bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design and Experiment of an Agricultural Field Management Robot and Its Navigation Control System
Authors: Cui Longfei , Le Feixiang , Xue Xinyu , Sun Tao , Jiao Yuxuan
Published: March 2024

The application of robotics has great implications for future food security, sustainable agricultural development, improving resource efficiency, reducing chemical pesticide use, reducing manual labor, and maximizing field output. Aiming at the problems of high labor intensity and labor shortage in the fields of pesticide application, weeding, and field information collection, a multifunctional and electric field management robot platform is designed, which has four switching steering modes (Ackermann steering, four-wheel steering, crab steering, and zero-radius steering), and its wheel-track can be automatically adjusted. Commonly used spraying booms, weeders, crop information collectors, and other devices can be easily installed on the robot platform. A multi-sensor integrated navigation system including a satellite positioning system, an RGB camera, and a multi-line lidar is designed to realize the unmanned driving of the robot platform in a complex field environment. Field tests have shown that the robot can follow the set route, and tests under simulated conditions have indicated that it can also dynamically correct paths based on crop rows by using a visual system. Results from multiple trials showed that the trajectory tracking accuracy meets the requirements of various field management operations.
Re-Valorization of Red Habanero Chili Pepper (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) Waste by Recovery of Bioactive Compounds: Effects of Different Extraction Processes
Authors: Olguín-Rojas José Arturo , Vázquez-León Lucio Abel , Palma Miguel , Fernández-Ponce María Teresa , Casas Lourdes , Fernández Barbero Gerardo , Rodríguez-Jimenes Guadalupe del Carmen
Published: March 2024

Inadequately managed agricultural waste significantly impacts the environment, health, and economy. This pollution stems from the underutilization, inadequate awareness, and insufficient treatment of agricultural waste. Fruit and vegetable wastes are valuable sources of bioactive compounds. This study aimed to revalorize discarded waste from red habanero chili peppers (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) by extracting bioactive compounds through different extraction processes: maceration (ME), maceration assisted by ultrasound (US), Soxhlet extraction (SE), supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), and supercritical fluid extraction with a co-solvent (SFEC). The extraction processes had significant effects on extraction efficiency and phytochemical profile (capsaicinoids and carotenoids recovery). The results indicated that the highest-efficiency process was SFEC, in addition to its high phytochemicals recovery (14.9 mg of total capsaicinoids and total carotenoids 292.09 µg per gram of sample). Concerning the phytochemical profile of the extract, the maceration process yielded the highest concentration of compounds, followed by US and SFEC. These data reveal that the use of the SFE and SFEC processes is recommended for extracting phytochemicals with biological activity from red habanero chili pepper waste for diverse industrial applications.
An Exploration of Analgesia Options for Australian Sheep
Authors: Cohen Shari , Foss Emily , Beths Thierry , Musk Gabrielle C.
Published: March 2024

During their lifetime, sheep undergo many painful husbandry and disease processes. Procedures undertaken on the farm, such as tail docking, castration, and mulesing, all cause considerable pain. In addition, sheep may experience painful diseases and injuries that require treatment by veterinary practitioners, and in biomedical research, sheep may undergo painful experimental procedures or conditions. It is important due to ethics, animal welfare, social licence, and, at times, legal requirements for farmers, veterinary practitioners, and researchers to provide pain relief for animals in their care. While there is a heightened awareness of and a greater interest in animal welfare, there remain few licensed and known analgesia options for sheep within Australia. A literature review was undertaken to identify currently known and potential future options for analgesic agents in sheep in farm and biomedical settings. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, opioids, local anaesthetics, α2 adrenoreceptor agonists, and NMDA receptor antagonists are some of the more common classes of analgesic drugs referred to in the literature, but few drugs are registered for use in sheep, with even fewer proven to be effective. Only six analgesic product formulations, namely, lignocaine (e.g., Numocaine®), Tri-Solfen®, ketamine, xylazine, and meloxicam (oral transmucosal and injectable formulations), are currently registered in Australia and known to be efficacious in some types of painful conditions in sheep. The gap in knowledge and availability of analgesia in sheep can pose risks to animal welfare, social licence, and research outcomes. This article presents a summary of analgesic agents that have been used in sheep on farms and in clinical veterinary and biomedical research settings along with details on whether their efficacy was assessed, doses, routes of administration, indication for use, and pain assessment techniques (if any) used. The outcome of this research highlights the challenges, gaps, and opportunities for better analgesia options in sheep.
Exploring Bile-Acid Changes and Microflora Profiles in Chicken Fatty Liver Disease Model
Authors: Yang Wen-Yuan , Chang Pei-En , Li Sin-Jin , Ding Shih-Torng , Lin Yuan-Yu
Published: March 2024

