bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From Sea to Science: Coral Aquaculture for Sustainable Anticancer Drug Development
Authors: Lin Hung-Yu , Tsai Tsen-Ni , Hsu Kai-Cheng , Hsu Yu-Ming , Chiang Lin-Chien , El-Shazly Mohamed , Chang Ken-Ming , Lin Yu-Hsuan , Tu Shang-Yi , Lin Tony Eight , Du Ying-Chi , Liu Yi-Chang , Lu Mei-Chin
Published: July 2024

Marine natural products offer immense potential for drug development, but the limited supply of marine organisms poses a significant challenge. Establishing aquaculture presents a sustainable solution for this challenge by facilitating the mass production of active ingredients while reducing our reliance on wild populations and harm to local environments. To fully utilize aquaculture as a source of biologically active products, a cell-free system was established to target molecular components with protein-modulating activity, including topoisomerase II, HDAC, and tubulin polymerization, using extracts from aquaculture corals. Subsequent in vitro studies were performed, including MTT assays, flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, and Western blotting, along with in vivo xenograft models, to verify the efficacy of the active extracts and further elucidate their cytotoxic mechanisms. Regulatory proteins were clarified using NGS and gene modification techniques. Molecular docking and SwissADME assays were performed to evaluate the drug-likeness and pharmacokinetic and medicinal chemistry-related properties of the small molecules. The extract from Lobophytum crassum (LCE) demonstrated potent broad-spectrum activity, exhibiting significant inhibition of tubulin polymerization, and showed low IC50 values against prostate cancer cells. Flow cytometry and Western blotting assays revealed that LCE induced apoptosis, as evidenced by the increased expression of apoptotic protein-cleaved caspase-3 and the populations of early and late apoptotic cells. In the xenograft tumor experiments, LCE significantly suppressed tumor growth and reduced the tumor volume (PC3: 43.9%; Du145: 49.2%) and weight (PC3: 48.8%; Du145: 7.8%). Additionally, LCE inhibited prostate cancer cell migration, and invasion upregulated the epithelial marker E-cadherin and suppressed EMT-related proteins. Furthermore, LCE effectively attenuated TGF-β-induced EMT in PC3 and Du145 cells. Bioactivity-guided fractionation and SwissADME validation confirmed that LCE’s main component, 13-acetoxysarcocrassolide (13-AC), holds greater potential for the development of anticancer drugs.
Influence of Mycobiota in the Nasopharyngeal Tract of COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Folliero Veronica , Ferravante Carlo , Dell’Annunziata Federica , Brancaccio Rosario Nicola , D’Agostino Ylenia , Giurato Giorgio , Manente Roberta , Terenzi Ilaria , Greco Rita , Boccia Giovanni , Pagliano Pasquale , Weisz Alessandro , Franci Gianluigi , Rizzo Francesca
Published: July 2024

The nasopharyngeal tract contains a complex microbial community essential to maintaining host homeostasis. Recent studies have shown that SARS-CoV-2 infection changes the microbial composition of the nasopharynx. Still, little is known about how it affects the fungal microbiome, which could provide valuable insights into disease pathogenesis. Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from 55 patients, during three distinct COVID-19 waves that occurred in the Campania Region (southern Italy). An RNA-seq-based analysis was performed to evaluate changes in mycobiota diversity, showing variations depending on the disease’s severity and the sample collection wave. The phyla Basidiomycota and Ascomycota were shown to have higher abundance in patients with severe symptoms. Furthermore, the diversity of the fungal population was greater in the second wave. Conclusion: According to our research, COVID-19 induces significant dysbiosis of the fungal microbiome, which may contribute to disease pathogenesis, and understanding its underlying mechanisms could contribute to developing effective treatments.
The Microbiome of Fertilization-Stage Maize Silks (Style) Encodes Genes and Expresses Traits That Potentially Promote Survival in Pollen/Style Niches and Host Reproduction
Authors: Thompson Michelle E. H. , Raizada Manish N.
Published: July 2024

Within flowers, the style channel receives pollen and transmits male gametes inside elongating pollen tubes to ovules. The styles of maize/corn are called silks. Fertilization-stage silks possess complex microbiomes, which may partially derive from pollen. These microbiomes lack functional analysis. We hypothesize that fertilization-stage silk microbiomes promote host fertilization to ensure their own vertical transmission. We further hypothesize that these microbes encode traits to survive stresses within the silk (water/nitrogen limitation) and pollen (dehydration/aluminum) habitats. Here, bacteria cultured from fertilization-stage silks of 14 North American maize genotypes underwent genome mining and functional testing, which revealed osmoprotection, nitrogen-fixation, and aluminum-tolerance traits. Bacteria contained auxin biosynthesis genes, and testing confirmed indole compound secretion, which is relevant, since pollen delivers auxin to silks to stimulate egg cell maturation. Some isolates encoded biosynthetic/transport compounds known to regulate pollen tube guidance/growth. The isolates encoded ACC deaminase, which degrades the precursor for ethylene that otherwise accelerates silk senescence. The findings suggest that members of the microbiome of fertilization-stage silks encode adaptations to survive the stress conditions of silk/pollen and have the potential to express signaling compounds known to impact reproduction. Overall, whereas these microbial traits have traditionally been assumed to primarily promote vegetative plant growth, this study proposes they may also play selfish roles during host reproduction.
Isolation and Characterization of Potassium-Solubilizing Rhizobacteria (KSR) Promoting Cotton Growth in Saline–Sodic Regions
Authors: Zhao Yue , Liang Hongbang , Zhang Jihong , Chen Yu , Dhital Yam Prasad , Zhao Tao , Wang Zhenhua
Published: July 2024

