-lung), guidance modality, complications, sample adequacy, and diagnostic success. Based on the order date of the PNB and PET/CT exams, patients were categorized into upfront and delayed PET/CT groups. Results: PNB for non-lung targets resulted in significantly lower rates of minor (8.1% vs. 16.2%), major (0.2% vs. 3.4%), and overall complications (8.3% vs. 19.6%) compared to PNB for lung targets (p < 0.001 for all types of complications). Compared to the delayed PET/CT group, the upfront PET/CT group exhibited a lower probability of lung target selection of PNB (53.9% vs. 67.1%, p < 0.001), including a reduced incidence of major complications (1.0% vs. 2.9%, p = 0.031). Moreover, there was no significant difference in the occurrence of minor and total complications between the two groups. Upfront PET/CT and delayed PET/CT groups showed no significant difference regarding sample adequacy and diagnostic success. Conclusions: Upfront PET/CT may have an impact on the selection of the biopsy site for patients with advanced lung cancer, which could result in a lower rate of major complications with no change in the diagnostic yield. Upfront PET/CT demonstrates potential clinical implications for enhancing the safety of lung cancer diagnosis in clinical practice.
Correction: Maillard et al. Assessing Search and Unsupervised Clustering Algorithms in Nested Sampling. Entropy 2023, 25, 347
Authors: Maillard Lune , Finocchi Fabio , Trassinelli Martino
Published: January 2024

There was an error in the original publication [...]
Daily Streamflow of Argentine Rivers Analysis Using Information Theory Quantifiers
Authors: Suriano Micaela , Caram Leonidas Facundo , Rosso Osvaldo Anibal
Published: January 2024

This paper analyzes the temporal evolution of streamflow for different rivers in Argentina based on information quantifiers such as statistical complexity and permutation entropy. The main objective is to identify key details of the dynamics of the analyzed time series to differentiate the degrees of randomness and chaos. The permutation entropy is used with the probability distribution of ordinal patterns and the Jensen–Shannon divergence to calculate the disequilibrium and the statistical complexity. Daily streamflow series at different river stations were analyzed to classify the different hydrological systems. The complexity-entropy causality plane (CECP) and the representation of the Shannon entropy and Fisher information measure (FIM) show that the daily discharge series could be approximately represented with Gaussian noise, but the variances highlight the difficulty of modeling a series of natural phenomena. An analysis of stations downstream from the Yacyretá dam shows that the operation affects the randomness of the daily discharge series at hydrometric stations near the dam. When the station is further downstream, however, this effect is attenuated. Furthermore, the size of the basin plays a relevant role in modulating the process. Large catchments have smaller values for entropy, and the signal is less noisy due to integration over larger time scales. In contrast, small and mountainous basins present a rapid response that influences the behavior of daily discharge while presenting a higher entropy and lower complexity. The results obtained in the present study characterize the behavior of the daily discharge series in Argentine rivers and provide key information for hydrological modeling.
SharDif: Sharing and Differential Learning for Image Fusion
Authors: Liang Lei , Gao Zhisheng
Published: January 2024

Image fusion is the generation of an informative image that contains complementary information from the original sensor images, such as texture details and attentional targets. Existing methods have designed a variety of feature extraction algorithms and fusion strategies to achieve image fusion. However, these methods ignore the extraction of common features in the original multi-source images. The point of view proposed in this paper is that image fusion is to retain, as much as possible, the useful shared features and complementary differential features of the original multi-source images. Shared and differential learning methods for infrared and visible light image fusion are proposed. An encoder with shared weights is used to extract shared common features contained in infrared and visible light images, and the other two encoder blocks are used to extract differential features of infrared images and visible light images, respectively. Effective learning of shared and differential features is achieved through weight sharing and loss functions. Then, the fusion of shared features and differential features is achieved via a weighted fusion strategy based on an entropy-weighted attention mechanism. The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed model with its algorithm. Compared with the-state-of-the-art methods, the significant advantage of the proposed method is that it retains the structural information of the original image and has better fusion accuracy and visual perception effect.
Objective Priors for Invariant e-Values in the Presence of Nuisance Parameters
Authors: Bortolato Elena , Ventura Laura
Published: January 2024

