bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of kernel low-rank compressed sensing in preclinical diffusion magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: de Souza Diego Alves Rodrigues , Mathieu Hervé , Deloulme Jean-Christophe , Barbier Emmanuel L.
Published: June 2023

Compressed sensing (CS) is widely used to accelerate clinical diffusion MRI acquisitions, but it is not widely used in preclinical settings yet. In this study, we optimized and compared several CS reconstruction methods for diffusion imaging. Different undersampling patterns and two reconstruction approaches were evaluated: conventional CS, based on Berkeley Advanced Reconstruction Toolbox (BART-CS) toolbox, and a new kernel low-rank (KLR)-CS, based on kernel principal component analysis and low-resolution-phase (LRP) maps. 3D CS acquisitions were performed at 9.4T using a 4-element cryocoil on mice (wild type and a MAP6 knockout). Comparison metrics were error and structural similarity index measure (SSIM) on fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD), as well as reconstructions of the anterior commissure and fornix. Acceleration factors (AF) up to 6 were considered. In the case of retrospective undersampling, the proposed KLR-CS outperformed BART-CS up to AF = 6 for FA and MD maps and tractography. For instance, for AF = 4, the maximum errors were, respectively, 8.0% for BART-CS and 4.9% for KLR-CS, considering both FA and MD in the corpus callosum. Regarding undersampled acquisitions, these maximum errors became, respectively, 10.5% for BART-CS and 7.0% for KLR-CS. This difference between simulations and acquisitions arose mainly from repetition noise, but also from differences in resonance frequency drift, signal-to-noise ratio, and in reconstruction noise. Despite this increased error, fully sampled and AF = 2 yielded comparable results for FA, MD and tractography, and AF = 4 showed minor faults. Altogether, KLR-CS based on LRP maps seems a robust approach to accelerate preclinical diffusion MRI and thereby limit the effect of the frequency drift.
Association of modifiable lifestyle with colorectal cancer incidence and mortality according to metabolic status: prospective cohort study
Authors: Xie Peng , Wu Siqing , Kuo Zichong , Tian Huidong , He Qiangsheng , Li Yanfei , Mi Ningning , Hu Linmin , Zhao Haitong , Li Wenjing , Xia Bin , Yuan Jinqiu , Yang Kehu , Zhang Changhua , He Yulong
Published: May 2023

Background

Metabolic syndrome has been linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality, but whether adopting a healthy lifestyle could attenuate the risk of CRC conferred by metabolic syndrome remains unclear. The aim of the study is to investigate the individual and joint effects of modifiable healthy lifestyle and metabolic health status on CRC incidence and mortality in the UK population.

Methods

This prospective study included 328,236 individuals from the UK Biobank. An overall metabolic health status was assessed at baseline and categorized based on the presence or absence of metabolic syndrome. We estimated the association of the healthy lifestyle score (derived from 4 modifiable behaviors: smoking, alcohol consumption, diet, physical activity and categorized into “favorable,” “intermediate”, and “unfavorable”) with CRC incidence and mortality, stratified by metabolic health status.

Results

During a median follow-up of 12.5 years, 3,852 CRC incidences and 1,076 deaths from CRC were newly identified. The risk of incident CRC and its mortality increased with the number of abnormal metabolic factors and decreased with healthy lifestyle score (P trend = 0.000). MetS was associated with greater CRC incidence (HR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.16 – 1.33) and mortality (HR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.08 – 1.41) when compared with those without MetS. An unfavorable lifestyle was associated with an increased risk (HR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.15 – 1.36) and mortality (HR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.16 – 1.59) of CRC across all metabolic health status. Participants adopting an unfavorable lifestyle with MetS had a higher risk (HR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.38 – 1.76) and mortality (HR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.40 – 2.20) than those adopting a favorable healthy lifestyle without MetS.

Conclusion

This study indicated that adherence to a healthy lifestyle could substantially reduce the burden of CRC regardless of the metabolic status. Behavioral lifestyle changes should be encouraged for CRC prevention even in participants with MetS.
Whole-genome informed circulating tumor DNA analysis by multiplex digital PCR for disease monitoring in B-cell lymphomas: a proof-of-concept study
Authors: Haider Zahra , Wästerlid Tove , Spångberg Linn Deleskog , Rabbani Leily , Jylhä Cecilia , Thorvaldsdottir Birna , Skaftason Aron , Awier Hero Nikdin , Krstic Aleksandra , Gellerbring Anna , Lyander Anna , Hägglund Moa , Jeggari Ashwini , Rassidakis Georgios , Sonnevi Kristina , Sander Birgitta , Rosenquist Richard , Tham Emma , Smedby Karin E.
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Analyzing liquid biopsies for tumor-specific aberrations can facilitate detection of measurable residual disease (MRD) during treatment and at follow-up. In this study, we assessed the clinical potential of using whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of lymphomas at diagnosis to identify patient-specific structural (SVs) and single nucleotide variants (SNVs) to enable longitudinal, multi-targeted droplet digital PCR analysis (ddPCR) of cell-free DNA (cfDNA).