Cotton is highly sensitive to potassium, and Xinjiang, China’s leading cotton-producing region, faces a severe challenge due to reduced soil potassium availability. Biofertilizers, particularly potassium-solubilizing rhizobacteria (KSR), convert insoluble potassium into plant-usable forms, offering a sustainable solution for evergreen agriculture. This study isolated and characterized KSR from cotton, elucidated their potassium solubilization mechanisms, and evaluated the effects of inoculating KSR strains on cotton seedlings. Twenty-three KSR strains were isolated from cotton rhizosphere soil using modified Aleksandrov medium. Their solubilizing capacities were assessed in a liquid medium. Strain A10 exhibited the highest potassium solubilization capacity (21.8 ppm) by secreting organic acids such as lactic, citric, acetic, and succinic acid, lowering the pH and facilitating potassium release. A growth curve analysis and potassium solubilization tests of A10 under alkali stress showed its vigorous growth and maintained solubilization ability at pH 8–9, with significant inhibition at pH 10. Furthermore, 16S rRNA sequencing identified strain A10 as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Greenhouse pot experiments showed that inoculating cotton plants with strain A10 significantly increased plant height and promoted root growth. This inoculation also enhanced dry biomass accumulation in both the aerial parts and root systems of the plants, while reducing the root–shoot ratio. These results suggest that Pseudomonas aeruginosa A10 has potential as a biofertilizer, offering a new strategy for sustainable agriculture.
Native Infective Endocarditis: A State-of-the-Art-Review
Authors: Nappi Francesco
Published: July 2024

Native valve infective endocarditis (NVE) is a global phenomenon, defined by infection of a native heart valve and involving the endocardial surface. The causes and epidemiology of the disease have evolved in recent decades, with a doubling of the average patient age. A higher incidence was observed in patients with implanted cardiac devices that can result in right-sided infection of the tricuspid valve. The microbiology of the disease has also changed. Previously, staphylococci, which are most often associated with health-care contact and invasive procedures, were the most common cause of the disease. This has now been superseded by streptococci. While innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies have emerged, mortality rates have not improved and remain at 30%, which is higher than that for many cancer diagnoses. The lack of randomized trials and logistical constraints impede clinical management, and long-standing controversies such as the use of antibiotic prophylaxis persist. This state of the art review addresses clinical practice, controversies, and strategies to combat this potentially devastating disease. A multidisciplinary team will be established to provide care for patients with presumptive NVE. The composition of the team will include specialists in cardiology, cardiovascular surgery, and infectious disease. The prompt administration of combination antimicrobial therapy is essential for effective NVE treatment. Additionally, a meticulous evaluation of each patient is necessary in order to identify any indications for immediate valve surgery. With the intention of promoting a more comprehensive understanding of the procedural management of native infective endocarditis and to furnish clinicians with a reference, the current evidence for the utilization of distinct strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of NVE are presented.
Eliciting Callus Cultures for the Production of Cytotoxic Polyphenolics from Maesa indica Roxb. Sweet
Authors: Abdelgawad Fatma Alzahra M. , El-Hawary Seham S. , El-Kader Essam M. Abd , Alshehri Saad Ali , Rabeh Mohamed Abdelaaty , Essa Ahmed Fathi , El-Mosallamy Aliaa E. M. K. , El Gedaily Rania A.
Published: July 2024

Maesa indica Roxb. Sweet is a shrub known for its richness in secondary metabolites. A callus culture protocol was established to enhance its chemical profile. Sixteen elicitation culture treatments were evaluated, and we confirmed that the treatment of 200 mg/L polyethylene glycol (4000) coupled with exposure to 30 W UV irradiation for 60 min (PEG4) resulted in the highest total phenolic and total flavonoid contents, which were 4.1 and 4.9 times those of the plant ethanolic extract and 4.9 and 4.8 times those of a control sample, respectively. The phenolic compounds in the different treatments were identified qualitatively and quantitatively using the LC-ESI-MS/MS-MRM technique. Molecular docking studies of the phenolic compounds were conducted using MOE software and revealed that rutin showed the highest binding affinity toward the anti-cancer target (p38α MAPK). The cytotoxicity of the ME and PEG 4 treatment was tested against colon, breast, prostate, lung, and liver cell lines using an MTT assay. The highest cytotoxic effect of PEG4 was against prostate cancer with an IC50 value of 25.5 µg/mL. Hence, this study showed enhanced secondary metabolite accumulation and identified the phenolic compounds in the 16 treatments. The cytotoxicity assay highlighted the possible cytotoxic effect of the PEG4 treatment, and we recommend further investigations into its activity.
CRLNet: A Multimodal Peach Detection Network Based on Cooperative Asymptotic Enhancement and the Fusion of Granularity Refinement
Authors: Liu Jiahao , He Chaoying , Wang Mingfang , Jiang Yichu , Sun Manman , Yan Miying , He Mingfang
Published: July 2024

