bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Referential and inferential production across the lifespan: different patterns and different predictive cognitive factors
Authors: Fargier Raphaël , Laganaro Marina
Published: October 2023

Introduction

The ability to speak is grounded in general memory and control processes and likely changes across the lifespan. However, our knowledge on how word production abilities naturally evolve from childhood to old age remains marginally investigated. Our aim was to shed further light on this issue by exploiting the contrast between two ways to elicit word production: referential picture naming and inferential naming from definition.

Methods

We collected accuracy and production latencies in a picture naming task and in a naming from definition task from 130 participants ranging from 10 to 80 years old. Measures of vocabulary size, digit span memory, semantic and phonemic fluencies and processing speed were also collected. We used multivariate adaptative regression splines and regression models to characterize lifespan patterns of the two tasks.

Results

Patterns of increase in performance were similar for picture naming and naming from definition only from childhood to young adulthood. In the second half of the lifespan, significant decrease of performance was found in older adults for picture naming (from around 60 years-old) but not for naming from definition. Clearly, word production elicited with an inferential task (naming from definition) yields different age-related patterns than usually described in the literature with a referential task (picture naming).

Discussion

We discuss how cognitive processes such as visual-conceptual processes and lexical prediction may explain the differential pattern of results in aging in referential and inferential production tasks. We argue for more lifespan studies and the need to investigate language production beyond picture naming, in particular with respect to aging.
Conventional ovarian stimulation vs. delayed single dose corifollitropin alfa ovarian stimulation in oocyte donors: a prospective randomized study. Tail trial
Authors: Alvarado Franco Carlos Alberto , Bernabeu García Andrea , Suñol Sala Jordi , Guerrero Villena Jaime , Albero Amorós Sonia , Llacer Joaquin , Delgado Navas Ricardo Antonio , Ortiz José A. , Pitas Anna , Castillo Farfan Juan Carlos , Bernabeu Pérez Rafael
Published: October 2023

The present study compares two protocols for ovarian controlled stimulation in terms of number of cumulus-oocyte complexes and metaphase II oocytes. We employed a single injection of 150mcg of corifollitropin alfa after a 7-day oral contraceptive pill-free interval for TAIL group and a conventional administration of corifollitropin alfa after a 5-day OCP-free interval with additional rFSH from 8th of ovarian controlled stimulation. Prospective, randomized, comparative, non-inferiority, opened and controlled trial carried out in 180 oocyte donors 31 were excluded, 81 were randomized to the control group and 68 to the TAIL group. No differences were found in the number of follicles larger than 14 and 17 mm at triggering day. However, a lower number of cumulus-oocyte complexes and metaphase II oocytes were obtained in TAIL group compared to the control group, expressed as median (interquartile range): 10.5 (5.5–19) vs. 14 [11–21] and 9 (4–13) vs. 12 (9–17) respectively. Additionally, the incidence of failed retrieval or metaphase II oocytes = 0 was higher in TAIL group 7(10.3%) vs. 1(1.2%) p = 0.024. The use of a single injection of corifollitropin alfa after a 7-day oral contraceptive pill-free interval in oocyte donors resulted in a lower number of cumulus-oocyte complexes and metaphase II oocytes. No additional rFSH was administered in this group.

Clinical Trial Registration:https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/ctr-search/trial/2019-001343-44/results.
Assessing five decades of garden bee studies
Authors: Bell Nicole C. S. , Ascher John S. , Hayes Jen J.-M. , Mead Mallory , Langellotto Gail A.
Published: October 2023

Urban garden spaces are potentially important habitats for bee conservation. Gardens can host diverse flora, which provide floral resources across foraging seasons for bee species. Recent reviews have focused on the impacts of cityscapes on urban bee assemblages in different green spaces. Urban gardens are distinct from other urban green spaces, and bee communities in urban spaces have been an increasing topic of study over the past few decades. We reviewed 28 urban garden bee studies spanning five decades and 14 countries to compile an original metadataset of bee species' functional traits to understand the conservation value of gardens, identify gaps in bee sampling efforts, and summarize the calls to action included by their authors. Studies of urban garden bees have documented between 674 (conservative count, excluding morphospecies) and 830 (liberal count, including morphospecies) bee species. Urban garden bee communities were taxonomically and functionally diverse, although bee species that were non-eusocial, ground-nesting, generalist foragers, and native were most common in garden habitats. The proportion of parasitic bee species and specialist foragers found in urban gardens was comparable to proportions for global bee taxa. This suggests that gardens contain the hosts and forage needed to support bees with specialized life history requirements, and thus represent high quality habitat for a subset of bee communities. Garden bee research was strongly biased toward the northern hemisphere, which signifies a large gap in our understanding of garden bee communities in other regions. The variety of, and non-standard sampling methods in garden bee research makes it difficult to directly compare results between studies. In addition, both intentional low taxonomic resolution and a lack of collaboration with taxonomists constrains our understanding of bee diversity. Our analyses highlight both successes of past urban garden bee studies, and areas of opportunity for future research as we move into a sixth decade of garden bee research.
Brain Chemicals That Make Us Happy Or Sad
Authors: Kim Amy , Sutthipong Panisara , LeVaughn Mya , Osier Nico
Published: October 2023