Methods

In 9 patients with B-cell lymphoma (diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and follicular lymphoma), comprehensive genomic profiling at diagnosis was performed by 30X WGS of paired tumor and normal specimens. Patient-specific multiplex ddPCR (m-ddPCR) assays were designed for simultaneous detection of multiple SNVs, indels and/or SVs, with a detection sensitivity of 0.0025% for SV assays and 0.02% for SNVs/indel assays. M-ddPCR was applied to analyze cfDNA isolated from serially collected plasma at clinically critical timepoints during primary and/or relapse treatment and at follow-up.

Results

A total of 164 SNVs/indels were identified by WGS including 30 variants known to be functionally relevant in lymphoma pathogenesis. The most frequently mutated genes included KMT2D, PIM1, SOCS1 and BCL2. WGS analysis further identified recurrent SVs including t(14;18)(q32;q21) (IGH::BCL2), and t(6;14)(p25;q32) (IGH::IRF4). Plasma analysis at diagnosis showed positive circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) levels in 88% of patients and the ctDNA burden correlated with baseline clinical parameters (LDH and sedimentation rate, p-value <0.01). While clearance of ctDNA levels after primary treatment cycle 1 was observed in 3/6 patients, all patients analyzed at final evaluation of primary treatment showed negative ctDNA, hence correlating with PET-CT imaging. One patient with positive ctDNA at interim also displayed detectable ctDNA (average variant allele frequency (VAF) 6.9%) in the follow-up plasma sample collected 2 years after final evaluation of primary treatment and 25 weeks before clinical manifestation of relapse.

Conclusion

In summary, we demonstrate that multi-targeted cfDNA analysis, using a combination of SNVs/indels and SVs candidates identified by WGS analysis, provides a sensitive tool for MRD monitoring and can detect lymphoma relapse earlier than clinical manifestation.
Fucoidan inhibits apoptosis and improves cardiac remodeling by inhibiting p53 transcriptional activation through USP22/Sirt 1
Authors: Wang Shuai , Bai Jie , Che Yilin , Qu Weikun , Li Jing
Published: May 2023

Background: Humans with hypertensive heart disease are more likely to experience heart failure, arrhythmia, myocardial infarction, and sudden death, and it is crucial to treat this condition. Fucoidan (FO) is a natural substance derived from marine algae that has antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities. FO has also been shown to regulate apoptosis. However, whether FO can protect against cardiac hypertrophy is unknown.

Methods: We investigated the effect of FO in hypertrophic models in vivo and in vitro. C57BL/6 mice were given an oral gavage of FO (300 mg/kg/day) or PBS (internal control) the day before surgery, followed by a 14-day infusion of Ang II or saline. AC-16 cells were treated with si-USP22 for 4 h and then treated with Ang II (100 nM) for 24 h. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was recorded, echocardiography was used to assess cardiac function, and pathological changes in heart tissues were assessed by histological staining. Apoptosis levels were detected by TUNEL assays. The mRNA level of genes was assessed by qPCR. Protein expression was detected by immunoblotting.

Results: Our data showed that USP22 expression was lowered in Ang II-infused animals and cells, which could promote cardiac dysfunction and remodeling. However, treatment with FO significantly upregulated the expression of USP22 and reduced the incidence of cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, inflammation, and oxidative responses. Additionally, FO treatment lowered p53 expression and apoptosis while increasing Sirt 1 and Bcl-2 expression.

Conclusion: By reducing the level of Ang II-induced apoptosis through the regulation of USP22/Sirt 1 expression, FO treatment might improve cardiac function. According to this study, FO might be potential targeted approach for treating heart failure.
Impact of Anti-CD20 therapies on the immune homeostasis of gastrointestinal mucosa and their relationship with de novo intestinal bowel disease in multiple sclerosis: a review
Authors: Quesada-Simó A. , Garrido-Marín A. , Nos P. , Gil-Perotín S.
Published: May 2023

Multiple sclerosis (MS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are autoimmune disorders characterized by inflammatory episodes affecting the brain and the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, respectively. The frequent association between MS and IBD suggests that both conditions may share common pathogenic mechanisms. However, different responses to biological therapies indicate differences in immune mechanisms of inflammation. Anti-CD20 therapies are high efficacy treatments increasingly used to control inflammatory bursts in MS, but they may alter GI homeostasis and promote the development of bowel inflammation in susceptible individuals. This review analyzes the mechanistic association between immunity in MS and IBD, the effect of anti-CD20 therapies on the gut microenvironment, and provides recommendations for early detection and management of GI toxicities in the context of B-cell depletion in MS patients.
Alzheimer’s disease and neuroinflammation: will new drugs in clinical trials pave the way to a multi-target therapy?
Authors: Melchiorri Daniela , Merlo Sara , Micallef Benjamin , Borg John-Joseph , Dráfi František
Published: June 2023