This paper aims to contribute to refining the e-values for testing precise hypotheses, especially when dealing with nuisance parameters, leveraging the effectiveness of asymptotic expansions of the posterior. The proposed approach offers the advantage of bypassing the need for elicitation of priors and reference functions for the nuisance parameters and the multidimensional integration step. For this purpose, starting from a Laplace approximation, a posterior distribution for the parameter of interest is only considered and then a suitable objective matching prior is introduced, ensuring that the posterior mode aligns with an equivariant frequentist estimator. Consequently, both Highest Probability Density credible sets and the e-value remain invariant. Some targeted and challenging examples are discussed.
Designing for Social Justice: A Decolonial Exploration of How to Develop EdTech for Refugees
Authors: Barnes Katrina , Emerusenge Aime Parfait , Rabi Asma , Ullah Noor , Mazari Haani , Moustafa Nariman , Thakrar Jayshree , Zhao Annette , Koomar Saalim
Published: January 2024

This paper reflects on the lived experiences of young refugees located in Pakistan and Rwanda when interacting with education technology (EdTech) during and following displacement. We offer a broad decolonial commentary on issues related to the design and development of EdTech initiatives for refugees, noting some of the historical trends prevalent in the education and emergencies sector. We are guided by questions such as: Why EdTech to start with? Who designs the products? Where are they designed? How are they designed? And, which power dynamics are at play during the design process? From this, we draw on qualitative data generated through three focus groups, where we explore young refugees’ experiences of EdTech. The focus group included a creative element inviting participants to imagine what a liberatory EdTech practice would look like. We aim to illustrate the practical implications of design choices taken by EdTech developers and, from this, recommend a set of justice-centred design principles for developers of EdTech in refugee contexts. These insights relate specifically to the experiences of refugees in Rwanda and Pakistan, though we also discuss the implications of these learnings for other contexts.
Optically Transparent Honeycomb Mesh Antenna Integrated into OLED Light Source
Authors: El Halaoui Mustapha , Dupuis Pascal , Pigaglio Olivier , Asselman Adel , Zissis Georges , Canale Laurent
Published: January 2024

The co-integration of antennas with lighting sources appears as an effective way to distribute broadband networks closer to users, lowering interference and transmitted power, as well as to reduce energy consumption in future lighting systems. We here present an original contribution to the implementation of transparent and invisible antennas with OLED light sources. To validate the proposed approach, the honeycomb mesh technique was used, and an optical transparency of 75.4% was reached. The transparent mesh antenna was compared with the non-transparent full-metal antenna in terms of radio-electrical parameters. Our prototype was designed using copper films deposited on a glass substrate. The simulation results of the S-parameters and the radiation patterns were validated against measurements performed in an anechoic chamber. The directivity and gain obtained were 6.67 dBi and 4.86 dBi at 5.16GHz, respectively. To study the effect of antenna integration with OLEDs, optical and photometric characterizations with and without the antenna were measured, and the colorimetric parameters were then treated using the IES TM-30-18 standard.
Prospects for Revolutionary and Popular AI Technology following the Launch of ChatGPT in 2023
Authors: Hayashi Yoichi
Published: January 2024

Thanks to your continuous support, the Electronics journal has achieved an Impact Factor of 2 [...]
The Validation and Implementation of the Second-Order Adaptive Fuzzy Logic Controller of a Double-Fed Induction Generator in an Oscillating Water Column
Authors: Elnaghi Basem E. , Abelwhab M. N. , Mohammed Reham H. , Abdel-Kader Fathy El Sayed , Ismaiel Ahmed M. , Dessouki Mohamed E.
Published: January 2024

This article presents a second-order adaptive fuzzy logic controller (SO-AFLC) to improve the performance of a grid-connected double-fed induction generator (DFIG) in an oscillating water column power plant (OWCPP). The proposed SO-AFLC was used to improve the maximum power point tracking (MPPT), DC link voltage stability, and reactive power tracking for the DFIG oscillating water column power plant. The SO-AFLC reduces oscillations, overshooting, and mean square error. The SO-AFLC improved the mean square error by 40.4% in comparison to the adaptive fuzzy logic controller (AFLC) and by 84.9% in comparison to the proportional–integral differential controllers (PIDs). To validate the simulation results, an experimental investigation was performed on the Dspace DS 1104 control board. The SO-AFLC shows a faster response time, reduced undershooting, lower peak overshooting, and very low steady-state error in terms of DC link voltage, rotor speed, and maximum power point tracking. Moreover, the integral absolute error (IAE) index of the oscillating water column turbine was calculated. This index is meant to evaluate the SO-AFLC’s feasibility against the PID and AFLC under the same wave conditions.
A Flexible Wireless Sacral Nerve Stimulator Based on Parity–Time Symmetry Condition
Authors: Ying Yue , Yu Yanlan , Dong Shurong , Ding Guoqing , Xuan Weipeng , Gao Feng , Jin Hao , Luo Jikui
Published: January 2024

Lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) has a great effect on patients’ daily life and mental health. Currently, the most mature invasive treatment is sacral neuromodulation (SNM) that needs to be implanted into buttocks and work for 1–2 years. However, most existing SNM stimulators use disposable batteries with a limited lifespan. And existing stimulators are rigid and lack biomechanical compatibility. To address the above problems, wireless power transferring (WPT) is proposed for SNM based on parity–time (PT) symmetry principle to meet buttocks application requirements, where has thick fat and skin tissue. The receiver coil in the SNM stimulator is designed to be as small and flexible as possible to fit implantation. PT technology allows for efficient and stable wireless power transmission without being significantly affected by the misalignment and bending caused by body movement and can penetrate 15 mm fat–skin tissue and achieve 78% transmission efficiency. Furthermore, the flexible wireless sacral nerve stimulator is developed, and the effectiveness of the system is verified. The system could potentially reduce patient discomfort because the implanted device is flexible and can output a stable voltage stimulation signal.
Jointly Active/Passive Beamforming Optimization for Intelligent-Reflecting Surface-Assisted Cognitive-IoT Networks
Authors: Zhou Yanping , Deng Fang , Li Shidang
Published: January 2024

To overcome challenges such as limited energy availability for terminal devices, constrained network coverage, and suboptimal spectrum resource utilization, with the overarching objective of establishing a sustainable and efficient interconnection infrastructure, we introduce an innovative Intelligent Reflective Surface (IRS) technology. This cutting-edge IRS technology is employed to architect a wireless and energy-efficient cognitive secure communication network assisted by IRS. To further optimize the overall energy harvesting of this network, we present a cognitive secure resource allocation scheme, aiming to maximize the system’s total collected energy. This scheme carefully considers various constraints, including transmission power constraints for cognitive base stations, power constraints for jammer devices, interference limitations for all primary users, minimum security rate constraints for all cognitive Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and phase shift constraints for IRS. We establish a comprehensive hybrid cognitive secure resource allocation model, encompassing joint cognitive transmission beam design, jammer device transmission beam design, and phase shift design. Given the non-convex nature of the formulated problem and the intricate coupling relationships among variables, we devise an effective block coordinate descent (BCD) iterative algorithm. The realization of joint cognitive/jammer base station transmission beam design and phase shift design employs sophisticated techniques such as continuous convex approximation methods and semi-definite programming. Simulation results underscore the superior performance of the proposed scheme compared to existing resource allocation approaches, particularly in terms of total harvested energy and other critical metrics.
Thermal Transmittance in Roof–Wall Structural Junction Areas Insulated with a Hemp–Lime Mixture
Authors: Grudzińska Magdalena , Patyna Krystian , Jabłoński Wojciech , Brzyski Przemysław
Published: January 2024

The junction between the roof and the external wall is a sensitive area within the building envelope; here, increased heat flow often takes place. In the case of partitions insulated with materials based on plant ingredients, thermal bridges are particularly dangerous due to the possibility of condensation and, consequently, mold. The present article analyzed the connection of the roof with the knee wall made of a hemp–lime composite and the ridge in terms of the occurrence of thermal bridges. The following factors that may affect heat transfer in the junction were taken into account: the location of the load-bearing wooden frame, the roof slope, and the presence of internal plaster in the junction. Two-dimensional heat transfer analysis was performed based on the finite element method using THERM 7.4 software. All of the studied thermal bridges had ψ values below 0.10 W/(m·K). Calculations of heat losses through a roof with different slopes were also presented, taking into account the considered thermal bridges. As the roof slope decreases, the heat flow through the roof decreases, despite the increasing value of the linear thermal transmittance. The share of the considered thermal bridges in the total heat loss from the roof reached up to 15%. To verify the obtained results, in further analysis, it would be necessary to calculate the impact of the roof–knee wall bridge variants on heat losses throughout the entire building.
Bio-Waste from Urban and Rural Areas as a Source of Biogas and Methane—A Case Study from Poland
Authors: Dronia Wojciech , Kostecki Jakub , Połomka Jacek , Jędrczak Andrzej
Published: January 2024

