bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
piRNA in Machine-Learning-Based Diagnostics of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Li Sienna , Kouznetsova Valentina L. , Kesari Santosh , Tsigelny Igor F.
Published: September 2024

Objective biomarkers are crucial for early diagnosis to promote treatment and raise survival rates for diseases. With the smallest non-coding RNAs—piwi-RNAs (piRNAs)—and their transcripts, we sought to identify if these piRNAs could be used as biomarkers for colorectal cancer (CRC). Using previously published data from serum samples of patients with CRC, 13 differently expressed piRNAs were selected as potential biomarkers. With this data, we developed a machine learning (ML) algorithm and created 1020 different piRNA sequence descriptors. With the Naïve Bayes Multinomial classifier, we were able to isolate the 27 most influential sequence descriptors and achieve an accuracy of 96.4%. To test the validity of our model, we used data from piRBase with known associations with CRC that we did not use to train the ML model. We were able to achieve an accuracy of 85.7% with these new independent data. To further validate our model, we also tested data from unrelated diseases, including piRNAs with a correlation to breast cancer and no proven correlation to CRC. The model scored 44.4% on these piRNAs, showing that it can identify a difference between biomarkers of CRC and biomarkers of other diseases. The final results show that our model is an effective tool for diagnosing colorectal cancer. We believe that in the future, this model will prove useful for colorectal cancer and other diseases diagnostics.
An Unprecedented 4,8-Cycloeudesmane, Further New Sesquiterpenoids, a Triterpene, Steroids, and a Lignan from the Resin of Commiphora myrrha and Their Anti-Inflammatory Activity In Vitro
Authors: Unterholzner Anna , Kuck Katrin , Weinzierl Anna , Lipowicz Bartosz , Heilmann Jörg
Published: September 2024

Myrrh has a long tradition in the treatment of inflammatory diseases. However, many of its (active) constituents are still unknown. In the present study, secondary metabolites were isolated from an ethanolic extract by various separation methods (liquid–liquid partition, silica and RP18 flash chromatography, CPC, and preparative HPLC), their structures were elucidated with NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry, and the selected compounds were tested for their effect on LPS-induced NO production by RAW 264.7 murine macrophages. Among the isolated substances are 17 sesquiterpenes (1–17) including the first 4,8-cycloeudesmane (1), a triterpene (38), two phytosterols (39, 40) and one lignan (43), which were previously unknown as natural products. Numerous compounds are described for the first time for the genus Commiphora. Eight of the eleven compounds tested (1, 29, 31, 32, 34–37) showed a statistically significant, concentration-dependent weak to moderate anti-inflammatory effect on NO production in the LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages in vitro. For the reference substance, furanoeudesma-1,3-diene, an IC50 of 46.0 µM was determined. These sesquiterpenes might therefore be part of the multi-target molecular principles behind the efficacy of myrrh in inflammatory diseases.
Synthesis and Characterization of Novel 2-Alkyl-1,3,4-Oxadiazoles Containing a Phenylazo Group
Authors: Górecki Sebastian , Kudelko Agnieszka
Published: September 2024

An efficient method for the synthesis of novel phenylazo-containing moieties is described. The derivatives of 5-(4-(phenyldiazenyl)phenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole, substituted at position 2 of the heterocyclic scaffold with alkyl groups of different chain lengths, were prepared. The titled compounds were obtained using the appropriate 4-(5-alkyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)anilines, which were directed to diazotization and subsequently coupled to phenol, resorcinol, and N,N-dimethylaniline. Additionally, we report a mild and effective procedure for the preparation of 4-(5-alkyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)anilines via the selective reduction of the corresponding 2-alkyl-5-(4-nitrophenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazoles using sodium borohydride-tin(II) chloride dihydrate as the reducing system. The chemical structures of the prepared compounds were confirmed by 1H- and 13C-NMR, IR, and UV-Vis spectroscopy.
AFM for Nanomechanical Assessment of Polymer Overcoatings on Nanoparticle-Decorated Biomaterials
Authors: Wood Jonathan , Palms Dennis , Dabare Ruvini , Vasilev Krasimir , Bright Richard
Published: September 2024

Nanoparticle adhesion to polymer and similar substrates may be prone to low nano-Newton forces, disrupting the surface bonds and patterning, potentially reducing the functionality of complex surface patterns. Testing this, a functionalised surface reported for biological and medical applications, consisting of a thin plasma-derived oxazoline-based film with 68 nm diameter covalently bound colloidal gold nanoparticles attached within an aqueous solution, underwent nanomechanical analysis. Atomic Force Microscopy nanomechanical analysis was used to quantify the limits of various adaptations to these nanoparticle-featured substrates. Regular and laterally applied forces in the nano-Newton range were shown to de-adhere surface-bound gold nanoparticles. Applying a nanometre-thick overcoating anchored the nanoparticles to the surface and protected the underlying base substrate in a one-step process to improve the overall stability of the functionalised substrate against lower-range forces. The thickness of the oxazoline-based overcoating displayed protection from forces at different rates. Testing overcoating thickness ranging from 5 to 20 nm in 5 nm increments revealed a significant improvement in stability using a 20 nm-thick overcoating. This approach underscores the importance of optimising overcoating thickness to enhance nanoparticle-based surface modifications’ durability and functional integrity.
Assembly and Bilayer Liftoff of Periodic Nanostructures with Sub-20 nm Resolution Using Thermal Scanning Probe Lithography
Authors: Pellegrini Paloma E. S. , Nista Silvia V. G. , Moshkalev Stanislav
Published: September 2024

