bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Machine Learning Approach for Local Atmospheric Emission Predictions
Authors: Marongiu Alessandro , Distefano Gabriele Giuseppe , Moretti Marco , Petrosino Federico , Fossati Giuseppe , Collalto Anna Gilia , Angelino Elisabetta
Published: October 2024

This paper presents a novel machine learning methodology able to extend the results of detailed local emission inventories to larger domains where emission estimates are not available. The first part of this work consists in the development of an emission inventory of elemental carbon (EC), black carbon (BC), organic carbon (OC), and levoglucosan (LG) obtained from the detailed emission estimates available from the Project LIFE PREPAIR for the Po Basin in north Italy. The emissions of these chemical species in combination with particulate primary emissions and gaseous precursors are very important information in source apportionment and in the impact assessment of the different emission sources in air quality. To gain a better understanding of the origins of atmospheric pollution, it is possible to combine measurements with emission estimates for the particulate matter fractions known as EC, BC, OC, and LG. To identify the sources of emissions, it is usual practice to use the ratio of the measured EC, OC, TC (Total Carbon), and LG. The PREPAIR emission estimates and these new calculations are then used to train the Random Forest (RF) algorithm, considering a large array of local variables, such as taxes, the characteristics of urbanization and dwellings, the number of employees detailed for economic activities, occupation levels and land cover. The outcome of the comparison of the predictions of the machine learning implemented model (ML) with the estimates obtained for the same areas by two independent methods, local disaggregation of the national emission inventory and Copernicus Air Modelling Service (CAMS) emissions estimates, is extremely encouraging and confirms it also as a promising approach in terms of effort saving. The implemented modelling approach identifies the most important variables affecting the spatialization of different pollutants in agreement with the main emission source characteristics and is suitable for harmonization of the results of different local emission inventories with national emission reporting.
Effect of the Temperature–Humidity Index on the Productivity of Dairy Cows and the Correlation between the Temperature–Humidity Index and Rumen Temperature Using a Rumen Sensor
Authors: Nam Ki Taeg , Choi Nackhoon , Na Youngjun , Choi Yongjun
Published: October 2024

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of high-temperature stress on dairy cow productivity and the correlation between rumen sensors. The data were collected on the temperature, humidity, milk productivity, milk components, blood components, and rumen sensor data from 125 dairy cows during the experimental period (1 May 2020 to 30 October 2020). High-temperature stress of dairy cows was evaluated based on the temperature–humidity index (THI). The correlations between the high-temperature stress, productivity, and sensor data were analyzed using SAS and R programs. The THI ranged from 46.9 to 81.0 during the experimental period, and a significant decrease was observed in the milk production of dairy cows during August (p < 0.05). Milk production was evaluated to decrease by 1.8% because of high-temperature stress during the experimental period. There was a significantly high negative correlation between the THI ratio of day and rumen temperature (r = 0.744; p < 0.001). The other rumen sensor data did not show a significant correlation with the productivity of dairy cows. The results can be utilized as a guideline for managing temperature and humidity to maintain dairy cow productivity on farms in high-temperature stress conditions.
An Innovative Approach: The Usage of N-Acetylcysteine in the Therapy of Pneumonia in Neonatal Calves
Authors: Ninković Milan , Žutić Jadranka , Tasić Aleksandra , Arsić Sveta , Bojkovski Jovan , Zdravković Nemanja
Published: October 2024

NAC has mucolytic, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects in living organisms. However, the therapeutic effects of NAC on clinical recovery among neonatal calves with respiratory diseases have not yet been studied. Our study represents the first investigation of the effects of NAC in neonatal calves with pneumonia. The objective of this work was to observe the effects of NAC in the treatment of neonatal pneumonia, including its ability to reduce the clinical score, shorten the duration of the treatment, and improve the overall health condition of neonatal calves. For this study, calves were divided into two groups: a treatment group that received NAC and amoxicillin with clavulanic acid, and a control group that received amoxicillin with clavulanic acid (antimicrobial only). The findings of this study indicate that NAC treatment significantly shortened the time to resolution (p < 0.001), compared to the results in the group without NAC treatment. Generally, NAC-supplemented therapy reduced the recovery time by more than 27 h (or slightly more than one day), compared to that in the antimicrobial-only group. Our study presents the first reported usage of NAC in therapy for respiratory disorders.
Effects of Lactic Acid and Ascorbic Acid Mixture on Quality Properties of Wild Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) Meat
Authors: Enkhbold Munkhnasan , Lőrincz Attila , Elayan Majd , Friedrich László , Barkó Annamária , Csurka Tamás , Boros Anikó , Hitka Géza , Varga-Tóth Adrienn
Published: October 2024

