bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blind Super-Resolution Network with Dual-Channel Attention for Images Captured by Sub-Millimeter-Diameter Fiberscope
Authors: Chen Wei , Liu Yi , Zhang Jie , Duan Zhigang , Zhang Le , Hou Xiaojuan , He Wenjun , You Yajun , He Jian , Chou Xiujian
Published: October 2023

A blind super-resolution network with dual-channel attention is proposed for images captured by the 0.37 mm diameter sub-millimeter fiberscope. The fiberscope can used in scenarios where other image acquisition devices cannot be applied based on its flexible, soft, and minimally invasive characteristics. However, the images have black reticulated noise and only 3000 pixels. To improve image quality, the Butterworth band-stop filter is used to reduce the frequency of the reticulated noise. By optimizing the blind super-resolution model, high-quality images can be reconstructed that do not require a lot of synthetic paired fiberscope image data. Perceptual loss is utilized as a loss function, and channel and spatial attention mechanisms are introduced to the model to enhance the high-frequency detail information of the reconstructed image. In the comparative experiment with other methods, our method showed improvements of 2.25 in peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) and 0.09 in structural similarity (SSIM) based on objective evaluation metrics. The learned perceptual image patch similarity (LPIPS) based on learning was reduced by 0.6. Furthermore, four different methods were used to enhance the resolution of the fiberscope images by a factor of four. The results of this paper improve the information entropy and Laplace clarity by 0.44 and 2.54, respectively, compared to the average of other methods. Validation results show that the approach in this paper is more applicable to sub-millimeter-diameter fiberscopes.
Double Consistency Regularization for Transformer Networks
Authors: Wan Yuxian , Zhang Wenlin , Li Zhen
Published: October 2023

The large-scale and deep-layer deep neural network based on the Transformer model is very powerful in sequence tasks, but it is prone to overfitting for small-scale training data. Moreover, the prediction result of the model with a small disturbance input is significantly lower than that without disturbance. In this work, we propose a double consistency regularization (DOCR) method for the end-to-end model structure, which separately constrains the output of the encoder and decoder during the training process to alleviate the above problems. Specifically, on the basis of the cross-entropy loss function, we build the mean model by integrating the model parameters of the previous rounds and measure the consistency between the models by calculating the KL divergence between the features of the encoder output and the probability distribution of the decoder output of the mean model and the base model so as to impose regularization constraints on the solution space of the model. We conducted extensive experiments on machine translation tasks, and the results show that the BLEU score increased by 2.60 on average, demonstrating the effectiveness of DOCR in improving model performance and its complementary impacts with other regularization techniques.
Decentralized Controller Design for Large-Scale Uncertain Discrete-Time Systems with Non-Block-Diagonal Output Matrix
Authors: Rosinová Danica , Körösi Ladislav , Veselý Vojtech
Published: October 2023

This research paper addresses the challenge of designing a decentralized controller for a discrete-time uncertain polytopic system with a linear large-scale (LSS) structure. Specifically, we investigate this problem in cases where the subsystem’s output matrix lacks a decentralized structure. Firstly, the proposed novel procedure of a decentralized controller design transforms the LSS model to have a fully decentralized structure (both input and output matrices are block-diagonal). Then, the robust stability boundary parameter is calculated for the open-loop system. This stability boundary parameter is considered in robust decentralized controller design where an appropriate controller design method is used. The entire process of designing a robust decentralized controller takes place at the subsystem level, and the influence of interaction is considered through the robust stability boundary parameter. Lastly, we present an example of a five-order system comprising two subsystems to show the effectiveness of the new method.
Real-Time Implementation of a Frequency Shifter for Enhancement of Heart Sounds Perception on VLIW DSP Platform
Authors: Muto Vincenzo , Andreozzi Emilio , Cappelli Carmela , Centracchio Jessica , Di Meo Gennaro , Esposito Daniele , Bifulco Paolo , De Caro Davide
Published: October 2023

Auscultation of heart sounds is important to perform cardiovascular assessment. External noises may limit heart sound perception. In addition, heart sound bandwidth is concentrated at very low frequencies, where the human ear has poor sensitivity. Therefore, the acoustic perception of the operator can be significantly improved by shifting the heart sound spectrum toward higher frequencies. This study proposes a real-time frequency shifter based on the Hilbert transform. Key system components are the Hilbert transformer implemented as a Finite Impulse Response (FIR) filter, and a Direct Digital Frequency Synthesizer (DDFS), which allows agile modification of the frequency shift. The frequency shifter has been implemented on a VLIW Digital Signal Processor (DSP) by devising a novel piecewise quadratic approximation technique for efficient DDFS implementation. The performance has been compared with other DDFS implementations both considering piecewise linear technique and sine/cosine standard library functions of the DSP. Piecewise techniques allow a more than 50% reduction in execution time compared to the DSP library. Piecewise quadratic technique also allows a more than 50% reduction in total required memory size in comparison to the piecewise linear. The theoretical analysis of the dynamic power dissipation exhibits a more than 20% reduction using piecewise techniques with respect to the DSP library. The real-time operation has been also verified on the DSK6713 rapid prototyping board by Texas Instruments C6713 DSP. Audiologic tests have also been performed to assess the actual improvement of heart sound perception. To this aim, heart sound recordings were corrupted by additive white Gaussian noise, crowded street noise, and helicopter noise, with different signal-to-noise ratios. All recordings were collected from public databases. Statistical analyses of the audiological test results confirm that the proposed approach provides a clear improvement in heartbeat perception in noisy environments.
MCD-Yolov5: Accurate, Real-Time Crop Disease and Pest Identification Approach Using UAVs
Authors: Li Lianpeng , Zhao Hui , Liu Ning
Published: October 2023