Excessive liver fat causes non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in laying hens, reducing egg production. Addressing NAFLD via bile-acid metabolism is gaining attention. We induced NAFLD in 7-week-old ISA female chickens with a high-cholesterol, low-choline diet (CLC) for 6 weeks. LC/MS was used to analyze serum and cecal bile acids, while cecal digesta DNA underwent 16S rRNA sequencing. The distribution of bile acid varied in healthy (CON) and CLC-fed chickens. CLC increased secondary bile acids (TLCA, TUDCA, THDCA, TDCA) in serum and primary bile acids (CDCA, TCDCA, isoDCA) in serum, as well as glycochenodeoxycholic acid (GCDCA) in cecal contents. CLC upregulated bile-acid synthesis enzymes (CYP7A1, CYP8B1) in the liver. Bile-acid receptor gene expression (HNF4A, FXR, LXR) was similar between groups. Microbiota abundance was richer in CON (alpha-diversity), with distinct separation (beta-diversity) between CON and CLC. The Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio slightly decreased in CLC. Taxonomic analysis revealed higher Bacteroides, Alistipes, Megamonas in CLC but lower Barnesiella. CLC had more Mucispirillum, Eubacterium_coprostanoligenes_group, Shuttleworthia, and Olsenella, while CON had more Enterococcus, Ruminococcaceae_UCG_014, and Faecalibacterium. This study unveils bile-acid and microflora changes in a chicken NAFLD model, enhancing our understanding of fatty liver disease metabolism and aiding targeted interventions.
Notch2 Regulates the Function of Bovine Follicular Granulosa Cells via the Wnt2/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway
Authors: Dang Wenqing , Ren Yongping , Chen Qingqing , He Min , Kebreab Ermias , Wang Dong , Lyu Lihua
Published: March 2024

Ovarian follicular GCs are strongly implicated in the growth, development, and atresia of ovarian follicles. The Wnt/β-catenin and Notch signaling pathways participate in GC proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and steroid hormone production during follicular development. However, the crosstalk between Wnt and Notch signaling in GCs remains unclear. This study investigated this crosstalk and the roles of these pathways in apoptosis, cell cycle progression, cell proliferation, and steroid hormone secretion in bovine follicular GCs. The interaction between β-catenin and Notch2 in GCs was assessed by overexpressing CTNNB1, which encodes β-catenin. The results showed that inhibiting the Notch pathway by Notch2 silencing in GCs arrested the cell cycle, promoted apoptosis, reduced progesterone (P4) production, and inhibited the Wnt2-mediated Wnt/β-catenin pathway in GCs. IWR-1 inhibited Wnt2/β-catenin and Notch signaling, reduced GC proliferation, stimulated apoptosis, induced G1 cell cycle arrest, and reduced P4 production. CTNNB1 overexpression had the opposite effect and increased 17β-estradiol (E2) production and Notch2 protein expression. Co-immunoprecipitation assays revealed that Notch2 interacted with β-catenin. These results elucidate the crosstalk between the Wnt/β-catenin and Notch pathways and the role of these pathways in bovine follicular GC development.
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Rural Communities Regarding Antimicrobial Resistance and Climate Change in Adadle District, Somali Region, Ethiopia: A Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Muhummed Abdifatah Muktar , Alemu Ashenafi , Maidane Yahya Osman , Tschopp Rea , Hattendorf Jan , Vonaesch Pascale , Zinsstag Jakob , Cissé Guéladio
Published: March 2024

There is an urgent need for interventions in addressing the rapid and disproportionate impact of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and climate change (CC) on low- and middle-income countries. Within this context, it is important to understand indigenous knowledge in rural communities, which are highly affected. This study examined knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) regarding AMR and CC in the Adadle district, Somali region, Ethiopia, utilizing mixed methods, including 362 surveys and 12 focus group discussions among rural communities. Findings showed that 39% and 63% of participants were familiar with AMR and CC, respectively. Of those surveyed, 57% attributed AMR to inappropriate antimicrobial use in animals and humans, while CC was often associated with Allah/God. Multivariable analysis indicated that males exhibited superior knowledge and a positive attitude towards AMR and CC. Additionally, individuals aged 26–35 and 36–45 years showed heightened awareness of AMR and CC, respectively. Moreover, participants who were government employees, pastoralists, and business owners showed better knowledge on CC compared to family caretaker. Religious education and households with more than six members were linked to lower AMR knowledge. This study underlines a greater awareness of CC than AMR and highlights gender-based disparities, recommending integrated educational AMR programs targeting different demographics through a One Health lens, actively involving females, and incorporating local beliefs and practices.
Progress in Understanding Oxidative Stress, Aging, and Aging-Related Diseases
Authors: Yang Jianying , Luo Juyue , Tian Xutong , Zhao Yaping , Li Yumeng , Wu Xin
Published: March 2024

Under normal physiological conditions, reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced through redox reactions as byproducts of respiratory and metabolic activities. However, due to various endogenous and exogenous factors, the body may produce excessive ROS, which leads to oxidative stress (OS). Numerous studies have shown that OS causes a variety of pathological changes in cells, including mitochondrial dysfunction, DNA damage, telomere shortening, lipid peroxidation, and protein oxidative modification, all of which can trigger apoptosis and senescence. OS also induces a variety of aging-related diseases, such as retinal disease, neurodegenerative disease, osteoarthritis, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, ovarian disease, and prostate disease. In this review, we aim to introduce the multiple internal and external triggers that mediate ROS levels in rodents and humans as well as the relationship between OS, aging, and aging-related diseases. Finally, we present a statistical analysis of effective antioxidant measures currently being developed and applied in the field of aging research.
Study on the Smoke Control Performance of Air Curtains in Emergency Stairwells of Multi-Unit Residential Buildings
Authors: Kim Kisung , Song Dongwoo
Published: March 2024

