bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surrogate Aerodynamic Wing Modeling Based on a Multilayer Perceptron
Authors: Espinosa Barcenas Oscar Ulises , Quijada Pioquinto Jose Gabriel , Kurkina Ekaterina , Lukyanov Oleg
Published: February 2023

The aircraft conceptual design step requires a substantial number of aerodynamic configuration evaluations. Since the wing is the main aircraft lifting element, the focus is on solving direct and reverse design problems. The former could be solved using a low-cost computational model, but the latter is unlikely, even for these models. Surrogate modeling is a technique for simplifying complex models that reduces computational time. In this work, a surrogate aerodynamic model, based on the implementation of a multilayer perceptron (MLP), is presented. The input data consist of geometrical characteristics of the wing and airfoil and flight conditions. Some of the MLP hyperparameters are defined using evolutionary algorithms, learning curves, and cross-validation methods. The MLP predicts the aerodynamic coefficients (drag, lift, and pitching moment) with high agreement with the substituted aerodynamic model. The MLP can predict the aerodynamic characteristics of compressible flow up to 0.6 M. The developed MLP has achieved up to almost 800 times faster in computing time than the model on which it was trained. The application of the developed MLP will enable the rapid study of the effects of changes in various parameters and flight conditions on flight performance, related to the design and modernization of new vehicles.
Regional Assessment at the Province Level of Agricultural Science and Technology Development in China
Authors: Lei Xinyu , Li Jinna , Li Hao , Yan Jvping , Li Panfeng , Guo Yifan , Huang Xinhui , Zheng Yuting , Yang Shaopeng , Hu Yimin , Gao Wangsheng , Chen Yuanquan
Published: February 2023

Science and technology innovation are crucial components underpinning agriculture. We constructed an evaluation framework including 4 pillars and 21 indicators, taking 31 provinces in China as examples to examine the level of agriculture science and technology development from a regional perspective. We found that there is an obvious gap between east and west nationwide, and that only about half of the provinces have reached the high and medium levels. It was worth noting that the innovation conditions in Shanghai and Beijing presented huge advantages, of vital importance to a first-class talent team, a complete innovation system, a stable and prosperous market, and active exchanges and cooperation. In addition, to maximize the transformation of agricultural science and technology achievements into real productivity, local government should also strengthen the construction of agricultural research and innovation platforms, technology transfer, and transformation of results. The findings advance understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the evaluation subjects’ agricultural science and technology development from a regional perspective and are expected to provide some basis for the government and stakeholders to make relevant decisions.
Detection of Soybean Insect Pest and a Forecasting Platform Using Deep Learning with Unmanned Ground Vehicles
Authors: Park Yu-Hyeon , Choi Sung Hoon , Kwon Yeon-Ju , Kwon Soon-Wook , Kang Yang Jae , Jun Tae-Hwan
Published: February 2023

Soybeans (Glycine max (L.) Merr.), a popular food resource worldwide, have various uses throughout the industry, from everyday foods and health functional foods to cosmetics. Soybeans are vulnerable to pests such as stink bugs, beetles, mites, and moths, which reduce yields. Riptortus pedestris (R. pedestris) has been reported to cause damage to pods and leaves throughout the soybean growing season. In this study, an experiment was conducted to detect R. pedestris according to three different environmental conditions (pod filling stage, maturity stage, artificial cage) by developing a surveillance platform based on an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) GoPro CAM. Deep learning technology (MRCNN, YOLOv3, Detectron2)-based models used in this experiment can be quickly challenged (i.e., built with lightweight parameter) immediately through a web application. The image dataset was distributed by random selection for training, validation, and testing and then preprocessed by labeling the image for annotation. The deep learning model localized and classified the R. pedestris individuals through a bounding box and masking in the image data. The model achieved high performances, at 0.952, 0.716, and 0.873, respectively, represented through the calculated means of average precision (mAP) value. The manufactured model will enable the identification of R. pedestris in the field and can be an effective tool for insect forecasting in the early stage of pest outbreaks in crop production.
Response of Biochemical Properties in Agricultural Soils Polluted with 4-Chloro-2-methylphenoxyacetic Acid (MCPA) under Severe Drought Conditions
Authors: Tejada Manuel , Toro Marina del , Paneque Patricia , Gómez Isidoro , Parrado Juan , Benítez Concepción
Published: February 2023

The soil moisture content can vary the behavior of biochemical activity and its incidence on herbicides. The objective of this manuscript was to assess, under controlled laboratory conditions, whether a prolonged 75-day drought can affect the behavior of 4-chloro-2-methylphenoxyacetic acid (MCPA) herbicide and biochemical properties in three agricultural soils (Typic Xerofluvent, SA, Typic Haploxeralf, SB, and Vertic Chromoxert, SC). During the 75 experimental days, two irrigation levels were maintained: (1) watered soils during this experimental period, and (2) non-watered soils, where no water was supplied during the experimental period. The evolution of the herbicide and the biochemical properties were different depending on the soil moisture status. In the SA, the biochemical properties decreased until day 35 after initiating the experiment, whereas in the SB and SC, the biochemical parameters decreased until days 25 and 45, respectively. The application of herbicide to the non-watered soil increased the inhibition of biochemical properties. In non-watered SA, MCPA degradation occurred at day 45 after initiating the experiment, whereas in SB and SC, MCPA degradation occurred at days 35 and 60 after starting the incubation process, respectively. These results suggest that the soil persistence of MCPA under drought conditions increases, and consequently increases soil contamination.
Evaluation of the Effect of Conventional and Stabilized Nitrogen Fertilizers on the Nutritional Status of Several Maize Cultivars (Zea mays L.) in Critical Growth Stages Using Plant Analysis
Authors: Szulc Piotr , Krauklis Daniel , Ambroży-Deręgowska Katarzyna , Wróbel Barbara , Zielewicz Waldemar , Niedbała Gniewko , Kardasz Przemysław , Niazian Mohsen
Published: February 2023

