bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new EEG neurofeedback training approach in sports: the effects function-specific instruction of Mu rhythm and visuomotor skill performance
Authors: Wang Kuo-Pin , Cheng Ming-Yang , Elbanna Hatem , Schack Thomas
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Achieving optimal visuomotor performance in precision sports relies on maintaining an optimal psychological state during motor preparation. To uncover the optimal psychological state, extensive EEG studies have established a link between the Mu rhythm (8–13 Hz at Cz) and cognitive resource allocation during visuomotor tasks (i.e., golf or shooting). In addition, the new approach in EEG neurofeedback training (NFT), called the function-specific instruction (FSI) approach, for sports involves providing function-directed verbal instructions to assist individuals to control specific EEG parameters and align them with targeted brain activity features. While this approach was initially hypothesized to aid individuals in attaining a particular mental state during NFT, the impact of EEG-NFT involving Mu rhythm on visuomotor performance, especially when contrasting the traditional instruction (TI) approach with the FSI approach, underscores the necessity for additional exploration. Hence, the objective of this study is to investigate the impact of the FSI approach on modulating Mu rhythm through EEG-NFT in the context of visuomotor performance.

Methods

Thirty novice participants were recruited and divided into three groups: function-specific instruction (FSI, four females, six males; mean age = 27.00 ± 7.13), traditional instruction (TI, five females, five males; mean age = 27.00 ± 3.88), and sham control (SC, five females, five males; mean age = 27.80 ± 5.34). These groups engaged in a single-session EEG-NFT and performed golf putting tasks both before and after the EEG-NFT.

Results

The results showed that within the FSI group, single-session NFT with augmented Mu power led to a significant decrease in putting performance (p = 0.013). Furthermore, we noted a marginal significance indicating a slight increase in Mu power and a reduction in the subjective sensation of action control following EEG-NFT (p = 0.119). While there was a positive correlation between Mu power and mean radial error in golf putting performance (p = 0.043), it is important to interpret this relationship cautiously in the context of reduced accuracy in golf putting.

Discussion

The findings emphasize the necessity for extended investigation to attain a more profound comprehension of the nuanced significance of Mu power in visuomotor performance. The study highlights the potential effectiveness of the FSI approach in EEG-NFT and in enhancing visuomotor performance, but it also emphasizes the potential impact of skill level and attentional control, particularly in complex visuomotor tasks.
The relationship between student interaction with generative artificial intelligence and learning achievement: serial mediating roles of self-efficacy and cognitive engagement
Authors: Liang Jing , Wang Lili , Luo Jia , Yan Yufei , Fan Chao
Published: December 2023

Generative artificial intelligence (GAI) shocked the world with its unprecedented ability and raised significant tensions in the education field. Educators inevitably transition to an educational future that embraces GAI rather than shuns it. Understanding the mechanism between students interacting with GAI tools and their achievement is important for educators and schools, but relevant empirical evidence is relatively lacking. Due to the characteristics of personalization and real-time interactivity of GAI tools, we propose that the students–GAI interaction would affect their learning achievement through serial mediators of self-efficacy and cognitive engagement. Based on questionnaire surveys that include 389 participants as the objective, this study finds that: (1) in total, there is a significantly positive relationship between student–GAI interaction and learning achievement. (2) This positive relationship is mediated by self-efficacy, with a significant mediation effect value of 0.015. (3) Cognitive engagement also acts as a mediator in the mechanism between the student–GAI interaction and learning achievement, evidenced by a significant and relatively strong mediating effect value of 0.046. (4) Self-efficacy and cognitive engagement in series mediate this positive association, with a serial mediating effect value of 0.011, which is relatively small in comparison but also shows significance. In addition, the propensity score matching (PSM) method is applied to alleviate self-selection bias, reinforcing the validity of the results. The findings offer empirical evidence for the incorporation of GAI in teaching and learning.
Mathematical modeling of human memory
Authors: Finotelli Paolo , Eustache Francis
Published: December 2023

The mathematical study of human memory is still an open challenge. Cognitive psychology and neuroscience have given a big contribution to understand how the human memory is structured and works. Cognitive psychologists developed experimental paradigms, conceived quantitative measures of performance in memory tasks for both healthy people and patients with memory disorders, but in terms of mathematical modeling human memory there is still a lot to do. There are many ways to mathematically model human memory, for example, by using mathematical analysis, linear algebra, statistics, and artificial neural networks. The aim of this study is to provide the reader with a description of some prominent models, involving mathematical analysis and linear algebra, designed to describe how memory works by predicting the results of psychological experiments. We have ordered the models from a chronological point of view and, for each model, we have emphasized what are, in our opinion, the strong and weak points. We are aware that this study covers just a part of human memory modeling as well as that we have made a personal selection, which is arguable. Nevertheless, our hope is to help scientists to modeling human memory and its diseases.
Digital technology and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: a narrative review with a focus on depression, anxiety, stress, and trauma
Authors: Guest Paul C. , Vasilevska Veronika , Al-Hamadi Ayoub , Eder Julia , Falkai Peter , Steiner Johann
Published: December 2023