Recently, in high-rise buildings, pressurization systems have been installed in emergency stairwells to prevent the ingress of smoke. However, in older buildings, these stairwells often lack pressurization systems, while in buildings with fewer stories, such systems are not typically installed. This study conducts simulations and a hot smoke test to evaluate the performance of air curtains in blocking smoke and toxic gases in outdoor emergency stairwells where additional pressurization equipment cannot be installed. The simulation results showed that air curtains installed perpendicular to the floor were useful at preventing smoke ingress, and higher wind speeds increased their effectiveness. It is believed that air curtains can partially reduce smoke ingress in stairwells of older buildings or low-rise structures without pressurization systems, thereby ensuring fire safety.
Basic Approaches for Reducing Power Consumption in Finite State Machine Circuits—A Review
Authors: Barkalov Alexander , Titarenko Larysa , Bieganowski Jacek , Krzywicki Kazimierz
Published: March 2024

Methods for reducing power consumption in circuits of finite state machines (FSMs) are discussed in this review. The review outlines the main approaches to solving this problem that have been developed over the last 40 years. The main sources of power dissipation in CMOS circuits are shown; the static and dynamic components of this phenomenon are analyzed. The power consumption saving can be achieved by using coarse-grained methods common to all digital systems. These methods are based on voltage or/and clock frequency scaling. The review shows the main structural diagrams generated by the use of these methods when optimizing the power characteristics of FSM circuits. Also, there are various known fine-grained methods taking into account the specifics of both FSMs and logic elements used. Three groups of the fine-grained methods targeting FPGA-based FSM circuits are analyzed. These groups include clock gating, state assignment, and replacing look-up table (LUT) elements by embedded memory blocks (EMBs). The clock gating involves a separate or joint use of such approaches as the (1) decomposition of FSM inputs and (2) disabling FSM inputs. The aim of the power-saving state assignment is to reduce the switching activity of a resulting FSM circuit. The replacement of LUTs by EMBs allows a reduction in the power consumption due to a decrease in the number of FSM circuit elements and their interconnections. We hope that the review will help experts to use known methods and develop new ones for reducing power consumption. We think that a good knowledge and understanding of existing methods of reducing power consumption is a prerequisite for the development of new, more effective methods to solve this very important problem. Although the methods considered are mainly aimed at FPGA-based FSMs, they can be modified, if necessary, and used for the power consumption optimization of FSM circuits implemented with other logic elements.
Effects of Electroporation on the Function of Sarco/Endoplasmic Reticulum Ca2+-ATPase and Na+,K+-ATPase in H9c2 Cells
Authors: Jan Vid , Jusović Maida , Miklavčič Damijan
Published: March 2024

Pulsed field ablation (PFA) is a promising new treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF), in which pulmonary vein isolation is achieved by irreversible electroporation. Electroporation causes ATP to leak through the permeabilized membrane. ATP is required both for the healing of the cell membrane and for the functioning of ion pumps, such as sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) or Na+,K+-ATPase (NKA), which play a key role in maintaining continuous contractions of the heart muscle. We investigated the effects of electroporation on the expression of ion pumps and possible correlations with the activation of AMPK, the main energy sensor in cells. H9c2 rat cardiac cells were exposed to either monopolar or bipolar (H-FIRE) pulses. Cells lysed 4 or 24 h after electroporation were used for mRNA and protein expression analyses. Overall, both pulse protocols caused a dose-dependent downregulation of crucial SERCA and NKA isoforms, except for NKAα2 and β3, which were upregulated after 24 h. Monopolar pulses also decreased the phosphorylation of FXYD1, which may cause an inhibition of NKA activity. Both pulse protocols caused an increased AMPK activity, which may decrease both SERCA and NKA activity via calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase. Our results provide important new insights into what happens in surviving cardiomyocytes after they are exposed to PFA.
Analysis of Multi-Modal Public Transit Competing Relationships and Evolutionary Mechanisms in Cities in Cold Regions
Authors: Pei Yulong , Wang Wanjiao
Published: March 2024

In order to reveal the characteristics of the competition and cooperation of multi-modal public transportation in the cities of cold areas and to study the competitive relationship of multi-modal public transportation in cold areas, the urban public transportation system in cold areas is divided into three sub-systems, namely, conventional buses, urban mass transit, and cabs, to analyze the competitive relationship and evolution mechanism of multi-modal public transportation in cities of cold areas. We construct a multi-modal public transit Lotka–Volterra competitiveness model, considering that conventional buses and urban mass transit are mainly dominant in urban public transit systems in cold regions, and introduce the competitive influence effect coefficients and cooperative influence effect coefficients to analyze the mechanism of the evolution of the competitiveness between conventional buses and urban mass transit. The data on traffic supply and demand and travel of the Harbin bus system, a typical city in China, are collected, and the simulation analysis of multi-modal competing relationship and evolution mechanism of conventional bus and urban mass transit competition is carried out, respectively, with Harbin as the research object. The results show that the constructed model can better describe the multi-modal bus competition relationship and evolution mechanism.
Shapley’s Value as a Resource Optimization Strategy for Digital Radio Transmission over IBOC FM
Authors: Rico Martínez Mónica , Vesga Ferreira Juan Carlos , Carroll Vargas Joel , Rodríguez María Consuelo , Toro Andres Alejandro Diaz , Cuevas Carrero William Alexander
Published: March 2024