This study investigated the effect of a 2% lactic acid and 2% ascorbic acid mixture, applied via a spray method, on the quality of wild red deer (Cervus elaphus) meat stored under vacuum packaging at 4 ± 1 °C for 21 days. A total of 48 semimembranosus muscle steaks were used, divided into two groups: 24 treated with the acid mixture and 24 non-treated controls. Key parameters, including the pH, instrumental color, bacterial counts, texture profile analysis, and protein degradation (sarcoplasmic and myofibrillar proteins) using sodium dodecyl-sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, were assessed on different days. Treated samples exhibited significantly lower aerobic plate counts (p < 0.05) compared to controls. No significant differences in pH were found between the groups, except on day one (p < 0.05). Over time, texture analysis revealed a significant reduction in hardness, cohesiveness, and chewiness in both groups, with treated samples showing greater tenderness. Importantly, the lactic acid and ascorbic acid treatment did not adversely affect the color attributes of the meat. This method shows potential for improving the microbiological safety of venison without compromising its quality, making it a promising preservation technique for the meat industry.
Rapid Risk Assessment in Industry: Increasing Awareness of Worker Safety in Industrial Activities
Authors: Ispășoiu Adrian , Milosan Ioan , Gabor Camelia , Oancea Gheorghe
Published: October 2024

When training engineers and team leaders, it is crucial to focus on cultivating essential skills for safety at work, required in both theoretical design and practical application. One such crucial skill is the ability to assess professional risks across all engineering domains. To promote sustainable safety awareness in workplaces and to initiate the early education and training of engineering workers through training and testing, we developed a software application and tested it among Romanian workers. This software facilitates the management of the entire risk assessment process, further enhancing the training experience. The presented methodology used for learning, testing, and assessing the skills of engineering workers and for risk assessment, called EL-PRAI (Engineering Learning and Professional Risks Assessment in Industry), was tested on 238 workers (engineers and team leaders) from different engineering fields. The results obtained and the workers’ positive feedback support a broader use of the software application for educating engineers and team leaders on workplace safety. If the engineers and team leaders understand the risks at their workplaces well, they will be able to properly train their subordinate workers and order appropriate measures before starting activities.
Revolutionizing Time Series Data Preprocessing with a Novel Cycling Layer in Self-Attention Mechanisms
Authors: Chen Jiyan , Yang Zijiang
Published: October 2024

This paper introduces an innovative method for enhancing time series data preprocessing by integrating a cycling layer into a self-attention mechanism. Traditional approaches often fail to capture the cyclical patterns inherent to time series data, which affects the predictive model accuracy. The proposed method aims to improve models’ ability to identify and leverage these cyclical patterns, as demonstrated using the Jena Climate dataset from the Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry. Empirical results show that the proposed method enhances forecast accuracy and speeds up model fitting compared to the conventional techniques. This paper contributes to the field of time series analysis by providing a more effective preprocessing approach.
Blast-Induced Progressive Collapse Analysis: Accounting for Initial Conditions and Damage
Authors: Melkeneh Benyam , Habte Bedilu , Urgessa Girum Solomon
Published: October 2024

The paper presents the progressive collapse analysis of structures, focusing on the impact of the initial conditions (particularly initial velocity) and the damage. It proposes a method that calculates the residual axial load capacity and damage of columns based on their strain profile and considers the effects of multiple blast locations. The methodology involves the conventional design of a three-story moment-resisting frame, selecting blast parameters, calculating blast pressures, and performing structural and progressive collapse analyses. The findings reveal that the Alternate Load Path Method (APM) overestimates the capacity compared to a benchmark blast–structure interaction analysis, especially when unsuitable initial conditions and damage properties are used. To address this limitation, the paper concludes the recommendations for incorporating appropriate initial conditions and damage considerations for a relatively accurate progressive collapse analysis.
Emotion Recognition Using EEG Signals and Audiovisual Features with Contrastive Learning
Authors: Lee Ju-Hwan , Kim Jin-Young , Kim Hyoung-Gook
Published: October 2024

Multimodal emotion recognition has emerged as a promising approach to capture the complex nature of human emotions by integrating information from various sources such as physiological signals, visual behavioral cues, and audio-visual content. However, current methods often struggle with effectively processing redundant or conflicting information across modalities and may overlook implicit inter-modal correlations. To address these challenges, this paper presents a novel multimodal emotion recognition framework which integrates audio-visual features with viewers’ EEG data to enhance emotion classification accuracy. The proposed approach employs modality-specific encoders to extract spatiotemporal features, which are then aligned through contrastive learning to capture inter-modal relationships. Additionally, cross-modal attention mechanisms are incorporated for effective feature fusion across modalities. The framework, comprising pre-training, fine-tuning, and testing phases, is evaluated on multiple datasets of emotional responses. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed multimodal approach, which combines audio-visual features with EEG data, is highly effective in recognizing emotions, highlighting its potential for advancing emotion recognition systems.
Depth-Aware Networks for Multi-Organ Lesion Detection in Chest CT Scans
Authors: Zhang Han , Chung Albert C. S.
Published: October 2024