Every day, you experience many kinds of emotions that affect the way you think and act. However, you probably never stop to think about why you feel this way: teeny-tiny chemicals are responsible. These chemicals, called neurotransmitters, can control your mood and activity. Your body is made up of many small parts called cells and, using dozens of types of chemical signals called neurotransmitters, cells communicate with each other. It is as if the cells are “passing notes” around, sending messages back and forth from the brain to the rest of the body. Learning more about the neurotransmitters flowing throughout the body and how they work in cell communication can help us understand more about how our emotions work and it can also help scientists create medications for people with certain mental health conditions. In this article, we discuss three major neurotransmitters and the emotions they cause.
Application possibilities of artificial intelligence in facial vascularized composite allotransplantation—a narrative review
Authors: Knoedler Leonard , Knoedler Samuel , Allam Omar , Remy Katya , Miragall Maximilian , Safi Ali-Farid , Alfertshofer Michael , Pomahac Bohdan , Kauke-Navarro Martin
Published: October 2023

Facial vascularized composite allotransplantation (FVCA) is an emerging field of reconstructive surgery that represents a dogmatic shift in the surgical treatment of patients with severe facial disfigurements. While conventional reconstructive strategies were previously considered the goldstandard for patients with devastating facial trauma, FVCA has demonstrated promising short- and long-term outcomes. Yet, there remain several obstacles that complicate the integration of FVCA procedures into the standard workflow for facial trauma patients. Artificial intelligence (AI) has been shown to provide targeted and resource-effective solutions for persisting clinical challenges in various specialties. However, there is a paucity of studies elucidating the combination of FVCA and AI to overcome such hurdles. Here, we delineate the application possibilities of AI in the field of FVCA and discuss the use of AI technology for FVCA outcome simulation, diagnosis and prediction of rejection episodes, and malignancy screening. This line of research may serve as a fundament for future studies linking these two revolutionary biotechnologies.
Production of transgenic first filial puppies expressing mutated human amyloid precursor protein gene
Authors: Hossein Mohammad Shamim , Son Young-Bum , Jeong Yeon Woo , Jeong Yeon Ik , Kang Mi Na , Choi Eun Ji , Park Kang Bae , Bae Yu Ra , Kim Dae Young , Hwang Woo Suk
Published: October 2023

Propagation of transgenic animals by germline transmission using assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) is the most efficient way to produce transgenic colonies for biomedical research. The objective of this study was to generate transgenic puppies from a founder dog expressing the mutated human amyloid precursor protein (mhAPP) gene. Experiment I assessed the characteristics of the semen prepared by freshly diluted, swim-up, and Percoll gradient methods using a computer-assisted semen analyzer (CASA). Motile and progressively motile sperm counts were higher in the Percoll gradient samples (p < 0.05) than in the swim-up and freshly diluted samples. In Experiment II, a total of 59, 70, and 65 presumptive zygotes produced by fresh, Percoll gradient, and swim-up methods, respectively, were transferred to surrogates (5 for each group); the Percoll gradient (27.27%) and swim-up samples (14.29%) showed the highest blastocyst formation rates, while fresh diluted semen did not produce any blastocyst. Experiment III examined the full-term developmental ability of embryos. Among the 5 surrogates in the Percoll gradient group, one (20.0%) became pregnant; it had 4 (6.15%) sacs and delivered 4 (6.15%; 2 males and 2 females) live puppies. Among the 4 puppies, 2 (50.0%) were found to transmit the transgene on their nail and toe under GFP fluorescence. Furthermore, the integration and expression of the mhAPP transgene were examined in the umbilical cords of all the IVF-derived puppies, and the presence of the transgene was only observed in the GFP-positive puppies. Thus, semen prepared by the Percoll method could generate transgenic puppies by male germline transmission using the IVF technique. Our result will help propagate transgenic dogs efficiently, which will foster human biomedical research.
Denoising Diffusion Models on Model-Based Latent Space
Authors: Scribano Carmelo , Pezzi Danilo , Franchini Giorgia , Prato Marco
Published: October 2023

With the recent advancements in the field of diffusion generative models, it has been shown that defining the generative process in the latent space of a powerful pretrained autoencoder can offer substantial advantages. This approach, by abstracting away imperceptible image details and introducing substantial spatial compression, renders the learning of the generative process more manageable while significantly reducing computational and memory demands. In this work, we propose to replace autoencoder coding with a model-based coding scheme based on traditional lossy image compression techniques; this choice not only further diminishes computational expenses but also allows us to probe the boundaries of latent-space image generation. Our objectives culminate in the proposal of a valuable approximation for training continuous diffusion models within a discrete space, accompanied by enhancements to the generative model for categorical values. Beyond the good results obtained for the problem at hand, we believe that the proposed work holds promise for enhancing the adaptability of generative diffusion models across diverse data types beyond the realm of imagery.
Pitch Mathematical Modeling and Dynamic Analysis of a HALE UAV with Moving Mass Control Technology
Authors: Gu Yu , Zhang Guoxin , Bi Ying , Meng Wenyue , Ma Xiaoping , Ni Wenjun
Published: October 2023