The hybrid in-band on-channel (IBOC) transmission system, which serves as a digital audio radio scheme, facilitates the simultaneous transmission of analog FM and digital audio. In IBOC systems, broadcasters transmit signals within allocated channel bands, posing a challenge in bandwidth allocation for digital audio transmission. To address this, cooperative game theory, supported by the bankruptcy game and Shapley’s value, is proposed as a strategy to optimize bandwidth allocation at each node or station. This approach considers service demand, the number of stations, and radio channel conditions in the FM band. The paper presents a scenario under saturated traffic conditions to evaluate the degree of optimization achievable using the Shapley value under clearly defined traffic and channel conditions. The results indicate that cooperative game theory, with the support of the Shapley value, offers an excellent alternative for optimizing bandwidth in digital broadcasting over IBOC in FM, with potential applicability in other digital radio broadcasting systems.
Bearing Fault Diagnosis Based on Image Information Fusion and Vision Transformer Transfer Learning Model
Authors: Zhang Zichen , Li Jing , Cai Chaozhi , Ren Jianhua , Xue Yingfang
Published: March 2024

In order to improve the accuracy of bearing fault diagnosis under a small sample, variable load, and noise conditions, a new fault diagnosis method based on an image information fusion and Vision Transformer (ViT) transfer learning model is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the method applies continuous wavelet transform (CWT), Gramian angular summation field (GASF), and Gramian angular difference field (GADF) to the time series data, and generates three grayscale images. Then, the generated three grayscale images are merged into an information fusion image (IFI) using image processing techniques. Finally, the obtained IFIs are fed into the advanced ViT model and trained based on transfer learning. In order to verify the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method, the rolling bearing dataset from Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) is used to carry out experimental studies under different working conditions. Experimental results show that the method proposed in this paper is superior to other traditional methods in terms of accuracy, and the effect of ViT model based on transfer learning (TLViT) training is better than that of the Resnet50 model based on transfer learning training (TLResnet50) under variable loads and small sample conditions. In addition, the experimental results also prove that the IFI with multiple image information has better anti-noise ability than the single information image. Therefore, the method proposed in this paper can improve the accuracy of bearing fault diagnosis under small sample, variable load and noise conditions, and provide a new method for bearing fault diagnosis.
An End-to-End Deep Learning Framework for Predicting Hematoma Expansion in Hemorrhagic Stroke Patients from CT Images
Authors: Abramova Valeriia , Oliver Arnau , Salvi Joaquim , Terceño Mikel , Silva Yolanda , Lladó Xavier
Published: March 2024

Hematoma expansion (HE) occurs in 20% of patients with hemorrhagic stroke within 24 h of onset, and it is associated with a poorer patient outcome. From a clinical point of view, predicting HE from the initial patient computed tomography (CT) image is useful to improve therapeutic decisions and minimize prognosis errors. In this work, we propose an end-to-end deep learning framework for predicting the final hematoma expansion and its corresponding lesion mask. We also explore the problem of having limited data and propose to augment the available dataset with synthetic images. The obtained results show an improved HE prediction when incorporating the use of synthetic images into the model, with a mean Dice score of the HE growth area of 0.506 and an average prediction error in hematoma volume of −3.44 mL. The proposed approach achieved results in line with state-of-the-art methods with far fewer data by using synthetic image generation and without requiring the inclusion of patient clinical data.
Communication Efficiency and Non-Independent and Identically Distributed Data Challenge in Federated Learning: A Systematic Mapping Study
Authors: Alotaibi Basmah , Khan Fakhri Alam , Mahmood Sajjad
Published: March 2024

Federated learning has emerged as a promising approach for collaborative model training across distributed devices. Federated learning faces challenges such as Non-Independent and Identically Distributed (non-IID) data and communication challenges. This study aims to provide in-depth knowledge in the federated learning environment by identifying the most used techniques for overcoming non-IID data challenges and techniques that provide communication-efficient solutions in federated learning. The study highlights the most used non-IID data types, learning models, and datasets in federated learning. A systematic mapping study was performed using six digital libraries, and 193 studies were identified and analyzed after the inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. We identified that enhancing the aggregation method and clustering are the most widely used techniques for non-IID data problems (used in 18% and 16% of the selected studies), and a quantization technique was the most common technique in studies that provide communication-efficient solutions in federated learning (used in 27% and 15% of the selected studies). Additionally, our work shows that label distribution skew is the most used case to simulate a non-IID environment, specifically, the quantity label imbalance. The supervised learning model CNN model is the most commonly used learning model, and the image datasets MNIST and Cifar-10 are the most widely used datasets when evaluating the proposed approaches. Furthermore, we believe the research community needs to consider the client’s limited resources and the importance of their updates when addressing non-IID and communication challenges to prevent the loss of valuable and unique information. The outcome of this systematic study will benefit federated learning users, researchers, and providers.
Effect of Lithium Mica Slag on the Internal Sulfate Attack of Cement Mortar
Authors: Liu Na , Huang Bei , Dong Zebo
Published: March 2024

