bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Microfluidics Approach for Ovarian Cancer Immune Monitoring in an Outpatient Setting
Authors: Libbrecht Sarah , Vankerckhoven Ann , de Wijs Koen , Baert Thaïs , Thirion Gitte , Vandenbrande Katja , Van Gorp Toon , Timmerman Dirk , Coosemans An , Lagae Liesbet
Published: December 2023

Among cancer diagnoses in women, ovarian cancer has the fifth-highest mortality rate. Current treatments are unsatisfactory, and new therapies are highly needed. Immunotherapies show great promise but have not reached their full potential in ovarian cancer patients. Implementation of an immune readout could offer better guidance and development of immunotherapies. However, immune profiling is often performed using a flow cytometer, which is bulky, complex, and expensive. This equipment is centralized and operated by highly trained personnel, making it cumbersome and time-consuming. We aim to develop a disposable microfluidic chip capable of performing an immune readout with the sensitivity needed to guide diagnostic decision making as close as possible to the patient. As a proof of concept of the fluidics module of this concept, acquisition of a limited immune panel based on CD45, CD8, programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1), and a live/dead marker was compared to a conventional flow cytometer (BD FACSymphony). Based on a dataset of peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 15 patients with ovarian cancer across different stages of treatment, we obtained a 99% correlation coefficient for the detection of CD8+PD1+ T cells relative to the total amount of CD45+ white blood cells. Upon further system development comprising further miniaturization of optics, this microfluidics chip could enable immune monitoring in an outpatient setting, facilitating rapid acquisition of data without the need for highly trained staff.
WAVE2 Is a Vital Regulator in Myogenic Differentiation of Progenitor Cells through the Mechanosensitive MRTFA–SRF Axis
Authors: Nguyen Mai Thi , Ly Quoc Kiet , Kim Hyun-Jung , Lee Wan
Published: December 2023

Skeletal myogenesis is an intricate process involving the differentiation of progenitor cells into myofibers, which is regulated by actin cytoskeletal dynamics and myogenic transcription factors. Although recent studies have demonstrated the pivotal roles of actin-binding proteins (ABPs) as mechanosensors and signal transducers, the biological significance of WAVE2 (Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome protein family member 2), an ABP essential for actin polymerization, in myogenic differentiation of progenitor cells has not been investigated. Our study provides important insights into the regulatory roles played by WAVE2 in the myocardin-related transcription factor A (MRTFA)–serum response factor (SRF) signaling axis and differentiation of myoblasts. We demonstrate that WAVE2 expression is induced during myogenic differentiation and plays a pivotal role in actin cytoskeletal remodeling in C2C12 myoblasts. Knockdown of WAVE2 in C2C12 cells reduced filamentous actin levels, increased globular actin accumulation, and impaired the nuclear translocation of MRTFA. Furthermore, WAVE2 depletion in myoblasts inhibited the expression and transcriptional activity of SRF and suppressed cell proliferation in myoblasts. Consequently, WAVE2 knockdown suppressed myogenic regulatory factors (i.e., MyoD, MyoG, and SMYD1) expressions, thereby hindering the differentiation of myoblasts. Thus, this study suggests that WAVE2 is essential for myogenic differentiation of progenitor cells by modulating the mechanosensitive MRTFA–SRF axis.
Pathophysiological Effects of Autoantibodies in Autoimmune Encephalitides
Authors: Ryding Matias , Mikkelsen Anne With , Nissen Mette Scheller , Nilsson Anna Christine , Blaabjerg Morten
Published: December 2023

The heterogeneity of autoantibody targets in autoimmune encephalitides presents a challenge for understanding cellular and humoral pathophysiology, and the development of new treatment strategies. Thus, current treatment aims at autoantibody removal and immunosuppression, and is primarily based on data generated from other autoimmune neurological diseases and expert consensus. There are many subtypes of autoimmune encephalitides, which now entails both diseases with autoantibodies targeting extracellular antigens and classical paraneoplastic syndromes with autoantibodies targeting intracellular antigens. Here, we review the current knowledge of molecular and cellular effects of autoantibodies associated with autoimmune encephalitis, and evaluate the evidence behind the proposed pathophysiological mechanisms of autoantibodies in autoimmune encephalitis.
Absent in Melanoma (AIM)2 Promotes the Outcome of Islet Transplantation by Repressing Ischemia-Induced Interferon (IFN) Signaling
Authors: Wrublewsky Selina , Wilden Cedric , Bickelmann Caroline , Menger Michael D. , Laschke Matthias W. , Ampofo Emmanuel
Published: December 2023

