bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MODERN LEARNING TECHNIQUES AND PLANT IMAGE CLASSIFICATION
Authors: ÜNAL Metehan , BOSTANCİ Erkan , GUZEL Mehmet Serdar , AYDIN Ayhan
Published: July 2023

The intelligent machines concept is born in sci-fi
scenarios. Today it seems to be we are much closer to realizing this idea than
ever before. By imitating the human nervous system, machines can learn many
things. This paper explains modern learning techniques like artificial neural
networks, transfer learning. Later purposes an experiment to classify plant
seedling images to test the transfer learning with two different CNN
architectures. Although the architects were not actually created for this task,
result were quite accurate for a different classification task.
AN ARTIFACT REDUCTION METHOD FOR BLOCK-BASED VIDEO CODING
Authors: ILGIN Hakki Alparslan , AKBULUT Ahmet
Published: July 2023

Most of the image/video coding standards are based on discrete cosine transform which is a block-based coding scheme with a disadvantage of blocking effects at low bit rates. In this paper, we propose a hybrid method which consists of downsampling/upsampling, significance map coding and local cosine transform to reduce the disadvantage of lossy compression and is also compatible with current standards. Experimental results show that performance of the proposed method is better than the conventional approaches.
RF ANTENNA DESIGN FOR BUTTON-TYPE BEAM POSITION MONITORS USING BIO-INSPIRED OPTIMIZATION METHODS
Authors: AYDIN Ayhan , BOSTANCI Gazi Erkan
Published: July 2023

Accelerator based facilities are in a leading position for crafting many scientific and technical innovations for a wide range of application from aviation to medicine. Beam Position Monitors (BPMs) are critical diagnostics tools for such facilities. This study presents bio-inspired methods known as Particle Swarm Optimization and Evolutionary Algorithms in order to design RF antennas for button-type BPMs. Our results show that the antenna parameters obtained using this multiple objective approaches present suitable SNR and linearity values for signal processing. It is found that using an antenna radius of 5.5 mm and beam-pipe radius of 17.5 mm, we can obtain SNR values around 40 dB which can be electronically processed.
EVALUATION OF MS-DIAL AND MZMINE2 SOFTWARES FOR CLINICAL LIPIDOMICS ANALYSIS
Authors: KOÇAK Engin
Published: July 2023

Lipidomics covers analysis of all lipid species in an organism. Lipid metabolism is one of the key factors to understand cellular processes at molecular level. Lipidomics has been used to find diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in clinical sample (plasma, serum, urine, tissue). Today mass spectroscopy based approach dominates lipidomics and several computational platforms have been developed to process raw mass spectra data. However, there is no routine procedure for data processing in lipidomics. In present work, two different bioinformatics platforms, which are MS-DIAL and MZmine2, was compared for lipidomics analysis of plasma sample. Peak detection, identification and quantification parameters were investigated to understand advantages and disadvantages. In peak detection process, it was observed that MZmine2 detected more peak than MS-DIAL at same threshold level. In identification process, Lipidmaps database was used for identification. MZmine2 identifies more lipid than MS-DIAL. Semi-quantification is very important to find differentially expressed lipid species and biomarkers in clinical studies. MS-DIAL and MZmine2 calculated normalized peak intensities and results were compared to understand reproducibility. Average relative standard deviation of all peaks was calculated and results showed that MS-DIAL gives more reproducible results than MZmine2. In conclusion, MZmine2 and MS-DIAL could be used in clinical lipidomics studies.
BAND REDUCTION FOR TARGET DETECTION IN HYPERSPECTRAL IMAGES
Authors: ŞİMŞEK Murat , ILGIN Hakki Alparslan
Published: July 2023

Due to the high spectral resolution, hyperspectral images need large data storage and processing time. Indeed, its high dimensional structure requires high computational complexity, especially for target detection. In order to overcome these problems, band reduction methods have been proposed. In this paper, we compare PCA and SNR-based band reduction methods to improve target detection performance in hyperspectral images. Experimental results show that band reduction methods not only reduce processing time, but also increase accuracy rate.
A CONCATENATED UP AND DOWN TAPERED FIBER FOR SIMULTANEOUS MEASUREMENT OF STRAIN AND TEMPERATURE
Authors: BİLSEL Mustafa , NAVRUZ İsa
Published: July 2023

A novel fiber optical sensor based on in-line fiber Mach-Zehnder interferometer for simultaneous measurement of strain and temperature is proposed and demonstrated experimentally. The interferometer is simple, extremely robust and highly sensitive and consists of two concatenated parts; one is a down-tapered fiber (DTF) and the other is an up-tapered fiber (UTF). UTF and DTF sections of the sensor are fabricated by using a commercial fiber splicer and a non-commercial setup based on heating and stretching a portion of a standard single-mode fiber, respectively. While UTF section behaves as a beam splitter to decompose the injected light into core and cladding modes, DTF section provides evanescent field to access the surrounding environment. Experimental results indicate that the resolutions of 0.83 °C and 45.80 micro-epsilon were achieved in temperature and strain, respectively, for simultaneous measurement with a 10 pm of wavelength resolution.
ANALYZING THE PERFORMANCE OF PURE LATERATION IN INDOOR ENVIRONMENTS WITH VARIOUS PERFORMANCE METRICS
Authors: CENGİZ Korhan
Published: July 2023

