bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phenotypic mismatch between suspects and fillers but not phenotypic bias increases eyewitness identifications of Black suspects
Authors: Jones Jennifer M. , Katzman Jacqueline , Kovera Margaret Bull
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Despite converging evidence that people more closely associate the construct of criminality with Black people who exhibit a more African facial phenotype than Black people who express a more European phenotype, eyewitness researchers have largely ignored phenotypic bias as a potential contributor to the racial disparities in the criminal legal system. If this form of phenotypic bias extends to eyewitness identification tasks, eyewitnesses may be more likely to identify Black suspects with an African rather than European phenotype, regardless of their guilt status. Further, in cases where the witness’s description of the perpetrator does not contain phenotypic information, phenotypic mismatch between the suspect and the other lineup members may bias identification decisions toward or against the suspect. If witnesses can use elements of the lineup construction to guide their identification decisions rather than relying on their recognition memory, then the lineup should be deemed unfair due to suspect bias. The current study also investigated lineup presentation method as a procedural safeguard, predicting that that when lineups were presented simultaneously, there would be a significant two-way interaction of phenotypic bias and lineup composition, with a larger simple main effect of phenotypic bias when lineups were suspect-biased (i.e., the fillers were a phenotypic mismatch to the suspect) than when all lineup members shared the same phenotype. We expected that this interaction would be significantly smaller or non-significant for sequential lineups.

Methods

Participants watched a mock crime video that contained a Black culprit with either a more African phenotype or a less African phenotype before attempting identifications from a photo array that contained a suspect whose phenotype always matched the culprit viewed in the video, but varied in culprit-presence, phenotypic match of the suspect and fillers, and presentation method.

Results

Participants did not identify Black suspects with Afrocentric features more often than Black suspects with Eurocentric features. However, witnesses made more identifications of suspects when the fillers did not match the suspect’s phenotype compared to when all lineup members possessed similar phenotypic features.

Discussion

In sum, phenotypic bias did not influence our participant-witnesses’ identification decisions, nor interact with lineup composition and lineup presentation type to affect identifications of suspects, suggesting that phenotypic bias may be less influential in match-to-memory tasks than other types of legal decision-making (e.g., determining guilt and sentencing). However, the suggestiveness created by failing to match fillers’ phenotypes to the suspect’s phenotype can be avoided with proper attention to fair lineup construction.
Tracking and predicting the treatment adherence of patients under rehabilitation: a three-wave longitudinal validation study for the Rehabilitation Adherence Inventory
Authors: Lee Alfred S. Y. , Xu Shebe Siwei , Yung Patrick S. H. , Ong Michael T. Y. , Chan Chetwyn C. H. , Chung Joan S. K. , Chan Derwin K. C.
Published: April 2024

This study aimed to develop and validate a new measurement tool, the Rehabilitation Adherence Inventory (RAI), to measure patients’ rehabilitation adherence. We recruited 236 patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures from the United Kingdom (Mage = 33.58 ± 10.03, range = 18 to 59; female = 46.2%). Participants completed a survey, that measured their rehabilitation adherence, rehabilitation volume, psychological needs support, autonomous motivation, and intention at baseline, and at the 2nd and 4th month. Factorial, convergent, discriminant, concurrent, predictive, ecological validity and test–retest reliability of the RAI were tested via exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and structural equation modelling (SEM). All the EFAs, CFAs, and SEMs yielded acceptable to excellent goodness-of-fit, χ2 = 10.51 to 224.12, df = 9 to 161, CFI > 0.95, TLI > 0.95, RMSEA <0.09 [90%C I < 0.06 to 0.12], SRMR <0.04. Results fully supported the RAI’s factorial, convergent, discriminant, and ecological validity, and test–retest reliability. The concurrent and predictive validity of the RAI was only partially supported because the RAI scores at baseline was positively associated with rehabilitation frequency at all time points (r = 0.34 to 0.38, p < 0.001), but its corresponding associations with rehabilitation duration were not statistically significant (p = 0.07 to 0.93). Overall, our findings suggest that this six-item RAI is a reliable and valid tool for evaluating patients’ rehabilitation adherence.
A controlled evaluation of social prescribing on loneliness for adults in Queensland: 8-week outcomes
Authors: Dingle Genevieve A. , Sharman Leah S. , Hayes Shaun , Haslam Catherine , Cruwys Tegan , Jetten Jolanda , Haslam S. Alexander , McNamara Niamh , Chua David , Baker James R. , Johnson Tracey
Published: April 2024

Introduction

There have been few controlled evaluations of Social Prescribing (SP), in which link workers support lonely individuals to engage with community-based social activities. This study reports early outcomes of a trial comparing General Practitioner treatment-as-usual (TAU) with TAU combined with Social Prescribing (SP) in adults experiencing loneliness in Queensland.

Methods

Participants were 114 individuals who were non-randomly assigned to one of two conditions (SP, n = 63; TAU, n = 51) and assessed at baseline and 8 weeks, on primary outcomes (loneliness, well-being, health service use in past 2 months) and secondary outcomes (social anxiety, psychological distress, social trust).

Results

Retention was high (79.4%) in the SP condition. Time × condition interaction effects were found for loneliness and social trust, with improvement observed only in SP participants over the 8-week period. SP participants reported significant improvement on all other outcomes with small-to-moderate effect sizes (ULS-8 loneliness, wellbeing, psychological distress, social anxiety). However, interaction effects did not reach significance.