The demands for high resolution fabrication processes are ever-increasing, with new and optimized methodologies being highly relevant across several scientific fields. We systematically investigated thermal scanning probe lithography process and detailed how tuning temperature and probe contact time on the sample can optimize patterning and achieve 10 nm resolution. Additionally, we propose a novel fabrication methodology that integrates thermal scanning probe lithography and bilayer liftoff, achieving sub-20 nm resolution of the final metallized structures. Each step of the process, from sample preparation to the final liftoff, is described in detail. We also present a quantitative analysis comparing the accuracy of the lithography process to that of the bilayer liftoff. Finally, we show the feasibility of using thermal scanning probe lithography for the fabrication of photonic devices by validating our work with promising dipole geometries for this field.
Amphiphilic Fluorescein Triazoles: Synthesis and Visible-Light Catalysis in Water
Authors: Artemenko Alina , Sultanova Elza , Mironova Diana , Akhatova Aliya , Bondareva Ekaterina , Islamov Daut , Usachev Konstantin , Solovieva Svetlana , Burilov Vladimir , Antipin Igor
Published: September 2024

Triazole derivatives of fluorescein-containing N,N-dimethylaminopropyl fragments and their ammonium salts were synthesized with yields of 74–85%. The resulting compounds exhibit fluorescent properties in the green region of the visible spectrum. The critical aggregation concentration (CAC) was estimated using a pyrene fluorescent probe corresponding to a range of 0.28–1.43 mM, and at concentrations above the CAC, the compounds form stable aggregates ranging from 165 to 202 nm. A relative quantum yield of 5–24% has been calculated based on fluorescence and UV spectra. The best value is shown by a derivative containing a tetradecyl substituent. When studying the photocatalytic properties of synthesized compounds through the reaction between N-substituted 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline and malonic ester, the mono-tetradecyl derivative demonstrated the best results. According to gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) data, the conversion of the initial heterocycle reached 95%. Therefore, these resulting compounds have the potential to act as an effective photocatalysts.
Low Rates of Immunity among Medical Students and Residents in the Era of the Resurgence of Measles
Authors: Ferrari Cristiana , Somma Giuseppina , Caputi Vittorio , Treglia Michele , Pallocci Margherita , Cenko Fabian , Buonomo Ersilia , Carestia Mariachiara , Di Giampaolo Luca , Olesen Ole F. , Coppeta Luca
Published: September 2024

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease spread through respiratory droplets. The number of reported cases increased worldwide in 2023, particularly in the European Region. Italy reported 213 cases in the first quarter of 2024, with most of them in unvaccinated adults aged 15–64. Maintaining high vaccination coverage is essential to prevent outbreaks, especially in healthcare settings where measles transmission is a significant risk. In our study, we collected serological and demographic information from all Italian and foreign medical students and residents (850) who underwent a pre-training assessment at the Tor Vergata Occupational Medicine Service, Rome, between 3 April 2023 and 31 January 2024. Of the 850 students and residents analyzed, we found only 546 (64.2%) with a protective level of IgG antibodies against measles, with a median IgG level of 2.00 AI. A significant proportion of students and residents were serologically non-immune, raising concerns about the potential risk of hospital transmission. To manage this risk, it is important to assess serological levels, vaccinate those with inadequate levels, and promote vaccination in the general population.
Successful Treatment of Multiple Large Intrarenal Stones in a 2-Year-Old Boy Using a Single-Use Flexible Ureteroscope and High-Power Laser Settings
Authors: Tatanis Vasileios , Spinos Theodoros , Lamprinou Zoi , Kanna Elisavet , Mulita Francesk , Peteinaris Angelis , Achilleos Orthodoxos , Skondras Ioannis , Liatsikos Evangelos , Kallidonis Panagiotis
Published: September 2024

The standard treatment procedures for managing renal calculi in the pediatric population are similar to those in adults. The application of flexible ureteroscopy has contributed to the increased popularity of retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) as an alternative therapeutic modality that can be successfully applied in children. One of the most significant innovations of the last decade is the introduction of single-use flexible ureteroscopes (fURSs). In this case report, we present the case of a 2-year-old boy with multiple large calculi in his right kidney, which were successfully removed after a single session of RIRS using a 7.5 F single-use fURS and high-power laser settings. The total operative and lithotripsy times were estimated at 90 and 75 min, respectively. No complications were recorded. The hemoglobin loss was calculated at 0.3 mg/dL, while the creatinine level was decreased by 0.1 mg/dL. The urethral catheter was removed on the first postoperative day, and the patient was discharged. The management of multiple or large kidney stones is very challenging in the pediatric population under the age of three years. Convenient preoperative planning and the appropriate use of available equipment may lead to excellent outcomes accompanied by a reduced risk for complications.
Poetic Judgement in Everyday Speech
Authors: Magee Paul
Published: September 2024