Moving mass control (MMC) is considered a promising approach to regulating the attitude of an aircraft via the motion of internal moving masses. The present investigation proposes a moving mass control scheme for a high-altitude long-endurance (HALE) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with a single slider moving longitudinally. To that end, a longitudinal nonlinear motion model is established, and pitch dynamics are analyzed. Furthermore, the influence of the slider parameters on the dynamic characteristics of the UAV and the change in control efficiency with speed are analyzed. Finally, a detailed root-locus-based stability and sensitivity analysis of the proposed control scheme is formulated. At an altitude of 20,000 m, the MMC scheme’s efficiency coefficient was 200% of that of elevator scheme at the cruise speed. The simulation results show that the control efficiency of the moving mass control scheme was significantly higher than that of the traditional elevator control scheme under the conditions of high altitude and low speed.
A Model and Methodology for Probability Assessment of Foreign Objects Crossing through an Aircraft Propeller
Authors: Zhu Jiawei , Chen Kenlun , Yang Xuehe , Zhou Qijie , Ye Zhipeng , Li Yaqiu
Published: October 2023

Propeller-crossing probability analysis is crucial for evaluating the impact resistance and foreign object exclusion capability of turboprop engines. However, due to the complex structure of the propeller and the uncertainties associated with the impact location as well as the flight attitude of the foreign object, developing a comprehensive model for analyzing the propeller-crossing process remains a significant challenge. This paper presents a novel simulation method that can obtain the probability of a foreign object successfully crossing the propeller using a high-fidelity structure model of the propeller and a comprehensive substituted model of the foreign object. To validate the performance of the proposed method, an analytical model is developed that takes into account the spatial structure constraints of the propeller and the foreign object. The proposed method is applied to calculating the probability of bird ingestion, and the results reveal that the increments in flight speed and aspect ratio of the bird have opposite effects on the propeller-crossing probability, and the values eventually converge to a constant value.
Robust Constrained Multi-Objective Guidance of Supersonic Transport Landing Using Evolutionary Algorithm and Polynomial Chaos
Authors: Takubo Yuji , Kanazaki Masahiro
Published: October 2023

Landing of supersonic transport (SST) suffers from a large uncertainty due to its highly sensitive aerodynamic properties in the subsonic domain, as well as the wind gusts around runways. At the vehicle design stage, a landing trajectory optimization under wind uncertainty in a multi-objective solution space is desired to explore the possible trade-off in its key flight performance metrics. The proposed algorithm solves this robust constrained multi-objective optimal control problem by integrating non-intrusive polynomial chaos expansion into a constrained evolutionary algorithm. The computationally tractable optimization is made possible through the conversion of a probabilistic problem into an equivalent deterministic representation while maintaining a form of the multi-objective problem. The generated guidance trajectories achieve a significant reduction of the uncertainty in their terminal states with a marginal modification in the control history of the deterministic solutions, validating the importance of the consideration of robustness in trajectory optimization.
Evolution Game Analysis of Supply Chain Synergy Benefits of Prefabricated Building Projects
Authors: Liu Wei , Han Luyao
Published: October 2023

Aiming at the current situation of insufficient research on the synergistic benefits of the prefabricated building supply chain, this study utilizes the evolutionary game theory to construct an evolutionary game model among the three participating subjects of “government–construction unit–prefabricated component manufacturer”. Our study uses dynamic replication equations to derive the equilibrium point of the game, draw the evolutionary path of the prefabricated building, and analyze the strategic behaviors of each subject’s game evolution law. Providing lessons for the strategy selection of each subject while improving the level of assembly, building supply chain synergy is taken as the main goal of this study. The results of the study show that in the initial stage of assembly building supply chain collaboration, the government’s guidance and support can rapidly increase the willingness of all parties to collaborate; the reasonable distribution of the benefits of collaborative incentives is a prerequisite for the sustainable and stable development of the supply chain collaboration, and the construction unit, as the core body of the supply chain, should be given more attention in this link. The participants in the supply chain can effectively improve the level of supply chain synergy and decision-making efficiency by applying the model in this study.
A New Framework for Sustainable Supplier Selection Based on a Plant Growth Simulation Algorithm
Authors: Li Jing , Wang Weizhong
Published: October 2023

With the intensification of global competition and the increasing awareness of reducing energy consumption, sustainable supplier selection is crucial for establishing a solid cooperative relationship in sustainable supply chain management. This paper proposes a new framework that considers both the effective expression of uncertain information and the objective weights of decision makers to select sustainable suppliers. We first apply an interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy set to express the information of decision makers. Moreover, this paper applies a plant growth simulation algorithm to aggregate decision makers’ information. Next, we adopt the similarity measure method to derive the target weight of each decision maker. Then, we apply the score function to rank the candidate sustainable suppliers. Finally, two practical cases are presented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed framework. The outcomes and comparative discussion show that the developed framework is efficient for sustainable supplier selection. Therefore, the proposed framework can be used to establish a solid cooperative relationship in the process of sustainable supply chain management.
Quenchbodies That Enable One-Pot Detection of Antigens: A Structural Perspective
Authors: Jeong Hee-Jin
Published: October 2023

