bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sensitivity of Lithuanian Zymoseptoria tritici to Quinone Outside Inhibitor and Succinate Dehydrogenase Inhibitor Fungicides
Authors: Lavrukaitė Karolina , Almogdad Mohammad , Ramanauskienė Jūratė , Sabeckis Aurimas
Published: April 2024

Septoria tritici blotch (STB) ais one of the most damaging winter wheat diseases worldwide, presenting a significant threat to its yields. The causal STB agent, Zymoseptoria tritici, also presents a challenge to control due to its rapid adaptation to fungicides. This requires researchers to continuously monitor the pathogen and investigate and explore strategies to manage the spread of the disease and the development of resistance in the pathogen. Therefore, this study presents the current situation and describes changes in the sensitivity of Z. tritici isolates from Lithuania to quinone outside inhibitors (QoIs) and succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors (SDHIs) for the years 2019–2022. The isolates were tested at five different concentrations of two QoI fungicides (azoxystrobin and pyraclostrobin) and three SDHI fungicides (fluxapyroxad, benzovindiflupyr, and bixafen). During the test period, the EC50 values of the tested QoIs increased, while no clear changes were observed in the SDHIs. The most pronounced shift was observed for the active QoI substance pyraclostrobin. The distribution of the EC50 values of the SDHI fungicides showcased one isolate with an outstandingly high EC50 value of 2.6 mg L−1. The results of this study did not reveal any strong patterns of cross-resistance between the fungicides tested. However, a significant positive, moderate correlation (r = 0.55) was found between fluxapyroxad and benzovindiflupyr. Overall, the results of this study contribute to the understanding of the fungicide-resistance situation of Z. tritici in Lithuania and may complement management strategies for the pathogen and its fungicide resistance.
Effect of Soil Water and Nutrient Uptake on Nitrogen Use Efficiency, and Yield of Winter Wheat
Authors: Li Xiaofen , Noor Hafeez , Noor Fida , Ding Pengcheng , Sun Min , Gao Zhiqiang
Published: April 2024

The application of nitrogen (N) improves the winter wheat yield. Excessive N application affects winter wheat yields, leading to low net incomes and negative environmental impacts, therefore, optimizing N application is essential. In this study, the effects of N rates on crop growth yield, net income (NI), water use efficiency (WUE), and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in the irrigated districts of the eastern loess plateau, China, were investigated using seven N application rates (N0, N90, N180, N210, N240, N270, and N300 kg ha−1) during the 2016–2017 and 2017–2018 seasons. N application significantly increased the total water consumption at 0–200 cm during the growth period, the aboveground dry matter at maturity, the grain nitrogen accumulation, yield, NI, and WUE. However, N exceeding 240 kg ha−1 did not favor dry matter and nitrogen accumulation or translocation from the anthesis stage to the maturity stage, thus leading to reduced yield, NI, and WUE. The transpiration rate and stomatal conductance N240 was highest 21–28 day after anthesis, at 187–276 kg ha−1, which can achieve a high yield and profitability with relatively low environmental costs.
Impacts of Livestock Production on Grassland Grasshopper Disasters
Authors: Liu Sibo , Chen Meimei , Li Ping , Baoyin Taogetao , Hou Xiangyang , Yin Guomei
Published: April 2024

Grasshopper disasters threaten grassland animal husbandry, and overgrazing is widely recognized as one of the main causes of locust infestation in grassland regions. However, the impact of overgrazing on grasshopper disasters remains unclear. To address this knowledge gap, this study interviewed 541 households living in locust-prone areas in Inner Mongolia, China. The generalized Poisson model and OLS regression examined the relationship between herders’ production behavior and locust disasters. The results showed that 42% of the herders had suffered from locusts more than three times over the past 15 years, with an average of 49 ha of grassland damaged per household. In addition, with the increase in grazing rates, the scale of locust disasters decreased before it increased. The results also showed that operating grassland areas and feeding forage reduced locust disasters significantly, while renting grassland areas and grazing rates worked oppositely. These results suggest that grazing intensity can make a significant difference in the occurrence of locust disasters.
Fetal Hypoxia Detection Using Machine Learning: A Narrative Review
Authors: Alharbi Nawaf , Youldash Mustafa , Alotaibi Duha , Aldossary Haya , Albrahim Reema , Alzahrani Reham , Saleh Wahbia Ahmed , Olatunji Sunday O. , Aldossary May Issa
Published: April 2024

Fetal hypoxia is a condition characterized by a lack of oxygen supply in a developing fetus in the womb. It can cause potential risks, leading to abnormalities, birth defects, and even mortality. Cardiotocograph (CTG) monitoring is among the techniques that can detect any signs of fetal distress, including hypoxia. Due to the critical importance of interpreting the results of this test, it is essential to accompany these tests with the evolving available technology to classify cases of hypoxia into three cases: normal, suspicious, or pathological. Furthermore, Machine Learning (ML) is a blossoming technique constantly developing and aiding in medical studies, particularly fetal health prediction. Notwithstanding the past endeavors of health providers to detect hypoxia in fetuses, implementing ML and Deep Learning (DL) techniques ensures more timely and precise detection of fetal hypoxia by efficiently and accurately processing complex patterns in large datasets. Correspondingly, this review paper aims to explore the application of artificial intelligence models using cardiotocographic test data. The anticipated outcome of this review is to introduce guidance for future studies to enhance accuracy in detecting cases categorized within the suspicious class, an aspect that has encountered challenges in previous studies that holds significant implications for obstetricians in effectively monitoring fetal health and making informed decisions.
Surface Chemistry Study of Normal and Diseased Human Meibum Films Prior to and after Supplementation with Tear Mimetic Eyedrop Formulation
Authors: Eftimov Petar , Yokoi Norihiko , Tsuji Kazuhiro , Takahashi Kyoko , Nishiyama Miho , Peev Nikola , Koeva Ani S. , Georgiev Georgi As.
Published: April 2024