The study presents the results of a three year field trial aimed at assessing the nutritional status of maize in critical growth stages by means of a plant analysis in the cultivation of three maize cultivars differing in their agronomic and genetic profile. The main research problem was to demonstrate whether the availability of nitrogen from stabilized fertilizers for “stay-green” maize varieties is consistent with the dynamics of the demand for this component. This is very important from both the economic and agronomic aspect of maize cultivation. The research showed a significant response of the maize cultivars to different nitrogen fertilizer formulations, which was observed in the period from the five-leaf stage to the full flowering stage. The advantage of the fertilizer, UltraGran stabilo, over other nitrogen fertilizers in the BBCH 15 stage was demonstrated only for the cultivar, ES Metronom, which produced a greater aerial mass while maintaining the nitrogen concentration at the level of the other two maize cultivars. The nitrogen and potassium content shaped the kernel weight in the ear in the flowering stage, confirming the importance of the interaction of these two elements in forming this feature of maize as the main predictor of the grain yield. This trait (expressed by the R2 coefficient) manifested each year of the study, but especially in the years with optimal weather patterns (i.e., the first year). The response of the maize cultivars to nitrogen fertilizers, especially the cultivar, ES Metronom, was manifested by an increase in the content of nutrients and chlorophyll in the ear leaf, that is considered a predictive organ for grain yield. The fertilizers, Super N-46 and UltraGran stabilo, had a positive effect on the chlorophyll content (CCI parameter) and increased its efficiency of excitation energy transfer (the F0 parameter).
Calcium- and Magnesium-Enriched Organic Fertilizer and Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria Affect Soil Nutrient Availability, Plant Nutrient Uptake, and Secondary Metabolite Production in Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller) Grown under Field Conditions
Authors: Nikolaou Christina N. , Chatziartemiou Artemios , Tsiknia Myrto , Karyda Asimina Georgia , Ehaliotis Constantinos , Gasparatos Dionisios
Published: February 2023

This work investigates the effects of an organic fertilizer enriched in Ca and Mg and two bacterial inoculants, applied alone and in combination, on soil fertility, plant growth, nutrition, and production of secondary metabolites, namely, acemannan and total phenolic compounds (TPCs), by Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller), under field cultivation. The first inoculum consisted of five native bacterial strains (Pseudomonas sp., Enterobacter sp., and three strains of Pantoea sp.), characterized in vitro as putative plant growth promoters, isolated from local organic farming fields of Aloe vera. The second inoculant was a commercial product (BACTILIS-S and HUMOFERT) and consisted of three Bacillus species: B. pumilus, B. amyloliquefaciens, and B. subtilis. The organic fertilizer (HUMO-CAL M-8O) was a mixture of humic and fulvic acids, with an additional CaCO3 (40% w/w) and MgO (4% w/w). The most significant increase in the content of acemannan and TPCs was detected under single application of the organic fertilizer, which was linked to enhanced concentration of Mg and Ca in the leaf gel. The concentration of acemannan tended to be increased with the combined application of the organic fertilizer and microbial inoculants. TPCs were significantly increased in both single and combined treatments, seemingly related to Fe concentration in the leaf rinds.
Effects of Protein Supplementation Strategy and Genotype on Milk Production and Nitrogen Utilisation Efficiency in Late-Lactation, Spring-Calving Grazing Dairy Cows
Authors: Doran M. J. , Mulligan Finbar J. , Lynch Mary B. , Fahey Alan G. , Markiewicz-Keszycka Maria , Rajauria Gaurav , Pierce Karina M.
Published: February 2023

