bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Homeless people: a review of personality disorders
Authors: Henriques-Calado Joana , Gama Marques João
Published: May 2024

Personality disorders in homeless people pose a challenge to the medical community and society, requiring specialized approaches for these super-difficult patients. The prevalence of personality disorders is higher in homeless populations than in the general population. However, there is a knowledge gap regarding personality disorders among people experiencing homelessness, and the implications of this lack of recognition are substantial. This paper provides a brief narrative review of personality disorders among homeless individuals. The primary importance and specificity of these disorders in this population remain unexplored. We searched PubMed and Web of Science databases in February and November 2023 using the keywords ‘homeless’ and ‘personality disorder’, and selected fifty-eight studies to be included in this literature review. The main themes of the results were personality disorders in homeless individuals and comorbid psychiatric disorders; risk factors and other psychological and behavioral data; clinical and intervention outcomes; and challenges linked to assessment, treatment, and intervention. The homeless population experiences significant diagnostic variability and the diagnosis of personality disorders is still evolving, contributing to difficulties in diagnosis, assessment, and treatment. A future challenge is to raise clinical awareness and optimize research knowledge, assessment, and intervention in personality disorders among homeless individuals with comorbid psychiatric disorders.
Effects of cognitive training and behavior modification on aggressive behavior and sleep quality in schizophrenia
Authors: Wang Jing , Cheng Gangming , Li Hongjie , Yang Wei
Published: May 2024

Background

Schizophrenia (SCZ) is linked to a heightened risk of impulsive aggression and disturbances in sleep patterns. Cognitive and social cognitive impairments have been connected to aggression, with social cognitive deficits appearing to play a more immediate role. In this investigation, we conducted a retrospective analysis of the impact of cognitive training and sleep interventions on aggressive behavior and the quality of sleep among individuals with SCZ who were hospitalized.

Methods

This study divided 80 hospitalized patients into two groups according to medical advice, namely the normal group and the study group. The control group received routine drug treatment and education; The research group implemented cognitive training and sleep intervention based on the normal group. Collect basic clinical data, aggressive behavior indicators, and sleep quality indicators.

Results

There is no difference in the basic information statistics between the two groups. Both groups can reduce aggressive behavior and improve sleep quality. In the study group, there was a notable decrease in aggressive behavior compared to the control group. Furthermore, the sleep quality in the study group exhibited significant improvement when compared to the control group.

Conclusion

Cognitive training and sleep intervention have been proven to be effective nonpharmacological treatments, effectively reducing aggressive behavior and improving sleep quality.
Optimizing photosynthetic photon flux density and light quality for maximizing space use efficacy in edamame at the vegetative growth stage
Authors: Liu Qingxin , Ke Xinglin , Yoshida Hideo , Hikosaka Shoko , Goto Eiji
Published: May 2024

Compared with conventional crop cultivation in greenhouses or fields, plant factories with artificial light (PFAL) have advantages in the highly efficient use of space, energy, and resources available for cultivation. However, few studies on environmental controls for improving the space use efficacy (SUE) of PFAL in the production of edamame, a vegetable soybean, have been reported. Therefore, developing an environmental control method for high productivity with minimal space and energy requirements is of high priority. The aims of this study were to (1) identify the optimal photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) and light quality to enhance the SUE of edamame at the vegetative growth stage, and (2) examine the effects of PPFD, light quality, and their interaction on edamame plant growth at the vegetative stage. SUE is defined as the crop biomass produced per unit cubic volume of cultivation during the growth period. We examined three PPFD treatments (300, 500, and 700 μmol m−2 s−1) with three color temperature LED lamps (3,000, 5,000, and 6,500 K), for a total of nine treatments. The results demonstrated that, under the same light quality treatment, higher PPFDs resulted in larger fresh and dry weights of all organs, higher stem length, and lower specific leaf area. Under the same PPFD treatment, a high ratio of blue (400–499 nm) to red (600–699 nm) photon flux density increased the plant height but decreased the projected leaf area. The values of SUE at 700 μmol m−2 s−1 increased by 213, 163, and 92% with 3,000, 5,000, and 6,500 K, respectively compared with those at 300 μmol m−2 s−1. The values of SUE at 700 μmol m−2 s−1 increased by 34 and 23% in 5,000 and 6,500 K treatments, respectively compared with that in the 3,000 K treatment. In conclusion, a combination of 700 μmol m−2 s−1 PPFD and 5,000 K color temperature is the suitable condition to increase the SUE of edamame at the vegetative growth stage in a PFAL.
Practical Comparison of Two- and Three-Phase Bearingless Permanent Magnet Slice Motors for Blood Pumps
Authors: Lawley Jonathan E. M. , Matlis Giselle C. , Throckmorton Amy L. , Day Steven W.
Published: May 2024

