bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of parameters reflecting the reactivity of the autonomic nervous system of Polish firefighters on the basis of a test in a smoke chamber
Authors: Dudziński Łukasz , Czyżewski Łukasz , Panczyk Mariusz
Published: July 2024

Objective

Measurement and analysis of heart rate variability in a population of professional firefighters based on heart rate (RR) recording. Assessment based on a smoke chamber test in correlation with age, length of service, body mass index.

Materials and methods

The smoke chamber test for the officers of the State Fire Service (SFS) is aimed at improving the skills and techniques of working in special clothing and in a respiratory protection set (RPS) under high psychophysical burden. The study was divided into 3 stages: 1. measurement of parameters at rest – sitting position for 5 min, 2. measurement of parameters during the firefighter’s activity, effort related to the training path and the test in the smoke chamber, indefinite time (different for each firefighter), 3. measurement of parameters at rest after exercise – sitting position for 5 min. Each firefighter included in the study had fitted onto his chest a Polar H10 band with a sensor (size XXL) that measures parameters HR, HRV (sensor connected via Bluetooth to an application on the phone of a person controlling the test).

Results

The study involved 96 firefighters aged 19–45 (Mean 27.9; SD 7.4), with 1–19 years of service (Mean 5.2; SD 4.6). The study included 75 firefighters who completed the entire activity and their results were recorded completely in a way that allowed for analysis and interpretation. Results of 17 firefighters were selected (parameters describing HRV changes was carried out, which are important from the authors’ experience: RMSSD, HF ms2, DFA α1).

Conclusion

The presence of excessive body weight did not affect HR parameters, which may be related to the limited possibilities of using the BMI index among people with high muscle mass. Longer work experience has a health-promoting effect on heart rate values through increased adaptation of the circulatory system to increased effort and stress. HRV parameter and ANS activity have a wide range of clinical applications, in addition to monitoring health status in the course of diseases, ANS activity can be analyzed in correlation with occupational risk factors.
Regional measurement and dynamic evolution of the development level of China's digital economy
Authors: Wang Wentao
Published: July 2024

In the wave of digital transformation, digital economy, as one of the core growth poles of the national economy, which is becoming a new driving force to promote economic development. In view of the problem of the unbalanced development of China's digital economy, and to construct an indicator system for the level of digital economic development. The study is based on the panel data of 30 provinces (Tibet is not included in the study due to missing data) from 2013 to 2021, and comprehensively utilizes the entropy method, the Tyrell index and the Moran index method, the regional level of China's digital economic development is measured. And based on this, it further reveals the regional differences in China's digital economic development and the dynamic evolution characteristics of source and distribution. The purpose of this study is to provide practical experience and effective measures for promoting the coordinated development of digital economy in various regions and narrowing the regional digital divide. The study shows that the level of China's digital economy development has been increasing, and the digital economy has become the main engine of national economic development. The development of China's digital economy shows significant positive spatial dependence, spatial agglomeration and regional imbalance, and the development of the digital economy faces the problem of digital divide. The regional differences in the level of China's digital economy development are mainly due to inter-regional differences, and there is a trend of gradual reduction. There is also a certain degree of ups and downs in the process of regional digital economy development, and its spatial heterogeneity and convergence characteristics need to be further studied.
Model variations for tracking the trunk during sports testing in a motion capture lab
Authors: Ulman Sophia , Loewen Alex , Erdman Ashley , Õunpuu Sylvia , Chafetz Ross , Tulchin-Francis Kirsten , Wren Tishya A. L.
Published: July 2024

Introduction

As motion capture technology becomes more popular for athlete monitoring and return-to-play evaluation, it is imperative that trunk mechanics are modeled similarly across participants. The purpose of this study was to determine how adjusting marker placement at the sternum or removing potentially occluded markers for purposes of tracking the trunk segment influences trunk kinematics during gait and a drop vertical jump (DVJ).

Methods

Sagittal plane trunk angles of 18 participants were computed for a Definition Model and three trunk model variations. Model variations were specifically chosen to avoid difficulties with placement of the sternum and/or thorax markers in female participants due to sports bra coverage and/or occlusion. Intraclass correlation coefficients were computed per trunk model variation to determine agreement with the Definition Model.

Results

The Mid-Sternum model, in which the xiphoid process marker was adjusted to the midpoint of the xiphoid process and jugular notch, exhibited the least discrepancies and excellent agreement with the Definition Model across both tasks. Alternatively, the No-Thorax model, in which the thorax marker was removed, exhibited the greatest kinematic differences during the DVJ and moderate to excellent agreement across both tasks.