Accurate peach detection is essential for automated agronomic management, such as mechanical peach harvesting. However, ubiquitous occlusion makes identifying peaches from complex backgrounds extremely challenging. In addition, it is difficult to capture fine-grained peach features from a single RGB image, which can suffer from light and noise in scenarios with dense small target clusters and extreme light. To solve these problems, this study proposes a multimodal detector, called CRLNet, based on RGB and depth images. First, YOLOv9 was extended to design a backbone network that can extract RGB and depth features in parallel from an image. Second, to address the problem of information fusion bias, the Rough–Fine Hybrid Attention Fusion Module (RFAM) was designed to combine the advantageous information of different modes while suppressing the hollow noise at the edge of the peach. Finally, a Transformer-based Local–Global Joint Enhancement Module (LGEM) was developed to jointly enhance the local and global features of peaches using information from different modalities in order to enhance the percentage of information about the target peaches and remove the interference of redundant background information. CRLNet was trained on the Peach dataset and evaluated against other state-of-the-art methods; the model achieved an mAP50 of 97.1%. In addition, CRLNet also achieved an mAP50 of 92.4% in generalized experiments, validating its strong generalization capability. These results provide valuable insights for peach and other outdoor fruit multimodal detection.
Root Influences Rhizosphere Hydraulic Properties through Soil Organic Carbon and Microbial Activity
Authors: Batista Aline Martineli , Pessoa Thaís Nascimento , Putti Fernando Ferrari , Andreote Fernando Dini , Libardi Paulo Leonel
Published: July 2024

Processes of water retention and movement and the hydraulic conductivity are altered in the rhizosphere. The aim of this study was to investigate the physical-hydric properties of soil aggregates in the rhizosphere of annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) cropped in a Kandiudalfic Eutrudox, taking into account aspects related to soil aggregate stability. Soil aggregates from rhizosphere soil (RZS) and soil between plant rows (SBP) were used to determine soil water retention curves (SWRCs) and saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat). In addition, properties related to soil aggregate stability, such as water-dispersible clay, soil organic carbon (SOC), and microbial activity, were also assessed. The higher microbial activity observed in the RZS was facilitated by increased SOC and microbial activity, resulting in improved soil aggregation (less water-dispersible clay). For nearly all measured matric potentials, RZS had a higher water content than SBP. This was attributed to the stability of aggregates, increase in SOC content, and the root exudates, which improved soil water retention. The increase in total porosity in RZS was associated with improved soil aggregation, which prevents deterioration of the soil pore space and results in higher Ksat and hydraulic conductivity as a function of the effective relative saturation in RZS compared to SBP.
Enhancement of Tensile Strength of Coconut Shell Ash Reinforced Al-Si Alloys: A Novel Approach to Optimise Composition and Process Parameters Simultaneously
Authors: Poornesh M. , Bhat Shreeranga , Bellairu Pavana Kumara , McDermott Olivia
Published: July 2024

The research presents a novel approach to develop high-strength functionally graded composite materials (FGCMs) by using recycled coconut shell ash (CSA) particles as reinforcement for a hypereutectic Al-Si alloy matrix. Using a centrifugal casting technique, test specimens are prepared for the study under ASTM standards. The optimal combination of materials to maximise the materials’ overall tensile strength is obtained through the mixture methodology approach. The results show that CSA particles in the matrix material increase the tensile strength of the produced material. Process parameters, melting temperature and rotating speed were found to play a pivotal role in determining the tensile strength. A better tensile strength of the material is obtained when Al-Si = 90.5 wt%, CSA = 9.5 wt%, rotating speed = 800 RPM, and melting temperature = 800 °C; the proposed regression model developed has substantial predictability for tensile strength. This work presents a methodology for enhancing the tensile strength of FGCMs by optimising both the material composition and processing parameters. The achieved tensile strength of 197.4 MPa, at 800 RPM and 800 °C, for a concentration of 7.5 wt% CSA particles, makes these FGCMs suitable for use in multiple engineering sectors.
A Self-Adaption Growth Model for the Burden Packing Process in a Bell-Less Blast Furnace
Authors: Wu Dongling , Yao Fengjie , Zhang Duoyong , Zu Enxue , Zhou Ping , Chen Wei
Published: July 2024

The burden structure directly decides the distribution of gas flow inside a blast furnace (BF). Falling, stacking, and descending bulk materials are the three main processes for burden formation, among which the stacking process plays a decisive role. The Discrete Element Method (DEM) and theoretical modelling were combined to predict stacking behavior in this study. Falling and stacking behaviors were first simulated based on DEM. The repose angle during the stacking process and mass fraction distribution in the radial direction were analyzed. Then, the upper, centroid, and lower trajectory falling lines were determined, and a polynomial relation was found between the angle and the packing height. The influences of three parameters on the repose angle were investigated. Compared with the natural repose angle and chute inclination angle, the effects of the trajectory line depth appeared trivial. The polynomial relation between the repose angle and the packing height was specified to be a function of the natural angle of repose and the chute inclination angle. A three-trajectory falling model and quadratic expression were embedded in the theoretical model, yielding a self-adaption packing model. The model was proved reliable with a low relative error, below 15%.
An Exploratory Comparative Analysis of Librarians’ Views on AI Support for Learning Experiences, Lifelong Learning, and Digital Literacy in Malaysia and Indonesia
Authors: Mutia Fitri , Masrek Mohamad Noorman , Baharuddin Mohammad Fazli , Shuhidan Shamila Mohamed , Soesantari Tri , Yuwinanto Helmy Prasetyo , Atmi Ragil Tri
Published: July 2024