The growing volume of household waste, especially bio-waste, poses a significant challenge to waste management systems. In Poland, bio-waste accounts for almost one third of total waste generation. To address this challenge, in the context of optimising the waste biomass value chain, we are investigating the potential of methane fermentation to convert bio-waste into valuable end products in the form of digestate (organic recycling) and biogas (a renewable energy source with a wide range of downstream applications). This paper presents the moisture content, loss on ignition and biogas and methane production efficiency for bio-waste and for the seven types of waste that are the main constituents of selectively collected bio-waste (meat, other edible waste (dairy), fruits and vegetables, grass, leaves, branches and the < 10 mm fraction). Data on the technological properties of bio-waste and its constituents may be of interest to a range of stakeholders. The average moisture content ranged from 41.9% (<10 mm fraction and others) to 84.4% (fruits and vegetables), and the average organic matter content of the dry weight of the waste ranged from 37.8% (<10 mm fraction and others) to 88.7% (edible constituents other than meat and fruits and vegetables). The bio-waste had an average moisture content of 71.3 ± 1.7% and loss on ignition of 68.6 ± 1.7%. Biogas production from selectively collected bio-waste ranged from 285 to 404 Ndm3∙kg−1 DM (mean: 347 ± 53 Ndm3∙kg−1 DM), and methane production ranged from 191 to 271 Ndm3∙kg−1 DM (mean: 215 ± 33 Ndm3∙kg−1 DM).
The Specifics of PTC Thermistor Applications for Limiting Surge Currents
Authors: Safonov Evgeniy , Frolov Vladimir , Zhiligotov Ruslan , Petrenya Yuri
Published: January 2024

This paper investigates the possibilities of limiting emergency short current pulses by using materials with a positive temperature coefficient. A computational model and method for simulating this process were proposed. Barium titanate was considered a promising material for current-limiting devices due to its low cost, ease of manufacturing and autonomy. The current-limiting properties of a PTC thermistor device were estimated in relation to a significant pulse current overload (10 ms). The value of taking into account the varistor effect when modeling energy dissipation by a PTC thermistor is experimentally demonstrated. The results of the experiment were used in the development of computer models of the current-limiting properties of PTC thermistors. A method for taking into account the varistor effect in the developed models is proposed. It is noted that in order to increase the accuracy of the calculation, it is important to take into account the heat transfer between the PTC thermistor and its contact system. It is also shown that this heat transfer is capable of creating a significant longitudinal temperature gradient inside the PTC thermistor, which creates a high level of thermal stress and leads to mechanical failure. Destruction of this type has been observed during experiments. This research was carried out within the state assignment FSEG-2023-0012.
Passive Direct Air Capture of Carbon Dioxide with an Alkaline Amino Acid Salt in Water-Based Paints
Authors: Ngwu Godwin , Suleman Humbul , Ahmad Faizan , Qadir Danial , Shamair Zufishan , Nasir Qazi , Nawaz Muhammad
Published: January 2024

The current study presents the first results of the passive capture of carbon dioxide from the air in aqueous sodium lysinate solutions at ambient conditions. The salt has shown good passive direct air capture (DAC) properties for carbon dioxide with spent solutions exhibiting more than 5% carbon dioxide by weight. Moreover, different quantities of sodium lysinate solutions were mixed with three commercial water-based paints, and their passive DAC performance was studied for 45 days. An average improvement of 70% in passive DAC capacity compared to the control sample was observed across all the studied paint samples. The results establish that a litre of water-based paint doped with sodium lysinate can absorb up to 40 g of CO2 and fix it stably for a short period of time, i.e., 45 days. Such paints can be used to directly capture carbon dioxide from the air. However, further research is required to address various technicalities and establish long-term sequestration.