Speaking is a highly conventional enterprise. But unusual usages are, nonetheless, frequently encountered. Some of these novelties fall flat, while others find favour, to the extent of entering common usage. He considered to say something will sound wrong to most native speakers, while The military disappeared her husband, which was more or less unsayable prior to the 1960s, has come to seem fine. Linguist Adelle E. Goldberg has recently argued that speakers display a remarkable openness to new words, phrases and even grammatical forms, when there is no current way of communicating whatever it is those novel strings serve to express. My paper exegetes Goldberg’s findings to illuminate the question of poetic judgement. It proposes that there is a strong parallel between how people judge linguistic innovation in everyday speaking, and the way poets and critics judge innovative poetic diction: in both cases there is a premium on what cannot otherwise be said. The paper proceeds to deepen the analogies between these two modes of judgement. It starts by linking the lack of rules for determining the acceptability of new words and phrases in everyday speaking with the indifference to prior rules associated with aesthetic judgement in Kant’s third critique, and apparent in the appraisals of many a contemporary poetry critic. It turns to consider the claim that what motivates the judgements under consideration is a preference in the human conceptual system for distinct symbols to have mutually exclusive meanings. A fourth section concerns what Construction Grammar, the broad field of Goldberg’s intervention, has to reveal about the conditions under which new words and phrases can take on meaning in the first place. This too has something to suggest about why we judge certain poetic efforts poor, others landed.
Physiological Key Determinants of Elite Open-Water Swimmers
Authors: Pla Robin , Raineteau Yannis , Barbier Xavier , Aubry Anaël
Published: September 2024

This study describes the relationships between different physiological measurements and combinations of critical velocity and performance in elite open-water swimmers. A total of 15 international male open-water swimmers performed a 5 × 200 m front crawl incremental test to estimate maximal aerobic speed (MAS), maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), the first lactate threshold (VLT1), the second lactate threshold (VLT2), the speed corresponding to 2 mmol/L (V2mmol/L) and to 4 mmol/L (V4mmol/L), and the lactate threshold (VDmax). A 10 km pool trial was also performed to assess swimming performance. Official competition performances in 200, 400, 800, and 1500 m events were collected and were also used to calculate critical velocity (CV) with various combinations of distances. Personal best performances in 1500 m events were 941.76 ± 20.28 s. For the 10 km trial, performance was strongly correlated to VLT1 and moderately to V2mmol/L (r = 0.73 and 0.67, respectively). For the 400, 800, and 1500 m events, strong correlations were observed for V2mmol/L and V4mmol/L. Moderate correlations with these events were also observed for VLT1 and for VDmax (400 and 800 m only). For long-distance swimmers, assessment with a fixed blood lactate value seems to be a good option to estimate swimming performance in distance events. In addition, 10 km performance seems to be more related to the aerobic threshold than the anaerobic threshold.
Impact of Simultaneous Nutrient Priming and Biopriming on Soybean Seed Quality and Health
Authors: Tamindžić Gordana , Miljaković Dragana , Ignjatov Maja , Miladinović Jegor , Đorđević Vuk , Milošević Dragana , Jovičić Dušica , Vlajić Slobodan , Budakov Dragana , Grahovac Mila
Published: September 2024

In soybean production, numerous strategies are utilized to enhance seed quality and mitigate the effects of biotic and abiotic stressors. Zn-based nutrient priming has been shown to be effective for field crops, and biopriming is a strategy that is becoming increasingly important for sustainable agriculture. On the other hand, there is a lack of information about the effect of comprehensive nutrient priming and biopriming techniques on soybean seed quality and viability and seed health. This study was performed to assess the benefits of nutrient priming with Zn, biopriming with Bacillus megaterium and Bradyrhizobium japonicum (single and co-inoculation), and combination of nutrient priming and biopriming on the seed quality and viability, as well as seed infection caused by Alternaria spp. and Fusarium spp. Three different laboratory tests were employed: germination test, accelerated aging test, and seed health test. The results revealed that all tested priming treatments have a beneficial effect on seed germination, initial plant growth, and reduction of seed infection in normal and aged seeds. Additionally, comprehensive priming with Zn, Bacillus megaterium, and Bradyrhizobium japonicum reduced the occurrence of Alternaria spp. (−84% and −75%) and Fusarium spp. (−91% and −88%) on soybean seeds in the germination and accelerated aging tests, respectively, as compared to the control, which proved to be the most effective treatment in both optimal and stressful conditions.
Polymeric Microneedle Drug Delivery Systems: Mechanisms of Treatment, Material Properties, and Clinical Applications—A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Liu Yun , Mao Ruiyue , Han Shijia , Yu Zhi , Xu Bin , Xu Tiancheng
Published: September 2024