Conclusion

The marker set chosen to track trunk motion during dynamic tasks must include locations that can be placed similarly on all participants. Based on these findings, the xiphoid process marker may be adjusted superiorly prior to the collection of dynamic trials. The recommended model for tracking the trunk segment includes marker placements on the jugular notch, mid-sternum, and 1st and 10th thoracic spinous processes.
A new approach for selection of transgressive segregants in F3 populations based on selection index and anthocyanin content in cayenne pepper
Authors: Anshori Muhammad Fuad , Musa Yunus , Dungga Novaty Eny , Widiayani Nuniek , Arifin Arfina Sukmawati , Masniawati Andi , Firmansyah Firmansyah , Farid Muh , Dirpan Andi , Amas Azmi Nur Karimah
Published: July 2024

The development of cayenne pepper varieties can be optimized by multiple crossings, transgressive segregant selection based on the selection index, and identification of potential anthocyanins. The study objectives were (1) to develop a transgressive segregation index, and (2) to select transgressive segregation cayenne peppers with high productivity and anthocyanins from F3 multiple cross-generation. The study conducted two experiments at the experimental field, Hasanuddin University, from November 2022 to November 2023. The first experiment implemented an augmented design with a randomized complete block design (RCBD) as an environmental design. The genotypes as treatment consisted of two types: 110 lines of cayenne pepper were not repeated, and the 4 older chili varieties as controls were repeated in each block. All genotypes were categorized and divided into five blocks. The second experiment was the validation of the first trial. There were 13 genotypes tested with RCBD design one factor and repeated three times. Based on the study, developing a semi-objective-based selection index with canopy width, fruit weight, and yield was an innovative and effective approach to selecting F3 transgressive segregants of cayenne pepper. High-yielding transgressive lines were identified as G3-2-7-3, G2.6.9–10, G5-12–1-8, and G4.5.2–12. The G3-2-7-3 line was suggested due to its high yield potential and anthocyanin content. However, the anthocyanin content must be examined more deeply, such as using an omics approach. Nevertheless, these lines are still recommended to be continued in yield testing or crossing to produce hybrid lines that have high yield potential and anthocyanin content.
Exploratory application of a cannulation model in recently weaned pigs to monitor longitudinal changes in the enteric microbiome across varied porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) infection statuses
Authors: Opriessnig Tanja , Halbur Patrick , Bayne Jenna , Rawal Gaurav , Tong Hao , Mou Kathy , Li Ganwu , Zhang Danyang , Zhang Jianqiang , Muwonge Adrian
Published: July 2024

Introduction

The enteric microbiome and its possible modulation to improve feed conversion or vaccine efficacy is gaining more attention in pigs. Weaning pigs from their dam, along with many routine procedures, is stressful. A better understanding of the impact of this process on the microbiome may be important for improving pig production. The objective of this study was to develop a weaner pig cannulation model, thus allowing ileum content collection from the same pig over time for 16S rRNA sequencing under different porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) infection statuses.

Methods

A total of 15 3-week-old pigs underwent abdominal surgery and were fitted with an ileum cannula, with ileum contents collected over time. In this pilot study, treatment groups included a NEG-CONTROL group (no vaccination, no PRRSV challenge), a POS-CONTROL group (no vaccination, challenged with PRRSV), a VAC-PRRSV group (vaccinated, challenged with PRRSV), a VAC-PRO-PRRSV group (vaccinated, supplemented with a probiotic, challenged with PRRSV), and a VAC-ANTI-PRRSV group (vaccinated, administered an antibiotic, challenged with PRRSV). We assessed the microbiome over time and measured anti-PRRSV serum antibodies, PRRSV load in serum and nasal samples, and the severity of lung lesions.

Results

Vaccination was protective against PRRSV challenge, irrespective of other treatments. All vaccinated pigs mounted an immune response to PRRSV within 1 week after vaccination. A discernible impact of treatment on the diversity, structure, and taxonomic abundance of the enteric microbiome among the groups was not observed. Instead, significant influences on the ileum microbiome were observed in relation to time and treatment.

Discussion

The cannulation model described in this pilot study has the potential to be useful in studying the impact of weaning, vaccination, disease challenge, and antimicrobial administration on the enteric microbiome and its impact on pig health and production. Remarkably, despite the cannulation procedures, all vaccinated pigs exhibited robust immune responses and remained protected against PRRSV challenge, as evidenced by the development of anti-PRRSV serum antibodies and viral shedding data.
Design and Test of Automatic Feeding Device for Shed Pole of Small-Arched Insertion Machine
Authors: Chen Xiao , Hu Jianling , Gong Yan , Yu Qingxu , Wang Zhenwei , Deng Xiaozhong , Pang Xinguo
Published: July 2024

China’s small-arched shed-building machinery mostly adopts manual pole casting and mechanical planting, which have low building efficiency and mechanization. Therefore, we designed an automatic feeding device for shed poles to realize automatic single separation, orderly conveyance and timely dropping of poles. Considering shed pole-pitching pass rate as the evaluation index for the regression model, we adopted a three-factor, three-level experimental design and established the speed of the reclaiming ring, height of the falling shed poles and reclaiming ring spacing as the main influencing factors, obtaining 23.94 r/min, 408.799 mm and 1350 mm, respectively in experiments with a trellis qualification rate of 95.36%. Design-Expert 13 was used to perform analysis of variance and determine the optimal parameter combinations. The average measured trellis qualification rate in tests with the bench adjusted and the optimal parameter combination was 94.23%, with 1.13% relative error between test and theoretical optimization values. This confirmed the optimal parameter combination’s dependability. In field verification test results, pick-up card ring speed was 24 r/min; height of trellis pole drop, 410 mm; pick-up card ring spacing, 1350 mm; and pitching rate, 95.37%, obtaining 0.01% error compared with theoretically optimized values. The prototype operational performance was stable and satisfied design requirements.
Comparison between Liquid Immersion, Laser Diffraction, PDPA, and Shadowgraphy in Assessing Droplet Size from Agricultural Nozzles
Authors: Privitera Salvatore , Cerruto Emanuele , Manetto Giuseppe , Lupica Sebastian , Nuyttens David , Dekeyser Donald , Zwertvaegher Ingrid , Furtado Júnior Marconi Ribeiro , Vargas Beatriz Costalonga
Published: July 2024