Computer tomography (CT) scans’ capabilities in detecting lesions have been increasing remarkably in the past decades. In this paper, we propose a multi-organ lesion detection (MOLD) approach to better address real-life chest-related clinical needs. MOLD is a challenging task, especially within a large, high resolution image volume, due to various types of background information interference and large differences in lesion sizes. Furthermore, the appearance similarity between lesions and other normal tissues demands more discriminative features. In order to overcome these challenges, we introduce depth-aware (DA) and skipped-layer hierarchical training (SHT) mechanisms with the novel Dense 3D context enhanced (Dense 3DCE) lesion detection model. The novel Dense 3DCE framework considers the shallow, medium, and deep-level features together comprehensively. In addition, equipped with our SHT scheme, the backpropagation process can now be supervised under precise control, while the DA scheme can effectively incorporate depth domain knowledge into the scheme. Extensive experiments have been carried out on a publicly available, widely used DeepLesion dataset, and the results prove the effectiveness of our DA-SHT Dense 3DCE network in the MOLD task.
Dyslipidemia in Pregnancy: A Systematic Review of Molecular Alterations and Clinical Implications
Authors: Preda Agnesa , Preda Silviu-Daniel , Mota Maria , Iliescu Dominic Gabriel , Zorila Lucian George , Comanescu Alexandru Cristian , Mitrea Adina , Clenciu Diana , Mota Eugen , Vladu Ionela Mihaela
Published: October 2024

Background: Dyslipidemia in pregnancy presents unique clinical challenges due to its effects on maternal and fetal health. This systematic review hypothesizes that molecular alterations in lipid metabolism during pregnancy contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes and seeks to identify the clinical implications of these changes. The rationale behind this review stems from the increased risk of complications such as preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, and acute pancreatitis associated with dyslipidemia in pregnancy. The primary objective is to examine the interplay between lipid metabolism and pregnancy outcomes. Methods: To achieve this, a systematic review following PRISMA guidelines was conducted, with a comprehensive search of the PubMed database covering articles from January 2014 to June 2024. Inclusion criteria focused on studies assessing molecular alterations and clinical outcomes of dyslipidemia in pregnancy, while case reports and relevant clinical trials were analyzed to evaluate both maternal and fetal outcomes. A total of 12 studies were included in the final analysis. Results: This study provided evidence of the need for early detection and management strategies to reduce risks. The outcomes revealed significant associations between dyslipidemia and adverse maternal outcomes such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and pancreatitis, as well as fetal outcomes like preterm birth and fetal distress. Conclusions: Early lipid monitoring and intervention are crucial in mitigating these risks and suggests that a multidisciplinary approach is necessary to improve maternal and fetal health in pregnancies complicated by dyslipidemia.
Effect of Clinicopathological Characteristics on the Outcomes of Topical 5-Aminolevulinic Acid Photodynamic Therapy in Patients with Cervical High-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions (HSIL/CIN2): A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Wei Yingting , Niu Jing , Gu Liying , Hong Zubei , Bao Zhouzhou , Qiu Lihua
Published: October 2024

Background: Minimally-invasive 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) is used for treating cervical high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL/CIN2). The purpose of this study was to analyze the factors affecting the efficacy of ALA-PDT in the treatment of cervical HSIL/CIN2 in order to guide physicians in making appropriate treatment decisions. Methods: A retrospective study including 69 female patients with pathologically diagnosed HSIL/CIN2 was conducted. Patients were given six doses of 20% ALA-PDT at 7–14-day intervals. Cytology, HPV testing, colposcopy, and pathology were performed before treatment and at 6-month follow-up after treatment to assess efficacy. The main outcome of this study was the regression of HSIL/CIN2 and the clearance of high-risk HPV (hrHPV) infection after ALA-PDT treatment. Clinicopathological characteristics were collected to analyze the factors affecting the effectiveness of ALA-PDT treatment for HSIL/CIN2. Results: Between the successful and failed lesion regression group, there was a significant difference in sleeping disorders (p < 0.05). Between the successful and failed hrHPV clearance group, no statistically significant factors were found. With sensitivity values of 0.556 and 0.778, respectively, multivariate analysis showed that current smoking and sleeping disorders were independent prognostics of failure in lesion regression after ALA-PDT treatment. Conclusions: Smoking and sleep disorders were independent risk factors for failure in HSIL/CIN2 regression following ALA-PDT, suggesting the need for careful consideration of ALA-PDT for patients with these conditions.
Structural Analysis and Substrate Specificity of D-Carbamoylase from Pseudomonas
Authors: Paronyan Marina , Koloyan Haykanush , Aganyants Hovsep , Hambardzumyan Artur , Soghomonyan Tigran , Avetisyan Sona , Kocharov Sergey , Panosyan Henry , Sakanyan Vehary , Hovsepyan Anichka
Published: October 2024