The sudden appearance and devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the need for multiple adaptive changes in societies, business operations and healthcare systems across the world. This review describes the development and increased use of digital technologies such as chat bots, electronic diaries, online questionnaires and even video gameplay to maintain effective treatment standards for individuals with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress syndrome. We describe how these approaches have been applied to help meet the challenges of the pandemic in delivering mental healthcare solutions. The main focus of this narrative review is on describing how these digital platforms have been used in diagnostics, patient monitoring and as a treatment option for the general public, as well as for frontline medical staff suffering with mental health issues.
Community Health Scholars: a summer program developing a public health workforce pipeline for diverse high school students
Authors: Tagorda-Kama Michelle , Nelson-Hurwitz Denise C.
Published: December 2023

In response to the growing interest in public health and needs to both increase and diversify the public health workforce, opportunities to engage students early in their educational journey are essential. The University of Hawai'i at Mānoa launched the Community Health Scholars Program to provide activities for high school students to learn about and build enthusiasm for the field of public health. During the 6-week, in-person summer program, students underrepresented in higher education and who are from historically underrepresented communities completed a college course and participated in activities to enhance their successful entry into a higher education institution. The Community Health Scholars completed an introduction to public health course and gained an array of public health skills through different hands-on activities. The students gained self-confidence and expanded their social capital by attending workshops led by campus faculty, staff, and community partners. A final project highlighting what students learned about themselves and their community was part of a final program showcase. Here we share information about the process of developing the program, the components of the program curriculum, and feedback from both students of the initial cohort and program faculty, where overall satisfaction with the program was reported.
Prioritizing determinants of cognitive function in healthy middle-aged and older adults: insights from a machine learning regression approach in the Canadian longitudinal study on aging
Authors: Singh Sarah , Zhong Shiran , Rogers Kem , Hachinski Vladimir , Frisbee Stephanie
Published: December 2023

Introduction

The preservation of healthy cognitive function is a crucial step toward reducing the growing burden of cognitive decline and impairment. Our study aims to identify the characteristics of an individual that play the greatest roles in determining healthy cognitive function in mid to late life.

Methods

Data on the characteristics of an individual that influence their health, also known as determinants of health, were extracted from the baseline cohort of the Canadian Longitudinal Study of Aging (2015). Cognitive function was a normalized latent construct score summarizing eight cognitive tests administered as a neuropsychological battery by CLSA staff. A higher cognitive function score indicated better functioning. A penalized regression model was used to select and order determinants based on their strength of association with cognitive function. Forty determinants (40) were entered into the model including demographic and socioeconomic factors, lifestyle and health behaviors, clinical measures, chronic diseases, mental health status, social support and the living environment.

Results

The study sample consisted mainly of White, married, men and women aged 45–64 years residing in urban Canada. Mean overall cognitive function score for the study sample was 99.5, with scores ranging from 36.6 to 169.2 (lowest to highest cognitive function). Thirty-five (35) determinants were retained in the final model as significantly associated with healthy cognitive functioning. The determinants demonstrating the strongest associations with healthy cognitive function, were race, immigrant status, nutritional risk, community belongingness, and satisfaction with life. The determinants demonstrating the weakest associations with healthy cognitive function, were physical activity, greenness and neighborhood deprivation.

Conclusion

Greater prioritization and integration of demographic and socioeconomic factors and lifestyle and health behaviors, such greater access to healthy foods and enhancing aid programs for low-income and immigrant families, into future health interventions and policies can produce the greatest gains in preserving healthy cognitive function in mid to late life.
Primary healthcare workers’ COVID-19 infection status following implementation of adjusted epidemic prevention and control strategies: a cross-sectional study in Jiangsu, China
Authors: Lu Beier , Ma Rongji , Xu Jinshui , Zhang Yongjie , Guo Haijian , Chen Hualing , Miao Pengcheng , Qian Yongkang , Xu Biyun , Shen Ya , Chen Bingwei
Published: December 2023

Introduction

In times of epidemic outbreaks, healthcare workers (HCWs) emerge as a particularly vulnerable group. This cross-sectional study endeavors to assess the COVID-19 infection rate among the primary HCWs in Jiangsu Province subsequent to the implementation of adjusted epidemic prevention and control strategies.

Methods

From January 17 to February 2, 2023, an extensive survey was conducted among primary HCWs in Jiangsu Province, employing a self-designed questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was utilized to identify the factors associated with COVID-19 infection.

Results

The overall infection rate among primary HCWs stood at 81.05%, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 80.61–81.48%. Among those afflicted, cough, fatigue, and fever emerged as the three most prevalent symptoms, each with an incidence rate exceeding 80%. In the context of multivariate logistic regression, an elevated risk of COVID-19 infection was observed in correlation with female gender (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.04–1.21), possessing a bachelor’s degree or higher (aOR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.23–1.41), accumulating over 10 years of work experience (aOR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.11–1.47), holding a middle-level cadre position (aOR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.11–1.35), assuming the role of a unit leader (aOR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.11–1.54), and working in a fever clinic for 1 to 10 days per month (aOR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.29–1.57). Conversely, advanced age (aOR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.70–0.82), being underweight (aOR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.69–0.90), current smoking (aOR = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.57–0.71), receiving 4 doses of COVID-19 vaccine (aOR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.37–0.66), and pregnancy or perinatal status (aOR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.72–0.99) were associated with a diminished risk of infection.