The majority of bearingless permanent magnet slice motors (BPMSMs) used in commercially available rotary blood pumps use a two-phase configuration, but it is unclear as to whether or not a comparable three-phase configuration would offer a better performance. This study compares the performance of two-phase and three-phase BPMSM configurations. Initially, two nominal designs were manufactured and empirically tested for their performance characteristics, namely, the axial stiffness, radial stiffness, and current force. Subsequently, finite element analysis (FEA) models were developed based on these nominal devices and validated against the empirical results. Simulations were then employed to assess the sensitivity of performance characteristics to variations in seven different geometric features of the models for both configurations. Our findings indicate that the nominal three-phase design had a higher axial stiffness and radial stiffness, but resulted in a lower axial-to-radial-stiffness ratio when compared to the nominal two-phase design. Additionally, while the nominal two-phase design shows a higher current force, the nominal three-phase design proves to be slightly superior when the force generated is considered relative to the power usage. Notably, the three-phase configuration demonstrates a greater sensitivity to dimensional changes in the geometric features. We observed that alterations in the air gap and rotor length lead to the most significant variations in performance characteristics. Although most changes in specific geometric features entail equal tradeoffs, increasing the head protrusion positively influences the overall performance. Moreover, we illustrated the interdependent nature of the head height and rotor height on the performance characteristics. Overall, this study delineates the strengths and weaknesses of each configuration, while also providing general insights into the relationship between specific geometric features and performance characteristics of BPMSMs.
Dynamic Encircling Cooperative Guidance for Intercepting Superior Target with Overload, Impact Angle and Simultaneous Time Constraints
Authors: Yang Dengfeng , Yan Xiaodong
Published: May 2024

This paper proposes a dynamic encircling cooperative guidance (DECG) law to enable multiple interceptors to cooperatively intercept a superior target, considering low velocity, limited overload, impact angle and simultaneous arrival constraints. First, the feasible escaping area of the target is analyzed and a dynamic encircling strategy for the target is established. This strategy efficiently provides virtual escaping points, allowing interceptors to dynamically encircle the target without excessive energy consumption, ultimately leading to a successful interception. Second, to enhance the physical feasibility of the kinematic equations governing the interaction between interceptors and target at the virtual escaping points, the independent variable is substituted and the kinematic equations are remodeled. Convex optimization is employed to address the multi-constraint optimal guidance problem for each interceptor, thereby facilitating simultaneous interception. Compared with the existing guidance laws, DECG has a more practical and feasible cooperative strategy, is able to handle more constraints including the interceptor’s own constraints and cooperative constraints, and does not rely on the precise calculation of explicit remaining flight time in the guidance law implementation. Lastly, the effectiveness, superiority and robustness of the DECG law are evaluated through a series of numerical simulations, and its performance is compared with that of the cooperative proportional navigation guidance law (CPNG).
Influence of Nonionic Surfactants on the Adsorption and Elution of Atrazine in Agriculturally Modified Soils
Authors: Zhao Na , Yang Chengjian
Published: May 2024

The Hetao Irrigation District, situated in the Northwest of China, serves as a significant commercial grain base. Widespread use of atrazine, an herbicide in the region, has resulted in significant environmental issues, impacting the ecosystem equilibrium and sustainable agricultural development. The co-adsorption of the globally employed atrazine herbicide along with two nonionic surfactants, Tween-80 and Brij30, onto soils treated with HCl and H2O2 was investigated. The study revealed that the adsorption isothermal curves of surfactants on soil adhered to a two-stage adsorption model. Various types of adsorption isothermal curves, such as S-type or L-type, influenced the adsorption capacity of atrazine on the soil. Observations indicated that S-type or L-type isothermal curves of surfactants interconverted with alterations in soil polarity. Moreover, it has been uncovered that the adsorption properties of Tween 80 in the soil are intricately connected to its ability to elute atrazine within the same soil. This discovery provides theoretical support for a prudent reduction in herbicide usage in the Hetao Irrigation District in the upcoming years.
Nighttime Harvesting of OrBot (Orchard RoBot)
Authors: Waltman Jakob , Buchanan Ethan , Bulanon Duke M.
Published: May 2024

The Robotics Vision Lab of Northwest Nazarene University has developed the Orchard Robot (OrBot), which was designed for harvesting fruits. OrBot is composed of a machine vision system to locate fruits on the tree, a robotic manipulator to approach the target fruit, and a gripper to remove the target fruit. Field trials conducted at commercial orchards for apples and peaches during the harvesting season of 2021 yielded a harvesting success rate of about 85% and had an average harvesting cycle time of 12 s. Building upon this success, the goal of this study is to evaluate the performance of OrBot during nighttime harvesting. The idea is to have OrBot harvest at night, and then human pickers continue the harvesting operation during the day. This human and robot collaboration will leverage the labor shortage issue with a relatively slower robot working at night. The specific objectives are to determine the artificial lighting parameters suitable for nighttime harvesting and to evaluate the harvesting viability of OrBot during the night. LED lighting was selected as the source for artificial illumination with a color temperature of 5600 K and 10% intensity. This combination resulted in images with the lowest noise. OrBot was tested in a commercial orchard using twenty Pink Lady apple trees. Results showed an increased success rate during the night, with OrBot gaining 94% compared to 88% during the daytime operations.
Chemical Composition, Antioxidant Activity, and Milk-Clotting Activity of Aqueous Extracts from Leaves, Stems, and Flowers of Three Tunisian Ecotypes of Spontaneous and Cultivated Onopordum nervosum ssp. platylepis Murb.: A Potential Novel Vegetable Rennet Option
Authors: Kouki Rania , Essaidi Ismahen , Annabi Khouloud , Dhen Najla , Haouala Faouzi , Alhudhaibi Abdulrahman M. , Alrudayni Hassan A. , Bziouech Samra Akef , Ayari Olfa , Al Mohandes Dridi Bouthaina
Published: May 2024

