bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Melatonin’s Impact on Wound Healing
Authors: Sohn Eun-Hwa , Kim Su-Nam , Lee Sung-Ryul
Published: October 2024

Melatonin (5-methoxy-N-acetyltryptamine) is an indoleamine compound that plays a critical role in the regulation of circadian rhythms. While melatonin is primarily synthesized from the amino acid tryptophan in the pineal gland of the brain, it can also be produced locally in various tissues, such as the skin and intestines. Melatonin’s effects in target tissues can be mediated through receptor-dependent mechanisms. Additionally, melatonin exerts various actions via receptor-independent pathways. In biological systems, melatonin and its endogenous metabolites often produce similar effects. While injuries are common in daily life, promoting optimal wound healing is essential for patient well-being and healthcare outcomes. Beyond regulating circadian rhythms as a neuroendocrine hormone, melatonin may enhance wound healing through (1) potent antioxidant properties, (2) anti-inflammatory actions, (3) infection control, (4) regulation of vascular reactivity and angiogenesis, (5) analgesic (pain-relieving) effects, and (6) anti-pruritic (anti-itch) effects. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of scientific studies that demonstrate melatonin’s potential roles in supporting effective wound healing.
Tectonic-Paleoseismological Characteristics and Quaternary Activity of Maymundağı Fault (Northern Acıgöl Graben)
Authors: Kaya Şahali , Hançer Mete
Published: October 2024

The Aegean region and its graben system constitute one of Turkey’s most significant seismic zones. The faults within the Aegean graben generate numerous earthquakes, leading to various human and economic losses. To better understand the seismicity of western Anatolia, it is necessary to obtain concrete findings regarding the seismic history of earthquake-producing graben faults. This can be achieved through paleoseismological studies and other relevant disciplines. This study focuses on paleoseismological investigations along the northern boundary fault of the Acıgöl graben, located east of the Aegean graben system. The Maymundağı fault zone has been examined in two separate segments: east and west. The Dazkırı segment to the east shows evidence of movement dating back at least 10,000 years, with subsequent intensified activity observed later on the western Bozkurt segment. An earthquake occurred approximately 2370 years ago east of the Bozkurt segment, followed by movements migrating westward, resulting in earthquakes approximately 1322 and 598 years ago. Further analysis of the western segment indicates an average recurrence interval of 724 years for earthquakes, with a slip rate of 0.58 mm/year. Based on these findings, a future earthquake can be expected in this region around 2028–2129 AD.
Comparative Evaluation of Laser System to Conventional Surgical Approaches in Periodontal Healing Using Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Park Jun-Hyeong , Son Keun-Ba-Da , Son Young-Tak , Kim Yong-Gun , Hwang Sung-Min , Hwang Jun-Ho , Lee Jong-Hoon , Kim Hyun-Deok , Lee Kyu-Bok , Lee Jae-Mok
Published: October 2024

Background: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an emerging, radiation-free diagnostic tool in dentistry, providing high-resolution, real-time imaging of both hard and soft tissues, including periodontal areas, for more accurate postoperative evaluations. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of OCT on periodontal tissues in animals by comparing the healing effects of laser therapy with those of conventional surgical instruments. Methods: Six rabbits underwent periodontal surgery using a laser, scalpel, and punch to perform an apically positioned flap on the mandibular anterior incisors and to create a tongue ulcer on the dorsal surface of the tongue. Visual and OCT evaluations were conducted on days 1, 2, 3, 7, and 14. Results: In periodontal surgery, the laser exhibited slightly faster healing compared to other methods. In tongue ulcer formation, the scalpel and punch groups demonstrated slightly faster healing than that of the laser. However, both methods ultimately showed similar healing outcomes. Conclusions: In the dental field, OCT is emerging as a valuable tool for assessing healing, including early stages of healing, in periodontal therapy.
Cement Clinker Modified by Photocatalyst—Selected Mechanical Properties and Photocatalytic Activity during NO and BTEX Decomposition
Authors: Janus Magdalena , Strzałkowski Jarosław , Zając Kamila , Kusiak-Nejman Ewelina
Published: October 2024

In this paper, a new way to obtain photoactive cements was presented. In this method amorphous TiO2 is added to a cooler during the cooling of the cement clinker (Górażdże company) during cement production. Amorphous TiO2 was taken from the installation for obtaining titanium dioxide using the sulphate method. During the study, amorphous TiO2 was added to the clinker at 300, 600, 700, and 800 °C. The properties of the obtained cement were tested during the bending and compressive strength. The initial and the end of setting time was also measured. The adhesion of the obtained materials to concrete block, ceramic brick, and plasterboard were also evaluated. The photocatalytic activity of the obtained materials was studied during NO and BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, p-, m-, o-xylenes decomposition) decomposition. Cement with 5 wt% TiO2 added to the clinker at 700 °C had the highest photocatalytic activity and the best mechanical properties.
Bias in Machine Learning: A Literature Review
Authors: Mavrogiorgos Konstantinos , Kiourtis Athanasios , Mavrogiorgou Argyro , Menychtas Andreas , Kyriazis Dimosthenis
Published: October 2024