Discussion

Social prescribing effects were small to moderate at the 8-week follow up. Group-based activities are available in communities across Australia, however, further research using well-matched control samples and longer-term follow ups are required to provide robust evidence to support a wider roll out.
Serum neuroactive metabolites of the tryptophan pathway in patients with acute phase of affective disorders
Authors: Li Yanli , Wang Leilei , Huang Junchao , Zhang Ping , Zhou Yanfang , Tong Jinghui , Chen Wenjin , Gou Mengzhuang , Tian Baopeng , Li Wei , Luo Xingguang , Tian Li , Hong L. Elliot , Li Chiang-Shan R. , Tan Yunlong
Published: April 2024

Background

Many studies showed disrupted tryptophan metabolism in patients with affective disorders. The aims of this study were to explore the differences in the metabolites of tryptophan pathway (TP) and the relationships between TP metabolites and clinical symptoms, therapeutic effect in patients with bipolar disorder with acute manic episode (BD-M), depressive episode (BD-D) and major depressive disorder (MDD).

Methods

Patients with BD-M (n=52) and BD-D (n=39), MDD (n=48) and healthy controls (HCs, n=49) were enrolled. The serum neuroactive metabolites levels of the TP were measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Hamilton Depression Scale-17 item (HAMD-17) and Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) were used to evaluate depressive and manic symptoms at baseline and after 8 weeks of antidepressants, mood stabilizers, some also received antipsychotic medication.

Results

The levels of tryptophan (TRP) and kynurenic acid (KYNA) were significantly lower and the ratios of tryptophan/kynurenine (TRP/KYN), 5-hydroxytryptamine/tryptophan (5-HT/TRP), quinolinic acid/kynurenic acid (QUIN/KYNA) were higher in BD-M, BD-D, MDD vs. HC. The levels of QUIN and the ratios of QUIN/KYNA were higher in BD-M than in BD-D, MDD, and HCs. The 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) levels of patients with MDD were significantly higher than those in BD-M and BD-D. Binary logistic regression analysis showed the lower peripheral KYNA, the higher the QUIN level, and the higher the risk of BD-M; the lower peripheral KYNA and the higher KYN/TRP and 5-HT/TRP, the higher the risk of BD-D; and the lower the peripheral KYNA level and the higher the KYN/TRP and 5-HT/TRP, the higher the risk of MDD. Correlation analysis, showing a significant association between tryptophan metabolites and improvement of clinical symptoms, especially depression symptoms.

Conclusions

Patients with affective disorders had abnormal tryptophan metabolism, which involved in 5-HT and kynurenine pathway (KP) sub-pathway. Tryptophan metabolites might be potential biomarkers for affective disorders and some metabolites have been associated with remission of depressive symptoms.
E-cigarette use, psychological distress, and daily activity participation among adults in Riyadh
Authors: Aljohani Fenoon Abdullah , Alzubaidi Bakriah Yahyaa , Al-Rafdan Reem Hamdan , Alblawi Hanan Mutiq , Alrehayan Rama Hani , Alsenan Ghada Abdulrahman , Almohaya Hadeil Salman , Taha Mona Mohamed
Published: April 2024

Objectives

The prevalence of e-cigarettes is significantly increasing among adults as an alternative method to tobacco smoking. However, the chemical products of e-cigarettes have an influence on human general health. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the association between e-cigarette use and psychological distress as well as participation in daily activities among adults in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It also evaluates the demographic profile and usage patterns of e-cigarette users.

Methods

This cross-sectional study involved 396 e-cigarette smokers in Riyadh city. An online survey was administered, including questions about smoking patterns and the perceived effects of e-cigarettes on activities of daily living. Additionally, mental health were assessed using the Kessler 6 scale.

Results

Most of the participants were educated young males (61.4%). About 29.5% of the participants reported using e-cigarettes primarily to quit tobacco cigarettes. In addition, e-cigarette usage was significantly associated with lower participation in activities of daily living and higher psychological distress.

Conclusion

This study found that many e-cigarette users are well-educated young individuals who use e-cigarettes as a substitute for traditional cigarettes. However, the study also revealed that using e-cigarettes is associated with negative effects on smokers’ daily activities and mental health.
Research priorities in trans health: a Delphi-study
Authors: Jurek Lucie , De la Chenelière Marie , Lapoirie Marion , Neuville Paul
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Progress has been made in understanding trans health needs, but research priorities are often set by policy or healthcare professionals without trans input, which may not reflect public needs. Our study sought to identify trans health research priorities in France from both researchers and the trans community.

Methods

Expert stakeholders (health and social sciences professionals, trans individuals, and their families) answered a three-round Delphi survey on trans health research priorities. The first round involved an open-ended questionnaire, analyzed qualitatively. In the second round, participants ranked research propositions from round one using a Likert scale. The study’s second phase involved a two-hour workshop with experts and trans individuals.

Results

53 participants (32% trans individuals/relatives, 60% health professionals) contributed 217 responses to open-ended questions, leading to 44 research priorities. After the two voting rounds, a total of five proposals reached a strong consensus cut-off and were considered as the main research priorities: evaluation of the effect of puberty blocker use in trans children and adolescents (95%), evaluation of the effect of supporting trans children and adolescents (92%), study of the support systems available for trans youth and their parents (86%), persistence of trans identity around puberty (prevalence, persistent persons characteristics) (86%), and needs assessment survey of the support for adolescents and their families (83%). Thirteen other proposals were considered moderate priorities.