Conclusion

Following the implementation of adjusted policies, a substantial proportion of primary HCWs in Jiangsu province contracted COVID-19. Female gender and younger age emerged as risk factors for COVID-19 infection, while no discernible link was established between professions and COVID-19 susceptibility. The receipt of COVID-19 vaccines demonstrated efficacy in curtailing the infection rate, underscoring the significance of bolstering prevention knowledge and heightening self-protective awareness among primary HCWs.
Addressing stigma in infectious disease outbreaks: a crucial step in pandemic preparedness
Authors: Paterson Amy , Olliaro Piero L. , Rojek Amanda
Published: December 2023

There is a complex interplay between infectious disease outbreaks and the stigmatization of affected persons and communities. Outbreaks are prone to precipitating stigma due to the fear, uncertainty, moralisation, and abatement of freedoms associated with many infectious diseases. In turn, this stigma hampers outbreak control efforts. Understanding this relationship is crucial to improving coordinated outbreak response. This requires valid and reliable methods for assessing stigma towards and within impacted communities. We propose adopting a cross-outbreak model for developing the necessary assessment tools. A stigma-informed approach must then be integrated into outbreak preparedness and response efforts to safeguard public health and promote inclusivity and compassion in future outbreaks.
Exploring spatiotemporal pattern in the association between short-term exposure to fine particulate matter and COVID-19 incidence in the continental United States: a Leroux-conditional-autoregression-based strategy
Authors: Liu Shiyi , Ji Shuming , Xu Jianjun , Zhang Yujing , Zhang Han , Liu Jiahe , Lu Donghao
Published: December 2023

Background

Numerous studies have demonstrated that fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is adversely associated with COVID-19 incidence. However, few studies have explored the spatiotemporal heterogeneity in this association, which is critical for developing cost-effective pollution-related policies for a specific location and epidemic stage, as well as, understanding the temporal change of association between PM2.5 and an emerging infectious disease like COVID-19.

Methods

The outcome was state-level daily COVID-19 cases in 49 native United States between April 1, 2020 and December 31, 2021. The exposure variable was the moving average of PM2.5 with a lag range of 0–14 days. A latest proposed strategy was used to investigate the spatial distribution of PM2.5-COVID-19 association in state level. First, generalized additive models were independently constructed for each state to obtain the rough association estimations, which then were smoothed using a Leroux-prior-based conditional autoregression. Finally, a modified time-varying approach was used to analyze the temporal change of association and explore the potential causes spatiotemporal heterogeneity.

Results

In all states, a positive association between PM2.5 and COVID-19 incidence was observed. Nearly one-third of these states, mainly located in the northeastern and middle-northern United States, exhibited statistically significant. On average, a 1 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5 concentration led to an increase in COVID-19 incidence by 0.92% (95%CI: 0.63–1.23%). A U-shaped temporal change of association was examined, with the strongest association occurring in the end of 2021 and the weakest association occurring in September 1, 2020 and July 1, 2021. Vaccination rate was identified as a significant cause for the association heterogeneity, with a stronger association occurring at a higher vaccination rate.

Conclusion

Short-term exposure to PM2.5 and COVID-19 incidence presented positive association in the United States, which exhibited a significant spatiotemporal heterogeneity with strong association in the eastern and middle regions and with a U-shaped temporal change.
Understanding climate-induced migration in West Africa through the social transformation lens
Authors: Osei-Amponsah Charity , Quarmine William , Okem Andrew
Published: December 2023

The climate crisis has migration implications, and we need to act inclusively and urgently. Climate change impacts people’s decisions to migrate largely through economic, political, technological, demographic, and socio-cultural factors, and their dynamic interlinkages. These complex issues often influence climate risks and vulnerabilities and complicate effective investment and policy actions on migration. However, there is inadequate documentation on how climate change is linked to migration and social transformation. Based on a traditional literature review and inputs from a consultation dialogue, this paper analyzes climate-induced migration in West Africa using a social transformation lens. The paper conceptualizes the climate-induced migrant as an agent of adaptation and describes the complexities of climate vulnerabilities, and its intersection with social transformation in migration decisions. A social transformation conceptual framework is proposed to identify the complexities of climate-induced migration and ensure inclusive strategies are planned, implemented, and sustained. The paper discusses the need for transdisciplinary research approaches to capture various intersections of transforming socio-economic and environmental vulnerabilities across different countries and migratory landscapes. The paper also highlights the critical concern in the region regarding the “trapped population.” It suggests that a social transformation lens is required to unravel the dynamics around vulnerable people unable to migrate because they do not have the resources to migrate or are constrained by cultural issues.
Lower back pain in young climbers: a retrospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Carraro Attilio , Gilic Barbara , Bertolo Riccardo , Albergoni Andrea , Sarto Fabio , Roklicer Roberto , Sarto Diego
Published: December 2023

Objective

The popularity of sport climbing has been growing since its inclusion in the Olympic Games program, which led to more people practicing it on recreational, amateur, and professional levels. Strenuous climbing training sessions and competitions might lead to frequent and serious musculoskeletal injuries and complaints among competitive climbers. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of low back pain (LBP) and to explore the influence of various risk factors on LBP in adolescent climbers.

