bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification and Analysis of the Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) Gene Family and Potential Roles in High-Temperature Stress Response of Herbaceous Peony (Paeonia lactiflora Pall.)
Authors: Chen Xiaoxuan , Li Danqing , Guo Junhong , Wang Qiyao , Zhang Kaijing , Wang Xiaobin , Shao Lingmei , Luo Cheng , Xia Yiping , Zhang Jiaping
Published: September 2024

The herbaceous peony (Paeonia lactiflora Pall.) plant is world-renowned for its ornamental, medicinal, edible, and oil values. As global warming intensifies, its growth and development are often affected by high-temperature stress, especially in low-latitude regions. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is an important enzyme in the plant antioxidant systems and plays vital roles in stress response by maintaining the dynamic balance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) concentrations. To reveal the members of then SOD gene family and their potential roles under high-temperature stress, we performed a comprehensive identification of the SOD gene family in the low-latitude cultivar ‘Hang Baishao’ and analyzed the expression patterns of SOD family genes (PlSODs) in response to high-temperature stress and exogenous hormones. The present study identified ten potential PlSOD genes, encoding 145–261 amino acids, and their molecular weights varied from 15.319 to 29.973 kDa. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that PlSOD genes were categorized into three sub-families, and members within each sub-family exhibited similar conserved motifs. Gene expression analysis suggested that SOD genes were highly expressed in leaves, stems, and dormancy buds. Moreover, RNA-seq data revealed that PlCSD1-1, PlCSD3, and PlFSD1 may be related to high-temperature stress response. Finally, based on the Quantitative Real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) results, seven SOD genes were significantly upregulated in response to high-temperature stress, and exogenous EBR and ABA treatments can enhance high-temperature tolerance in P. lactiflora. Overall, these discoveries lay the foundation for elucidating the function of PlSOD genes for the thermotolerance of herbaceous peony and facilitating the genetic breeding of herbaceous peony cultivars with strong high-temperature resistance.
Path Planning Based on Artificial Potential Field with an Enhanced Virtual Hill Algorithm
Authors: Lee Hyun Jeong , Kim Moon-Sik , Lee Min Cheol
Published: September 2024

The artificial potential field algorithm has been widely applied to mobile robots and robotic arms due to its advantage of enabling simple and efficient path planning in unknown environments. However, solving the local minimum problem is an essential task and is still being studied. Among current methods, the technique using the virtual hill concept is reliable and suitable for real-time path planning because it does not create a new local minimum and provides lower complexity. However, in the previous study, the shape of the obstacles was not considered in determining the robot’s direction at the moment it is trapped in a local minimum. For this reason, longer or blocked paths are sometimes selected. In this study, we propose an enhanced virtual hill algorithm to reduce errors in selecting the driving direction and improve the efficiency of robot movement. In the local minimum area, a dead-end algorithm is also proposed that allows the robot to return without entering deeply when it encounters a dead end.
Sensitivity Analysis of Fatigue Life for Cracked Carbon-Fiber Structures Based on Surrogate Sampling and Kriging Model under Distribution Parameter Uncertainty
Authors: Liu Haodong , Liu Zheng , Tu Liang , Liang Jinlong , Zhang Yuhao
Published: September 2024

The quality and reliability of wind turbine blades, as core components of wind turbines, are crucial for the operational safety of the entire system. Carbon fiber is the primary material for wind turbine blades. However, during the manufacturing process, manual intervention inevitably introduces minor defects, which can lead to crack propagation under complex working conditions. Due to limited understanding and measurement capabilities of the input variables of structural systems, the distribution parameters of these variables often exhibit uncertainty. Therefore, it is essential to assess the impact of distribution parameter uncertainty on the fatigue performance of carbon-fiber structures with initial cracks and quickly identify the key distribution parameters affecting their reliability through global sensitivity analysis. This paper proposes a sensitivity analysis method based on surrogate sampling and the Kriging model to address the computational challenges and engineering application difficulties in distribution parameter sensitivity analysis. First, fatigue tests were conducted on carbon-fiber structures with initial cracks to study the dispersion of their fatigue life under different initial crack lengths. Next, based on the Hashin fatigue failure criterion, a simulation analysis method for the fatigue cumulative damage life of cracked carbon-fiber structures was proposed. By introducing uncertainty parameters into the simulation model, a training sample set was obtained, and a Kriging model describing the relationship between distribution parameters and fatigue life was established. Finally, an efficient input variable sampling method using the surrogate sampling probability density function was introduced, and a Sobol sensitivity analysis method based on surrogate sampling and the Kriging model was proposed. The results show that this method significantly reduces the computational burden of distribution parameter sensitivity analysis while ensuring computational accuracy.
Surface Evolution and Optimizing Strategy for Polishing Natural Heterogeneous Marble Using Sol-Gel Diamond Pad
Authors: Huang Shengui , Lu Jing , Xu Xipeng , Cui Changcai
Published: September 2024