Quenchbody (Q-body) is a unique, reagentless, fluorescent antibody whose fluorescent intensity increases in an antigen-concentration-dependent manner. Q-body-based homogeneous immunoassay is superior to conventional immunoassays as it does not require multiple immobilization, reaction, and washing steps. In fact, simply mixing the Q-body and the sample containing the antigen enables the detection of the target antigen. To date, various Q-bodies have been developed to detect biomarkers of interest, including haptens, peptides, proteins, and cells. This review sought to describe the principle of Q-body-based immunoassay and the use of Q-body for various immunoassays. In particular, the Q-bodies were classified from a structural perspective to provide useful information for designing Q-bodies with an appropriate objective.
Elucidating Events within the Black Box of Enzyme Catalysis in Energy Metabolism: Insights into the Molecular Mechanism of ATP Hydrolysis by F1-ATPase
Authors: Nath Sunil
Published: October 2023

Oxygen exchange reactions occurring at β-catalytic sites of the FOF1-ATP synthase/F1-ATPase imprint a unique record of molecular events during the catalytic cycle of ATP synthesis/hydrolysis. This work presents a new theory of oxygen exchange and tests it on oxygen exchange data recorded on ATP hydrolysis by mitochondrial F1-ATPase (MF1). The apparent rate constant of oxygen exchange governing the intermediate Pi–HOH exchange accompanying ATP hydrolysis is determined by kinetic analysis over a ~50,000-fold range of substrate ATP concentration (0.1–5000 μM) and a corresponding ~200-fold range of reaction velocity (3.5–650 [moles of Pi/{moles of F1-ATPase}−1 s−1]). Isotopomer distributions of [18O]Pi species containing 0, 1, 2, and 3 labeled oxygen atoms predicted by the theory have been quantified and shown to be in perfect agreement with the experimental distributions over the entire range of medium ATP concentrations without employing adjustable parameters. A novel molecular mechanism of steady-state multisite ATP hydrolysis by the F1-ATPase has been proposed. Our results show that steady-state ATP hydrolysis by F1-ATPase occurs with all three sites occupied by Mg-nucleotide. The various implications arising from models of energy coupling in ATP synthesis/hydrolysis by the ATP synthase/F1-ATPase have been discussed. Current models of ATP hydrolysis by F1-ATPase, including those postulated from single-molecule data, are shown to be effectively bisite models that contradict the data. The trisite catalysis formulated by Nath’s torsional mechanism of energy transduction and ATP synthesis/hydrolysis since its first appearance 25 years ago is shown to be in better accord with the experimental record. The total biochemical information on ATP hydrolysis is integrated into a consistent model by the torsional mechanism of ATP synthesis/hydrolysis and shown to elucidate the elementary chemical and mechanical events within the black box of enzyme catalysis in energy metabolism by F1-ATPase.
Cytotoxicity, Differentiation, and Biocompatibility of Root-End Filling: A Comprehensive Study
Authors: Jimenez-Bueno Ignacio , Garcia-Contreras Rene , Aranda-Herrera Benjamin , Sakagami Hiroshi , Lopez-Ayuso Christian Andrea , Nakajima Hiroshi , Jurado Carlos A. , Nurrohman Hamid
Published: October 2023

Assessing the biocompatibility of endodontic root-end filling materials through cell line responses is both essential and of utmost importance. This study aimed to the cytotoxicity of the type of cell death through apoptosis and autophagy, and odontoblast cell-like differentiation effects of MTA, zinc oxide–eugenol, and two experimental Portland cements modified with bismuth (Portland Bi) and barium (Portland Ba) on primary cell cultures. Material and methods: The cells corresponded to human periodontal ligament and gingival fibroblasts (HPLF, HGF), human pulp cells (HPC), and human squamous carcinoma cells from three different patients (HSC-2, -3, -4). The cements were inoculcated in different concentrations for cytotoxicity evaluation, DNA fragmentation in electrophoresis, apoptosis caspase activation, and autophagy antigen reaction, odontoblast-like cells were differentiated and tested for mineral deposition. The data were subject to a non-parametric test. Results: All cements caused a dose-dependent reduction in cell viability. Contact with zinc oxide–eugenol induced neither DNA fragmentation nor apoptotic caspase-3 activation and autophagy inhibitors (3-methyladenine, bafilomycin). Portland Bi accelerated significantly (p < 0.05) the differentiation of odontoblast-like cells. Within the limitation of this study, it was concluded that Portland cement with bismuth exhibits cytocompatibility and promotes odontoblast-like cell differentiation. This research contributes valuable insights into biocompatibility, suggesting its potential use in endodontic repair and biomimetic remineralization.
Constructing Hospitals for Functionality after Earthquakes: Saves Lives and Costs!
Authors: Zayas Victor , Mokha Anoop , Low Stanley
Published: October 2023

Applications of the American Seismic Isolator Standard “SIS” are summarized. The SIS is the only construction standard that specifies design criteria for retaining the functionality of hospitals after earthquakes. The SIS specifies limits for in-structure accelerations and deformations. Earthquake data shows that the SIS limits are the maximum that can be tollerated and retain the functionaluity of hospitals after earthquakes. The Adana and Elazig hospital complexes retained 100% functionality after the severe earthquakes that occurred in Turkey in 2023 and 2020. These earthquakes resulted in 55,000 fatalities and 236 health care facilities losing functionality. Since the 1989 California earthquake, 18 structures with SIS isolators have retained 100% functionality after major earthquakes that caused over 800,000 deaths, and over 700,000 structures to be demolished. The functionality of these SIS structures saved many lives by enabling post-earthquake emergency services. Since 1985, SIS isolators have been implemented in over 40 million square meters of important buildings, bridges, and industrial facilities, in 34 countries. The cost to build these 40 million square meters of important structures with SIS isolators was about the same as constructing ductile moment frames for only collapse avoidance without isolators.
Bioinspired Mechanical Materials—Development of High-Toughness Ceramics through Complexation of Calcium Phosphate and Organic Polymers
Authors: Mizutani Tadashi , Okuda Yui
Published: October 2023