Lithium mica slag is a byproduct acquired via the sulfate method of lithium extraction, and it contains a certain quantity of soluble sulfates. The improper storage of lithium mica slag not only takes up a large amount of land resources, but also poses a threat in terms of environmental pollution. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the mechanism by which SO42− dissolves in lithium mica slag, along with the impacts of internal sulfate attacks on mortar specimens with 10%, 20%, and 30% lithium mica slag contents. Testing was carried out in terms of the expansion, mass change, flexural and compressive strengths, porosity, composition, and contents of the products. It was determined that a significant quantity of SO42− was generated in mortar specimens with lithium mica slag. The mortar specimens mixed with lithium mica slag produced more ettringite (AFt: 3CaO·Al2O3·3CaSO4·32H2O), which is the product of internal sulfate attacks. This demonstrates that there was an internal sulfate reaction in the mortar specimens mixed with lithium mica slag. The internal sulfate reaction in mortar samples with lithium mica slag was finished in the later stages. It is noteworthy that the reaction did not lead to any cracking or damage; instead, it later allowed for a retention of strength that was equivalent to the strength of mortar specimens without lithium mica slag. In addition, the partial replacement of cement with lithium mica slag not only reduced the environmental pollution caused by soluble sulfates in lithium mica slag, but also reduced the use of cement and, thus, lowered costs.
Influence of Non-Uniform Rail Loads on the Rotation of Railway Sleepers
Authors: Czyczuła Włodzimierz , Błaszkiewicz-Juszczęć Dorota
Published: March 2024

This article presents an innovative, two-stage railway track model, which takes into consideration the rotation of railway sleepers due to non-uniform loads on rails. Examples of determining the dynamic response of the railway track are provided. The calculations were performed for a curve, in which non-uniform loads on rails result from the distribution of vertical loads at different train speeds. The analysis was performed using a variable moment of inertia of a sleeper.
Sonic Crystal Noise Barrier with Resonant Cavities for Train Brake Noise Mitigation
Authors: Ramírez-Solana David , Galiana-Nieves Jaime , Picó Rubén , Redondo Javier , Sangiorgio Valentino , Graziano Angelo Vito , Parisi Nicola
Published: March 2024

In an experimental investigation, the development of sonic crystal noise barriers (SCNBs) is undertaken to address the issue of train brake noise (TBN), focusing on the use of local resonances in scatterers of sonic crystals. Recent research has shown that the inclusion of cavity resonators in the crystal scatterers allows for the modification of their insulating properties. In those works, it has been demonstrated that this interaction can be used to build highly insulating structures. The study proposes an SCNB design that includes a resonant cavity specifically to mitigate TBN and validates this design through experimental measures. The experiments confirm the enhanced sound insulation capabilities of SCNBs, compare them to the conventional noise barriers ones and demonstrate the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed design in real-world scenarios.
Partial Discharge Signal Denoising Algorithm Based on Aquila Optimizer–Variational Mode Decomposition and K-Singular Value Decomposition
Authors: Zhong Jun , Liu Zhenyu , Bi Xiaowen
Published: March 2024

Partial discharge (PD) is a primary factor leading to the deterioration of insulation in electrical equipment. However, it is hard for traditional methods to precisely extract PD signals in increasingly complex engineering environments. This paper proposes a new PD signal denoising method combining Aquila Optimizer–Variational Mode Decomposition (AO-VMD) and K-Singular Value Decomposition (K-SVD) algorithms. Firstly, the AO algorithm optimizes critical parameters of the VMD algorithm. For the PD signal overwhelmed by noise, the AO-VMD algorithm can decompose it and reconstruct it by using kurtosis. In this process, the majority of the noise is removed, and the characteristics of the original signal are shown. Subsequently, the K-SVD algorithm performs sparse decomposition on the signal after OA-VMD, constructs a learned dictionary, and captures the characteristics of the signal for continuous learning and updating. After the dictionary learning is completed, the best matching atoms from the dictionary are selected to precisely reconstruct the original noiseless signal. Finally, the proposed method is compared with three traditional algorithms, Adaptive Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition (AEEMD), SVD-VMD, and the Adaptive Wavelet Multilevel Soft Threshold algorithm, on the simulated signal and the actual engineering signal. The results both demonstrate that the algorithm proposed by this paper has superior noise reduction and signal extraction performance.
Mechanisms and Applications of Nature-Based Solutions for Stormwater Control in the Context of Climate Change: A Review
Authors: Sun Chuanhao , Rao Qiuyi , Chen Biyi , Liu Xin , Adnan Ikram Rana Muhammad , Li Jianjun , Wang Mo , Zhang Dongqing
Published: March 2024