Various articles suggest that artificial intelligence (AI) in libraries can enhance the learning experience, promote lifelong learning, and strengthen digital literacy. However, it is unclear if practicing librarians agree with these benefits. Malaysia and Indonesia, neighboring countries with similar library practices, may have differing or similar views on AI support for learning, lifelong learning, and digital literacy. To this effect, this study was conducted with the aim of assessing librarian perspectives on the support provided by AI in enhancing learning experiences, fostering lifelong learning, and advancing digital literacy initiatives. Additionally, it seeks to compare these perspectives between Malaysia and Indonesia. Using a survey research methodology and an online questionnaire as the data collection technique, the results of the analysis showed that librarians assessed the AI support for learning experiences, lifelong learning, and digital literacy favorably. It was also found that there was no significant difference in the assessments of librarians from these two countries. The contribution of this study is that it has provided empirical evidence regarding AI support in libraries, and developed a scale or measurement for assessing AI support for learning experiences, lifelong learning, and digital literacy. This instrument can be used as a guide when it comes to investing in AI technologies for libraries.
Valorization of Fine-Fraction CDW in Binary Pozzolanic CDW/Bamboo Leaf Ash Mixtures for the Elaboration of New Ternary Low-Carbon Cement
Authors: Villar-Hernández Javier , Villar-Cociña Ernesto , Savastano Holmer , Rojas Moisés Frías
Published: July 2024

This paper presents the characterization of a binary mixture of construction and demolition waste (CDW) and bamboo leaf ash (BLAsh) calcined at 600 °C (novel mixture) and the study of its pozzolanic behavior. Different dosages in a pozzolan/Ca(OH)2 system were employed. The aim is the valorization of fine-fraction CDW that achieves a more reactive binary mixture and allows an adequate use of CDW as waste, as CDW is a material of limited use due to its low pozzolanic activity. The pozzolanic behavior of the mixture was analyzed using the conductometric method, which measures the electrical conductivity in the CDW + BLAsh/CH solution versus reaction time. With the application of a kinetic–diffusive mathematical model, the kinetic parameters of the pozzolanic reaction were quantified. This allowed a quantitative evaluation of the pozzolanic activity based on the values of these parameters. To validate these results, other experimental techniques were used: X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetry and scanning electron microscopy. Also, mechanical compressive strength assays were carried out. The results show an increase in the pozzolanic activity of binary mixes of CDW + BLAsh for all the dosages used in comparison to the pozzolanic activity of CDW alone. The quantitative assessment (kinetic parameters) shows that the binary mixture CDW50 + BLAsh50 is the most reactive (reaction rate constant of 7.88 × 10−1 h−1) and is superior to the mixtures CDW60 + BLAsh40 and CDW70 + BLAs30. Compressive strength tests show higher strength values for the ternary mixes (OPC + CDW + BLAsh) compared to the binary mixes (OPC + CDW). In view of the results, the binary blend of pozzolans CDW + BLAsh is suitable for the manufacture of future low-carbon ternary cements.
Rapid Detection of Cleanliness on Direct Bonded Copper Substrate by Using UV Hyperspectral Imaging
Authors: Knoblich Mona , Al Ktash Mohammad , Wackenhut Frank , Englert Tim , Stiedl Jan , Wittel Hilmar , Green Simon , Jacob Timo , Boldrini Barbara , Ostertag Edwin , Rebner Karsten , Brecht Marc
Published: July 2024

In the manufacturing process of electrical devices, ensuring the cleanliness of technical surfaces, such as direct bonded copper substrates, is crucial. An in-line monitoring system for quality checking must provide sufficiently resolved lateral data in a short time. UV hyperspectral imaging is a promising in-line method for rapid, contactless, and large-scale detection of contamination; thus, UV hyperspectral imaging (225–400 nm) was utilized to characterize the cleanliness of direct bonded copper in a non-destructive way. In total, 11 levels of cleanliness were prepared, and a total of 44 samples were measured to develop multivariate models for characterizing and predicting the cleanliness levels. The setup included a pushbroom imager, a deuterium lamp, and a conveyor belt for laterally resolved measurements of copper surfaces. A principal component analysis (PCA) model effectively differentiated among the sample types based on the first two principal components with approximately 100.0% explained variance. A partial least squares regression (PLS-R) model to determine the optimal sonication time showed reliable performance, with R2cv = 0.928 and RMSECV = 0.849. This model was able to predict the cleanliness of each pixel in a testing sample set, exemplifying a step in the manufacturing process of direct bonded copper substrates. Combined with multivariate data modeling, the in-line UV prototype system demonstrates a significant potential for further advancement towards its application in real-world, large-scale processes.
Requirements and Barriers for Human-Centered SMEs
Authors: Nazarejova Julia , Soltysova Zuzana , Rudeichuk Tetiana
Published: July 2024