Inefficiency and poor quality are the main problems in polishing natural heterogeneous marbles using sol-gel (SG) diamond pads. A strategy was proposed to address these issues by establishing a natural heterogeneous marble polishing model based on the optimal polishing time. The surface evolution and optimal time for polishing natural heterogeneous marble were systematically investigated. Six different types of marbles were polished by the sol-gel diamond pads. The surface glossiness, roughness, peak–valley value, and surface morphology of the marbles were measured and analyzed after different polishing times. The optimal polishing time for each marble was revealed using sol-gel diamond pads. The experimental results show that the standard deviation of the hardness distribution of marble tile significantly affects the material removal inconsistency and evolution of the surface during polishing, resulting in different optimal polishing times for different kinds of marble. The larger the standard deviation of the hardness of the marble is, the more difficult it is to obtain better surface quality, and the orange peel effect is more likely to occur. Furthermore, the optimal polishing time has a good logarithmic relationship with the standard deviation of the hardness distribution. Finally, a curve model of the optimal polishing time for each marble was established. The determination of the optimal polishing time can effectively optimize the polishing process, simplify the processing flow, improve production efficiency, and reduce production costs. The proposed method and obtained results in this paper can provide a theoretical basis and reference for polishing other types of heterogeneous stone materials.
Spatio-Temporal Heterogeneous Ensemble Learning Method for Predicting Land Subsidence
Authors: Zhao Bin , Wu Gusheng , Li Junjie , Wu Qianhong , Deng Min
Published: September 2024

The prediction of land subsidence is of significant value for the early warning and prevention of geological disasters. Although numerous land subsidence prediction methods are currently available, two obstacles still exist: (i) spatio-temporal heterogeneity of land subsidence is not well considered, and (ii) the prediction performance of individual models is unsatisfactory when the data do not meet their assumptions. To address these issues, we developed a spatio-temporal heterogeneous ensemble learning method for predicting land subsidence. Firstly, a two-stage hybrid spatio-temporal clustering method was proposed to divide the dataset into internally homogeneous spatio-temporal clusters. Secondly, within each spatio-temporal cluster, an ensemble learning strategy was employed to combine one time series prediction model and three spatio-temporal prediction models to reduce the prediction uncertainty of an individual model. Experiments on a land subsidence dataset from Cangzhou, China, show that the prediction accuracy of the proposed method is significantly higher than that of four individual prediction models.
Evaluation of Proximal Contact Tightness and Contact Area of Posterior Composite Resin Restorations
Authors: Peskersoy Cem , Sener Mert , Gurses Oguz Baris , Erbil Eda , Turkun Murat
Published: September 2024

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the influence of the matrix system on proximal contact tightness (PCT) of posterior composite resin restorations. Standardized class II cavities on 180 first lower molar dentiform model teeth (Frasaco GmbH, Tettnang, Germany) were prepared. Three groups were formed considering the matrix system: Group-IM: Ivory matrix (Hahnenkratt GmbH, Königsbach-Stein, Germany), Group-OM: Omni matrix (Ultradent, South Jordan, UT, USA), and Group-PM: Palodent V3 sectional matrix (Dentsply, Charlotte, NC, USA). Teeth were restored with resin composite mounted in a manikin head to simulate the clinical environment. Proximal contact tightness (PCT) was measured using a custom-made portable dental pressure meter (PDPM), and the validation of the PCT results was performed with a histogram analysis acquired from bite-wing radiography. All data were statistically analyzed by ANOVA and t-test in SPSS software (v.27.0) (p < 0.05). PM group showed statistically tighter contacts on both mesial (PCTm: 228.28 ± 59.17 N) and distal surfaces (PCTd: 254.91 ± 65.69 N) (p > 0.05). Mesial contacts were found to be significantly tighter than distal contacts among all (p < 0.05). According to the histogram results, only in the PM group, the difference between the mesial and distal areas is significant (p < 0.05). Histogram results confirmed that the tightest contact values were achieved in the PM group, followed by the OM and IM groups, respectively (p < 0.05). The use of sectional matrix systems and separation rings is more effective in creating tighter contact than conventional matrix systems. The use of anatomical wedges will help to create a more natural approximal contour and narrow contact area.
Magnetic Levitation: An Academic Prototype
Authors: Rossell Josep M. , Barcons Víctor
Published: September 2024

The vibrations that a shaft suffers when rotating affect both the friction and subsequent wear of the shaft. The main objective of this paper is to present an academic and experimental prototype that allows controlling the vibrations of a rotating shaft through magnetic levitation. The control was carried out with a microcontroller, electromagnets, and proximity sensors. Other sensors and regulators were also added to the model that allow parameterization and obtaining data for subsequent analysis. According to the experiments performed in the laboratory, the proposed digital controller is capable of mitigating vibrations of a rotating shaft. This theoretical-practical methodology enables students to acquire extensive knowledge of mechanics, electronics, computing, and control in an effective manner. Although this paper presents only an academic prototype, the same technology could be applied to a wide variety of mechanisms that require rotation shafts with friction problems.
Examining the Optimization of Spray Cleaning Performance for LiDAR Sensor
Authors: Son Sungho , Lee Woongsu , Lee Jangmin , Lee Jungki , Lee Hyunmi , Jang Jeongah , Cha Hongjun , Bae Seongguk , Ryu Han-Cheol
Published: September 2024