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of (1) protein supplementation strategy, (2) cow genotype and (3) an interaction between protein supplementation strategy and cow genotype on milk production and nitrogen (N) utilisation efficiency (milk N output/ total dietary N intake × 100; NUE) in late-lactation, spring-calving grazing dairy cows. A 2 × 2 factorial arrangement experiment, with two feeding strategies [13% (lower crude protein; LCP) and 18% CP (higher CP; HCP) supplements with equal metabolisable protein supply] offered at 3.6 kg dry matter/cow perday, and two cow genotype groups [lower milk genotype (LM) and higher milk genotype (HM)], was conducted over 53 days. Cows were offered 15 kg dry matter of grazed herbage/cow/day. Herbage intake was controlled using electric strip wires which allowed cows to graze their daily allocation-only. There was an interaction for herbage dry matter intake within cows offered HCP, where higher milk genotype (HM) cows had increased herbage dry matter intake (+0.58 kg) compared to lower milk genotype (LM) cows. Offering cows LCP decreased fat + protein yield (−110 g) compared to offering cows HCP. Offering cows LCP decreased the total feed N proportion that was recovered in the urine (−0.007 proportion units) and increased the total feed N proportion that was recovered in the faeces (+0.008 proportion units) compared to offering cows HCP. In conclusion, our study shows that reducing the supplementary CP concentration from 18% to 13% resulted in decreased milk production (−9.8%), reduced partitioning of total feed N to urine (−0.9%) and increased partitioning of total feed N to faeces (+14%) in late lactation, grazing dairy cows.
Effect of Different Activation Solutions and Protein Concentrations on Ide (Leuciscus idus) Sperm Motility Analysis with a CASA System
Authors: Cejko Beata Irena , Krejszeff Sławomir , Cejko Agata Anna , Dryl Katarzyna
Published: February 2023

The purpose of this study was to compare four activation solutions (AS)—Woynarovich, Lahnsteiner, Kucharczyk, and Perchec—with the addition of 0.5% bovine serum albumin (BSA) for ide (Leuciscus idus) sperm activation and analysis with a CASA system. It was found that ide sperm can be activated using each AS within a pH range of 7.4–9.0 and an osmolality range of 160–200 mOsm kg−1. The effect of Woynarovich and Perchec solutions supplemented with BSA and casein at concentrations of 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0% were also analyzed during the experiment. These two AS without protein supplementation (pure solutions) were the controls. Woynarovich and Perchec solutions supplemented with the minimum BSA concentration (i.e., 0.25%) significantly improved sperm motility (89.05% and 86.63%, respectively) compared to the controls (20.39 and 28.48%, respectively). Similar increases were also noted in progressively motile sperm (PRG, %), the curvilinear velocity of sperm (VCL, µm s−1), and the amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH, µm). A similar trend in CASA parameters was also noted when casein was added to Woynarovich and Perchec solutions at a concentration of 0.25%. We concluded that 0.25% doses of each of the proteins were sufficient to prevent sperm adhesion to glass slides, and they can be used in research on ide sperm motility measurements.
Identification of Appropriate Endogenous Controls for Circulating miRNA Quantification in Working Dogs under Physiological Stress Conditions
Authors: Guelfi Gabriella , Capaccia Camilla , Santoro Michele Matteo , Diverio Silvana
Published: February 2023

Cell-free miRNAs, called circulating miRNAs (cmiRNAs), can act in a paracrine manner by facilitating a diversity of signaling mechanisms between cells. Real-time qPCR is the most accepted method for quantifying miRNA expression levels. The use of stable miRNA endogenous control (EC) for qPCR data normalization allows an accurate cross-sample gene expression comparison. The appropriate selection of EC is a crucial step because qPCR data can change drastically when normalization is performed using an unstable versus a stable EC. To find EC cmiRNA with stable expression in search and rescue (SAR) working dogs, we explored the serum miRNome by Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) at T0 (resting state) and T1 immediately after SAR performance (state of physiologically recovered stress). The cmiRNAs selected in the NGS circulating miRNome as probable ECs were validated by qPCR, and miRNA stability was evaluated using the Delta Ct, BestKeeper, NormFinder, and GeNorm algorithms. Finally, RefFinder was used to rank the stability orders at both T0 and T1 by establishing miR-320 and miR-191 as the best-circulating ECs. We are confident that this study not only provides a helpful result in itself but also an experimental design for selecting the best endogenous controls to normalize gene expression for genes beyond circulating miRNAs.
Distribution of Multidrug-Resistant Invasive Serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae during the Period 2007–2021 in Madrid, Spain
Authors: de Miguel Sara , Pérez-Abeledo Marta , Ramos Belén , García Luis , Arce Araceli , Martínez-Arce Rodrigo , Yuste Jose , Sanz Juan Carlos
Published: February 2023

After the systematic use of conjugate vaccines, the invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) was included into the Madrid Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System through an Epidemiological Surveillance Network. Furthermore, Streptococcus pneumoniae was included in the Spanish Plan of Antibiotic Resistance. The aim of this study was to analyse the multidrug-resistant (MDR) phenotype distribution among invasive strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae isolated during 2007–2021 from usually sterile clinical samples in Madrid, Spain. A total number of 7133 invasive pneumococcal isolates were studied during the period from February 2007 to December 2021. Serotyping was characterised using the Pneumotest-Latex and by the Quellung reaction. Antibiotic susceptibility testing to penicillin (PEN), erythromycin (ERY), and levofloxacin (LVX) was performed using the E-test according to the EUCAST guidelines and breakpoints. Combination of non-susceptibility to PEN at standard dosing regimen (PNSSDR), resistance to ERY (ERYR) and to LVX (LVXR) was considered to be multidrug-resistant at standard dosing regimen of penicillin (MRPSDR), whereas the combination of resistance to PEN (PENR), ERYR, and LVXR was considered multidrug-resistant (MDR). The number of MDRPSDR and or MDR strains in the entire population (n = 7133) during the complete period (2007–2021) were 51 (0.7%) and 6 (0.1%), respectively. All MDRPSDR and/or MDR strains belonged to nine serotypes: 19A (n = 13), 15A (n = 12), 9V (n = 12), 14 (n = 7), 24F (n = 3), 15F (n = 1), 19F (n = 1), 6B (n = 1) and 6C (n = 1). Only two serotypes (9V and 19A) were found among MDR strains, and most of them (5/6) belonged to serotype 9V. Only 12.4% of the strains typified as serotype 9V were MDRPSDR and only 5.2% as MDR. The levels of pneumococcal MDRPSDR and/or MDR in this study were low and all six MDR strains were isolated between 2014 and 2018. These results reinforce the importance of monitoring the evolution of non-susceptible serotypes including those with MDR in the coming years, especially after the introduction of new conjugate vaccines of a broader spectrum.
The Major Facilitator Superfamily and Antimicrobial Resistance Efflux Pumps of the ESKAPEE Pathogen Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Stephen Jerusha , Salam Fathima , Lekshmi Manjusha , Kumar Sanath H. , Varela Manuel F.
Published: February 2023