Bias could be defined as the tendency to be in favor or against a person or a group, thus promoting unfairness. In computer science, bias is called algorithmic or artificial intelligence (i.e., AI) and can be described as the tendency to showcase recurrent errors in a computer system, which result in “unfair” outcomes. Bias in the “outside world” and algorithmic bias are interconnected since many types of algorithmic bias originate from external factors. The enormous variety of different types of AI biases that have been identified in diverse domains highlights the need for classifying the said types of AI bias and providing a detailed overview of ways to identify and mitigate them. The different types of algorithmic bias that exist could be divided into categories based on the origin of the bias, since bias can occur during the different stages of the Machine Learning (i.e., ML) lifecycle. This manuscript is a literature study that provides a detailed survey regarding the different categories of bias and the corresponding approaches that have been proposed to identify and mitigate them. This study not only provides ready-to-use algorithms for identifying and mitigating bias, but also enhances the empirical knowledge of ML engineers to identify bias based on the similarity that their use cases have to other approaches that are presented in this manuscript. Based on the findings of this study, it is observed that some types of AI bias are better covered in the literature, both in terms of identification and mitigation, whilst others need to be studied more. The overall contribution of this research work is to provide a useful guideline for the identification and mitigation of bias that can be utilized by ML engineers and everyone who is interested in developing, evaluating and/or utilizing ML models.
Application of Low-Frequency Acoustic Waves to Extinguish Flames on the Basis of Selected Experimental Attempts
Authors: Loboichenko Valentyna , Wilk-Jakubowski Grzegorz , Wilk-Jakubowski Jacek Lukasz , Ciosmak Jozef
Published: October 2024

Due to the consequences of fires, new and environmentally friendly firefighting techniques are constantly being sought. There are many methods of extinguishing flames around the world. One of them is a technique that uses acoustic waves for extinguishing, which can be seen as repeated sequences of molecular compression and dilation (acoustic waves transfer energy due to the movements of molecules and atoms). This research shows a new approach to the extinguishing of flames. In practice, the extinguishing capabilities of low-frequency modulated and unmodulated acoustic waves were tested on a laboratory station, the main component of which was a high-powered acoustic extinguisher (the nominal power was equal to 1700 W). A B&C 21DS115 woofer was applied as a sound source. A Rigol DG4102 and a Proel HPX2800 were used as an acoustic generator with a modulator and as a power amplifier, respectively. In this paper, the presented results are limited to extinguishing candle flames. The tests made it clear that flames can be extinguished using properly generated and directed acoustic waves. As the results indicate, it becomes possible to effectively extinguish flames with both low-frequency modulated and unmodulated acoustic waves, which brings many benefits.
Stealthy Messaging: Leveraging Message Queuing Telemetry Transport for Covert Communication Channels
Authors: Lazzaro Sara , Buccafurri Francesco
Published: October 2024

Covert channel methods are techniques for improving privacy and security in network communications. These methods consist of embedding secret data within normal network channels, making it more difficult for unauthorized parties to detect such data. This paper presents a new approach for creating covert channels using the Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT) protocol, widely used in the context of the Internet of Things (IoT). The proposed method exploits storage channels by altering the field length of MQTT messages. Our solution leverages well-known one-way mathematical functions to ensure that data remain hidden from third parties observing the MQTT stream. In this way, we ensure that not only the content of the communication is preserved but also that the communication itself takes place. We conducted a security analysis to show that our solution offers the above-mentioned property even against severe threats, such as an adversary being able to observe all the messages exchanged in the network (even in the clear). Finally, we conducted an overhead analysis of our solution both in terms of the time required to perform the required operations and of the bytes to send. Our study shows that our solution adds no significant time overhead, and the additional overhead in terms of transmitted bytes remains within acceptable limits.
Green Method of Doping Photochromic TiO2
Authors: Khlyustova Anna , Evdokimova Anastasia , Sirotkin Nikolay , Shibaeva Valeriya
Published: October 2024

The doping process is a unique method of changing the microstructure of a material, influencing its mechanical, thermal, and optical properties. Typically, the doping process is carried out via chemical reagents. In this work, we present a “green” method of doping photochromic TiO2 via low-temperature plasma. The doping agent was the electrode material that was sputtered during plasma burning. The process of electrode sputtering is confirmed by the emission spectroscopy data of the plasma zone and the mass loss of the electrodes. The doping process was confirmed by X-ray, Raman spectroscopy, and XPS analyses. The role of the dopant nature and the action of diaphragm discharge in improving the photochromic properties of titanium dioxide is considered.
Demonstration of Wastewater Recycling in a Slaughterhouse
Authors: Philipp Maximilian , Pluschke Jonas , Geißen Sven-Uwe
Published: October 2024