Nowadays, determining the location of the users and devices in indoor buildings is promising research topic. Accurate position determination of the users for indoor environments is used for numerous applications such as public safety, supermarkets, health care applications, travelling, social networks and tourism. However, global positioning systems created for outdoor localizations cannot be used for indoor positioning systems (IPS) because detecting the exact position of a target is an issue for IPS. For indoor environments, there are several positioning algorithms such as lateration, fingerprinting, dead reckoning etc. Lateration is low cost and easy to deploy when compared to other existing algorithms. Therefore, in this study, received signal strength based pure lateration that uses synthetic data generated from MATLAB is proposed. The performance of pure lateration is investigated in terms of several performance metrics such as effect of varying number of the access points (AP), varying dimensions of the measurement area, varying Gaussian Noise power and varying number of test points in the field. The simulation of the pure lateration algorithm is conducted in MATLAB. The effect of the performance metrics are investigated and discussed in details. According to the results, accuracy performance of lateration is increased when the number of APs increase in the area, however this will bring some hardware costs. In addition, when the number of test points increases in the field, in other words the step size between two test points decreases in the field the error performance of lateration is also enhanced however, this will also cause to computational costs. Finally, enlarging the measurement area causes to decrease the accuracy performance of lateration as expected. The main purpose of this study is to obtain the optimum conditions for lateration to provide a solution for real time applications. For future work, the real time implementations of this study are performed and to improve the accuracy performance, it is aimed to use a curve fitting idea to the measured values.
Editorial
Authors: Souza Thais Regina Ravazi de , Santos João Marcelo de Almeida
Published: July 2023

Com grande prazer, anunciamos a primeira edição de 2023 da revista REBESDE, que busca proporcionar um espaço para a publicação de pesquisas e estudos que ofereçam novas perspectivas científicas sobre as temáticas abordadas neste periódico. Esta edição tem a intencionalidade de promover a publicação de artigos originais e de revisão que abordam e respondem a questões relacionadas à Educação Física, Saúde e Desempenho Humano. Neste volume, destacamos estudos que contribuem para as temáticas relacionadas à História da Educação Física, Dança e assuntos correlatos. A revista REBESDE desempenha um papel fundamental como um repositório acadêmico que propicia aos pesquisadores a oportunidade de compartilhar suas investigações em prol da cientificidade, beneficiando assim a comunidade acadêmica como um todo. Com imenso regozijo, apresentamos a primeira edição do volume de 2023, e temos a honra de divulgar que os artigos publicados neste periódico são oriundos de renomados pesquisadores especializados nas áreas de Educação Física, Saúde e Educação. Nosso objetivo é ser uma fonte de dados de excelência para pesquisadores e entusiastas dos estudos relacionados às temáticas do periódico. Reafirmamos nosso compromisso com a pesquisa em Educação Física, Saúde e Desempenho, seja no âmbito da graduação, pós-graduação ou intervenção. Desejamos a todos os pesquisadores e leitores que a revista REBESDE se torne uma publicação frequentemente consultada, atendendo às expectativas da comunidade acadêmica e da sociedade. Boa leitura a todos!
A dança na história da educação: um estudo das publicações nos periódicos especializados
Authors: Silva Elaine Pires da , Nunes Meire Aparecida Lóde
Published: July 2023

Ao olharmos para os períodos histórico percebemos que a dança acompanha o próprio desenvolvimento da humanidade nos aspectos educacionais, lúdicos e religiosos, participando, assim, dos diferentes processos de formação humana. No que refere a dança como forma de educação, podemos considerar que ela é um meio de proporcionar o desenvolvimento do indivíduo a partir do seu corpo. Todavia, mesmo diante da intrínseca relação da dança e a formação humana, quando consultamos as publicações de livros nos parece que há um desinteresse acadêmico sobre a temática no que concerne a historiografia da educação. Diante disso, nos questionamos: será que podemos encontrar estudos que consideram a dança no campo da educação nos periódicos qualificados na área de história da educação? Com o intuito de responder essa questão realizamos essa pesquisa que teve como objetivo verificar a recorrência de pesquisas com a temática dança no campo da história da educação. Para sua realização adotou-se o estado do conhecimento que consiste no levantamento da produção de materiais acerca de um tema por meio da sua identificação, seu registro e sua categorização. A coleta de dados foi realizada em cinco periódicos qualificados no campo da história da educação. O recorte temporal foi de 20 anos, iniciando em 2001 e se estendendo até 2021. O desenvolvimento da pesquisa mostrou que a produção de estudos no campo da história da educação é baixíssima, sendo encontrados apenas três publicações. Dessa forma evidencia que há pouco interesse por parte dos pesquisadores na dança como objeto de estudo na área da história da educação.
Estratégias de treinamento de força específicas para pugilistas
Authors: Belai Anderson , Souza Thais Regina Ravazi de
Published: July 2023