As the principal factor affecting global food production, accurate identification of agricultural pests and diseases is crucial in ensuring a sustainable food supply. However, existing methods lack sufficient performance in terms of accuracy and real-time detection of multiple pests and diseases. Accordingly, accurate, efficient, and real-time identification of a wide range of pests and diseases is challenging. To address this, we propose an MCD-Yolov5 with a fusion design that combines multi-layer feature fusion (MLFF), convolutional block attention module CBAM, and detection transformer (DETF). In this model, we optimize the MLFF design to realize the dynamic adjustment of feature weights of the input feature layer to (1) find an appropriate distribution of feature information proportion for the detection task, (2) enhance detection speed by efficiently extracting effective images and effective features through CBAM, and (3) improve feature extraction capability through DETF to compensate for the accuracy problem of multiple pest detection. In addition, we established an unmanned aerial vehicle system (UAV) for crop pest and disease detection to assist in detection and prevention. We validate the performance of the proposed method through an established UAV platform, and five indicators are employed to quantify the performance. MCD-Yolov5 can detect pests and diseases with a large improvement in detection accuracy and detection efficiency, obtaining an 88.12% accuracy. The proposed method and system provide an idea for the effective identification of pests and diseases.
Optimal Selection of Conductors in Distribution System Designs Using Multi-Criteria Decision
Authors: Ponce Diego , Aguila Téllez Alexander , Krishnan Narayanan
Published: October 2023

The growth in the demand for electrical energy, which is driven by the constant growth of the metropolises and the expansion of the productive capacities of the industrial sector, entails the inevitable development of the electrical system to satisfy all the required demands in a convenient, efficient, and reliable manner. In this scenario, power distribution companies will continue to need to expand their electrical systems in the short and medium term to obtain the lowest investment and operating prices for the period considered in the analysis horizon. The expansion of the system can be projected statically or dynamically, which depends on the criteria that each distributor, in turn, applies in their expansion projects. Multi-criteria decision making can provide deeper analysis perspectives considering infinite possibilities for optimal network sizing and the technical, operational, quality of service, and even system reliability factors. This research proposes a multi-criteria decision technique based on the CRITIC method to determine the optimal design of an electrical distribution system. For this purpose, several design scenarios are defined with different types of electrical conductors, and the power flows are calculated in each. From these simulations, the results obtained in voltage profiles, namely active and reactive power losses, current levels, and the costs associated with the conductors used, are recorded. With the multi-criteria technique, the winning alternative is the design scenario containing the best joint solutions for the analysis variables. The proposed methodology is validated in an IEEE 34-bar test system. The Matpower tool, available through Matlab, generates power flows for each proposed design case. The results obtained in the analysis variables are generated and stored in a decision matrix of 210 alternatives. The proposed method represents a novel and powerful alternative for design proposals of distribution systems considering quality, efficiency, and cost criteria.
Based on Wavelet and Windowed Multi-Resolution Dynamic Mode Decomposition, Transient Axial Force Analysis of a Centrifugal Pump under Variable Operating Conditions
Authors: Jiang Haoqing , Dong Wei , Li Peixuan , Zhang Haichen
Published: October 2023

This study analyzes the transient axial force of a centrifugal pump under variable operating conditions using wavelet analysis and a novel technique called windowed multi-resolution dynamic mode decomposition (wmrDMD). Numerically simulating the sampled time series allows the reconstruction of the impeller’s axial force information, providing validation for this innovative data-driven analysis technique. The comparison between the reconstructed results and the original axial force data demonstrates a remarkable agreement, as all data points exhibit error values below 2.49%. The wmrDMD technique systematically decomposes the impeller’s axial force field into dynamically significant modes across various time scales. Removing the mean flow field in this study resolves the transient motion of the impeller’s axial force, facilitating the identification of positions with high-frequency axial force oscillations and fluctuations in intensity amplitude. The high-frequency axial force of the impeller exhibits stable periodic variations within the operating range of 1.0nr-1.0Qr, whereas the changes are insignificant within the range of 0.4nr-0.4Qr. However, within the operating range of 1.0nr-0.4Qr, both the position and intensity amplitude of the axial force exhibit significant variations without a stable trend. Furthermore, cross-wavelet and wavelet coherence analyses reveal that within the operating range of 0.4nr-0.4Qr, the axial forces on the front and rear cover plates show the strongest correlation at the periodic scale. Within the operating range of 1.0nr-1.0Qr, the next highest correlation is observed, whereas the correlation is lowest within the 1.0nr-0.4Qr operating range.
Reductions in Energy Consumption and Emission of Harmful Exhaust Gases by Fishing Vessels
Authors: Behrendt Cezary , Klyus Oleh , Szczepanek Marcin
Published: October 2023