With the advantages of new technologies and rising demand from customers, it is necessary to improve the manufacturing process. This necessity was recognized by the industry; therefore, the concept of Industry 4.0 has been implemented in various areas of manufacturing and services. The backbone and main aspect of Industry 4.0 is digitalization and the implementation of technologies into processes. While this concept helps manufacturers with the modernization and optimization of many attributes of the processes, Industry 5.0 takes a step further and brings importance to the human factor of industry practice, together with sustainability and resilience. The concept of Industry 5.0 contributes to the idea of creating a sustainable, prosperous, and human-friendly environment within companies. The main focus of the article is to analyze the existing literature regarding what is missing from the successful implementation of human centricity into industry practice, namely in small and medium-sized factories (SMEs). These findings are then presented in the form of requirements and barriers for the implementation of human centricity into SME factories, which can serve as guidelines for implementing human-centered manufacturing using axiomatic design theory in SMEs, which can serve as a roadmap for practitioners.
Welding Seam Tracking and Inspection Robot Based on Improved YOLOv8s-Seg Model
Authors: Zhao Minghu , Liu Xinru , Wang Kaihang , Liu Zishen , Dong Qi , Wang Pengfei , Su Yaoheng
Published: July 2024

A weld is the main connection form of special equipment, and a weld is also the most vulnerable part of special equipment. Therefore, an effective detection of a weld is of great significance to improve the safety of special equipment. The traditional inspection method is not only time-consuming and labor-intensive, but also expensive. The welding seam tracking and inspection robot can greatly improve the inspection efficiency and save on inspection costs. Therefore, this paper proposes a welding seam tracking and inspection robot based on YOLOv8s-seg. Firstly, the MobileNetV3 lightweight backbone network is used to replace the backbone part of YOLOv8s-seg to reduce the model parameters. Secondly, we reconstruct C2f and prune the number of output channels of the new building module C2fGhost. Finally, in order to make up for the precision loss caused by the lightweight model, we add an EMA attention mechanism after each detection layer in the neck part of the model. The experimental results show that the accuracy of weld recognition reaches 97.8%, and the model size is only 4.88 MB. The improved model is embedded in Jetson nano, a robot control system for seam tracking and detection, and TensorRT is used to accelerate the reasoning of the model. The total reasoning time from image segmentation to path fitting is only 54 ms, which meets the real-time requirements of the robot for seam tracking and detection, and realizes the path planning of the robot for inspecting the seam efficiently and accurately.
Ultrasonic Levitation for Airway Humidification
Authors: Uddin Riaz , Al-Jumaily Ahmed M.
Published: July 2024

This study employs the transmitter part of an ultrasonic proximity sensor to generate a powerful ultrasonic field for medical humidification. This field is created using an arrangement of small ultrasonic transmitter transducers configured in an acoustic levitator-style setup. As droplets pass through this ultrasonic field, they undergo disintegration, leading to an accelerated evaporation process. The research findings highlight a significant change in droplet size distribution due to ultrasonics, resulting in a notable increase in the rate of evaporation. As a result, this study presents a conceptual framework for reimagining humidification devices for lung therapeutic purposes through the utilization of simple sensor technology.
Improved DeepSORT-Based Object Tracking in Foggy Weather for AVs Using Sematic Labels and Fused Appearance Feature Network
Authors: Ogunrinde Isaac , Bernadin Shonda
Published: July 2024

The presence of fog in the background can prevent small and distant objects from being detected, let alone tracked. Under safety-critical conditions, multi-object tracking models require faster tracking speed while maintaining high object-tracking accuracy. The original DeepSORT algorithm used YOLOv4 for the detection phase and a simple neural network for the deep appearance descriptor. Consequently, the feature map generated loses relevant details about the track being matched with a given detection in fog. Targets with a high degree of appearance similarity on the detection frame are more likely to be mismatched, resulting in identity switches or track failures in heavy fog. We propose an improved multi-object tracking model based on the DeepSORT algorithm to improve tracking accuracy and speed under foggy weather conditions. First, we employed our camera-radar fusion network (CR-YOLOnet) in the detection phase for faster and more accurate object detection. We proposed an appearance feature network to replace the basic convolutional neural network. We incorporated GhostNet to take the place of the traditional convolutional layers to generate more features and reduce computational complexities and costs. We adopted a segmentation module and fed the semantic labels of the corresponding input frame to add rich semantic information to the low-level appearance feature maps. Our proposed method outperformed YOLOv5 + DeepSORT with a 35.15% increase in multi-object tracking accuracy, a 32.65% increase in multi-object tracking precision, a speed increase by 37.56%, and identity switches decreased by 46.81%.
Clustering Runners’ Response to Different Midsole Stack Heights: A Field Study
Authors: Koegel Jannik , Huerta Stacy , Gambietz Markus , Ullrich Martin , Heyde Christian , Dorschky Eva , Eskofier Bjoern
Published: July 2024