The ESKAPEE bacterial pathogen Staphylococcus aureus has posed a serious public health concern for centuries. Throughout its evolutionary course, S. aureus has developed strains with resistance to antimicrobial agents. The bacterial pathogen has acquired multidrug resistance, causing, in many cases, untreatable infectious diseases and raising serious public safety and healthcare concerns. Amongst the various mechanisms for antimicrobial resistance, integral membrane proteins that serve as secondary active transporters from the major facilitator superfamily constitute a chief system of multidrug resistance. These MFS transporters actively export structurally different antimicrobial agents from the cells of S. aureus. This review article discusses the S. aureus-specific MFS multidrug efflux pump systems from a molecular mechanistic perspective, paying particular attention to structure–function relationships, modulation of antimicrobial resistance mediated by MFS drug efflux pumps, and direction for future investigation.
Melatonin as Modulator for Sulfur and Nitrogen Mustard-Induced Inflammation, Oxidative Stress and DNA Damage: Molecular Therapeutics
Authors: Ramos Eva , Gil-Martín Emilio , De Los Ríos Cristóbal , Egea Javier , López-Muñoz Francisco , Pita René , Juberías Antonio , Torrado Juan J. , Serrano Dolores R. , Reiter Russel J. , Romero Alejandro
Published: February 2023

Sulfur and nitrogen mustards, bis(2-chloroethyl)sulfide and tertiary bis(2-chloroethyl) amines, respectively, are vesicant warfare agents with alkylating activity. Moreover, oxidative/nitrosative stress, inflammatory response induction, metalloproteinases activation, DNA damage or calcium disruption are some of the toxicological mechanisms of sulfur and nitrogen mustard-induced injury that affects the cell integrity and function. In this review, we not only propose melatonin as a therapeutic option in order to counteract and modulate several pathways involved in physiopathological mechanisms activated after exposure to mustards, but also for the first time, we predict whether metabolites of melatonin, cyclic-3-hydroxymelatonin, N1-acetyl-N2-formyl-5-methoxykynuramine, and N1-acetyl-5-methoxykynuramine could be capable of exerting a scavenger action and neutralize the toxic damage induced by these blister agents. NLRP3 inflammasome is activated in response to a wide variety of infectious stimuli or cellular stressors, however, although the precise mechanisms leading to activation are not known, mustards are postulated as activators. In this regard, melatonin, through its anti-inflammatory action and NLRP3 inflammasome modulation could exert a protective effect in the pathophysiology and management of sulfur and nitrogen mustard-induced injury. The ability of melatonin to attenuate sulfur and nitrogen mustard-induced toxicity and its high safety profile make melatonin a suitable molecule to be a part of medical countermeasures against blister agents poisoning in the near future.
Investigation of Paraoxonase-1 Genotype and Enzyme-Kinetic Parameters in the Context of Cognitive Impairment in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Petrič Boštjan , Redenšek Trampuž Sara , Dolžan Vita , Gregorič Kramberger Milica , Trošt Maja , Maraković Nikola , Goličnik Marko , Bavec Aljoša
Published: February 2023

Cognitive impairment is a common non-motor symptom of Parkinson’s disease (PD), which often progresses to PD dementia. PD patients with and without dementia may differ in certain biochemical parameters, which could thus be used as biomarkers for PD dementia. The enzyme paraoxonase 1 (PON1) has previously been investigated as a potential biomarker in the context of other types of dementia. In a cohort of PD patients, we compared a group of 89 patients with cognitive impairment with a group of 118 patients with normal cognition. We determined the kinetic parameters Km and Vmax for PON1 for the reaction with dihydrocoumarin and the genotype of four single nucleotide polymorphisms in PON1. We found that no genotype or kinetic parameter correlated significantly with cognitive impairment in PD patients. However, we observed associations between PON1 rs662 and PON1 Km (p < 10−10), between PON1 rs662 and PON1 Vmax (p = 9.33 × 10−7), and between PON1 rs705379 and PON1 Vmax (p = 2.21 × 10−10). The present study is novel in three main aspects. (1) It is the first study to investigate associations between the PON1 genotype and enzyme kinetics in a large number of subjects. (2) It is the first study to report kinetic parameters of PON1 in a large number of subjects and to use time-concentration progress curves instead of initial velocities to determine Km and Vmax in a clinical context. (3) It is also the first study to calculate enzyme-kinetic parameters in a clinical context with a new algorithm for data point removal from progress curves, dubbed iFIT. Although our results suggest that in the context of PD, there is no clinically useful correlation between cognitive status on the one hand and PON1 genetic and enzyme-kinetic parameters on the other hand, this should not discourage future investigation into PON1’s potential associations with other types of dementia.
Universally Composable Oblivious Transfer with Low Communication
Authors: Song Jiashuo , Wang Dongfei , Zhang Zhenzhen , Li Zhenzhen , Ding Haiyang , Li Zichen
Published: February 2023