Conclusion

The main consensus in our French study concerned research on trans-youth care and support needs. Our results may guide further trans-health research that meets the public’s needs and desires.
Explaining changes in educational disparities in competent maternal health care services in urban and rural areas in Ethiopia
Authors: Shibre Gebretsadik , Mekonnen Wubegzier , Haile Mariam Damen
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Aggregate statistics of maternal health care services have improved in Ethiopia. Nevertheless, the country has one of the lowest Universal Health Coverage (UHC) service coverage indices, with slight improvement between 2000 and 2019. There are disparity studies that focus on a single dimension of inequality. However, studies that combine multiple dimensions of inequality simultaneously may have important policy implications for closing inequalities. In this study, we investigated education inequalities in the receipt of maternal health care services in rural and urban areas separately, and we examined whether these inequalities decreased, increased, or remained unchanged.

Methods

The data for the study came from the 2011 and 2016 Ethiopia Demographic and Health Surveys. Using women's education as a dimension of inequality, we separately analyzed inequalities in maternal health care services in urban and rural settings. Inequalities were measured through the Erreygers concentration index, second differences, and Relative Index of Inequality (RII). Whether inequalities changed over time was analyzed by relative and absolute measures. An Oaxaca-type decomposition approach was applied to explain changes in absolute disparities over time.

Results

There were glaring educational disparities in maternal health care services in urban and rural areas, where the services were more concentrated among women with better schooling. The disparities were more severe in urban than in rural areas. In urban areas, skilled birth service was the most unequal in both periods. Disparities in rural places were roughly similar for all services except that in 2011, postnatal care was the least unequal, and in 2016, skilled birth was the most unequal services. Trend analyses revealed that disparities significantly dropped in urban by absolute and relative measures. Conversely, in rural regions, the disparities grew by the concentration index measure for most services. The RII and second differences presented conflicting results regarding whether the gaps were increasing, shrinking, or remaining the same.

Conclusion

Substantial disparities in maternal health care services remained and even increased, as in rural areas. Different and targeted strategies are needed for urban and rural places to close the observed educational inequalities in these areas.
Complex dayside particle precipitation observed during the passage of a solar wind rotational discontinuity
Authors: Wing Simon , Berchem Jean , Escoubet C. Philippe , Farrugia Charles
Published: April 2024

The dayside particle precipitation during the passage of a solar wind rotational discontinuity (RD) event on 10 April 2015 is examined and reviewed. The RD leads to complex structures at the magnetopause, boundary layer, mantle, and cusp even though the geomagnetic activity level remains low. Particle precipitation data from DMSP F17 reveal the formation of an unusual boundary layer where the low energy (cold) ions exhibit energy-latitude dispersion that is usually associated with mantle while the high energy (hot) ions look like typical magnetospheric ions. DMSP F17 and F19 observe a double cusp that is a signature of magnetic reconnection occurring at both high- and low-latitudes due to the dominant IMF By. A global MHD simulation of the event supports the existence of the simultaneous reconnections at high- and low-latitude magnetopause that are consistent with the anti-parallel and component merging models, respectively. Finally, Cluster C2, located at high-latitude and high-altitude in the southern hemisphere, observes velocity fluctuations and reversals with peak-to-peak amplitudes >800 km·s–1 as it crosses the magnetopause. Guided by the MHD simulation, the Cluster observation can be interpreted as the spacecraft crossing reconnection outflows while moving from one side of the X-line to the other.
Characterization of anti-soybean agglutinin (SBA) IgY antibodies: a new strategy for neutralization of the detrimental biological activity of SBA
Authors: Ruiz Díaz Nancy , Cisternas Carlos , Silva Mauricio , Hernández Adrián , Chacana Pablo
Published: April 2024

Anti-soybean agglutinin (SBA) IgY was produced, and its potential to neutralize the haemagglutinating activity of SBA in vitro was tested. Thirty-five-week-old hens [treatment (n = 5) and control (n = 5)] were immunized with SBA or injected with saline 4 times every 15 days. Eggs were collected after the last immunization, and IgY was extracted using the polyethylene glycol (PEG) method. Serum anti-SBA IgY titres in immunized hens increased after the first immunization and reached a plateau between days 45 and 60. In contrast, specific IgY titres in the control group remained at basal levels throughout the evaluation. Average IgY titres were significantly higher in the treatment group on days 15, 30, 45, and 60. Total IgY content in the egg yolk extract was 38.7 ± 1.6 and 37.7 ± 1.5 mg/ml for the treatment and control groups, respectively. The specific anti-SBA IgY titer detected in the egg yolk extract was significantly higher (p < 0.001) for hens in the treatment group compared to the control group, with OD450nm values of 0.98 ± 0.05 and 0.058 ± 0.02, respectively. The specificity of anti-SBA IgY was confirmed by the Western blotting, and the inhibition of SBA-induced haemagglutination in vitro was compared with D-galactose, a known molecule that binds to SBA and blocks its binding to erythrocytes. The inhibition of SBA-induced haemagglutination by the anti-SBA IgY reached 512 units of haemagglutination inhibition (UHI), compared to 8 or 256 UHI, respectively, when IgY from control chickens or D-galactose was used. Thus, anti-SBA IgY antibodies were efficiently produced in large quantities and effectively inhibited SBA-induced haemagglutination in vitro.
Assessing Outcomes of Patients Subject to Intensive Care to Facilitate Organ Donation: A Spanish Multicenter Prospective Study
Authors: Pérez-Blanco Alicia , Acevedo María , Padilla María , Gómez Aroa , Zapata Luis , Barber María , Martínez Adolfo , Calleja Verónica , Rivero María C. , Fernández Esperanza , Velasco Julio , Flores Eva M. , Quindós Brígida , Rodríguez Sergio T. , Virgós Beatriz , Robles Juan C. , Nebra Agustín C. , Moya José , Trenado Josep , García Nieves , Vallejo Ana , Herrero Eugenio , García Álvaro , Rodríguez Maria L. , García Fernando , Lara Ramón , Lage Lucas , Gil Francisco J. , Guerrero Francisco J. , Meilán Ángela , Del Prado Nayade , Fernández Cristina , Coll Elisabeth , Domínguez-Gil Beatriz
Published: April 2024