Este artigo aborda as estratégias de treinamento de força específicas para pugilistas no campo da Educação Física. O objetivo principal é explorar a importância do treinamento de força no boxe, com foco em diferentes aspectos, como a melhoria da capacidade cardiovascular, o desenvolvimento da força explosiva, a resistência muscular, a estabilidade articular e a prevenção de lesões. Para o desenvolvimento do trabalho foi feita uma pesquisa bibliográfica. Com a construção do trabalho foi possível compreender que o treinamento de força adequado e individualizado desempenha um papel fundamental no desenvolvimento dos pugilistas, proporcionando melhorias no desempenho atlético, resistência muscular e estabilidade articular. Destacamos a importância de um programa de treinamento progressivo e personalizado, além de medidas de recuperação e regeneração muscular para maximizar os benefícios do treinamento e prevenir lesões.
Alteration and clinical potential in gut microbiota in patients with cerebral small vessel disease
Authors: Shi Yachen , Zhao En , Li Lei , Zhao Songyun , Mao Haixia , Deng Jingyu , Ji Wei , Li Yang , Gao Qianqian , Zeng Siyuan , Ma Lin , Xi Guangjun , You Yiping , Shao Junfei , Fang Xiangming , Wang Feng
Published: July 2023

Background

Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) is a cluster of microvascular disorders with unclear pathological mechanisms. The microbiota-gut-brain axis is an essential regulatory mechanism between gut microbes and their host. Therefore, the compositional and functional gut microbiota alterations lead to cerebrovascular disease pathogenesis. The current study aims to determine the alteration and clinical value of the gut microbiota in CSVD patients.

Methods

Sixty-four CSVD patients and 18 matched healthy controls (HCs) were included in our study. All the participants underwent neuropsychological tests, and the multi-modal magnetic resonance imaging depicted the changes in brain structure and function. Plasma samples were collected, and the fecal samples were analyzed with 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

Results

Based on the alpha diversity analysis, the CSVD group had significantly decreased Shannon and enhanced Simpson compared to the HC group. At the genus level, there was a significant increase in the relative abundances of Parasutterella, Anaeroglobus, Megasphaera, Akkermansia, Collinsella, and Veillonella in the CSVD group. Moreover, these genera with significant differences in CSVD patients revealed significant correlations with cognitive assessments, plasma levels of the blood-brain barrier-/inflammation-related indexes, and structural/functional magnetic resonance imaging changes. Functional prediction demonstrated that lipoic acid metabolism was significantly higher in CSVD patients than HCs. Additionally, a composite biomarker depending on six gut microbiota at the genus level displayed an area under the curve of 0.834 to distinguish CSVD patients from HCs using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm.

Conclusion

The evident changes in gut microbiota composition in CSVD patients were correlated with clinical features and pathological changes of CSVD. Combining these gut microbiota using the LASSO algorithm helped identify CSVD accurately.
Exhausting and difficult or easy: the association between psychological flexibility and study related burnout and experiences of studying during the pandemic
Authors: Asikainen Henna , Katajavuori Nina
Published: July 2023

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic caused a decline in students’ well-being, but on the other hand, students’ experiences of online learning and studying vary widely. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between psychological flexibility and study-related burnout and to explore whether students with different levels of psychological flexibility have experienced burnout and online studying during COVID-19 differently.

Methods

The data was collected from first-year life-science students (N = 296) in spring 2021. The relationship between psychological flexibility and study-related burnout was explored with Pearson’s correlation and linear regression. Students’ open-ended responses about their experiences of online learning were analyzed with inductive content analysis and the categories were quantified. Three different groups (high, middle, and low) were made based on respondents’ psychological flexibility, and the differences in their study-related burnout were analysed with ANOVA and Tukey’s test, and differences in online learning experiences were analysed with a Chi-square test.

Results

The results showed that there was a negative relationship between psychological flexibility and study-related burnout. In addition, experiences of study-related burnout and online studying differed statistically significantly between the different groups.