Methods

The sample included 180 competitive climbers (46.6% males) aged 13–19 years competing in under-16 (48.3%) or under-20 categories. Data collection was carried out using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and the Graded Chronic Pain Scale (GCPS).

Results

A total of 74.4% of the entire sample of participants (male = 75%; female = 74%) reported lower back complaints throughout the past twelve months, and only 15.5% during the last seven days. A major part of complaints was classified as low intensity-low disability (Grade I, 62.8%; male = 72.6%; female = 54.2%). Under-20 competitors reported a small but significantly higher percentage of almost all NMQ measures compared to under-16 athletes.

Conclusions

This study found a relatively high prevalence of LBP, although complaints were of limited severity and did not affect climbers' regular training practice. Moreover, climbers did not differ in LBP prevalence according to sex, while climbers from the older age group reported higher complaints and seeking medical attention than younger climbers. Future studies should prospectively monitor the influence of climbing on LBP in youth climbers.
Spatio-temporal variability of climatic variables and its impacts on rice yield in Bangladesh
Authors: Al Mamun Md. Abdullah , Nihad Sheikh Arafat Islam , Sarkar Md. Abdur Rouf , Sarker Mou Rani , Skalicka Jitka , Skalicky Milan
Published: December 2023

Bangladesh is a significant contributor to the global food basket but is also one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change. Understanding regional climatic variability helps reduce climate risks and ensure food security. This research examined monthly, seasonal, and yearly temperature, rainfall, and relative humidity in Bangladesh using data from 35 meteorological stations from 1970–2020. The study utilized the Mann–Kendall method to evaluate trends and employed Sen’s slope to quantify their magnitude. Additionally, quantile regression was applied to analyze the impact of climatic variables on rice yield. The findings revealed that maximum (Tmax) and minimum (Tmin) temperatures were steadily increasing, with the southwest experiencing a more rapid rise compared to other regions in Bangladesh. Seasonal Tmax and Tmin rose in most parts of Bangladesh, particularly during the monsoon. In most areas, there was a significant (p < 0.05) increase in Tmax from June to September and Tmin in December. The variability of minimum temperature was considerably affected by warming throughout the country. The eastern area had the most significant (p < 0.05) annual rainfall increase rate, while the northern region had the lowest. There was evidence of inter-seasonal rainfall shipment, with post-monsoon rainfall rising compared to monsoon season. The quantile regression showed that the rice yield of Aus (summer) and Aman (wet) seasons were influenced by maximum temperature and relative humidity, whereas the rice yield of the Boro (dry) season was affected by maximum temperature, rainfall, and relative humidity. Across geographical segmentation, the regression analysis indicated a high level of variability in the northern climate. Overall, the intensity of mean temperature increased throughout the country. So, there is a need to develop heat or drought-resistant rice varieties and modernized irrigation facilities to mitigate these climate risks. However, farmers should employ automated weather-based advisory services for sustaining rice productivity and food security.
Understanding the motives behind the consumption of organic products in North Portugal: a focus group study
Authors: Penalba-Sánchez Lucía , Di-Gregorio Elisa , Claro Raquel , Pinto Mafalda , Pinto Elisabete , Oliveira-Silva Patrícia
Published: December 2023

Introduction

The soil is a non-renewable and essential resource for life on our planet. Considering the widespread fast pace of soil degradation and erosion, it is urgent to protect it by enacting pro-environmental behaviors. Consumers’ massive purchase and consumption of organic products is a powerful way to encourage farmers to apply sustainable soil practices. Unfortunately, there is a lack of studies in Portugal explaining the increased interest but low consumption of organic products.

Methods

Here, the relationship between (a) intrinsic motivations, extrinsic motivations, knowledge, and self-perception of control regarding pro-environmental behaviors, and (b) consumption of organic products and other related pro-environmental behaviors was explored. To do so, two semi-structured interview focus groups (n = 15 participants) were conducted.