Intensive Care to facilitate Organ Donation (ICOD) consists of the initiation or continuation of intensive care measures in patients with a devastating brain injury (DBI) in whom curative treatment is deemed futile and death by neurological criteria (DNC) is foreseen, to incorporate organ donation into their end-of-life plans. In this study we evaluate the outcomes of patients subject to ICOD and identify radiological and clinical factors associated with progression to DNC. In this first prospective multicenter study we tested by multivariate regression the association of clinical and radiological severity features with progression to DNC. Of the 194 patients, 144 (74.2%) patients fulfilled DNC after a median of 25 h (95% IQR: 17–44) from ICOD onset. Two patients (1%) shifted from ICOD to curative treatment, both were alive at discharge. Factors associated with progression to DNC included: age below 70 years, clinical score consistent with severe brain injury, instability, intracranial hemorrhage, midline shift ≥5 mm and certain types of brain herniation. Overall 151 (77.8%) patients progressed to organ donation. Based on these results, we conclude that ICOD is a beneficial and efficient practice that can contribute to the pool of deceased donors.
Comparison of Magnetostrictive-Actuated Semi-Active Control Methods Based on Synchronized Switching
Authors: Li An , Kobayashi Yuusuke , Hara Yushin , Otsuka Keisuke , Makihara Kanjuro
Published: April 2024

Three distinct synchronized switching circuits based on a magnetostrictive actuator are compared in this paper to examine their control mechanisms and circuit characteristics. These circuits include a semi-active shunt circuit, a semi-active current inversion and amplification circuit, and a semi-active automatic current inversion and amplification circuit. Each circuit type employs an additional electronic switch. The synchronized switching method enables the rational control of the circuit current generated by the magnetostrictive actuator to fulfill any desired control strategy. Simulation and experimental results on a 10-bay truss structure reveal that the three circuits can effectively adjust the polarity of the induced current as needed. The three circuits are then compared to thoroughly analyze their unique characteristics and explain their respective advantages and dis-advantages. Using the comparison results, various options available for control circuit design are demonstrated.
UAV Control Based on Pattern Recognition in Aquaculture Application
Authors: Chang Sheng-I , Juang Jih-Gau
Published: April 2024

This study proposes a drone application for the net cage aquaculture industry. A visual control structure is applied to the drone to obtain water-quality information surrounding the net cages. This study integrates a hexacopter, camera, onboard computer, flight control board, servo motor, and global positioning system’s auto-cruise function to adjust the drone position and control the servo motor retractable sensor to reach the desired target at an accurate location. In object identification, a deep learning neural network is used to identify the net cages. An onboard computer calculates the horizontal distance between the drone and the net cage. A “You only look once” (YOLO) neural network is used to detect the net cage images. Considering the hardware calculation speed and ability, an onboard computer is applied to process the flight control board and control the drone. In the mission, an aerial camera detects targets (net cage) and provides visual information to the drone for the target approaching control process. After executing the water-quality measurement, the drone will end the mission and return to the base. This study modifies the architecture of YOLO, compares it with the original model, and then finds a proper architecture for this mission. This study aims to assist cage aquaculture operators by using drones to measure water quality, which can reduce aquaculture’s labor costs.
A Mini-Review of Recent Developments in Plenoptic Background-Oriented Schlieren Technology for Flow Dynamics Measurement
Authors: Liu Yulan , Xing Feng , Su Liwei , Tan Huijun , Wang Depeng
Published: April 2024

To uncover the underlying fluid mechanisms, it is crucial to explore imaging techniques for high-resolution and large-scale three-dimensional (3D) measurements of the flow field. Plenoptic background-oriented schlieren (Plenoptic BOS), an emerging volumetric method in recent years, has demonstrated being able to resolve volumetric flow dynamics with a single plenoptic camera. The focus-stack-based plenoptic BOS system can qualitatively infer the position of the density gradient in 3D space based on the relative sharpness of the refocused BOS image. Plenoptic BOS systems based on tomography or specular enhancement techniques are realized for use in high-fidelity 3D flow measurements due to the increased number of acquisition views. Here, we first review the fundamentals of plenoptic BOS, and then discuss the system configuration and typical application of single-view and multi-view plenoptic BOS. We also discuss the related challenges and outlook on the potential development of plenoptic BOS in the future.
Converting Tobacco Stalk Wastes into Value-Added Products via Sequential Hydrothermal and Pyrolysis Treatments
Authors: Lin Yingnan , Yu Guofeng , Liang Rongning , Kong Fanyu , Song Dean
Published: April 2024