Nature-based solutions (NbSs) are considered to form an innovative stormwater management approach that has living resolutions grounded in natural processes and structures. NbSs offer many other environmental benefits over traditional grey infrastructure, including reduced air pollution and climate change mitigation. This review predominantly centers on the hydrological aspect of NbSs and furnishes a condensed summary of the collective understanding about NbSs as an alternatives for stormwater management. In this study, which employed the CIMO (Context, Intervention, Mechanism, Outcome) framework, a corpus of 187 NbS-related publications (2000–2023) extracted from the Web of Science database were used, and we expounded upon the origins, objectives, and significance of NbSs in urban runoff and climate change, and the operational mechanisms of NbSs (including green roofs, permeable pavements, bioretention systems, and constructed wetlands), which are widely used in urban stormwater management, were also discussed. Additionally, the efficacy of NbSs in improving stormwater quality and quantity is discussed in depth in this study. In particular, the critical role of NbSs in reducing nutrients such as TSS, TN, TP, and COD and heavy metal pollutants such as Fe, Cu, Pb, and Zn is emphasized. Finally, the main barriers encountered in the promotion and application of NbSs in different countries and regions, including financial, technological and physical, regulatory, and public awareness, are listed, and future directions for improving and strategizing NbS implementation are proposed. This review gathered knowledge from diverse sources to provide an overview of NbSs, enhancing the comprehension of their mechanisms and applications. It underscores specific areas requiring future research attention.
Personalized Treatment Policies with the Novel Buckley-James Q-Learning Algorithm
Authors: Lee Jeongjin , Kim Jong-Min
Published: March 2024

This research paper presents the Buckley-James Q-learning (BJ-Q) algorithm, a cutting-edge method designed to optimize personalized treatment strategies, especially in the presence of right censoring. We critically assess the algorithm’s effectiveness in improving patient outcomes and its resilience across various scenarios. Central to our approach is the innovative use of the survival time to impute the reward in Q-learning, employing the Buckley-James method for enhanced accuracy and reliability. Our findings highlight the significant potential of personalized treatment regimens and introduce the BJ-Q learning algorithm as a viable and promising approach. This work marks a substantial advancement in our comprehension of treatment dynamics and offers valuable insights for augmenting patient care in the ever-evolving clinical landscape.
Freeze-Drying-Assisted Preparation of High-Compaction-Density LiMn0.69Co0.01Fe0.3PO4 Cathode Materials with High-Capacity and Long Life-Cycle for Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Liu Shaojun , Zheng Jingang , Huang Hao , Li Hongyang , Zhang Han , Li Lixiang , An Baigang , Xiao Yuanhua , Sun Chengguo
Published: March 2024

As a successor to LiFePO4, the research interest in LiMn1−yFeyPO4 has been sustained due to its higher working voltage and safety features. However, its further application is limited by the low compaction density caused by uncontrolled particle size. In this study, the high-quality LiMn0.69Co0.01Fe0.3PO4 (LMFP) materials were prepared using the freeze-drying method to process the LMFP precursor synthesized through a solvothermal crystallization method followed by a calcination process at different temperatures (400–550 °C). The results demonstrate that the obtained particles exhibit a spheroidal shape with a low specific surface area after secondary crystallization calcination at 700 °C. The compaction density increased from 1.96 g/cm3 for LMFP precursor (LMFP-M1) to 2.18, 2.27, 2.34, and 2.43 g/cm3 for samples calcined at 400, 450, 500 and 550 °C, respectively, achieving a maximum increase of 24%. The full cell constructed with the high-compaction-density material calcined at 500 °C displayed discharge capacities of 144.1, 143.8, and 142.6 mAh/g at 0.5, 1, and 3 C rates, respectively, with a retention rate of 99% at 3 C rate. After undergoing charging and discharging cycles at a rate of 1 C for up to 800 cycles, the capacity retention rate was found to be 90%, indicating an expected full cell life span exceeding 2500 cycles.
Modular Hub Genes in DNA Microarray Suggest Potential Signaling Pathway Interconnectivity in Various Glioma Grades
Authors: Orda Marco A. , Fowler Peter Matthew Paul T. , Tayo Lemmuel L.
Published: March 2024

Gliomas have displayed significant challenges in oncology due to their high degree of invasiveness, recurrence, and resistance to treatment strategies. In this work, the key hub genes mainly associated with different grades of glioma, which were represented by pilocytic astrocytoma (PA), oligodendroglioma (OG), anaplastic astrocytoma (AA), and glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), were identified through weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) of microarray datasets retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Through this, four highly correlated modules were observed to be present across the PA (GSE50161), OG (GSE4290), AA (GSE43378), and GBM (GSE36245) datasets. The functional annotation and pathway enrichment analysis done through the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) showed that the modules and hub genes identified were mainly involved in signal transduction, transcription regulation, and protein binding, which collectively deregulate several signaling pathways, mainly PI3K/Akt and metabolic pathways. The involvement of several hub genes primarily linked to other signaling pathways, including the cAMP, MAPK/ERK, Wnt/β-catenin, and calcium signaling pathways, indicates potential interconnectivity and influence on the PI3K/Akt pathway and, subsequently, glioma severity. The Drug Repurposing Encyclopedia (DRE) was used to screen for potential drugs based on the up- and downregulated hub genes, wherein the synthetic progestin hormones norgestimate and ethisterone were the top drug candidates. This shows the potential neuroprotective effect of progesterone against glioma due to its influence on EGFR expression and other signaling pathways. Aside from these, several experimental and approved drug candidates were also identified, which include an adrenergic receptor antagonist, a PPAR-γ receptor agonist, a CDK inhibitor, a sodium channel blocker, a bradykinin receptor antagonist, and a dopamine receptor agonist, which further highlights the gene network as a potential therapeutic avenue for glioma.
Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Is Liquid Biopsy a New Tool Able to Predict the Efficacy of Immunotherapy?
Authors: Fasano Rossella , Serratì Simona , Rafaschieri Tania , Longo Vito , Di Fonte Roberta , Porcelli Letizia , Azzariti Amalia
Published: March 2024

Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) cases represent approximately 15% of all lung cancer cases, remaining a recalcitrant malignancy with poor survival and few treatment options. In the last few years, the addition of immunotherapy to chemotherapy improved clinical outcomes compared to chemotherapy alone, resulting in the current standard of care for SCLC. However, the advantage of immunotherapy only applies to a few SCLC patients, and predictive biomarkers selection are lacking for SCLC. In particular, due to some features of SCLC, such as high heterogeneity, elevated cell plasticity, and low-quality tissue samples, SCLC biopsies cannot be used as biomarkers. Therefore, the characterization of the tumor and, subsequently, the selection of an appropriate therapeutic combination may benefit greatly from liquid biopsy. Soluble factors, circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), circulating tumor cells (CTCs), and extracellular vesicles (EVs) are now useful tools in the characterization of SCLC. This review summarizes the most recent data on biomarkers detectable with liquid biopsy, emphasizing their role in supporting tumor detection and their potential role in SCLC treatment choice.
Shrimp Lipids Inhibit Migration, Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition, and Cancer Stem Cells via Akt/mTOR/c-Myc Pathway Suppression
Authors: Thepthanee Chorpaka , Ei Zin Zin , Benjakul Soottawat , Zou Hongbin , Petsri Korrakod , Innets Bhurichaya , Chanvorachote Pithi
Published: March 2024

Shrimp is a rich source of bioactive molecules that provide health benefits. However, the high cholesterol content in shrimp oil may pose a risk. We utilized the cholesterol elimination method to obtain cholesterol-free shrimp lipids (CLs) and investigated their anticancer potential, focusing on cancer stem cells (CSCs) and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Our study focused on CSCs and EMT, as these factors are known to contribute to cancer metastasis. The results showed that treatment with CLs at doses ranging from 0 to 500 µg/mL significantly suppressed the cell migration ability of human lung cancer (H460 and H292) cells, indicating its potential to inhibit cancer metastasis. The CLs at such concentrations did not cause cytotoxicity to normal human keratinocytes. Additionally, CL treatment was found to significantly reduce the levels of Snail, Slug, and Vimentin, which are markers of EMT. Furthermore, we investigated the effect of CLs on CSC-like phenotypes and found that CLs could significantly suppress the formation of a three-dimensional (3D) tumor spheroid in lung cancer cells. Furthermore, CLs induced apoptosis in the CSC-rich population and significantly depleted the levels of CSC markers CD133, CD44, and Sox2. A mechanistic investigation demonstrated that exposing lung cancer cells to CLs downregulated the phosphorylation of Akt and mTOR, as well as c-Myc expression. Based on these findings, we believe that CLs may have beneficial effects on health as they potentially suppress EMT and CSCs, as well as the cancer-potentiating pathway of Akt/mTOR/c-Myc.
Efficacy of Alkaline Phosphatase in Critically Ill Patients with COVID-19: A Multicentre Investigator-Initiated Double-Blind Randomised Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Pijpe Anouk , Papendorp Stephan G. , van der Heijden Joost W. , Vermin Ben , Ertugrul Iris , Ritt Michael W. J. , Stessel Björn , Callebaut Ina , Beishuizen Albertus , Vlig Marcel , Jimmink Joost , Huijgen Henk J. , van Zuijlen Paul P. M. , Middelkoop Esther , de Jong Evelien
Published: March 2024

Background: Efforts to identify therapies to treat hospitalised patients with COVID-19 are being continued. Alkaline phosphatase (AP) dephosphorylates pro-inflammatory adenosine triphosphate (ATP) into anti-inflammatory adenosine. Methods: In a randomised controlled trial, we investigated the safety and efficacy of AP in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection admitted to the ICU. AP or a placebo was administered for four days following admission to the ICU. The primary outcome was the duration of mechanical ventilation. Mortality in 28 days, acute kidney injury, need for reintubation, safety, and inflammatory markers relevant to the described high cytokine release associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection were the secondary outcomes. Results: Between December 2020 and March 2022, 97 patients (of the intended 132) were included, of which 51 were randomised to AP. The trial was terminated prematurely based on meeting the threshold for futility. Compared to the placebo, AP did not affect the duration of mechanical ventilation (9.0 days vs. 9.3 days, p = 1.0). No safety issues were observed. After 28 days, mortality was 9 (18%) in the AP group versus 6 (13%) in the placebo group (p = 0.531). Additionally, no statistically significant differences between the AP and the placebo were observed for the other secondary outcomes. Conclusions: Alkaline phosphatase (AP) therapy in COVID-19 ICU patients showed no significant benefits in this trial.
Potential Role of Selected miRNAs in the Pathogenesis of Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Sawicka Beata , Sulewska Anetta , Kulczyńska-Przybik Agnieszka , Bossowski Filip , Dulewicz Maciej , Borysewicz-Sańczyk Hanna , Mroczko Barbara , Nikliński Jacek , Bossowski Artur
Published: March 2024