Results

Organic product purchase and consumption seem to be driven by intrinsic motivations such as health or environmental concerns. External aspects such as labels and price as well, as personal, and psychological elements like knowledge and self-control, may be attenuating or strengthening the behavior. These findings should be validated in quantitative studies.
Industrial Policy and Development: Time for Disciplined Action
Authors: Kovács Olivér
Published: December 2023

This essay seeks to answer one of the key paradoxes of the fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0) that has been unfolding since 2011: Despite the multitude of dedicated industrial policy strategies and policy interventions put in place since then, why have we not seen spectacular success? Using the US and EU industrial policy landscape, I argue that, although it will take time for the effects of Industry 4.0 to materialise, the strategy of “patience is a virtue” (respice finem) cannot be sustained indefinitely, i.e. until certain systematic industrial policy paradoxes are resolved, because only a systemic and primarily resilience-driven industrial policy can be expected to yield results.
Analysis of the Relationship between Money Growth and Inflation Using Wavelet Coherency
Authors: Simon Péter
Published: December 2023

Different theories of money lead to different conclusions about whether there is a stable long-run relationship between money growth and inflation. In this analysis, the author examines the wavelet coherency between the growth in the M2 monetary aggregate and inflation in Hungary. Based on the findings, there is no robust long-run relationship between the two variables. When filtering out movements in the HUF exchange rate, the coherency between money growth and inflation is eliminated even over the period from the mid-2000s to the early 2010s. This also empirically supports the assumption that monetary policy does not affect inflation by shaping the money supply.
T3 Intratracheal Therapy Alleviates Pulmonary Pathology in an Elastase-Induced Emphysema-Dominant COPD Mouse Model
Authors: Takahashi Noriki , Nakashima Ryunosuke , Nasu Aoi , Hayashi Megumi , Fujikawa Haruka , Kawakami Taisei , Eto Yuka , Kishimoto Tomoki , Fukuyama Ayami , Ogasawara Choyo , Kawano Keisuke , Fujiwara Yukio , Suico Mary Ann , Kai Hirofumi , Shuto Tsuyoshi
Published: December 2023

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a complex pulmonary condition characterized by bronchitis, emphysema, and mucus stasis. Due to the variability in symptoms among patients, traditional approaches to treating COPD as a singular disease are limited. This led us to focus on phenotype/endotype classifications. In this study, we explore the potential therapeutic role of thyroid hormone (T3) by using mouse models: emphysema-dominant elastase-induced COPD and airway-dominant C57BL/6-βENaC-Tg to represent different types of the disease. Here, we showed that intratracheal T3 treatment (40, 80 μg/kg, i.t., every other day) resulted in significant improvements regarding emphysema and the enhancement of respiratory function in the elastase-induced COPD model. T3-dependent improvement is likely linked to the up-regulation of Ppargc1a, a master regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis, and Gclm, a factor associated with oxidative stress. Conversely, neither short- nor long-term T3 treatments improved COPD pathology in the C57BL/6-βENaC-Tg mice. Because the up-regulation of extrathyroidal T3-producing enzyme Dio2, which is also considered a marker of T3 requirement, was specifically observed in elastase-induced COPD lungs, these results demonstrate that exogenous T3 supplementation may have therapeutic potential for acute but not chronic COPD exacerbation. Moreover, this study highlights the relevance of considering not only COPD phenotypes but also COPD endotypes (expression levels of Ppargc1a and/or Dio2) in the research and development of better treatment approaches for COPD.
Evaluation of a Toothpaste Containing Cetylpyridinium Chloride and Cymenol—A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Vasconcelos Viviane , Laciar Florencia , Matesanz Paula , Iniesta Margarita , Alonso Bettina , Roldán Silvia , Serrano Jorge , Furmanczyk Marta , Bustos Javier , Trullas Carles , Jourdan Eric , Sanz Mariano , Herrera David
Published: December 2023

The primary objective was to assess the safety of a new toothpaste formulation containing cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) and cymenol as active agents. In addition, clinical efficacy and patient perception were evaluated. A 6-week randomized clinical trial was designed and patients were randomly allocated to use a test or control dentifrice. Adverse effects were assessed at 3- and 6-week follow-up visits, together with the following clinical parameters: Turesky plaque index (PlI), bleeding on marginal probing (BOMP), bleeding on probing (BOP) and Gründemann modification of the stain index (GMSI). Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were also evaluated. A total of 60 patients were randomized and 55 were finally included in the analysis (test, 29; control, 26). Both toothpastes were safe and well tolerated by the patients. Statistically significant differences between test and control groups were observed for BOP changes between baseline week 6 (p = 0.031) and lower levels of plaque were registered in the test group at the 3- and 6-week visits (p < 0.05). No differences were observed for staining or PROMs. The use of a toothpaste containing CPC and cymenol was safe and not associated with any adverse effects. Significantly better clinical results were observed for the test group in terms of PlI levels and BOP reductions.
Design of a 162.5 MHz Superconducting Radio-Frequency Quadrupole for High-Intensity Proton Acceleration
Authors: Xia Ying , Wang Zhi , Lu Yuanrong , Zhu Feng , Han Meiyun , Wei Tianhao
Published: December 2023