This study aimed to compare the chemical composition of aqueous extracts from different aerial plant parts (leaves, stems, and flowers) of Onopordum nervosum ssp. platylepis growing in different regions (Sousse, Kairouan, and Nabeul) in Tunisia, as well as their antioxidant and milk-clotting properties for both spontaneously grown and cultivated plants. Results showed that phenolic composition varies significantly among ecotypes and plant organs (p < 0.05), with flowers containing the highest amounts of total phenols and flavonoids in both plant types. The flowers from Nabeul (NA) region showed the highest amounts of total phenols and higher phenolic contents compared to leaves and stems, with 44.75 mg GAE/g and 39.79 mg GAE/g in spontaneous and cultivated plants, respectively. However, flowers of spontaneously plants grown in Sousse (SO) showed the highest total flavonoid contents (11.42 mg QE/g). Additionally, the findings indicated that flowers contained higher concentrations of mono- and disaccharides than leaves and stems. The antioxidant activity showed that the radical scavenging activity of O. platylepis aqueous extracts is significantly affected by the organ and genotype (p < 0.05). NA genotype revealed the highest potency in inhibiting free radicals, with flowers having the lowest IC50s values in 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) tests, registering 0.13 ± 0.02 and 0.14 ± 0.01 mg/mL, respectively. Milk-clotting activity was limited to flowers of this thistle. Moreover, SO and NA genotypes were identified as the most potent populations to coagulate milk in spontaneous and cultivated plants. The principal component analysis confirms the organ and genotype variability in this thistle, with the first two axes explaining 64.15% of the variance and highlighting a distinct flower group. The obtained results suggest that the domestication of this thistle could be useful for the conservation of biodiversity and the promotion of genotypes with potential technological properties.
Method for Monitoring Wheat Growth Status and Estimating Yield Based on UAV Multispectral Remote Sensing
Authors: Zhu Junke , Li Yumeng , Wang Chunying , Liu Ping , Lan Yubin
Published: May 2024

An efficient and accurate estimation of wheat growth and yield is important for wheat assessment and field management. To improve the accuracy and stability of wheat growth and yield estimation, an estimation method based on a genetic algorithm-improved support vector regression (GA-SVR) algorithm was proposed in this study. The correlation analysis between vegetation indices calculated from spectral data and wheat growth phenotypes and yields was performed to obtain the optimal combination of vegetation indices with high correlation and good estimation performance. At the same time, the optimal model for wheat growth monitoring was screened and constructed in experiments with 12 wheat varieties and 3 gradient nitrogen fertilizer application levels. Then, the yield estimation model was established and its applicability was verified under different nitrogen fertilizer application levels. The results showed that the constructed models for the leaf area index, plant height, and yield estimation performed well, with coefficients of determination of 0.82, 0.71, and 0.70, and root mean square errors of 0.09, 2.7, and 68.5, respectively. This study provided an effective UAV remote sensing technique for monitoring wheat growth status and estimating yield. This study provides an effective unmanned aerial remote sensing technique for monitoring wheat growth and estimating yield, and provides technical support for wheat yield assessment and field management.
Risk Factors and Outcomes of Patients Colonized with KPC and NDM Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacterales
Authors: Saidel-Odes Lisa , Sagi Orli , Troib Shani , Leeman Hannah , Nativ Ronit , Schlaeffer-Yosef Tal , Azulay Hovav , Nesher Lior , Borer Abraham
Published: May 2024

Carbapenemase-producing enterobacterales (CPE) poses an increasing threat in hospitals worldwide. Recently, the prevalence of different carbapenemases conferring carbapenem resistance in enterobacterales changed in our country, including an increase in New Delhi Metallo-beta-lactamase (NDM)-CPE. We conducted a comparative historical study of adult patients colonized with Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC)-CPE (July 2016 to June 2018, a historical cohort) vs. NDM-CPE (July 2016 to January 2023). We identified patients retrospectively through the microbiology laboratory and reviewed their files, extracting demographics, underlying diseases, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) scores, treatments, and outcomes. This study included 228 consecutive patients from whom a CPE rectal swab screening was obtained: 136 NDM-CPE positive and 92 KPC-CPE positive. NDM-CPE-colonized patients had a shorter hospitalization length and a significantly lower 30-day post-discharge mortality rate (p = 0.002) than KPC-CPE-colonized patients. Based on multivariate regression, independent risk factors predicting CPE-NDM colonization included admission from home and CCI < 4 (p < 0.001, p = 0.037, respectively). The increase in NDM-CPE prevalence necessitates a modified CPE screening strategy upon hospital admission tailored to the changing local CPE epidemiology. In our region, the screening of younger patients residing at home with fewer comorbidities should be considered, regardless of a prior community healthcare contact or hospital admission.
Microplastics and Oxidative Stress—Current Problems and Prospects
Authors: Kadac-Czapska Kornelia , Ośko Justyna , Knez Eliza , Grembecka Małgorzata
Published: May 2024