The implementation of research results in industrial applications is a crucial step in the development of innovative technologies. In this work, slaughterhouse wastewater recycling was successfully realized. The system, comprising a process combination of flotation, membrane bioreactor, and reverse osmosis, was able to treat the wastewater from a medium-sized poultry slaughterhouse in northwestern Tunisia. The process managed to treat approximately one-third of the wastewater to the required standard for agricultural irrigation. An additional 35% was purified to drinking-water quality. The remaining water was discharged as concentrate, meeting the necessary limits for indirect discharge. As a result, the slaughterhouse’s fresh water consumption was reduced by 35% and the amount of wastewater by around 70%. With the combined system, average reductions of 99%, 98%, and 96% were achieved for the parameters COD, TN, and electrical conductivity, respectively.
Extracting Sentence Embeddings from Pretrained Transformer Models
Authors: Stankevičius Lukas , Lukoševičius Mantas
Published: October 2024

Pre-trained transformer models shine in many natural language processing tasks and therefore are expected to bear the representation of the input sentence or text meaning. These sentence-level embeddings are also important in retrieval-augmented generation. But do commonly used plain averaging or prompt templates sufficiently capture and represent the underlying meaning? After providing a comprehensive review of existing sentence embedding extraction and refinement methods, we thoroughly test different combinations and our original extensions of the most promising ones on pretrained models. Namely, given 110 M parameters, BERT’s hidden representations from multiple layers, and many tokens, we try diverse ways to extract optimal sentence embeddings. We test various token aggregation and representation post-processing techniques. We also test multiple ways of using a general Wikitext dataset to complement BERT’s sentence embeddings. All methods are tested on eight Semantic Textual Similarity (STS), six short text clustering, and twelve classification tasks. We also evaluate our representation-shaping techniques on other static models, including random token representations. Proposed representation extraction methods improve the performance on STS and clustering tasks for all models considered. Very high improvements for static token-based models, especially random embeddings for STS tasks, almost reach the performance of BERT-derived representations. Our work shows that the representation-shaping techniques significantly improve sentence embeddings extracted from BERT-based and simple baseline models.
Review on Engineering Application Status of Gob-Side Entry Retaining Technology in China
Authors: Zhao Yiming , Dai Jingchen , Chang Qingliang
Published: October 2024

Gob-side entry retaining (GSER) technology has been widely used in underground coal mines. However, the applicable conditions of GSER technology in practical engineering still need further clarification to prevent the safety hazards and significant economic losses caused by its failure. In this study, 587 application cases of GSER in China from 2000 to 2024 were collected, and the relevant data, such as geological conditions and key technical parameters of GSER projects and their impact on engineering practices, were systematically analyzed. Considering the technical characteristics and the developing status of GSER technology, the current status of the application of GSER engineering in the mining areas of China was obtained, and then the applicable geological conditions and optimal technical parameters for the effective implementation of GSER technology were identified. Additionally, the existing technical challenges and further prospects of GSER technology were illustrated. This study provides a reference for reasonable applications and further research of GSER technology.
Improving Raman-Based Models for Real-Time Monitoring the CHO Cell Culture Process with Effective Variable Selection Strategies
Authors: Dong Xiaoxiao , Yan Xu , Qu Haibin
Published: October 2024

Research has shown that Raman spectroscopy could be applied to monitor various components in mammalian cell culture in real time. In the process of application, it is necessary to ensure the performance of the Raman-based model. The variable selection strategy is an effective method that significantly influences the model performance and simplification. In this study, different variable selection strategies were evaluated, and the optimal variable selection strategy was determined for monitoring the CHO cell culture process. Firstly, a wide variety of spectral regions involving the Raman fingerprinting region and the C-H stretching region were investigated. Secondly, six different variable selection algorithms were meticulously assessed. Thirdly, the combination of different variable selection algorithms was used to improve model performance and simplify the model. Finally, the monitoring of cell culture processes was implemented. The findings underscored that commonly used spectral regions could improve the model performance but could not simplify the model well. Moving-window partial least square (MWPLS), genetic algorithm (GA), and random frog (RF) are more suitable for Raman modeling of the cell culture process, but they must be used after the spectral region selection. The combination of three variable selection algorithms (MWPLS-GA-RF) improved the model’s performance by 16–70% by selecting 30–60 variables, effectively simplifying the model. For glucose, lactate, viable cell density, and ammonium ion, real-time monitoring was performed well. This study will be helpful for researchers to select suitable variable selection strategies for building models for the real-time monitoring of cell culture.
Fish Consumption Frequency in the Adult Population in Poland
Authors: Stoś Katarzyna , Woźniak Agnieszka , Rychlik Ewa , Ołtarzewski Maciej
Published: October 2024