The synthesis of enantiomeric forms of D-amino acids can be achieved by a two-step “hydantoinase process” based on the sequential catalysis of substrates by specific enzymes, D-carbamoylase and D-hydantoinase. Here, we describe the structural features of D-carbamoylase from Pseudomonas, the encoded gene of which was chemically synthesized and cloned into Escherichia coli. A significant fraction of the overexpressed recombinant protein forms insoluble inclusion bodies, which are partially converted to a soluble state upon treatment with N-lauroylsarcosine or upon incubation of cells at 28 °C. Purified His-tagged protein exhibits the highest activity towards N-carbamoyl-D-alanine and N-carbamoyl-D-tryptophan. Comprehensive virtual analysis of the interactions of bulky carbamylated amino acids with D-carbamoylase provided valuable information. Molecular docking analysis revealed the location of the substrate binding site in the three-dimensional structure of D-carbamoylase. Molecular dynamics simulations showed that the binding pocket of the enzyme in complex with N-carbamoyl-D-tryptophan was stabilized within 100 nanoseconds. The free energy data showed that Arg176 and Asn173 formed hydrogen bonds between the enzyme and substrates. The studies of D-carbamoylases and the properties of our previously obtained D-hydantoinase suggest the possibility of developing a harmonized biotechnological process for the production of new drugs and peptide hormones.
Is Working Memory Necessary for Both Selection and Calculation in Level 1 Visual Perspective Taking? Evidence from Children and Adults
Authors: He Guifen , Song Wei , Dong Peiqi , Xu Canmei , Zhou Yanlin , Ye Haoqin , Zhang Qiong
Published: October 2024

Previous research has suggested that there are two modular processes of perspective selection and calculation in level 1 perspective taking. Evidence further showed that verbal working memory is associated with both processes in adults. However, research has not tested whether verbal working memory may be associated with working memory in children. Moreover, since perspective taking is associated with spatial working memory, it is necessary to investigate whether spatial working memory links to both processes. By recruiting 9-year-old children and college students in the single-task paradigm and the dual-task paradigm, we conducted two experiments to answer these questions. Results in experiment 1 suggested that verbal working memory correlated with adults’ perspective calculation, but with both processes in children’s perspective taking. Results in experiment 2 showed that spatial working memory is associated with adults’ perspective calculation and children’s perspective selection. These findings suggest that different components of working memory play distinct roles in the processing of perspective taking, which is moderated by age.
Passive Ventilation of Residential Buildings Using the Trombe Wall
Authors: Myroniuk Khrystyna , Furdas Yurii , Zhelykh Vasyl , Adamski Mariusz , Gumen Olena , Savin Valerii , Mitoulis Stergios-Aristoteles
Published: October 2024

The article explores passive systems for regulating microclimates in residential settings, with a focus on modular constructions. It investigates the use of the trombe wall system for passive ventilation to ensure comfort and hygiene. The study examines building designs that enable effective air circulation without using mechanical systems. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the passive system of using solar energy with the trombe wall as a ventilation device in modular houses has been experimentally confirmed. Although the research confirms the effectiveness of this solar system in modular homes, there is limited documentation regarding its overall efficiency, particularly concerning the impact of the surface pressure coefficient on ventilation. The study establishes the correlations governing the thermosiphon collector’s effectiveness at varying air layer thicknesses. Optimal parameters, such as maximum air consumption (L = 120 m3h−1), are identified at an air layer thickness (δ) of 100 mm and outlet openings area (F) of 0.056 m2. These findings pave the way for improving passive systems aimed at maintaining optimal thermal and air conditions in modern homes. The findings suggest the potential for more efficient and sustainable housing solutions. Further research is essential to understand how factors like building design and wind speed affect ventilation system efficacy.
Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy without Bevacizumab versus Intravenous Chemotherapy with Bevacizumab as the Frontline Adjuvant Therapy in Advanced Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Ting Wan-Hua , Chen Hui-Hua , Wei Ming-Chow , Sun Hsu-Dong , Hsiao Sheng-Mou
Published: October 2024

Objectives: To compare the clinical outcomes of intravenous carboplatin/paclitaxel chemotherapy plus bevacizumab versus intraperitoneal cisplatin/paclitaxel chemotherapy without bevacizumab as the frontline treatment in women with advanced ovarian, fallopian tube and primary peritoneal cancer. Methods: Between November 2012 and January 2024, medical records of all consecutive women with stage II~IV cancer treated with either frontline adjuvant intraperitoneal cisplatin/paclitaxel without bevacizumab (IP group), intravenous carboplatin/paclitaxel without bevacizumab (IV group) or intravenous carboplatin/paclitaxel with bevacizumab (IVB group) at a tertiary referral center were reviewed. Results: A total of 143 women (IP group, n = 57; IVB group, n = 23; IV group, n = 63) were reviewed. The IP group had greater progression-free survival compared to the IVB group (49.1 months, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 27.8 months to infinity, versus 11.9 months, 95% CI = 11.2 to 16.2 months; adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.24 to 0.87, p = 0.017). Additionally, the IP group also had a higher overall survival compared to the IVB group (not reached, 95% CI = 55.6 months to infinity, versus 38.9 months, 95% CI = 21.9 months to infinity; adjusted HR = 0.34, 95% CI = 0.15 to 0.79, p = 0.012). Conclusions: Intraperitoneal cisplatin/paclitaxel chemotherapy without bevacizumab seems to offer a survival advantage when compared with intravenous carboplatin/paclitaxel with bevacizumab in the frontline treatment of women with advanced ovarian cancer.
Vulnerability of Antioxidant Drug Therapies on Targeting the Nrf2-Trp53-Jdp2 Axis in Controlling Tumorigenesis
Authors: Lin Ying-Chu , Ku Chia-Chen , Wuputra Kenly , Wu Deng-Chyang , Yokoyama Kazunari K.
Published: October 2024