Despite extensive research, no disease-modifying therapeutic option, able to prevent, cure or halt the progression of Alzheimer’s disease [AD], is currently available. AD, a devastating neurodegenerative pathology leading to dementia and death, is characterized by two pathological hallmarks, the extracellular deposits of amyloid beta (Aβ) and the intraneuronal deposits of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) consisting of altered hyperphosphorylated tau protein. Both have been widely studied and pharmacologically targeted for many years, without significant therapeutic results. In 2022, positive data on two monoclonal antibodies targeting Aβ, donanemab and lecanemab, followed by the 2023 FDA accelerated approval of lecanemab and the publication of the final results of the phase III Clarity AD study, have strengthened the hypothesis of a causal role of Aβ in the pathogenesis of AD. However, the magnitude of the clinical effect elicited by the two drugs is limited, suggesting that additional pathological mechanisms may contribute to the disease. Cumulative studies have shown inflammation as one of the main contributors to the pathogenesis of AD, leading to the recognition of a specific role of neuroinflammation synergic with the Aβ and NFTs cascades. The present review provides an overview of the investigational drugs targeting neuroinflammation that are currently in clinical trials. Moreover, their mechanisms of action, their positioning in the pathological cascade of events that occur in the brain throughout AD disease and their potential benefit/limitation in the therapeutic strategy in AD are discussed and highlighted as well. In addition, the latest patent requests for inflammation-targeting therapeutics to be developed in AD will also be discussed.
Anger, agency, risk and action: a neurobehavioral model with proof-of-concept in healthy young adults
Authors: White Tara L. , Gonsalves Meghan A. , Zimmerman Chloe , Joyce Hannah , Cohen Ronald A. , Clark Uraina S. , Sweet Lawrence H. , Lejuez Carl W. , Nitenson Adam Z.
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Anger can engender action by individuals and groups. It is thus important to understand anger’s behavioral phenotypes and their underlying neural substrates. Here, we introduce a construct we term agentic anger, a negatively valenced internal state that motivates action to achieve risky goals. We evaluate our neurobehavioral model via testable hypotheses in two proof-of-concept studies.

Study 1 Methods

Study 1 used the Incentive Balloon Analogue Risk Task in a within-subjects, repeated measures design in 39 healthy volunteers to evaluate: (a) impact of blockade of reward on agentic anger, assessed by self-reports of negative activation (NA), (b) impact of achievement of reward on exuberance, assessed by self-reports of positive activation (PA), (c) the interrelationship of these valenced states, and (d) their relationship with personality.

Study 1 Results

Task-induced NA was positively correlated with task-induced PA, risk-taking on the task and trait Social Potency (SP), a measure of trait agency and reward sensitivity on the Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire Brief-Form.

Study 2 Methods

Study 2 assessed functional MRI response to stakes for risk-taking in healthy volunteers receiving 20 mg d-amphetamine in a double-blinded, placebo-controlled crossover design (N = 10 males), providing preliminary information on ventral striatal response to risky rewards during catecholamine activation.

Study 2 Results

Trait SP and task-induced PA were strongly positively related to catecholamine-facilitated BOLD response in the right nucleus accumbens, a brain region where DA prediction error signal shapes action value and selection. Participants’ task-induced NA was strongly positively related with trait SP and task-induced PA, replicating the findings of Study 1.

Discussion

Together these results inform the phenomenology and neurobiology of agentic anger, which recruits incentive motivational circuitry and motivates personal action in response to goals that entail risk (defined as exposure to uncertainty, obstacles, potential harm, loss and/or financial, emotional, bodily, or moral peril). Neural mechanisms of agency, anger, exuberance, and risk-taking are discussed, with implications for personal and group action, decision-making, social justice, and behavior change.
Exploring the role of learning through play in promoting multimodal learning among children: a pilot study in Chinese first-tier cities
Authors: Li Xiuhan , Zhang Xiaoman , Zhao Yongle , Zhang Lu , Shang Junjie
Published: May 2023