Clinical islet transplantation is limited by ischemia-induced islet cell death. Recently, it has been reported that the absent in melanoma (AIM)2 inflammasome is upregulated by ischemic cell death due to recognition of aberrant cytoplasmic self-dsDNA. However, it is unknown whether AIM2 determines the outcome of islet transplantation. To investigate this, isolated wild type (WT) and AIM2-deficient (AIM2−/−) islets were exposed to oxygen-glucose deprivation to mimic ischemia, and their viability, endocrine function, and interferon (IFN) signaling were assessed. Moreover, the revascularization and endocrine function of grafted WT and AIM2−/− islets were analyzed in the mouse dorsal skinfold chamber model and the diabetic kidney capsule model. Ischemic WT and AIM2−/− islets did not differ in their viability. However, AIM2−/− islets exhibited a higher protein level of p202, a transcriptional regulator of IFN-β and IFN-γ gene expression. Accordingly, these cytokines were upregulated in AIM2−/− islets, resulting in a suppressed gene expression and secretion of insulin. Moreover, the revascularization of AIM2−/− islet grafts was deteriorated when compared to WT controls. Furthermore, transplantation of AIM2−/− islets in diabetic mice failed to restore physiological blood glucose levels. These findings indicate that AIM2 crucially determines the engraftment and endocrine function of transplanted islets by repressing IFN signaling.
Pro-Resolving Mediators in Rotator Cuff Disease: How Is the Bursa Involved?
Authors: Klatte-Schulz Franka , Bormann Nicole , Bonell Aysha , Al-Michref Jasmin , Nguyen Hoang Le , Klöckner Pascal , Thiele Kathi , Moroder Philipp , Seifert Martina , Sawitzki Birgit , Wildemann Britt , Duda Georg N.
Published: December 2023

So far, tendon regeneration has mainly been analyzed independent from its adjacent tissues. However, the subacromial bursa in particular appears to influence the local inflammatory milieu in the shoulder. The resolution of local inflammation in the shoulder tissues is essential for tendon regeneration, and specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) play a key role in regulating the resolution of inflammation. Here, we aimed to understand the influence of the bursa on disease-associated processes in neighboring tendon healing. Bursa tissue and bursa-derived cells from patients with intact, moderate and severe rotator cuff disease were investigated for the presence of pro-resolving and inflammatory mediators, as well as their effect on tenocytes and sensitivity to mechanical loading by altering SPM signaling mediators in bursa cells. SPM signal mediators were present in the bursae and altered depending on the severity of rotator cuff disease. SPMs were particularly released from the bursal tissue of patients with rotator cuff disease, and the addition of bursa-released factors to IL-1β-challenged tenocytes improved tenocyte characteristics. In addition, mechanical loading modulated pro-resolving processes in bursa cells. In particular, pathological high loading (8% strain) increased the expression and secretion of SPM signaling mediators. Overall, this study confirms the importance of bursae in regulating inflammatory processes in adjacent rotator cuff tendons.
Development of a Highly Permissive Mandarin Fish (Siniperca chuatsi) Kidney Cell Line for Mandarin Fish Ranavirus Using a Single-Cell Cloning Method
Authors: Zhang Hetong , Dong Junjian , Yan Yunyun , Liu Shanshan , Ye Xing , Gao Fengying , Sun Chengfei
Published: December 2023

Mandarin fish ranavirus (MRV) infection poses a substantial challenge to the mandarin fish culture industry as no effective preventive or therapeutic measures currently exist. The creation of a highly permissive cell line from a natural host is crucial for developing a vaccine for MRV and understanding its pathogenic mechanisms. In this research, the mandarin fish (Siniperca chuatsi) kidney cell line (SCK) was isolated from mandarin fish kidneys. Subsequently, SCK-a to SCK-g monoclonal cell lines were derived from the SCK cell population, distinguished by morphological variations. Notably, MRV infection induced an advanced cytopathic effect (CPE) in almost all cells of the SCK-f clone. Further tests showed that MRV achieved a peak viral titer of 1010.7 50% tissue culture infectious dose (TCID50)/mL and consistently exceeded 1010 TCID50/mL across nine passages in SCK-f cells. Electron microscopy verified the MRV virion integrity within SCK-f. In vivo experiments revealed that MRV infections led to cumulative mortality rates of 86.9% in mandarin fish and 88.9% in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Such results suggest that SCK-f is highly permissive to MRV. This study underscores the importance of cellular diversity in developing viral permissive cell lines. The SCK monoclonal cell line pool may offer potential for generating highly permissive cell lines for other mandarin fish viruses.
Active Commuting to School among Spanish Preschool Children: A Temporal Change Study between 2013 and 2017
Authors: Saucedo-Araujo Romina Gisele , Gálvez-Fernández Patricia , Cadenas-Sanchez Cristina , Sánchez-López Mairena , Avellaneda Pau , Suelves Josep M. , Huertas-Delgado Francisco Javier , Chillón Palma , Herrador-Colmenero Manuel
Published: December 2023