Pollutants degrade the performance of LiDAR sensors used in autonomous vehicles. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop cleaning technology for these sensors. In this study, a solid-state LiDAR sensor was selected as a target and sprayed/dried with 2.5 g of a mixture of Arizona dust and Kaolin. To achieve optimal LiDAR cleaning performance, the washer pressure, spray time, spray angle, and target point were selected as major variables. Additionally, an optimal cleaning solution for each spray was formed via the design of experiments and optimization techniques. Model suitability was observed for the second spray through to the fourth. The cleaning rate increased with the washer pressure and spray time. The influence of these variables decreased as the number of sprays increased. The spray angle and target point exhibited no significant influence, but excellent cleaning was observed in some central areas. Verification test results were within 3% for the second through fourth sprays, indicating reliability. This study used a designed experiment with 30 scenarios to reveal optimized conditions for protecting the sensor performance from external visibility obstructions. Disclosing the optimization method lowers the barrier for sensor cleaning manufacturers to develop their own technology, which ultimately enhances safer and more efficient autonomous driving.
Real-Time Document Collaboration—System Architecture and Design
Authors: Iovescu Daniel , Tudose Cătălin
Published: September 2024

This article explores the world of dependable systems, specifically focusing on system design, software solutions, and architectural decisions that facilitate collaborative work on shared text documents across multiple users in near real time. It aims to dive into the intricacies of designing robust and effective document collaboration software focusing on understanding the requirements of such a system, the working principle of collaborative text editing, software architecture, technology stack selection, and tooling that can sustain such a system. To examine the pros and cons of the proposed system, the paper will detail how collaborative text editing software can benefit from such an architecture regarding availability, elasticity, and scaling. The intricate nature of this system renders this paper a valuable resource for prospective investigations within the domain of dependable systems and distributed systems. This research first examines the requirements of a real-time collaboration system and the necessary core features. Then, it analyzes the design, the application structure, and the system organization while also considering key architectural requirements as the necessity of scaling, the usage of microservices, cross-service communications, and client–server communication. For the technology stack of the implementation, this research considers the alternatives at each layer, from client to server. Once these decisions are made, it follows system development while examining possible improvements for the issues previously encountered. To validate the architecture, a testing strategy is developed, to examine the key capabilities of the system, such as resource consumption and throughput. The conclusions review the combination of modern and conventional application development principles needed to address the challenges of conflict-free document replication, decoupled and stateless event-driven architecture, idempotency, and data consistency. This paper not only showcases the design and implementation process but also sets a foundation for future research and innovation in dependable systems, collaborative technologies, sustainable solutions, and distributed system architecture.
SBD-Net: Incorporating Multi-Level Features for an Efficient Detection Network of Student Behavior in Smart Classrooms
Authors: Wang Zhifeng , Wang Minghui , Zeng Chunyan , Li Longlong
Published: September 2024

Detecting student behavior in smart classrooms is a critical area of research in educational technology that significantly enhances teaching quality and student engagement. This paper introduces an innovative approach using advanced computer vision and artificial intelligence technologies to monitor and analyze student behavior in real time. Such monitoring assists educators in adjusting their teaching strategies effectively, thereby optimizing classroom instruction. However, the application of this technology faces substantial challenges, including the variability in student sizes, the diversity of behaviors, and occlusions among students in complex classroom settings. Additionally, the uneven distribution of student behaviors presents a significant hurdle. To overcome these challenges, we propose Student Behavior Detection Network (SBD-Net), a lightweight target detection model enhanced by the Focal Modulation module for robust multi-level feature fusion, which augments feature extraction capabilities. Furthermore, the model incorporates the ESLoss function to address the imbalance in behavior sample detection effectively. The innovation continues with the Dyhead detection head, which integrates three-dimensional attention mechanisms, enhancing behavioral representation without escalating computational demands. This balance achieves both a high detection accuracy and manageable computational complexity. Empirical results from our bespoke student behavior dataset, Student Classroom Behavior (SCBehavior), demonstrate that SBD-Net achieves a mean Average Precision (mAP) of 0.824 with a low computational complexity of just 9.8 G. These figures represent a 4.3% improvement in accuracy and a 3.8% increase in recall compared to the baseline model. These advancements underscore the capability of SBD-Net to handle the skewed distribution of student behaviors and to perform high-precision detection in dynamically challenging classroom environments.
Research on the Gap Effect of Circular Concrete-Filled Steel Tubes Using the Improved Cohesive Zone Model
Authors: Yu Jiang , Gong Bin , Cao Chenrui
Published: September 2024