Play is an effective approach to engaging children in learning as an alternative to traditional lecturing. The Learning through Play (LtP) approach involves various modes of learning participation, including multi-sensory participation, interpersonal interaction, and hands-on operation, which can effectively motivate children to learn. This study implemented an LtP pilot survey in several first-tier cities of China, which included questionnaires and interviews. The results present the basic ecology of LtP in China, LtP effects on children's multimodal learning. We found that LtP has gained great popularity, both conceptually and practically, in China. LtP stakeholders recognize the behavioral, cognitive, and affective effectiveness of LtP for children's learning. The factors influencing the effectiveness of LtP include its structural weaknesses, the subjects involved, the environment, and culture. This study provides a reference for promoting the theory and practice of children's multimodal learning with a playful approach.
Reflection on traditional sporting games: the impact of bodily involvement on empathic dimensions
Authors: Dugas Eric , Ben Ali Boubaker
Published: May 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate bodily engagement and involvement in traditional sporting games (TSGs), with a focus on the development of empathy. Even though the current research on empathy has been focused on its emotional component, the name “empathy” alludes to a considerably more profound dimension than emotional engagement. Empathy refers to the ability to perceive another person’s private life through the exchange of contextual factors provided through interactive sports activities. In this study, based on real-world experiences, it has been demonstrated that traditional sporting games stimulate, preserve, or reveal empathic capacities in several ways. Games can show and sustain the full potential of empathic dispositions if they are present at a young age. Moreover, by examining empathy through the prism of a TSG, we recognized them as a source of relational empathy and feelings developed to various degrees by direct involvement. As a result, we may define empathy as an integrated pedagogy that can be more successfully conducted through TSGs which are multifaceted because of their internal and external logic systems. Essentially, the hypotheses discussed in this study allow us to postulate that the physical gaming involvement of players, such as role changes, influences the individual’s empathic dimensions. Furthermore, the characteristics of traditional sporting game interaction networks may serve as a source of encouragement or inspiration for a wide range of games (theatrical, social, etc.).
Cardiometabolic disease risk markers are increased following burn injury in children
Authors: Begum Sofina , Lodge Samantha , Hall Drew , Johnson Blair Z. , Bong Sze How , Whiley Luke , Gray Nicola , Fear Vanessa S. , Fear Mark W. , Holmes Elaine , Wood Fiona M. , Nicholson Jeremy K.
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Burn injury in children causes prolonged systemic effects on physiology and metabolism leading to increased morbidity and mortality, yet much remains undefined regarding the metabolic trajectory towards specific health outcomes.

Methods

A multi-platform strategy was implemented to evaluate the long-term immuno-metabolic consequences of burn injury combining metabolite, lipoprotein, and cytokine panels. Plasma samples from 36 children aged 4–8 years were collected 3 years after a burn injury together with 21 samples from non-injured age and sex matched controls. Three different 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopic experiments were applied to capture information on plasma low molecular weight metabolites, lipoproteins, and α-1-acid glycoprotein.

Results

Burn injury was characterized by underlying signatures of hyperglycaemia, hypermetabolism and inflammation, suggesting disruption of multiple pathways relating to glycolysis, tricarboxylic acid cycle, amino acid metabolism and the urea cycle. In addition, very low-density lipoprotein sub-components were significantly reduced in participants with burn injury whereas small-dense low density lipoprotein particles were significantly elevated in the burn injured patient plasma compared to uninjured controls, potentially indicative of modified cardiometabolic risk after a burn. Weighted-node Metabolite Correlation Network Analysis was restricted to the significantly differential features (q <0.05) between the children with and without burn injury and demonstrated a striking disparity in the number of statistical correlations between cytokines, lipoproteins, and small molecular metabolites in the injured groups, with increased correlations between these groups.

Discussion

These findings suggest a ‘metabolic memory’ of burn defined by a signature of interlinked and perturbed immune and metabolic function. Burn injury is associated with a series of adverse metabolic changes that persist chronically and are independent of burn severity and this study demonstrates increased risk of cardiovascular disease in the long-term. These findings highlight a crucial need for improved longer term monitoring of cardiometabolic health in a vulnerable population of children that have undergone burn injury.
Increased suicide risk of psychiatric patients following the recent utilization of health care services: results from a nationwide cohort study in South Korea
Authors: Lee Ju-Mi , Lee Junhee , Lim Jiseun , Park Soonjoo , Ki Myung , Kang Jiwon
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to examine whether and to what degree the suicide risk of psychiatric patients is associated with psychiatric and non-psychiatric health service utilization.

Methods

We selected incident psychiatric patients, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, borderline personality disorder, depressive disorders, other affective disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder patients, in 2007–2010 and followed them up until 2017 based on the data linkage between the Korean National Health Insurance and National Death Registry. We analyzed the time-dependent association between suicide and four types of health service (psychiatric vs. non-psychiatric and outpatient vs. inpatient) utilization using a time-dependent Cox regression.

Results

The suicide risk of psychiatric patients was significantly increased with recent psychiatric and non-psychiatric admission and psychiatric outpatient visits. The adjusted suicide hazard ratios for recent outpatient visits were similar to or even higher than those for recent psychiatric admission. The adjusted suicide hazard ratios of schizophrenia patients for psychiatric admission, psychiatric outpatient visits, and non-psychiatric admission within the recent 6 months were 2.34 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.12–2.58, p < 0.001), 2.96 (95% CI: 2.65–3.30, p < 0.001), and 1.55 (95% CI: 1.39–1.74, p < 0.001), respectively. Suicide risk was not associated with recent non-psychiatric outpatient visits in patients, except for the depressive disorders group showing a negative association.

Conclusion

Our results highlight the priority of suicide prevention for psychiatric patients in the clinical setting. Additionally, our results warrant the precaution against increased suicide risk of psychiatric patients after psychiatric and non-psychiatric discharge.
Psychosocial determinants of healthcare use costs in kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Zerbinati Luigi , Guerzoni Franco , Napoli Nicola , Preti Antonio , Esposito Pasquale , Caruso Rosangela , Bulighin Francesca , Storari Alda , Grassi Luigi , Battaglia Yuri
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Psychosocial factors frequently occur in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs), leading to behavioral alterations and reduced therapeutic adherence. However, the burden of psychosocial disorders on costs for KTRs is unknown. The aim of the study is to identify predictors of healthcare costs due to hospital admissions and emergency department access in KTRs.