Background: Active commuting to school may increase the total daily physical activity and achieve health benefits among preschool children. Rates of active commuting to school among Spanish children and adolescents have been widely analysed, while the rates of active commuting to school among Spanish preschool children are unknown. Aim: The main objective of this study was to examine the changes in the rates of active commuting to school in a sample of Spanish preschool children between 3 and 6 years old from 2013 to 2017. Methods: Data were found from five studies carried out across Spain. The study sample comprised 4787 preschool children (4.59 ± 0.77 years old; 51% males). The overall changes in active commuting to school were assessed using multilevel logistic regression analysis. Results: The rates of active commuting to school in Spanish preschool children are around 52%, and the active commuting to school rates have stayed stable throughout the period assessed (odds ratio from 0.40 to 0.58, all p > 0.05). Conclusion: In preschool children, the present study obtained a favourable result on active commuting to school, showing a pattern stability in the examined period similar to other ages. It will be of great importance to promote this behaviour to obtain high levels of active commuting to school.
Multiplex Microarrays in 96-Well Plates Photoactivated with 4-Azidotetrafluorobenzaldehyde for the Identification and Quantification of β-Lactamase Genes and Their RNA Transcripts
Authors: Ulyashova Mariya M. , Presnova Galina V. , Filippova Anna A. , Grigorenko Vitaly G. , Egorov Alexey M. , Rubtsova Maya Yu.
Published: December 2023

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria represent a global issue that calls for novel approaches to diagnosis and treatment. Given the variety of genetic factors that determine resistance, multiplex methods hold promise in this area. We developed a novel method to covalently attach oligonucleotide probes to the wells of polystyrene plates using photoactivation with 4-azidotetrafluorobenzaldehyde. Then, it was used to develop the technique of microarrays in the wells. It consists of the following steps: activating polystyrene, hybridizing the probes with biotinylated target DNA, and developing the result using a streptavidin–peroxidase conjugate with colorimetric detection. The first microarray was designed to identify 11 different gene types and 16 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of clinically relevant ESBLs and carbapenemases, which confer Gram-negative bacteria resistance to β-lactam antibiotics. The detection of bla genes in 65 clinical isolates of Enterobacteriaceae demonstrated the high sensitivity and reproducibility of the technique. The highly reproducible spot staining of colorimetric microarrays allowed us to design a second microarray that was intended to quantify four different types of bla mRNAs in order to ascertain their expressions. The combination of reliable performance, high throughput in standard 96-well plates, and inexpensive colorimetric detection makes the microarrays suitable for routine clinical application and for the study of multi-drug resistant bacteria.
Ovarian Stimulation for In Vitro Fertilization and Reproductive Outcome after Surgical Treatment of Endometriosis Compared with Tubal Factor Infertility
Authors: Nadă Elena-Silvia , Coroleucă Cătălin Bogdan , Coroleucă Ciprian Andrei , Brătilă Elvira
Published: December 2023

Endometriosis is a common cause of infertility among reproductive-age women. A low ovarian reserve is associated with the presence of endometriotic cysts, and this is accentuated even more after surgery. Patients with a history of endometrioma are a special category of poor ovarian reserve requiring in vitro fertilization (IVF). The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the characteristics and outcome of ovarian stimulation and embryo transfer in women with a history of ovarian surgery for endometrioma compared with a control group with tubal factor infertility. A total of 146 patients had previous laparoscopic cystectomy for endometrioma (group A) and their IVF results were compared with 136 patients with documented tubal obstruction (group B). In both groups, the most frequently used ovarian stimulation protocol was the short antagonist in 84.24% versus 80.88%. The number of stimulation days was between 6 and 15 days in the two groups with a mean value of 12.76 days in group A and 9.47 days in group B. The clinical pregnancy rate was 26.77% in the endometrioma group and 39.68% in the tubal obstruction group. Patients with a history of endometrioma are less likely to conceive than those with tubal obstruction despite having similar ovarian reserve and stimulation results.
Synergistic Antioxidant and Preservative Potential of Tomato Extract–Magnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles in Bio-Coating and Food Applications
Authors: Rodríguez-Castellanos Arlen Irene , Moncada-Castellanos Mabel Ermelina , Limas-Lopez Genesis Nohal , Martínez-Henríquez Karla , Fodil Nouzha , Rivera-Flores Octavio , Sánchez-Barahona Marlon , Romero Alberto , Abdullah Johar Amin Ahmed
Published: December 2023

This study details the synthesis of tomato extract–magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (TEx-MIONPs), focusing on the antioxidant capacity and food preservation applications. Utilizing key reagents, including 98% iron (III) chloride hexahydrate, a controlled process yielded TEx-MIONPs. The characterization involved X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). XRD analysis revealed a predominant cubic magnetite structure. TEM and SEM depicted diverse morphologies, such as ultrasmall cubic and quasi-spherical structures. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed Fe–O bonds in a mixed phase of Fe2O3 and Fe3O4. Antioxidant activity assessment showcased the potent scavenging effects of TEx and TEx-MIONPs against DPPH free radicals, with 100% inhibition after 20 min and an IC50 of about 137 µg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, TEx-MIONPs, when stabilized with banana-based bioplastic and utilized as nanocoating preservation materials, demonstrated efficacy in grape preservation by exhibiting a lower weight loss rate compared to the control group over six days. Specifically, the weight loss rate for preserved grapes was 28.6% on day 6, contrasting with 34.6% for the control. This pioneering study amalgamates the natural antioxidant properties of tomatoes with the enhanced characteristics of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, offering sustainable solutions for food preservation and nanopackaging. Ongoing research aims to refine the experimental conditions and explore the broader applications of TEx-MIONPs in various contexts.
Enhancing Magnesium Phosphate Cement Paste for Efficient Fluoride Adsorption
Authors: Gharsallah Sana , Alsawi Abdulrahman , Alsulami Abdulelah H. , Charnay Clarence , Chemingui Mahmoud
Published: December 2023