Inspired by the process of bone formation in living organisms, many studies have been conducted to develop organic–inorganic composite materials by preparing calcium phosphate crystals within solutions or dispersions of polymers with appropriate functional groups. Bones are composite materials consisting of organic polymers (mainly type I collagen), carbonated apatite, and water, with volume fractions of 35–45%, 35–45%, and 15–25%, respectively. Carbonated apatite in bone contributes to rigidity, while organic polymers and water contribute to toughness. The inorganic crystal, carbonated apatite, is a plate-shaped crystal with dimensions of 50 nm × 25 nm × 1–4 nm, generating a significant organic–inorganic interface, due to its nanoscale size. This interface is believed to absorb externally applied forces to dissipate mechanical energy to thermal energy. Creating such nanometer-scale structures using top-down approaches is challenging, making bottom-up methods, such as the coprecipitation of polymer and inorganic crystals, more suitable. In this account, efforts to develop eco-friendly mechanical materials using biomass, such as cellulose and starch, based on the bottom-up approach to bone-like composites are described.
Pattern of Primary Resistance of Helicobacter pylori to Clarithromycin among Pediatric Patients from North-Eastern Romania
Authors: Rosu Oana-Maria , Gimiga Nicoleta , Popescu Roxana , Ioniuc Ileana , Rusu Carmen Daniela , Clipa Tatiana , Florea Diana-Maria , Pleșca Doina-Anca , Nemtoi Alexandru , Tataranu Elena , Stefanescu Gabriela , Diaconescu Smaranda
Published: October 2023

Background: Helicobacter pylori antibiotic resistance has increased worldwide and affects the effectiveness of current therapies. The recommended first-line empiric treatment should be tailored to the local clarithromycin resistance rate. This study aimed to determine the pediatric patient profile and rate of clarithromycin resistance for patients diagnosed with Helicobacter pylori by gastric biopsy. Methods: We studied 84 positive gastric samples for Helicobacter pylori. Positive results were confirmed by a rapid urease test and histopathological examination, with the type of gastritis established according to the Sydney System. Gastric biopsy samples were stored in RNA saver. Clarithromycin resistance was determined by a real-time polymerase chain reaction-based molecular assay after RNA-DNA extraction. Results: Of the 84 biopsy samples analyzed, 35 (41.6%) were resistant to clarithromycin. Clarithromycin resistance was found mainly in girls (80%) with a mean age of 15 years (range 6–17 years). The history of prior exposure to clarithromycin was 91.6%. The concordance between the histopathological examination and the PCR test was 100%. Conclusions: One in 2.4 children infected with Helicobacter pylori had a strain resistant to clarithromycin. This resistant strain may be a reason for treatment failure in Romanian children, yet this is uninvestigated. The high rate of bacterial resistance to this antibiotic among children indicates the need for susceptibility testing before therapy.
Case Report: Fetoscopic Laparoschisis (FETO-LAP)—A New Therapeutic Route to Explore for Fetuses with Severe Diaphragmatic Hernias
Authors: Kohl Thomas , Riehle Nadja , Messroghli Leila , Maus Sibylle , Otto Christiane , Klinke Michaela , Martel Richard , Beck Grietje , Boettcher Michael , Schaible Thomas
Published: October 2023

Background: The purpose of this report is to describe the seminal case of a near-term human fetus with a life-threatening left diaphragmatic hernia that underwent fetoscopic tracheal occlusion (FETO) combined with fetoscopic partial removal of herniated bowel from the fetal chest by fetoscopic laparoschisis (FETO-LAP). Case summary: A life-threatening left diaphragmatic hernia (liver-up; o/e LHR of ≤25%; MRI lung volume ≤ 20%) was observed in a human fetus at 34 weeks of gestation. After counselling the mother about the high risks of postnatal demise if left untreated, the expected limitations of fetoscopic tracheal occlusion (FETO), and the previously untested option of combining FETO with fetoscopic laparoschisis, i.e., partial removal of the herniated bowel from the fetal chest (FETO-LAP), she consented to the latter novel treatment approach. FETO-LAP was performed at 36 + 5 weeks of gestation under general maternofetal anesthesia. Mother and fetus tolerated the procedure well. The neonate was delivered and the balloon removed on placental support at 37 + 2 weeks of gestation. On ECMO, a rapid increase in tidal volume was seen over the next eight days. Unfortunately, after this period, blood clots obstructed the ECMO circuit and the neonate passed away. Discussion: This seminal case shows that in a fetus with severe left diaphragmatic hernia, partial removal of the herniated organs from the fetal chest is not only possible by minimally invasive fetoscopic techniques but also well tolerated. As the effect of FETO alone is limited in saving severely affected fetuses, combining FETO with fetoscopic laparoschisis (FETO-LAP) offers a new therapeutic route with multiple, potentially life-saving implications.
Prevalence of Post COVID-19 Condition among Healthcare Workers: Self-Reported Online Survey in Four African Countries, December 2021–January 2022
Authors: Elnadi Hager , Al-Mustapha Ahmad I. , Odetokun Ismail A. , Anjorin AbdulAzeez Adeyemi , Mosbah Rasha , Fasina Folorunso O. , Razouqi Youssef , Awiagah Kwame Sherrif , Nyandwi Jean Baptiste , Mhgoob Zuhal E. , Gachara George , Yusuf Mohamud Mohamed Farah , Damaris Bamu F. , Maisara Aala Mohamed Osman , Radwan Mona
Published: October 2023