With the increasing concerns of human health and the ecological environment, tobacco stalks from the cigarette industry have been recognized as hazardous wastes requiring cautious treatment. However, there is still a lack of a simple and efficient route for full utilization of tobacco stalks. Herein, we attempted to convert tobacco stalk waste to value-added carbohydrates, bio-oil, and biochar through sequential hydrothermal and pyrolysis treatments. The results showed a high carbohydrate yield under the optimized condition using a microwave reaction system. The subsequent pyrolysis of residual solids at high temperatures could produce unexpected high-level aromatic chemicals including phenols and even benzenes—difficult to form without the facilitation of catalysts or salts. The obtained by-product biochar showed rapid absorption of tetracycline in 5 min and gradual introparticle diffusion from 30 to 240 min. The isotherm result had the characteristics of the Langmuir model, displaying homogeneous active sites on the biochar surface. Probably due to the hydrothermal pretreatment before pyrolysis, the obtained biochar exhibited a high adsorption capacity toward tetracycline without introducing the activation chemicals. These results illustrate that the proposed strategy may pave the way for dealing with tobacco wastes in the agricultural field.
Expression of Concern: Rahman et al. An Overview of Antimicrobial Stewardship Optimization: The Use of Antibiotics in Humans and Animals to Prevent Resistance. Antibiotics 2022, 11, 667
Authors:   Antibiotics Editorial Office
Published: April 2024

With this notice, the Antibiotics Editorial Office states its awareness of concerns relating to the originality of the concepts and analysis published in this review [...]
Pharmacokinetics of Enrofloxacin in Plasma, Urine, and Feces of Donkey (Equus asinus) after a Single Intragastric Administration
Authors: Yang Bowen , Liu Shijie , Cheng Jie , Qu Honglei , Guo Yanxin , Ji Chuanliang , Wang Yantao , Zhao Shancang , Huang Shimeng , Zhao Lihong , Ma Qiugang
Published: April 2024

Enrofloxacin is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent, but the study of its pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PKs/PDs) in donkeys is rarely reported. The present study aimed to investigate the pharmacokinetics of enrofloxacin administered intragastrically, and to study the pharmacokinetics of enrofloxacin and its metabolite ciprofloxacin in plasma, urine, and feces, and the PK/PD parameters were investigated to provide a rationale for enrofloxacin treatment in donkeys. A total of five healthy donkeys were selected for intragastric administration of 7.5 mg·kg−1 BW of enrofloxacin by gavage, and blood, urine, and fecal samples were collected. The results showed that the elimination half-life of plasma enrofloxacin was 11.40 ± 6.40 h, Tmax was 0.55 ± 0.12 h, Cmax was 2.46 ± 0.14 mg·L−1, AUC0–∞ was 10.30 ± 3.37 mg·L−1·h, and mean residence time (MRT) was 7.88 ± 1.26 h. The Tmax of plasma ciprofloxacin was 0.52 ± 0.08 h, Cmax was 0.14 ± 0.03 mg·L−1, and AUC0–∞ was 0.24 ± 0.16 mg·L−1·h. Urinary Cmax was 38.18 ± 8.56 mg·L−1 for enrofloxacin and 15.94 ± 4.15 mg·L−1 for ciprofloxacin. The total enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin recovered amount in urine was 7.09 ± 2.55% of the dose for 144 h after dosing. The total enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin recovered amount in feces was 25.73 ± 10.34% of the dose for 144 h after dosing. PK/PD parameters were also examined in this study, based on published MICs. In conclusion, 7.5 mg/kg BW of enrofloxacin administered intragastrically to donkeys was rapidly absorbed, widely distributed, and slowly eliminated in their bodies, and was predicted to be effective against bacteria with MICs < 0.25 mg·L−1.
Unravelling the Influence of Chlorogenic Acid on the Antioxidant Phytochemistry of Avocado (Persea americana Mill.) Fruit Peel
Authors: Izu Gloria O. , Mfotie Njoya Emmanuel , Tabakam Gaetan T. , Nambooze Jennifer , Otukile Kgalaletso P. , Tsoeu Seiso E. , Fasiku Victoria O. , Adegoke Ayodeji M. , Erukainure Ochuko L. , Mashele Samson S. , Makhafola Tshepiso J. , Sekhoacha Mamello P. , Chukwuma Chika I.
Published: April 2024