Spray droplet diameters play a key role in the field of liquid plant protection product (PPP) application technology. However, the availability of various measurement techniques, each with its unique operating principles for evaluating droplet size spectra, can lead to different interpretations of spray characteristics. Therefore, in this study, four measurement techniques—Liquid Immersion (LI), Laser Diffraction (LD), Phase Doppler Particle Analysis (PDPA), and Shadowgraphy (SG)—were utilized to evaluate the droplet size distribution of agricultural spray nozzles. Additionally, PDPA and SG were used to assess the average velocity of spray droplets. Experiments were conducted in three different laboratories with the main aim of comparing results obtained with various types of equipment utilized under ordinary practical conditions. Spraying tests were carried out using three flat fan nozzles and an air-induction flat fan nozzle. As a general trend, the lowest values for droplet diameters were measured using the Laser Diffraction technique, followed by Shadowgraphy. The PDPA technique provided the highest values for mean diameters (D10, D20, and D30) and the numeric median diameter (Dn0.5), whereas the Liquid Immersion method yielded the highest values for the Sauter mean diameter (D32) and volumetric diameters (Dv0.1, Dv0.5, and Dv0.9). Importantly, all measurement techniques were able to discriminate the four nozzles based on their Dv0.5 diameter. Average droplet velocities showed a similar pattern across the four nozzles with the PDPA and the SG measurement techniques. The differences in diameter values observed with the four measurement techniques underline the necessity of always including reference nozzles in spray quality assessments to base classifications on relative rather than absolute values.
MutL Significantly Regulates the Formation of Biofilms in Bacillus amyloliquefaciens YT1
Authors: Zhou Huafei , Chen Min , Li Baoyan , Chen Haining , Wang Hongtao , Wang Shaoli , Luan Binghui , Liu Baoyou
Published: July 2024

The purpose of this study is to discover and excavate more key factors and signaling pathways that regulate the formation intensity of biofilms and to fully reveal the possible models affecting biofilm formation. By using gene homologous recombination and bioinformatics technology, a MutL protein-directed deletion mutant strain was successfully constructed. The growth status of the mutant strain was observed, and it was confirmed that, except for the change in cell morphology, there were no significant differences in growth and reproduction between the mutant strain and the wild-type strain. By using the induced biofilm formation technique, the significant decrease in biofilm formation in the MutL mutant strain was successfully verified. The plate confrontation test confirmed that the inhibitory ability of the mutant strain against rice blast fungus was not significantly different from that of the WT strain. The colonization ability of the mutant strain on rice stems was tested, and it was confirmed that the colonization ability of the mutant strain was significantly lower than that of the WT strain. In terms of the prevention and control effect of rice blast disease, the mutant strain showed a significant decrease. By using transcriptomic big data, the gene and pathway expression differences between the mutant strain and the WT strain during biofilm formation were analyzed. The analysis revealed no significant correlation with the previously reported spo0A and tapA-sipW-tasA pathways. The key factor capB of the polyglutamic acid signaling pathway, which affects the formation of the biological model, was found to have a significant decrease in expression. A mechanical hypothesis was proposed: MutL may participate in regulating the formation intensity of Bacillus biofilms by regulating the formation of glutamic acid to polyglutamic acid.
Microbiological Profiles of Patients with Spondylodiscitis
Authors: Fröschen Frank Sebastian , Kitkowski Pia Maria , Strauß Andreas Christian , Molitor Ernst , Hischebeth Gunnar Thorben Rembert , Franz Alexander
Published: July 2024

Spondylodiscitis is a severe spinal infection that requires an effective antibiotic treatment. Therefore, we sought to analyse the causative pathogens from intraoperative specimen in patients with spondylodiscitis and a need for surgery. To this end, we performed a retrospective study of all patients with spondylodiscitis and a need for operative treatment admitted to our hospital between January 2020 and December 2022. A total of 114 cases with spondylodiscitis were identified. A total of 120 different pathogens were detected. Overall, 76.7% of those microorganisms were Gram-positive bacteria. The most common causative pathogen was Staphylococcus aureus (n = 32; 26.6%), followed by coagulase-negative staphylococci (n = 28; 23.4%), of which Staphylococcus epidermidis (n = 18; 15%) was the most frequently detected, as well as enterococci (n = 10; 8.4%) and Streptococcus spp. (n = 11; 9.2%). Moreover, 19.1% (n = 22) and 3.4% (n = 4) of all detected isolates were Gram-negative pathogens or fungi, respectively. Overall, 42.8% of all coagulase-negative staphylococci were oxacillin-resistant, while none of them were vancomycin-resistant. In summary, 50% of the pathogens could be identified as staphylococci. The results of our study highlight the important burden of oxacillin-resistant Gram-positive bacteria as an aetiological cause of spondylodiscitis, providing a relevant finding for antimicrobial stewardship programmes.
A Combination of Cardamonin and Doxorubicin Selectively Affect Cell Viability of Melanoma Cells: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Ebbert Lara , von Montfort Claudia , Wenzel Chantal-Kristin , Reichert Andreas S. , Stahl Wilhelm , Brenneisen Peter
Published: July 2024