In this paper, a universally composable 1-out-of-N oblivious transfer protocol with low communication is built. This protocol obtained full simulation security based on the modulo learning with rounding (Mod-LWR) assumption. It can achieve universally composable security in the random oracle machine (ROM) model by combining random OT based on the key exchange protocol with the authentication encryption algorithm. It can be proven to resist static adversary attacks by simulating all corruption cases. Based on computer simulation and detailed mathematical derivation, this protocol was practicable and had better efficiency and lower communication.
Service Process Problem-Solving Based on Flow Trimming
Authors: Zhonghang Bai , Siyue Lin , Xu Zhang
Published: February 2023

Since entering the era of the experience economy, consumers’ attention gradually turns toward gaining a pleasant service process experience. This study addresses the service process problem, aiming to discover the root cause of the service process problem and solve it by analyzing the service touchpoints flow delivery process. A method for solving problems in the service process based on flow trimming is proposed. The trimming method and the stochastic dominance rule are applied to the field of service design, which provides new concepts for service process problem solving. The flow is taken as the entry point of the proposed method. First, a flow model of problematic service touchpoints is constructed based on the service blueprint method to visualize the flow delivery process. Then, service process trimming rules are proposed and used as guidance to trim flow disadvantages, and resource analysis is employed to obtain specific programs. Finally, the stochastic dominance rule is used to rank the programs and select the optimal program. Problem solving in the medical treatment service process was taken as an example to trim the fundamental flow disadvantages of problematic service touchpoints. A series of programs were obtained and the optimal program was selected for presentation based on the stochastic dominance rule, which verified the feasibility of the proposed method.
Evaluation of the Effects of Different Packaging Materials on the Quality Attributes of the Tomato Fruit
Authors: Dladla Sandile Sifiso , Workneh Tilahun Seyoum
Published: February 2023

Post-harvest loss continues to be a significant problem in the food industry. Different packaging materials, designed to reduce fruit damage, are anticipated for various applications in the supply chain. Recently, stamped paper (SP) and expandable polystyrene (EPS) trays have been introduced as tomato retail packaging. Although the combination of paper trays and clear plastic are still not 100% biodegradable packaging, they are promising alternatives to the heavy utilisation of petrochemical-based polymers. This study investigated the effects of different packaging materials and storage conditions on the ‘Nema-Netta’ tomatoes’ quality attributes. The treatments consisted of a stamped paper (SP) + polyvinyl chloride (PVC), expandable polystyrene (EPS) + polyvinyl chloride (PVC), stamped paper (SP)+ flow wrap, expandable polystyrene (EPS) + flow wrap, polypropylene (PP), and unpackaged tomatoes stored at cold and ambient conditions. Firmness, physiological weight loss (PWL), pH value, titratable acidity (TA) and total sugars were evaluated at seven-day intervals, over 28 days. Temperature and relative humidity at cold storage ranged between 8–12 °C, 78–80% RH and 22–26 °C, 68–72% RH at ambient storage conditions. The packaging and storage conditions significantly affected the PWL, firmness, pH, TA and total sugars. Samples in the EPS Tray combined with the PVC wrap at cold storage maintained the quality of the tomatoes better than the other packaging. The combination of packaging and cold storage created an ideal environment for maintaining the quality of tomatoes. The relative differences between EPS Tray + PVC (non-biodegradable) and SP Tray + PVC (biodegradable) were less than 5% in multiple tests.
Management of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Hospitalized Patients
Authors: Khalid Abdullah , Mukundan Tanvi H. , Khalid Raeesa , Pusalavidyasagar Snigdha , Khan Akram
Published: February 2023

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is highly prevalent in the general population. In addition, patients with comorbid OSA are frequently hospitalized for unrelated conditions. This review focuses on managing patients with comorbid OSA in inpatient and acute care settings for inpatient providers. OSA can impact the length of stay, the risk of intubation, the transfer to the intensive care unit, and mortality. Screening questionnaires such as STOP-BANG can help with screening hospitalized patients at admission. High-risk patients can also undergo additional screening with overnight pulse oximetry, which can be used to guide management. Options for empiric treatment include supplemental oxygen, continuous positive airway pressure therapy (CPAP), auto adjusting-PAP, bilevel positive airway pressure therapy (BPAP), or high-flow nasal cannula. In addition, discharge referral to a board-certified sleep physician may help improve these patients’ long-term outcomes and decrease readmission risks.
Class Imbalanced Medical Image Classification Based on Semi-Supervised Federated Learning
Authors: Liu Wei , Mo Jiaqing , Zhong Furu
Published: February 2023