Fish provide energy, protein, and other important nutrients, including n-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and iodine. However, some species of fish could contain contaminants such as mercury and dioxins. The aim of the study was to assess the frequency of fish consumption in Poland, including of sea and freshwater fish species, referring to some socio-economic determinants. The frequency of consumption was assessed using Food Propensity Questionnaire data from 1489 adults (722 males, 767 females) in 2019–2020. The fish consumption frequency in Polish adults was lower than the recommendation (at least twice a week). About 80% of respondents consumed fish less frequently than recommended. Sea fish were mostly consumed less than once a month (31.8%) or 1–3 times a month (30.9%). Most subjects (44.8%) consumed freshwater fish less than once a month. Consumption also depended educational level, economic status, place of residence, declared health status, and BMI value or BMI status. However, taking into account sex, the occurrence of these relationships was different between men and women. It seems that educational activities and dissemination of proper nutrition principles is necessary in order to increase the consumption of fish in Poland. It is important to emphasize the health benefits of fish consumption in relation to the possible adverse effects of their contamination.
Performance Comparison of Selected Filters in Fast Denoising of Oil Palm Hyperspectral Data
Authors: Ibrahim Imanurfatiehah , AlRowaily Mofleh Hannuf , Arof Hamzah , Abu Talip Mohamad Sofian
Published: October 2024

Usually, hyperspectral data captured from an airborne UAV or satellite contain some noise that can be severe in some channels. Often, channels that are badly affected by the noise are discarded. This is because the corrupted channels cannot be reclaimed by common filtering techniques, making important information in the affected channels different from those of field spectroscopy of similar wavelengths. In this study, a fast-denoising method is implemented on some channels of oil palm hyperspectral data that are badly affected by noise. The amount of noise is unknown, and it varies across the noisy channels from bad to severe. This is different from the data normally used by many studies, which are essentially clean data spiked with mild noise of known variance. The process starts by identifying which noisy channels to filter based on the level of the estimated noise in them. Then, filtering is conducted within each channel and across channels. Once the noise is removed, the improvement in signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is calculated for each channel. The performance of Kalman, Wiener, Savitzky–Golay, wavelet, and cosine filters is tested in the same framework and the results are compared in terms of execution time, signal-to-noise ratio, and visual quality. The results show that the Kalman filter slightly outperformed the other filters. The proposed scheme was implemented using MATLAB R2023b running on an Intel i7 processor, and the average execution time was less than 1 second for each channel. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first attempt to filter real oil palm hyperspectral data containing speckle noise using a Kalman filter. This technique can be a useful tool to those working in the oil palm industry.
Comparison of Crack Detection Performance of Low and High Contact Ratio Spur Gears
Authors: Dogan Oguz
Published: October 2024

This paper discusses the possible early crack detectability performances of low contact ratio (LCR) and high contact ratio (HCR) spur gears. CAD models of the LCR and HCR gears are created using the rack cutter type tool. Static bending stress analyses are performed to define the starting point of the cracks and crack propagation analyses are conducted to define the realistic crack paths. Using the healthy and cracked gear geometries, the single tooth stiffness (STS) and the time-varying mesh stiffness (TVMS) of the LCR and HCR gears are calculated numerically. A six degrees of freedom dynamic model of the single-stage gear system is proposed. Dynamic force variation of the LCR and HCR gears are calculated by using the dynamic model. Statistical failure indicators, which are kurtosis, RMS, crest factor, mean, standard deviation, and variance, are used for the determination of the crack in the early stage. The results show that all statistical indicators increase with the increase in the crack length. The statistical indicators increase more for LCR gears than for HCR gears. Although HCR gears have many advantages over LCR gears, it has been determined that their crack detection capacity is lower than that of LCR gears.
Identifying High-Risk Patterns in Single-Vehicle, Single-Occupant Road Traffic Accidents: A Novel Pattern Recognition Approach
Authors: Fian Tabea , Hauger Georg
Published: October 2024

Despite various interventions in road safety work, fatal and severe road traffic accidents (RTAs) remain a significant challenge, leading to human suffering and economic costs. Understanding the multicausal nature of RTAs, where multiple conditions and factors interact, is crucial for developing effective prevention measures in road safety work. This study investigates the multivariate statistical analysis of co-occurring conditions in RTAs, focusing on single-vehicle accidents with single occupancy and personal injury on Austrian roads outside built-up areas from 2012 to 2019. The aim is to detect recurring combinations of accident-related variables, referred to as blackpatterns (BPs), using the Austrian RTA database. This study proposes Fisher’s exact test to estimate the relationship between an accident-related variable and fatal and severe RTAs (severe casualties). In terms of pattern recognition, this study develops the maximum combination value (MCV) of accident-related variables, a procedure to search through all possible combinations of variables to find the one that has the highest frequency. The accident investigation proceeds with the application of pattern recognition methods, including binomial logistic regression and a newly developed method, the PATTERMAX method, created to accurately detect and analyse variable-specific BPs in RTA data. Findings indicate significant BPs contributing to severe accidents. The combination of binomial logistic regression and the PATTERMAX method appears to be a promising approach to investigate severe accidents, providing both insights into detailed variable combinations and their impact on accident severity.
Envisaging a European Digital Building Renovation Logbook: Proposal of a Data Model
Authors: Gómez-Gil Marta , Karami Sara , de Almeida José-Paulo , Cardoso Alberto , Espinosa-Fernández Almudena , López-Mesa Belinda
Published: October 2024

