bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sexually transmitted coinfections among at-risk HIV-positive MSM: implications for optimal preemptive treatment
Authors: Wu Tzong-Yow , Lin Kuan-Yin , Su Li-Hsin , Sun Hsin-Yun , Huang Yu-Shan , Liu Wang-Da , Liu Wen-Chun , Chang Lan-Hsin , Chang Sui-Yuan , Hung Chien-Ching
Published: March 2024

Background

Concurrent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are common in sexually active populations. We aimed to estimate the prevalence and coinfection rates of bacterial STIs among sexually active, HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM), and to assess the potential benefits of different combination treatment regimens in managing concurrent bacterial STIs.

Methods

From September 2021 to September 2023, HIV-positive MSM underwent STI testing when they had symptoms suggestive of STIs or recently acquired hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection or early syphilis. The oral rinse, rectal swab, and urethral swab specimens were tested for Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Mycoplasma spp., Ureaplasma spp., and Trichomonas vaginalis with the use of multiplex real-time polymerase-chain-reaction assays. The estimated coinfection rates were used to evaluate the benefits of different combination treatment regimens for managing coinfections.

Results

During the study period, 535 participants (median age, 37 years; and CD4 count, 615 cells/mm3) were enrolled. On their first visits, at least one bacterial pathogen was detected in 57.9% and concomitant bacterial infections were found in 32.9% of the participants. The most commonly identified pathogen was U. urealyticum (36.3%), followed by C. trachomatis (22.8%), and N. gonorrhoeae (19.8%). The factors associated with any bacterial STIs included older age (per 1-year increase, adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 0.97; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.95–1.00), early syphilis (AOR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.22–2.84), and having more than 5 sex partners in the preceding 3 months (AOR, 2.08, 95% CI, 1.07–4.06). A combination therapy of benzathine penicillin G with a 7-day course of doxycycline could simultaneously treat 27.1% of C. trachomatis coinfections in participants with early syphilis, while a combination therapy of ceftriaxone with doxycycline could simultaneously treat 40.6% of chlamydial coinfections in participants with gonorrhea.

Conclusion

Bacterial STIs were prevalent and concomitant infections were not uncommon among sexually active, HIV-positive MSM, supporting regular screening for bacterial STIs. The effectiveness of preemptive use of doxycycline as combination therapy for concurrent STIs warrants more investigations.
Colonization of root endophytic fungus Serendipita indica improves drought tolerance of Pinus taeda seedlings by regulating metabolome and proteome
Authors: Wu Chu , Yang Yujie , Wang Yun , Zhang Wenying , Sun Honggang
Published: March 2024

Pinus taeda is an important forest tree species for plantations because of its rapid growth and high yield of oleoresins. Although P. taeda plantations distribute in warm and wet southern China, drought, sometime serious and long time, often occurs in the region. To explore drought tolerance of P. taeda and usage of beneficial microorganisms, P. taeda seedlings were planted in pots and were inoculated with root endophytic fungus Serendipita indica and finally were treated with drought stress for 53 d. Metabolome and proteome of their needles were analyzed. The results showed that S. indica inoculation of P. taeda seedlings under drought stress caused great changes in levels of some metabolites in their needles, especially some flavonoids and organic acids. Among them, the levels of eriocitrin, trans-aconitic acid, vitamin C, uric acid, alpha-ketoglutaric acid, vitamin A, stachydrine, coumalic acid, itaconic acid, calceolarioside B, 2-oxoglutaric acid, and citric acid were upregulated more than three times in inoculated seedlings under drought stress, compared to those of non-inoculated seedlings under drought stress. KEGG analysis showed that some pathways were enriched in inoculated seedlings under drought stress, such as flavonoid biosynthesis, ascorbate and aldarate metabolism, C5-branched dibasic acid metabolism. Proteome analysis revealed some specific differential proteins. Two proteins, namely, H9X056 and H9VDW5, only appeared in the needles of inoculated seedlings under drought stress. The protein H9VNE7 was upregulated more than 11.0 times as that of non-inoculated seedlings under drought stress. In addition, S. indica inoculation increased enrichment of water deficient-inducible proteins (such as LP3-1, LP3-2, LP3-3, and dehydrins) and those involved in ribosomal structures (such as A0A385JF23). Meanwhile, under drought stress, the inoculation caused great changes in biosynthesis and metabolism pathways, mainly including phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, cutin, suberine and wax biosynthesis, and 2-oxocarboxylic acid metabolism. In addition, there were positive relationships between accumulation of some metabolites and enrichment of proteins in P. taeda under drought stress. Altogether, our results showed great changes in metabolome and proteome in inoculated seedlings under drought stress and provided a guideline to further study functions of metabolites and proteins, especially those related to drought stress.
Comparative analysis of biofilm characterization of probiotic Escherichia coli
Authors: Liu Huiping , Ma Jingfang , Yang Pan , Geng Feng , Li Xueling , Lü Junhong , Wang Yadi
Published: March 2024