Control of oxidation/antioxidation homeostasis is important for cellular protective functions, and disruption of the antioxidation balance by exogenous and endogenous ligands can lead to profound pathological consequences of cancerous commitment within cells. Although cancers are sensitive to antioxidation drugs, these drugs are sometimes associated with problems including tumor resistance or dose-limiting toxicity in host animals and patients. These problems are often caused by the imbalance between the levels of oxidative stress-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the redox efficacy of antioxidants. Increased ROS levels, because of abnormal function, including metabolic abnormality and signaling aberrations, can promote tumorigenesis and the progression of malignancy, which are generated by genome mutations and activation of proto-oncogene signaling. This hypothesis is supported by various experiments showing that the balance of oxidative stress and redox control is important for cancer therapy. Although many antioxidant drugs exhibit therapeutic potential, there is a heterogeneity of antioxidation functions, including cell growth, cell survival, invasion abilities, and tumor formation, as well as the expression of marker genes including tumor suppressor proteins, cell cycle regulators, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, and Jun dimerization protein 2; their effectiveness in cancer remains unproven. Here, we summarize the rationale for the use of antioxidative drugs in preclinical and clinical antioxidant therapy of cancer, and recent advances in this area using cancer cells and their organoids, including the targeting of ROS homeostasis.
Asymptomatic Maternal Diseases Presenting with Symptomatic Neonatal Manifestations: A Short Case Series
Authors: Dan Adriana Mihaela , Vasilescu Diana Iulia , Vasilescu Sorin Liviu , Dima Vlad , Cîrstoiu Monica Mihaela
Published: October 2024

It is documented that maternal diseases or treatments influence a newborn’s clinical status at birth. If a prenatal medical history is not available, or if signs or symptoms of a mother’s disease are revealed for the first time during pregnancy or postpartum, their effects on the newborn may be misattributed. Objective: The objective of this study is to emphasize the paramount importance of prenatal care, for both mothers and newborns, as a lack of maternal signs and symptoms during pregnancy does not exclude a potential severe neonatal condition. Materials and methods: We present a series of three cases of pregnant women who gave birth to very sick preterm newborns that required admission to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The mothers were asymptomatic during pregnancy and unaware of their subclinical disease. The newborns’ complications, considered initially as consequences of prematurity or infection, subsequently revealed transient autoimmune disease in two of the cases (myasthenia gravis and hyperthyroidism) and a severe form of thrombophilia in the third case. Results: The newborns’ diagnosis preceded maternal diagnosis and contributed to the identification of the maternal pathology; adequate treatment was prescribed, with favorable short- and long-term outcomes. Conclusions: Prenatal exams and investigations throughout pregnancy are a good opportunity to detect subclinical diseases or predispositions. As newborns usually develop non-specific signs, one should have experience and pay attention to differentiating among etiologies. Our paper takes a reversed approach to the usual medical diagnosis pathway: from infant to mother instead of from mother to infant, proving that inter-specialty collaboration can work bi-directionally.
Vibrational Spectroscopies for Investigating Structural and Biochemical Modifications Induced in Hard Dental Tissues by Femtosecond Laser Ablation: A Brief Review
Authors: Portaccio Marianna , Delfino Ines , Gaeta Giovanni Maria , Romeo Umberto , Lepore Maria
Published: October 2024

In recent years, the femtosecond laser ablation of hard dental tissues has stimulated great interest in preparing accurate and reproducible dental cavities. Many studies on the changes induced in the surface morphology, structure, and composition of human teeth have been performed using various advanced experimental techniques. Vibrational spectroscopies such as Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and Raman spectroscopy have been adopted for obtaining precise information about changes induced by femtosecond laser ablation in human teeth. Their two main components, dentin and enamel, have been carefully investigated. The analysis of the vibrational spectra has allowed for the identification of the optimal working parameters for efficient laser ablation processes. In the present review, a brief description of the abovementioned vibrational techniques is reported, and the principal results obtained by these two vibrational spectroscopies in the study of femtosecond laser ablated teeth are summarized and analyzed.
Open and Collaborative Dataset for the Classification of Operational Transconductance Amplifiers for Switched-Capacitor Applications
Authors: Gagliardi Francesco , Dei Michele
Published: October 2024