Understanding the influence of gap distribution characteristics on the mechanical properties of circular concrete-filled steel tubes (CCFSTs) under bending load is important for stability and support design in engineering projects. In this study, the improved cohesive zone model considering friction was used to describe the mechanical behavior of mortar interfaces. Meanwhile, the concrete damage plastic model and isotropic elastoplastic model were applied for core concrete and steel tubes. The improved cohesive zone model has a unified potential function that governs the Mode I and Mode II failure processes of mortar interfaces to realize the mechanical interaction between concrete and steel. A smooth frictional function was utilized in the elastic stage to calculate the accurate frictional effect. Furthermore, the capability of the model in addressing unloading and reloading was verified, and the fracture energy varied accordingly during the cyclic loading. Then, the mechanical response of CCFSTs was investigated under bending loads by setting different gap sizes and angles between the gap and loading direction. The results show that under three-point bending, the equivalent plastic strains at the middle part of CCFSTs are much larger and the peak bearing forces are much lower than the other degrees when the angles between the coronal gap axis and loading direction equal 0° and 180°. In addition, the order of the peak bearing forces, from highest to lowest, is when the height of the coronal-cap gap increases from 0.0 mm to 2.5 mm, 5.0 mm, and 7.5 mm. The significant effect makes it inappropriate to ignore the weakening of the structural performance caused by coronal gaps in structural design.
Effects of Gradual Spatial and Temporal Cues Provided by Synchronized Walking Avatar on Elderly Gait
Authors: Miller Dane A. L. , Uchitomi Hirotaka , Miyake Yoshihiro
Published: September 2024

Aging often leads to elderly gait characterized by slower speeds, shorter strides, and increased cycle; improving gait can significantly enhance the quality of life. Early gait training can help reduce gait impairment later on. Augmented reality (AR) technologies have shown promise in gait training, providing real-time feedback and guided exercises to improve walking patterns and gait parameters. The aim of this study was to observe the effects of gradual spatial and temporal cues provided by a synchronized walking avatar on the gait of elderly participants. This experiment involved 19 participants aged over 70 years, who walked while interacting with a synchronized walking avatar that provided audiovisual spatial and temporal cues. Spatial cueing and temporal cueing were provided through distance changes and phase difference changes, respectively. The WalkMate AR system was used to synchronize the avatar’s walking cycle with the participants’, delivering auditory cues matched to foot contacts. This study assessed the immediate and carry-over effects of changes in distance and phase difference on stride length, cycle time, and gait speed. The results indicate that gradual spatial and temporal cueing significantly influences elderly gait parameters, with potential applications in gait rehabilitation and training.
Limitations in Maximum Intensity Front Crawl in Swimmers with Down Syndrome
Authors: Merati Giampiero , Formenti Damiano , Gandola Claudio , Castiglioni Paolo , Casalini Linda , Trecroci Athos , Cavaggioni Luca , Invernizzi Pietro Luigi , Menichino Umberto , Scurati Raffaele
Published: September 2024

Individuals with Down Syndrome exhibit deficits in muscle strength and cardiovascular adaptation, which limit athletic performance. We compared a maximum-intensity 50 m front crawl test between competitive male swimmers with Down Syndrome (SDS; n = 11; 26.5 ± 5.6 years; m ± SD) and a control group of swimmers (CNT; n = 11; 27.1 ± 4.0 years) with similar training routines (about 5 h/week). Wearable sternal sensors measured their heart rate and 3D accelerometry. The regularity index Sample Entropy (SampEn) was calculated using the X component of acceleration. The total times (SDS: 58.91 ± 13.68 s; CNT: 32.55 ± 3.70 s) and stroke counts (SDS: 66.1 ± 9.6; CNT: 51.4 ± 7.4) were significantly higher in the SDS group (p < 0.01). The heart rate was lower in the SDS group during immediate (SDS: 129 ± 15 bpm; CNT: 172 ± 11 bpm) and delayed recovery (30 s, SDS: 104 ± 23 bpm; CNT: 145 ± 21 bpm; 60 s, SDS: 79 ± 27 bpm; CNT: 114 ± 27 bpm) (p < 0.01 for all the comparisons). The SampEn of sternal acceleration showed no differences between the groups and between 0–25 m and 25–50 m. Body pitch correlated strongly with performance in the SDSs (R2 = 0.632, p < 0.01), but during the first 25 m only. The high-intensity front crawl performances differed between the SDS and CNT athletes in terms of time, biomechanics, and training adaptation, suggesting the need for tailored training to improve swimming efficiency in SDSs.
Effect of Ozonized Water against Pathogenic Bacteria and Filamentous Fungi on Stainless Steel
Authors: Berni Elettra , Moroni Chiara , Cigarini Massimo , Brindani Demetrio , Catelani Cardoso Claudia , Imperiale Davide
Published: September 2024