Biofilms are thought to play a vital role in the beneficial effects of probiotic bacteria. However, the structure and function of probiotic biofilms are poorly understood. In this work, biofilms of Escherichia coli (E. coli) Nissle 1917 were investigated and compared with those of pathogenic and opportunistic strains (E. coli MG1655, O157:H7) using crystal violet assay, confocal laser scanning microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and FTIR microspectroscopy. The study revealed significant differences in the morphological structure, chemical composition, and spatial heterogeneity of the biofilm formed by the probiotic E. coli strain. In particular, the probiotic biofilm can secrete unique phospholipid components into the extracellular matrix. These findings provide new information on the morphology, architecture and chemical heterogeneity of probiotic biofilms. This information may help us to understand the beneficial effects of probiotics for various applications.
Executive and memory dysfunction related to binge drinking in stroke survivors during a 9-year follow-up
Authors: Laari Siiri , Kauranen Tatu , Turunen Katri , Mustanoja Satu , Tatlisumak Turgut , Poutiainen Erja
Published: March 2024

Background

Ischemic stroke and heavy alcohol consumption are both known risk factors for cognitive impairment. The issue gains importance because the prevalence of stroke and binge drinking have both increased among working-aged adults. Alarmingly, a recent cross-sectional study suggests the additive negative effects of binge drinking and comorbid brain disease on cognition. However, the long-term cognitive prognosis of the additive effects of stroke and binge drinking on adults remains unknown.

Methods

In this prospective, two-center cohort study, we recruited consecutive 18–65-year-old patients with first-ever ischemic stroke along with demographically matched stroke-free controls. Patients participated in neuropsychological assessment at 6 months, 2 years, and 9 years after stroke, and in neurological assessment at acute care and at 9-year follow-up. Controls participated in a similar follow-up procedure. We examined the association between binge drinking, follow-up time, and long-term cognitive outcomes using repeated-measures analysis of variance.

Results

We included 85 patients who had had their first-ever and only ischemic stroke (mean age 53 years at the incident stroke). Patients were divided into binge-drinking (n = 22) and non-binge-drinking groups (n = 63) based on the shortened version of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test. Follow-up data in healthy controls (n = 31) was used to normalize the patients' test scores for effects of age, sex, and education. We compared cognitive changes between binge-drinking and non-binge-drinking patients over a 9-year follow-up. Non-binge-drinking patients outperformed binge-drinking patients across all follow-up points on most of the executive function tests and in one memory test: binge drinking had a significant main effect both on executive function (the phonemic fluency task, p = 0.002; the Trail Making Test, p = 0.013) and memory (the list learning task, p = 0.002).

Conclusion

Binge drinking was associated with executive and memory dysfunction at three time points over a decade after a first-ever ischemic stroke. Subdiagnostic binge drinking might increase the adverse effects of a first-ever ischemic stroke on executive function and memory, evident over a decade poststroke.
Improving wheelchair user sitting posture to alleviate lumbar fatigue: a study utilizing sEMG and pressure sensors
Authors: Huang Zizheng , Cui Jianwei , Wang Yuanbo , Yu Siji
Published: March 2024

Background

The wheelchair is a widely used rehabilitation device, which is indispensable for people with limited mobility. In the process of using a wheelchair, they often face the situation of sitting for a long time, which is easy to cause fatigue of the waist muscles of the user. Therefore, this paper hopes to provide more scientific guidance and suggestions for the daily use of wheelchairs by studying the relationship between the development of muscle fatigue and sitting posture.

Methods

First, we collected surface Electromyography (sEMG) of human vertical spine muscle and analyzed it in the frequency domain. The obtained Mean Power Frequency (MPF) was used as the dependent variable. Then, the pose information of the human body, including the percentage of pressure points, span, and center of mass as independent variables, was collected by the array of thin film pressure sensors, and analyzed by a multivariate nonlinear regression model.

Results

When the centroid row coordinate of the cushion pressure point is about 16(range, 7.7-16.9), the cushion pressure area percentage is about 80%(range, 70.8%-89.7%), and the cushion pressure span range is about 27(range, 25-31), the backrest pressure point centroid row coordinate is about 15(range, 9.1-18.2), the backrest pressure area percentage is about 35%(range, 11.8%-38.7%), and the backrest pressure span range is about 16(range, 9-22). At this time, the MPF value of the subjects decreased by a small percentage, and the fatigue development of the muscles was slower. In addition, the pressure area percentage at the seat cushion is a more sensitive independent variable, too large or too small pressure area percentage will easily cause lumbar muscle fatigue.

Conclusion

The results show that people should sit in the middle and back of the seat cushion when riding the wheelchair, so that the Angle of the hip joint can be in a natural state, and the thigh should fully contact the seat cushion to avoid the weight of the body concentrated on the buttocks; The back should be fully in contact with the back of the wheelchair to reduce the burden on the waist, and the spine posture can be adjusted appropriately according to personal habits, but it is necessary to avoid maintaining a chest sitting position for a long time, which will cause the lumbar spine to be in an unnatural physiological Angle and easily lead to fatigue of the waist muscles.
Effect of saffron supplementation on the glycemic outcomes in diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Jiaxin , Yang Yang , Qi Yun
Published: March 2024

Aim

This meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the impact of saffron supplementation on the glycemic outcomes in patients with diabetes.