Oxidative stress is pivotal in the pathology of many diseases. This study investigated the antioxidant phytochemistry of avocado (Persea americana Mill.) peel. Different solvent extracts (dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, methanol, and water) of avocado peel were subjected to total phenol and flavonoid quantification, as well as in vitro radical scavenging and ferric reducing evaluation. The methanol extract was subjected to gradient column chromatographic fractionation. Fraction 8 (eluted with hexane:chloroform:methanol volume ratio of 3:6.5:0.5, respectively) was subjected to LC-MS analysis. It was assessed for cellular inhibition of lipid peroxidation and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ROS and NO production. The DPPH radical scavenging mechanism of chlorogenic acid was investigated using Density Functional Theory (DFT). The methanol extract and fraction 8 had the highest phenol content and radical scavenging activity. Chlorogenic acid (103.5 mg/mL) and 1-O-caffeoylquinic acid (102.3 mg/mL) were the most abundant phenolics in the fraction. Fraction 8 and chlorogenic acid dose-dependently inhibited in vitro (IC50 = 5.73 and 6.17 µg/mL) and cellular (IC50 = 15.9 and 9.34 µg/mL) FeSO4-induced lipid peroxidation, as well as LPS-induced ROS (IC50 = 39.6 and 28.2 µg/mL) and NO (IC50 = 63.5 and 107 µg/mL) production, while modulating antioxidant enzyme activity. The fraction and chlorogenic acid were not cytotoxic. DFT analysis suggest that an electron transfer, followed by proton transfer at carbons 3′OH and 4′OH positions may be the radical scavenging mechanism of chlorogenic acid. Considering this study is bioassay-guided, it is logical to conclude that chlorogenic acid strongly influences the antioxidant capacity of avocado fruit peel.
Validity and Reliability of the Lower Extremity Motor Coordination Test (LEMOCOT) in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Zarbouti Dimitra , Manola Margialena , Christakou Anna , Koumantakis George A. , Doskas Triantafyllos K. , Sakellari Vasiliki
Published: April 2024

The validity and reliability of the Lower Extremity Motor Coordination Test (LEMOCOT) were assessed in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The study involved 60 participants diagnosed with MS (mean age: 48.13 years, range: 24–80 years). Intra-rater reliability was assessed within-day (n = 12), and inter-rater reliability was assessed within-day (n = 45) and between-days (n = 22). For known-groups validity, test scores were compared between participants of different sexes; for convergent validity, test scores were correlated with age, the Five-Repetition Sit-to-Stand test (FSTS), the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), and the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). To test the discriminant validity, the LEMOCOT test scores were correlated with the Mini-Mental State Evaluation (MMSE) and compared according to social history (living alone or not). The LEMOCOT test was tested under three different conditions and found to be very reliable (intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC2,1 > 0.94) with an acceptable error level (standard error of the measurement, SEM, between 1.39 and 3.47 targets and 95% minimum detectable change; MDC95%, between 3.84 and 9.58 targets). Convergent validity was verified, as the LEMOCOT registered very strong correlations with the FSTS test (r = −0.851) and the BBS scale (r = 0.815), a strong correlation with the LEFS scale (r = 0.78), a moderate correlation with the EDSS scale (r = −0.634), all highly significant (p < 0.001), and a weak correlation with age (r = −0.332, p < 0.01). Discriminant validity was also confirmed, as the LEMOCOT demonstrated a weak correlation with the MMSE scale (r = 0.365, p = 0.017) and no differences relative to living environment or sex. The LEMOCOT demonstrated excellent reliability and validity for patients with MS.
Features of the Formation of a Reinforcing Coating on Hydrogel Membranes Based on Polyvinylpyrrolidone Copolymers
Authors: Baran Nataliia , Grytsenko Oleksandr , Dulebova Ludmila , Spiśak Emil
Published: April 2024

This paper presents the study results of formation features of composite hydrogel/polyamide membranes obtained by modification of hydrogel films based on 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) copolymers. The formation process of composite two-layer membranes was carried out in two stages: obtaining hydrogel membrane substrates followed by their modification with an ultra-thin layer based on a mixture of polyamide (PA) with PVP. The main task of the work was to investigate the possibility of forming a modifying PA/PVP coating on the surface of hydrogel films and to obtain composite hydrogel membranes with the required strength and osmotic permeability based on them. For the formation of composite two-layer membranes, PVP with MM = 12 × 103 g/mol and MM = 360 × 103 g/mol were used. Additional use of PVP in the modifying solution contributes to the process of its penetration into the hydrogel substrate. Together with the formation of a reinforcing layer, this ensures the obtainment of hydrogel films of increased strength, with the possibility of directional regulation of their diffusion permeability. It was found that the main factors affecting the nature of the interaction between the layers of the obtained composite films, as well as their physico-mechanical and sorption–diffusion properties, are the HEMA:PVP ratio in the original polymer–monomer composition (PMC), the formulation of the reinforcing layer, the duration of the modification process and the molecular weight of PVP in PMC and in the modifying solution. The strength and water content of two-layer composite hydrogel/polyamide membranes, as well as their salt and water permeability coefficients, are the highest in the case of using high-molecular weight PVP (MMPVP = 360 × 103 g/mol) and low-molecular weight (MMPVP = 12 × 103 g/mol) during the synthesis of the hydrogel substrate to obtain a PA-6/PVP solution for forming a reinforcing layer.
InRes-ACNet: Gesture Recognition Model of Multi-Scale Attention Mechanisms Based on Surface Electromyography Signals
Authors: Luo Xiaoyuan , Huang Wenjing , Wang Ziyi , Li Yihua , Duan Xiaogang
Published: April 2024