Ophthalmic nanoemulsions that can treat the deficiencies of meibum (MGS) in Meibomian gland disease and restore its functionality in the tear film are greatly sought. The Rohto Dry Aid (RDA) formulation employs TEARSHIELD TECHNOLOGYTM, which uses a multicomponent oil phase of polar and non-polar lipid-like molecules selected to mimic the profiles of healthy meibum. Thus, the interactions of RDA with “diseased” Meibomian (dMGS) films merit deeper analysis, as these interactions might offer important clues for both the development of new ocular formulations and the processes behind the therapeutic action of the nanoemulsions. Pseudobinary dMGS/RDA films were spread at the air–water surface of the Langmuir trough. Surface pressure-area isocycles and stress relaxations were used to access the layer’s response to blink-like cycling and dilatational viscoelasticity, respectively, while film morphology was recorded via Brewster angle microscopy. It was found that RDA is able to reverse the brittleness and to restore the stability of “diseased” MGS films and thus to revert the layer’s properties to the functionality of healthy Meibomian lipids. Therefore, in order to effectively treat dry eyes with MGS-oriented therapy, ophthalmic nanoemulsions warrant more research.
Research on Full-Field Dynamic Deflection Measurement of Beams Based on Dense Feature Matching and Mismatch Removal Method
Authors: Zheng Jiayan , Tang Yichen , Liu Haijing , Zhou Zhixiang , He Ji
Published: April 2024

To solve the problems of measurement errors led by mismatches of dense feature matching in machine vision structural deflection measurement, this paper proposes a dense feature extraction, matching, and dual-step mismatch-removal-based full-field structural dynamic deflection measurement method. First, the of dense feature detection and matching theory is introduced to extract the SIFT feature points on a structural surface in an image sequence and matched by FLANN to trace the structure movement, and the mechanisms and causes of mismatches are analyzed. Then, a dual-step mismatch removal method combining RANSAC and Structural Displacement Continuity Restriction (SDCR) is introduced to achieve full-field dynamic beam deflection measurement. The proposed method is validated through indoor cantilever beam experiments, and results show that the method can effectively eliminate a large number of SIFT feature mismatches (accounting for approximately 55% of the total matched feature points). The full-field dynamic displacement field of the beam can be measured with the correctly matched dense feature points by converting dense feature point displacements into continuous and uniform spatiotemporal deflections of the structure. A comparison with the GOM Correlate Professional DIC measurement system was conducted, and the maximum measurement error of the cantilever beam dynamic displacement of the proposed method is between 0.024 and 0.053 mm, the root mean squared error of displacement is approximately 0.01 mm, and the correlation coefficient between two deflection–time curves reaches 0.9964. The proposed algorithm is proven to be effective in full-field displacement measurement and has great potential in future structural health monitoring of bridges.
Balance Evaluation Based on Walking Experiments with Exoskeleton Interference
Authors: Wang Liping , Li Xin , Peng Yiying , Han Jianda , Zhang Juanjuan
Published: April 2024

The impairment of walking balance function seriously affects human health and will lead to a significantly increased risk of falling. It is important to assess and improve the walking balance of humans. However, existing evaluation methods for human walking balance are relatively subjective, and the selected metrics lack effectiveness and comprehensiveness. We present a method to construct a comprehensive evaluation index of human walking balance. We used it to generate personal and general indexes. We first pre-selected some preliminary metrics of walking balance based on theoretical analysis. Seven healthy subjects walked with exoskeleton interference on a treadmill at 1.25 m/s while their ground reaction force information and kinematic data were recorded. One subject with Charcot–Marie–Tooth walked at multiple speeds without the exoskeleton while the same data were collected. Then, we picked a number of effective evaluation metrics based on statistical analysis. We finally constructed the Walking Balance Index (WBI) by combining multiple metrics using principal component analysis. The WBI can distinguish walking balance among different subjects and gait conditions, which verifies the effectiveness of our method in evaluating human walking balance. This method can be used to evaluate and further improve the walking balance of humans in subsequent simulations and experiments.
Novel Organic–Inorganic Nanocomposite Hybrids Based on Bioactive Glass Nanoparticles and Their Enhanced Osteoinductive Properties
Authors: Cohn Nicolás , Bradtmüller Henrik , Zanotto Edgar , von Marttens Alfredo , Covarrubias Cristian
Published: April 2024