Methods

Eight electronic databases were systematically searched from inception to March 31, 2023. RCTs of patients with diabetes receiving saffron compared with placebo which reported glycemic control outcomes were identified. WMD and 95% CIs were pooled using fixed-effects or random-effects models, depending on the significance of heterogeneity.

Results

Out of the 837 citations screened, ten RCTs were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. A total of 562 participants were enrolled, with 292 assigned to the intervention group and 270 to the control group. Saffron was administered at a dose of 5 mg/day to 1 g/day. Compared with placebo, saffron supplementation significantly reduced FPG (WMD = −8.42 mg/dL; 95% CI: −13.37, −3.47; p = 0.001) and HbA1c (WMD = −0.22%; 95% CI: −0.33, −0.10; p < 0.001). However, there was no significant effect on insulin levels, QUICKI and HOMA-IR.

Conclusion

Saffron is effective for patients with diabetes in terms of FPG and HbA1c, therefore, it appears to be a promising adjuvant for the glycemic control of DM. However, the overall methodological quality of the identified studies is heterogeneous, limiting the interpretation of the benefit of saffron in diabetes. More long-term follow-up, well-designed and large-scale clinical trials are warranted to draw definitive conclusions.

Systematic review registration

The protocol of review was registered in International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) (ID: CRD42023426353).
Mechanism of action of nadofaragene firadenovec-vncg
Authors: Narayan Vikram M. , Meeks Joshua J. , Jakobsen Jørn S. , Shore Neal D. , Sant Grannum R. , Konety Badrinath R.
Published: March 2024

Effective bladder-preserving therapeutic options are needed for patients with bacillus Calmette-Guérin unresponsive non–muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Nadofaragene firadenovec-vncg (Adstiladrin®) was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration as the first gene therapy in urology and the first intravesical gene therapy indicated for the treatment of adult patients with high-risk bacillus Calmette-Guérin–unresponsive non–muscle-invasive bladder cancer with carcinoma in situ with or without papillary tumors. The proposed mechanism of action underlying nadofaragene firadenovec efficacy is likely due to the pleiotropic nature of interferon-α and its direct and indirect antitumor activities. Direct activities include cell death and the mediation of an antiangiogenic effect, and indirect activities are those initiated through immunomodulation of the innate and adaptive immune responses. The sustained expression of interferon-α that results from this treatment modality contributes to a durable response. This review provides insight into potential mechanisms of action underlying nadofaragene firadenovec efficacy.
Pain relief and associated factors: a cross-sectional observational web-based study in a Quebec cohort of persons living with chronic pain
Authors: Zerriouh Meriem , De Clifford-Faugère Gwenaelle , Nguena Nguefack Hermine Lore , Pagé M. Gabrielle , Guénette Line , Blais Lucie , Lacasse Anaïs
Published: March 2024

Objectives

Randomized clinical trials are used to evaluate the efficacy of various pain treatments individually, while a limited number of observational studies have portrayed the overall relief experienced by persons living with chronic pain. This study aimed to describe pain relief in real-world clinical settings and to identify associated factors.

Methods

This exploratory web-based cross-sectional study used data from 1,419 persons recruited in the community. Overall pain relief brought by treatments used by participants was assessed using a 0%–100% scale (10-unit increments).

Results

A total of 18.2% of participants reported minimal pain relief (0%–20%), 60.0% moderate to substantial pain relief (30%–60%), and 21.8% extensive pain relief (70%–100%). Multivariable multinomial regression analysis revealed factors significantly associated with greater pain relief, including reporting a stressful event as circumstances surrounding the onset of pain, living with pain for ≥10 years, milder pain intensity, less catastrophic thinking, use of prescribed pain medications, use of nonpharmacological pain treatments, access to a trusted healthcare professional, higher general health scores, and polypharmacy. Factors associated with lower pain relief included surgery as circumstances surrounding pain onset, use of over-the-counter pain medications, and severe psychological distress.

Discussion

In this community sample of persons living with chronic pain, 8 out of 10 persons reported experiencing at least moderate relief with their treatment. The analysis has enabled us to explore potential modifiable factors as opportunities for improving the well-being of persons living with chronic pain.
Incidence of central precocious puberty declines to pre-pandemic levels post COVID-19 pandemic increase: single-center retrospective review in the United States
Authors: Vargas Trujillo Marcela , Rungvivatjarus Tiranun , Klein Karen O.
Published: March 2024

Background and aim of the study

We previously published the increased frequency of new CPP cases during the Covid-19 pandemic in our pediatric endocrinology clinic at Rady Children's Hospital in San Diego, CA, US. We conducted this follow-up study to examine the incidence of new CPP cases requiring treatment with GnRH agonist (GnRHa) in our clinic during 2 years post-pandemic.