Ozone is a molecule that has gained increasing interest in recent years by food industries for sanitization of food-grade surfaces. Compared to chemical sanitizers such as chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, or peracetic acid, ozone shows undeniable advantages, such as the absence of by-products that should affect human health or the possibility of generating it when needed. Therefore, the aim of this paper was the assessment of the resistance to ozonized water of two pathogenic bacteria (Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella) and of three airborne food-spoiling fungi (Aspergillus brasiliensis, Hyphopichia burtonii, and Penicillium nordicum) inoculated on stainless steel tiles and treated in static conditions with 1 to 6 mg L−1 (pathogens) or 8.5 mg L−1 (filamentous fungi). Ozonized water gave different results based on the tested microorganisms: pathogenic bacteria proved markedly more sensible to ozone than filamentous fungi, even if great differences were observed at inter- and intra-specific levels for both categories of microorganisms. Nevertheless, the non-linear inactivation kinetics of the studied strains made the calculation of a punctual F-value difficult, so in industrial practice, adequate tailoring of the treatments to be applied, based on the registered extrinsic factors and the industrial bio-burden, would be appropriate.
Improved Simplified Engineering Fault Displacement Hazard Evaluation Method for On-Fault Sites
Authors: Katona Tamás János
Published: September 2024

The safety of high-potential risk facilities concerned with fault displacement hazards is a complex technical issue, especially if the fault is revealed beneath the facility during the operation. Applying simple conservative engineering hazard evaluation methods is rational if an urgent decision should be made to continue operation or implement protective measures. Engineering methods are being published for strike-slip on-fault sites and structures. Their crucial point is to estimate the probability of the rupture at the site intersection and consider the displacement distribution over the rupture length relative to the site’s on-fault location. It is shown in the paper that strict geometrical relations between the site location, length and initial point of the rupture determine whether the principal fault displacement intersects the site. The paper considers these geometrical parameters as independent random variables and applies a screening of ruptures contributing to the hazard. Magnitude- and on-fault coordinate-dependent empirical relations have been analysed and selected to evaluate the site displacements. The procedure resulted in realistic but conservative hazard curves for different on-fault site locations using data from the Paks site in Hungary. The results were compared to those obtained by the conservative engineering method for the same site and some published analyses.
Staining-Independent Malaria Parasite Detection and Life Stage Classification in Blood Smear Images
Authors: Xu Tong , Theera-Umpon Nipon , Auephanwiriyakul Sansanee
Published: September 2024

Malaria is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in tropical and sub-tropical regions. This research proposed a malaria diagnosis system based on the you only look once algorithm for malaria parasite detection and the convolutional neural network algorithm for malaria parasite life stage classification. Two public datasets are utilized: MBB and MP-IDB. The MBB dataset includes human blood smears infected with Plasmodium vivax (P. vivax). While the MP-IDB dataset comprises 4 species of malaria parasites: P. vivax, P. ovale, P. malariae, and P. falciparum. Four distinct stages of life exist in every species, including ring, trophozoite, schizont, and gametocyte. For the MBB dataset, detection and classification accuracies of 0.92 and 0.93, respectively, were achieved. For the MP-IDB dataset, the proposed algorithms yielded the accuracies for detection and classification as follows: 0.84 and 0.94 for P. vivax; 0.82 and 0.93 for P. ovale; 0.79 and 0.93 for P. malariae; and 0.92 and 0.96 for P. falciparum. The detection results showed the models trained by P. vivax alone provide good detection capabilities also for other species of malaria parasites. The classification performance showed the proposed algorithms yielded good malaria parasite life stage classification performance. The future directions include collecting more data and exploring more sophisticated algorithms.
Evaluation of the Effect of mRNA and Inactivated SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines on the Levels of Cytokines IL-2, IFN-γ, and Anti-RBD Spike SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in People Living with HIV (PLHIV)
Authors: Amanah Amanah , Ariyanto Ibnu Agus , Bela Budiman , Primanagara Risnandya , Sudarmono Pratiwi
Published: September 2024

The safety of the mRNA and inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine has been demonstrated for people living with HIV (PLHIV). However, vaccine studies in PLHIV are limited, and there is a gap in which vaccine type provides the best response in PLHIV. Thus, PLHIV may benefit from mRNA vaccine types compared to inactivated vaccines. This study aims to assess the immune responses to vaccination by measuring specific antibodies (IgG) targeting the receptor binding sites (RBDs) of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the levels of IL-2 and IFN-γ in plasma. A total of 41 PLHIV who regularly take antiretroviral therapy (ART) over a period of six months, along with 31 individuals in a healthy control group (HC), were administered either two mRNA or inactivated vaccines. Data regarding demographics and clinical information were gathered from the medical records. An analysis was conducted on the neutralisation antibody IgG specific to RBD using the chemiluminescence microparticle assay (CMIA). The levels of IL-2 and IFN-γ were quantified using the Luminex assay method from plasma samples. Data were collected in the laboratory 28 days after each vaccination. After the first vaccination, the level of anti-SARS-CoV-2 RBD IgG was higher in PLHIV who received the mRNA vaccines than those who received inactivated vaccines (p = 0.006). The levels of mRNA in the PLHIV group showed a significant correlation with IL-2 and IFN-γ after the second vaccination (r = 0.51, p = 0.0035; r = 0.68, p = 0.002). The group of PLHIV who received the inactivated vaccine showed increased IL-2 and IFN-γ after the initial vaccination, compared to PLHIV who received the mRNA vaccine (p = 0.04; p = 0.08). Administering a two-dose vaccination is essential to increase the levels of neutralising antibodies significantly (p = 0.013) in PLHIV who have received inactivated vaccines; further study is needed to make this a recommendation. The responses observed after vaccination in PLHIV were not affected by their CD4 cell counts. PLHIV showed higher levels of SARS-CoV-2 IgG and increased IL-2 and IFN-γ levels. Our study encourages SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in PLHIV regardless of its CD4 cell counts. Furthermore, the mRNA vaccine may give robust high antibody responses in PLHIV.
Dual Approach to Depression: The Combined Efficacy of Intermittent Hypoxia and Fluoxetine in Modulating Behavioral and Inflammatory Responses
Authors: Arboit Francini , Pereira Gabriele Cheiran , Fialho Maria Fernanda Pessano , Becker Gabriela , Brum Evelyne da Silva , Pillat Micheli Mainardi , Bochi Guilherme Vargas , Portela Luiz Osório Cruz , Zanchet Eliane Maria
Published: September 2024