Discussion

The results show that psychological flexibility is an important factor in enhancing students’ well-being and learning during the pandemic.
A review of an emerging tool to estimate population parameters: the close-kin mark-recapture method
Authors: Casas Laura , Saborido-Rey Fran
Published: July 2023

Knowing the number of individuals in a population is fundamental for the sustainable management of exploited marine resources but estimating this parameter is often extremely challenging, especially in large, highly mobile and dispersed populations. Abundance estimation traditionally relies on multiple data types that include the relationship between fishery catches and effort (Catch Per Unit Effort or CPUE), scientific research surveys and demographic models that are developed to estimate past and current stock dynamics, but uncertainty is often high. Close-kin mark-recapture (CKMR) is an alternative method for estimating abundance and other demographic parameters (e.g. population trend, survival rates, connectivity), using kinship relationships determined from genetic samples. This methodology is based on a simple concept - the larger the population the less likely to find relatives and vice versa - and was proposed two decades ago although regained considerable attention recently. Refinements in the statistical methodology and advances in high throughput sequencing methods have boosted the efficiency of genomic analysis, promising to revolutionize the field of fisheries stock assessments. In theory, it can be applied to almost any species, provided that there is sufficient information about the life-history/biology of the organism and that the populations are not so small as to be almost extinct or so large that finding relatives becomes extremely difficult. Thus, it has the potential to provide baseline data for the many exploited fish stocks that remain largely unassessed and to reduce uncertainty in those that are regularly evaluated. Here, we provide an overview of the method in the context of fisheries assessments, analyze the advances and synthetize the field studies published in the last five years. Moreover, we evaluate the readiness, viability and maturity of the method to infer demographic parameters in species spanning diverse life histories. We evaluate technical considerations and requirements for a successful application and analyze the main challenges and limitations preventing a broader implementation.
Ocean literacies: the promise of regional approaches integrating ocean histories and psychologies
Authors: Schwerdtner Manez Kathleen , Stoll-Kleemann Susanne , Rozwadowski Helen M.
Published: July 2023

The current concept of ocean literacy reflects a prerequisite for achieving ocean sustainability. Existing ocean literacy reflects a fundamentally western view of oceans that works in tension with ocean literacy goals. Although ocean literacy practitioners and researchers are, laudably, starting to incorporate Indigenous knowledges and perspectives from BIPOC communities, attention to historical change continues to be left out of ocean literacy, to the detriment of ocean literacy goals. This article points out that, given the reality that human-ocean relationships have changed over time, and differed among cultural groups in the past as well as in the present, ocean literacy needs to incorporate ocean history at a foundational level. Because there are historical differences in human relationships with oceans, it stands to reason that regional ocean literacies must be more effective than a universal and timeless ocean literacy framework. Following the logical efficacy of a regional approach to ocean literacy, this article further argues that regional ocean literacies should involve the systematic inclusion of emotional elements. Regional ocean literacies should be constructed through knowledge co-production, involving diverse types of expertise, knowledge and actors to produce context-specific knowledge and pathways towards a sustainable future. To fully exploit the potential of ocean literacy, there is a need for the UN Ocean Decade to work towards regional and place-based approaches that incorporate history as well as culture in an iterative and collaborative process involving diverse types of expertise, knowledge and actors.
Patent landscape review of non-invasive medical sensors for continuous monitoring of blood pressure and their validation in critical care practice
Authors: Litvinova Olena , Bilir Aylin , Parvanov Emil D. , Niebauer Josef , Kletecka-Pulker Maria , Kimberger Oliver , Atanasov Atanas G. , Willschke Harald
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Continuous non-invasive monitoring of blood pressure is one of the main factors in ensuring the safety of the patient’s condition in anesthesiology, intensive care, surgery, and other areas of medicine. The purpose of this work was to analyze the current patent situation and identify directions and trends in the application of non-invasive medical sensors for continuous blood pressure monitoring, with a focus on clinical experience in critical care and validation thereof.

Materials and methods

The research results reflect data collected up to September 30, 2022. Patent databases, Google Scholar, the Lens database, Pubmed, Scopus databases were used to search for patent and clinical information.

Results

An analysis of the patent landscape indicates a significant increase in interest in the development of non-invasive devices for continuous blood pressure monitoring and their implementation in medical practice, especially in the last 10 years. The key players in the intellectual property market are the following companies: Cnsystems Medizintechnik; Sotera Wireless INC; Tensys Medical INC; Healthstats Int Pte LTD; Edwards Lifesciences Corp, among others. Systematization of data from validation and clinical studies in critical care practice on patients with various pathological conditions and ages, including children and newborns, revealed that a number of non-invasive medical sensor technologies are quite accurate and comparable to the “gold standard” continuous invasive blood pressure monitoring. They are approved by the FDA for medical applications and certified according to ISO 81060-2, ISO 81060-3, and ISO/TS 81060-5. Unregistered and uncertified medical sensors require further clinical trials.

Conclusion

Non-invasive medical sensors for continuous blood pressure monitoring do not replace, but complement, existing methods of regular blood pressure measurement, and it is expected to see more of these technologies broadly implemented in the practice in the near future.
The APC-EPCR-PAR1 axis in sickle cell disease
Authors: Ramadas Nirupama , Sparkenbaugh Erica M.
Published: July 2023