Methods

We performed a retrospective comparison of the number of visits of children newly diagnosed with CPP treated with GnRHa during the 2 years following the first year of Covid-19 pandemic (5/2021–7/2023). We evaluated clinical and bone maturation data as well as differences in timing from diagnosis to onset of treatment.

Results

We previously reported in the pre-Covid year, 28 children (1 boy, 27 girls) treated with GnRHa for CPP out of 2,340 new endocrinology visits (1.2% of patients seen). During Covid-19 year, 64 children (7 boys, 57 girls) were treated out of 2,261 new visits (2.8%). The incidence of new CPP cases requiring GnRHa during the pandemic more than doubled compared to pre-pandemic. In the first year post-year 1 of the pandemic (5/2021–4/2022), 46 children (3 boys, 40 girls) started treatment with GnRHa for CPP out of 2,595 new endocrinology visits (1.6% of patients seen). During the second follow-up year (5/2022–4/2023), 22 children (4 boys, 18 girls) started treatment with GnRHa for CPP out of 2,676 new endocrinology visits (0.8% of patients seen). Age at onset of treatment, degree of bone age (BA) advancement, time from diagnosis to onset of treatment, and changes in BMI during the pandemic were not different from pre-pandemic or post-pandemic.

Conclusions

CPP cases requiring GnRHa treatment significantly increased during the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic and then decreased each year post-pandemic. This was not related to BMI, age at diagnosis, degree of bone age advancement, or time from diagnosis to onset of treatment as all these factors have been similar during pre-pandemic, pandemic, and post-pandemic years. It is reasonable that the postulated hypotheses published regarding the increase during the pandemic would resolve post-pandemic.
Harnessing optical advantages in computing: a review of current and future trends
Authors: Kibebe Caxton Griffith , Liu Yue , Tang Jiaxi
Published: March 2024

At the intersection of technological evolution and escalating computational demand, the role of optics is reemerging as a transformative force in the field of computing. This article examines the evolving landscape surrounding optical advantages in computing, focusing on current trends and prospects. Optical computing finds applications across various domains, such as parallel processing, high-speed signal processing, energy efficiency, quantum computing, machine learning, secure communication, and signal/image processing. This review synthesizes insights from scholarly articles, peer-reviewed journals, and academic papers to analyze the potential and challenges of leveraging optics for computational tasks. The literature review also critically examines the challenges of adopting optical computing solutions. The recommended multidimensional approach to overcoming adoption challenges involves holistically addressing integration challenges, manufacturing complexities, and infrastructure needs where collaboration will catapult optical computing into an era of computational power. Through a multidimensional exploration, this article provides a comprehensive understanding of the opportunities and challenges in harnessing optical advantages in computing, positioning optical computing as a revolutionary force with far-reaching consequences. Consequently, this review offers insight and guides researchers, industry professionals, and policymakers toward a computational future that maximizes the advantages of optical computing in specific and pivotal application areas, transcending existing boundaries.
Entangled brains and the experience of pains
Authors: Hardcastle Valerie Gray
Published: March 2024

The International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) revised its definition of pain to “an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience.” Three recent recommendations for understanding pain if there are no clear brain correlates include eliminativism, multiple realizability, and affordance-based approaches. I adumbrate a different path forward. Underlying each of the proposed approaches and the new IASP definition is the suspicion that there are no specific correlates for pain. I suggest that this basic assumption is misguided. As we learn more about brain function, it is becoming clear that many areas process many different types of information at the same time. In this study, I analogize how animal brains navigate in three-dimensional space with how the brain creates pain. Underlying both cases is a large-scale combinatorial system that feeds back on itself through a diversity of convergent and divergent bi-directional connections. Brains are not like combustion engines, with energy driving outputs via the structure of the machine, but are instead more like whirlpools, which are essentially dynamic patterns in some substrates. We should understand pain experiences as context-dependent, spatiotemporal trajectories that reflect heterogeneous, multiplex, and dynamically adaptive brain cells.
Social isolation, regardless of living alone, is associated with mortality: the Otassha study
Authors: Imamura Keigo , Kawai Hisashi , Ejiri Manami , Sasai Hiroyuki , Hirano Hirohiko , Fujiwara Yoshinori , Ihara Kazushige , Obuchi Shuichi
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Social isolation has been recognized as a contributing factor to negative health outcomes. Although living alone is associated with health-related outcomes, existing findings are inconsistent. It is not the act of living alone that may predict poor health, but rather social isolation that can lead to increased mortality risk. This study investigated the combined associations of social isolation and living alone with mortality among community-dwelling older adults.

Methods

We included older adults from Itabashi ward, Tokyo, who participated in comprehensive health checkups. Participants were categorized into four groups based on their social isolation status and living alone. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality, analyzed using Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

Of the 1,106 participants (mean age 73, 42% male), 4.5% experienced both social isolation and living alone. This combination was associated with a worse prognosis regarding all-cause mortality (hazard ratio (HR): 2.08 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.08–4. 00]). Those who were socially isolated but not living alone also showed a trend towards higher mortality risk (HR: 1.41 [95% CI, 0.90–2.20]). Contrastingly, those who were not socially isolated and lived alone did not show an increased mortality risk (HR: 0.81 [95% CI, 0.44–1.49]).