Europe has set a target to become a decarbonised continent by 2050. To achieve this, intervention in buildings is crucial, as they serve as significant energy consumers and greenhouse gas emitters. This intervention encompasses two essential pathways: renovation and digitalisation. The combination of these two aspects gives rise to elements such as the Digital Building Logbook (DBL), a digital data repository expected to enhance the pace and quality of renovation efforts. This paper introduces, for the first time, a European DBL data model with a specific focus on building renovation purposes—the DBrL. It outlines its initial requirements, constituent entities, relationships, and attributes. While acknowledging the need to address issues related to data protection, integration with existing data sources, and connections with Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Geographic Information System (GIS) in subsequent design phases, the study’s outcome represents a significant stride in defining this tool.
Gothic Locks: Pioneering Drawings for Hydraulic Works in 16th-Century Holland
Authors: Hurx Merlijn
Published: October 2024

Just as Gothic cathedrals have long dominated the perception of medieval architecture, the spectacular drawings of the German lodges have shaped our view of the medieval design process. However, their towering importance has diverted scholarly attention from alternative drafting practices and reinforced the view of a homogeneous Gothic design practice based on quadrature. Historians generally accept that in the 16th century a new Renaissance graphic language challenged and ultimately replaced the Gothic tradition north of the Alps. However, this antagonistic narrative of one dominant practice superseding the other needs to be re-examined because hitherto neglected drawings for other types of buildings reveal that medieval drafting practice was more varied and open to new developments than is often believed. This paper will examine three rare sets of architectural drawings, together consisting of over thirty sheets, made for three stone sluices in the provinces of Utrecht and Holland between 1556 and 1563. They show that for technically demanding hydraulic works, drawings directed every step of the process, from enabling discussion of the most suitable design to guiding the stonemasons in the execution of the work. Moreover, they demonstrate that for such projects, Gothic masters did not adhere to tradition but engaged with new design methods, using scale, colour, and multiple views to convey all aspects of the project, thus indicating that changes in style and method were not always interrelated.
Crossed Modules and Non-Abelian Extensions of Differential Leibniz Conformal Algebras
Authors: Wu Hui , Guo Shuangjian , Zhang Xiaohui
Published: October 2024

In this paper, we introduce two-term differential Leib∞-conformal algebras and give characterizations of some particular classes of such two-term differential Leib∞-conformal algebras. Furthermore, we discuss the classification of the non-Abelian extensions in terms of non-Abelian cohomology groups. Finally, we explore the inducibility of pairs of automorphisms and derive the analog Wells exact sequences under the circumstance of differential Leibniz conformal algebras.
Kink Wave Phenomena in the Nonlinear Partial Differential Equation Representing the Transmission Line Model of Microtubules for Nanoionic Currents
Authors: Mukhtar Safyan , Alhejaili Weaam , Alqudah Mohammad , Mahnashi Ali M. , Shah Rasool , El-Tantawy Samir A.
Published: October 2024

This paper provides several new traveling wave solutions for a nonlinear partial differential equation (PDE) by applying symbolic computation and a new approach, the Riccati–Bernoulli sub-ODE method, in a computer algebra system. Herein, employing the Bäcklund transformation, we solve a nonlinear PDE associated with nanobiosciences and biophysics based on the transmission line model of microtubules for nanoionic currents. The equation introduced here in this form is suitable for critical nanoscience concerns like cell signaling and might continue to explain some of the basic cognitive functions in neurons. We employ advanced procedures to replicate the previously detected solitary waves. We offer our solutions in graphical forms, such as 3D and contour plots, using Mathematica. We can generalize the elementary method to other nonlinear equations in physics, requiring only a few steps.
The Physiological Mechanisms of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation to Enhance Motor Performance: A Narrative Review
Authors: Qi Shuo , Cao Lei , Wang Qingchun , Sheng Yin , Yu Jinglun , Liang Zhiqiang
Published: October 2024

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive neuromodulation technique that applies a stable, low-intensity (1–2 mA) direct current to modulate neuronal activity in the cerebral cortex. This technique is effective, simple to operate, affordable, and widely employed across various fields. tDCS has been extensively used in clinical and translational research, with growing applications in military and competitive sports domains. In recent years, the use of tDCS in sports science has garnered significant attention from researchers. Numerous studies have demonstrated that tDCS can enhance muscle strength, explosive power, and aerobic metabolism, reduce fatigue, and improve cognition, thereby serving as a valuable tool for enhancing athletic performance. Additionally, recent research has shed light on the physiological mechanisms underlying tDCS, including its modulation of neuronal resting membrane potential to alter cortical excitability, enhancement of synaptic plasticity to regulate long-term potentiation, modulation of neurovascular coupling to improve regional cerebral blood flow, and improvement of cerebral network functional connectivity, which activates and reinforces specific brain regions. tDCS also enhances the release of excitatory neurotransmitters, further regulating brain function. This article, after outlining the role of tDCS in improving physical performance, delves into its mechanisms of action to provide a deeper understanding of how tDCS enhances athletic performance and offers novel approaches and perspectives for physical performance enhancement.
The Spatiotemporal Variation and Ecological Evaluation of Macroinvertebrate Functional Feeding Groups in the Upper Yellow River
Authors: Li Peilun , Xiong Shuhan , Liu Jiacheng , Wang Tai , Liu Yanbin , Liu Kai , Wang Yongjie , Wang Jilong
Published: October 2024