In the present study, we explore the synthesis and characterization of novel composite materials derived from magnesium phosphate cement by incorporating varying quantities of aluminum, iron oxide, or alumina. These composites demonstrate promising properties related to water resistance and significant specific surface areas. Furthermore, our investigations reveal that aluminum, iron oxide, and phosphate constituents exhibit an affinity for fluoride retention. Consequently, we apply these synthesized materials for fluoride adsorption. Our results indicate a noteworthy adsorption capacity, ranging from 2.35 mg/g for cement synthesized with 0.25 g of aluminum to 4.84 mg/g for materials synthesized with 1.5 g of aluminum. The influence of incorporating alumina or iron oxide into these matrices is thoroughly examined. Additionally, we investigated the optimal conditions utilizing a range of analytical techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with an energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermogravimetric analyses (TGA). To further elucidate this process, we perform equilibrium modeling and present experimental data in accordance with the Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherms.
Trade-Related Government Expenditure and Developing Countries’ Participation in Global Value Chains
Authors: Gnangnon Sèna Kimm
Published: December 2023

The effect of trade-related government expenditure on backward and forward participation in global value chains (GVCs) is at the heart of the present analysis. The latter builds on an unbalanced panel dataset of 74 developing countries over the annual period from 2005 to 2018. It has used several estimators, the primary one being the Quantile via Moments approach. The outcomes suggest that trade-related government expenditure exerts no significant effect on countries’ forward participation in GVCs. At the same time, countries located in the 20th to 90th quantiles experience a positive and significant effect of trade-related government expenditure on backward participation in GVCs, with the magnitude of this positive effect being larger for countries in the upper quantiles than for countries in the lower quantiles. The least integrated countries into the backward participation in GVCs (i.e., those in the 10th quantile) experience no significant effect of trade-related government expenditure on backward participation in GVCs. Interestingly, expenditure in favour of developing economic infrastructure, and expenditure for enhancing productive capacities reinforce each other in positively affecting backward GVC participation by countries located in the upper quantiles (i.e., the 50th to 90th quantiles). However, the interaction between these two types of trade-related government expenditure does not influence countries’ forward participation in GVCs. These findings shed light on the importance of trade-related expenditure for enhancing developing countries’ participation in backward GVCs.
Time-Varying Impact of Commodity Prices on Output Growth and Inflation in the Eastern European Countries
Authors: Kopych Roman , Shevchuk Viktor
Published: December 2023

Using quarterly data for the 2002–2022 period, we estimate the output and inflation effects of several commodity prices (agricultural raw materials, crude oil, and metals) for 8 Eastern European countries with different exchange rate regimes. The Kalman filter is used for estimating the time-varying parameters. Our main findings can be summarized in the following way: (i) higher crude oil prices are inflationary in most of the countries (except Slovakia), with a stronger price effect since 2020; (ii) crude oil prices are neutral with respect to output growth in 4 out of 8 countries, with an expansionary effect in Croatia, Slovenia, and Romania, as well as a contractionary effect in Slovakia, but the crude oil shock of 2021–2022 seems to be expansionary in almost all countries (except Slovakia), regardless of the exchange rate regime practiced; (iii) inflation and output effects of metals prices are quite heterogeneous across countries; (iv) agricultural raw material prices play a role in both inflation and output growth only in Bulgaria and Poland. Since 2021, a growing inflationary impact of crude oil prices suggests a stronger monetary policy reaction to the oil shock, especially in the presence of its favorable output effect.
Addressing Challenges in EMS Department Operations: A Comprehensive Analysis of Key Issues and Solution
Authors: Basnawi Abdullah
Published: December 2023

Background: Emergency medical services (EMS) are essential in providing timely medical attention and transportation to people in need during times of crisis. Effective EMS operations are crucial for delivering prompt and effective healthcare. However, the landscape of EMS operations is constantly evolving, posing a number of challenges that require rigorous research and innovative solutions. Objectives: To highlight the key challenges facing EMS departments in their daily operations and discuss potential solutions. Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted. Relevant studies were identified by searching electronic databases, such as PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Google Scholar. Results: The main challenges facing EMS departments include an increasing demand for services, limited resources, aging infrastructure, technological advancements, and regulatory compliance. Operational-level solutions that can be used to address these challenges include investing in technology, cross-training personnel, developing contingency plans, and partnering with other organizations. Conclusion: EMS departments today face a variety of challenges. However, there are a number of approaches that can be taken to address these challenges. By investing in technology, cross-training personnel, developing contingency plans, and partnering with other organizations, EMS departments can improve their operations and provide the best possible care to patients.
Teachers’ Use of Knowledge in Curriculum Making: Implications for Social Justice
Authors: Coker Helen , Kalsoom Qudsia , Mercieca Duncan
Published: December 2023