Our comprehensive review plunges into the cutting-edge advancements of polymeric microneedle drug delivery systems, underscoring their transformative potential in the realm of transdermal drug administration. Our scrutiny centers on the substrate materials pivotal for microneedle construction and the core properties that dictate their efficacy. We delve into the distinctive interplay between microneedles and dermal layers, underscoring the mechanisms by which this synergy enhances drug absorption and precision targeting. Moreover, we examine the acupoint–target organ–ganglion nexus, an innovative strategy that steers drug concentration to specific targets, offering a paradigm for precision medicine. A thorough analysis of the clinical applications of polymeric microneedle systems is presented, highlighting their adaptability and impact across a spectrum of therapeutic domains. This review also accentuates the systems’ promise to bolster patient compliance, attributed to their minimally invasive and painless mode of drug delivery. We present forward-looking strategies aimed at optimizing stimulation sites to amplify therapeutic benefits. The anticipation is set for the introduction of superior biocompatible materials with advanced mechanical properties, customizing microneedles to cater to specialized clinical demands. In parallel, we deliberate on safety strategies aimed at boosting drug loading capacities and solidifying the efficacy of microneedle-based therapeutics. In summation, this review accentuates the pivotal role of polymeric microneedle technology in contemporary healthcare, charting a course for future investigative endeavors and developmental strides within this burgeoning field.
Evaluating Flow Characteristics of Ground and Cut Biomass for Industrial Applications
Authors: Dikici Birce , Saad Hussein Awad Kurdi , Zhao Bo
Published: September 2024

In recent years, biomass utilization has significantly increased, presenting challenges in its incorporation into various systems. Effective handling requires reliable data on biomass flow properties for designing warehouses and processing equipment. This study investigates the physical properties of ground barley grains, ground oak leaves, ground straw, and cut jute. Barley grains, oak leaves, and straw bales were milled, and jute was cut into 2–3 mm lengths and oven-dried. Particle size distribution, bulk density, Hausner ratio, Carr’s index, moisture content, static angle of repose, and flowability tests and SEM analysis were conducted. The study found that ground barley, having the smallest particle size and highest bulk density, showed superior flow properties due to its rounded particles and clusters, as reflected by a low Hausner ratio. In contrast, jute fibers had a low bulk density and poor flowability, while ground straw exhibited hindered flow due to its larger, more irregular particles. Additionally, the biomass sliding behavior varied with particle size and surface irregularities, with ground barley adhering well to plywood and ground oak leaves adhering well to aluminum. These findings underscore the pivotal roles of particle shape and interparticle forces in determining the biomass flow properties, pointing towards a future where precise environmental control and advanced analytical methods drive innovations in biomass utilization.
Phase Equilibria Study of the MgO–CaO–SiO2 Slag System with Ferronickel Alloy, Solid Carbon, and Al2O3 Additions
Authors: Prikusuma Nandhya K. P. , Algifari Muhammad G. , Harahap Rafiandy A. , Zulhan Zulfiadi , Hidayat Taufiq
Published: September 2024

Knowledge of the phase equilibria in the MgO–CaO–SiO2–Al2O3 slag system is crucial for the nickel laterite smelting process. The phase equilibria of this slag system were experimentally investigated, focusing on the olivine and tridymite/cristobalite primary phase fields, using high-temperature equilibration and quenching methods, followed by Scanning Electron Microscopy–Energy Dispersive X-Ray analysis. The phase equilibria of the MgO–CaO–SiO2 slag system at 1400 °C and 1500 °C were first determined in the absence of ferronickel alloy. The phase equilibria between 1400 °C, 1450 °C, and 1500 °C were then determined under a reducing condition, i.e., at equilibrium with ferronickel alloy and solid carbon. Finally, the effect of Al2O3 addition on the liquidus and solidus compositions in the slag system under the reducing condition was investigated at 1400 °C and 1450 °C. Comparisons between the experimentally constructed diagram, previous data, and FactSage-predicted phase diagrams have been provided and discussed. The present study identified the liquid slag both in the absence and presence of ferronickel alloy and solid carbon, as well as in the presence of Al2O3 impurity, within the formation boundaries of olivine and tridymite/cristobalite solids. Identifying the liquid slag area is essential to ensure that the nickel laterite smelting slag can be tapped from the furnace.
Network Analysis of Bulimia and Eating Behavior Regulation in Subclinical Population
Authors: Rad Dana , Marcu Radiana , Dicu Anca , Cuc Lavinia Denisia , Roman Daniela , Olteanu Lucián Liviusz , Gavrila-Ardelean Mihaela , Kunszabo Mihai Ioan , Gavrila-Ardelean Liviu
Published: September 2024