Microplastics (MPs) are plastic particles between 0.1 and 5000 µm in size that have attracted considerable attention from the scientific community and the general public, as they threaten the environment. Microplastics contribute to various harmful effects, including lipid peroxidation, DNA damage, activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways, cell membrane breakages, mitochondrial dysfunction, lysosomal defects, inflammation, and apoptosis. They affect cells, tissues, organs, and overall health, potentially contributing to conditions like cancer and cardiovascular disease. They pose a significant danger due to their widespread occurrence in food. In recent years, information has emerged indicating that MPs can cause oxidative stress (OS), a known factor in accelerating the aging of organisms. This comprehensive evaluation exposed notable variability in the reported connection between MPs and OS. This work aims to provide a critical review of whether the harmfulness of plastic particles that constitute environmental contaminants may result from OS through a comprehensive analysis of recent research and existing scientific literature, as well as an assessment of the characteristics of MPs causing OS. Additionally, the article covers the analytical methodology used in this field. The conclusions of this review point to the necessity for further research into the effects of MPs on OS.
Research on Rapid Recognition of Moving Small Targets by Robotic Arms Based on Attention Mechanisms
Authors: Cao Boyu , Jiang Aishan , Shen Jiacheng , Liu Jun
Published: May 2024

For small target objects on fast-moving conveyor belts, traditional vision detection algorithms equipped with conventional robotic arms struggle to capture the long and short-range pixel dependencies crucial for accurate detection. This leads to high miss rates and low precision. In this study, we integrate the traditional EMA (efficient multi-scale attention) algorithm with the c2f (channel-to-pixel) module from the original YOLOv8, alongside a Faster-Net module designed based on partial convolution concepts. This fusion results in the Faster-EMA-Net module, which greatly enhances the ability of the algorithm and robotic technologies to extract pixel dependencies for small targets, and improves perception of dynamic small target objects. Furthermore, by incorporating a small target semantic information enhancement layer into the multiscale feature fusion network, we aim to extract more expressive features for small targets, thereby boosting detection accuracy. We also address issues with training time and subpar performance on small targets in the original YOLOv8 algorithm by improving the loss function. Through experiments, we demonstrate that our attention-based visual detection algorithm effectively enhances accuracy and recall rates for fast-moving small targets, meeting the demands of real industrial scenarios. Our approach to target detection using industrial robotic arms is both practical and cutting-edge.
Innovations in Wheat Bread: Using Food Industry By-Products for Better Quality and Nutrition
Authors: Zarzycki Piotr , Wirkijowska Anna , Teterycz Dorota , Łysakowska Paulina
Published: May 2024

The evolution of wheat bread as a dietary staple underscores its essential role in providing energy, protein, fiber, and vital nutrients. To address contemporary health challenges such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, fortifying wheat bread with health-promoting additives becomes imperative to mitigate deficiencies resulting from refined wheat flour consumption. Functional food innovations, aligned with sustainability goals and circular economy principles, offer promising approaches for addressing these concerns. Integrating by-products from fruits and oil crops into bread formulations enhances health benefits by boosting dietary fiber, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant potential. However, gaps persist in understanding anti-nutritional substances and contaminants in final products, necessitating further research for comprehensive safety assessments. The addition of by-product raw materials significantly influences dough rheology and sensory characteristics, potentially achieving quality comparable to traditional wheat bread. Challenges include inconsistencies in bread and by-product specifications across studies, hindering direct result comparison. Overcoming these obstacles is crucial for maximizing the potential of agri-food by-products in creating healthier, sustainable bread options while maintaining safety and quality standards.
Lipidomics of Microplasma-Irradiated Cells at Optimized Discharge Conditions for the Absorption of High-Molecule Drug
Authors: Rimi Sadia Afrin , Alam Md Jahangir , Kristof Jaroslav , Sadiq Abubakar Hamza , Hasan Mahedi , Mamun Md. Al , Setou Mitsutoshi , Shimizu Kazuo
Published: May 2024