In recent years, the application of federated learning to medical image classification has received much attention and achieved some results in the study of semi-supervised problems, but there are problems such as the lack of thorough study of labeled data, and serious model degradation in the case of small batches in the face of the data category imbalance problem. In this paper, we propose a federated learning method using a combination of regularization constraints and pseudo-label construction, where the federated learning framework consists of a central server and local clients containing only unlabeled data, and labeled data are passed from the central server to each local client to take part in semi-supervised training. We first extracted the class imbalance factors from the labeled data to participate in the training to achieve label constraints, and secondly fused the labeled data with the unlabeled data at the local client to construct augmented samples, looped through to generate pseudo-labels. The purpose of combining these two methods is to select fewer classes with higher probability, thus providing an effective solution to the class imbalance problem and improving the sensitivity of the network to unlabeled data. We experimentally validated our method on a publicly available medical image classification data set consisting of 10,015 images with small batches of data. Our method improved the AUC by 7.35% and the average class sensitivity by 1.34% compared to the state-of-the-art methods, which indicates that our method maintains a strong learning capability even with an unbalanced data set with fewer batches of trained models.
Using Interchangeably the Extended Kalman Filter and Geodetic Robust Adjustment Methods to Increase the Accuracy of Surface Vehicle Positioning in the Coastal Zone
Authors: Naus Krzysztof , Szymak Piotr
Published: February 2023

This paper presents a study to evaluate the comparative positioning accuracy of Surface Vehicle (SV) using Dead Reckoning (DR), Geodetic Least-Squares Adjustment (GLSA), Geodetic Robust Adjustment (GRA), and External Kalman Filter (EKF) methods. This involved simulating the results of navigational measurements subject to errors (including gross errors) used to position the SV swimming along a given trajectory in the vicinity of three beacons. We showed an apparent increase in the SV positioning accuracy, from approximately 9 m of Root Mean Square (RMS) obtained by DR and GLSA methods, to approximately 2 m (RMS), achieved using GRA and EKF methods. We also showed that, by interchanging GRA and EKF methods, it is still possible to increase the positioning accuracy of the SV up to 1.14 m (RMS). However, such an interchange should occur after the experimentally determined limit of the mean error of the position coordinates estimated by the GRA method has been exceeded.
Application of the Methods of Monitoring and Detecting the Belt Mistracking in Laboratory Conditions
Authors: Dąbek Przemysław , Wróblewski Adam , Wodecki Jacek , Bortnowski Piotr , Ozdoba Maksymilian , Król Robert , Zimroz Radosław
Published: February 2023

Belt mistracking is one of the most dangerous and costly failures of belt conveyors. This phenomenon can lead to complete damage to the conveyor belt, increased demand for electricity from the drive, accelerated wear of route elements, and poses a fire hazard. The article presents the most important causes and ways to detect belt mistracking. Based on the tests carried out at the laboratory test rig, the mechanical and operating parameters of the electric drive of conveyor operation burdened with the problem of lateral running off for the tested belt were compared. The mistracking causes a sudden, differentiated increase in the resistance to movement of the machine, which directly affects the recorded values of forces in the drive system and tensioning mechanism and increases the electrical energy consumption of the drive motor. Belt run monioring based on these parameters is not precise, because there are many other factors on the conveyor route, potentially responsible for the increase in recorded currents and forces. The paper presents an analysis of the possibility of using three, non-contact methods directly monitoring the lateral run-off of the belt, based on vibration measurements of conveyor pulley bearing, RGB images, thermal imaging and measuring the compressive force on the tensioning device.
Photothermal Determination of the Surface Treatment of Cd1-xBexTe Mixed Crystals
Authors: Zakrzewski Jacek , Strzałkowski Karol , Boumhamdi Mohammed , Marasek Agnieszka , Abouais Ali , Kamiński Daniel M.
Published: February 2023

Cd1−xBexTe, a new material with potential for X-ray and γ-ray detectors, was analyzed by photothermal piezoelectric spectroscopy. The samples were tested depending on beryllium content and surface preparation. The main aim of the measurements was to extract the energy gap values, which were found for x = 0.01, 0.03, 0.05, and 0.1. It was shown that mechanical (polishing) and chemical (etching) treatment strongly influenced the amplitude and phase spectra of CdBeTe crystals. Piezoelectric spectroscopy allowed for comparing the quality of preparation of both surfaces for a single sample. The sub-surface damaged layer that was created as a result of surface processing had different thermal parameters than the bulk part of the sample. It was responsible for the additional peaks in the amplitude spectrum and changes in the phase spectrum of the photothermal signal. Two different methods of sample etching were analyzed. One completely quenched the signal, and the other did not eliminate the defects present on the surface after the cutting process. The article presents the preliminary interpretation of experimental data using the modified Blonskij model.
Efficacy Assessment of a Pulsed-Type Bipolar Radiofrequency Microneedling Device for Treating Facial Acne Vulgaris Using a Skin-Color Imaging System: A Pilot Study
Authors: Seul Tae Woong , Park Jong Heon , Kim Jae Young , Ryu Hwa Jung
Published: February 2023