This study explores the complex relationships between various dimensions of eating behavior regulation and their impact on bulimia and food preoccupation using network analysis. The objective was to identify key regulatory mechanisms that influence bulimic behaviors and food-related obsessions. The study analyzed data from 659 participants, recruited via convenience sampling, using scales that measured intrinsic motivation, integrated regulation, identified regulation, introjected regulation, external regulation, amotivation, and bulimia and food preoccupation. Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed significant negative relationships between bulimia and both introjected regulation (r = −0.345, p < 0.001) and external regulation (r = −0.298, p < 0.001). Network analysis highlighted identified regulation and introjected regulation as central nodes with substantial influence over bulimia and food preoccupation, while integrated regulation demonstrated a significant indirect impact. The perception that food is necessary for life and energy, as well as for nourishment, enjoyment, social and cultural relationships, and emotional comfort, was further demonstrated using qualitative thematic analysis. The aforementioned results emphasize the pivotal functions of identified and introjected regulatory mechanisms in shaping conduct associated with food preoccupation and bulimia. According to the study, specific therapies that target these mechanisms may be essential for lowering bulimic symptoms and encouraging better eating practices.
Evaluating the Utility of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Pre-Clinical Radiation Dose Estimation
Authors: Kamau Njenga R. , Petronek Michael S.
Published: September 2024

Nanotechnology has provided considerable advancements in an array of disciplines. Recently, it has been shown that ferumoxytol, a magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticle, can be oxidized by ionizing radiation. Ferumoxytol nanoparticles have high stability, and thus can be hypothesized that they have dosimetric potential. In this study, it has been observed that xylenol orange, a colorimetric detector of Fe3+ used for conventional Fricke dosimetry, was not able to detect radiolytic changes in ferumoxtyol. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy was more readily able to evaluate the oxidation of ferumoxytol. EPR spectroscopy revealed that oxidation of 500 nM ferumoxytol in H2O was linear up to 20 Gy. This concentration, however, was unable to estimate the delivered dose from a Small Animal Radiation Research Platform system, as a 6 Gy dose was estimated to be 1.37 Gy, which represents a 79.2% underestimation of the dose delivered. Thus, while the high stability of Fe3O4 nanoparticles is attractive for use in pre-clinical radiation dosimetry, further radiochemical evaluation may be required before considering them for this application.
Pathways to Circular Economy for Electric Vehicle Batteries
Authors: Antony Jose Subin , Dworkin Lyndsey , Montano Saihan , Noack William Charles , Rusche Nick , Williams Daniel , Menezes Pradeep L.
Published: September 2024

The global shift towards sustainability is driving the electrification of transportation and the adoption of clean energy storage solutions, moving away from internal combustion engines. This transition significantly impacts lithium-ion battery production in the electric vehicle (EV) market. This paper summarizes specialized topics to highlight regional differences and specific challenges related to electric batteries, focusing on how pollution from gas consumption, distribution, usage, and lithium production affects society. EV batteries offer promising opportunities for a sustainable future, considering their economic and environmental impacts and the importance of understanding their lifecycle. This analysis delves into the recovery of materials and various methods for extracting lithium and manufacturing EV batteries. Efficient lithium recovery is crucial and globally significant, with liquid extraction presenting a more environmentally friendly option. By addressing these challenges, this paper provides an overview of the rationale behind supporting the future of EVs.
Unimodular Multi-Input Multi-Output Waveform and Mismatch Filter Design for Saturated Forward Jamming Suppression
Authors: Fang Xuan , Zhao Dehua , Zhang Liang
Published: September 2024

Forward jammers replicate and retransmit radar signals back to generate coherent jamming signals and false targets, making anti-jamming an urgent issue in electronic warfare. Jamming transmitters work at saturation to maximize the retransmission power such that only the phase information of the angular waveform at the designated direction of arrival (DOA) is retained. Therefore, amplitude modulation of MIMO radar angular waveforms offers an advantage in combating forward jamming. We address both the design of unimodular MIMO waveforms and their associated mismatch filters to confront mainlobe jamming in this paper. Firstly, we design the MIMO waveforms to maximize the discrepancy between the retransmitted jamming and the spatially synthesized radar signal. We formulate the problem as unconstrained non-linear optimization and solve it using the conjugate gradient method. Particularly, we introduce fast Fourier transform (FFT) to accelerate the numeric calculation of both the objection function and its gradient. Secondly, we design a mismatch filter to further suppress the filtered jamming through convex optimization in polynomial time. The simulation results show that for an eight-element MIMO radar, we are able to reduce the correlation between the angular waveform and saturated forward jamming to −6.8 dB. Exploiting this difference, the mismatch filter can suppress the jamming peak by 19 dB at the cost of an SNR loss of less than 2 dB.
A Support Tool for Emergency Management in Smart Campuses: Reference Architecture and Enhanced Web User Interfaces
Authors: Delnevo Giovanni , Ghini Vittorio , Fiumana Enrico , Mirri Silvia
Published: September 2024

In the context of smart campuses, effective emergency management is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of students, staff, and visitors. This paper presents a comprehensive support tool designed to enhance emergency management on smart campuses, integrating a low-cost people-counting system based on cameras and Raspberry Pi devices. It introduces a newly designed architecture and user interfaces that enhance the functionality and user experience of a smart campus disaster management system. Finally, a usability evaluation has been carried out to validate the brand-new user interfaces devoted to emergency management.
Research on On-Line Monitoring of Grinding Wheel Wear Based on Multi-Sensor Fusion
Authors: Duan Jingsong , Cao Guohua , Ma Guoqing , Yu Zhenglin , Shao Changshun
Published: September 2024