Curriculum work is a key part of teachers’ practice and involves engaging with different types of knowledge. The way in which teachers use this knowledge will influence pupils’ experience of the curriculum in their classroom. In the globalised world of the 21st century, knowledge questions are important considerations, as schooling is situated in inequitable systems and social structures. This qualitative research study examined teachers’ use of knowledge as they made the curriculum in their classrooms. Data were generated via interviews with primary school teachers in Scotland and thematically analysed. Five types of knowledge were identified and then critically examined using Nancy Fraser’s framework for social justice. This enabled examination of the implications of teachers’ use of knowledge in their curriculum work. Findings were congruous with previous research on this topic, highlighting the complexity of curriculum work. Our analysis suggests that while the focus on ‘pupil-centred’ education is important, as it acts to recognise pupils in curriculum work, the redistribution of knowledge is a key consideration in the globalised and digitised present day. Digital tools and spaces not only provide access to information but also provide new opportunities for inequity and oppressive social relations; continual reflection on the knowledge flow into schools is an important consideration for both teachers and policy-makers.
We Don’t Need No Education: A Textual Analysis of Anglo-American Popular Music Lyrics about School
Authors: Barnes Avery , Calvert Isaac
Published: December 2023

This paper investigates how popular music lyrics over the past century have described the nature and dynamics of Anglo-American student experience in formal schooling contexts. Using data from a cross-section of music streaming service databases, we identified 131 popular songs whose lyrics specifically discuss dimensions of formal school experience, especially from a student perspective. After three rounds of inductive thematic textual analysis, 7 major themes with 28 associated sub-themes emerged. These themes include school environment, situated feelings about school, negative results of school, school and society, conformity, negative view of teachers and the sexualization of teachers. Based on the assumption that a song owes at least some of its popularity to the appeal and relatability of its lyrical content to its audience, we hope that an in-depth, thematic analysis of such lyrics will give educationalists new insight into Anglo-American school experience through the salient societal medium of popular music. We further hope that these lyrical themes will shed new light on the lived experiences of school-age students and thereby deepen educationalists’ understanding of student experiences, perceptions and dispositions toward school more generally.
Research on the Harmonic Prediction Method of a PV Plant Based on an Improved Kernel Extreme Learning Machine Model
Authors: Liu Zhenghan , Li Quanzheng , Wang Donglai , Zhang Guifan , Wang Wei , Zhao Yan , Guo Rui
Published: December 2023

The harmonics of photovoltaic power plants are affected by various factors including temperature, weather, and light amplitude. Traditional power harmonic prediction methods have weak non-linear mapping and poor generalization capability to unknown time series data. In this paper, a Kernel Extreme Learning Machine (KELM) model power harmonic prediction method based on Gray Relational Analysis (GRA) with Variational Mode Decomposition (VMD) coupled with Harris Hawk Optimization (HHO) is proposed. First, the GRA method is used to construct the similar day set in one screening, followed by further using K-means clustering to construct the final similar day set. Then, the VMD method is adopted to decompose the harmonic data of the similar day set, and each decomposition subsequence is input to the HHO-optimized KELM neural network for prediction, respectively. Finally, the prediction results of each subseries are superimposed and numerical evaluation indexes are introduced, and the proposed method is validated by applying the above method in simulation. The results show that the error of the prediction model is reduced by at least 39% compared with the conventional prediction method, so it can satisfy the function of harmonic content prediction of a photovoltaic power plant.
Correction: Rabie et al. A Proficient ZESO-DRKFC Model for Smart Grid SCADA Security. Electronics 2022, 11, 4144
Authors: Rabie Osama Bassam J. , Balachandran Praveen Kumar , Khojah Mohammed , Selvarajan Shitharth
Published: December 2023

In the original publication [...]
Prescribed Time Fault-Tolerant Affine Formation Control for Multi-Agent Systems with Double-Integrator Dynamics
Authors: Tang Jiye , Li Jianzhen , Yang Xiaofei , Du Zhaoping , Wu Yunkai
Published: December 2023

There is an increasing interest in the affine formation control of multi-agent systems, because it can change the centroid, orientation and scale of the formation by controlling only a few leaders. In this paper, the fault-tolerant affine formation control problem is addressed for double-integrator multi-agent systems with partial loss of efficiency and bias faults. Firstly, in order to track the leaders with dynamically changing accelerations, an acceleration observer with prescribed time convergence is proposed, which can estimate the ideal acceleration for each follower. Then, based on the acceleration observer, a fault-tolerant control algorithm is given. A new Lyapunov function candidate is constructed, based on which a sufficient condition to achieve the control objective is derived. Theoretical analysis shows that the formation tracking error can converge to zero within a prescribed time, and remain in a small neighborhood of zero after that time. Finally, numerical simulations are given to show the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm and compare it with existing results.
A Field Programmable Gate Array Placement Methodology for Netlist-Level Circuits with GPU Acceleration
Authors: Liu Meng , Wang Yunfei , Li Shuai
Published: December 2023

Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), renowned for their reconfigurable nature, offer unmatched flexibility and cost-effectiveness in engineering experimentation. They stand as the quintessential platform for hardware acceleration and prototype validation. With the increasing ubiquity of FPGA chips and the escalating scale of system designs, the significance of their accompanying Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools has never been more pronounced. The placement process, serving as the linchpin in FPGA EDA, directly influences FPGA development and operational efficiency. This paper introduces an FPGA placement methodology hinging on the Verilog-to-Routing (VTR) framework. We introduce a novel packing approach grounded in the weighted Edmonds’ Blossom algorithm, ensuring that the CLB generation strategy aligns more closely with load-balanced distribution. Furthermore, we enhanced the electric field-driven resolver placement process for CLB locations and leverage GPU-accelerated design. Experimental results demonstrate substantial improvements over the traditional VTR algorithm, with an average optimization of 28.42% in the packing process runtime, an average acceleration ratio of 2.85 times in the placement phase, and a 39.97% reduction in total packing and placement runtime consumption.
A Method for Visualization of Images by Photon-Counting Imaging Only Object Locations under Photon-Starved Conditions
Authors: Ha Jin-Ung , Kim Hyun-Woo , Cho Myungjin , Lee Min-Chul
Published: December 2023

Recently, many researchers have been studying the visualization of images and the recognition of objects by estimating photons under photon-starved conditions. Conventional photon-counting imaging techniques estimate photons by way of a statistical method using Poisson distribution in all image areas. However, Poisson distribution is temporally and spatially independent, and the reconstructed image has a random noise in the background. Random noise in the background may degrade the quality of the image and make it difficult to accurately recognize objects. Therefore, in this paper, we apply photon-counting imaging technology only to the area where the object is located to eliminate the noise in the background. As a result, it can be seen that the image quality using the proposed method is better than that of the conventional method and the object recognition rate is also higher. Optical experiments were conducted to prove the denoising performance of the proposed method. In addition, we used the structure similarity index measure (SSIM) as a performance metric. To check the recognition rate of the object, we applied the YOLOv5 model. Finally, the proposed method is expected to accelerate the development of astrophotography and medical imaging technologies.
First Steps towards Efficient Genome Assembly on ARM-Based HPC
Authors: Poje Kristijan , Brcic Mario , Knezovic Josip , Kovac Mario
Published: December 2023

Exponential advances in computational power have fueled advances in many disciplines, and biology is no exception. High-Performance Computing (HPC) is gaining traction as one of the essential tools in scientific research. Further advances to exascale capabilities will necessitate more energy-efficient hardware. In this article, we present our efforts to improve the efficiency of genome assembly on ARM-based HPC systems. We use vectorization to optimize the popular genome assembly pipeline of minimap2, miniasm, and Racon. We compare different implementations using the Scalable Vector Extension (SVE) instruction set architecture and evaluate their performance in different aspects. Additionally, we compare the performance of autovectorization to hand-tuned code with intrinsics. Lastly, we present the design of a CPU dispatcher included in the Racon consensus module that enables the automatic selection of the fastest instruction set supported by the utilized CPU. Our findings provide a promising direction for further optimization of genome assembly on ARM-based HPC systems.
Current Source Strategy for Energy Injection from a CapMix Cell
Authors: Busto María G. , Prieto Miguel J. , Martín-Ramos Juan A. , Martínez Juan A. , Pernía Alberto M.
Published: December 2023

Circulation of salty and fresh water through the electrodes of a deionization cell produces a voltage between the electrodes caused by the Capacitive Donnan Potential (CDP). The voltage so generated is very low (100 mV), but this work demonstrates that it is possible to develop a power converter suitable to inject this energy into the grid or into energy storage systems; this is a relevant aspect of this paper, for most works in the literature simply dissipate this energy over a resistor. To increase the input voltage, a stack of electrodes is connected in series. A bridgeless rectifier that uses a dual buck–boost converter to operate with both the positive and negative cycles is used to extract the energy from the cell. The topology chosen, which is operated as a current source, can work at extremely low voltage levels and provide power factor correction. After this stage, an H-bridge inverter can be included to inject the energy into the AC grid. The whole system implements a hysteresis control system using the current through the inductor of the power converter as control variable. This paper investigates the influence of such current on the efficiency of the total system.
MSGL+: Fast and Reliable Model Selection-Inspired Graph Metric Learning
Authors: Yang Cheng , Zheng Fei , Zou Yujie , Xue Liang , Jiang Chao , Liu Shuangyu , Zhao Bochao , Cui Haoyang
Published: December 2023