Discussion and conclusion

Living alone is not inherently associated with a poor prognosis in older adults; however, social isolation was associated with a higher mortality risk. Healthcare providers should focus on enhancing social interactions and support for older adults because of their effects on health rather than solely addressing living arrangements to prevent adverse health events.
Advancement in automation of co-extrusion collagen casings
Authors: Barbut Shai
Published: March 2024

Co extrusion sausage technology has been a game changer in the industry as it has transformed the traditional way of filling meat betters into premade casings (e.g., synthetic materials such as cellulose or natural casings) to producing the casings on top of the meat batter as it comes out of the stuffer. This allows full automation of the process (working 24/7) with lower waste, while also increasing food safety standards. The main material used is collagen which today is extracted from a limited type of beef hides. It is then treated with a strong alkaline solution, to breakdown some of the original structures, and later with a strong acid to allow swelling of the resulting suspension. The application of the collagen gel requires special equipment to line up the collagen fibers in such a way that they provide the strength and elasticity during the cooking operation (meat expends during cooking) and later provide the consumer with the characteristics bit/“snap” similar to natural casings. Understanding the interactions between the chemical and physical properties of collagen is essential in obtaining good results. During production it is important that the collagen is quickly dried and crosslinked so the shape of the product will not be modified. This requires special large horizontal dryers and a unit to apply liquid smoke (source of aldehydes for crosslinking). Currently most systems are built for large capacity production, and therefore require large investment, however the industry is working on developing smaller and more flexible units for future use.
Comparison of multi-coil and multi-frequency frequency domain electromagnetic induction instruments
Authors: Blanchy Guillaume , McLachlan Paul , Mary Benjamin , Censini Matteo , Boaga Jacopo , Cassiani Giorgio
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Characterization of the shallow subsurface in mountain catchments is important for understanding hydrological processes and soil formation. The depth to the soil/bedrock interface (e.g., the upper ~5 m) is of particular interest. Frequency domain electromagnetic induction (FDEM) methods are well suited for high productivity characterization for this target as they have short acquisition times and do not require direct coupling with the ground. Although traditionally used for revealing lateral electrical conductivity (EC) patterns, e.g., to produce maps of salinity or water content, FDEM inversion is increasingly used to produce depth-specific models of EC. These quantitative models can be used to inform several depth-specific properties relevant to hydrological modeling (e.g. depths to interfaces and soil water content).

Material and methods

There are a number of commercial FDEM instruments available; this work compares a multi-coil device (i.e., a single-frequency device with multiple receiver coils) and a multi-frequency device (i.e., a single receiver device with multiple frequencies) using the open-source software EMagPy. Firstly, the performance of both devices is assessed using synthetic modeling. Secondly, the analysis is applied to field data from an alpine catchment.

Results

Both instruments retrieved a similar EC model in the synthetic and field cases. However, the multi-frequency instrument displayed shallower sensitivity patterns when operated above electrically conductive grounds (i.e., 150 mS/m) and therefore had a lower depth of investigation. From synthetic modeling, it also appears that the model convergence for the multi-frequency instrument is more sensitive to noise than the multi-coil instrument.

Conclusion

Despite these limitations, the multi-frequency instrument is smaller and more portable; consequently, it is easier to deploy in mountainous catchments.
Spatiotemporal walking performance in different settings: effects of walking speed and sex
Authors: Lordall Jackson , Oates Alison R. , Lanovaz Joel L.
Published: March 2024

Background

Understanding the factors that influence walking is important as quantitative walking assessments have potential to inform health risk assessments. Wearable technology innovation has enabled quantitative walking assessments to be conducted in different settings. Understanding how different settings influence quantitative walking performance is required to better utilize the health-related potential of quantitative walking assessments.

Research question

How does spatiotemporal walking performance differ during walking in different settings at different speeds for young adults?

Methods

Forty-two young adults [21 male (23 ± 4 years), 21 female (24 ± 5 years)] walked in two laboratory settings (overground, treadmill) and three non-laboratory settings (hallway, indoor open, outdoor pathway) at three self-selected speeds (slow, preferred, fast) following verbal instructions. Six walking trials of each condition (10 m in laboratory overground, 20 m in other settings) were completed. Participants wore 17 inertial sensors (Xsens Awinda, Movella, Henderson, NV) and spatiotemporal parameters were computed from sensor-derived kinematics. Setting × speed × sex repeated measures analysis of variance were used for statistical analysis.

Results

Regardless of the speed condition, participants walked faster overground when compared to while on the treadmill and walked faster in the indoor open and outdoor pathway settings when compared to the laboratory overground setting. At slow speeds, participants also walked faster in the hallway when compared to the laboratory overground setting. Females had greater cadence when compared to males, independent of settings and speed conditions.