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a group of inherited hemoglobinopathies. Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is caused by a homozygous mutation in the β-globin generating sickle hemoglobin (HbS). Deoxygenation leads to pathologic polymerization of HbS and sickling of erythrocytes. The two predominant pathologies of SCD are hemolytic anemia and vaso-occlusive episodes (VOE), along with sequelae of complications including acute chest syndrome, hepatopathy, nephropathy, pulmonary hypertension, venous thromboembolism, and stroke. SCD is associated with endothelial activation due to the release of danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) such as heme, recurrent ischemia–reperfusion injury, and chronic thrombin generation and inflammation. Endothelial cell activation is mediated, in part, by thrombin-dependent activation of protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR1), a G protein coupled receptor that plays a role in platelet activation, endothelial permeability, inflammation, and cytotoxicity. PAR1 can also be activated by activated protein C (APC), which promotes endothelial barrier protection and cytoprotective signaling. Notably, the APC system is dysregulated in SCD. This mini-review will discuss activation of PAR1 by APC and thrombin, the APC-EPCR-PAR1 axis, and their potential roles in SCD.
Laser-driven production with advanced targets of Copper-64 for medical applications
Authors: Maffini A. , Mirani F. , Giovannelli A. C. , Formenti A. , Passoni M.
Published: July 2023

Radionuclides are of paramount importance in nuclear medicine both for clinical uses and radiopharmaceutical production. Among the others, nuclides suitable for theranostics like Copper-64 are particularly attractive since they can play both a diagnostic and therapeutic role. In the last years, the growing demand for these nuclides stimulated the research of new solutions, along with cyclotrons already in use, for their production. In this respect, a promising alternative is laser-driven proton accelerators based on the interaction of superintense laser pulses with target materials. Because of their potential compactness and flexibility, they are under investigation for several applications ranging from materials science to nuclear medicine. Moreover, the use of advanced Double-Layer targets (DLTs) was identified as a viable route to increase the number and energy of the accelerated protons to satisfy the requirements of demanding applications. In this contribution, we numerically investigate the use of DLT-based laser-driven sources for Copper-64 production. We show that activities relevant to pre-clinical studies can be achieved with an existing 150 TW laser and DLTs. Moreover, we extend the discussion by considering a broad range of laser systems by exploiting a theoretical model. Our results can guide the choice of laser and target parameters for future experimental investigations.
Frequency of health care provider recommendations for HPV vaccination: a survey in three large cities in China
Authors: Mao Yimeng , Zhao Yuchen , Zhang Lingyun , Li Jie , Abdullah Abu S , Zheng Pinpin , Wang Fan
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, an important pathogenic factor for cervical cancer, can be prevented by the HPV vaccine. Health care provider (HCP) recommendations contribute to improve HPV vaccination coverage. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of HCP recommendations for HPV vaccination and associated factors.

Methods

From Nov 8 to Dec 6 in 2018, a cross-sectional study was conducted through online questionnaires among HCPs (n = 1,371) from hospitals in three large cities in China (Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen). Data on demographic characteristics, the frequency of HPV vaccination recommendations, HPV knowledge and related attitudes were collected through the questionnaires.

Results

Among 1,371 participants, only 30.2% reported that they frequently recommended HPV vaccination. Multivariate analyses indicated that female sex, being employed in obstetrics or gynecology departments and community health service centers, and having higher self-reported and actual knowledge of HPV were factors associated with a higher recommendation frequency. Factors including a self-perceived non-obligation to provide recommendations and difficulties in discussing sexual topics were significantly correlated with less frequent recommendations. Employment in a community health service center (OR = 2.068, 95% CI: 1.070–3.999) was the strongest factor associated with the frequency of HCPs’ recommendations for HPV vaccination.

Discussion

The frequency of HCPs’ recommendations for HPV vaccination in China was much lower than that in many developed countries. To enhance the recommendation frequency, medical institutions should help HCPs gain more knowledge of HPV and master communication skills. At the same time, the government should take measures to enhance the accessibility of HPV vaccines. The media should help to alleviate people’s concerns and encourage them to face up sexual health.
Impact of COVID-19 on employment: sociodemographic, medical, psychiatric and neuropsychological correlates
Authors: Thompson Madison , Ferrando Stephen J. , Dornbush Rhea , Lynch Sean , Shahar Sivan , Klepacz Lidia , Smiley Abbas
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Given the nature of the persistent physical and neuropsychiatric symptoms reported in the literature, among individuals after acute COVID illness; there is growing concern about the functional implications of the Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC). We aim to evaluate associations of sociodemographic, medical, psychiatric and neuropsychological factors with employment status post COVID-19.

Methods

59 participants were administered a neuropsychiatric assessment and queried about employment status and occupational difficulties months after quarantine. Two levels of comparison were conducted: (1) Those who took time off work (TTO) to those with no time off (NTO); (2) Those who reported occupational performance suffered (PS) to those who did not (PDNS).

Results

TTO vs. NTO exhibited extensive differences across medical, psychiatric and neurocognitive domains. PS vs. PDNS differed on subjective measures of physical and cognitive symptoms, but not on objective testing.