Microplasma irradiation is a promising technique for the transdermal delivery of high-molecular-weight drugs. In this technique, microplasma components interact with the skin surface or cell membranes, allowing the drugs to penetrate. For efficient and safe drug delivery, it is crucial to understand these interactions. To this end, this study investigated the effects of microplasma irradiation on cellular lipids, particularly those associated with cell membranes. Rat intestinal epithelial cells were treated with microplasma irradiation at two different voltages (4.0 kV or 4.5 kV). An untargeted lipidomic was conducted using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC/MS) technique. The results revealed that microplasma irradiation at 4.0 kV induces a significant increase in cell membrane lipids within 10 min post-irradiation. All major cell membrane lipids, including phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, and sphingomyelin, exhibited increases of over 25% within this short timeframe. Notably, this effect is transient, as lipid levels return to their baseline after 12 h. Furthermore, no significant differences in live and apoptotic cell percentages were observed between the control and 12 h post-irradiated cells. In contrast, irradiation at 4.5 kV did not elicit significant changes in cell membrane lipids, correlating with the absence of drug absorption under this condition. Hence, our study unveiled a correlation between the rapid increase in cell membrane lipids and enhanced drug absorption in microplasma-irradiated cells. This lipid augmentation potentially enhances membrane fluidity and permeability, thus facilitating drug absorption. Beyond elucidating the mechanisms and safety of microplasma-based drug delivery, our research provides valuable insights for advancing various microplasma-based biomedical technologies.
Optimization Study on Key Technology of Improved Arch Cover Method Construction for Underground Metro Stations Based on Similar Model Test
Authors: Yang Wangxing , Xu Mingkai , Peng Wenxiang , Liu Taoying
Published: May 2024

To enhance comprehension of the improved arch cover construction method for underground metro stations and provide guidance for future construction techniques and programs, the paper examines the indoor improved arch cover method of construction in the underground concealed excavation station of Tianhe Road Station of Guangzhou Metro Line 10, China. It includes a similar model test of the key technology and an analysis of the evolution law of the surrounding rock stress, the law of the ground settlement, and the law of the arch top deformation after the tunnel excavation. The study found that increased over-support can decrease arch settlement, with the maximum settlement occurring near the arch. Ground settlement typically occurs in the same areas as arch settlement, but arch settlement may occur earlier. The excavation of the arch cover has little impact on the overlying soil pressure, and the supporting structure is more effective in controlling soil deformation. The upper part of the arch cap experiences mainly extrusion stress, with the maximum stress occurring near the middle of the arch. The stresses in the arch’s base decrease significantly during the excavation of the side drifts but show an increasing trend during the excavation of the lower rock mass. The presence of the central column significantly affects both the settlement of the arch and the ground, as it bears most of the compressive stress of the arch. This stress decreases initially and then increases. The amplitude of deformation is more pronounced when the dismantled central column is closer to the middle of the arch.
An Investigation into the Pole–Slot Ratio and Optimization of a Low-Speed and High-Torque Permanent Magnet Motor
Authors: Liu Zhongqi , Zhang Guiyuan , Du Guanghui
Published: May 2024

At present, low-speed high-torque permanent magnet motors are widely used in the sampling industry, manufacturing industry and energy industry. However, the research on low-speed high-torque permanent magnet motors is far from enough. The primary difficulty in the initial design of low-speed high-torque permanent magnet motors is the selection of pole–slot ratio. The pole–slot ratio has a great influence on the electromagnetic performance such as torque ripple and the maximum output torque of low-speed motors. Choosing the appropriate pole–slot ratio scheme can make the design of a low-speed motor more efficient. In addition, the optimization design of the motor is also a necessary process. At present, there are many studies on optimization algorithms. However, the research on sample point sampling and surrogate model fitting is not enough. Choosing the appropriate sample point sampling method and surrogate model fitting method can help one obtain a more accurate surrogate model, which lays a foundation for the optimization of the motor. Based on the above analysis, this paper first selects four representative pole–slot ratio schemes for comprehensive comparison of their electromagnetic performances. Secondly, two sample point sampling methods and three surrogate model fitting methods are combined to obtain six surrogate models, and the accuracy of the six surrogate models is compared and analyzed. Finally, a 37kW,160rpm prototype is made, and the comparison of the surrogate model optimization prediction results, the finite element simulation calculation results and the measured results is carried out to further prove the accuracy of the selected surrogate model. The work performed in this paper provides a certain reference value for the initial design and optimization experiment design of low-speed high-torque permanent magnet motor.
Modelling Wear Phenomena Specific to Mixer Blades in Concrete Production Plants
Authors: Petrescu Marius Gabriel , Popovici Aristia-Ioana , Niță Adrian , Isbășoiu Dan , Dumitru Teodor , Tănase Maria
Published: May 2024