The problem of learning graph-based data structures from data has attracted considerable attention in the past decade. Different types of data can be used to infer the graph structure, such as graphical Lasso, which is learned from multiple graph signals or graph metric learning based on node features. However, most existing methods that use node features to learn the graph face difficulties when the label signals of the data are incomplete. In particular, the pair-wise distance metric learning problem becomes intractable as the dimensionality of the node features increases. To address this challenge, we propose a novel method called MSGL+. MSGL+ is inspired from model selection, leverages recent advancements in graph spectral signal processing (GSP), and offers several key innovations: (1) Polynomial Interpretation: We use a polynomial function of a certain order on the graph Laplacian to represent the inverse covariance matrix of the graph nodes to rigorously formulate an optimization problem. (2) Convex Formulation: We formulate a convex optimization objective with a cone constraint that optimizes the coefficients of the polynomial, which makes our approach efficient. (3) Linear Constraints: We convert the cone constraint of the objective to a set of linear ones to further ensure the efficiency of our method. (4) Optimization Objective: We explore the properties of these linear constraints within the optimization objective, avoiding sub-optimal results by the removal of the box constraints on the optimization variables, and successfully further reduce the number of variables compared to our preliminary work, MSGL. (5) Efficient Solution: We solve the objective using the efficient linear-program-based Frank–Wolfe algorithm. Application examples, including binary classification, multi-class classification, binary image denoising, and time-series analysis, demonstrate that MSGL+ achieves competitive accuracy performance with a significant speed advantage compared to existing graphical Lasso and feature-based graph learning methods.
Plural Nature(s): An Overview of Their Sociocultural Construction
Authors: Alves Fátima , Vidal Diogo Guedes
Published: December 2023

The social construction of nature aims to emphasise that the concept of nature has multiple meanings that vary in different socio-cultural contexts. This underlines the multiple ways in which both structures and individuals understand, explain, and engage with nature and the environment. Consequently, nature and cultures/societies are not separate entities, but are intertwined in complex and interdependent relationships. Therefore, nature is the result of human perceptions and social practices. The way we interact with, perceive, interpret, and value nature is influenced by a given society’s history and sociocultural factors. This intimate relationship is closely linked to power–knowledge and influence relations. Those with more power can impose a particular vision of, and relationship with, nature, resulting in inequalities and potentially harmful relations that can explain the environmental degradation that the contemporary world faces globally, despite its expression in particular contexts, thus configuring plural natures.
Fostering Growth in Cinnamomum kanehirae Cuttings: The Beneficial Role of Dark Septate Endophytes in Forest Nursery Management
Authors: Lin Lei-Chen , Chen Hao-Yu , Lin Wan-Rou
Published: December 2023

Root development is critical to successful establishment after seedlings are out-planted on a forest restoration site. However, the restoration of an endangered Cinnamomum kanehirae using cuttings was limited by the lack of axial roots. Dark septate endophytes (DSEs) are an important group of asexual filamentous ascomycetous fungi and could promote the performance of host plants. In the current study, we explored the effects of four DSE strains (Melnikomyces sp., Acrocalymma vagum, Wiesneriomyces sp., and Tricholomataceae sp.) on the growth of C. kanehirae cuttings under nursery conditions. The results show that four DSE isolates are able to form symbiotic relationships with C. kanehira, enhancing the seedling height, fresh weight, and chlorophyll concentrations. Notably, the Melnikomyces sp. (DB5) showed significant improvements, secreting peroxidase and indole acetic acid. To facilitate the detection of DB5 within the host roots, we developed specific primers (DB5-1F/DB5-1R). We recommend the adoption of the endophyte inoculation approach and molecular detection methods in forestry nurseries as valuable tools to enhance silvicultural practices and contribute to the conservation of C. kanehirae.
Detection of Forest Disturbances with Different Intensities Using Landsat Time Series Based on Adaptive Exponentially Weighted Moving Average Charts
Authors: Zhang Tingwei , Wu Ling , Liu Xiangnan , Liu Meiling , Chen Chen , Yang Baowen , Xu Yuqi , Zhang Suchang
Published: December 2023

Forest disturbance detection is important for revealing ecological changes. Long-time series remote sensing analysis methods have emerged as the primary approach for detecting large-scale forest disturbances. Many of the existing change detection algorithms focus primarily on identifying high-intensity forest disturbances, such as harvesting and fires, with only a limited capacity to detect both high-intensity and low-intensity forest disturbances. This study proposes an online continuous change detection algorithm for the detection of multi-intensity forest disturbances such as forest harvest, fire, selective harvest, and insects. To initiate the proposed algorithm, the time series of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) is fitted into a harmonic regression model, which is then followed by the computation of residuals. Next, the residual time series is entered into the adaptive exponentially weighted moving average (AEWMA) chart. This chart adaptively adjusts the smoothing coefficients to identify both high-intensity and low-intensity disturbances. When the chart value consistently deviates from the control limit, the forest pixel is classified as disturbed. With an overall spatial accuracy of 85.2%, including 86.1% producer’s accuracy and 84% user’s accuracy, along with a temporal accuracy of 96.7%, the algorithm enables precise and timely detection of forest disturbances with multiple intensities. This method provides a robust solution for detecting multi-intensity disturbances in forested regions.
Extending the Shelf Life of Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) with Sub-Chilled Storage and Modified Atmosphere Packaging in Recyclable Mono-Material Trays
Authors: Chan Sherry Stephanie , Moen Birgitte , Løvdal Trond , Roth Bjørn , Nilsson Astrid , Pettersen Marit Kvalvåg , Rotabakk Bjørn Tore
Published: December 2023