Conclusion

Individuals who took time off beyond COVID-19 quarantine experience persistent physical, psychiatric, subjective and objective neurocognitive burden. In contrast, occupational impairment appears to reflect subjective complaints, but not objective measures. Clinical implications are discussed.
Fluorescence Microscopy: Determination of Meropenem Activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Alieva Kamilla N. , Golikova Maria V. , Kuznetsova Anastasia A. , Zinner Stephen H.
Published: July 2023

The development and implementation of diagnostic methods that allow rapid assessment of antibiotic activity against pathogenic microorganisms is an important step towards antibiotic therapy optimization and increase in the likelihood of successful treatment outcome. To determine whether fluorescence microscopy with acridine orange can be used for rapid assessment (≤8 h) of the meropenem activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae, six isolates including three OXA-48-carbapenemase-producers were exposed to meropenem at different levels of its concentration (0.5 × MIC, 1 × MIC, 8 or 16 µg/mL) and the changes in the viable counts within 24 h were evaluated using fluorescence microscopy and a control culture method. The approach was to capture the regrowth of bacteria as early as possible. Within the first 8 h fluorescence microscopy allowed to categorize 5 out of 6 K. pneumoniae strains by their meropenem susceptibility (based on the MIC breakpoint of 8 mg/L), but meropenem activity against three isolates, two of which were OXA-48-producers, could not be accurately determined at 8 h. The method proposed in our study requires improvement in terms of accelerating the bacterial growth and regrowth for early meropenem MIC determination. Volume-dependent elevation in meropenem MICs against OXA-48-producers was found and this phenomenon should be studied further.
Research on Road Characteristics and the Microscopic Mechanism of Lime–Phosphogypsum-Stabilized Red Clay
Authors: Liu Ze-Yu , Chen Kai-Sheng
Published: July 2023

In this paper, mixtures with different proportions of lime, phosphogypsum, and red clay were prepared, and the road properties and micromechanisms of lime–phosphogypsum-stabilized red clay were investigated by unconfined compressive strength test, water stability test, swelling test, shrinkage test, XRD quantitative analysis, and scanning electron microscope analysis. The results showed that the unconfined compressive strength of the mix increased and then decreased with the increase of phosphogypsum content. With the increase of age, the growth was faster in the first 14 days and basically stabilized in the last 14 days. The mixture has poor water stability, large absolute swelling rate, and low linear shrinkage. The reason for the increase of strength is that the reaction of lime, phosphogypsum, and red clay produces ettringite, and the cementing substance gels form a three-dimensional mesh skeleton structure; the excess of ettringite will cause the skeleton to expand and break, and the strength decreases.
Design of Energy Recovery Control for General Virtual Synchronous Machines Based on Various Forms of Energy Storage
Authors: Liu Haigang , Sun Chu , Zhang Xiaolin , Wang Na , Wang Juncheng
Published: July 2023

The reduced inertia in the power system due to renewable energy integration introduces operation challenges in frequency stability and control. The current options for virtual inertia and frequency support are limited by the energy resources and the power electronic interface. Considering the demand on response speed and energy capacity, a general virtual synchronous machine (VSM) control based on various forms of energy storage systems (ESS) is proposed. The steady-state energy variation of energy storage is found to be proportional to the virtual damping or governor gain, while inversely proportional to the integral gain of system frequency control. It is found that the size of energy storage can be at the second time scale (for example, 6.8 p.u.·s) for VSM implementation, which is significantly smaller than the conventional hour-scale energy storage in the power system. Based on energy dynamic analysis, stability requirement, and bandwidth separation rules, an energy recovery control is designed to maintain constant state of charge (for example, 50%) while avoiding conflicts with frequency regulation. The time scale of the designed energy recovery control loop (for example, hundreds of seconds) is longer than the secondary frequency control. The effectiveness of the proposed control is verified through comprehensive case studies.
Brass Haptics: Comparing Virtual and Physical Trumpets in Extended Realities
Authors: Blewett Devon John , Gerhard David
Published: July 2023

Despite the benefits of learning an instrument, many students drop out early because it can be frustrating for the student, expensive for the caregiver, and loud for the household. Virtual Reality (VR) and Extended Reality (XR) offer the potential to address these challenges by simulating multiple instruments in an engaging and motivating environment through headphones. To assess the potential for commercial VR to augment musical experiences, we used standard VR implementation processes to design four virtual trumpet interfaces: camera-tracking with tracked register selection (two ways), camera-tracking with voice activation, and a controller plus a force-feedback haptic glove. To evaluate these implementations, we created a virtual music classroom that produces audio, notes, and finger pattern guides loaded from a selected Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) file. We analytically compared these implementations against physical trumpets (both acoustic and MIDI), considering features of ease of use, familiarity, playability, noise, and versatility. The physical trumpets produced the most reliable and familiar experience, and some XR benefits were considered. The camera-based methods were easy to use but lacked tactile feedback. The haptic glove provided improved tracking accuracy and haptic feedback over camera-based methods. Each method was also considered as a proof-of-concept for other instruments, real or imaginary.
Design and Evaluation of a Multisensory Concert for Cochlear Implant Users
Authors: Paisa Razvan , Cavdir Doga , Ganis Francesco , Williams Peter , Percy-Smith Lone M. , Serafin Stefania
Published: July 2023