This article presents an analysis of the influence of engine types, fuel types and selected methods of fuel treatment before injection on reductions in fuel consumption and exhaust emission components. This is the first of such studies, the continuation of which will allow a comprehensive assessment of the impact of cutter operations on environmental pollution. For the selected type of cutter, EEOIs (Energy Efficiency Operational Indicators) were determined to be a measure that takes into account both fuel consumption and harmful gas compound emissions depending on the type of engine used and the type of fuel. The data necessary to prepare this analysis were obtained during operational tests carried out on selected cutters with various types of engines fuelled with liquid fuel and a new catalytic fuel treatment method developed by the authors, while for the case of using gas fuel and a common rail engine, possible effects were forecasted. The effects of engine type, years of manufacture and fuel type (liquid and gas) on fuel consumption and emissions of selected exhaust components are demonstrated. The positive effects on fuel consumption and emissions of harmful exhaust constituents obtained, under laboratory test conditions, for an engine fuelled with catalytically treated fuel have allowed further research directions to be set for cutter engines equipped with injection equipment with applied catalytic coatings.
Spatiotemporal Variation and Pattern Analysis of Air Pollution and Its Correlation with NDVI in Nanjing City, China: A Landsat-Based Study
Authors: Sheng Qianqian , Ji Yaou , Zhou Chengyu , Zhang Huihui , Zhu Zunling
Published: October 2023

The rapid socio-economic development and urbanization in China have led to a decline in air quality. Therefore, the spatial and temporal distribution patterns of urban air pollution, as well as its formation mechanisms and influencing factors, have become important areas of research in atmospheric environment studies. This paper focuses on nine monitoring sites in Nanjing, where concentration data for six air pollutants and vegetation index data were collected from 2013 to 2021. The objective of this study is to investigate the changes in air pollutants and vegetation index over time and space, as well as their relationship with each other, and to assess the social and environmental impacts of air pollution. The findings reveal a spatial distribution pattern of air pollution in Nanjing that exhibits significant variability, with pollutant concentrations decreasing from the city center towards the surrounding areas. Notably, the main urban area has lower air quality compared to the peripheral regions. The results obtained from best-fit linear regression models and correlation heatmaps demonstrate a strong correlation (coefficient of determination, R2 > 0.5) between the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and pollutants such as SO2, NO2, PM2.5, PM10, and O3 within a radial distance of 2 km from the air pollutant monitoring sites. These findings indicate that NDVI can be an effective indicator for assessing the distribution and concentrations of air pollutants. Negative correlations between NDVI and socio-economic indicators are observed under relatively consistent natural conditions, including climate and terrain. Therefore, the spatiotemporal distribution patterns of NDVI can provide valuable insights not only into socio-economic growth but also into the levels and locations of air pollution concentrations.
Novel, Functional Fermented Dairy Product: Preparation and Evaluation of Dried Kishk-like Products from Fenugreek Seeds with Cow’s Milk, Camel’s Milk, and Goat’s Milk
Authors: Nassar Khaled S. , Attia Ibrahim , Korma Sameh A. , Ibrahim Salam A. , Esatbeyoglu Tuba , Ragab Eman Saad
Published: October 2023

The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritional value of dried Kishk-like products using burghal of wheat, oat, and fenugreek with cow’s milk, camel’s milk, and goat’s milk. Kishk is an artisanal product that is popular in Egypt and the Middle East. This product is made primarily with wheat; however, to our knowledge, no research has used fenugreek seeds in making it. Changes in the physicochemical, microbial, and sensory properties of Kishk samples were followed over 90 days of storage at room temperature. The proximate analysis of fenugreek–Kishk samples (CF, AF, and GF) revealed the levels of moisture content (4.05–7.86%), protein (21.49–22.66%), fat (22.07–26.07%), fiber (13.59–14.19%), carbohydrate (22.16–28.37%), and ash (8.00–9.03%), and acidity ranged from 3.00% to 5.98%. Notably, the GF sample displayed the highest a*, b*, dC*, and ΔE values, along with the lowest L* value among all samples. Counts of coliform, yeasts and molds, Staphylococci, and spore-forming bacteria were not detected at detection limit < log CFU/g for any prepared Kishk-like samples. This was due to the combined levels of organic acids, high acidity, and low moisture content in Kishk samples that resulted in a safe food with a long shelf life. The Kishk-like samples thus could provide a complementary diet for infants up to six months, as well as a suitable option for children and elderly individuals requiring specialized care, offering an alternative to commercially available extracts.
A Graph DB-Based Solution for Semantic Technologies in the Future Internet
Authors: Ferilli Stefano , Bernasconi Eleonora , Di Pierro Davide , Redavid Domenico
Published: October 2023