This study introduces a collaborative and open dataset designed to classify operational transconductance amplifiers (OTAs) in switched-capacitor applications. The dataset comprises a diverse collection of OTA designs sourced from the literature, facilitating benchmarking, analysis and innovation in analog and mixed-signal integrated circuit design. Various evaluation methodologies, implemented through a companion Python notebook script, are discussed to assess OTA performances across different operating conditions and specifications. Several Figures of Merit (FoMs) are utilized as performance metrics to achieve significant performance classification. This study also uncovers intriguing behaviors and correlations among FoMs, providing valuable insights into OTA design considerations. By making the dataset openly available on platforms like GitHub, this work encourages collaboration and knowledge sharing within the integrated circuit design community, thereby enhancing transparency, reproducibility and innovation in OTA design research.
The Management of Wound Healing in Infections after Hip Arthoplasty Using Stimulan and Negative Pressure Wound Therapy
Authors: Dimofte Florentin , Dimofte Cristina , Ungurianu Sorin , Serban Cristina , Țocu George , Cârneciu Nicoleta , Filip Iulia , Bezman Laura , Fulga Ana , Tutunaru Dana , Abdulan Irina Mihaela , Ciuntu Bogdan Mihnea , Mihailov Raul , Vasilescu Alin Mihai , Firescu Dorel
Published: October 2024

Background: medical teams continue to face challenges with infections following hip replacement surgery, whether they occur shortly after the procedure or months or years later. Certain medical conditions like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and obesity are risk factors that make patients more susceptible to infections. Traditional intervention methods such as DAIR, one-step, or two-step procedures are being enhanced and refined to ensure quicker and more effective treatment. Some cases present particularly difficult challenges, featuring persistent fistulas and unpredictable responses to treatment. Methods: in our article, we share two unique cases, detailing their histories, progressions, and treatment decisions. We explore the use of antibiotic-impregnated calcium biocomposite as a local adjuvant therapy and the application of negative pressure therapy to expedite healing. The system of NWPT has seen widespread uptake and is now implemented routinely for open wounds, such as open fractures, fasciotomies, ulcers, and infected wounds. Results: our findings demonstrate that surgical debridement and calcium sulfate bead insertion successfully treat bone and joint infections without causing any side effects or complications. As a particularity, in the first case, we encountered the exteriorization of Stimulan pearls after surgery, without other complications related to the biocomposite. Conclusions: we have found that NPWT is a beneficial tool in managing complex wounds in both acute and chronic stages, after the infection is cured, reducing the need for frequent dressing changes, shortening hospital stays, and enhancing patient comfort.
Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM Antibody Levels Measured by an In-House ELISA in a Convalescent Latin Population Persist over Time and Exhibit Neutralizing Capacity to Several Variants of Concern
Authors: Espino Ana M. , Armina-Rodriguez Albersy , Cardona Paola , Ocasio-Malavé Carlimar , Alvarez Laura , Sariol Carlos A.
Published: October 2024

Background: The coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, is the causative agent for COVID-19, first registered in Wuhan, China and responsible for more than 6 million deaths worldwide. Currently, RT-PCR is the gold-standard method for diagnosing COVID-19. However, serological tests are needed for screening acute disease diagnosis and screening large populations during the COVID-19 outbreak. Objectives: Herein, we described the development and validation of an in-house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for detecting the levels of anti-spike-1-RBD IgM antibody (CovIgM-ELISA) in well-defined serum/plasma panel for screening and identifying subjects infected with SARS-CoV-2 in a Latin population. Method: In-house CovIgM-ELISA has the format of an indirect ELISA. It was optimized by checkerboard titration using recombinant SARS-CoV-2 spike-S1-RBD protein as an antigen. Results: We found that, compared to the RT-PCR as the standard method, the in-house CovIgM-ELISA displayed sensitivities of 96.15% and 93.22% for samples collected up to 30 or 60 days after infection, respectively, as well as 95.59% specificity with 97.3% accuracy. The agreement kappa value (κ) of our CovIgM-ELISA was substantial when compared to RT-PCR (κ = 0.873) and the anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM ELISA (InBios Int) (κ = 0.684). The IgM levels detected in the population positively correlated with the neutralizing activity against the wild-type, Alpha and Delta variants of concern, but failed to neutralize Omicron. Conclusions: These data indicate that our in-house CovIgM-ELISA is a compatible performing assay for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Are Modern Market-Available Multi-Rotor Drones Ready to Automatically Inspect Industrial Facilities?
Authors: Gyrichidi Ntmitrii , Khalyasmaa Alexandra , Eroshenko Stanislav , Romanov Alexey
Published: October 2024

Industrial inspection is a well-known application area for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), but are modern market-available drones fully suitable for inspections of larger-scale industrial facilities? This review summarizes the pros and cons of aerial large-scale facility inspection, distinguishing it from other inspection scenarios implemented with drones. Moreover, based on paper analysis and additionally performed experimental studies, it reveals specific issues related to modern commercial drone software and demonstrates that market-available UAVs (including DJI and Autel Robotics) more or less suffer from the same problems. The discovered issues include a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Real Time Kinematic (RTK) shift, an identification of multiple images captured from the same point, limitations of custom mission generation with external tools and mission length, an incorrect flight time prediction, an unpredictable time of reaching a waypoint with a small radius, deviation from the pre-planned route line between two waypoints, a high pitch angle during acceleration/deceleration, an automatic landing cancellation in a strong wind, and flight monitoring issues related to ground station software. Finally, on the basis of the paper review, we propose solutions to these issues, which helped us overcome them during the first autonomous inspection of a 2400 megawatts thermal power plant.
Exploring Evolutionary Algorithms for Optimal Power Flow: A Comprehensive Review and Analysis
Authors: Pulluri Harish , Basetti Vedik , Srikanth Goud B. , Kalyan CH. Naga Sai
Published: October 2024