In the cement concrete manufacturing industry, mixers are critical pieces of equipment that play an essential role. Mixers ensure, by mechanically mixing the materials that make up the concrete, the homogeneity of the mixture. Since the active elements of the mixer in the concrete industry—the mixing blades—come into permanent contact with the mineral aggregates in the mixture formed by water and cement, they are permanently subjected to a strong abrasive–erosive wear process. The authors of this article were concerned with the establishment of tribological models for studying the wear of mixing blades, in order to identify the influence of their constructive parameters on the wear intensity. A complex model (Kraghelsky–Nepomnyashchi model) was adopted for the study. The modeling results revealed that the wear intensity decreases with an increasing blade angle of attack and increases linearly with increasing speed, as well as with an increasing friction coefficient. The modeling results confirm that the wear intensity is lowest when the mixing blade is inclined at a 60° angle, while the highest value is recorded for 30°. By identifying the angle at which the greatest wear of blades occurs, interventions can be made in the design of a more durable mixer (with the optimal installation angle of the mixer blades), thus requiring fewer corrective maintenance interventions. Based on these findings, we conclude that the complex model used in the experiment can provide a convenient and efficient tool for the study of erosive–abrasive phenomena.
Measurement and Analysis of the Shock and Drop Levels Experienced by Small and Medium Packages in the Korean Parcel Delivery System
Authors: Kim Saewhan , Horvath Laszlo , Lee Sangwook
Published: May 2024

South Korea is one of the leading markets for the e-commerce industry. In line with the rapid growth of the e-commerce industry, the parcel delivery volume in Korea has also proliferated. Despite the developments in the Korean e-commerce and courier industries, consumers still experience a high package damage rate. In response, many packaging engineers in Korea have raised the need for new parcel shipping environment tests that reflect the Korean ground shipping environment in order to properly optimize packages. However, only limited information on the Korean parcel shipping environment is currently available. Therefore, this study focused on measuring and analyzing the shock and drop levels that parcels experience during ground shipping in Korea. Shock data were collected from a total of sixty one-way shipments for small, lightweight packages and medium, mid-weight packages. The findings revealed that the two types of boxes do not experience significantly different numbers of shock events or drop heights in the Korean parcel delivery environment. Furthermore, the number of shock events that occur in Korea is substantially less than the international testing standard and less than in previous studies conducted in both Europe and the USA. In contrast, however, the drop heights are higher than those in the international testing standard and previous studies. Shock events were found to occur most frequently on the edges and to be concentrated around the bottoms of the packages. Most shock events happen while packages are loaded and unloaded at hub terminals and sub terminals.
Study on SEAI Model of COVID-19 Based on Asymptomatic Infection
Authors: Huang Lidong , Xia Yue , Qin Wenjie
Published: May 2024

In this paper, an SEAI epidemic model with asymptomatic infection is studied under the background of mass transmission of COVID-19. First, we use the next-generation matrix method to obtain the basic reproductive number R0 and calculate the equilibrium point. Secondly, when R0<1, the local asymptotic stability of the disease-free equilibrium is proved by Hurwitz criterion, and the global asymptotic stability of the disease-free equilibrium is proved by constructing the Lyapunov function. When R0>1, the system has a unique endemic equilibrium point and is locally asymptotically stable, and it is also proved that the system is uniformly persistent. Then, the application of optimal control theory is carried out, and the expression of the optimal control solution is obtained. Finally, in order to verify the correctness of the theory, the stability of the equilibrium point is numerically simulated and the sensitivity of the parameters of R0 is analyzed. We also simulated the comparison of the number of asymptomatic infected people and symptomatic infected people before and after adopting the optimal control strategy. This shows that the infection of asymptomatic people cannot be underestimated in the spread of COVID-19 virus, and an isolation strategy should be adopted to control the spread speed of the disease.
Phytochemical Characterization and Biological Activities of Essential Oil from Satureja montana L., a Medicinal Plant Grown under the Influence of Fertilization and Planting Dates
Authors: Said-Al Ahl Hussein A. H. , Kačániova Miroslava , Mahmoud Abeer A. , Hikal Wafaa M. , Čmiková Natália , Szczepanek Małgorzata , Błaszczyk Karolina , Al-Balawi Siham M. , Bianchi Alessandro , Smaoui Slim , Tkachenko Kirill G.
Published: May 2024

The rising demand for safe plant compounds and herbal products that contribute positively to human health is in line with current market trends. Plants belonging to the Satureja genus, particularly the aromatic medicinal S. montana L. from the Lamiaceae family, are well suited to these trends as they serve as pharmaceutical raw materials. This research aimed to assess the influence of sowing date and fertilization doses, as well as their interaction, on the fresh weight, essential oil content, and composition of S. montana. Experimental cultivation involved varying nitrogen and phosphorus levels. The second cut had the highest fresh weight and oil production compared to the first cut. The highest total plant biomass was achieved with autumn sowing and fertilization at 55 kg N/ha and 37 kg P/ha, whereas Spring sowing exhibited higher essential oil production, with the maximum oil % with 74 kg P/ha and oil yield after applying 55 kg N/ha and 74 kg P/ha. The GC-MS analysis revealed that carvacrol was the predominant compound, with it being recommended to grow S. montana in Spring at doses of 55 kg N/ha and 74 kg P/ha for the superior oil yield. Additionally, S. montana essential oil demonstrated notable biological and antimicrobial activity, positioning it as a potential alternative to chemical food preservatives.
Efficacy of Office-Based Salivary Ductal Steroid Irrigation for Managing Post-Irradiation Xerostomia in Head and Neck Cancer Patients: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Chen Yen-Chun , Viet-Nhi Nguyen-Kieu , Dang Luong Huu , Su Chin-Hui , Hung Shih-Han
Published: May 2024