With the progressive improvements in the power, effectiveness, and reliability of AI solutions, more and more critical human problems are being handled by automated AI-based tools and systems. For more complex or particularly critical applications, the level of knowledge, not just information, must be handled by systems where explicit relationships among objects are represented and processed. For this purpose, the knowledge representation branch of AI proposes Knowledge Graphs, widely used in the Semantic Web, where different online applications may interact by understanding the meaning of the data they process and exchange. This paper describes a framework and online platform for the Internet-based knowledge graph definition, population, and exploitation based on the LPG graph model. Its main advantages are its efficiency and representational power and the wide range of functions that it provides to its users beyond traditional Semantic Web reasoning: network analysis, data mining, multistrategy reasoning, and knowledge browsing. Still, it can also be mapped onto the SW.
Exploring the Application Potential and Performance of SiO2 Aerogel Mortar in Various Tunnel High-Temperature Environments
Authors: Chen Hongyun , Zhu Pinghua , Yan Xiancui , Xu Xiaoyan , Wang Xinjie
Published: October 2023

SiO2 aerogel is a super-insulating material that can be used for tunnel fireproofing to eliminate high-temperature spalling and extend the safe evacuation time of personnel. This study aimed to replace traditional aggregates with SiO2 aerogel in mortar preparation and evaluate its mechanical properties, thermal conductivity, and durability (freeze–thaw, water, and moisture resistance). Furthermore, the high-temperature characteristics of SiO2 aerogel and the damage evolution pattern of SiO2 aerogel mortar were investigated with varying fire durations (0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, and 3 h) and fire temperatures (1000, 1100, and 1200 °C) as environmental variables. The results revealed that the critical temperature and critical time of SiO2 aerogel particles from amorphous to crystalline structures were about 1100 °C and 1.5 h, respectively. SiO2 aerogel mortar exhibited a compressive strength of 3.5 MPa, a bond strength of 0.36 MPa, and a thermal conductivity of 0.165 W/m·K. The residual mass ratio and residual compressive strength of SiO2 aerogel mortar were 81% and 1.8 MPa after 1100 °C for 2.5 h. The incorporation of SiO2 aerogel significantly improved the fire resistance of the mortar. Therefore, SiO2 aerogel mortar has the potential to be used as a fireproof coating and can be applied in tunnels to reduce high-temperature spalling and extend the safe evacuation time for personnel.
Kaempferol Alleviates Mitochondrial Damage by Reducing Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species Production in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Prostate Organoids
Authors: Lee Myeong Joon , Cho Yeonoh , Hwang Yujin , Jo Youngheun , Kim Yeon-Gu , Lee Seung Hwan , Lee Jong Hun
Published: October 2023

Common prostate diseases such as prostatitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) have a high incidence at any age. Cellular stresses, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) and chronic inflammation, are implicated in prostate enlargement and cancer progression and development. Kaempferol is a flavonoid found in abundance in various plants, including broccoli and spinach, and has been reported to exhibit positive biological activities, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In the present study, we introduced prostate organoids to investigate the protective effects of kaempferol against various cellular stresses. The levels of COX-2, iNOS, p-IκB, a pro-inflammatory cytokine, and ROS were increased by LPS treatment but reversed by kaempferol treatment. Kaempferol activated the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)-related pathway and enhanced the mitochondrial quality control proteins PGC-1α, PINK1, Parkin, and Beclin. The increase in mitochondrial ROS and oxygen consumption induced by LPS was stabilized by kaempferol treatment. First, our study used prostate organoids as a novel evaluation platform. Secondly, it was demonstrated that kaempferol could alleviate the mitochondrial damage in LPS-induced induced prostate organoids by reducing the production of mitochondrial ROS.
Effects of Drying Methods on Chemical Composition, Lipid Oxidation, and Fatty Acid Profile of a Traditional Dried Meat Kaddid
Authors: Zioud Amira , Hajji Wafa , Lobón Sandra , Joy Margalida , Bertolin Juan R. , Smeti Samir , Chabbouh Meriem , Bellagha Sihem , Essid Ines
Published: October 2023

This work aimed to study the effect of three drying methods, namely sun-drying (SD) (T = 32 °C), continuous convective drying (CCD) (T = 35 ± 2 °C) and interval starting accessibility Drying (ISAD) (T = 35 ± 2 °C) with an active time of 30 s (ton) and a tempering time of 60 s (toff), on selected quality characteristics of a traditional dry-salted meat product known as “kaddid”. The analyses of chemical composition, lipid oxidation and fatty acid profile of kaddid were carried out before and after 45 days of storage (t = 0 vs. t = 45) at ambient temperature. Chemical composition and lipid oxidation (TBARS) of kaddid were affected by the drying methods. The CCD samples showed the lowest level of lipid oxidation. Protein content was better preserved via the ISAD method (7.27 g/kg DM). The fatty acid profile revealed the lowest mono-unsaturated fatty acid content in the ISAD samples; however, no significant difference was observed between the drying processes for the total poly-unsaturated fatty acid content. The storage period led to a significant decrease in the SFA values of CCD and ISAD samples against an increase in the MUFA ones. ISAD appeared to be a promising drying mode with a lower effective drying time and a good product quality preservation.
Effect of Gluten Composition in Low-Allergy O-Free Wheat Flour on Cookie-Making Performance Compared with Flours with Different Gluten Strengths
Authors: Baek Nayeon , Moon Yujin , Kim Jeongeon , Kweon Meera
Published: October 2023