Superconducting (SC) radio-frequency quadrupoles (RFQs) have exhibited outstanding performance in transmitting and accelerating high-current continuous-wave (CW) ion beams. They can complete beam acceleration at a much higher gradient and with much lower power consumption compared with normal conducting (NC) RFQs. In this study, we introduce a novel SC RFQ scheme operating at 162.5 MHz to accelerate 10 mA proton beams from 30 keV to 2.5 MeV. It will be used as a crucial component for a neutron source dedicated to Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) and neutron imaging projects. For efficient transmission of proton beams, we selected a relatively high inter-vane voltage of 240 kV, and the beam dynamics design yielded satisfactory results. Subsequently, RF design and multi-physics analysis were carried out to validate the reliability of the design. A 30-centimeter-long cavity was specifically designed for the vertical test and allowed for a thorough evaluation of the performance of the SC RFQ after post-treatments. Additionally, the tuning design of the 30 cm cavity was also carried out.
Trajectory Tracking Control of a Skid-Steer Mobile Robot Based on Nonlinear Model Predictive Control with a Hydraulic Motor Velocity Mapping
Authors: Wang Jian , Liu Zhen , Chen Hongqiang , Zhang Yi , Zhang Daqing , Peng Changfeng
Published: December 2023

In this study, we address the trajectory tracking control problem of a hydraulic-driven skid-steer mobile robot. A hierarchical control strategy is proposed to simultaneously consider the robot’s position control and the velocity control of the hydraulic motors. At the upper level, a nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) method is employed to control the position and heading of the mobile robot. The NMPC controller takes into account the robot’s physical constraints and generates the desired robot motion velocity. Then, to control the hydraulic drive system, a current–velocity mapping-based control method is introduced. By establishing the mapping relationship between the control current applied to the hydraulic motor and its corresponding output velocity, the dynamics of the hydraulic motors are characterized. Consequently, the lower-level controller can directly obtain the control signal for the hydraulic actuator through lookup mappings. Additionally, PID controllers are adopted to compensate for velocity tracking errors. The proposed hierarchical control strategy decouples the robot’s position control and the hydraulic system control, simplifying the overall controller design, leading to improved control performance. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy, several experiments were conducted on a hydraulic-driven skid-steer mobile robot, and the results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Curriculum Consistency Learning and Multi-Scale Contrastive Constraint in Semi-Supervised Medical Image Segmentation
Authors: Ding Weizhen , Li Zhen
Published: December 2023

Data scarcity poses a significant challenge in medical image segmentation, thereby highlighting the importance of leveraging sparse annotation data. In addressing this issue, semi-supervised learning has emerged as an effective approach for training neural networks using limited labeled data. In this study, we introduced a curriculum consistency constraint within the context of semi-supervised medical image segmentation, thus drawing inspiration from the human learning process. By dynamically comparing patch features with full image features, we enhanced the network’s ability to learn. Unlike existing methods, our approach adapted the patch size to simulate the human curriculum process, thereby progressing from easy to hard tasks. This adjustment guided the model toward improved convergence optima and generalization. Furthermore, we employed multi-scale contrast learning to enhance the representation of features. Our method capitalizes on the features extracted from multiple layers to explore additional semantic information and point-wise representations. To evaluate the effectiveness of our proposed approach, we conducted experiments on the Kvasir-SEG polyp dataset and the ISIC 2018 skin lesion dataset. The experimental results demonstrated that our method surpassed state-of-the-art semi-supervised methods by achieving a 9.2% increase in the mean intersection over union (mIoU) for the Kvasir-SEG dataset. This improvement substantiated the efficacy of our proposed curriculum consistency constraint and multi-scale contrastive loss.
Musculoskeletal Diseases: From Molecular Basis to Therapy
Authors: Belluzzi Elisa , Pozzuoli Assunta , Ruggieri Pietro
Published: December 2023

Musculoskeletal diseases (MSDs) comprise a plethora of different disorders (more than 150 conditions) affecting the locomotor system [...]
Serum Chemerin Is Decreased by Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass and Low Calorie-Formula Diet in Obese Individuals
Authors: Schmid Andreas , Roderfeld Martin , Karrasch Thomas , Roeb Elke , Schäffler Andreas
Published: December 2023

The pleiotropic chemokine chemerin is involved in multiple processes in metabolism and inflammation. The present study aimed to elucidate its regulation in morbid obesity and during therapy-induced rapid weight loss. A total of 128 severely obese patients were enrolled, and their basal anthropometric and clinical parameters were assessed. In total, 64 individuals attended a conservative 12-month weight loss program that included a low calorie-formula diet (LCD), and 64 patients underwent bariatric surgery (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, RYGB). Blood serum was obtained at study baseline and at follow-up visits after 3, 6, and 12 months. Systemic chemerin concentrations, as well as metabolic and immunological parameters, were quantified. During the 12-month period studied, serum chemerin levels decreased significantly with weight loss after bariatric surgery, as well as with conservative low calorie therapy; however, the effects of RYGB were generally stronger. No substantial associations of systemic chemerin concentrations with therapy-induced improvement of type 2 diabetes and with indicators of liver function and fibrosis were observed. We conclude that systemic chemerin levels decrease in obese individuals during weight loss, regardless of the therapeutic strategy. A potential involvement in weight loss-associated improvement of metabolic disorders and liver fibrosis remains to be further investigated.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Hand-Held Fundus Camera and Artificial Intelligence in Diabetic Retinopathy Screening
Authors: Tomić Martina , Vrabec Romano , Hendelja Đurđica , Kolarić Vilma , Bulum Tomislav , Rahelić Dario
Published: December 2023