Against the backdrop of hydropower development in the upper Yellow River, comprehending the spatiotemporal variation and ecological evaluation of macroinvertebrate functional feeding groups (FFGs) is paramount for the conservation and restoration of aquatic biological resources in watersheds. Detailed surveys of macroinvertebrates were conducted in the gorge and plain areas of the upper Yellow River in July 2022 and March, May, and October 2023, culminating in the identification of 65 taxonomic units (genus or species) spanning 4 phyla, 14 orders, and 35 families. Of these, 41 taxonomic units were discovered in the gorge areas and 57 in the plain areas. Among the FFGs of macroinvertebrates in the upper Yellow River, collector-gatherers were overwhelmingly dominant, followed by scrapers, collector-filterers, predators, and shredders. Concerning river section types, dominant species in the gorge areas included Gammarus sp., Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri, and Polypedilum sp. among collector-gatherers, while in the plain areas, dominant species included Ecdyonurus sp. among scrapers, Hydropsyche sp. among collector-filterers, and Gammarus sp., Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri, and Chironomus sp. among collector-gatherers. A Mantel test revealed that dissolved oxygen, conductivity, and orthophosphate were the primary environmental factors affecting the FFGs of macroinvertebrates in the upper Yellow River, with variations observed in their effects across different months. The evaluation results of the Hilsenhoff Biological Index and Shannon–Wiener Index indicate that the water quality of the upper Yellow River is at a moderate level. An assessment of the upper Yellow River ecosystem using FFG parameters demonstrated that macroinvertebrate biomass progressively increased from upstream (gorge areas) to downstream (plain areas) spatially, accompanied by increasing habitat stability, with cascade hydropower development identified as a key factor impacting habitat stability. These findings provide pertinent data and a theoretical foundation for the protection of aquatic biological resources and watershed management in the upper Yellow River.
Natural Biological Solutions for Chronic Pathological Problems
Authors: Jin Ziqi , Midgley Adam C.
Published: October 2024

Naturally sourced biomolecules and their derivatives have had significant historical impacts in terms of their biomedical application [...]
Hypertension-Induced Biomechanical Modifications in the Aortic Wall and Their Role in Stanford Type B Aortic Dissection
Authors: Wei Yuhao , Li Da , Weng Chengxin , Wang Jiarong , Yuan Ding , Zheng Tinghui
Published: October 2024

Objective: Hypertension is a major risk factor for the type B aortic dissection (TBAD), while many patients do not manage or regulate their hypertension consistently, leading to stable or unstable hypertension. Currently, the effects of stable and unstable hypertension on the biomechanical properties of the aorta remain unclear. The objective was to identify a blood pressure state that represents a greater risk for TBAD development. Methods: A total of 183 samples (108 axial and 75 circumferential) were divided into three groups. Fatigue tensile tests were carried out to simulate normotension, stable hypertension, and unstable hypertension conditions, respectively. Uniaxial tensile tests were performed; thus, the elastic modulus, energy loss, and the peeling force were assessed to evaluate the biomechanical properties. Results: Compared with normal blood pressure, the modulus of elastic fibers decreased under stable hypertension (0.05 ± 0.02 MPa vs. 0.11 ± 0.03 MPa, p < 0.001) and unstable hypertension (0.08 ± 0.02 MPa, p = 0.008), while collagen fibers increased under stable hypertension (2.14 ± 0.51 MPa vs. 1.10 ± 0.24 MPa, p < 0.001) but decreased under unstable hypertension (0.52 ± 0.14 MPa, p < 0.001) in the axial direction. Similar trends were observed circumferentially. Energy loss was highest under unstable hypertension (0.16 ± 0.03 vs. 0.08 ± 0.03, p < 0.001). Peeling force was significantly reduced under stable hypertension (81.69 ± 12.72 N/m vs. 111.10 ± 27.65 N/m, p < 0.001) and further under unstable hypertension (71.37 ± 16.13 N/m, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Stable and unstable hypertension significantly impair the biomechanical properties of the aortic wall, with unstable hypertension leading to greater damage. Hypertensive patients are recommended to strictly follow medical advice to control blood pressure to avoid a higher risk of TBAD due to improper blood pressure management.
Visualizing Macrophage Polarization through Fluorescent mRNA Profiling
Authors: Xu Miaomiao , Wei Siyuan , Su Tong , Ma Die , Wang Zhixuan , Zhu Dan , Weng Lixing , Ding Xianguang
Published: October 2024