Facial acne vulgaris with post-inflammatory erythema is one of the most common problems encountered in dermatologic clinics. It can leave hypertrophic scars and cause psychological problems. Thus, effective therapeutic interventions are needed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a pulsed-type bipolar radiofrequency (RF) device for treating acne and post-inflammatory erythema. Eighteen patients who had been diagnosed with acne underwent three sessions of bipolar RF treatment at 4 week intervals. Efficacy was assessed based on the number of acne lesions and the total area of lesions. Acne lesion count and area were determined by color correction using the Viola–Jones algorithm after converting the photos into a CIELAB image and extracting the area higher than the erythema threshold from the A* channel. Most patients showed significant clinical improvement after the treatments. Acne lesion counts of the forehead, left malar, right malar, and total areas of the left malar and right malar were decreased significantly after sessions (all p < 0.05). Adverse effects such as pinpoint bleeding and pain were noted. However, they were transient and not severe enough to stop treatment. Thus, such pulsed-type bipolar radiofrequency microneedling is a safe and effective treatment for acne and post-inflammatory erythema.
Novel Dose of Natrium Chloride and Soil Concentration in Reducing Medical Waste Bacteria before Incineration
Authors: Marsum Marsum , Rajiani Ismi
Published: February 2023

If it is not adequately managed, the waste from healthcare facilities containing infectious material poses a risk to the general public and the natural environment. As a result, hospitals must ensure that their waste management policies do not add to the dangers posed to both human health and the environment. In this study, we aimed to determine the effect that varying doses of disinfectant in conjunction with andosol soil had on the total number of bacteria present in the medical waste generated by three hospitals in Semarang City, Indonesia. According to the findings of the study, the most efficient method for decreasing the overall number of microbial colonies by 93% was a combination involving soil (at a percentage of 30) and chlorine (at a concentration of 0.75 ppm). As a consequence of this, and due to the limited technology available, this straightforward method can become an alternative for the healthcare industry in managing medical waste before dumping or incinerating it. Hospitals have been advised to discontinue the practice of directly burning, disinfecting, or transporting waste to disposal locations before it receives treatment. This can help reduce the risk of pandemics, as the correct disposal of medical waste can control infection sources.
Deer or Horses with Antlers? Wooden Figures Adorning Herders in the Altai
Authors: Rubinson Karen S. , Linduff Katheryn M.
Published: February 2023

Among the burials of horse herders who lived in the 4th–3rd centuries BCE Altai Mountains of South Siberia were some that contained small wooden figures of four-legged hoofed animals that represent horses, deer, or hybrid creatures. They decorated headgear buried with select commoners of the Pazyryk Culture. Although the people, material possessions, and horses of the elites were frequently ornamented with imagery often associated with the so-called Scytho-Siberian animal style, these figurines are generally more realistic and less stylized representations of natural creatures, either cervids or horses. There is, however, ambiguity in these representations; in some cases, figures that are horses have inset recesses on the tops of their heads, in addition to holes for ear inserts. This recalls the elaborate headdresses on some horses outfitted with large displays of antlers or horns made of wood, leather, and felt buried with the Pazyryk leaders. The implication of this ambiguity is explored here. Horses were “cultural capital and tokens of clout” (see Andreeva Introduction, this volume) in the Pazyryk Culture, as well as the base of the economy. Deer were foundational to older belief systems in Siberia. The commingling of horse, mountain goat/ibex, and deer features in Pazyryk Culture imagery has inspired this study.
Using Low-Cost Sensors for Measuring and Monitoring Particulate Matter with a Focus on Fine and Ultrafine Particles
Authors: Kirešová Simona , Guzan Milan , Sobota Branislav
Published: February 2023

The paper deals with the measurement of individual size components of particulate matter focusing on typical particle size, mass, and number concentrations primarily in the city of Košice (Slovak republic) and the surrounding countryside. The deployment of the sensor IPS-7100 in the 2nd half of December 2022 allowed us to measure the particles smaller than the detection limit of other low-cost optical sensors—namely SPS30 and SEN54. The results show that although the mass concentration of ultrafine particles is negligible in comparison to fine and coarse particles, in terms of number concentration ultrafine particles make up the dominant component of particulate matter, which stands as a warning from the health point of view.
Spatiotemporal Variations in PM2.5 Concentration in Different Areas of Bus Cabin: A Case Study in Shenzhen, China
Authors: Huang Jiacheng , Huang Zhengdong , Zhang Ying
Published: February 2023