Post-irradiation xerostomia remains a significant quality of life concern for patients with head and neck cancers. Conventional therapies offer limited effectiveness. This study aims to investigate the therapeutic potential of office-based salivary ductal steroid irrigation in patients with post-irradiation xerostomia. This single-center observational study recruited 147 head and neck cancer patients suffering from post-irradiation xerostomia between November 2020 and October 2022. All included subjects received at least one round of successful salivary ductal cannulation and irrigation. The primary measure of efficacy was improvement in subjective xerostomia and objective salivary amylase levels. A logistic regression was employed to evaluate factors affecting treatment responsiveness. The response rate among nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) patients was 74.8%, and that among non-NPC cancer was 65.6%, without significant intergroup differences. The statistical analysis revealed no significant influence of age, gender, or disease stage on treatment responsiveness. Post-treatment salivary amylase levels were significantly higher in responsive non-NPC patients. In conclusion, salivary ductal steroid irrigation emerged as a promising therapeutic modality for the management of post-irradiation xerostomia in head and neck cancer patients. While no explicit factors were predictive of responsiveness, the high rate of symptom improvement suggests that this therapy may be a viable alternative for patients that are refractory to standard treatments.
Synergistic Antinociceptive Effect of β-Caryophyllene Oxide in Combination with Paracetamol, and the Corresponding Gastroprotective Activity
Authors: Espinosa-Juárez Josué Vidal , Arrieta Jesús , Briones-Aranda Alfredo , Cruz-Antonio Leticia , López-Lorenzo Yaraset , Sánchez-Mendoza María Elena
Published: May 2024

Pain is the most frequent symptom of disease. In treating pain, a lower incidence of adverse effects is found for paracetamol versus other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Nevertheless, paracetamol can trigger side effects when taken regularly. Combined therapy is a common way of lowering the dose of a drug and thus of reducing adverse reactions. Since β-caryophyllene oxide (a natural bicyclic sesquiterpene) is known to produce an analgesic effect, this study aimed to determine the anti-nociceptive and gastroprotective activity of administering the combination of paracetamol plus β-caryophyllene oxide to CD1 mice. Anti-nociception was evaluated with the formalin model and gastroprotection with the model of ethanol-induced gastric lesions. According to the isobolographic analysis, the anti-nociceptive interaction of paracetamol and β-caryophyllene oxide was synergistic. Various pain-related pathways were explored for their possible participation in the mechanism of action of the anti-nociceptive effect of β-caryophyllene oxide, finding that NO, opioid receptors, serotonin receptors, and K+ATP channels are not involved. The combined treatment showed gastroprotective activity against ethanol-induced gastric damage. Hence, the synergistic anti-nociceptive effect of combining paracetamol with β-caryophyllene oxide could be advantageous for the management of inflammatory pain, and the gastroprotective activity should help to protect against the adverse effects of chronic use.
Advances in Biomimetic Scaffolds for Hard Tissue Surgery
Authors: Uklejewski Ryszard , Winiecki Mariusz
Published: May 2024

Hard tissues are living mineralized tissues that possess a high degree of hardness and are found in organs such as bones and teeth (enamel, dentin, and cementum) [...]
Subtle Patterns of Altered Responsiveness to Delayed Auditory Feedback during Finger Tapping in People Who Stutter
Authors: Lazzari Giorgio , van de Vorst Robert , van Vugt Floris T. , Lega Carlotta
Published: May 2024

Differences in sensorimotor integration mechanisms have been observed between people who stutter (PWS) and controls who do not. Delayed auditory feedback (DAF) introduces timing discrepancies between perception and action, disrupting sequence production in verbal and non-verbal domains. While DAF consistently enhances speech fluency in PWS, its impact on non-verbal sensorimotor synchronization abilities remains unexplored. A total of 11 PWS and 13 matched controls completed five tasks: (1) unpaced tapping; (2) synchronization-continuation task (SCT) without auditory feedback; (3) SCT with DAF, with instruction either to align the sound in time with the metronome; or (4) to ignore the sound and align their physical tap to the metronome. Additionally, we measured participants’ sensitivity to detecting delayed feedback using a (5) delay discrimination task. Results showed that DAF significantly affected performance in controls as a function of delay duration, despite being irrelevant to the task. Conversely, PWS performance remained stable across delays. When auditory feedback was absent, no differences were found between PWS and controls. Moreover, PWS were less able to detect delays in speech and tapping tasks. These findings show subtle differences in non-verbal sensorimotor performance between PWS and controls, specifically when action–perception loops are disrupted by delays, contributing to models of sensorimotor integration in stuttering.
Detailed Design of Special-Shaped Steel Structures Based on DfMA: The BIM-FEM Model Conversion Method
Authors: Zou Yiquan , Hu Feng , Yang Hao , Cai Jie , Pan Han , Zhang Qin
Published: May 2024