Background/Objectives: Mental disorders pose a significant public health challenge, affecting millions worldwide. Given the limitations of current therapies, many patients experience inadequate responses and adverse effects. Intermittent hypoxia (IH) has demonstrated anxiolytic, antidepressant, and neuroprotective properties in various protocols. This study investigated the effects of acute IH (13% O2, 1 h), fluoxetine (FLX) and their combination on depression-like behavior, serum corticosterone, and inflammatory cytokine levels induced by acute restraint stress in C57BL/6 female mice. Methods: Behavioral assessments included the tail suspension test, forced swim test, and open field test. Results: The combined IH + FLX treatment exhibited a synergistic effect, reducing immobility time and increasing latency time, respectively, in the tail suspension test (46%, p = 0.0014; 73%, p = 0.0033) and forced swim test (56%, p = 0.0082; 48%, p = 0.0322) compared to the ARS group. Biochemical analysis revealed that individual and combined treatments significantly reduced most inflammatory interleukins by up to 96%. Corticosterone levels were reduced by 30% only in the IH group. Conclusions: These findings highlight the potential of a one-hour IH session, particularly when combined with fluoxetine, to alleviate depressive-like behaviors and exert anti-inflammatory effects, suggesting a promising therapeutic approach for depression.
Levels of Empathy in Students and Professors with Patients in a Faculty of Dentistry
Authors: Díaz-Narváez Víctor P. , Huberman-Casas Joyce , Nakouzi-Momares Jorge Andrés , Alarcón-Ureta Chris , Jaramillo-Cavieres Patricio Alberto , Espinoza-Retamal Maricarmen , Klahn-Acuña Blanca Patricia , Epuyao-González Leonardo , Leiton Carvajal Gabriela , Padilla Mariela , Vilca Lindsay W. , Reyes-Reyes Alejandro , Reyes-Reyes Fernando
Published: September 2024

Background: Empathy is an attribute that plays an essential role in the dentist–patient therapeutic relationship, clinical care, and treatment adherence, along with providing other benefits. The main objective of this research was to establish the validity, reliability, and invariance of the Jefferson Scale of Empathy and then characterize the empathy levels of students and teachers at a dental school. Materials and Methods: An observational and cross-sectional study analyzed a sample of undergraduate students and professors from the Universidad Andrés Bello Faculty of Dentistry (Chile) (n = 1727 and n = 267, respectively). The Empathy Scale for Health Professionals (HP) and the same scale for students (HPS) were applied. Results: The Jefferson Empathy Scale presents adequate psychometric properties. The empathy measure has adequate reliability and construct validity, confirming a fit of the three-factor empathy model to the data. The measurement is invariant within the university campus, the sex of the student, and between teacher and student. Teachers present greater empathy than students except in the Perspective Adoption dimension. Conclusions: The Jefferson Empathy Scale is reliable, valid, and invariant among Chilean dental students and professors. Students do not differ from their professors in the cognitive component of empathy, but they present a lower score in the affective component and global empathy. It is inferred that students can develop the affective component of empathy in their interactions with their professors, increasing their overall empathy. Understanding and fostering empathy in dental students and professors can significantly improve patient care and treatment adherence and increase patient and dentist satisfaction.
Psychosocial Support for Parents, Infants, Children, and Adolescents with Variations of Sex Characteristics: Results from a Pan-European Survey
Authors: Gramc Martin , Monro Surya , Stephenson John , Streuli Jürg
Published: September 2024

Early psychosocial support for parents/legal guardians who have children with variations of sex characteristics (VSCs) is crucial in helping avoid potentially harmful medical procedures. Psychosocial support, including peer support, can help parents/legal guardians choose the best care path for their child, and it remains important throughout childhood. However, there is a lack of data on the provision of psychosocial support for families with a child who has VSCs. We sought knowledge about the timing and types of psychosocial support, and the level of implementation of psychosocial support amongst health and psychosocial care professionals and peer supporters. A survey was conducted using a purposive sample of healthcare professionals and members of peer support groups across Europe. A total of 301 responses were received and analysed using descriptive and inferential methods. The survey results showed that psychosocial support primarily addresses diagnostic procedures, medical treatment, and medical interventions. Whilst the majority of healthcare professionals aspired to have psychosocial support provided at the point where a diagnosis of VSCs was suspected, this was only reported as current practice by a minority of respondents. Overall, the survey indicates that there is a need for greater implementation of psychosocial support, and more collaboration between healthcare professionals and peer support groups in caring for children with VSCs and their families.
Dynamic Characteristics of a 1950s Heritage Building: A Comparison of Original Design Methods and Modern Techniques
Authors: Peña Fernando , Ramos Joel
Published: September 2024