The impact of Post COVID-19 Condition (PCC) is ongoing despite the declaration that the 2019 COVID-19 pandemic has ended. In this study, we explore the prevalence of PCC among healthcare workers (HCWs) in four African Countries and its influence on their professional performance. This study was conducted as an online cross-sectional survey of healthcare workers from four African countries (Cameroon, Egypt, Nigeria, and Somalia) between the 20th of December 2021 to 12th of January 2022. We determined the prevalence of PCC based on the WHO case definition and assessed variables associated with a higher prevalence of PCC in these countries using univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses. A total of 706 HCWs from four African countries were included in this survey. Most of the HCWs were aged between 18–34 years (75.8%, n = 535). Our findings showed that 19.5% (n = 138) of the HCWs had tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. However, 8.4% (n = 59) were symptomatic for COVID-19 but tested negative or were never tested. Two-thirds of the HCWs (66.4%, n = 469) have received a COVID-19 vaccine and 80.6% (n = 378) of those vaccinated had been fully vaccinated. The self-reported awareness rate of PCC among the HCWs was 16.1% (n = 114/706) whereas the awareness rate of PCC among COVID-19-positive HCWs was 55.3% (n = 109/197). The prevalence of PCC among HCWs was 58.8% (n = 116). These changes include the self-reported symptoms of PCC which included headache (58.4%, n = 115), fatigue (58.8%, n = 116), and muscle pain (39.6%, n = 78). Similarly, 30% (n = 59) and 20.8% (n = 41) of the HCWs reported the loss of smell and loss of taste long after their COVID-19 infection, respectively. Some HCWs (42%, n = 83) believed that their work performance has been affected by their ongoing symptoms of PCC. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of PCC among the vaccinated and unvaccinated HCWs (p > 0.05). Of the socio-demographic variables, age (older HCWs between 45–54 years; OR:1.7; 95% CI: 1.06, 10.59; p = 0.001) and location (Egypt; OR:14.57; 95% CI: 2.62, 26.76; p = 0.001) were more likely to have experienced PCC than other age groups and countries respectively. The study revealed a low prevalence of PCC among the surveyed HCWs. In addition, it observed the need for adequate medical and psychological support to HCWs with PCC and improved mass advocacy campaigns on PCC.
Spectral Patterns of Pixels and Objects of the Forest Phytophysiognomies in the Anauá National Forest, Roraima State, Brazil
Authors: Condé Tiago Monteiro , Higuchi Niro , Lima Adriano José Nogueira , Campos Moacir Alberto Assis , Condé Jackelin Dias , de Oliveira André Camargo , de Miranda Dirceu Lucio Carneiro
Published: October 2023

Forest phytophysiognomies have specific spatial patterns that can be mapped or translated into spectral patterns of vegetation. Regions of spectral similarity can be classified by reference to color, tonality or intensity of brightness, reflectance, texture, size, shape, neighborhood influence, etc. We evaluated the power of accuracy of supervised classification algorithms via per-pixel (maximum likelihood) and geographic object-based image analysis (GEOBIA) for distinguishing spectral patterns of the vegetation in the northern Brazilian Amazon. A total of 280 training samples (70%) and 120 validation samples (30%) of each of the 11 vegetation cover and land-use classes (N = 4400) were classified based on differences in their visible (RGB), near-infrared (NIR), and medium infrared (SWIR 1 or MIR) Landsat 8 (OLI) bands. Classification by pixels achieved a greater accuracy (Kappa = 0.75%) than GEOBIA (Kappa = 0.72%). GEOBIA, however, offers a greater plasticity and the possibility of calibrating the spectral rules associated with vegetation indices and spatial parameters. We conclude that both methods enabled precision spectral separations (0.45–1.65 μm), contributing to the distinctions between forest phytophysiognomies and land uses—strategic factors in the planning and management of natural resources in protected areas in the Amazon region.
A Moderated Mediation Model of the Influence of Cynical Distrust, Medical Mistrust, and Anger on Vaccination Hesitancy in Nursing Staff
Authors: Tselebis Athanasios , Sikaras Christos , Milionis Charalampos , Sideri Eleni Paraskevi , Fytsilis Konstantinos , Papageorgiou Styliani Maria , Ilias Ioannis , Pachi Argyro
Published: October 2023