(1) This paper, based on the characteristics of complex steel structures as well as difficult points in the process of their detailed design, introduces the product design concept of DfMA (Design for Manufacturing and Assembly) from the manufacturing industry and studies the detailed design method of BIM-FEM model conversion. The BIM software Revit (2020) is used as the basis for the BIM detailed design of the project, which achieves the purpose of rapid modeling and provides a detailed design model basis for finite element analysis. (2) Utilizing the Revit API and C# for secondary development as the technical means, this approach involves converting the geometric entity model described by CSG-Brep into an APDL stream. This creates an interface with the finite element analysis software ANSYS (12.0) to implement the detailed design of BIM-FEM model conversion, optimizing the algorithm for converting complex analysis models that require high precision for special-shaped steel structures. (3) This research addresses issues such as the disconnection between the design, manufacturing, and construction of special-shaped steel structures, providing support for design decisions. Moreover, it enhances the detailed design method by improving the standardization of special-shaped components under the condition of design diversity. (4) These studies provide sustainability for engineering design, manufacturing, and construction projects, enabling the maximization of benefits and product lifecycle management (PLM) through these projects. (5) Finally, a case study analysis was conducted on the Wuhan City New Generation Weather Radar Construction Project, designed by the Central South Architectural Design Institute (CSADI), to verify the detailed design of BIM-FEM model conversion. This proved the scientific validity, practicality, and necessity of this research.
Construction Price Forecasting Models in the Construction Industry: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Lederer Lukáš , Ellingerová Helena , Ďubek Silvia , Bočkaj Jozef , Ďubek Marek
Published: May 2024

Construction prices rose rapidly during 2020 and 2021, making it almost impossible for contractors to adhere to agreed contract prices. For this reason, there was a request from contractors to adjust the contract price after signing a contract for work. During the implementation of the construction contracts, they were unable to comply with the fixed contract price. Forecasting the development of price indices could solve this problem by creating a reserve that would limit the adjustment of the contract price and the contractors’ withdrawal from the contracts. The forecast could be enshrined in the contractual conditions before the start of construction, which would eliminate the risk of changing the agreed contract price for the investor and the possible occurrence of additional work. Data from statistical offices were used to create the price index forecast. In this article, four methods were used in the search for a more accurate forecast: regression analysis, exponential smoothing, the naïve method, and the Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model. From these methods, the most appropriate method was selected by multi-criteria decision-making, which was subsequently verified with actual published price index data. The main goals of this study are to determine the most suitable prognostic method for forecasting the development of the prices of construction materials and work and then comparing the forecasted data with the actual published data of statistical offices in the countries of Central Europe.
Exposure to Environmental Toxins: Potential Implications for Stroke Risk via the Gut– and Lung–Brain Axis
Authors: Ruggles Alexandria , Benakis Corinne
Published: May 2024

Recent evidence indicates that exposure to environmental toxins, both short-term and long-term, can increase the risk of developing neurological disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases (i.e., Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias) and acute brain injury (i.e., stroke). For stroke, the latest systematic analysis revealed that exposure to ambient particulate matter is the second most frequent stroke risk after high blood pressure. However, preclinical and clinical stroke investigations on the deleterious consequences of environmental pollutants are scarce. This review examines recent evidence of how environmental toxins, absorbed along the digestive tract or inhaled through the lungs, affect the host cellular response. We particularly address the consequences of environmental toxins on the immune response and the microbiome at the gut and lung barrier sites. Additionally, this review highlights findings showing the potential contribution of environmental toxins to an increased risk of stroke. A better understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying exposure to environmental toxins has the potential to mitigate stroke risk and other neurological disorders.
Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) Juice Supplementation Improves Oxidative Stress and Aging Markers in Testis of Aged Rats
Authors: Daskalova Elena , Pencheva Mina , Denev Petko
Published: May 2024

Spermatogenesis is a process that continues until the end of an individual’s life, although with reduced activity with advancing age. Inflammation, oxidation, and apoptosis are events considered as predictors of pathogenesis and the development of age-related diseases observed in aged testes. The use of natural compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties has a beneficial effect on the inflammatory and oxidative status of the aged testis. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of supplementation with antioxidant-rich black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) juice on several markers of oxidative stress and aging in rat testis. In total, 24 male Wistar rats were divided into three experimental groups: young controls aged 2 months, old controls aged 27 months, and 27-month-old rats supplemented with black chokeberry juice at a dose of 10 mL/kg for 3 months. A. melanocarpa juice supplementation led to reduced oxidative stress, manifested by increased immunoexpression of nNOS, eNOS, and MAS1 in the seminiferous tubules and in the Leydig cells. The morphometrically determined tubule structure data showed no significant differences between the three groups. However, the intensity of the immunoreaction for TRK-C and NT3 in Leydig cells was demonstrably higher in the supplemented old animals compared with the old controls. There was a significantly higher number of blood vessels around the seminiferous tubules in the supplemented animals compared to the old controls. These data indicate that supplementation with A. melanocarpa juice slows down aging processes in the testis and preserves the functional activity of Leydig cells.