Research on design rules and methods for architectural heritage is an important aspect of conservation practice. Nevertheless, efforts to recover and divulge design methods for Modern Heritage remain limited. This paper is related to the recent structural assessment of a 15-storey heritage building built in 1950, during which a document describing the original seismic analysis of this structure was identified. The methodology employed is of particular interest, as it involves the application of pioneer concepts of dynamic analysis in the design of the first tall buildings in Mexico. The primary aim of this paper is to review the seismic design criteria for the case under study in order to contribute to the state of the art in Modern Heritage. The review includes a comparison between the dynamic characteristics estimated during the design and the results of recent ambient vibration tests and numerical modeling. Several sources of error among the design criteria were identified. Notably, the fundamental period estimated during the design was 38% larger than the experimental value due to an underestimation in stiffness, which introduces significant uncertainty into the design. Overall, the review shows the evolution of seismic analysis over time and provide valuable insights for the study of similar buildings.
A Study on the Influencing Factors of the Vitality of Street Corner Spaces in Historic Districts: The Case of Shanghai Bund Historic District
Authors: Wen Zehua , Zhao Jiantong , Li Mingze
Published: September 2024

The revitalization of historic districts is crucial for the sustainable development of cities, with street corner spaces being a vital component of the public space in these districts. However, street corner spaces have been largely overlooked in previous research on crowd dynamics within historic districts. This study investigates the key factors influencing crowd dynamics in street corner spaces within historic districts. First, a hierarchical model of vitality-influencing factors was developed based on prior research. Potential factors influencing the vitality of street corners were quantified using multi-source data collection methods, including deep learning algorithms, and crowd vitality within these spaces was assessed through multidimensional measurements. The impact of each element on crowd vitality was then analyzed through a multivariate linear regression model. The findings revealed that eight factors—corner building historicity, first-floor functional communality, transparency, openness, density of functional facilities, greenness, functional variety of buildings, and walkability—significantly influence the vitality of corner spaces, collectively explaining 77.5% of the vitality of these spaces. These conclusions offer new perspectives and scientific evidence for the revitalization and conservation of historic districts.
Synergic Effects of Ordered Mesoporous Bifunctional Ionic Liquid: A Recyclable Catalyst to Access Chemoselective N-Protected Indoline-2,3-dione Analogous
Authors: Siddan Gouthaman , Solomon Viswas Raja
Published: September 2024

SBA-15 and organic ionic liquid were incorporated in a post-grafting technique for generating a bifunctional ionic liquid embedded mesoporous SBA-15. The prepared heterogeneous catalyst was employed for the first time to synthesize N-alkylated indoline-2,3-dione at mild conditions to afford excellent yields in a short reaction time. The synthesized DABCOIL@SBA-15 catalyst was meticulously characterized by various techniques, such as FT-IR, solid-state 13C NMR, solid-state 29Si NMR, small-angle X-ray diffraction (XRD), and N2 adsorption–desorption. Further, the morphological behavior of the catalyst was studied by SEM and TEM. The thermal stability and number of active sites were determined by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The Hammett equation was used to analyze the synergetic effect of the catalyst and substituent effects on the N-alkylated products of 5-substituted isatin derivatives, which resulted in a negative slope. This negative slope indicates a positive charge in the transition state. Notably, the DABCOIL@SBA-15 catalyst demonstrated its practicality by being reused for seven cycles with consistently high catalytic activity.
Prospective Molecular Targets for Natural Killer Cell Immunotherapy against Glioblastoma Multiforme
Authors: Cooksey Luke C. , Friesen Derek C. , Mangan Enrique D. , Mathew Porunelloor A.
Published: September 2024

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common type of primary malignant brain tumor and has a dismal overall survival rate. To date, no GBM therapy has yielded successful results in survival for patients beyond baseline surgical resection, radiation, and chemotherapy. Immunotherapy has taken the oncology world by storm in recent years and there has been movement from researchers to implement the immunotherapy revolution into GBM treatment. Natural killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapies are a rising candidate to treat GBM from multiple therapeutic vantage points: monoclonal antibody therapy targeting tumor-associated antigens (TAAs), immune checkpoint inhibitors, CAR-NK cell therapy, Bi-specific killer cell engagers (BiKEs), and more. NK therapies often focus on tumor antigens for targeting. Here, we reviewed some common targets analyzed in the fight for GBM immunotherapy relevant to NK cells: EGFR, HER2, CD155, and IL-13Rα2. We further propose investigating the Lectin-like Transcript 1 (LLT1) and cell surface proliferating cell nuclear antigen (csPCNA) as targets for NK cell-based immunotherapy.
Cross-Lingual Short-Text Semantic Similarity for Kannada–English Language Pair
Authors: S N Muralikrishna , Holla Raghurama , N Harivinod , Ganiga Raghavendra
Published: September 2024