Macrophages, known for their phenotypic plasticity, play a critical role in maintaining homeostasis and inflammation-related pathogenesis. Although identifying diverse macrophage phenotypes holds promise for enhancing diagnoses and treatments of diseases mediated by macrophages, existing methodologies for differentiating macrophages often lack precision. They are limited by the cumbersome procedures that require large-scale equipment, such as flow cytometry and transcriptomic analysis. In this context, we have engineered fluorescent polyadenine (polyA)-mediated sticky flares that enable practical visualization of macrophages. This technology facilitates the highly sensitive detection of macrophage phenotypes through the specific recognition of intracellular mRNAs, permitting in situ imaging. Our approach demonstrates the potential for determining macrophage polarization status at the single-cell level within dynamic immune microenvironments, thereby providing crucial diagnostic and prognostic information that could guide the development of tailored treatments for macrophage-related diseases in personalized medicine.
Neuropsychiatric Manifestations of Degenerative Cerebellar Ataxia
Authors: Tamaš Olivera , Kostić Milutin , Marić Gorica , Milovanović Andona , Janković Mladen , Salak Ðokić Biljana , Pekmezović Tatjana , Dragašević-Mišković Nataša
Published: October 2024

Background/Objectives: Degenerative cerebellar ataxias (DCA) present a group of complex neurological disorders primarily affecting the cerebellum and its pathways. Classic manifestations include motor symptoms of cerebellar ataxia. However, emerging evidence suggests that the cerebellum also plays a crucial role in various cognitive and emotional processes. The objective was to assess the psychiatric profile of a heterogeneous group of patients with degenerative cerebellar ataxia. Methods: Our sample comprised 107 participants diagnosed with cerebellar degenerative ataxia. All patients were clinically evaluated using SARA, INAS, and different neuropsychiatric scales (ACE-R, HAMA, HAMD, AS, and GAF). Results: The majority of patients had autosomal dominant ataxia (38.3%) followed by sporadic ataxia (32.7%) with an average age at the moment of diagnosis of 35.3 ± 16.23 years, while the mean duration of disease at the study beginning was 12.1 ± 9.9 years. Psychiatric disorders were present in 40 patients (37.4%), with dysthymia (14.2%), major depressive disorder (9.4%), and MDD with melancholic features (7.6%). The presence of MDD with melancholic features was statistically significantly correlated with a lower ACE-R total score (r = −0.223; p = 0.022), while dysthymia was statistically significantly associated with a shorter duration of the disease (r = −0.226; p = 0.020) and older age (r = 0.197; p = 0.043). Statistically significant differences were observed between MSA-C patients and those with sporadic ataxia (HDRS p < 0.001, HARS p < 0.001, Apathy Scale p = 0.003, and GAF p = 0.004). Conclusions: Based on our findings, we can conclude that the degree of motor deficit has a significant impact on the development of psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety, and apathy. However, it is not the only factor, and the impact also depends on the type of DCA.
A French Adaptation and Validation of Retirement Semantic Differential (RSD)
Authors: Borel Laurie , Boller Benjamin , Henning Georg , Vallet Guillaume T.
Published: October 2024

Retirement is associated with numerous representations, some of them being negative and the other positive. Yet, these representations affect the health of individuals in their transition to retirement. However, although the socio-political context in France favors the emergence of numerous representations of retired people, to our knowledge there is no scale validated in French that would allow us to evaluate them. Thus, the objective of this study was to adapt and validate a scale assessing representations of retired people, called the Retirement Semantic Differential (RSD), for a French population. The scale consists of a series of bipolar adjectives related to retirement, such as “active/passive” and “happy/sad”, with participants’ responses indicating the connotative meaning, positive or negative, about representations of retirement. A total of 279 participants aged 18 to 55 years, recruited online, completed the adapted version of the RSD. The results show that the scale has good psychometric properties. The analysis found a three-factor model, and some items were removed, resulting in a reduced version of the scale (11 items). The results will be discussed in terms of cultural and socio-political differences. This scale could contribute to a better understanding of the deleterious effects on health of the transition to retirement and serve to improve the effectiveness of interventions aimed at reducing the negative effects of these representations upon young retirees or those preparing for retirement.
Numerical Simulation of a Shed-Tunnel Structure’s Dynamic Response to Repeated Rockfall Impacts Using the Finite Element–Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics Method
Authors: Zhao Hao , Lyu Zepeng , Liu Hongyan
Published: October 2024