During the pandemic, nurses experienced anger that stemmed from a sense of threat, frustration, or even a sense of injustice. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between vaccination hesitancy, anger, cynicism, and medical mistrust among nurses, as there are no relevant studies in the literature. This study was conducted online by completing self-report questionnaires. The Dimensions of Anger Reactions-5, the 8-item “Cynical Distrust” scale, and the Medical Mistrust Multiformat Scale were used. For vaccination hesitancy, two questions with a 5-point scale were used: one question examining hesitancy to get vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine, and another question examining hesitancy to get vaccinated with the influenza vaccine. In total, 387 nurses (66 men and 321 women) participated in this study. Nurses showed statistically greater hesitancy toward the COVID-19 vaccine compared to hesitancy toward the influenza vaccine. The variation in vaccine hesitancy was explained by the scores in the Medical Mistrust Multiformat Scale, the Dimensions of Anger Reactions, and the Cynical Distrust Scale. The Medical Mistrust Multiformat Scale mediated the relationship between the Cynical Distrust Scale and total vaccine hesitancy. The Dimensions of Anger Reactions Scale significantly moderated the indirect effect of the Cynical Distrust Scale on total vaccine hesitancy through the Medical Mistrust Multiformat Scale. In conclusion, it is highly likely that anger is involved in reported vaccine hesitancy both by activating schemas of distrust in others and by adopting anti-systemic views of mistrust in the medical system.
An Efficient Detector with Auxiliary Network for Remote Sensing Object Detection
Authors: Xu Danqing , Wu Yiquan
Published: October 2023

Over the past few decades, advances in satellite and aerial imaging technology have made it possible to acquire high-quality remote sensing images. As one of the most popular research directions of computer vision, remote sensing object detection is widely researched due to the wide application in military and civil fields. The algorithms based on convolutional neural network have made great achievements in the field of object detection. However, plenty of small and densely distributed remote sensing objects against complex background pose some challenges to object detection. In this work, an efficient anchor-free based remote sensing object detector based on YOLO (You Only Look Once) is constructed. Firstly, the backbone network is simplified for the high efficiency of detection. In order to extract the features of densely distributed objects effectively, the detection scales are adjusted based on the backbone network. Secondly, aiming at the shortcomings of CBAM, the improved CJAM (Coordinate Joint Attention Mechanism) is proposed to deal with object detection under complex background. In addition, feature enhancement modules DPFE (Dual Path Feature Enhancement) and IRFE (Inception-ResNet-Feature Enhancement) as well as PRes2Net (Parallel Res2Net) are proposed. We combine CJAM with the above modules to create DC-CSP_n, CSP-CJAM-IRFE, and CJAM-PRes2Net for better feature extraction. Thirdly, a lightweight auxiliary network is constructed to integrate the low-level and intermediate information extracted from remote sensing images into the high-level semantic information of the backbone network. The auxiliary network allows the detector to locate the target efficiently. Fourthly, Swin Transformer is introduced into the ‘Neck’ part of the network so that the network can effectively grasp the global information. The mAP on DOTA1.5 and VEDAI datasets, which both contain a large number of small objects, reached 77.07% and 63.83%, respectively. Compared with advanced algorithms such as YOLO V4, YOLO V5s, YOLO V5l, and YOLO V7, our approach achieves the highest mAP.
A Dynamic Nonlinear VDCOL Control Strategy Based on the Taylor Expansion of DC Voltages for Suppressing the Subsequent Commutation Failure in HVDC Transmission
Authors: Li Hongzheng , Han Kunlun , Liu Shuhao , Chen Hailin , Zhang Xiongfeng , Zou Kangtai
Published: October 2023

Subsequent commutation failure in high-voltage DC transmission systems seriously emphasizes the safe and stable operation of power systems. Via analyzing the mechanism of commutation failure and the principle of voltage-dependent current order limiter (VDCOL), this paper proposes a dynamic nonlinear VDCOL control strategy based on the Taylor expansion of DC voltage for suppressing subsequent commutation failure. To solve the problem of fluctuating DC current command value caused by a large drop in DC voltage, this paper constructs a nonlinear VDCOL control that can be dynamically adjusted according to the AC bus voltage level, and Taylor expansion of DC voltage is used to obtain its first-order and second-order differential components. Different scales of differential elements are chosen to predict the DC voltage compensation value while balancing sensitivity and accuracy. The compensated DC voltage, used as the starting voltage of VDCOL, is input to the VDCOL control constructed in this paper to suppress the subsequent commutation failure of the transmission system by reducing the fluctuation of the current command value. Finally, the standard test model of HVDC is established based on the actual parameters, and the simulation results show that the Method proposed in this paper has an effective suppressing effect in the case of single-phase or three-phase faults of different severity and is conducive to the restoration of the system power transmission.
Physical Properties of Helium and Application in Respiratory Care
Authors: Chappel Eric
Published: October 2023

Helium is a low-density, inert, monoatomic gas that is widely used in medical applications. In respiratory care, Helium is mainly used as an adjunct therapy for patients with severe upper airway obstruction and asthma. To better understand the action mechanism of helium, the physical properties of several therapeutic gas mixtures with helium are calculated using kinetic theory. Flow in a simplified lung airways model is also shown to support the discussion of helium’s respiratory benefits, including reduced work of breathing.
Desert/Forest Fire Detection Using Machine/Deep Learning Techniques
Authors: Davis Mason , Shekaramiz Mohammad
Published: October 2023