Inorganic–organic hybrid biomaterials have been proposed for bone tissue repair, with improved mechanical flexibility compared with scaffolds fabricated from bioceramics. However, obtaining hybrids with osteoinductive properties equivalent to those of bioceramics is still a challenge. In this work, we present for the first time the synthesis of a class II hybrid modified with bioactive glass nanoparticles (nBGs) with osteoinductive properties. The nanocomposite hybrids were produced by incorporating nBGs in situ into a polytetrahydrofuran (PTHF) and silica (SiO2) hybrid synthesis mixture using a combined sol–gel and cationic polymerization method. nBGs ~80 nm in size were synthesized using the sol–gel technique. The structure, composition, morphology, and mechanical properties of the resulting materials were characterized using ATR-FTIR, 29Si MAS NMR, SEM-EDX, AFM, TGA, DSC, mechanical, and DMA testing. The in vitro bioactivity and degradability of the hybrids were assessed in simulated body fluid (SBF) and PBS, respectively. Cytocompatibility with mesenchymal stem cells was assessed using MTS and cell adhesion assays. Osteogenic differentiation was determined using the alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP), as well as the gene expression of Runx2 and Osterix markers. Hybrids loaded with 5, 10, and 15% of nBGs retained the mechanical flexibility of the PTHF–SiO2 matrix and improved its ability to promote the formation of bone-like apatite in SBF. The nBGs did not impair cell viability, increased the ALP activity, and upregulated the expression of Runx2 and Osterix. These results demonstrate that nBGs are an effective osteoinductive nanoadditive for the production of class II hybrid materials with enhanced properties for bone tissue regeneration.
Hypoglossal Nerve Neuropathies—Analysis of Causes and Anatomical Background
Authors: Węgiel Andrzej , Zielinska Nicol , Głowacka Mariola , Olewnik Łukasz
Published: April 2024

The hypoglossal nerve is the last, and often neglected, cranial nerve. It is mainly responsible for motor innervation of the tongue and therefore the process of chewing and articulation. However, tumors, aneurysms, dissections, trauma, and various iatrogenic factors such as complications after surgeries, radiotherapy, or airway management can result in dysfunction. Correct differential diagnosis and suitable treatment require a thorough knowledge of the anatomical background of the region. This review presents the broad spectrum of hypoglossal neuropathies, paying particular attention to these with a compressive background. As many of these etiologies are not common and can be easily overlooked without prior preparation, it is important to have a comprehensive understanding of the special relations and characteristic traits of these medical conditions, as well as the most common concomitant disorders and morphological traits, influencing the clinical image. Due to the diverse etiology of hypoglossal neuropathies, specialists from many different medical branches might expect to encounter patients presenting such symptoms.
Metabolomic Approach to Identify Potential Biomarkers in KRAS-Mutant Pancreatic Cancer Cells
Authors: Kim Boyun , Jung Jewon
Published: April 2024

Pancreatic cancer is characterized by its high mortality rate and limited treatment options, often driven by oncogenic RAS mutations. In this study, we investigated the metabolomic profiles of pancreatic cancer cells based on their KRAS genetic status. Utilizing both KRAS-wildtype BxPC3 and KRAS-mutant PANC1 cell lines, we identified 195 metabolites differentially altered by KRAS status through untargeted metabolomics. Principal component analysis and hierarchical condition trees revealed distinct separation between KRAS-wildtype and KRAS-mutant cells. Metabolite set enrichment analysis highlighted significant pathways such as homocysteine degradation and taurine and hypotaurine metabolism. Additionally, lipid enrichment analysis identified pathways including fatty acyl glycosides and sphingoid bases. Mapping of identified metabolites to KEGG pathways identified nine significant metabolic pathways associated with KRAS status, indicating diverse metabolic alterations in pancreatic cancer cells. Furthermore, we explored the impact of TRPML1 inhibition on the metabolomic profile of KRAS-mutant pancreatic cancer cells. TRPML1 inhibition using ML-SI1 significantly altered the metabolomic profile, leading to distinct separation between vehicle-treated and ML-SI1-treated PANC1 cells. Metabolite set enrichment analysis revealed enriched pathways such as arginine and proline metabolism, and mapping to KEGG pathways identified 17 significant metabolic pathways associated with TRPML1 inhibition. Interestingly, some metabolites identified in PANC1 compared to BxPC3 were oppositely regulated by TRPML1 inhibition, suggesting their potential as biomarkers for KRAS-mutant cancer cells. Overall, our findings shed light on the distinct metabolite changes induced by both KRAS status and TRPML1 inhibition in pancreatic cancer cells, providing insights into potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers for this deadly disease.
Possible Causal Association between Type 2 Diabetes and Glycaemic Traits in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma: A Two-Sample Mendelian Randomisation Study
Authors: Seo Je Hyun , Lee Young
Published: April 2024