Advanced footwear technology featuring stack heights higher than 30 mm has been proven to improve running economy in elite and recreational runners. While it is understood that the physiological benefit is highly individual, the individual biomechanical response to different stack heights remains unclear. Thirty-one runners performed running trials with three different shoe conditions of 25 mm, 35 mm, and 45 mm stack height on an outdoor running course wearing a STRYD sensor. The STRYD running variables for each participant were normalized to the 25 mm shoe condition and used to cluster participants into three distinct groups. Each cluster showed unique running patterns, with leg spring stiffness and vertical oscillation contributing most to the variance. No significant differences were found between clusters in terms of body height, body weight, leg length, and running speed. This study indicates that runners change running patterns individually when running with footwear featuring different stack heights. Clustering these patterns can help understand subgroups of runners and potentially support running shoe recommendations.
Noninvasive Electromagnetic Neuromodulation of the Central and Peripheral Nervous System for Upper-Limb Motor Strength and Functionality in Individuals with Cervical Spinal Cord Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: García-Alén Loreto , Ros-Alsina Aina , Sistach-Bosch Laura , Wright Mark , Kumru Hatice
Published: July 2024

(1) Background: Restoring arm and hand function is one of the priorities of people with cervical spinal cord injury (cSCI). Noninvasive electromagnetic neuromodulation is a current approach that aims to improve upper-limb function in individuals with SCI. The aim of this study is to review updated information on the different applications of noninvasive electromagnetic neuromodulation techniques that focus on restoring upper-limb functionality and motor function in people with cSCI. (2) Methods: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were used to structure the search protocol. A systematic review of the literature was performed in three databases: the Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro). (3) Results: Twenty-five studies were included: four were on transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), four on transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), two on transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS), ten on functional electrical stimulation (FES), four on transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), and one on neuromuscular stimulation (NMS). The meta-analysis could not be completed due to a lack of common motor or functional evaluations. Finally, we realized a narrative review of the results, which reported that noninvasive electromagnetic neuromodulation combined with rehabilitation at the cerebral or spinal cord level significantly improved upper-limb functionality and motor function in cSCI subjects. Results were significant compared with the control group when tSCS, FES, TENS, and NMS was applied. (4) Conclusions: To perform a meta-analysis and contribute to more evidence, randomized controlled trials with standardized outcome measures for the upper extremities in cSCI are needed, even though significant improvement was reported in each non-invasive electromagnetic neuromodulation study.
Correction of Thin Cirrus Absorption Effects in Landsat 8 Thermal Infrared Sensor Images Using the Operational Land Imager Cirrus Band on the Same Satellite Platform
Authors: Gao Bo-Cai , Li Rong-Rong , Yang Yun , Anderson Martha
Published: July 2024

Data from the Operational Land Imager (OLI) and the Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS) instruments onboard the Landsat 8 and Landsat 9 satellite platforms are subject to contamination by cloud cover, with cirrus contributions being the most difficult to detect and mask. To help address this issue, a cirrus detection channel (Band 9) centered within the 1.375-μm water vapor absorption region was implemented on OLI, with a spatial resolution of 30 m. However, this band has not yet been fully utilized in the Collection 2 Landsat 8/9 Level 2 surface temperature data products that are publicly released by U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The temperature products are generated with a single-channel algorithm. During the surface temperature retrievals, the effects of absorption of infrared radiation originating from the warmer earth’s surfaces by ice clouds, typically located in the upper portion of the troposphere and re-emitting at much lower temperatures (approximately 220 K), are not taken into consideration. Through an analysis of sample Level 1 TOA and Level 2 surface data products, we have found that thin cirrus cloud features present in the Level 1 1.375-μm band images are directly propagated down to the Level 2 surface data products. The surface temperature errors resulting from thin cirrus contamination can be 10 K or larger. Previously, we reported an empirical and effective technique for removing thin cirrus scattering effects in OLI images, making use of the correlations between the 1.375-μm band image and images of any other OLI bands located in the 0.4–2.5 μm solar spectral region. In this article, we describe a variation of this technique that can be applied to the thermal bands, using the correlations between the Level 1 1.375-μm band image and the 11-μm BT image for the effective removal of thin cirrus absorption effects. Our results from three data sets acquired over spatially uniform water surfaces and over non-uniform land/water boundary areas suggest that if the cirrus-removed TOA 11-μm band BT images are used for the retrieval of the Level 2 surface temperature (ST) data products, the errors resulting from thin cirrus contaminations in the products can be reduced to about 1 K for spatially diffused cirrus scenes.
Urban Development Scenario Simulation and Model Research Based on System Dynamics from the Perspective of Effect and Efficiency
Authors: Yang Liu , Ma Yuchen , Lou Kailun
Published: July 2024