The increasing demand for allergen-free and reduced-allergen foods has led to an investigation into the potential use of O-free wheat, a low-allergy wheat cultivar, in cookie production. This study focused on assessing the gluten composition of O-free flour and comparing its suitability for cookie making in comparison to flours with varying gluten strengths. Several analyses were conducted, including gluten composition, solvent retention capacity (SRC), thermal and pasting properties, dough-mixing characteristics, and cookie-making performance. The gluten composition of O-free flour by SDS-PAGE confirmed the absence of ω-gliadins and the reduced levels of low-molecular-weight glutenins and γ-gliadins. The SRC values of O-free flour fell between the flours with weak and medium gluten strengths. While thermal and pasting properties showed significant differences in sucrose solution but not across flour types, indicating similar starch structures, mixograms displayed distinct variations influenced by both sucrose solution and flour type, highlighting the importance of gluten quality and composition. Cookies made with O-free flour demonstrated similarities to those produced with weak gluten flour, known for their favorable cookie characteristics. This study emphasizes the significant influence of flour gluten composition on cookie-making performance and advocates for the adoption of O-free flour in the development of allergy-friendly cookies.
Incidence of Perfluoroalkyl Substances in Commercial Eggs and Their Impact on Consumer’s Safety
Authors: Nobile Maria , Arioli Francesco , Curci Dalia , Ancillotti Claudia , Scanavini Giulia , Chiesa Luca Maria , Panseri Sara
Published: October 2023

Eggs play an important role in a balanced diet; however, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recognizes eggs as a major source of poly and per-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). In this study, the presence of PFASs was analysed in eggs produced by hens from Northern Italian regions, a PFASs-contaminated area. Sixty-five samples were analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry. The greatest presence of PFASs was found in eggs from Veneto and Emilia Romagna, and the most detected PFASs were perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) (mean concentrations 0.30 ± 0.15 and 0.05 ± 0.00 ng g−1). Considering the most recent updates for the sum of the main four PFASs, the highest concentration found in the analysed samples was 0.05 ng g−1, well below the maximum limit set by the European Union. The PFAS intake evaluation confirmed that egg consumption does not represent a risk for Italian consumers.
Polycaprolactone/Anthocyanin-Based Electrospun Volatile Amines Gas Indicator with Improved Visibility by Varying Bi-Solvent Ratio: A Case of Intelligent Packaging of Mackerel
Authors: Kim Sang Won , Kim Eun Seol , Park Byeong Jae , Jung Yong Woon , Kim Dong Hwa , Lee Seung Ju
Published: October 2023

Electrospun nanofibers have been applied as a new technology for gas indicators in food intelligent packaging. A poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL)/red cabbage anthocyanin (RCA)-based nanofiber volatile amines gas indicator was developed by applying a bi-solvent of acetic acid (AA) and formic acid (FA) in electrospinning. The visibility of color change was improved from pink to blue, compared to blue to yellow-green, when using a single solvent of AA. The solutes of PCL (12.5, 15, 17.5, and 20%) and RCA (10, 20, 30, and 40%) and the solvents of AA/FA (9:1, 7:3, 5:5, 3:7, and 1:9) were applied in electrospinning under the condition of 12.5 cm, 1.0 mL/h, and 20 kV. The optimal microstructure with the thinnest fiber diameter and constant arrangement without forming NF beads appeared under the 7:3 FA/AA, 15% PCL, and 20% RCA condition. The indicator changed from pink to blue with the values of total color change (ΔE) of 10, 14, and 18 when exposed to the saturated gas of ammonia solutions of 8, 80, and 800 mM, respectively. The indicator was stable and unchanged in color for 28 days when exposed to light at room temperature. In the application to mackerel packaging, the built-in indicator changed from pink to purple regardless of storage temperature when the spoilage point was reached.
Tissue Circular RNA_0004018 and 0003570 as Novel Prognostic Biomarkers for Hepatitis B-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Kang Min-Kyu , Kim Gyeonghwa , Park Jung Gil , Jang Se Young , Lee Hye Won , Tak Won Young , Kweon Young Oh , Park Soo Young , Lee Yu Rim , Hur Keun
Published: October 2023

The clinical significance of hsa_circ_0004018 and hsa_circ_0003570 in patients with hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV-HCC) is unclear. We aimed to explore the clinical significance and prognostic utility of these two circular RNAs (circRNAs) in patients with HBV-HCC. Based on 86 paired tissue samples of HCC and adjacent non-HCC, the relative expression profiles of hsa_circ_0004018 and hsa_circ_0003570 were determined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reactions. The cut-off values were the median expression of each of the two circRNAs in 86 patients with HBV-HCC. The combination group comprised patients with high levels of the two circRNAs. Clinicopathological features, body composition profiles at the L3 level, and survival rates were investigated. The expression of hsa_circ_0004018 and hsa_circ_0003570 was downregulated in HCC tissues compared with non-HCC tissues. High expression levels of hsa_circ_0003570 (hazard ratio (HR), 0.437; p = 0.009) and hsa_circ_0004018 (HR, 0.435; p = 0.005) were inversely independent risk factors for overall and progression-free survival in patients with HBV-HCC, whereas the combination group was also an inversely independent risk factor for overall (HR, 0.399; p = 0.005) and progression-free survival (HR, 0.422; p = 0.003) in patients with HBV-HCC. The combination of hsa_circ_0003570 and hsa_circ_0004018 may be a potential prognostic biomarker for HBV-HCC.
Determination of Carrier Frequency of Actionable Pathogenic Variants in Autosomal Recessive Genetic Diseases in the Turkish Cypriot Population
Authors: Gunsel Aziz Suat , Ergoren Mahmut Cerkez , Kemal Hatice , Kafshboran Haniyeh Rahbar , Cerit Levent , Turgay Ayla , Duygu Hamza
Published: October 2023