Analyzing the semantic similarity of cross-lingual texts is a crucial part of natural language processing (NLP). The computation of semantic similarity is essential for a variety of tasks such as evaluating machine translation systems, quality checking human translation, information retrieval, plagiarism checks, etc. In this paper, we propose a method for measuring the semantic similarity of Kannada–English sentence pairs that uses embedding space alignment, lexical decomposition, word order, and a convolutional neural network. The proposed method achieves a maximum correlation of 83% with human annotations. Experiments on semantic matching and retrieval tasks resulted in promising results in terms of precision and recall.
Analysis and Modelling for Industrial Energy Efficiency in the Cosmetics Industry: A Real Industrial Case in an Italian Manufacturing Company
Authors: Rocca Roberto , Perossa Daniele , Fumagalli Luca
Published: September 2024

Economic and environmental issues translating into energy costs and pollution within the production environment are increasingly attracting attention. Industrial Energy Efficiency (IEE) is gaining ever-higher importance within production environments. Since cosmetic consumers and companies are becoming increasingly sensitive to sustainability, the cosmetic field is working to reduce the environmental and social impact along the whole supply chain. Furthermore, IEE actions in business processes can lead to several medium- and long-term economic and environmental benefits. This paper is the first work in the literature presenting a real-case application of energy analysis and modeling to achieve better energy performances in a cosmetics production process. Thus, in the body of knowledge, it contributes by providing a real case of good practice to be benchmarked for future IEE interventions in cosmetics manufacturing processes. The work has been conducted by analyzing the production process’s energy consumption and developing an energy model of a selected machine (i.e., a turbo-emulsifier). The analysis and modeling performed aimed at assessing the different operational phases of the machine and evaluating the different behaviors of the data. Finally, the results allowed us to propose possible improvements to be applied to the production process to achieve better energy performances.
Circulating Interleukins as Biomarkers in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients: A Pilot Study Compared to Normal Individuals
Authors: Lim Wei-Wen , Leung Jason H. , Xie Chen , Cheng Angelina W. T. , Su Liping , Lum Luh-Nah , Toh Aishah , Kong Siew-Ching , Takano Angela M. , Hausenloy Derek J. , Chua Yang C.
Published: September 2024

Identifying biomarkers in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) can improve diagnosis and patient stratification. We evaluated plasmas and sera for interleukins (IL)-11, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17A, and IL-33 as biomarkers in primary NSCLC patients undergoing surgical treatment against normal volunteers. Exhaled-breath condensates (EBCs), a potential source without invasive procedures, were explored in normal individuals. Due to separate recruitment criteria and intrinsic cohort differences, the NSCLC and control cohorts were not well matched for age (median age: 65 vs. 40 years; p < 0.0001) and smoking status (p = 0.0058). Interleukins were first assessed through conventional ELISA. IL-11 was elevated in NSCLC plasma compared to controls (49.71 ± 16.90 vs. 27.67 ± 14.06 pg/mL, respectively, p < 0.0001) but undetectable in sera and EBCs by conventional ELISA. Therefore, high-sensitivity PCR-based IL-11 ELISA was repeated, albeit with concentration discrepancies. IL11 gene and protein upregulation by RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively, were validated in NSCLC tumors. The lack of detection sensitivity across IL-6, IL-8, IL-17A, and IL-33 suggests the need for further, precise assays. Surprisingly, biomarker concentrations can be dissimilar across paired plasmas and sera. Our results identified a need to optimize detection limits for biomarker detection and caution against over-reliance on just one form of blood sample for biomarker assessment.
What Determines the Crime Rate? A Macroeconomic Case Study
Authors: Karpavicius Tomas , Stavytskyy Andriy , Giedraitis Vincentas Rolandas , Ulvidienė Erstida , Kharlamova Ganna , Kavaliauskaite Brigita
Published: September 2024

This study examines the relationship between economic indicators and crime rates in six European countries: Lithuania, Germany, Greece, Portugal, Finland and Sweden. By examining macroeconomic factors such as GDP, security spending and per capita consumption, the study aims to understand how these variables affect crime dynamics. Using robust econometric techniques, including panel regression with fixed effects, the study identifies significant correlations and patterns. The findings reveal that the crime rate has a high degree of inertia and is significantly influenced by the previous level. Contrary to expectations, increased per capita consumption is associated with higher crime rates, which may indicate that wealthier societies are experiencing an increase in economic crime. Furthermore, higher spending on security does not necessarily reduce crime, suggesting that types of crime evolve as detection capabilities improve. This study highlights the complexity of the nexus between crime and the economy, highlighting the need for multifaceted, long-term policies to effectively combat crime and increase public safety. The results offer valuable insights for policymakers to develop comprehensive crime prevention and economic development strategies.