Treatment of the most aggressive and deadliest form of skin cancer, the malignant melanoma, still has room for improvement. Its invasive nature and ability to rapidly metastasize and to develop resistance to standard treatment often result in a poor prognosis. While the highly effective standard chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin (DOX) is widely used in a variety of cancers, systemic side effects still limit therapy. Especially, DOX-induced cardiotoxicity remains a big challenge. In contrast, the natural chalcone cardamonin (CD) has been shown to selectively kill tumor cells. Besides its anti-tumor activity, CD exhibits anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. In this study, we investigated the effect of the combinational treatment of DOX with CD on A375 melanoma cells compared to normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF) and rat cardiac myoblasts (H9C2 cells). DOX-induced cytotoxicity was unselective and affected all cell types, especially H9C2 cardiac myoblasts, demonstrating its cardiotoxic effect. In contrast, CD only decreased the cell viability of A375 melanoma cells, without harming normal (healthy) cells. The addition of CD selectively protected human dermal fibroblasts and rat cardiac myoblasts from DOX-induced cytotoxicity. While no apoptosis was induced by the combinational treatment in normal (healthy) cells, an apoptosis-mediated cytotoxicity was demonstrated in A375 melanoma cells. CD exhibited thiol reactivity as it was able to directly interact with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in a cell-free assay and to induce heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in all cell types. And that took place in a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-independent manner. DOX decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) in all cell types, whereas CD selectively decreased mitochondrial respiration, affecting basal respiration, maximal respiration, spare respiratory capacity and ATP production in A375 melanoma cells, but not in healthy cardiac myoblasts. The DOX-induced cytotoxicity seen in melanoma cells was ROS-independent, whereas the cytotoxic effect of CD was associated with CD-induced ROS-formation and/or its thiol reactivity. This study highlights the beneficial properties of the addition of CD to DOX treatment, which might protect patients from DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. Future experiments with other tumor cell lines or a mouse model should substantiate this hypothesis.
Activation of p38 and JNK by ROS Contributes to Deoxybouvardin-Mediated Intrinsic Apoptosis in Oxaliplatin-Sensitive and -Resistant Colorectal Cancer Cells
Authors: Seo Si Yeong , Joo Sang Hoon , Lee Seung-On , Yoon Goo , Cho Seung-Sik , Choi Yung Hyun , Park Jin Woo , Shim Jung-Hyun
Published: July 2024

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a global health burden, accounting for almost a million deaths annually. Deoxybouvardin (DB), a non-ribosomal peptide originally isolated from Bouvardia ternifolia, has been reported to possess antitumor activity; however, the detailed mechanisms underlying this anticancer activity have not been elucidated. We investigated the anticancer activity of the cyclic hexapeptide, DB, in human CRC HCT116 cells. Cell viability, evaluated by MTT assay, revealed that DB suppressed the growth of both oxaliplatin (Ox)-resistant HCT116 cells (HCT116-OxR) and Ox-sensitive cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was observed in DB-treated CRC cells, and it induced cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase by regulating p21, p27, cyclin B1, and cdc2 levels. In addition, Western blot analysis revealed that DB activated the phosphorylation of JNK and p38 MAPK in CRC. Furthermore, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was dysregulated by DB, resulting in cytochrome c release and activation of caspases. Taken together, DB exhibited anticancer activity against both Ox-sensitive and Ox-resistant CRC cells by targeting JNK and p38 MAPK, increasing cellular ROS levels, and disrupting MMP. Thus, DB is a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of Ox-resistant CRC.
In Vivo-Matured Oocyte Resists Post-Ovulatory Aging through the Hub Genes DDX18 and DNAJC7 in Pigs
Authors: Zhan Cheng-Lin , Zhou Dongjie , Sun Ming-Hong , Jiang Wen-Jie , Lee Song-Hee , Li Xiao-Han , Lu Qin-Yue , Kim Ji-Dam , Lee Gyu-Hyun , Sim Jae-Min , Chung Hak-Jae , Cho Eun-Seok , Sa Soo-Jin , Cui Xiang-Shun
Published: July 2024