Our study aimed to assess the role of a hand-held fundus camera and artificial intelligence (AI)-based grading system in diabetic retinopathy (DR) screening and determine its diagnostic accuracy in detecting DR compared with clinical examination and a standard fundus camera. This cross-sectional instrument validation study, as a part of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Project, included 160 patients (320 eyes) with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). After the standard indirect slit-lamp fundoscopy, each patient first underwent fundus photography with a standard 45° camera VISUCAM Zeiss and then with a hand-held camera TANG (Shanghai Zhi Tang Health Technology Co., Ltd.). Two retina specialists independently graded the images taken with the standard camera, while the images taken with the hand-held camera were graded using the DeepDR system and an independent IDF ophthalmologist. The three screening methods did not differ in detecting moderate/severe nonproliferative and proliferative DR. The area under the curve, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, kappa (ĸ) agreement, diagnostic odds ratio, and diagnostic effectiveness for a hand-held camera compared to clinical examination were 0.921, 89.1%, 100%, 100%, 91.4%, infinity, 0.11, 0.86, 936.48, and 94.9%, while compared to the standard fundus camera were 0.883, 83.2%, 100%, 100%, 87.3%, infinity, 0.17, 0.78, 574.6, and 92.2%. The results of our study suggest that fundus photography with a hand-held camera and AI-based grading system is a short, simple, and accurate method for the screening and early detection of DR, comparable to clinical examination and fundus photography with a standard camera.
Rehabilitation Training after Spinal Cord Injury Affects Brain Structure and Function: From Mechanisms to Methods
Authors: He Le-Wei , Guo Xiao-Jun , Zhao Can , Rao Jia-Sheng
Published: December 2023

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious neurological insult that disrupts the ascending and descending neural pathways between the peripheral nerves and the brain, leading to not only functional deficits in the injured area and below the level of the lesion but also morphological, structural, and functional reorganization of the brain. These changes introduce new challenges and uncertainties into the treatment of SCI. Rehabilitation training, a clinical intervention designed to promote functional recovery after spinal cord and brain injuries, has been reported to promote activation and functional reorganization of the cerebral cortex through multiple physiological mechanisms. In this review, we evaluate the potential mechanisms of exercise that affect the brain structure and function, as well as the rehabilitation training process for the brain after SCI. Additionally, we compare and discuss the principles, effects, and future directions of several rehabilitation training methods that facilitate cerebral cortex activation and recovery after SCI. Understanding the regulatory role of rehabilitation training at the supraspinal center is of great significance for clinicians to develop SCI treatment strategies and optimize rehabilitation plans.
Research on Shield Tunneling across a River Using a Scale Model
Authors: Li Wenxiao , Zhang Yilei , Ma Jianxun , El Hoseny Mohammed
Published: December 2023

This paper proposes a scale model test to simulate shield tunnel excavation over long distances. The test simulates the whole process of shield tunneling through the Weihe River on Xi’an Metro Line 1, where the tunneling length and diameter reach 100 m and 6 m, respectively. The dimensions of the test setup were 6.0 m × 1.0 m × 1.0 m, the diameter of the tunnel model was 160 mm, and the geometric similarity ratio was 1:40. Finite element analysis and field measurements were performed to complement the test results. By comparing the finite element simulation and field measurement, the scale model test was validated and verified to be reliable. The results show that the test effectively predicts riverbed deformation caused by shield construction. In addition, it can be applied to soil stability analysis and the impact evaluation of surface deformation in other shield-crossing rivers, complex strata, and superstructure groups, providing auxiliary guidance for shield constructions.
The Environmental Control of Historic Arab Baths: A Thermodynamic Simulation of the Hernando de Zafra Baths in Granada
Authors: Tormo Esteve Santiago , Loma-Ossorio Blanch Eduardo , Vegas López-Manzanares Fernando , Mileto Camilla
Published: December 2023

The Arab baths of Hernando de Zafra, popularly known as Casa de las Tumbas, are found at the intersection of calle Elvira and calle San Andrés in the historic centre of Granada (Spain). This article presents a thermodynamic study of the environmental operation of this complex of Arab baths, which has a furnace and hot, warm, and cold rooms, as well as auxiliary adjoining spaces and annexes. Computer models are used for the finite element analysis of the fluid dynamics for the process of lighting the furnace and subsequently diffusing the temperature, and smoke is expelled through the chimneys. The FDS software used—verified and validated by the NIST—processes the conditions for lighting the furnace and the thermal transmission of the generated heat to the different rooms in the building. This is the first case of this software being used for an analysis of the ancient Arab baths. The results show the global thermal behaviour, and the conclusions establish the temperatures reached inside the rooms and the thermal energy contributions needed to reach these temperatures.
Can Galectin-3 Be a Novel Biomarker in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia?
Authors: Woś Justyna , Szymańska Agata , Lehman Natalia , Chocholska Sylwia , Zarobkiewicz Michał , Pożarowski Piotr , Bojarska-Junak Agnieszka
Published: December 2023