Significance

Particularly at slow speeds, spatiotemporal walking performance was different between the settings, suggesting that setting characteristics such as walkway boundary definition may significantly influence spatiotemporal walking performance.
Robotics, environmental regulation, and agricultural carbon emissions: an examination of the environmental Kuznets curve theory and moderating effects
Authors: Li Ye , Chen Yiyan
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Reducing carbon emissions from agriculture is essential to ensuring food security and human prosperity. As a country with approximately 20% of the global population, China has begun actively practicing the low-carbon agricultural development conception. Against the backdrop of disruptive technologies that continue to be integrated into various industries, the massive application of agricultural robots has opened the way to intelligent agriculture. This paper tries to answer whether there is some non-linear nexus between the application of agricultural robots and agricultural carbon emissions in China. As an essential tool for carbon emission reduction in China, does environmental regulation moderate the nexus between agricultural robot applications and agricultural carbon emissions? If so, how does this effect manifest itself?

Methods

This work takes China as an example by collecting macro-regional panel data from 30 provinces from 2006 to 2019. The environmental Kuznets curve theory is extended to agricultural carbon emissions, and we carried out empirical tests utilizing the panel fixed effects model and the moderating effects model.

Results

This study verifies the inverted U-shaped nexus between agricultural robotics applications and agricultural carbon emissions in Chinese provinces, i.e., the agricultural carbon emissions (ACE)-Kuznets curve holds. The higher the level of formal environmental regulation, the larger the peak of the ACE-Kuznets curve and the more the inflection point is pushed back. The higher the level of informal environmental regulation, the lower the peak of the ACE-Kuznets curve and the later the inflection point.

Discussion

The findings in this paper represent the first exploration of the environmental Kuznets curve in agricultural carbon emissions. It is noteworthy that the moderating effect of formal environmental regulation does not lower the peak of the curve as we expect. This appearance is attributed to the reality that China is still in a phase of rising agricultural carbon emissions, which is exacerbated by the overlapping positive effects of agricultural robotics applications and formal environmental regulations. Informal environmental regulation is more effective than formal environmental regulation in reducing agricultural carbon emissions at this stage.
Calcium oscillations in HEK293 cells lacking SOCE suggest the existence of a balanced regulation of IP3 production and degradation
Authors: Octors Clara , Yoast Ryan E. , Emrich Scott M. , Trebak Mohamed , Sneyd James
Published: March 2024

The concentration of free cytosolic Ca2+ is a critical second messenger in almost every cell type, with the signal often being carried by the period of oscillations, or spikes, in the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration. We have previously studied how Ca2+ influx across the plasma membrane affects the period and shape of Ca2+ oscillations in HEK293 cells. However, our theoretical work was unable to explain how the shape of Ca2+ oscillations could change qualitatively, from thin spikes to broad oscillations, during the course of a single time series. Such qualitative changes in oscillation shape are a common feature of HEK293 cells in which STIM1 and 2 have been knocked out. Here, we present an extended version of our earlier model that suggests that such time-dependent qualitative changes in oscillation shape might be the result of balanced positive and negative feedback from Ca2+ to the production and degradation of inositol trisphosphate.
A retrospective study of thermal events on the mortality rate of hutch-reared dairy calves
Authors: Jurkovich Viktor , Bakony Mikolt , Reiczigel Jeno
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Heat stress in hutch-reared dairy calves (Bos taurus) is highly relevant due to its adverse effects on animal welfare, health, growth, and economic outcomes. This study aimed to provide arguments for protecting calves against heat stress. It was hypothesized that the thermal stress caused by high ambient temperature in summer months negatively affects the survival rate in preweaning calves.

Methods

In a retrospective study, we investigated how calf mortality varied by calendar month and between thermoneutral and heat stress periods on a large-scale Hungarian dairy farm (data of 46,899 calves between 1991 and 2015).

Results

The daily mortality rate was higher in the summer (8.7–11.9 deaths per 10,000 calf days) and winter months (10.7–12.5 deaths per 10,000 calf-days) than in the spring (6.8–9.2 deaths per 10,000 calf-days) and autumn months (7.1–9.5 deaths per 10,000 calf-days). The distribution of calf deaths per calendar month differed between the 0–14-day and 15–60-day age groups. The mortality risk ratio was highest in July (6.92). The mortality risk in the 0–14-day age group was twice as high in periods with a daily mean temperature above 22°C than in periods with a daily mean of 5–18°C.