Assisted reproduction technology (ART) procedures are often impacted by post-ovulatory aging (POA), which can lead to reduced fertilization rates and impaired embryo development. This study used RNA sequencing analysis and experimental validation to study the similarities and differences between in vivo- and vitro-matured porcine oocytes before and after POA. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between fresh in vivo-matured oocyte (F_vivo) and aged in vivo-matured oocyte (A_vivo) and DEGs between fresh in vitro-matured oocyte (F_vitro) and aged in vitro-matured oocyte (A_vitro) were intersected to explore the co-effects of POA. It was found that “organelles”, especially “mitochondria”, were significantly enriched Gene Ontology (GO) terms. The expression of genes related to the “electron transport chain” and “cell redox homeostasis” pathways related to mitochondrial function significantly showed low expression patterns in both A_vivo and A_vitro groups. Weighted correlation network analysis was carried out to explore gene expression modules specific to A_vivo. Trait–module association analysis showed that the red modules were most associated with in vivo aging. There are 959 genes in the red module, mainly enriched in “RNA binding”, “mRNA metabolic process”, etc., as well as in GO terms, and “spliceosome” and “nucleotide excision repair” pathways. DNAJC7, IK, and DDX18 were at the hub of the gene regulatory network. Subsequently, the functions of DDX18 and DNAJC7 were verified by knocking down their expression at the germinal vesicle (GV) and Metaphase II (MII) stages, respectively. Knockdown at the GV stage caused cell cycle disorders and increase the rate of abnormal spindle. Knockdown at the MII stage resulted in the inefficiency of the antioxidant melatonin, increasing the level of intracellular oxidative stress, and in mitochondrial dysfunction. In summary, POA affects the organelle function of oocytes. A_vivo oocytes have some unique gene expression patterns. These genes may be potential anti-aging targets. This study provides a better understanding of the detailed mechanism of POA and potential strategies for improving the success rates of assisted reproductive technologies in pigs and other mammalian species.
A Comprehensive Review of Virtual Reality Technology for Cognitive Rehabilitation in Patients with Neurological Conditions
Authors: Quan Wei , Liu Shikai , Cao Meng , Zhao Jiale
Published: July 2024

Amidst population aging and lifestyle shifts, the incidence of neurological disorders such as stroke and Alzheimer’s disease is increasing, profoundly affecting patients’ cognitive functions and everyday life. Conventional cognitive rehabilitation approaches often necessitate substantial time and manpower, yet their outcomes remain uncertain. Although computer-assisted cognitive rehabilitation offers convenience, it can be somewhat monotonous in its experience. Virtual reality (VR) technology has introduced a novel pathway for cognitive rehabilitation, enhancing personalization and outcome assessment through tailored immersive environments and real-time data recording. This paper aims to survey the application of VR in cognitive rehabilitation, examining its impact on improving memory, attention, motor function, and social skills. A systematic review methodology was employed, following PRISMA guidelines, to identify and analyze relevant studies from 2010 to 2023. Recognizing that patients with different conditions have varying needs for the immersive and social aspects of VR, we propose the Multi-Dimensional VR Cognitive Rehabilitation Theory Model (MD-VRCRTM). This model categorizes cognitive rehabilitation technologies into six primary types: individual immersive, individual semi-immersive, individual non-immersive, multiplayer immersive, multiplayer semi-immersive, and multiplayer non-immersive rehabilitation systems. This categorization aims to cater to the specific requirements of various patients. For instance, individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may benefit more from multiplayer VR applications to enhance social skills; those with Parkinson’s disease (PD) might profit from immersive VR to facilitate motor function recovery; stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients may require highly immersive VR experiences to boost concentration and treatment efficacy; and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients may be better suited to non-immersive or semi-immersive VR to minimize cognitive load and receive cognitive stimulation.
Increased Motor Time in the Lower Extremity Is Related to Fall History in Older Women
Authors: Li Zongtao , Lai Qin , Benedict II Ronald J.
Published: July 2024

Our aim was to determine whether a temporal deterioration in central or peripheral processing was related to a history of falls in older women and observe the relationship between muscular strength in the lower extremity and information processing speed. A population of 34 older women aged 65–84 years were classified into two groups, fallers (n = 15) and non-fallers (n = 19), based on their fall history and fall risk index. Surface EMG was collected from the tibialis anterior (TA), gastrocnemius (GN), and peroneus longus (PL), which were activated in response to postural perturbation. The reaction time was fractionated into the premotor time (PMT) and motor time (MT). Three fast deep squats were performed on a force platform to record peak extensor force in the lower extremity. A 2 (Groups) × 3 (Trials) ANOVA with repeated measures for the trials revealed main group effects of MT on TA [F = 4.59, p < 0.05] and GN [F = 5.01, p < 0.05], and main trial effects of the PMT on TA [F = 3.50, p < 0.05]. A strong negative relationship was found between the motor time and peak extensor force of the left leg or both legs. The peak extensor force of the left leg was a reliable predictor for the motor time. Fallers faced a higher risk of falling and produced a longer motor time in response to the balance perturbation relative to non-fallers. Weaker explosive strength in the lower extremity, especially the non-dominant leg, was highly related to slower neuromuscular recruitment.
Unveiling the Role of Minerals and Trace Elements of Thermal Waters in Skin Health
Authors: Mourelle M. Lourdes , Gómez Carmen P. , Legido José L.
Published: July 2024