Surface electromyography (sEMG) signals are the sum of action potentials emitted by many motor units; they contain the information of muscle contraction patterns and intensity, so they can be used as a simple and reliable source for grasping mode recognition. This paper introduces the InRes-ACNet (inception–attention–ACmix-ResNet50) model, a novel deep-learning approach based on ResNet50, incorporating multi-scale modules and self-attention mechanisms. The proposed model aims to improve gesture recognition performance by enhancing its ability to extract channel feature information within sparse sEMG signals. The InRes-ACNet model is evaluated on the NinaPro DB1 and NinaPro DB5 datasets; the recognition accuracy for these datasets can reach 87.94% and 87.04%, respectively, and recognition accuracy can reach 88.37% in the grasping mode prediction of an electromyography manipulator. The results show that the fusion of multi-scale modules and self-attention mechanisms endows a strong ability for the task of gesture recognition based on sparse sEMG signals.
Enhancing Robustness within the Collaborative Federated Learning Framework: A Novel Grouping Algorithm for Edge Clients
Authors: Su Zhi-Yuan , Liu I-Hsien , Li Chu-Fen , Liu Chuan-Kang , Chiang Chi-Hui
Published: April 2024

In this study, we introduce a novel collaborative federated learning (FL) framework, aiming at enhancing robustness in distributed learning environments, particularly pertinent to IoT and industrial automation scenarios. At the core of our contribution is the development of an innovative grouping algorithm for edge clients. This algorithm employs a distinctive ID distribution function, enabling efficient and secure grouping of both normal and potentially malicious clients. Our proposed grouping scheme accurately determines the numerical difference between normal and malicious groups under various network scenarios. Our method addresses the challenge of model poisoning attacks, ensuring the accuracy of outcomes in a collaborative federated learning framework. Our numerical experiments demonstrate that our grouping scheme effectively limits the number of malicious groups. Additionally, our collaborative FL framework has shown resilience against various levels of poisoning attack abilities and maintained high prediction accuracy across a range of scenarios, showcasing its robustness against poisoning attacks.
Automated Derivation of Vine Objects and Ecosystem Structures Using UAS-Based Data Acquisition, 3D Point Cloud Analysis, and OBIA
Authors: Ruess Stefan , Paulus Gernot , Lang Stefan
Published: April 2024

This study delves into the analysis of a vineyard in Carinthia, Austria, focusing on the automated derivation of ecosystem structures of individual vine parameters, including vine heights, leaf area index (LAI), leaf surface area (LSA), and the geographic positioning of single plants. For the derivation of these parameters, intricate segmentation processes and nuanced UAS-based data acquisition techniques are necessary. The detection of single vines was based on 3D point cloud data, generated at a phenological stage in which the plants were in the absence of foliage. The mean distance from derived vine locations to reference measurements taken with a GNSS device was 10.7 cm, with a root mean square error (RMSE) of 1.07. Vine height derivation from a normalized digital surface model (nDSM) using photogrammetric data showcased a strong correlation (R2 = 0.83) with real-world measurements. Vines underwent automated classification through an object-based image analysis (OBIA) framework. This process enabled the computation of ecosystem structures at the individual plant level post-segmentation. Consequently, it delivered comprehensive canopy characteristics rapidly, surpassing the speed of manual measurements. With the use of uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) equipped with optical sensors, dense 3D point clouds were computed for the derivation of canopy-related ecosystem structures of vines. While LAI and LSA computations await validation, they underscore the technical feasibility of obtaining precise geometric and morphological datasets from UAS-collected data paired with 3D point cloud analysis and object-based image analysis.
Equipment Health Assessment: Time Series Analysis for Wind Turbine Performance
Authors: Backhus Jana , Rao Aniruddha Rajendra , Venkatraman Chandrasekar , Padmanabhan Abhishek , Kumar A. Vinoth , Gupta Chetan
Published: April 2024

In this study, we leverage SCADA data from diverse wind turbines to predict power output, employing advanced time series methods, specifically Functional Neural Networks (FNN) and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks. A key innovation lies in the ensemble of FNN and LSTM models, capitalizing on their collective learning. This ensemble approach outperforms individual models, ensuring stable and accurate power output predictions. Additionally, machine learning techniques are applied to detect wind turbine performance deterioration, enabling proactive maintenance strategies and health assessment. Crucially, our analysis reveals the uniqueness of each wind turbine, necessitating tailored models for optimal predictions. These insight underscores the importance of providing automatized customization for different turbines to keep human modeling effort low. Importantly, the methodologies developed in this analysis are not limited to wind turbines; they can be extended to predict and optimize performance in various machinery, highlighting the versatility and applicability of our research across diverse industrial contexts.
Structural Detection and Stability Monitoring of Deep Strata on a Slope Using High-Density Resistivity Method and FBG Strain Sensors
Authors: Li Chuan , Wei Li , Xu Qiang , Yang Lubing , Li Jiaqi , Wan Xiaorong
Published: April 2024

Under the influence of a variety of unfavorable factors, slope instability may occur, so the stability of the slope needs to be analyzed. In this paper, combined with the geological investigation data, the slope engineering geological profiles are derived based on 2D inversion maps of the high-density resistivity (HDR) method to obtain the overburden layer thickness. Then, a finite element model is established based on the mechanical and geometric parameters of the slope to analyze the displacement and deformation characteristics and obtain information about the potential sliding surface. The above analysis results are combined to determine the effective monitoring field and deploy (Fiber Bragg Grating) FBG strain detection piles for deep strain monitoring. The analysis showed that the shape and location of the potential sliding surface of the slope from the numerical simulation are consistent with those delineated by the HDR profile. The monitoring results show the rock and soil on the north side of the slope are soft and have poor stability, which is consistent with the HDR method detection results. Adopting the HDR method to identify the slope’s overall geological structure combined with FBG strain detection piles to obtain the deep deformation provided an effective monitoring technique for slope stability assessment.
Morphology Observation of Two-Dimensional Monolayers of Model Proteins on Water Surface as Revealed by Dropping Method
Authors: Asada Yukie , Tanaka Shinya , Nagano Hirotaka , Noguchi Hiroki , Yoshino Akihiro , Taga Keijiro , Yamamoto Yasushi , Shervani Zameer
Published: April 2024