Existing literature suggests a controversial relationship between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) and glaucoma. This study aimed to examine the potential causal connection between T2D and glycaemic traits (fasting glucose [FG] and glycated haemoglobin [HbA1c] levels) as exposures to primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) in multi-ethnic populations. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with exposure to T2D, FG, and HbA1c were selected as instrumental variables with significance (p < 5.0 × 10−8) from the genome-wide association study (GWAS)-based meta-analysis data available from the BioBank Japan and the UK Biobank (UKB). The GWAS for POAG was obtained from the meta-analyses of Genetic Epidemiology Research in Adult Health and Aging and the UKB. A two-sample Mendelian randomisation (MR) study was performed to assess the causal estimates using the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method, and MR-Pleiotropy Residual Sum and Outlier test (MR–PRESSO). Significant causal associations of T2D (odds ratio [OR] = 1.05, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.00–1.10], p = 0.031 in IVW; OR = 1.06, 95% CI = [1.01–1.11], p = 0.017 in MR–PRESSO) and FG levels (OR = 1.19, 95% CI = [1.02–1.38], p = 0.026 in IVW; OR = 1.17, 95% CI = [1.01–1.35], p = 0.041 in MR–PRESSO) with POAG were observed, but not in HbA1c (all p > 0.05). The potential causal relationship between T2D or FG and POAG highlights its role in the prevention of POAG. Further investigation is necessary to authenticate these findings.
Potential Aspects of the Use of Cytokines in Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Krupka-Olek Magdalena , Bożek Andrzej , Aebisher David , Bartusik-Aebisher Dorota , Cieślar Grzegorz , Kawczyk-Krupka Aleksandra
Published: April 2024

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an abnormal inflammatory response in the skin to food, environmental IgE, or non-IgE allergens. This disease belongs to a group of inflammatory diseases that affect both children and adults. In highly developed countries, AD is diagnosed twice as often in children than in adults, which may possibly be connected to increased urbanization. The immune system’s pathomechanisms of AD involve humoral mechanisms with IgE, cellular T lymphocytes, dendritic cells occurring in the dermis, Langerhans cells occurring in the epidermis, and other cells infiltrating the site of inflammation (eosinophils, macrophages, mast cells, neutrophils, and basophils). Cytokines are small proteins that affect the interaction and communication between cells. This review characterizes cytokines and potential aspects of the treatment of atopic dermatitis, as well as new strategies that are currently being developed, including targeting cytokines and their receptors.
Decoding Immuno-Competence: A Novel Analysis of Complete Blood Cell Count Data in COVID-19 Outcomes
Authors: Kempaiah Prakasha , Libertin Claudia R. , Chitale Rohit A. , Naeyma Islam , Pleqi Vasili , Sheele Johnathan M. , Iandiorio Michelle J. , Hoogesteijn Almira L. , Caulfield Thomas R. , Rivas Ariel L.
Published: April 2024

Background: While ‘immuno-competence’ is a well-known term, it lacks an operational definition. To address this omission, this study explored whether the temporal and structured data of the complete blood cell count (CBC) can rapidly estimate immuno-competence. To this end, one or more ratios that included data on all monocytes, lymphocytes and neutrophils were investigated. Materials and methods: Longitudinal CBC data collected from 101 COVID-19 patients (291 observations) were analyzed. Dynamics were estimated with several approaches, which included non-structured (the classic CBC format) and structured data. Structured data were assessed as complex ratios that capture multicellular interactions among leukocytes. In comparing survivors with non-survivors, the hypothesis that immuno-competence may exhibit feedback-like (oscillatory or cyclic) responses was tested. Results: While non-structured data did not distinguish survivors from non-survivors, structured data revealed immunological and statistical differences between outcomes: while survivors exhibited oscillatory data patterns, non-survivors did not. In survivors, many variables (including IL-6, hemoglobin and several complex indicators) showed values above or below the levels observed on day 1 of the hospitalization period, displaying L-shaped data distributions (positive kurtosis). In contrast, non-survivors did not exhibit kurtosis. Three immunologically defined data subsets included only survivors. Because information was based on visual patterns generated in real time, this method can, potentially, provide information rapidly. Discussion: The hypothesis that immuno-competence expresses feedback-like loops when immunological data are structured was not rejected. This function seemed to be impaired in immuno-suppressed individuals. While this method rapidly informs, it is only a guide that, to be confirmed, requires additional tests. Despite this limitation, the fact that three protective (survival-associated) immunological data subsets were observed since day 1 supports many clinical decisions, including the early and personalized prognosis and identification of targets that immunomodulatory therapies could pursue. Because it extracts more information from the same data, structured data may replace the century-old format of the CBC.
Friend or Foe? Exploring the Role of Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) Infection in Head and Neck Tumors
Authors: Trivic Aleksandar , Milovanovic Jovica , Kablar Djurdjina , Tomic Ana , Folic Miljan , Jotic Ana , Tomanovic Nada , Tomic Ana Marija , Djoric Igor , Jankovic Marko
Published: April 2024