The state of a grinding wheel directly affects the surface quality of the workpiece. The monitoring of grinding wheel wear state can allow one to efficiently identify grinding wheel wear information and to timely and effectively trim the grinding wheel. At present, on-line monitoring technology using specific sensor signals can detect abnormal grinding wheel wear in a timely manner. However, due to the non-linearity and complexity of the grinding wheel wear process, as well as the interference and noise of the sensor signal, the accuracy and reliability of on-line monitoring technology still need to be improved. In this paper, an intelligent monitoring system based on multi-sensor fusion is established, and this system can be used for precise grinding wheel wear monitoring. The proposed system focuses on titanium alloy, a typical difficult-to-process aerospace material, and addresses the issue of low on-line monitoring accuracy found in traditional single-sensor systems. Additionally, a multi-eigenvalue fusion algorithm based on an improved support vector machine (SVM) is proposed. In this study, the mean square value of the wavelet packet decomposition coefficient of the acoustic emission signal, the grinding force ratio of the force signal, and the effective value of the vibration signal were taken as inputs for the improved support vector machine, and the recognition strategy was adjusted using the entropy weight evaluation method. A high-precision grinding machine was used to carry out multiple sets of grinding wheel wear experiments. After being processed by the multi-sensor integrated precision grinding wheel wear intelligent monitoring system, the collected signals can accurately reflect the grinding wheel wear state, and the monitoring accuracy can reach more than 92%.
A Deep Learning Method for Human Sleeping Pose Estimation with Millimeter Wave Radar
Authors: Li Zisheng , Chen Ken , Xie Yaoqin
Published: September 2024

Recognizing sleep posture is crucial for the monitoring of people with sleeping disorders. Existing contact-based systems might interfere with sleeping, while camera-based systems may raise privacy concerns. In contrast, radar-based sensors offer a promising solution with high penetration ability and the capability to detect vital bio-signals. This study propose a deep learning method for human sleep pose recognition from signals acquired from single-antenna Frequency-Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) radar device. To capture both frequency features and sequential features, we introduce ResTCN, an effective architecture combining Residual blocks and Temporal Convolution Network (TCN) to recognize different sleeping postures, from augmented statistical motion features of the radar time series. We rigorously evaluated our method with an experimentally acquired data set which contains sleeping radar sequences from 16 volunteers. We report a classification accuracy of 82.74% on average, which outperforms the state-of-the-art methods.
WoodenCube: An Innovative Dataset for Object Detection in Concealed Industrial Environments
Authors: Wu Chao , Li Shilong , Xie Tao , Wang Xiangdong , Zhou Jiali
Published: September 2024

With the rapid advancement of intelligent manufacturing technologies, the operating environments of modern robotic arms are becoming increasingly complex. In addition to the diversity of objects, there is often a high degree of similarity between the foreground and the background. Although traditional RGB-based object-detection models have achieved remarkable success in many fields, they still face the challenge of effectively detecting targets with textures similar to the background. To address this issue, we introduce the WoodenCube dataset, which contains over 5000 images of 10 different types of blocks. All images are densely annotated with object-level categories, bounding boxes, and rotation angles. Additionally, a new evaluation metric, Cube-mAP, is proposed to more accurately assess the detection performance of cube-like objects. In addition, we have developed a simple, yet effective, framework for WoodenCube, termed CS-SKNet, which captures strong texture features in the scene by enlarging the network’s receptive field. The experimental results indicate that our CS-SKNet achieves the best performance on the WoodenCube dataset, as evaluated by the Cube-mAP metric. We further evaluate the CS-SKNet on the challenging DOTAv1.0 dataset, with the consistent enhancement demonstrating its strong generalization capability.
Field Test of the MiniRadMeter Gamma and Neutron Detector for the EU Project CLEANDEM
Authors: Ripani Marco , Rossi Fabio , Cosentino Luigi , Longhitano Fabio , Musico Paolo , Osipenko Mikhail , Poma Gaetano Elio , Finocchiaro Paolo
Published: September 2024

In the framework of the H2020 CLEANDEM project, a small robotic vehicle was equipped with a series of different sensors that were developed for the preliminary inspection of areas possibly contaminated by radiation. Such unmanned inspection allows to identify dangerous locations prior to the possible start of human operations. One of the developed devices, named the MiniRadMeter, is a compact low-cost sensor that performs gamma and neutron radiation field mapping in the environment. The MiniRadMeter was successfully tested in a simulated field mission with four “hidden” radioactive sources and a neutron generator. In this work, we describe the test procedure and the results, which were supported by the outcome of dedicated Monte Carlo simulations.
Experimental Study on Vehicle Pressure Swing Adsorption Oxygen Production Process Based on Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Li Ye , Zhao Lisheng , Li Shuguang , Bei Jianqiu , Zhong Haotu , Liu Yingshu , Zhang Quanli , Sun Ningqi , Li Ziyi , Wang Shifeng , Yang Xiong
Published: September 2024