The accurate handling of the relationships between economy, society, and environment in urban development is an important vision and goal of urban construction. Taking Xi’an as an example, this study established an urban development system dynamics model, including three subsystems (economy, society, and environment), to propose eight different development plans, and data from 2021 to 2025 were simulated in each plan. Finally, based on the simulation data, the entropy weight method and the Epsilon-based measure (EBM) model in data envelopment analysis (DEA) were used to measure the effect and efficiency of development in the city, respectively. The results showed that, in terms of effect, the comprehensive development plan (P8) had the highest score, which was 66.88% higher than the original plan. The plan scores of the double subsystem upgrading plans were higher than those of the single subsystem upgrading plans, indicating that comprehensive development can promote the coordination between subsystems and improve the development level. In terms of efficiency, the environmental (P4), economic–social (P5), economic–environmental (P6), social–environmental (P7), and comprehensive development (P8) plans were all effective according to DEA in each year, with P8 having the highest efficiency score, 1.1129. Therefore, considering the effect and efficiency comprehensively, P8 was considered the optimal plan. This study provides a method for exploring the relationship between variables in the process of urban development and is of great significance for defining an optimal plan.
Key Component Analysis of the Time Toxicity Interaction of Five Antibiotics to Q67
Authors: Liang Luyi , Qin Litang , Liu Yongan , Mo Lingyun , Dai Junfeng , Wang Dunqiu
Published: July 2024

Antibiotics are considered as persistent emerging contaminants. The phenomenon of mixed exposure to the environment is a common occurrence causing serious harm to human health and the environment. Therefore, we employed enrofloxacin (ENR), chlortetracycline (CTC), methotrexate (TMP), chloramphenicol (CMP), and erythromycin (ETM) in this study. Nine treatments were designed using the uniform design concentration ratio (UDCR) method to systematically determine the toxicity of individual contaminants and their mixtures on Vibrio qinghaiensis sp.-Q67 through the time-dependent microplate toxicity assay. The combinatorial index (CI) method and the dose reduction index (DRI) were used to analyze the toxic interactions of the mixtures and the magnitude of the contribution of each component to the toxic interactions. The results showed that the toxicities of ENR, CTC, TMR, CMP, and ETM and their mixtures were time-dependent, with toxic effects being enhanced except when exposure time was prolonged. The types of toxic interactions in the ENR-CTC-TMR-CMP-ETM mixtures were found to be correlated with the proportion of each component’s concentration, where the proportion of the components exerted the most significant influence. Through DRI extrapolation, it was determined that the primary components of the mixture exhibited a pronounced dependency on time. Specifically, at the 4 h mark, TMP emerged as the predominant component, gradually giving way to ENR as time advanced. Upon analyzing the frequency of mixture interactions under specified effects, the additive effect appeared most frequently (66.6%), while the antagonist effect appeared the least frequently (15.9%) among the nine rays.
Impact of COVID-19 Vaccination on Mortality and Clinical Outcomes in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Hu Rihong , Yin Jiazhen , He Tingfei , Zhu Yuxuan , Li Ye , Gao Jinchi , Ye Xiaomin , Hu Lidan , Li Yayu
Published: July 2024

This study analyzed 550 hemodialysis patients, 469 unvaccinated and 81 vaccinated against COVID-19, to assess the impact on infection rates, mortality, and clinical/laboratory parameters. Gender distribution was similar (p = 0.209), but the vaccinated group’s median age was significantly lower (p = 0.005). Hospitalization rates showed no significant difference (p = 0.987), while mortality was lower in the vaccinated group (p = 0.041). Only uric acid levels were significantly higher in the vaccinated group (p = 0.009); other parameters, including creatinine and B-type natriuretic peptide, showed no significant differences. Age was an independent predictor of mortality (HR = 1.07, p < 0.001). Peak mortality occurred in December 2022 and January 2023, predominantly among unvaccinated patients. Although vaccination lowered mortality, it did not significantly affect long-term survival rates (p = 0.308). Logistic regression identified age and dialysis duration as significant mortality factors. Monthly death counts indicated higher mortality among unvaccinated patients during peak pandemic months, suggesting that vaccination provides some protection, though no significant long-term survival benefit was found.
Large-Scale Field Trials of an Eimeria Vaccine Induce Positive Effects on the Production Index of Broilers
Authors: Nguyen Binh T. , Yim Dongjean , Flores Rochelle A. , Lee Seung Yun , Kim Woo H. , Jung Seung-Hwan , Kim Sangkyu , Min Wongi
Published: July 2024

Live coccidiosis vaccines have mainly been used to reduce Eimeria species infection, which is considered the most economically important disease in the poultry industry. Evaluation data on vaccine effectiveness through large-scale field experiments are lacking, especially in broilers. Thus, the effectiveness of a commercial coccidiosis vaccine was evaluated in approximately 900,000 chicks reared on three open-broiler farms where coccidiosis is prevalent. The vaccine’s effectiveness after vaccination of 1-day-old chicks was monitored using three parameters (lesion score, fecal oocyst shedding, and production index, PI) in nine trials performed three times on each farm. Lesion scores were confirmed in three different areas of the intestine because the vaccine contained four Eimeria species. The average lesion scores were 0.36 to 0.64 in the duodenal region, 0.30 to 0.39 in the jejuno-ileal region, and 0.18 to 0.39 in the cecal region. The average fecal oocyst shedding rate ranged from 19,766 to 100,100 oocysts per gram, showing large variations depending on farms and buildings within the farm. Compared with the PI of the previous 9–10 trials on each farm, the PI increased by 2.45 to 23.55. Because of the potential for perturbation of the fecal microbiota by live coccidiosis vaccines, the fecal microbiota was investigated using 16S rRNA microbial profiling. Although the β-diversity was significantly different in distribution and relative abundance among farms (PERMANOVA, pseudo-F = 4.863, p = 0.009), a Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis found no significant bacterial invasion of the epithelial cell pathway across farms. This large-scale field trial of a live Eimeria vaccine indicates that coccidiosis vaccines can have meaningful effects on the poultry industry and could be used as an alternative to the prophylactic use of anticoccidial drugs under field conditions.
Hepatitis B Reactivation and Vaccination Effectiveness after Solid Organ Transplantation: A Matched Case-Control Study
Authors: Lee Yongseop , Seong Jaeeun , Ahn Sangmin , Han Min , Lee Jung Ah , Kim Jung Ho , Ahn Jin Young , Ku Nam Su , Choi Jun Yong , Yeom Joon-Sup , Kim Beom Kyung , Jeong Su Jin
Published: July 2024

Solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients are at significant risk of hepatitis B (HB) virus (HBV) reactivation (HBVr). Despite the clinical significance of HBVr after solid organ transplantation, data on the risk factors for HBVr and vaccine effectiveness in SOT recipients with resolved HBV infection are limited. This study evaluated the risk factors for HBVr and the seroconversion rates after HBV vaccination in SOT recipients. Patients who had undergone solid organ transplantation and those with a resolved HBV infection were identified. We matched patients who experienced post-transplantation HBVr with those who did not. We also explored the characteristics and seroconversion rates of HBV-vaccinated patients following transplantation. In total, 1299 SOT recipients were identified as having a resolved HBV infection at the time of transplantation. Thirty-nine patients experienced HBVr. Pre-transplant HB surface antibodies (anti-HBs) positivity and allograft rejection within 3 months after transplantation were independently associated with HBVr. Among the 17 HBV-vaccinated patients, 14 (82.4%) received three or fewer vaccine doses, and 13 (76.5%) had seroconversion with positive anti-HBs results. Pre-transplant anti-HBs(−) status and allograft rejection were risk factors for HBVr in SOT recipients with a resolved HBV infection, and HBV vaccination after transplantation resulted in a high rate of anti-HBs seroconversion. HBV vaccination after transplantation should be considered to reduce the HBVr risk.
Pengaruh Media Edukasi Audiovisual Terhadap Kesiapsiagaan 5M Memutus Penularan Covid-19 Pada Karang Taruna Asta Dharma
Authors: Anggi Widyasari Ni Putu , Sudiantara I Ketut , Gama I Ketut , Lestari Agus Sri
Published: July 2024

The number of Covid-19 cases continues to increase until January 2021. It is necessary to increase 5M preparedness to stop the transmission of Covid-19. Several studies have revealed that health education with audiovisual educational media is effective for increasing community preparedness during the Covid-19 pandemicThe aims of researchtodetermine the effect of audiovisual education on 5M preparedness to break transmission Covid-19 on Karang Taruna Asta Dharma. This type of research is a quantitative pre-experimental design with one group pre-post design using simple random sampling with 40 respondents. The results showed that the preparedness before being given educational media was in the preparedness 65-79 (ready), are 31 respondents (77.5%). Preparedness after being given educational media 80-100 (very ready) are 37 (92.5%). The results of the Wilcoxon statistical test were p value = 0.000 less than alpha (0.05) which means that Ho was  rejected, it was concluded that there was an effect audiovisual education against preparedness 5M break transmission Covid-19 at Karang Taruna Asta Dharma, Sanur Kaja Village, 2021.
Hubungan Penerimaan Informasi Melalui Pemberitaan Media Elektronik tentang Covid-19 dengan Tingkat Kecemasan Ibu Hamil
Authors: Mastini Padmi Ni Made , Surinati I Dewa Ayu Ketut , Suratiah Suratiah
Published: July 2024

Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) is a disease caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-Cov-2) virus. One of the high risks of contracting Covid-19 is in pregnant women. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between receiving information through electronic media reporting about Covid-19 and the anxiety level of pregnant women in the UPTD Puskesmas Gianyar I Work Area. This type of research is quantitative analytic correlation with a cross-sectional using a total sampling technique. The number of samples in this study were 103 pregnant women according to the inclusion criteria. Statistical testing using Spearman's rank. Characteristics of pregnant women during the Covid-19 pandemic in the Working Area of the UPTD Health Center Gianyar I, pregnant women aged 20 to 35 years were 94 people (91.3%), pregnant women with high school education were 55 people (53.4%) and mothers 65 people (63.1%) had multigravida pregnancies. Receiving information through electronic media coverage is mostly good as many as 55 people (53.4%). The anxiety level of pregnant women has a mild anxiety level of 31 people (30.1%). Receiving information through electronic media coverage about Covid-19 and the anxiety level of pregnant women is significantly related to p = 0.002 (p 0.05). The conclusion in this study is that there is a significant relationship between receiving information through electronic media reporting about Covid-19 and the anxiety level of pregnant women according to the research results obtained. So, it is advisable to increase education about pregnancy care, especially pregnancy during the Covid-19 period and counseling and assistance programs for pregnant women.