Galectin-3’s (Gal-3) effect on the pathogenesis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has not yet been extensively studied. The present study aims to analyze the potential role of Gal-3 as a prognostic biomarker in CLL patients. The Gal-3 expression was evaluated in CLL cells with RT-qPCR and flow cytometry. Due to the unclear clinical significance of soluble Gal-3 in CLL, our goal was also to assess the prognostic value of Gal-3 plasma level. Because cell survival is significantly affected by the interaction between Gal-3 and proteins such as Bcl-2, the results of Gal-3 expression analysis were also compared with the expression of Bcl-2. The results were analyzed for known prognostic factors, clinical data, and endpoints such as time to first treatment and overall survival time. Our research confirmed that Gal-3 is detected in and on CLL cells. However, using Gal-3 as a potential biomarker in CLL is challenging due to the significant heterogeneity in its expression in CLL cells. Moreover, our results revealed that Gal-3 mRNA expression in leukemic B cells is associated with the expression of proliferation markers (Ki-67 and PCNA) as well as anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and can play an important role in supporting CLL cells.
Near Infrared and UV-Visible Spectroscopy Coupled with Chemometrics for the Characterization of Flours from Different Starch Origins
Authors: Pellacani Samuele , Borsari Marco , Cocchi Marina , D’Alessandro Alessandro , Durante Caterina , Farioli Giulia , Strani Lorenzo
Published: December 2023

This work tested near-infrared (NIR) and UV-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy coupled with chemometrics to characterize flours from different starch origins. In particular, eighteen starch-containing flours (e.g., type 00 flour, rye, barley, soybean, chestnut, potato, spelt, buckwheat, oat, millet, rice, durum wheat, amaranth, chickpea, sesame, corn, hemp and sunflower flours) were analyzed with a twofold objective: chemically characterizing the investigated flours and laying the groundwork for the development of a fast and suitable method that can identify the botanical source of starch in food. This could ensure ingredient traceability and aid in preventing/detecting food fraud. Untargeted approaches were used for this study, involving the simultaneous acquisition of a large amount of chemical information (UV-Vis on extracted starch and NIR signals on raw flours) coupled with chemometric techniques. UV-VIS spectra were acquired between 225 and 800 nm after sample pretreatment to extract starch. NIR spectra were acquired between 900 and 1700 nm using a poliSPEC NIRe portable instrument on the flours without any kind of pretreatments. An initial exploratory investigation was conducted using principal component analysis and cluster analysis, obtaining interesting preliminary information on patterns among the investigated flours. In particular, the UV-Vis model successfully discerned samples such as potato, chestnut, sunflower, durum wheat, sesame, buckwheat, rice, corn, spelt and 00-type flours. PCA model results obtained from the analysis of NIR spectra also provided comparable results with the UV-Vis model, particularly highlighting the differences observed between hemp and potato flours with soybean flour. Some similarities were identified between other flours, such as barley and millet, rye and oats, and chickpea and amaranth. Therefore, some flour samples underwent surface analysis via scanning electron microscope (SEM) using the Nova NanoSEM 450 to detect distinctive morphology.
Exploring the Utility of Urinary Creatinine Adjustment for KIM-1, NGAL, and Cystatin C for the Assessment of Kidney Function: Insights from the C-KidnEES Cohort
Authors: Gunasekara T. D. K. S. C. , Herath Chula , De Silva P. Mangala C. S. , Jayasundara Nishad
Published: December 2023

Normalization of urinary biomarkers of kidney injury is a common practice in clinical and research settings to account for variations in urine concentration, and urinary creatinine is often used as a reference. However, to date, there is no consensus on the adjustment of urinary biomarkers with creatinine, and both absolute and creatinine-adjusted biomarker levels are adopted for making interpretations of kidney health. Hence, the present study aimed to investigate the associations of urinary creatinine with three widely used kidney injury biomarkers, KIM-1, NGAL, and cystatin C, to validate the applicability of urinary creatinine as a reference for normalization. A cross-sectional study was performed with 2100 students, 10–18 years of age in the Children’s Kidney Environmental Exposure Study (C-KidnEES) cohort established in Sri Lanka. As identified in linear regression analyses, normalization of urinary KIM-1, NGAL, and Cys-C to urinary creatinine did not result in significant under-adjustment or over-adjustment to the absolute urinary concentrations, giving no specific rationale for creatinine adjustment. Hence, absolute urinary concentrations of the above biomarkers can be adopted for the characterization of subclinical kidney injury in adolescents in community studies where early morning urine sampling is practiced. However, for spot urine samples, consideration of both absolute and creatinine-adjusted biomarker levels would be a better approach.