We have investigated the morphology of two-dimensional monolayers of gramicidin-D (GD) and alamethicin (Al) formed on the water surface by the dropping method (DM) using surface tension measurement (STm), Brewster angle microscopy (BAM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Dynamic light scattering (DLS) revealed that GD in alcoholic solutions formed a dimeric helical structure. According to the CD and NMR spectroscopies, GD molecules existed in dimer form in methanol and lipid membrane environments. The STm results and BAM images revealed that the GD dimer monolayer was in a liquid expanded (LE) state, whereas the Al monolayer was in a liquid condensed (LC) state. The limiting molecular area (A0) was 6.2 ± 0.5 nm2 for the GD-dimer and 3.6 ± 0.5 nm2 for the Al molecule. The AFM images also showed that the molecular long axes of both the GD-dimer and Al were horizontal to the water surface. The stability of each monolayer was confirmed by the time dependence of the surface pressure (π) observed using the STm method. The DM monolayer preparation method for GD-dimer and Al peptide molecules is a useful technique for revealing how the model biological membrane’s components assemble in two dimensions on the water surface.
The Role of Treatment-Related Parameters and Brain Morphology in the Lesion Volume of Magnetic-Resonance-Guided Focused Ultrasound Thalamotomy in Patients with Tremor-Dominant Neurological Conditions
Authors: Morabito Rosa , Cammaroto Simona , Militi Annalisa , Smorto Chiara , Anfuso Carmelo , Lavano Angelo , Tomasello Francesco , Di Lorenzo Giuseppe , Brigandì Amelia , Sorbera Chiara , Bonanno Lilla , Ielo Augusto , Vatrano Martina , Marino Silvia , Cacciola Alberto , Cerasa Antonio , Quartarone Angelo
Published: April 2024

Purpose: To determine the best predictor of lesion volume induced by magnetic resonance (MR)-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) thalamotomy in patients with tremor-dominant symptoms in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and essential tremor (ET) patients. Methods: Thirty-six neurological patients with medication-refractory tremor (n°19 PD; n°17 ET) were treated using a commercial MRgFUS brain system (Exablate Neuro 4000, Insightec) integrated with a 1.5 T MRI unit (Sigma HDxt; GE Medical System). Linear regression analysis was used to determine how the demographic, clinical, radiological (Fazekas scale), volumetric (total GM/WM/CSF volume, cortical thickness), and MRgFUS-related parameters [Skull Density Ratio (SDR), n° of transducer elements, n° of sonications, skull area, maximal energy delivered (watt), maximal power delivered (joule), maximal sonication time delivered, maximal mean temperature reached (T°C_max), accumulated thermal dose (ATD)] impact on ventral intermediate (VIM)-thalamotomy-related 3D volumetric lesions of necrosis and edema. Results: The VIM thalamotomy was clinically efficacious in improving the tremor symptoms of all the patients as measured at 1 week after treatment. Multiple regression analysis revealed that T°C_max and n° of transducer elements were the best predictors of the necrosis and edema volumes. Moreover, total WM volume also predicted the size of necrosis. Conclusions: Our study provides new insights into the clinical MRgFUS procedures that can be used to forecast brain lesion size and improve treatment outcomes.
Automatic Segmentation of Bone Marrow Lesions on MRI Using a Deep Learning Method
Authors: Ponnusamy Raj , Zhang Ming , Wang Yue , Sun Xinyue , Chowdhury Mohammad , Driban Jeffrey B. , McAlindon Timothy , Shan Juan
Published: April 2024

Bone marrow lesion (BML) volume is a potential biomarker of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) as it is associated with cartilage degeneration and pain. However, segmenting and quantifying the BML volume is challenging due to the small size, low contrast, and various positions where the BML may occur. It is also time-consuming to delineate BMLs manually. In this paper, we proposed a fully automatic segmentation method for BMLs without requiring human intervention. The model takes intermediate weighted fat-suppressed (IWFS) magnetic resonance (MR) images as input, and the output BML masks are evaluated using both regular 2D Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) of the slice-level area metric and 3D DSC of the subject-level volume metric. On a dataset with 300 subjects, each subject has a sequence of 36 IWFS MR images approximately. We randomly separated the dataset into training, validation, and testing sets with a 70%/15%/15% split at the subject level. Since not every subject or image has a BML, we excluded the images without a BML in each subset. The ground truth of the BML was labeled by trained medical staff using a semi-automatic tool. Compared with the ground truth, the proposed segmentation method achieved a Pearson’s correlation coefficient of 0.98 between the manually measured volumes and automatically segmented volumes, a 2D DSC of 0.68, and a 3D DSC of 0.60 on the testing set. Although the DSC result is not high, the high correlation of 0.98 indicates that the automatically measured BML volume is strongly correlated with the manually measured BML volume, which shows the potential to use the proposed method as an automatic measurement tool for the BML biomarker to facilitate the assessment of knee OA progression.