Conclusions

Heat stress abatement is advised in outdoor calf rearing when the mean daily temperature reaches 22°C, which, due to global warming, will be a common characteristic of summer weather in a continental region.
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate in heartworm naturally infected dogs “with or without” Leishmania infantum seropositivity: an observational prospective study
Authors: Cavalera Maria Alfonsa , Gusatoaia Oana , Uva Annamaria , Gernone Floriana , Tarallo Viviana Domenica , Donghia Rossella , Silvestrino Marco , Zatelli Andrea
Published: March 2024

Canine heartworm disease by Dirofilaria immitis and canine leishmaniosis by Leishmania infantum (CanL) are both vector-borne diseases with frequently overlapping endemicity and able to trigger the acute phase response, being characterized by variations in acute phase proteins (APP). Recently, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), an indicator of inflammation, has gained attention in veterinary medicine, proving useful in several conditions that include CanL active forms in dogs. This study aims to evaluate ESR in heartworm-infected dogs, compare levels with heartworm-infected and L. infantum seropositive dogs as well as clinically healthy dogs, and assess correlations with other laboratory parameters. From October 2022 to January 2023, a prospective observational study was conducted enrolling heartworm-infected (Dirofilaria group) and heartworm-infected L. infantum seropositive (Dirofilaria/Leishmania group) animals subgrouped according to the CanL clinical form (Dirofilaria/Leishmania active and non-active groups). A group of clinically healthy dogs (control group) was also included. For each dog enrolled physical examination and laboratory tests (complete blood count, biochemical panel including APP, serum protein electrophoresis) were performed. Dirofilaria and Dirofilaria/Leishmania groups presented a significantly higher ESR level compared to healthy dogs. Dirofilaria/Leishmania active group had the highest ESR level among the groups considered. Dirofilaria/Leishmania non-active group had an ESR similar to the Dirofilaria group, but significantly higher and lower compared to the control and the Dirofilaria/Leishmania active group, respectively. A significant positive correlation between ESR and C-Reactive Protein has been found in all groups except for the Dirofilaria/Leishmania non-active group. In Dirofilaria/Leishmania active group a strong positive correlation between ESR and gamma globulins percentage as well as a strong negative correlation between ESR and albumin, albumin/globulins ratio were found. Overall, the ESR was confirmed to be an inflammation marker as well as a helpful disease index, being notably increased in heartworm-infected dogs affected by an active form of CanL.
The Influence of Gender on Individuals’ Ability to Predict Their Own Risk Tolerance: Evidence from a European Country
Authors: Lobão Júlio
Published: March 2024

The literature on individuals’ ability to predict their own level of risk tolerance is scarce and presents divergent results. Utilizing both differential prediction models and logit models on a sample of 391 individuals in Portugal, this study demonstrates that respondents’ gender play a crucial role in this predictive ability. Men tend to overestimate their level of risk tolerance, while women tend to believe they are less risk-tolerant than they actually are. Furthermore, the results reveal that men’s ability to correctly predict their level of risk tolerance is significantly higher. Being a man implies a 20% higher probability of being consistent in this prediction compared to being a woman, even after controlling for a set of sociodemographic factors. The finding of a systematic inconsistency between measures of subjective and objective risk tolerance suggests that the choice between the two measures of risk propensity is not indifferent. Our findings have relevant implications in the fields of corporate finance, financial investment, and various other spheres of economic life.
Approach and Landing Energy Prediction Based on a Long Short-Term Memory Model
Authors: Hu Yahui , Yan Jiaqi , Cao Ertai , Yu Yimeng , Tian Haiming , Huang Heyuan
Published: March 2024

The statistical analysis of civil aircraft accidents reveals that the highest incidence of mishaps occurs during the approach and landing stages. Predominantly, these accidents are marked by abnormal energy states, leading to critical situations like stalling and heavy landings. Therefore, it is of great significance to accurately predict the aircraft energy state in the approach and landing stages to ensure a safe landing. In this study, a deep learning method based on time sequence data for the prediction of the aircraft approach and landing energy states is proposed. Firstly, by conducting an extensive overview of the existing literature, three characteristic parameters of altitude, velocity, and glide angle were selected as the indicators to characterize the energy state. Following this, a semi-physical simulation platform for a certain type of aircraft was developed. The approach and landing experiments were carried out with different throttle sizes and flap deflection under different wind speeds and wind directions. Then, a deep learning prediction model based on Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) was established based on the experimental data to predict the energy state indicators during the approach and landing phases. Finally, the established LSTM model underwent rigorous training and testing under different strategies, and a comparative analysis was carried out. The results demonstrated that the proposed LSTM model exhibited high accuracy and a strong generalization ability in predicting energy states during the approach and landing phases. These results offer a theoretical basis for designing energy early warning systems and formulating the relevant flight control laws in the approach and landing stages.
A Ball-Contacting Dynamic Vibration Absorber with Adjustable Stiffness and Nonlinear Characteristics
Authors: Hu Ziqiang , Wei Lei , Yang Lin , Wang Yansong , Fan Yuanpeng
Published: March 2024