In practical engineering, a shed-tunnel structure often encounters repeated impacts from rockfall during its whole service life; therefore, this research focuses on exploring the dynamic response characteristics of shed-tunnel structures under repeated impacts from rockfall with a numerical method. First of all, based on a model test of a shed tunnel under rockfall impacts as a reference, an FEM (finite element method)-SPH (Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics) coupled numerical calculation model is established based on the ANSYS/LS-DYNA finite element code. Numerical simulation of the dynamic response of the shed-tunnel structure under rockfall impacts is realized, and the rationality of the model is verified. Then, with this model and the full restart technology of the LS-DYNA code, the effects of four factors, e.g., rockfall mass, rockfall impact velocity, rockfall impact angle and rockfall shape, on the impact force and impact depth of the buffer layer, the maximum plastic strain and axial force of the rebar, the shed roof’s vertical displacement and plastic strain of the shed tunnel are studied. The results show that the impact force, impact depth, roof displacement and plastic strain of the shed tunnel are positively correlated with the rockfall mass, velocity and angle under multiple rockfall impacts. The impact force, roof displacement and plastic strain of the shed-tunnel structure generated by the impact of rockfall consisting of cuboids are all greater than those under spherical rockfall, and the impact depth generated by the impact of spherical rockfall is greater than that of rockfall consisting of cuboids. For rockfall consisting of cuboids, the impact depth, roof displacement and plastic strain are negatively correlated with the contact area. Under repeated rockfall impacts, the peak impact force usually increases first and then tends to be stable.
Angle Control Algorithm for Air Curtain Based on GA Optimized Quadratic BP Neural Network
Authors: Zhao Yuxi , Shuai Liguo , Zhang Haodong , Zheng Yuhang
Published: October 2024

In air conditioning systems, air curtains play a crucial role in reducing the exchange of hot and cold air between the interior and exterior environments. Nevertheless, the majority of current air curtains suffer from limited airtightness and real-time performance due to their complex jet trajectory, relying on traditional control methods. Thus, this paper introduces an angle control algorithm for air curtains based on a GA-optimized quadratic BP neural network. Initially, the BP neural network is trained using the Hayes dataset to develop the prediction model for temperature-jet angle. Subsequently, the optimization model for jet angles-windshield angle is constructed, and the optimal angles set meeting the fitness function is identified using GA global search. Later, the prediction model and the optimal angles set are once again trained using the BP neural network to generate prediction model for temperature-jet angles and windshield angle. Following CFD simulation, the airtightness indicator demonstrated a 26.5% improvement with the proposed control method compared to traditional ones, highlighting the superior airtightness. In comparison to other algorithms, the proposed algorithm demonstrates a remarkable 89% enhancement in real-time performance and stronger robustness. This study presents a novel approach for the intelligent control of air curtains, holding significant importance in advancing the intelligent development of air curtain technology and facilitating energy efficiency and emission reduction.
Constructing a Semantic System of Facade Elements for Religious Architecture from a Regional Perspective: A Case Study of Jingzhou
Authors: Wang Guangyuan , Huang Weihao , Xu Qifan
Published: October 2024

The application of semantics in facade elements mainly involves the association between architectural elements and their cultural, historical, or functional significance. By analyzing the shape, layout, and decoration of various elements (such as windows, doors, decorative patterns) in facades, semantics helps us understand the symbolic meanings and cultural implications behind these design choices. This study selects twenty-eight pavilions and buildings from five temples and Taoist sites in Jingzhou City as the research objects, exploring the composition and patterns of religious architectural facades in Jingzhou through the extraction of structural and decorative elements. The study establishes the “Semantic System of Façade Elements in Jingzhou Religious Architecture”, from which the distinctive characteristics of Jingzhou religious building façades are identified. The study finds that side halls predominantly feature hard gable roofs, while the main halls use double-eave hip-and-gable roofs, reflecting differences in architectural hierarchy. The sack with three arrows pattern is the most widely used in door and window decorations, demonstrating the aesthetic preferences of the Jingchu region. Both side halls and main halls commonly adopt high podiums, with the main hall podiums typically exceeding twenty steps in height, which is closely related to Jingzhou’s climatic conditions and architectural hierarchy. This study provides scientific evidence for the preservation, new design, and harmonious integration of traditional culture and architectural features in regional religious architecture.
Seismic Vulnerability Indices of Facades of Colonial Houses in the Historic Center of Morelia, México
Authors: Olmos Bertha A. , Jara José M. , Martínez Guillermo
Published: October 2024

Evaluating the seismic vulnerability of facades of historic masonry buildings is essential not only for their significant historical and heritage value, but also to evaluate the safety of this type of construction. This work applies a simplified methodology to assess the seismic vulnerability of the facade of masonry buildings in the historic center of Morelia, Michoacán, México. The historic center of Morelia was declared a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1991. On the facades, there is ornamentation with sculptural and vegetal decorative elements. The methodology involved conducting visual inspections to identify the location, type of structure, construction materials, doors, windows, balconies, cornices, ironwork, pediments, niches, and sculptures, among other characteristic elements of colonial architecture. The seismic demands were determined specifically for the city’s historic center based on a recent seismic hazard assessment of Morelia. Based on the methodology and the compiled database, characterized vulnerability indices were defined for the different damage scenarios that buildings may present. Results indicate that earthquakes with intensities greater than VIII on the Modified Mercalli scale risk collapsing heritage masonry buildings’ facades.