Methods

This is a longitudinal observational study conducted on KTRs aged >18 years, excluding patients with an insufficient level of autonomy and cognitive disorder. KTRs underwent psychosocial assessment via two interviews, namely the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview 6.0 (MINI 6.0) and the Diagnostic Criteria for Psychosomatic Research Interview (DCPR) and via the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System Revised (ESAS-R) scale, a self-administrated questionnaire. Sociodemographic data and healthcare costs for hospital admissions and emergency department access were collected in the 2016–2021 period. Psychosocial determinants were as follows: (1) ESAS-R psychological and physical score; (2) symptomatic clusters determined by DCPR (illness behavior cluster, somatization cluster, and personological cluster); and (3) ICD diagnosis of adjustment disorder, anxiety disorder, and mood disorder. A multivariate regression model was used to test the association between psychosocial determinants and total healthcare costs.

Results

A total of 134 KTRs were enrolled, of whom 90 (67%) were men with a mean age of 56 years. A preliminary analysis of healthcare costs highlighted that higher healthcare costs are correlated with worse outcomes and death (p < 0.001). Somatization clusters (p = 0.020) and mood disorder (p < 0.001) were positively associated with costs due to total healthcare costs.

Conclusions

This study showed somatization and mood disorders could predict costs for hospital admissions and emergency department access and be possible risk factors for poor outcomes, including death, in KTRs.
Exploring professionals' practices and perspectives on supporting parents with intellectual disabilities: a qualitative study
Authors: Rinaldi Romina , Legierski Manon , Wauthia Erika , Mazza Emma , Batselé Elise
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Evidence suggests that parents with intellectual disabilities require appropriate parenting support. However, professional practices vary widely, and several barriers and challenges persist in supporting parents with intellectual disabilities. To identify effective and collaborative practices, this study investigated practices reported by professionals and their roles in providing services to parents with intellectual disabilities.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 professionals from three sectors (disability, early childhood, and healthcare), and the content was analysed using inductive thematic analysis.

Results

Thematic analyses yielded four main themes: (1) Perceived professional practices, (2) professional stances, (3) the frame of reference and the ethics of support, (4) the experience of providing support. They are described in terms of content and distribution across sectors to provide an overview of practices as well as potential discrepancies.

Conclusions

This study concludes by developing recommendations on good practices for support professionals to respond as adequately as possible to meet the needs of parents and future parents with intellectual disabilities, which include structural support and guidelines for professionals to provide sensitive, family-centred, and enabling support.
Humanistic geography in an indigenous community of Mexico: Santa Catarina Lachatao
Authors: García-Luna Romero Ana C. , Quiroga-Garza Angélica
Published: May 2023

Introduction

The present study aim was to rethink the geographical reasoning of everyday life toward a new understanding of knowing how to think about space through an interdisciplinary approach, architecture-psychology. This allowed establishing logical relations in spatial and socio-spatial distributions and uses of social phenomena, typical of Santa Catarina Lachatao, an indigenous Mexican community in Sierra Norte Zapoteca.

Methods

Based on ethnographic qualitative interdisciplinary research methods along with a total of three visits lasting 15 weeks, the daily experience of people and their community in different times and spaces, experiences, perspectives, and prejudices, were studied. The geographical approach (cartographies) reflects the social construction of the spatial components as the basic understanding of the territory from everyday life. In this study we worked on indigenous citizenship and its territory, analyzing, and contrasting social phenomena such as power-subjection, wealth-poverty, and exclusion-inclusion that transversally allow us to reflect and understand some of the characteristics of diversity and territoriality of the indigenous communities in Mexico.

Results

Characteristics that predominating in indigenous communities was recognized and featured. This was observed in the social production of their public space which evidence intergenerational pride and sense of community and belonging and their commitment to preserve their life project sustaining their space, community, and traditions. The natural rural context emerges from the interplay between the natural landscape and the built environment (in constant expansion). The bodies of water are respected and protected by the community and the original crossings are still preserved as precious resources, just as any other natural element. Landscape takes precedence over the irregular built environment, reflected in the urban trace.

Discussion

Developing interdisciplinary research -architecture and psychology–allowed studying the community development of a Mexican indigenous community, respectfully approaching diversity and territoriality of Santa Catarina Lachatao, Oaxaca. Societies must be understood in and by means of space. Public policy is crucial to strengthen the autonomy and configuration of indigenous communities, warranting their active participation in the design and evaluation of government programs that favor the sustainable use of their lands and natural resources, as well as the preservation of their values and traditions.

     The principles of justice are chosen behind a veil of ignorance.