Whole-exome DNA sequencing is a rich source of clinically useful information for specialists, patients, and their families, as well as elucidating the genetic basis of monogenic and complex diseases in clinical diagnosis. However, interpreting and reporting variants encompassing exome and genome sequence analysis outcome data are one of the greatest challenges of the genomic era. In this study, we aimed to investigate the frequency and allele frequency spectrum of single nucleotide variants accepted as recessive disease carrier status in Turkish Cypriot exomes. The same sequencing platform and data processing line were used for the analysis of data from 100 Turkish Cypriot whole-exome sequence analysis. Identified variants were classified according to ACMG guidelines, and pathogenic variants were confirmed in other databases such as ClinVar, HGMD, Varsome, etc. Pathogenic variants were detected in 68 genes out of 100 whole-exome sequence data. The carriage rate was the highest in the CYP21A2 gene, causing 21-hydroxylase deficiency (14.70%), 11.76% in the HBB gene causing β-thalassemia, 10.29% in the BTD gene causing biotinidase deficiency, 8.82% in the CFTR gene causing cystic fibrosis, 8.82% in the RBM8A gene causing thrombocytopenia-absent radius syndrome, which is an ultra-rare disease, and 5.88% in the GAA gene causing glycogen storage disease II. The carriage of pathogenic variants in other genes causing the disease (GJB2, PAH, GALC, CYP11B2, COL4A3, HBA1, etc.) was determined as less than 5.00%. Also, the identified variations in the mentioned gene within the examined population were reported. The most prevalent mutation in North Cyprus was a missense variant (c.1360 C>T, p.Pro454Ser) detected in the CYP21A2 gene (rs6445), and the most frequently seen variant in the HBB gene was c.93-21G>A (rs35004220). We investigated reported pathogenic variants by estimating the lower and upper limits of carrier and population frequencies for autosomal recessive diseases, for which exome sequencing may reveal additional medically relevant information. Determining the lower and upper limits of these frequencies will shed light on preventive medicine practices and governmental actions.
Complementary Gene Therapy after Revascularization with the Saphenous Vein in Diabetic Foot Syndrome
Authors: Kupczyńska Diana , Lubieniecki Paweł , Antkiewicz Maciej , Barć Jan , Frączkowska-Sioma Katarzyna , Dawiskiba Tomasz , Dorobisz Tadeusz , Małodobra-Mazur Małgorzata , Baczyńska Dagmara , Pańczak Konrad , Witkiewicz Wojciech , Janczak Dariusz , Skóra Jan Paweł , Barć Piotr
Published: October 2023

Diabetic foot syndrome (DFS) is one of the most serious macroangiopathic complications of diabetes. The primary treatment option is revascularization, but complementary therapies are still being sought. The study group consisted of 18 patients diagnosed with ischemic ulcerative and necrotic lesions in DFS. Patients underwent revascularization procedures and, due to unsatisfactory healing of the lesions, were randomly allocated to two groups: a group in which bicistronic VEGF165/HGF plasmid was administered and a control group in which saline placebo was administered. Before gene therapy administration and after 7, 30, 90, and 180 days, color duplex ultrasonography (CDU) was performed, the ankle-brachial index (ABI) and transcutaneous oxygen pressure (TcPO2) were measured, and DFS changes were described and documented photographically. In the gene therapy group, four out of eight patients (50%) healed their DFS lesions before 12 weeks. During this time, the ABI increased by an average of 0.25 and TcPO2 by 30.4 mmHg. In the control group, healing of the lesions by week 12 occurred in six out of nine patients (66.67%), and the ABI increased by an average of 0.14 and TcPO2 by 27.1 mmHg. One major amputation occurred in each group. Gene therapy may be an attractive option for complementary treatment in DFS.
Stability Analysis of Earth Dam Slopes Based on the Second-Order Work Criterion in Finite Element Modeling
Authors: Mouyeaux Anthony , Carvajal Claudio , Nicot François , Wautier Antoine , Peyras Laurent
Published: October 2023

Slope instability issues could cause severe damage and endanger the population, especially when dams are concerned. Over the past years, more and more refined numerical approaches have been proposed to evaluate the slope stability. However, a criterion based on the lack of numerical convergence is generally considered to compute the safety factor with this kind of approaches, which may result in a dramatic increase in the overall computation time for the probabilistic assessment of the safety factor (e.g., using Monte Carlo simulations that require the automation of a large number of simulations). This paper proposes an original approach coupling the shear strength reduction technique with the second-order work criterion. This approach is implemented in the open finite element software Cast3M, version 22.0. The relevance and efficiency of the developed approach is illustrated with two case studies: a heuristic slope and an existing earth dam. Safety factors similar to those calculated by classical approaches are obtained, but without pushing the calculation to the point of non-convergence. Among other advantages described in the paper, the proposed approach makes it possible to compute safety factors using a rational and physically based criterion, while facilitating probabilistic calculations.
The Synergetic Effect of Plyometric Compound Exercises and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Balance and Physical Function
Authors: Song Jeong-Hyeok , Yim Jong-Eun
Published: October 2023