Although not regarded as an oncogenic pathogen, the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) has been associated with a wide array of malignancies. Conversely, a number of studies report on possible anti-tumor properties of the virus, apparently mediated via HCMV-galvanized T-cell tumor killing; these were recently being investigated in clinical trials for the purposes of anti-cancer treatment by means of dendritic cell vaccines and HCMV-specific cytotoxic T cells. In the present study, we have analyzed the relation between a complement of head-and-neck tumors and HCMV infection across 73 countries worldwide using Spearman correlation, univariate and multivariate regression analysis. Intriguingly, HCMV was found to be pro-oncogenic in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma; contrarywise, the virus manifested an inverse (i.e., anti-tumor) association with the tumors of the lip/oral region and the salivary glands. Although this putative protective effect was noted initially for thyroid neoplasia and hypopharyngeal tumors as well, after multivariate regression analysis the connection did not hold. There was no association between laryngeal cancer and HCMV infection. It would appear that, depending on the tissue, HCMV may exert both protective and oncogenic effects. The globally observed protective feature of the virus could potentially be utilized in future therapeutic approaches for salivary tumors and neoplasia in the lip/oral region. As correlation does not necessarily imply causation, more in-depth molecular analyses from comprehensive clinical studies are warranted to substantiate our findings.
Expression of IMP3 and LIN28A RNA-Binding Proteins in Placentas of Patients with Pre-Eclampsia with and without Severe Features
Authors: Barbaric Maja , Vukojevic Katarina , Kolobaric Anita , Orlovic Vlaho Martina , Kresic Tanja , Soljic Violeta
Published: April 2024

Background: this study aimed to determine the expression of RNA-binding oncofetal proteins IMP3 and LIN28A in extravillous (EVT) and villous trophoblast (VT) cells of placentas from pre-eclamptic (PE) pregnancies to better understand the pathogenesis of PE. Methods: placental tissue of 10 patients with PE with severe features, 10 patients with PE without severe features and 20 age-matched healthy pregnancy controls were analyzed by immunohistochemistry, double immunofluorescence and qPCR. Results: We found a decreased percentage of IMP3-positive EVT cells in PE with and without severe features compared to that of the healthy control (p < 0.001). IMP3 expression was significantly low in VT of PE placentas compared to that of the healthy control (p = 0.002). There was no significant difference in LIN28A expression between groups of PE and the control group. Additionally, we noticed the trend toward downregulation of IMP3 mRNA and LIN28A mRNA in severe PE compared to that of healthy controls. Conclusions: We demonstrated that IMP3 expression is decreased in EVT and VT cells of placentas from pregnancies complicated with both PE with and without severe features. However, additional functional investigations are needed to clarify the role of IMP3 as a potential therapeutic target in the management of PE.
The Influence of Supervisor–Postgraduate Relationship on Master’s Students’ Research Learning Engagement—The Mediating Effect of Academic Aspiration
Authors: Zhang Jianhe , Wu Meiyin , Zhang Guangjin
Published: April 2024

Research learning engagement is the basic element of master’s students’ innovation output, and the supervisor is the first responsible body for master’s students’ cultivation. Exploring the influence of the supervisor–postgraduate relationship on master’s students’ research learning engagement, with a focus on the mediating role of academic aspiration, is of great significance for the improvement of master’s students’ cultivation quality. We surveyed 569 master’s students at a university in Wuhan, China, using 3 measurement tools: the Supervisor–Postgraduate Relationship Scale, the Research Learning Engagement Scale, and the Academic Aspirations Scale. The results showed that: (1) The supervisor–postgraduate relationship positively and significantly predicted master’s students’ research learning engagement, and academic aspiration played a fully mediating role in the process. (2) There were differences in the effects of the three dimensions of the supervisor–postgraduate relationship on master’s students’ research learning engagement, with research collaboration having the greatest total effect on the impact of master’s students’ research learning engagement. This study emphasizes the importance of the supervisor–postgraduate relationship and academic aspirations and provides some implications for improving the research learning engagement of master’s students.
A Review of Digital Twin Technologies for Enhanced Sustainability in the Construction Industry
Authors: Zhang Zichao , Wei Zhuangkun , Court Samuel , Yang Lichao , Wang Shuozhi , Thirunavukarasu Arjun , Zhao Yifan
Published: April 2024

Carbon emissions present a pressing challenge to the traditional construction industry, urging a fundamental shift towards more sustainable practices and materials. Recent advances in sensors, data fusion techniques, and artificial intelligence have enabled integrated digital technologies (e.g., digital twins) as a promising trend to achieve emission reduction and net-zero. While digital twins in the construction sector have shown rapid growth in recent years, most applications focus on the improvement of productivity, safety and management. There is a lack of critical review and discussion of state-of-the-art digital twins to improve sustainability in this sector, particularly in reducing carbon emissions. This paper reviews the existing research where digital twins have been directly used to enhance sustainability throughout the entire life cycle of a building (including design, construction, operation and maintenance, renovation, and demolition). Additionally, we introduce a conceptual framework for this industry, which involves the elements of the entire digital twin implementation process, and discuss the challenges faced during deployment, along with potential research opportunities. A proof-of-concept example is also presented to demonstrate the validity of the proposed conceptual framework and potential of digital twins for enhanced sustainability. This study aims to inspire more forward-thinking research and innovation to fully exploit digital twin technologies and transform the traditional construction industry into a more sustainable sector.
CO2 Capture and Sequestration
Authors: Das Diganta Bhusan
Published: April 2024

CO2 capture and sequestration (CCS) aims to capture carbon dioxide (CO2) from CO2 sources (e [...]
MTL-AraBERT: An Enhanced Multi-Task Learning Model for Arabic Aspect-Based Sentiment Analysis
Authors: Fadel Arwa , Saleh Mostafa , Salama Reda , Abulnaja Osama
Published: April 2024