In recent years, the number of people driving from plain areas to the western plateau of China has been increasing, and their safety is threatened by acute high-altitude reactions caused by hypoxia. Vehicle-mounted pressure swing adsorption oxygen supply technology can help solve this problem. For the optimization of vehicle pressure swing adsorption oxygen production, the influence of different pressure equalization methods on oxygen production efficiency was studied. The best oxygen production performance was achieved when the initial upper pressure equalization method and the simultaneous pressure equalization method were used. Using a 160 W air compressor, the product gas flow rate could reach 2.5 L/min with an oxygen concentration of 93.48%. The impact of adsorption time, equalization time, flow rate, and throttle inner diameter on oxygen concentration and recovery rate was analyzed using the response surface method. The order of the four factors affecting oxygen concentration is as follows: flow rate > adsorption time > equalization time > throttle inner diameter. After optimization, the product gas flow rate was 2.6 L/min, the oxygen concentration was 92.11%, and the oxygen recovery rate was 44.51%.
Consent beyond Sexual Cues—Pre- and In Situ Interactions between Men Influence Men’s Approach towards Sexual Consent
Authors: Zubiri-Esnaola Harkaitz , Canal-Barbany Josep Maria , Madrid-Pérez Antonio , Soler-Gallart Marta , Burgués-Freitas Ana , Olabarria Ane
Published: September 2024

The existing literature on sexual consent is extensive, but a new social approach to this topic is emerging, necessitating further research. This article addresses a gap in understanding how men’s interactions with other men, who are not their sexual partners, both before and during sexual encounters, influence their approach to consent beyond sexual cues. The study involved sixteen interviews and two focus groups with men aged 18–25. Conducted within the framework of the Consent project (PID2019-110466RB-100), this research aims to analyze how communicative acts, beyond verbal exchanges, shape relationships where either consent or coercion prevails. The findings reveal that when men engage in coercive interactions with non-sexual male peers, these interactions can encourage the violation of consent in their sexual relationships. Conversely, some men reject this coercive behavior, take a stand, and support others in avoiding situations that compromise consent. These results underscore the importance of addressing norms of masculinity and male interactions to ensure that all individuals can autonomously make decisions about their sexual lives.
Comparison of the Living Conditions of the Immigrant Population in Major European Countries
Authors: Robutti Roberto
Published: September 2024

Specific aspects and territorial characteristics of migration have been extensively studied, while the primary living conditions of foreigners have been less compared in-depth. Using data from the Labor Force Surveys and EU-Silc for the year 2019, relating to six key aspects of daily life, in this study, foreign-born people living in the five main European countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom) and the European Union were compared for the frequency of costs (e.g., for welfare services) and benefits (e.g., for employment) for the host society. Subsequently, the comparison of them, made by juxtaposing natives and non-natives, allowed for a definition of the level of primary integration (distance of immigrants from natives on the same aspects). The results show that the degree of congruence between the frequency of costs and that of benefits in the immigrant population is strongly influenced by the economic situation, favorable for Germany and the United Kingdom in 2019, with a lower recurrence of hardship cases among immigrants, but high wealth did not automatically reduce their differences. Instead, a small gap between immigrants and natives may also be due to the progressive impoverishment of the latter (Italian case). Therefore, especially in periods of economic stagnation, the different impact of it and of welfare measures on the immigrant population compared to natives requires the analysis of their actual living conditions, as the traditionally used economic aggregates (especially GDP) do not reveal the disparities in the distribution of resources between the various social and ethnic groups.
Indigenous Education in Brazil—The Case of the Bare People in Nova Esperança: Transition to Work and Sustainability
Authors: Campani Giovanna
Published: September 2024

The paper presents the institutional framework of the Indigenous Schools in Brazil it raises the issues presented by the relationship between school as institution and patterns of indigenous culture transmission, given the complex structure of the indigenous population in Brazil, divided into more than 306 ethnic groups, and the historical intercultural relations established with the European colonizers. The second part describes a specific Indigenous school located in the community of Nova Esperança, whose members belong predominantly to the Baré ethnic group. The village overlooks the Cuieiras River—a tributary of the Rio Negro—and is 80 kilometers (km) away from Manaus, the capital of the State of Amazonas. Nova Esperança is called “Pisasú Sarusawa” in Nheengatu, Ñe’engatu o Ñeengatu, known as the “general language” of the Amazonas. An interview with Joarlison Garrido, the school director, deals with the question of the usefulness of indigenous education in the school-to-work transition. According to Joarlison Garrido, indigenous education can promote community development, employment, and sustainability. This positive result is possible thanks to the special location of Nova Esperança within the Puranga Conquista Sustainable Development Reserve (RDS), managed by the government of the State of Amazonas. In this precise context, indigenous education represents a tool to ensure the new generations of Baré have a successful transition from school to work and an employment, namely through the projects of sustainable development that are foreseen for the area. Moreover, as Joarlison points out, sustainability is currently a global issue: consequently, the experience of Nova Esperança is at the same time local and part of a global trend. The Indigenous schools represent a great potential to develop original pedagogical practices in the field of intercultural education that can impact the transition from school to work not only in Brazil but in various contexts where Indigenous Peoples live. The case of the community of Nova Esperança is an example of this direction.
Analysis of Velocity, Power and Skin Temperature in Paralympic Powerlifting Athletes with Fixed and Variable Resistance
Authors: Filho Gildo Francisco dos Santos , Aidar Felipe J. , Getirana-Mota Márcio , Brito Ciro José , Aedo-Muñoz Esteban , de Almeida Paz Ângelo , de Souza Leite Júnior Joilson Alves , Vieira Edson Lucas Monteiro , Nikolaidis Pantelis T.
Published: September 2024