This study aimed to investigate the effects of plyometric compound exercises and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) on balance and body function in healthy adults. Forty-five students enrolled at Noryangjin Y Academy in Seoul who met the research criteria were equally and randomly divided into the following groups: the Experimental Group I, Experimental Group II, and Control Group. Experimental Groups I and II received tDCS and sham tDCS for 20 min, respectively; both groups performed plyometric compound exercises for 30 min twice weekly for four weeks. The Control Group received sham tDCS for 20 min twice weekly for four weeks. Tests such as the static balance test (Functional Reach Test, FRT), dynamic balance test (Y-Balance Test, Y-BT), power test (vertical jump test and long jump test), and agility test (t-test and side-step test) were conducted on the day of the experiment, before and after the intervention. Experimental Groups I and II significantly improved in static balance, dynamic balance, power, and agility (p < 0.001), whereas the Control Group did not. Experimental Group I showed greater effects on static balance, dynamic balance, power, and agility than Experimental Group II and the Control Group (p < 0.001). In conclusion, plyometric compound exercises + tDCS intervention can be effective for an ordinary person who trains balance and body functions (power and agility); in particular, to improve exercise performance.
Knowledge of Human Monkeypox Infection among Final Year Medical, Pharmacy, and Nursing Students: A Multicenter, Cross-Sectional Analysis from Pakistan
Authors: Masood Sahabia , Alkubaisi Noorah A. , Aslam Maryam , Salman Muhammad , Baraka Mohamed A. , Mustafa Zia Ul , Mallhi Tauqeer Hussain , Khan Yusra Habib , Meyer Johanna C. , Godman Brian
Published: October 2023

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the monkeypox outbreak a public health emergency in June 2022. In Pakistan, positive cases of monkeypox were reported in April 2023. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are considered as a front-line force to combat such outbreaks. A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 11 public sector educational institutions in Punjab, Pakistan, during May and June 2023 among final year medical, pharmacy, and nursing students concerning their knowledge of monkeypox. This included the signs/symptoms of monkeypox. Healthcare students were chosen as they are the HCWs of tomorrow. A total of 389 healthcare students participated in the study, with a mean age of 23.17 ± 1.72 years, and the majority were female. The mean knowledge score was 17.69 ± 4.55 (95% CI 17.24–18.14) out of a maximum total knowledge score of 26 (each correct answer was given a score of 1). The proportion of students with good, moderate, and poor knowledge was 21.6%, 43.2%, and 35.2%, respectively. Age (p = 0.017), gender (p < 0.001), and education (p < 0.001) had a significant impact on the knowledge score. In the multivariate linear regression model, education was the only significant factor linked to knowledge scores. Overall, the majority of future HCWs had moderate knowledge of monkeypox. Consequently, educational activities are needed to improve monkeypox-related knowledge among future HCWs. Furthermore, emerging infectious diseases should be routinely incorporated into HCW curricula.
Partnerships in Heritage Governance and Management: Review Study of Public–Civil, Public–Private and Public–Private–Community Partnerships
Authors: Žuvela Ana , Šveb Dragija Marta , Jelinčić Daniela Angelina
Published: October 2023

Cultural heritage governance and management has been shifting from the sole authority of the state and public bodies towards approaches that list multi-actor partnerships in several combinations involving public actors, civil society, private actors and community. This paper examines the public–civil, public–private and public–private–community partnerships through expounding rationales, conceptual backgrounds and theoretical framings for each partnership, followed by a systemic review and analysis of the academic literature sourced through the PRISMA protocol. The analysis objective was to assess the main advantages and disadvantages of each of the partnerships in governing and managing cultural heritage, noting the levels of representation of each governance and management approach. The results have shown that the public–civil and public–private–community partnerships have similar advantages and disadvantages, with the public–civil partnership being the least represented approach in the literature, while the public–private partnership has the highest level of representation with advantages and disadvantages that are inclined towards more pragmatic aims than those of the other two examined approaches. The so-called ‘new governance models’ of heritage were also detected in the analysis; however, they represent only a variant of the already analysed models.
The PpIAA5-ARF8 Module Regulates Fruit Ripening and Softening in Peach
Authors: Qin Yafei , Wang Wei , Chang Mingming , Yang Haiqing , Yin Fengrong , Liu Yueping
Published: October 2023