Aspect-based sentiment analysis (ABSA) is a fine-grained type of sentiment analysis; it works on an aspect level. It mainly focuses on extracting aspect terms from text or reviews, categorizing the aspect terms, and classifying the sentiment polarities toward each aspect term and aspect category. Aspect term extraction (ATE) and aspect category detection (ACD) are interdependent and closely associated tasks. However, the majority of the current literature on Arabic aspect-based sentiment analysis (ABSA) deals with these tasks individually, assumes that aspect terms are already identified, or employs a pipeline model. Pipeline solutions employ single models for each task, where the output of the ATE model is utilized as the input for the ACD model. This sequential process can lead to the propagation of errors across different stages, as the performance of the ACD model is influenced by any errors produced by the ATE model. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to investigate a multi-task learning approach based on transfer learning and transformers. We propose a multi-task learning model (MTL) that utilizes the pre-trained language model (AraBERT), namely, the MTL-AraBERT model, for extracting Arabic aspect terms and aspect categories simultaneously. Specifically, we focused on training a single model that simultaneously and jointly addressed both subtasks. Moreover, this paper also proposes a model integrating AraBERT, single pair classification, and BiLSTM/BiGRU that can be applied to aspect term polarity classification (APC) and aspect category polarity classification (ACPC). All proposed models were evaluated using the SemEval-2016 annotated dataset for the Arabic hotel dataset. The experiment results of the MTL model demonstrate that the proposed models achieved comparable or better performance than state-of-the-art works (F1-scores of 80.32% for the ATE and 68.21% for the ACD). The proposed SPC-BERT model demonstrated high accuracy, reaching 89.02% and 89.36 for APC and ACPC, respectively. These improvements hold significant potential for future research in Arabic ABSA.
Development of Prediction Model for Intensive Care Unit Admission Based on Heart Rate Variability: A Case–Control Matched Analysis
Authors: Choi Dong Hyun , Lee Hyunju , Joo Hyunjin , Kong Hyoun-Joong , Lee Seung Bok , Kim Sungwan , Shin Sang Do , Kim Ki Hong
Published: April 2024

This study aimed to develop a predictive model for intensive care unit (ICU) admission by using heart rate variability (HRV) data. This retrospective case–control study used two datasets (emergency department [ED] patients admitted to the ICU, and patients in the operating room without ICU admission) from a single academic tertiary hospital. HRV metrics were measured every 5 min using R-peak-to-R-peak (R-R) intervals. We developed a generalized linear mixed model to predict ICU admission and assessed the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated from the coefficients. We analyzed 610 (ICU: 122; non-ICU: 488) patients, and the factors influencing the odds of ICU admission included a history of diabetes mellitus (OR [95% CI]: 3.33 [1.71–6.48]); a higher heart rate (OR [95% CI]: 3.40 [2.97–3.90] per 10-unit increase); a higher root mean square of successive R-R interval differences (RMSSD; OR [95% CI]: 1.36 [1.22–1.51] per 10-unit increase); and a lower standard deviation of R-R intervals (SDRR; OR [95% CI], 0.68 [0.60–0.78] per 10-unit increase). The final model achieved an AUC of 0.947 (95% CI: 0.906–0.987). The developed model effectively predicted ICU admission among a mixed population from the ED and operating room.
Blood or Fat? Differentiating Hemopericardium versus Epicardial Fat Using Focused Cardiac Ultrasound
Authors: Bronshteyn Yuriy S. , Hashmi Nazish , Privratsky Jamie R. , Barbeito Atilio
Published: April 2024

Basic point-of-care ultrasound of the heart—also known as Focused Cardiac Ultrasound (FoCUS)—has emerged as a powerful bedside tool to narrow the differential diagnosis of causes of hypotension. The list of causes of hypotension that a FoCUS provider is expected to be able to recognize includes a compressive pericardial effusion due to hemopericardium (blood in the pericardial sac). But hemopericardium can be difficult to distinguish from a more common condition that is not immediately life-threatening: epicardial fat. This paper reviews illustrative images of both epicardial fat and hemopericardium to provide practice guidance to the FoCUS user on how to differentiate these two phenomena.
CAR-T Cell Therapy in Ovarian Cancer: Where Are We Now?
Authors: Cutri-French Clare , Nasioudis Dimitrios , George Erin , Tanyi Janos L.
Published: April 2024

The success of chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapies in the treatment of hematologic malignancies has led to the investigation of their potential in the treatment of solid tumors, including ovarian cancer. While the immunosuppressive microenvironment of ovarian cancer has been a barrier in their implementation, several early phase clinical trials are currently evaluating CAR-T cell therapies targeting mesothelin, folate receptor a, HER2, MUC16, and B7H3. Ongoing challenges include cytokine-associated and “on-target, off-tumor” toxicities, while most common adverse events include cytokine release syndrome, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis/macrophage activation-like syndrome (HLH/MAS), and neurotoxicity. In the present review, we summarize the current status of CAR-T therapy in ovarian cancer and discuss future directions.
Machine Learning Algorithms for Fostering Innovative Education for University Students
Authors: Wang Yinghua , You Fucheng , Li Qing
Published: April 2024