Background: Many epigenetic factors, including microRNAs, are involved in the process of changing gene expressions. Small non-coding RNA molecules, called miRNAs, are responsible for regulating gene translation by silencing or degrading target mRNAs. It is acknowledged that for many diseases, they may be novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. Patients with autoimmune thyroid diseases are more likely to develop nodules in the thyroid tissue, and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease predispose patients to thyroid cancer. We evaluated the concentrations of microRNA molecules (miR-15a-5p, miR-126-3p, miR-142-5p, miR-21-5p, miR-150-5p) in the blood of children with thyroid disorders. In addition, we wished to identify molecules whose change in concentration predisposes to the development of thyroid cancer. Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate selected epigenetic elements by analyzing the levels of miR-15a-5p, miR-126-3p, miR-142-5p, miR-150-5p and miR-21-5p in the blood of pediatric patients with Graves’ disease (n = 25), Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (n = 26) and thyroid nodular disease (n = 20) compared to a control group of healthy children (n = 17). Materials and Methods: The study consists of groups of children and adolescents aged 10–18 years with autoimmune thyroid disease, with thyroid nodular disease compared to a control group. The miR-15a-5p, miR-126-3p, miR-142-5p, miR-21-5p and miR-150-5p molecules were determined through an immunoenzymatic assay using BioVendor reagents. Results: There is a statistically significant decrease in the expression of the miR-15a-5p in children with Graves’ disease (21.61 vs. 50.22 amol/μL, p = 0.03) and in patients with thyroid nodular disease compared to controls (20.23 vs. 50.22 amol/μL, p = 0.04). Higher levels of the miR-142-5p molecule are found in patients with thyroid disease (with GD-3.8 vs. 3.14 amol/μL, p = 0.01; with HT-3.7 vs. 3.14 amol/μL, p = NS, with thyroid nodular disease-4.16 vs. 3.14 amol/μL, p = 0.04). Lower levels of miR-126-3p were noted in the GD group compared to the control group (7.09 vs. 7.24 amol/μL, p = 0.02). No statistically significant changes in the expressions of miR-150-5p and miR-21-5p molecules were observed in the study groups. Conclusions: 1. The overexpression of the miR-142-5p molecule occurs in children and adolescents with thyroid diseases. 2. Decreased blood levels of miR-15a-5p predispose patients to the formation of focal lesions in the thyroid gland. 3. Identifying a lower expression of the miR-126-3p molecule in the blood of children with GD requires careful follow-up for the development of focal lesions in the thyroid gland and evaluation for their potential malignancy.
Sacubitril/Valsartan Alleviates Cardiac Remodeling and Dysfunction in L-NAME-Induced Hypertension and Hypertensive Heart Disease
Authors: Stanko Peter , Repova Kristina , Baka Tomas , Krajcirovicova Kristina , Aziriova Silvia , Barta Andrej , Zorad Stefan , Adamcova Michaela , Simko Fedor
Published: March 2024

There is ample evidence on the benefit of angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors (ARNIs) in heart failure, yet data regarding the potential protective action of ARNIs in hypertensive heart disease are sparse. The aim of this study was to show whether an ARNI exerts a protective effect in a model of Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME)-induced hypertension with a hypertensive heart and to compare this potential benefit with an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, captopril. Five groups of adult male Wistar rats were studied (14 per group) for four weeks: untreated controls; ARNI (68 mg/kg/day); L-NAME (40 mg/kg/day); L-NAME treated with ARNI; and L-NAME treated with captopril (100 mg/kg/day). L-NAME administration induced hypertension, accompanied by increased left ventricular (LV) weight and fibrotic rebuilding of the LV in terms of increased concentration and content of hydroxyproline in insoluble collagen and in total collagen and with a histological finding of fibrosis. These alterations were associated with a compromised systolic and diastolic LV function. Treatment with either an ARNI or captopril reduced systolic blood pressure (SBP), alleviated LV hypertrophy and fibrosis, and prevented the development of both systolic and diastolic LV dysfunction. Moreover, the serum levels of prolactin and prolactin receptor were reduced significantly by ARNI and slightly by captopril. In conclusion, in L-NAME-induced hypertension, the dual inhibition of neprilysin and AT1 receptors by ARNI reduced SBP and prevented the development of LV hypertrophy, fibrosis, and systolic and diastolic dysfunction. These data suggest that ARNI could provide protection against LV structural remodeling and functional disorders in hypertensive heart disease.