Variable resistance training has been widely used in athletic preparation. Objectives: To analyze the use of currents (VRT) and the traditional method (TRAD) on speed, power and temperature in a training session. Methods: Fourteen paralympic powerlifting (PP) athletes took part over three weeks. In week 1, familiarization and 1RM tests took place, and, in weeks 2 and 3, pre- and post-training took place, where the propulsive mean velocity and power and temperatures were assessed before and after, at 24 h and 48 h. Results: There was a difference in the sternal pectoral temperatures before and after VRT (p = 0.040) and at 48 h for TRAD and VRT (p = 0.018); in the clavicular pectoralis before and after VRT and TRAD (p = 0.003); in the anterior deltoid after and at 48 h for TRAD and VRT (p = 0.026 and p = 0.017); and in the triceps after and at 24 h and 48 h between TRAD and VRT (p = 0.005). In the training series, the MPV was significant in TRAD between Set1 and Set5 (p = 0.003), in training (VRT) between Set1 and Set5 (p = 0.001) and in Set5 between the methods (p = 0.047). For power, there was a difference between Set1 and 5 in TRAD (p = 0.016) and VRT (p = 0.002). Conclusion: We conclude that training with currents (VRT) promoted greater muscle fatigue when compared to traditional training.
Diagnosing Market Capitalism: A Metacybernetic View
Authors: Yolles Maurice
Published: September 2024

This multidisciplinary paper contributes to political economy, social cybernetics, and philosophy by examining distinctions in market capitalist ideologies through a metacybernetic approach. It explores reflexive processes, akin to Adam Smith’s invisible and visible hands, and their impact on market ideologies. The study highlights the evolutifon of these ideologies in balancing egoism and altruism, revealing insights into sociocultural shifts. Some ideologies are more prone to pathologies like market hegemony, which disrupts market viability and social welfare. Diagnosing these ideologies is essential to address issues of market hegemony like platform capitalism, technofeudalism, and surveillance capitalism. After a comparative analysis of capitalist ideologies, the paper focuses on neoliberal and stakeholder capitalism, due to their dominance, contrasting philosophies, policy influence, and roles in global challenges. A metacybernetic perspective is adopted, modelling the market as a complex adaptive system with agency, using Mindset Agency Theory (MAT). MAT distinguishes agency into subagencies of affect and cognition. Recognising the role of spirit, a spirit subagency is configured into MAT to enable explicit consideration of attributes like ethics and the greater good within the market, relationally improving transparency and promoting sustainable and inclusive economic practices. MAT is applied to the evolution of capitalist ideologies, examining their viability and sustainability under changing conditions. With its now triadic interactive subagency structure, MAT identifies eight distinct types of mindset, each characterised by 21 parameters that combine to deliver unique variations, in neoliberal and stakeholder capitalism, of the market ideologies.
Continued Anticomplement Therapy: A Lifeline for Post-Renal-Transplant Patients with Complement-Mediated Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome
Authors: Venugopal Natasha , Polimera Hyma V. , Santucci Jessica , Washburn Erik , Federici Elizabeth
Published: September 2024

Background: Complement-mediated hemolytic uremic syndrome (CM-HUS), formerly known as atypical HUS, is a rare but potentially fatal thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) characterized by the triad of thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (MAHA), and acute kidney injury. It is primarily caused by complement dysregulation. The condition can progress to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), often necessitating kidney transplant. In rare instances, it can develop in post-renal-transplant patients. Methods: Here, we present the cases of two patients with ESRD status post kidney transplant who presented with thrombocytopenia, anemia, and acute kidney injury. In both cases, work-up was suggestive of CM-HUS, and stabilization was achieved with eculizumab. Discussion: The pathogenesis of CM-HUS involves dysregulation of the complement system, and complement inhibitors such as eculizumab can be used for initial management and relapse. The relapse rate following eculizumab treatment can range from 20 to 67%. Patients with a history of kidney transplant are more prone to relapse than those with native kidneys. Re-treatment with complement inhibitors has proven effective in managing relapses, and long-term continuation of complement inhibitor medications is recommended to prevent recurrence. Conclusions: CM-HUS is rare, especially in post-transplant patients, and can be potentially fatal. It is crucial for clinicians to recognize and treat this condition promptly. Management often involves complement inhibitors. The risk of relapse is particularly high in patients with a history of kidney transplant, but long-term continuation of these medications can prevent relapse.