                 John Rawls
Simulation of CSST’s astrometric capability
Authors: Fu Zhen-Sen , Qi Zhao-Xiang , Liao Shi-Long , Peng Xi-Yan , Yu Yong , Wu Qi-Qi , Shao Li , Xu You-Hua
Published: June 2023

Introduction: The China Space Station Telescope (CSST) will enter a low Earth orbit around 2024 and operate for 10 years, with seven of those years devoted to surveying the area of the median-to-high Galactic latitude and median-to-high Ecliptic latitude of the sky. To maximize the scientific output of CSST, it is important to optimize the survey schedule. We aim to evaluate the astrometric capability of CSST for a given survey schedule and to provide independent suggestions for the optimization of the survey strategy.

Methods: We first construct the astrometric model and then conduct simulated observations based on the given survey schedule. The astrometric solution is obtained by analyzing the simulated observation data. And then we evaluate the astrometric capability of CSST by analyzing the properties of the astrometric solution.

Results: The accuracy of parallax and proper motion of CSST is better than 1 mas (⋅ yr−1) for the sources of 18–22 mag in g band, and about 1∼10 mas (⋅ yr−1) for the sources of 22–26 mag in g band, respectively. The results from real survey could be worse since the assumptions are optimistic and simple.

Discussion: Optimizing the survey schedule can improve the astrometric accuracy of CSST. In the future, we will improve the astrometric capability of CSST by continuously iterating and optimizing the survey schedule.
Developing Prediction Model of Travel Times of the Logistics Fleets of Large Convenience Store Chains Using Machine Learning
Authors: Lin Yang-Kuei , Chen Chien-Fu , Chou Tien-Yin
Published: June 2023

Convenience store chains are many people’s top choice for dining and leisure and have logistics procedures that involve each store receiving multiple deliveries because of the varying delivery periods and suitable temperatures for different goods. The estimated arrival time for each delivery has a huge impact on the route arrangement and convenience store preparation for dispatchers to schedule future deliveries. This study collected global positioning system travel data from a fleet of one of the top convenience store chains in Taiwan between April 2021 and March 2022 and proposed machine learning to establish a model to predict travel times. For unavailable data, we proposed the nonlinear regression equation to fill in the missing GPS data. Moreover, the study used the data between April 2022 and September 2022 with mean absolute percentage error to validate the prediction effects exceeding 97%. Therefore, the proposed model based on historical data and the machine learning algorithm in this study can help logistics fleets estimate accurate travel times for their scheduling of future delivery tasks and arranging routes.
An Adaptive Deep Learning Neural Network Model to Enhance Machine-Learning-Based Classifiers for Intrusion Detection in Smart Grids
Authors: Li Xue Jun , Ma Maode , Sun Yihan
Published: June 2023

Modern smart grids are built based on top of advanced computing and networking technologies, where condition monitoring relies on secure cyberphysical connectivity. Over the network infrastructure, transported data containing confidential information, must be protected as smart grids are vulnerable and subject to various cyberattacks. Various machine learning based classifiers were proposed for intrusion detection in smart grids. However, each of them has respective advantage and disadvantages. Aiming to improve the performance of existing machine learning based classifiers, this paper proposes an adaptive deep learning algorithm with a data pre-processing module, a neural network pre-training module and a classifier module, which work together classify intrusion data types using their high-dimensional data features. The proposed Adaptive Deep Learning (ADL) algorithm obtains the number of layers and the number of neurons per layer by determining the characteristic dimension of the network traffic. With transfer learning, the proposed ADL algorithm can extract the original data dimensions and obtain new abstract features. By combining deep learning models with traditional machine learning-based classification models, the performance of classification of network traffic data is significantly improved. By using the Network Security Laboratory-Knowledge Discovery in Databases (NSL-KDD) dataset, experimental results show that the proposed ADL algorithm improves the effectiveness of existing intrusion detection methods and reduces the training time, indicating a promising candidate to enhance network security in smart grids.
Assessment of the Physiological Values and the Reference Histological Profile Related to Sex Steroids in Veal Calves
Authors: Pezzolato Marzia , Biasibetti Elena , Gili Marilena , Maurella Cristiana , Benedetto Alessandro , Marturella Marianna , Ostorero Federica , Bozzo Giancarlo , Bellino Claudio , D’angelo Antonio , Valentini Flaminia , Roberti Francesca , Fiori Maurizio , Stacchini Paolo , Bozzetta Elena
Published: May 2023

Among forbidden substances included in the European Union legislation, endogenous steroids constitute a challenge in the framework of veterinary Official Monitoring Plans. They can be naturally present in body fluids at variable levels depending on the species, sex and age of the animals. Considering the significant advances achieved in breeding conditions and in the selection of producing traits in meat cattle, the aim of this study was to verify by analytical method, in veal calves housed under controlled conditions, if the level of natural steroids hormones assumed as physiological are still actual. The second aim of the study was to verify if the normal histological pattern of growth promoters in target organs is influenced accordingly. Bovine male sex organs are currently analysed in the frame of the Italian histological plan to monitor illicit treatments trend, highlighting microscopic, induced alterations. The levels of 17β-estradiol and progesterone residues resulted under the Limit of Quantitation of the approved official methods and the level of testosterone resulted below the level stated in the Italian Ministerial Decree in force. Male target organs appeared within the limits of the standard histological features.
Dissolved Organic Matter from Earthworm Casts Restrained the Phytotoxicity of Soil Glyphosate to Citrus (Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf.) Plants
Authors: Feng Huan , Jiang Lei , Wang Bingjie , Pan Bo , Lin Yong
Published: May 2023