This article describes the design, implementation, and evaluation of vibrotactile concert furniture, aiming to improve the live music experience of people with hearing loss using hearing technology such as cochlear implants (CI). The system was the result of a series of participatory design sessions involving CI users with different hearing assistive setups (bi-implant, bimodal, and monoimplant), and it was evaluated in a concert scenario (drums, bass, and female vocals) at the Royal Danish Academy of Music. The project aimed to improve the music appreciation for CI users by providing a multisensory concert designed with CI challenges in mind, but not excluding normal-hearing individuals or individuals with other forms of hearing aids from participating in the event. The evaluation was based on (video-recorded) observations and postexperience semistructured interviews; the data were analyzed using event analysis and meaning condensation. The results indicate that tactile augmentation provides a pleasant experience for CI users. However, concertgoers with residual hearing reported being overwhelmed if the tactile stimulation amplitude exceeds a certain threshold. Furthermore, devices that highlight instrument segregation are preferred over ones that present a tactile mixdown of multiple auditory streams.
Review of Nonlocal-in-Time Damping Models in the Dynamics of Structures
Authors: Sidorov Vladimir , Shitikova Marina , Badina Elena , Detina Elena
Published: July 2023

In the present paper, the nonlocal-in-time damping models, called “damping-with-memory” models, are reviewed. Since such models do not involve the distribution along the longitudinal coordinate, they are easily adjustable for the FEM (Finite Element Model) algorithm, which is a big advantage due to the fact that FEM is the most-used method in engineering calculations. Within damping-with-memory models, the internal damping of a structure at the current time, is assumed to be dependent not only on the instant strain-rate magnitude or displacement-velocity magnitude but also on the strain-rate or velocity values along the previous time history. The greater the gap between the two time points, the lower the influence that one of them has on the other. To implement a composite beam vibration simulation involving damping with memory, the equation of motion of a structure written in the matrix form could be solved using the central difference method. The models constructed could be calibrated based on 3D numerical simulation data with the least squares method. It has been shown that the results obtained using the implementation of a calibrated damping-with-memory model within the 1D finite-element beam algorithm are in good correlation with those given by the 3D-FEM numerical simulation data.
A Self-Charging Concentration Cell: Theory
Authors: Sheehan D.P.
Published: July 2023

Batteries are a key resource in the quest for sustainable energy. Here, the theoretical basis is presented for a new type of electrochemical concentration cell that might contribute to this enterprise. The cell, which has been successfully demonstrated in the laboratory, incorporates a chemically asymmetric membrane to drive anisotropic diffusion between two solution chambers; the resulting concentration difference powers the cell. In this study, the membrane’s operation is validated via three theoretical approaches: (i) traditional equilibrium thermodynamics; (ii) balancing drift and diffusion current densities; and (iii) the time-independent diffusion equation. The physical criteria for its operation are developed and its dimensionless variables identified. The cell’s maximum instantaneous power density might exceed 107 W/m3. Its self-charging capability should confer multiple advantages over traditional concentration cells (as well as over some voltaics), including improved thermodynamic efficiency, economy, and compactness. Commonalities with other electrochemical systems (e.g., liquid chromatography, metal corrosion, and solid state diodes) are discussed, and a physical instantiation of the cell is reviewed. Recent numerical simulations corroborate its essential processes.
Two Independently Comparative Transcriptome Analyses of Hemocytes Provide New Insights into Understanding the Disease-Resistant Characteristics of Shrimp against Vibrio Infection
Authors: Li Shihao , Zhang Keke , Du Wenran , Li Fuhua
Published: July 2023

Vibrio parahaemolyticus carrying plasmid encoding toxins PirA and PirB is one of the causative agents leading to the severe disease of AHPND in shrimp aquaculture. However, there is a lack of deep understanding of the host-resistant characteristics against V. parahaemolyticus infection. Here, we established a method to obtain hemocytes from shrimp with different V. parahaemolyticus-resistant abilities and performed comparative transcriptome analysis on the expression profiles at the background level of hemocytes from shrimp in two independent populations. Principal component analysis and sample clustering results showed that samples from the same population had a closer relationship than that from shrimp with similar disease-resistant abilities. DEGs analysis revealed that the number of DEGs between two populations was much more than that between V. parahaemolyticus-resistant and susceptible shrimp. A total of 31 DEGs and 5 DEGs were identified from the comparison between V. parahaemolyticus-resistant and susceptible shrimp from populations 1 and 2, respectively. DEGs from population 1 were mainly cytoskeleton-related genes, metabolic related genes, and immune related genes. Although there was no DEGs overlap between two comparisons, DEGs from population 2 also included genes related to cytoskeleton and metabolism. The data suggest that these biological processes play important roles in disease resistance, and they could be focused by comprehensive analysis of multiple omics data. A new strategy for screening key biological processes and genes related to disease resistance was proposed based on the present study.
Stress Reduction Potential in Mice Ingesting DNA from Salmon Milt
Authors: Unno Keiko , Taguchi Kyoko , Fujita Mica , Sutoh Keita , Nakamura Yoriyuki
Published: July 2023