Structural vibration has always been a major concern in the engineering field. A dynamic vibration absorber in the form of contacts with adjustable stiffness (CDVA) offers effective vibration suppression and can improve conventional dynamic vibration absorbers with high sensitivity to frequency deviation and difficulty in adjusting the frequency. In this research, first, based on the theoretical model of the contact between a rubber ball and an inner cone, the feasibility of changing the axial contact state to change the structure’s natural frequency was verified using an ANSYS simulation. A theoretical model of the static contact stiffness between the ball and the inner cone was constructed using Hertzian contact theory and Hooke’s law, and a theoretical model of the cubic nonlinear elastic restoring force was used to characterize the stiffness properties of the rubber ball during compressive rebound. The steady-state frequency response equations of the main vibration structure were derived using the averaging method in conjunction with the two-degree-of-freedom dynamics model, and the stability of the solutions to the frequency response equations was obtained in conjunction with the stability determination criterion. Then, the impact of the CDVA’s design parameters on the nonlinear dynamic response of the primary vibration structure was simulated and analyzed. The resulting findings can serve as guidance for designing dynamic vibration absorber parameters. Based on the principles of ball-inner cone contact, a dynamic vibration absorber structure was proposed. A design test was conducted to verify the correctness of the contact stiffness model, and an experimental study was carried out to investigate the law of change in the dynamic stiffness and damping of the principle structure of CDVA under dynamic excitation conditions. Finally, the vibration test platform of the solidly supported beam structure was constructed, and vibration suppression tests of the CDVA in different compression states were conducted to investigate the tunability and feasibility of CDVA vibration suppression. The results showed that the dynamic vibration absorber had good vibration absorption characteristics and could be used for single-mode vibration suppression of multimodal main structures.
Comparison of Electronic Resistance Measurement Methods and Influencing Parameters for LMFP and High-Nickel NCM Cathodes
Authors: Seidl Christoph , Thieme Sören , Frey Martin , Nikolowski Kristian , Michaelis Alexander
Published: March 2024

The automotive industry aims for the highest possible driving range (highest energy density) in combination with a fast charge ability (highest power density) of electric vehicles. With both targets being intrinsically contradictory, it is important to understand and optimize resistances within lithium-ion battery (LIB) electrodes. In this study, the properties and magnitude of electronic resistance contributions in LiMn0.7Fe0.3PO4 (LMFP)- and LiNixCoyMnzO2 (NCM, x = 0.88~0.90, x + y + z = 1)-based electrodes are comprehensively investigated through the use of different measurement methods. Contact resistance properties are characterized via electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) on the example of LMFP cathodes. The EIS results are compared to a two-point probe as well as to the results obtained using a novel commercial 46-point probe system. The magnitude and ratio of contact resistance and compound electronic resistance for LMFP- and NCM-based cathodes are discussed on the basis of the 46-point probe measurement results. The results show that the 46-point probe yields significantly lower resistance values than those in EIS studies. Further results show that electronic resistance values in cathodes can vary over several orders of magnitude. Various influence parameters such as electrode porosity, type of current collector and the impact of solvent soaking on electronic resistance are investigated.
Hybrid Neural Networks for Enhanced Predictions of Remaining Useful Life in Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Rastegarpanah Alireza , Asif Mohammed , Stolkin Rustam
Published: March 2024

With the proliferation of electric vehicles (EVs) and the consequential increase in EV battery circulation, the need for accurate assessments of battery health and remaining useful life (RUL) is paramount, driven by environmentally friendly and sustainable goals. This study addresses this pressing concern by employing data-driven methods, specifically harnessing deep learning techniques to enhance RUL estimation for lithium-ion batteries (LIB). Leveraging the Toyota Research Institute Dataset, consisting of 124 lithium-ion batteries cycled to failure and encompassing key metrics such as capacity, temperature, resistance, and discharge time, our analysis substantially improves RUL prediction accuracy. Notably, the convolutional long short-term memory deep neural network (CLDNN) model and the transformer LSTM (temporal transformer) model have emerged as standout remaining useful life (RUL) predictors. The CLDNN model, in particular, achieved a remarkable mean absolute error (MAE) of 84.012 and a mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 25.676. Similarly, the temporal transformer model exhibited a notable performance, with an MAE of 85.134 and a MAPE of 28.7932. These impressive results were achieved by applying Bayesian hyperparameter optimization, further enhancing the accuracy of predictive methods. These models were bench-marked against existing approaches, demonstrating superior results with an improvement in MAPE ranging from 4.01% to 7.12%.
Bitcoin Use Cases: A Scoping Review
Authors: Apatu Emma , Goudar Poornima
Published: March 2024

This scoping review examines individual and societal use cases of Bitcoin in the peer-reviewed literature. Arksey and O’Malley’s scoping review methodology was used, and a comprehensive search strategy was employed using Web of Science and Engineering village databases. Articles were screened at the title and abstract and full-text levels by the authors. One author conducted data extraction to summarize the data. In total, 17 relevant articles were included in this review. Investment and savings were the most widely reported use cases at an individual level, with payments and international transfers less frequently reported in the studies. Only two studies reported on societal use cases of legal tender; however, only one country, El Salvador, executed its intention. Our study suggests that Bitcoin is being used by individuals around the world with little report of societal (e.g., country adoption) uses cases. For example, there is evidence on the internet and on a grass-roots level that Bitcoin is being used in circular economies; however, the peer-reviewed literature may not yet capture the extent and full benefits and challenges. As such, we provide ideas for future research to more comprehensively explore Bitcoin uses and its impacts on individuals and society.