A large amount of glyphosate enters the soil at a high frequency, forming “pseudo-persistent” pollutants that, in turn, threaten soil ecological function and crop growth. Earthworm casts (EWCs) are a sound organic alternative to chemical fertilizers to promote crop growth. Dissolved organic matter from EWCs (EWC-DOM) is supposed to be a more mobile and bioavailable fraction. However, the effect of EWC-DOM on the phytotoxicity of glyphosate remains largely unknown. This study examines glyphosate-induced oxidative stress and its impact on antioxidant and detoxification enzymes in citrus plants grown in soils with and/or without EWC-DOM. The results suggest that EWC-DOM could reduce the membrane lipid peroxidation level, thus slowing down the aging of plants in order to maintain stronger resilience, with more active antioxidant enzymes (including SOD, POD, and CAT) and detoxification enzymes (including GST, laccase, CPR, and UGTs) that could effectively remove reactive oxygen species (ROS) caused by glyphosate stress, thereby alleviating the damage of ROS accumulation on plant tissues. Our data indicate that incorporating EWC-DOM should be a sound way to protect citrus plants from the phytotoxicity caused by using glyphosate for orchard weeding. This has major implications for the sustainable and healthy development of citrus production.
Implementation and Performances Evaluation of Advanced Automotive Lateral Stability Controls on a Real-Time Hardware in the Loop Driving Simulator
Authors: Alfatti Federico , Montani Margherita , Favilli Tommaso , Annicchiarico Claudio , Berzi Lorenzo , Pierini Marco , Pugi Luca , Capitani Renzo
Published: May 2023

This study concerns the comparative investigation of two advanced lateral stability automotive controllers with respect to a commercial solution. The research aims to improve the stability performances achieved by a combined tracking of yaw rate and side-slip angle through the application of optimal efforts. The proposed solutions are based on Linear Quadratic Regulation and Sliding Mode Control, respectively. Both rely on the same approach for the control objective definition but differ from the action perspective. This solution involves the adoption of a differential braking actuation technique to deliver a desired yaw moment to the car body to track controlled states. Indeed, a sliding controller can also traction torques of hub-motor configurations as well as steering corrections, achieving vehicle stability and a driving response in accordance with the pilot’s intentions. Calibration and validation of the controllers are performed through a Hardware-in-the-Loop simulation rig, along with a real-time static simulator, performing different close-loop maneuvers to assess achievements in terms of lateral stability. Results show that both solutions ensure higher handling performances if compared to Non-controlled or Commercial-controlled vehicle scenarios.
Extended-State-Observer-Based Angular Acceleration Estimation for Supersonic Aircraft Lateral–Directional Control
Authors: Lyu Huitao , Ye Zheng , Chen Yongliang , Zhao Tong , Gong Zheng , Liu Xueqiang , Qin Bo , Chen Kun
Published: May 2023

Large-slenderness-ratio (LSR) aircraft exhibit more severe lateral–directional coupling compared with other aircraft, which poses a significant challenge to their flight safety, especially during high-speed maneuvers. Reliable attitude decoupling control is, therefore, essential for LSR aircraft. In this study, a novel control framework that combines incremental nonlinear dynamic inversion (INDI) and extended state observer (ESO) is proposed for supersonic roll maneuver control of LSR aircraft. The ESO is used to estimate the angular acceleration on the basis of an onboard mathematical model. The acceleration estimator based on ESO achieves superior noise reduction compared with the complementary filter (CF) and reduces the onboard model requirement without significantly sacrificing estimation accuracy. Monte Carlo (MC) simulations and frequency–domain analysis demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed controller. The sensitivity of parameter uncertainties is also investigated, revealing that the natural frequency of the actuator is the most critical parameter affecting robustness. Finally, flight tests validate the effectiveness of the proposed control structure.
On Fuzzy and Case-Based Dynamic Software Development Process Modeling and Simulation Approach
Authors: Sielskaitė Šarūnė , Kalibatienė Diana
Published: May 2023

The software development process (SDP) is complex because it uses specific knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to deliver value to people, and the user’s needs are always growing and becoming more complex. Practitioners and academics have proposed different approaches for improving the successful implementation of the SDP. This remains a non-trivial task, and the number of successful software development projects increases only slightly each year. This paper proposes a new approach for adapting the classical SDP to a dynamic, knowledge-intensive, and context-dependent model by applying the case-handling and fuzzy inference approaches for SDP modeling and simulation. The advantages and novelties of this approach consist in: SDP dynamicity modeling using the case-handling approach; the inclusion of human factor uncertainty into the execution of SDP activities through fuzzification; and agent-based simulation, which allows for the inclusion of human actors in SDP simulations. Modeling and simulation of Agile SDPs were carried out using this prototype. Experiments show the correspondence of the proposed approach to the needs of dynamically changing and human-factor-dependent SDPs, as well as the possibilities for modeling and simulating the SDP, predicting SDP execution, and observing possible risks.
Optimal Location of Emergency Facility Sites for Railway Dangerous Goods Transportation under Uncertain Conditions
Authors: Wang Yu , Wang Jing , Chen Jialiang , Liu Kai
Published: May 2023