Inhalable particulate pollution has adverse effects on human health. Many studies have been conducted to investigate levels and risks of exposure to particulate pollution in public transit, but scant attention has been paid to variations in the pollution levels among different positions inside the cabin. Differences can be observed among different positions inside transit vehicles, like passenger density and activities, which may lead to differentiated exposure risks between different positions. Therefore, this study investigates the level of PM2.5 concentrations and the spatiotemporal variations among three different positions (front, middle, and rear) inside the cabin during bus travel. The three positions represent the three areas inside the bus cabin, i.e., front area (FA), middle area (MA), and rear area (RA). We developed a portable monitoring system for in-cabin measurements, which consists of a mobile device with the designated app, a PM2.5 collecting device, and a temperature-relative humidity monitor. Surveys were carried out on buses of a route in Shenzhen, China, which include inbound and outbound trips during both morning and evening peaks of two working days. Based on spatial and temporal information embedded in data collection devices, PM2.5 concentration data were spatially and temporally referenced. Comparative and descriptive statistical analyses were employed to examine the differences and variations in PM2.5 concentration among the areas inside the bus cabin. There are three major findings. First, for all of the surveyed trips, FA showed the highest and RA showed the lowest PM2.5 concentration. Second, concerning the average pollution level of route segments along the routes, the PM2.5 concentrations in the three cabin areas were higher during inbound trips than during outbound trips. Third, within route segments, PM2.5 concentrations in FA and MA increased rapidly after the bus stopped at stops, and then gradually decreased, while in RA they were relatively stable. In general, a higher level of passenger density increased in-cabin PM2.5 concentration. The findings of our study could provide insight into improving the bus in-cabin microenvironment, such as the seating arrangement for vulnerable passengers.
Atmospheric Boundary Layer and Free Atmosphere: Dynamics, Physical Processes, and Measuring Methods
Authors: Shikhovtsev Artem Y. , Kovadlo Pavel G.
Published: February 2023

The article presents the main conclusions obtained in the special issue “Atmospheric Boundary Layer and Free Atmosphere: Dynamics, Physical Processes, and Measuring Methods”. The average meteorological quantities as well as the turbulent characteristics in different atmospheric conditions are considered.
A New Wrist–Forearm Rehabilitation Protocol Integrating Human Biomechanics and SVM-Based Machine Learning for Muscle Fatigue Estimation
Authors: Bouteraa Yassine , Abdallah Ismail Ben , Boukthir Khalil
Published: February 2023

In this research, a new remote rehabilitation system was developed that integrates an IoT-based connected robot intended for wrist and forearm rehabilitation. In fact, the mathematical model of the wrist and forearm joints was developed and integrated into the main controller. The proposed new rehabilitation protocol consists of three main sessions: the first is dedicated to the extraction of the passive components of the dynamic model of wrist–forearm biomechanics while the active components are extracted in the second session. The third session consists of performing continuous exercises using the determined dynamic model of the forearm–wrist joints, taking into account the torque generated by muscle fatigue. The main objective of this protocol is to determine the state level of the affected wrist and above all to provide a dynamic model in which the torque generated by the robot and the torque supplied by the patient are combined, taking into account the constraints of fatigue. A Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier is designed for the estimation of muscle fatigue based on the features extracted from the electromyography (EMG) signal acquired from the patient. The results show that the developed rehabilitation system allows a good progression of the joint’s range of motion as well as the resistive-active torques.
The Emerging Role of Epigenetics in Metabolism and Endocrinology
Authors: Sibuh Belay , Quazi Sameer , Panday Hrithika , Parashar Ritika , Jha Niraj , Mathur Runjhun , Jha Saurabh , Taneja Pankaj , Jha Abhimanyu
Published: February 2023

Each cell in a multicellular organism has its own phenotype despite sharing the same genome. Epigenetics is a somatic, heritable pattern of gene expression or cellular phenotype mediated by structural changes in chromatin that occur without altering the DNA sequence. Epigenetic modification is an important factor in determining the level and timing of gene expression in response to endogenous and exogenous stimuli. There is also growing evidence concerning the interaction between epigenetics and metabolism. Accordingly, several enzymes that consume vital metabolites as substrates or cofactors are used during the catalysis of epigenetic modification. Therefore, altered metabolism might lead to diseases and pathogenesis, including endocrine disorders and cancer. In addition, it has been demonstrated that epigenetic modification influences the endocrine system and immune response-related pathways. In this regard, epigenetic modification may impact the levels of hormones that are important in regulating growth, development, reproduction, energy balance, and metabolism. Altering the function of the endocrine system has negative health consequences. Furthermore, endocrine disruptors (EDC) have a significant impact on the endocrine system, causing the abnormal functioning of hormones and their receptors, resulting in various diseases and disorders. Overall, this review focuses on the impact of epigenetics on the endocrine system and its interaction with metabolism.
Do Amino Acid Antiporters Have Asymmetric Substrate Specificity?
Authors: Gauthier-Coles Gregory , Fairweather Stephen J. , Bröer Angelika , Bröer Stefan
Published: February 2023

Amino acid antiporters mediate the 1:1 exchange of groups of amino acids. Whether substrate specificity can be different for the inward and outward facing conformation has not been investigated systematically, although examples of asymmetric transport have been reported. Here we used LC–MS to detect the movement of 12C- and 13C-labelled amino acid mixtures across the plasma membrane of Xenopus laevis oocytes expressing a variety of amino acid antiporters. Differences of substrate specificity between transporter paralogs were readily observed using this method. Our results suggest that antiporters are largely symmetric, equalizing the pools of their substrate amino acids. Exceptions are the antiporters y+LAT1 and y+LAT2 where neutral amino acids are co-transported with Na+ ions, favouring their import. For the antiporters ASCT1 and ASCT2 glycine acted as a selective influx substrate, while proline was a selective influx substrate of ASCT1. These data show that antiporters can display non-canonical modes of transport.