Data augmentation with mixup has been proven effective in various machine learning tasks. However, previous methods primarily concentrate on generating previously unseen virtual examples using randomly selected mixed samples, which may overlook the importance of similar spatial distributions. In this work, we extend mixup and propose MbMix, a novel yet simple training approach designed for implementing mixup with memory batch augmentation. MbMix specifically selects the samples to be mixed via memory batch to guarantee that the generated samples have the same spatial distribution as the dataset samples. Conducting extensive experiments, we empirically validate that our method outperforms several mixup methods across a broad spectrum of text classification benchmarks, including sentiment classification, question type classification, and textual entailment. Of note, our proposed method achieves a 5.61% improvement compared to existing approaches on the TREC-fine benchmark. Our approach is versatile, with applications in sentiment analysis, question answering, and fake news detection, offering entrepreneurial teams and students avenues to innovate. It enables simulation and modeling for student ventures, fostering an entrepreneurial campus culture and mindset.
Design of an Assisted Driving System for Obstacle Avoidance Based on Reinforcement Learning Applied to Electrified Wheelchairs
Authors: Pacini Federico , Dini Pierpaolo , Fanucci Luca
Published: April 2024

Driving a motorized wheelchair is not without risk and requires high cognitive effort to obtain good environmental perception. Therefore, people with severe disabilities are at risk, potentially lowering their social engagement, and thus, affecting their overall well-being. Therefore, we designed a cooperative driving system for obstacle avoidance based on a trained reinforcement learning (RL) algorithm. The system takes the desired direction and speed from the user via a joystick and the obstacle distribution from a LiDAR placed in front of the wheelchair. Considering both inputs, the system outputs a pair of forward and rotational speeds that ensure obstacle avoidance while being as close as possible to the user commands. We validated it through simulations and compared it with a vector field histogram (VFH). The preliminary results show that the RL algorithm does not disruptively alter the user intention, reduces the number of collisions, and provides better door passages than a VFH; furthermore, it can be integrated on an embedded device. However, it still suffers from higher jerkiness.
Predefined-Time Tracking Control of Unmanned Surface Vehicle under Complex Time-Varying Disturbances
Authors: Zhai Guanyu , Zhang Jundong , Wu Shuyun , Wang Yongkang
Published: April 2024

Aiming at the unmanned surface vehicle (USV) trajectory tracking control under complex time-varying environment, a predefined-time convergence sliding mode disturbance observer (PTC-SMO) is introduced to effectively handle the internal parameter uncertainties and external environmental disturbances, thereby guaranteeing precise compensation of the lumped disturbance term within a set time. Then, in order to achieve precise tracking of the desired trajectory using USV under a predetermined time constraint, a novel fast trajectory tracking control strategy with predefined-time convergence (PTC-FTTCS) is established to improve tracking performance and ensure that the trajectory tracking error converges quickly in the predefined time. Through rigorous comparative simulation under ideal conditions and time-varying disturbances, the results demonstrate reliable trajectory tracking and disturbance handling effects, and the tracking performance and disturbance observation performance are significantly better than state-of-the-art methods.
The Effects of Dietary Fermented Soybean Residue on the Growth, Antioxidant Capacity, Digestive Enzyme Activities, and Microbial Compositions of the Intestine in Furong Crucian Carp (Furong Carp♀ × Red Crucian Carp♂)
Authors: Wang Hongquan , Zhang Zheming , Li Feilong , Hu Liang , Xiao Tiaoyi , Zhao Yurong , Yang Mengxi
Published: April 2024

An 8-week feeding experiment aimed to investigate the effects of fermented soybean residue in diets on the growth performance, serum antioxidant parameters, intestinal digestive capacity, and microbial composition of the hindgut of Furong crucian carp. The feeds were formulated to contain 0%, 6%, 12%, 18%, and 24% fermented soybean residue (CON, FSR6, FSR12, FSR18, and FSR24, respectively), respectively, to form five diets (crude protein: 33%; crude lipid: 5%). The results showed that incorporating 6% fermented soybean residue into the diet significantly increased the weight gain rate (WGR) and specific growth rate (SGR) and decreased the feed coefficient rate (p < 0.05). Through regression analysis of WGR and SGR, the optimal levels of the dietary fermented soybean residue of Furong crucian carp were determined to be 6.78% and 7.06%. Incorporating fermented soybean residue into the diet decreased the lipid content of the whole body and the levels of glucose, total cholesterol, and triglyceride in the serum of Furong crucian carp. The inclusion of 6% and 12% fermented soybean residue in the diet markedly increased the antioxidant capacity, intestinal amylase activity, and intestinal villous height of Furong crucian carp (p < 0.05). At the 6% level, fermented soybean residue significantly increased the abundance of Romboutsia and Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 while significantly decreasing the abundance of Vibrio (p < 0.05), indicating that a 6% level of fermented soybean residue was beneficial for intestinal health. In conclusion, incorporating 6–7% fermented soybean residue into the diet of Furong crucian carp was recommended.
Transglutaminase-Cross-Linked Tofu Suppressed Soybean-Induced Allergic Reactions by Enhancing Intestinal Mucosa Immune Tolerance
Authors: Bai Jing , Zhou Yiling , Xia Xinlei , Wu Zhihua , Li Xin , Tong Ping , Yang Anshu , Chen Hongbing
Published: April 2024