The functionality of food-derived nucleotides is revealed when nucleotide components are ingested in emergency situations, such as during stress loading, though it is difficult to elucidate the physiological function of dietary nucleotide supplementation. Using a stress load experimental system utilizing territoriality among male mice, we evaluated whether DNA sodium salt derived from salmon milt (DNA-Na) has stress-relieving effects. It was found that stress was reduced in mice fed a diet containing a 1% concentration of DNA-Na, but this was insignificant for yeast-derived RNA. Next, we attempted to elucidate the anti-stress effects of DNA-Na using another experimental system, in which mice were subjected to chronic crowding stress associated with aging: six mice in a cage were kept until they were 7 months of age, resulting in overcrowding. We compared these older mice with 2-month-old mice that were kept in groups for only one month. The results show that the expression of genes associated with hippocampal inflammation was increased in the older mice, whereas the expression of these genes was suppressed in the DNA-Na-fed group. This suggests that dietary DNA intake may suppress inflammation in the brain caused by stress, which increases with age.
The Effect of Skeletal Muscle Oxygenation on Hemodynamics, Cerebral Oxygenation and Activation, and Exercise Performance during Incremental Exercise to Exhaustion in Male Cyclists
Authors: Cherouveim Evgenia D. , Miliotis Panagiotis G. , Koskolou Maria D. , Dipla Konstantina , Vrabas Ioannis S. , Geladas Nickos D.
Published: July 2023

This study aimed to elucidate whether muscle blood flow restriction during maximal exercise is associated with alterations in hemodynamics, cerebral oxygenation, cerebral activation, and deterioration of exercise performance in male participants. Thirteen healthy males, cyclists (age 33 ± 2 yrs., body mass: 78.6 ± 2.5 kg, and body mass index: 25.57 ± 0.91 kg·m−1), performed a maximal incremental exercise test on a bicycle ergometer in two experimental conditions: (a) with muscle blood flow restriction through the application of thigh cuffs inflated at 120 mmHg (with cuffs, WC) and (b) without restriction (no cuffs, NC). Exercise performance significantly deteriorated with muscle blood flow restriction, as evidenced by the reductions in V˙O2max (−17 ± 2%, p < 0.001), peak power output (−28 ± 2%, p < 0.001), and time to exhaustion (−28 ± 2%, p < 0.001). Muscle oxygenated hemoglobin (Δ[O2Hb]) during exercise declined more in the NC condition (p < 0.01); however, at exhaustion, the magnitude of muscle oxygenation and muscle deoxygenation were similar between conditions (p > 0.05). At maximal effort, lower cerebral deoxygenated hemoglobin (Δ[HHb]) and cerebral total hemoglobin (Δ[THb]) were observed in WC (p < 0.001), accompanied by a lower cardiac output, heart rate, and stroke volume vs. the NC condition (p < 0.01), whereas systolic blood pressure, rating of perceived exertion, and cerebral activation (as assessed by electroencephalography (EEG) activity) were similar (p > 0.05) between conditions at task failure, despite marked differences in exercise duration, maximal aerobic power output, and V˙O2max. In conclusion, in trained cyclists, muscle blood flow restriction during an incremental cycling exercise test significantly limited exercise performance. Exercise intolerance with muscle blood flow restriction was mainly associated with attenuated cardiac responses, despite cerebral activation reaching similar maximal levels as without muscle blood flow restriction.
Influence of Balcony Glazing on Energy Efficiency and Thermal Comfort of Dwellings in a Dry Mediterranean Climate within a Warm Semi-Arid Climate
Authors: Sabatell-Canales Samuel , Pérez-Carramiñana Carlos , González-Avilés Ángel Benigno , Galiano-Garrigós Antonio
Published: July 2023

This paper analyses, as a case study, various balcony glazing arrangements in a typical tourist apartment building on the Mediterranean coast of south-eastern Spain, and their effects on the energy performance. The glazing of terraces has been very common in this type of flat over the last 40 years. The objective is to determine qualitatively and quantitatively how the glazing of terraces in such buildings influences their energy efficiency and indoor thermal comfort, considering the specific characteristics of the dry Mediterranean climate (BShs) within a warm semi-arid climate (BSh). The scientific novelty of the work consists of demonstrating that the installation of glazed enclosures on terraces allows the houses to be heated for free in winter, taking advantage of the greenhouse effect, and allows excess heat to be dissipated in summer by using natural ventilation. The results of the work enable the determination of appropriate terrace glazing solutions to improve the energy efficiency and thermal comfort of the dwelling, obtaining a reduction of more than 58% in annual energy demand and annual energy consumption. The work demonstrates the advantages that glazing systems for terraces can have in improving the energy efficiency of houses by using systems like glass curtains.