This study investigated the effect of sub-chilling whole gutted salmon and sub-chilled storage at −1 °C in modified-atmosphere packaging in two recyclable mono-material trays (CPET, HDPE). Quality parameters were measured, including water-holding properties, salt content, color, texture, lipid oxidation, and sensory and microbiological shelf life. The oxygen transmission rate was measured for the packages. Compared to traditional fish storage on ice, sub-chilling gave a 0.4% weight gain, better water-holding capacity, and higher salt content. The sub-chilled fish gave a significantly better sensory quality and microbiological shelf life of up to 49 days. Photobacterium was the dominating bacteria during storage. Salmon packaged in CPET trays had a higher drip loss than HDPE trays, but a lower rate of lipid oxidation (1-penten-3-ol). Our results showed the feasibility of significantly extending shelf life with sub-chilling, removing the need for ice. Moreover, using recyclable trays for packaging contributes to a circular economy without compromising food quality.
Enhancement of Starch Gel Properties Using Ionic Synergistic Multiple Crosslinking Extrusion Modification
Authors: Wei Wenguang , Wu Min , Zhang Tianqi , Zhang Xun , Ren Weike , He Tao
Published: December 2023

Crosslinking is a promising method to modulate the gel properties of food-grade starch gels. Still, the poor crosslinking effect of a single type of crosslinker limits the application of this method in starch gel modification. In this study, an Ca2+ synergistic multiple crosslinking modification method was proposed to prepare crosslinked starches with good gel properties and setting. The rheological properties of the samples were tested. The modified sample (SC-Ca-N3, G′ = 1347 ± 27) showed a 79% improvement compared to the starch without synergistic crosslinking modification (SC-N, G′ = 752 ± 6). The elastic modulus of starch gels can be adjusted by changing the degree of the crosslinking reaction. The results of nonlinear rheological Lissajous curve analysis showed that the synergistically crosslinked gel system strongly resisted deformation. In addition, the microstructure of the modified samples was characterized using scanning electron microscopy. The XPS, FTIR, and XRD results indicated that multiple molecular forces participate in the synergistic crosslinking reaction.
Research Review on Quality Detection of Fresh Tea Leaves Based on Spectral Technology
Authors: Tang Ting , Luo Qing , Yang Liu , Gao Changlun , Ling Caijin , Wu Weibin
Published: December 2023

As the raw material for tea making, the quality of tea leaves directly affects the quality of finished tea. The quality of fresh tea leaves is mainly assessed by manual judgment or physical and chemical testing of the content of internal components. Physical and chemical methods are more mature, and the test results are more accurate and objective, but traditional chemical methods for measuring the biochemical indexes of tea leaves are time-consuming, labor-costly, complicated, and destructive. With the rapid development of imaging and spectroscopic technology, spectroscopic technology as an emerging technology has been widely used in rapid non-destructive testing of the quality and safety of agricultural products. Due to the existence of spectral information with a low signal-to-noise ratio, high information redundancy, and strong autocorrelation, scholars have conducted a series of studies on spectral data preprocessing. The correlation between spectral data and target data is improved by smoothing noise reduction, correction, extraction of feature bands, and so on, to construct a stable, highly accurate estimation or discrimination model with strong generalization ability. There have been more research papers published on spectroscopic techniques to detect the quality of tea fresh leaves. This study summarizes the principles, analytical methods, and applications of Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) in the nondestructive testing of the quality and safety of fresh tea leaves for the purpose of tracking the latest research advances at home and abroad. At the same time, the principles and applications of other spectroscopic techniques including Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), Mid-infrared spectroscopy (MIRS), Raman spectroscopy (RS), and other spectroscopic techniques for non-destructive testing of quality and safety of fresh tea leaves are also briefly introduced. Finally, in terms of technical obstacles and practical applications, the challenges and development trends of spectral analysis technology in the nondestructive assessment of tea leaf quality are examined.
Chemosensory Characteristics of Brandies from Chinese Core Production Area and First Insights into Their Differences from Cognac
Authors: Ma Yue , Li Yuanyi , Zhang Baochun , Shen Chunhua , Yu Lina , Xu Yan , Tang Ke
Published: December 2023

This work aimed to compare the aroma characteristics of representative brandies with different grades from Yantai (one of the Chinese core production areas) and Cognac and to establish relationships between sensory descriptors and chemical composition. Descriptive analysis was performed with a trained panel to obtain the sensory profiles. Forty-three aroma-active compounds were quantified by four different methodologies. A prediction model on the basis of partial least squares analysis was performed to identify candidate compounds that were unique to a certain group of brandies. The result showed that brandies from Yantai could be distinguished from Cognac brandies on the basis of spicy, dried fruit, floral, and fruity-like aromas, which were associated with an aromatic balance between concentrations of a set of compounds such as 5-methylfurfural, γ-nonalactone, and γ-dodecalactone. Meanwhile, brandy with different grades could be distinguished on the basis of compounds derived mostly during the aging process.