Currently, food allergies are closely related to intestinal health, and ensuring the integrity and health of intestinal mucosa could reduce the incidence of food allergies. In this study, a soybean-allergic mouse model was used to explore the mechanism of intestinal mucosa immune response induced by enzyme-cross-linked tofu. The effects of enzyme-cross-linked tofu on intestinal mucosal immunity in mice were determined by hematoxylin–eosin (HE) staining and flow cytometry. Our results reveled that the MTG-cross-linked tofu reduced the reactivity of the intestinal mucosal immune system, which mainly manifested as a decrease in the dendritic cell (DC) levels of mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs), increasing the Th1 cells and Tregs in Peyer’s patch (PP) nodes and MLNs, and inhibiting the Th2 cells. Compared with soy protein, enzyme-cross-linked tofu had less damage to the small intestinal tract of mice. Therefore, the above-mentioned results fully revealed that the enzyme-cross-linked tofu promoted the transformation of intestinal mucosal immune cells, shifted the Th1/Th2 balance toward Th1, and reduced its sensitization effect.
Evaluating How Different Drying Techniques Change the Structure and Physicochemical and Flavor Properties of Gastrodia elata
Authors: Ma Rong , Cheng Hao , Li Xinyao , Zhang Guoquan , Zheng Jianmei
Published: April 2024

We evaluated the drying characteristics and structure, as well as the physicochemical and flavor properties, of G. elata treated by hot-air drying (HAD), vacuum drying (VD), freeze drying (FD), microwave drying (MD), and microwave vacuum drying (MVD). We found that MD and MVD showed the shortest drying times, while FD and MVD were able to better retain the active ingredients and color of the samples. However, the different drying methods did not change the internal structure of G. elata, and its main components did not fundamentally change. In addition, E-nose and HS-SPME-GC-MS effectively differentiated the volatile components, and 36 compounds were detected by HS-SPME-GC-MS. Of these samples, alcohols and aldehydes were the main substances identified. In particular, MVD samples possessed the most species of organic volatiles, but the FD method effectively eliminated pungent odors from the G. elata. Overall, MVD shows the most obvious advantages, improving drying rate while maintaining the original shape, color, and active components in G. elata. Ultimately, MVD is the preferred method to obtain high-quality dried G. elata, and our drying-method characterizations can be used to investigate similar structural and chemical changes to similar herbs in the future.
Quality of Life of Residents in Seniors’ Homes in Poland and Germany
Authors: Swakowska Katarzyna , Olejniczak Dominik , Staniszewska Anna
Published: April 2024

Background: Homes for the elderly and care facilities are not only a place of treatment, but also a place of permanent residence for older people. It is assumed that older adults’ quality of life in the centres may not be sufficient for their long well-being. The purpose of this study was to determine the level of quality of life among nursing home residents in Poland and Germany and the impact of disability on functioning in their major life domains. Material and Methods: This study was carried out using the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire (abridged version) on 1000 people—500 residents of the centre in Poland and 500 residents in Germany. Results: The quality of life of Polish and German residents is at an average level and is closely related to their degree of independence. People with greater independence assessed their quality of life higher. Conclusion: The degree of disability affects one’s own health and the quality of life of the residents. Therefore, to improve older adults’ quality of life, certain steps should be taken, including supporting them in maintaining their health and independence on a daily basis.
Psychological Factors Influencing Attitudes towards Euthanasia, Assisted Suicide and Palliative Care among Medical Students and Doctors in Training
Authors: Forycka Maria , Liberacka-Dwojak Magdalena , Leppert Wojciech , Suchecki Paweł , Suchecka Natalia , Ast Bartłomiej
Published: April 2024

Background: This study aimed to analyse the attitudes of medical students, Polish and classical philology students and trainee doctors towards the legalisation and practice of euthanasia and assisted suicide, to explore their beliefs about palliative care and to identify the cognitive, behavioural and emotional factors influencing these attitudes. Methods: An anonymous 22-question survey was sent by email to 670 participants, who comprised students of medicine, students of Polish and classical philology and trainee physicians. Results: Out of the 670 people invited to the survey, 313 (46.72%) responded; 215 (68.69%) and 112 (35.80%) participants supported the legalisation of euthanasia and assisted suicide, respectively. No differences were found between the respondent groups studied. The respondents’ attitudes were influenced by religion, place of residence and professed values in the doctor–patient relationship. Among the medical students and trainee doctors surveyed, the declared willingness to perform euthanasia was lower, with 90 (43.7%) people, than the support for its legalisation, with 135 (65.5%) people. Significantly higher support for palliative care was expressed by fifth- and sixth-year medical students and trainee doctors, with 88 respondents (89.89%), less support was expressed by first- and fourth-year medical students, with 74 respondents (68.5%), and the lowest support was observed among Polish and classical philology students, with 63 respondents (58.9%). Conclusions: The legalisation of euthanasia and assisted suicide was supported by more than two-thirds and one-third of all the respondents, respectively, with the majority of medical students and trainee doctors surveyed expressing uncertainty or lack of readiness towards their practice. More than 70% of all the respondents showed a positive opinion towards palliative care, with the lowest support being among Polish and classical philology students.