Fruit ripening and softening are important physiological processes in fruit quality formation, and auxin is involved in regulating the ripening and softening process in peach fruit. Little research has been reported on the role of Aux/IAA (auxin/indole-3-acetic acid)-ARF (auxin response factor) protein interactions in the ripening process of peach fruit. The transcriptomics and RT–qPCR results revealed that PpIAA5 expression increased before ripening in peach fruits. Overexpression of PpIAA5 significantly represses the expression of peach fruit ripening- and softening-related genes PpPG and PpACO1 in peach fruit tissues using transient transformation. A yeast library and yeast two-hybrid screen yielded PpARF8, a protein that interacts with PpIAA5. The interaction relationship was further established using a bimolecular fluorescence complementation assay. Transient overexpression of PpARF8 in peach fruit tissues promoted the expression of PpPA, PpPG, and PpACO1. Furthermore, a tomato transient transformation assay validated that the PpARF8 gene promotes fruit ripening and softening. Taken together, our results suggest that the PpIAA5-ARF8 signaling module can affect the ripening and softening of peach fruits.
A Diagram of the Social-Ecological Conditions of Opioid Misuse and Overdose
Authors: Brady Benjamin R. , Taj Ehmer A. , Cameron Elena , Yoder Aaron M. , De La Rosa Jennifer S.
Published: October 2023

The United States is experiencing a crisis of opioid misuse and overdose. To understand the underlying factors, researchers have begun looking upstream to identify social and structural determinants. However, no study has yet aggregated these into a comprehensive ecology of opioid overdose. We scoped 68 literature sources and compiled a master list of opioid misuse and overdose conditions. We grouped the conditions and used the Social Ecological Model to organize them into a diagram. We reviewed the diagram with nine subject matter experts (SMEs) who provided feedback on its content, design, and usefulness. From a literature search and SME interviews, we identified 80 unique conditions of opioid overdose and grouped them into 16 categories. In the final diagram, we incorporated 40 SME-recommended changes. In commenting on the diagram’s usefulness, SMEs explained that the diagram could improve intervention planning by demonstrating the complexity of opioid overdose and highlighting structural factors. However, care is required to strike a balance between comprehensiveness and legibility. Multiple design formats may be useful, depending on the communication purpose and audience. This ecological diagram offers a visual perspective of the conditions of opioid overdose.
Dopamine-Coated Carbon Nanodots: A Supramolecular Approach to Polydopamine Composite
Authors: Nicosia Angelo , Mineo Placido , Micali Norberto , Villari Valentina
Published: October 2023

The development of biocompatible composites constituted by polydopamine and fluorescent carbon dots represents a promising way of exploiting the extraordinary adhesive properties of polydopamine for multi-purpose technologies. Here, a supramolecular complex is realized by the assembly of dopamine on the carbon dots surface, and the optical and structural properties are investigated by means of different spectroscopic techniques, from time-resolved fluorescence to Raman and NMR spectroscopies. The results suggest that the catechol unit of dopamine plays the main role in the formation of the supramolecular complex, in which carbon nanodot fluorescence emission is quenched by a photoinduced electron transfer process. The interaction with the nanodots’ basic surface sites promotes the oxidation of dopamine and drives to its oligomerization/polymerization on the nanodot surface.
The Clinical and Genetic Characteristics of Streptococcus agalactiae Meningitis in Neonates
Authors: Hsu Jen-Fu , Lu Jang-Jih , Chu Shih-Ming , Lee Wei-Ju , Huang Hsuan-Rong , Chiang Ming-Chou , Yang Peng-Hong , Tsai Ming-Horng
Published: October 2023

Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococcus, GBS) is an important pathogen of bacterial meningitis in neonates. We aimed to investigate the clinical and genetic characteristics of neonatal GBS meningitis. All neonates with GBS meningitis at a tertiary level medical center in Taiwan between 2003 and 2020 were analyzed. Capsule serotyping, multilocus sequence typing, antimicrobial resistance, and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) were performed on the GBS isolates. We identified 48 neonates with GBS meningitis and 140 neonates with GBS sepsis. Neonates with GBS meningitis had significantly more severe clinical symptoms; thirty-seven neonates (77.8%) had neurological complications; seven (14.6%) neonates died; and 17 (41.5%) survivors had neurological sequelae at discharge. The most common serotypes that caused meningitis in neonates were type III (68.8%), Ia (20.8%), and Ib (8.3%). Sequence type (ST) is highly correlated with serotypes, and ST17/III GBS accounted for more than half of GBS meningitis cases (56.3%, n = 27), followed by ST19/Ia, ST23/Ia, and ST12/Ib. All GBS isolates were sensitive to ampicillin, but a high resistance rates of 72.3% and 70.7% to erythromycin and clindamycin, respectively, were noted in the cohort. The virulence and pilus genes varied greatly between different GBS serotypes. WGS analyses showed that the presence of PezT; BspC; and ICESag37 was likely associated with the occurrence of meningitis and was documented in 60.4%, 77.1%, and 52.1% of the GBS isolates that caused neonatal meningitis. We concluded that GBS meningitis can cause serious morbidity in neonates. Further experimental models are warranted to investigate the clinical and genetic relevance of GBS meningitis. Specific GBS strains that likely cause meningitis requires further investigation and clinical attention.
Recent Advances in Novel Compositions for Electrochemical Applications
Authors: Zagidullin Almaz , Khrizanforov Mikhail
Published: October 2023

In recent years, there has been a significant rise in innovative developments in the field of electrochemical composites [...]