The role of thermal spring waters (TSWs) in the treatment of dermatological disease has been described by several authors, as have their benefits in treating certain skin conditions, among which atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, seborrhea, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, acne, rosacea, and sensitive skin can be cited. It has been postulated that the mechanisms involved include chemical, thermal, mechanical, and immunological effects, and the chemical composition of thermal water is crucial in its skin effects. Thus, in this review, the effects of the different anions, cations, trace elements, and other compounds present in TSW were investigated, showing that the benefits of TSW can be mainly linked to its content of chloride, sulfate, and bicarbonate anions; calcium, sodium, and magnesium cations; and, among its trace elements, boron, selenium, strontium, manganese, and zinc, which are those with greater influence. Other compounds such as SiO2, sulfur anions, and CO2 can also exert specific effects. As a whole, the specific effects can be summarized as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, wound healing improvement, skin hydration, and skin barrier recovery activities.
Effect of Blood on Synovial Joint Tissues: Potential Role of Ferroptosis
Authors: Nicholson Howard J. , Sakhrani Neeraj , Rogot James , Lee Andy J. , Ojediran Inioluwa G. , Sharma Ratna , Chahine Nadeen O. , Ateshian Gerard A. , Shah Roshan P. , Hung Clark T.
Published: July 2024

Recurrent bleeding in the synovial joint, such as the knee, can give rise to chronic synovitis and degenerative arthritis, which are major causes of morbidity. Whereas chronic arthropathy affects one-fifth of hemophiliacs, conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), periarticular and articular fractures, osteochondral autograft transplantation surgery, and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury are also associated with joint bleeding. Synovial joint trauma is associated with inflammation, acute pain, bloody joint effusion, and knee instability. Clinically, some physicians have advocated for blood aspiration from the joint post-injury to mitigate the harmful effects of bleeding. Despite the significant potential clinical impact of joint bleeding, the mechanism(s) by which joint bleeding, acute or microbleeds, leads to deleterious changes to the synovial joint remains understudied. This review will address the impact of blood on synovial joint tissues observed from in vitro and in vivo studies. While the deleterious effects of blood on cartilage and synovium are well-described, there are much fewer reports describing the negative effects of blood on the meniscus, cruciate ligaments, and subchondral bone. Based on our studies of blood in co-culture with chondrocytes/cartilage, we raise the possibility that ferroptosis, an iron-dependent, nonapoptotic form of regulated cell death, plays a contributing role in mediating hemophilic arthropathy (HA) and may represent a therapeutic target in reducing the negative impact of joint bleeds.
Next-Generation Blockchain Technology: The Entropic Blockchain
Authors: Vopson Melvin M. , Lepadatu Serban G. , Vopson Anna , Łukaszyk Szymon
Published: July 2024

The storage, transmission, and processing of data become significant problems when large digital data files or databases are involved, as in the case of decentralized online global databases such as blockchain. Here, we propose a novel method that allows for the scalability of digital assets, including blockchain databases in the download, validation, and confidentiality processes, by developing a lightweight blockchain technology called Entropic Blockchain. This is a computer-implemented mathematical method by which to generate an information-entropic numerical barcode representation of a digital asset. Using this technique, a 1–2 Mb block of digital data can be represented by a few bytes, significantly reducing the size of a blockchain. The entropic barcode file can be utilized on its own or as an optically machine-readable entropic barcode for secure data transmission, processing, labeling, identification, and one-way encryption, as well as for compression, validation, and digital tamper-proof checks. The mathematics of this process and all the steps involved in its implementation are discussed in detail in this article.
The Application of Artificial Intelligence for Tooth Segmentation in CBCT Images: A Systematic Review
Authors: Tarce Mihai , Zhou You , Antonelli Alessandro , Becker Kathrin
Published: July 2024

Objective: To conduct a comprehensive and systematic review of the application of existing artificial intelligence for tooth segmentation in CBCT images. Materials and Methods: A literature search of the MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus databases to find publications from inception through 21 August 2023, non-English publications excluded. The risk of bias and applicability of each article was assessed using QUADAS-2, and data on segmentation category, research model, sample size and groupings, and evaluation metrics were extracted from the articles. Results: A total of 34 articles were included. Artificial intelligence methods mainly involve deep learning-based techniques, including Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), Fully Convolutional Networks (FCNs), and CNN-based network structures, such as U-Net and V-Net. They utilize multi-stage strategies and combine other mechanisms and algorithms to further improve the semantic or instance segmentation performance of CBCT images, and most of the models have a Dice similarity coefficient greater than 90% and accuracy ranging from 83% to 99%. Conclusions: Artificial intelligence methods have shown excellent performance in tooth segmentation of CBCT images, but still face problems, such as the small size of training data and non-uniformity of evaluation metrics, which still need to be further improved and explored for their application and evaluation in clinical applications.
A Medical Image Segmentation Network with Multi-Scale and Dual-Branch Attention
Authors: Zhu Cancan , Cheng Ke , Hua Xuecheng
Published: July 2024