It has been more than five decades since optimum power flow (OPF) emerged as one of the most famous and frequently used nonlinear optimization problems in power systems. Despite its long-standing existence, the OPF problem continues to be widely researched due to its critical role in electrical network planning and operations. The general formulation of OPF is complex, representing a large-scale optimization model with nonlinear and nonconvex characteristics, incorporating both discrete and continuous control variables. The inclusion of control factors such as transformer taps and shunt capacitors, and the integration of renewable energy sources like wind power further complicates the system’s design and solution. To address these challenges, a variety of classical, evolutionary, and improved optimization techniques have been developed. These techniques not only provide new solution pathways but also enhance the quality of existing solutions, contributing to reductions in computational cost and operational efficiency. Multi-objective approaches are frequently employed in modern OPF problems to balance trade-offs between competing objectives like cost minimization, loss reduction, and environmental impact. This article presents an in-depth review of various OPF problems and the wide array of algorithms, both traditional and evolutionary, applied to solve these problems, paying special attention to wind power integration and multi-objective optimization strategies.
Analyzing VR Game User Experience by Genre: A Text-Mining Approach on Meta Quest Store Reviews
Authors: Yoon Dong-Min , Han Seung-Hyun , Park Inyoung , Chung Tae-Sung
Published: October 2024

With the rapid expansion of the virtual reality (VR) market, user interest in VR games has increased significantly. However, empirical research on the user experience in VR games remains relatively underdeveloped. Despite the growing popularity and commercial success of VR gaming, there is a lack of comprehensive studies analyzing the impact of different aspects of VR games on user satisfaction and engagement. This gap includes insufficient research on the categorization of VR game genres, the identification of user challenges, and variations in user experiences across these genres. Our study aims to fill this gap by analyzing data from the Meta Quest store using K-means clustering and LDA (Latent Dirichlet Allocation) to categorize the representative genres of VR games. By employing text-mining techniques to conduct a detailed analysis of user experience, we effectively elucidate the primary issues and nuanced differences in user responses across various genres. Our findings serve as a valuable reference for researchers aiming to design games that align with VR user expectations. Furthermore, our study provides a foundational dataset for researchers aiming to enhance the user experience in VR games and suggests ways to increase the immersion and enjoyment of VR gameplay.
Increasing Microwave Penetration Depth in the Human Body by a Complex Impedance Match of Skin Interface with a Two-Layered Medium
Authors: Ma Meng-Lu , Zhao Deshuang , Hu Zai-Jun , Wang Yiling , Liang Feng , Wang Bing-Zhong
Published: October 2024

Increasing the radiated microwave penetration depth is the key to breaking the limitations of the action range in the lossy human body for non-invasive microwave technologies such as microwave hyperthermia, microwave imaging, and the wireless charging of implantable devices. This paper presents a method to increase the radiated microwave penetration depth in the lossy human body by matching the complex impedance of the skin surface using a two-layered medium. The proposed method avoided the impedance mismatch caused by the real impedance assumption of the skin surface for a lossy human body when using the traditional method. Therefore, the reflection loss on the skin surface could be significantly reduced, thereby increasing the penetration depth of the radiated microwave. Moreover, this method could select a suitable medium for the matched Layer 1 by adjusting the relative permittivity of the matched Layer 2, which is more practical than the single-layer-medium optimization method where the relative permittivity cannot be adjusted. The full-wave simulation results showed that the microwave penetration depth of the proposed method at an input power of 0.5 W was 21.01 mm and could significantly increase by 83.18% and 21.37% compared with those in a no-matched layer model and in a traditional 1/4 wavelength medium match method, respectively.
Applying Multi-CLASS Support Vector Machines: One-vs.-One vs. One-vs.-All on the UWF-ZeekDataFall22 Dataset
Authors: Krebs Rocio , Bagui Sikha S. , Mink Dustin , Bagui Subhash C.
Published: October 2024