As climate change and human activity increase the likelihood of devastating wildfires, the need for early fire detection methods is inevitable. Although, it has been shown that deep learning and artificial intelligence can offer a solution to this problem, there is still a lot of room for improvement. In this research, two new deep learning approaches to fire detection are developed and investigated utilizing pre-trained ResNet-50 and Xception for feature extraction with a detailed comparison against support vector machine (SVM), ResNet-50, Xception, and MobileViT architectures. Each architecture was tuned utilizing hyperparameter searches and trials to seek ideal combinations for performance. To address the under-representation of desert features in the current fire detection datasets, we have created a new dataset. This novel dataset, Utah Desert Fire, was created using controlled fires and aerial imaging with a DJI Mini 3 Pro drone. The proposed modified ResNet-50 architecture achieved the best performance on the Utah Desert Fire dataset, reaching 100% detection accuracy. To further compare the proposed methods, the popular forest fire detection dataset, DeepFire, was deployed with resulting performance analyzed against most recent literature. Here, our proposed modified Xception model outperformed latest publications attaining 99.221% accuracy. The performance of the proposed solutions show an increase in classification accuracy which can be leveraged for the identification of both desert and forest fires.
Fractional Diffusion Equation under Singular and Non-Singular Kernel and Its Stability
Authors: Gabrick Enrique C. , Protachevicz Paulo R. , Lenzi Ervin K. , Sayari Elaheh , Trobia José , Lenzi Marcelo K. , Borges Fernando S. , Caldas Iberê L. , Batista Antonio M.
Published: October 2023

The fractional reaction–diffusion equation has been used in many real-world applications in fields such as physics, biology, and chemistry. Motivated by the huge application of fractional reaction–diffusion, we propose a numerical scheme to solve the fractional reaction–diffusion equation under different kernels. Our method can be particularly employed for singular and non-singular kernels, such as the Riemann–Liouville, Caputo, Fabrizio–Caputo, and Atangana–Baleanu operators. Moreover, we obtained general inequalities that guarantee that the stability condition depends explicitly on the kernel. As an implementation of the method, we numerically solved the diffusion equation under the power-law and exponential kernels. For the power-law kernel, we solved by considering fractional time, space, and both operators. In another example, we considered the exponential kernel acting on the time derivative and compared the numerical results with the analytical ones. Our results showed that the numerical procedure developed in this work can be employed to solve fractional differential equations considering different kernels.
Alginate–Gelatin Hydrogel Scaffolds; An Optimization of Post-Printing Treatment for Enhanced Degradation and Swelling Behavior
Authors: Kaliampakou Christina , Lagopati Nefeli , Pavlatou Evangelia A. , Charitidis Costas A.
Published: October 2023

The generation of 3D structures comprises three interlinked phases: material development, the printing process, and post-printing treatment. Numerous factors control all three phases, making the optimization of the entire process a challenging task. Until now, the state of the art has mainly focused on optimizing material processability and calibration of the printing process. However, after the successful Direct Ink Writing (DIW) of a hydrogel scaffold, the post-printing stage holds equal importance, as this allows for the treatment of the structure to ensure the preservation of its structural integrity for a duration that is sufficient to enable successful cell attachment and proliferation before undergoing degradation. Despite this stage’s pivotal role, there is a lack of extensive literature covering its optimization. By studying the crosslinking factors and leveling the post-treatment settings of alginate–gelatin hydrogel, this study proposes a method to enhance scaffolds’ degradation without compromising the targeted swelling behavior. It introduces an experimental design implementing the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) Design of Experiments (DoE), which elucidated the key parameters influencing scaffold degradation and swelling, and established an alginate ratio of 8% and being immersed for 15 min in 0.248 M CaCl2 as the optimal level configuration that generates a solution of 0.964 desirability, reaching a degradation time of 19.654 days and the swelling ratio of 50.00%.
Effects of Different Prebiotics on the Gel Properties of Milk Protein and the Structural Features of Yogurt
Authors: Li Dongdong , Lai Mengxuan , Wang Pengjie , Ma Hairan , Li Hongliang , Wang Ran , Wu Xiuying
Published: October 2023

The impact of prebiotics on the structural characteristics of yogurt is an important aspect of evaluating its functional properties. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of several commonly used prebiotics, including fructooligosaccharide (FOS), galactooligosaccharide (GOS), inulin (INU), polydextrose (PDX), and xylooligosaccharide (XOS), on the gel properties of milk protein and the structural features, with respect to the texture and rheology, of stirred yogurt during and after fermentation. The results revealed that the supplementation of INU, PDX, and XOS was involved in the construction of protein networks during fermentation, promoting a viscous and more elastic gel structure, due to the enhanced protein–water interactions. This resulted in a significant increase (p < 0.05) in structural stability (higher critical strain (γc) and greater thixotropy), firmness, cohesiveness, and rheology (G′ and G″) and a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the loss of yogurt during centrifugation. Conversely, the supplementation of GOS and FOS did not appear to be involved in the construction of the protein network and barely affected the rheological properties of the gel during fermentation. However, a significant increase (p < 0.05) in viscosity and firmness, and a slight decrease (p > 0.05) in loss during centrifugation were still observed in the yogurt. These findings could be useful for a comprehensive assessment of the application potential of these prebiotics in yogurt, when combined with their respective prebiotic properties.