Accurate medical image segmentation can assist doctors in observing lesion areas and making precise judgments. Effectively utilizing important multi-scale semantic information in local and global contexts is key to improving segmentation accuracy. In this paper, we present a multi-scale dual attention network (MSDA-Net), which enhances feature representation under different receptive fields and effectively utilizes the important multi-scale semantic information from both local and global contexts in medical images. MSDA-Net is a typical encoder–decoder structure and introduces a multi-receptive field densely connected module (MRD) in the decoder. This module captures semantic information across various receptive fields and utilizes dense connections to provide comprehensive and detailed semantic representations. Furthermore, a parallel dual-branch attention module (PDA), incorporating spatial and channel attention, focuses intensively on detailed features within lesion areas. This module enhances feature representation, facilitates the identification of disease boundaries, and improves the accuracy of segmentation. To validate the effectiveness of MSDA-Net, we conducted performance analyses on the CVC-ClinicDB, 2018 Data Science Bowl, ISIC 2018, and colon cancer slice datasets. We also compared our method with U-Net, UNet++, and other methods. The experimental results unequivocally demonstrate that MSDA-Net outperforms these methods, showcasing its superior performance in medical image segmentation tasks.
Optimizing Automated Detection of Cross-Recessed Screws in Laptops Using a Neural Network
Authors: DiFilippo Nicholas M. , Jouaneh Musa K. , Jedson Alexander D.
Published: July 2024

This paper investigates varying the operating conditions of a neural network in a robotic system using a low-cost webcam to achieve optimal settings in order to detect crossed-recess screws on laptops, a necessary step in the realization of automated disassembly systems. A study was performed that varied the lighting conditions, velocity, and number of passes the robot made over the laptop, as well as the network size of a YOLO-v5 neural network. The analysis reveals that specific combinations of operating parameters and neural network configurations can significantly improve detection accuracy. Specifically, the best results for the majority of laptops were obtained when the system ran at medium velocity (10 and 15 mm/s), with a light, and the neural network was run with an extra large network. Additionally, the results show that screw characteristics like the screw hole depth, the presence of a taper in the screw hole, screw hole location, and the color difference between the laptop cover and the screw color impact the system’s overall detection rate, with the most important factor being the depth of the screw.
Comparison of the Sliding Resistance of Metallic, Composite and In-House 3D-Printed Brackets: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Brucculeri Luca , Pellitteri Federica , Palone Mario , Lombardo Luca
Published: July 2024

Objective: To evaluate the differences in frictional resistance between in-house 3D-printed resin brackets (IH3DBs) and two types of commercially available brackets in combination with three different archwires. Methods: Friction tests were performed using a dynamometer and a millimetre sled to simulate first premolar post-extraction space closure. Three different brackets, namely PRIMO metallic brackets, Crystal composite brackets and in-house 3D-printed brackets, were tested in combination with three different archwires (0.016-inch NiTi, 0.019 × 0.025-inch NiTi and 0.019 × 0.025-inch SS). Statistical analysis was performed to verify the differences in friction among the bracket and archwire combinations. For all the tests, the significance level was set at p < 0.05. Results: There were significant differences among the three brackets tested with both the 0.016-inch NiTi and 0.019 × 0.025-inch SS archwires (p = 0.026 and p = 0.017, respectively). Only tests with the 0.019 × 0.025-inch NiTi archwire yielded no statistically significant differences between the groups. The composite bracket generated clinically and statistically more friction than both the IH3DB and metallic bracket, with no differences between the latter two. Conclusions: The IH3DBs demonstrated comparable frictional resistance properties to the metal brackets and better than the composite brackets with all the archwires tested.
Transverse and Longitudinal Energy Flows in a Sharp Focus of Vortex and Cylindrical Vector Beams
Authors: Kotlyar Victor V. , Kovalev Alexey A. , Nalimov Anton G. , Stafeev Sergey S. , Telegin Alexey M.
Published: July 2024

It is shown in this work that, with strong focusing of a beam with optical vortex and circular polarization, three energy flows take place in the focal plane: direct longitudinal, reverse longitudinal and azimuthal transverse flows. Calculations are made analytically using the Richards–Wolf formalism and by numerical simulation. Moreover, the energy rotation at different lengths from the optical axis occurs in different directions. Therefore, the focal plane intersects along the optical axis only part of the initial beam energy per unit time. The same energy part (other things being equal) intersects the focal plane along the positive direction of the optical axis when an optical vortex with cylindrical polarization is focused. The difference is that, if an optical vortex is present, then the transverse energy flux at the focus rotates around the optical axis. If an optical vortex is not present (a beam with only cylindrical polarization), then the average transverse flow in the focal plane is zero, though, in some regions in the focal plane, the flow is directed towards the optical axis and, in other regions, away from it. This behavior of the transverse energy flow at the focus (flow direction towards the optical axis and away from the optical axis) of a cylindrical vector beam can be deemed another kind of Hall effect.
A Fault Diagnosis Method for a Missile Air Data System Based on Unscented Kalman Filter and Inception V3 Methods
Authors: Wang Ziyue , Cheng Yuehua , Jiang Bin , Guo Kun , Hu Hengsong
Published: July 2024