Railroad accidents involving dangerous goods (DG) need to be rescued quickly due to their hazardous nature. This paper proposes an emergency facility location model for the railway dangerous-goods transportation problem (RDGT-EFLP, abbreviated as EFLP). The EFLP model is based on an ellipsoidal robust model that introduces a robust control safety parameter Ω to measure the risk preferences of decision makers and limits the range of uncertain demand, the range of uncertain service and the range of safety parameters to find the solution for siting emergency facilities, when the time and location of emergency events are unknown. The model is solved using a genetic algorithm (GA) and real data after abstraction. Finally, a comprehensive analysis of the solution results under different maximum overcoverages illustrates the feasibility and effectiveness of the model.
Breaking Alert Fatigue: AI-Assisted SIEM Framework for Effective Incident Response
Authors: Ban Tao , Takahashi Takeshi , Ndichu Samuel , Inoue Daisuke
Published: May 2023

Contemporary security information and event management (SIEM) solutions struggle to identify critical security incidents effectively due to the overwhelming number of false alerts generated by disparate security products, which results in significant alert fatigue and hinders effective incident response. To overcome this challenge, we propose a next-generation SIEM framework that integrates security orchestration automation and response capabilities and utilizes a divide-and-conquer strategy to mitigate the impact of low-quality IDS alerts. The proposed framework leverages advanced machine learning and data visualization tools—including a cost-sensitive learning method and an event segmenting algorithm—to filter and correlate alerts plus an augmented visualization tool to expedite the triage process. The proposed framework was evaluated experimentally on a dataset collected from a real-world enterprise network, and we report highly convincing results. The alert screening scheme demonstrates significant potential for real-world security operations. We believe that our findings will contributing to the development of a next-generation SIEM system that effectively addresses alert fatigue and lays the foundation for future research in this field.
The Interplay of Exogenous and Endogenous Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) in Maintaining Redox Homeostasis in Individuals with Low Ferritin Levels
Authors: Altaany Zaid , Alkaraki Almuthanna , Abo Alrob Osama , Taani Omar , Khatatbeh Moawiah
Published: May 2023

The primary objective of this study was to investigate the influence of living near a thermal spring and being exposed to hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas, which lingers in the surrounding atmosphere, on the redox and lipid peroxidation status of individuals with low ferritin levels. Participants in the study were divided into two groups based on their H2S exposure frequency and ferritin levels. Within Group A, individuals who did not experience occasional H2S exposure (2–3 h, 2–3 times per year) and had an average of normal ferritin levels of 87.5 ng/mL exhibited lower levels of oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation compared to those with low ferritin levels (average of 6.57 ng/mL) in the same group. Additionally, individuals with normal ferritin levels showed higher levels of thiol, H2S, and antioxidant capacity. However, it was observed that individuals with low ferritin levels had significantly lower levels of endogenous H2S and thiol and higher levels of oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. In Group B, individuals who experienced occasional H2S exposure (2–3 h, 10–12 times per year) and had an average of normal ferritin levels of 91.65 ng/mL showed lower oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation, as well as higher thiol, H2S, and antioxidant capacity. Surprisingly, individuals in Group B with low ferritin levels (average of 6.18 ng/mL) showed increased endogenous levels of H2S, which resulted in lower oxidative stress, and lipid peroxidation. These findings suggest that inhaling environmental H2S emitted from thermal springs may serve as an adaptive and protective mechanism for individuals with low ferritin levels by enhancing antioxidant capacity and reducing oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation modification, thus mitigating the harmful effects of reactive oxygen species.
Factors Affecting Indoor Radon Levels in Buildings Located in a Karst Area: A Statistical Analysis
Authors: Botti Teresa , Buresti Giuliana , Caricato Anna Paola , Chezzi Alberto , Leonardi Federica , Luzzi Laura , Trevisi Rosabianca
Published: May 2023

In this paper, the averages annual radon concentrations in buildings placed in a karst area are analyzed in order to understand which factors may affect the occurrence of high levels of radon indoor. Statistical analysis on the radon dataset is performed using analytical factors described by two or three levels according to the characteristic of the measured buildings. The factors that determine higher radon levels in terms of arithmetic mean (AM) at ground floor (GF) are mainly the presence of sedimentary calcareous rock (SCR) in walls and the direct attack or crawl space as type of foundation. At first floors (FF), the presence of walls of only SCR showed radon levels higher (in terms of AM) than the one found for walls of mixed typology. These outcomes suggest that in karstic area buildings with SCR as the main construction material and direct attack or crawl space as the type of foundation, can be considered as radon-prone buildings. Moreover, this study confirms the need to measure radon levels not only at below ground floor and at GF, but also at FF and above for buildings in karst areas with construction materials including SCR blocks.