This study investigates the technical challenges of applying Support Vector Machines (SVM) for multi-class classification in network intrusion detection using the UWF-ZeekDataFall22 dataset, which is labeled based on the MITRE ATT&CK framework. A key challenge lies in handling imbalanced classes and complex attack patterns, which are inherent in intrusion detection data. This work highlights the difficulties in implementing SVMs for multi-class classification, particularly with One-vs.-One (OvO) and One-vs.-All (OvA) methods, including scalability issues due to the large volume of network traffic logs and the tendency of SVMs to be sensitive to noisy data and class imbalances. SMOTE was used to address class imbalances, while preprocessing techniques were applied to improve feature selection and reduce noise in the data. The unique structure of network traffic data, with overlapping patterns between attack vectors, posed significant challenges in achieving accurate classification. Our model reached an accuracy of over 90% with OvO and over 80% with OvA, demonstrating that despite these challenges, multi-class SVMs can be effectively applied to complex intrusion detection tasks when combined with appropriate balancing and preprocessing techniques.
Wastewater Treatment by Coupling Adsorption and Photocatalytic Oxidation: A Review of the Removal of Phenolic Compounds in the Oil Industry
Authors: Quintero-Castañeda Cristian Yoel , Acevedo Paola Andrea , Hernández-Angulo Luis Roberto , Tobón-Vélez Daniel , Franco-Leyva Anamaría , Sierra-Carrillo María Margarita
Published: October 2024

The development of the oil industry and the fossil fuel economy has historically improved the quality of life for many people, but it has also led to significant environmental degradation. As a response, the concept of ‘sustainable development’ has gained prominence recently, emphasizing the importance of balancing economic progress with environmental protection. Among the many environmental challenges we face today, preserving water resources is one of the most pressing. To tackle this issue, researchers are focusing on strategies to reduce water consumption and enhance the efficiency of wastewater treatment. In this context, the present review explores recent advancements in a novel coupled treatment process that integrates adsorption in activated carbon fiber (ACF) and photocatalytic oxidation using TiO2 to remove micropollutants from wastewater. This innovative approach would allow for the in situ and continuous regeneration of ACF with TiO2 photocatalysis, increasing the oxidative degradation efficiencies of the supported semiconductor thanks to the adsorbent material, all under the possibility of a durable and low-cost process using solar radiation. In addition, this is vital for meeting regulatory standards, protecting aquatic ecosystems, and safeguarding human health.
Age Differences in Ileum Microbiota Density: VFAs and Their Transport-Related Gene Interactions in Tibetan Sheep
Authors: Wang Fanxiong , Sha Yuzhu , He Yanyu , Liu Xiu , Chen Xiaowei , Yang Wenxin , Chen Qianling , Gao Min , Huang Wei , Wang Jiqing , Hao Zhiyun , Wang Lei
Published: October 2024

Microbiota density plays an important role in maintaining host metabolism, immune function, and health, and age has a specific effect on the composition of intestinal microbiota. Therefore, the age-specific effects of age differences on the structure and function of the ileum microbiota in Tibetan sheep were investigated by determining the density of the ileum microbiota, the content of VFAs, and the expression levels of their transporter-related genes at different ages. The results showed that the contents of acetic acid and propionic acid in the ileum of Tibetan sheep in the 1.5-year-old group were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those in other age groups, and that the contents of total VFAs were also significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those in other age groups. The relative densities of ileum Rf, Ra, and Fs were significantly higher in the 1.5-year-old group than in the other age groups (p < 0.05). The ileum epithelial VFAs transport-related genes AE2, MCT-4, and NHE1 had the highest expression in the 1.5-year-old group, and the expression of DRA was significantly lower in the 1.5-year-old group than in the 6-year-old group (p < 0.05). Correlation analysis showed that Cb, Sr, and Tb were significantly positively correlated with butyric acid concentration (p < 0.05) and negatively correlated with acetic acid, but the difference was not significant (p > 0.05); MCT-1, MCT-4, and AE2 were significantly positively correlated (p < 0.05) with acetic, propionic, and isobutyric acid concentrations; NHE1, NHE2, and MCT-4 were highly significantly positively correlated (p < 0.01) with Romboutsia and unclassified_Peptostreptococcaceae, while acetic acid was significantly positively correlated (p < 0.05) with NK4A214_group; Romboutsia, and unclassified_Peptostreptococcaceae were significantly positively correlated (p < 0.05). Therefore, compared with other ages, the 1.5-year-old Tibetan sheep had a stronger fermentation and metabolic capacity in the ileum under traditional grazing conditions on the plateau, which could provide more energy for Tibetan sheep during plateau acclimatization.
Traction on Rods within Cylinders Containing Grains: An Analogy with the Upward Movement of Trees in Tornadoes
Authors: López Villa Abel , Hernández-Juárez Josué , Medina Abraham , Diez-Barroso Ronier , Serrano Daniel Armando
Published: October 2024

In this work, the frictional traction forces developing in the annular space between two concentric vertical cylinders consisting of the outer surface of a cylindrical rod and the inner sidewall of a wider circular cylinder will be analyzed. The experiments carried out for this study allowed us to measure the traction on the rod for several filling heights, H. For the rod, it is possible to find a linear relation between the theoretically computed traction Trod and the traction measured experimentally, TrodM. Based on these results, it is possible to understand the fascinating phenomenon of the lifting, by the rod, of the weights of the mass of grains and of the outer cylinder. Finally, a physical analogy between this problem and the upward movement of trees in tornadoes can be identified.