Due to the complexity of the missile air data system (ADS) and the harshness of the environment in which its sensors operate, the effectiveness of traditional fault diagnosis methods is significantly reduced. To this end, this paper proposes a method fusing the model and neural network based on unscented Kalman filter (UKF) and Inception V3 to enhance fault diagnosis performance. Initially, the unscented Kalman filter model is established based on an atmospheric system model to accurately estimate normal states. Subsequently, in order to solve the difficulties such as threshold setting in existing fault diagnosis methods based on residual observers, the UKF model is combined with a neural network, where innovation and residual sequences of the UKF model are extracted as inputs for the neural network model to amplify fault characteristics. Then, multi-scale features are extracted by the Inception V3 network, combined with the efficient channel attention (ECA) mechanism to improve diagnostic results. Finally, the proposed algorithm is validated on a missile simulation platform. The results show that, compared to traditional methods, the proposed method achieves higher accuracy and maintains its lightweight nature simultaneously, which demonstrates its efficiency and potential of fault diagnosis in missile air data systems.
Application of Selected Lean Manufacturing Tools to Improve Work Safety in the Construction Industry
Authors: Małysa Tomasz , Furman Joanna , Pawlak Szymon , Šolc Marek
Published: July 2024

Shaping safe and hygienic working conditions is the basic obligation of the employer. Employers are still looking for methods, tools, and solutions to improve work safety. The study reviews the literature on solutions aimed at improving occupational safety in construction. For this purpose, bibliometric analysis was used, consisting of the exploration and analysis of scientific studies in the field of occupational health and safety, including the possibility of using the LM tool to improve working conditions on construction sites. The study presents the possibility of implementing Lean Manufacturing (LM) tools in the construction industry. Their strengths and weaknesses were identified, and the benefits and possible barriers related to their effective implementation/use were identified. The result of the analyses was a summary of benefits for the construction industry (strengths and opportunities) as well as areas requiring improvement (weaknesses and hazards) regarding the LM tools used. Based on the conducted analyses, it was found that it is possible to use the tools of the LM concept to improve work safety and organize tasks performed on construction sites. The implementation of LM tools, such as 5S/6S, Poka-Yoke, and Standardization, enables risk reduction through a direct impact on the area being analyzed, in which occupational hazards have been identified. It is also noted that there is a need to simultaneously use LM tools (VM, Gemba-Walk, DHM) as solutions aimed at reducing risk.
Site-Specific Deterministic Temperature and Dew Point Forecasts with Explainable and Reliable Machine Learning
Authors: Han Mengmeng , Leeuwenburg Tennessee , Murphy Brad
Published: July 2024

Site-specific weather forecasts are essential for accurate prediction of power demand and are consequently of great interest to energy operators. However, weather forecasts from current numerical weather prediction (NWP) models lack the fine-scale detail to capture all important characteristics of localised real-world sites. Instead, they provide weather information representing a rectangular gridbox (usually kilometres in size). Even after post-processing and bias correction, area-averaged information is usually not optimal for specific sites. Prior work on site-optimised forecasts has focused on linear methods, weighted consensus averaging, and time-series methods, among others. Recent developments in machine learning (ML) have prompted increasing interest in applying ML as a novel approach towards this problem. In this study, we investigate the feasibility of optimising forecasts at sites by adopting the popular machine learning model “gradient boosted decision tree”, supported by the XGBoost package (v.1.7.3) in the Python language. Regression trees have been trained with historical NWP and site observations as training data, aimed at predicting temperature and dew point at multiple site locations across Australia. We developed a working ML framework, named “Multi-SiteBoost”, and initial test results show a significant improvement compared with gridded values from bias-corrected NWP models. The improvement from XGBoost (0.1–0.6 °C, 4–27% improvement in temperature) is found to be comparable with non-ML methods reported in the literature. With the insights provided by SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP), this study also tests various approaches to understand the ML predictions and increase the reliability of the forecasts generated by ML.
The Complex Interrelationships of the Risk Factors Leading to Hamstring Injury and Implications for Injury Prevention: A Group Model Building Approach
Authors: Liveris Nikolaos I. , Tsarbou Charis , Papageorgiou George , Tsepis Elias , Fousekis Konstantinos , Kvist Joanna , Xergia Sofia A.
Published: July 2024

There is a gap in the literature regarding the complex interrelationships among hamstring injury (HI) risk factors. System dynamics (SD) modeling is considered an appropriate approach for understanding the complex etiology of HI for effective injury prevention. This study adopted the SD method and developed a causal loop model (CLD) to elucidate the intricate relationships among HI risk factors. This is performed by combining literature evidence and insights from expert stakeholders through a group model building (GMB) approach. The GMB methodology facilitated the identification of sixty-five critical factors influencing the HI risk, revealing the dynamic interplay between factors. Stakeholder engagement underscored the importance of previous injury characteristics (level of influence of previous injury, severity of previous injury, quality and size of scar tissue) and the quality of rehabilitation. HI-CLD revealed that many factors had indirect effects on HI risk. The HI-causal loop model establishes a foundation for a future stock and flow quantitative SD model aiming to advance HI prevention strategies through an interdisciplinary collaborative effort. These findings underscore the complexity of HI prevention, necessitating a holistic approach that integrates the views of diverse professional expertise. Appropriate inter-professional collaboration and continuous athlete screening are important for effective injury prevention strategies.