bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electronic Shooting Simulator Family "STrIzh": Implementation Levels and Free Software Structure
Authors: Egorov S. F.
Published: December 2023

Development of rifle electronic simulators (i.e. for hand weapons and not using ammunition) is an important task, since the production of any type of small arms according to regulatory documents also requires the production of a simulator to instill aiming and firing skills. A family of electronic shooting simulators "STrIzh" of four levels of implementation: initial, basic, professional and special is described. Structural diagrams of different configurations are given, functional purpose and capabilities of each level of simulators are shown. The initial level allows independent assemble the simulator from publicly available elements (laptop, webcam, weapon layouts, IR LEDs), which can contribute to widespread use both in schools and at home, but is low in accuracy and manufacturabili (requires daily calibration). The basic level also allows independent assemble the simulator, and less publicly available elements (laptop, projector, mockup weapons, laser emitters, FHD camera), which allows to be used both in schools and in DOSAAF structures, and has acceptable accuracy and manufacturability (a weekly calibration is enough, but assembling a mock-up weapon with laser emitters requires adjustments). It is recommended to limit the special level to virtual reality simulators, including a helmet with a smartphone and a mockup of a weapon with its smartphone which also contributes to its public availability and widespread use. The simulator software algorithm should fully support all implementation levels with different configurations and include a multimedia shooting training system. Mathematical models of external ballistics of thrown equipment for Kalashnikov assault rifle, Makarov pistol, hand-held anti-tank grenade launcher 7 products are described in detail, taking into account changes in atmospheric factors (temperature, air pressure, wind force) and dispersion of various types of ammunition. The above review of rifle simulators and their experience revealed the main trends of improvement – use of virtual reality and training not only direct shooting skills, but also training in the eligibility of the use of weapons, safe handling of them and even tactical interaction in the group.
Modern Means of Ensuring Safety During the Upward Movement of the Elevator Car and When it Stops in the Floor Area
Authors: Kutsepolenko A. V. , Antonevich A. I. , Nepsha D. V.
Published: December 2023

Elevators are potentially dangerous objects and, despite the fairly high safety of modern elevators, which is regulated by industrial safety rules, State Standards and manufacturer’s instructions, the requirements for elevators are constantly becoming more stringent. According to clause 5.6.1.1 (b) and clause 5.6.6 of GOST [All-Union State Standard] 33984.1–2016, it is required to prevent overspeeding when moving the cabin in both directions (up and down). To meet this requirement, elevators can be equipped with two single-acting speed limiters, one of which activates single-acting safety devices located on the car, and the second on the elevator counterweight. However, this solution leads to duplication of the safety system (in addition to two speed limiters and safety catches, two tensioners, two speed limiter ropes and a double number of limit switches are additionally required). This can only be justified in cases where there are used premises under the pit of the elevator shaft, for example an underground parking lot. This paper discusses elevator safety devices that meet the new requirements of modern domestic and foreign standards (EN 81–20:2014): double-acting safety devices and speed limiters, a system for preventing unintentional movement of the car (counterweight). Catchers and a speed limiter are interconnected devices that prevent the cabin (counterweight) from falling in the event of a break or when the supporting ropes are weakened, and also stop the cabin (counterweight) if the speed is unacceptable. However, as practice has shown, cases of uncontrolled upward movements of the elevator and while the elevator is parked with open doors are possible. This leads to accidents and injuries to passengers. The proposed designs of the limiter and catcher allow this to be avoided. Recommendations are proposed for modernizing old elevators, and, as a result, increasing their level of safety.
Atlantic expansion of the pink shrimp Penaeus (Farfantepenaeus) notialis Pérez Farfante, 1967 (Crustacea, Decapoda, Penaeidae) to the southernmost coast of Europe
Authors: Ortegon Enrique Gonzalez , de Carvalho-Souza Gustavo F. , Muñoz Isabel , Gómez Cristóbal Lobato , Arana Diego , Cuesta Jose A.
Published: December 2023

The present study reports the occurrence of several specimens of the penaeid shrimp Penaeus (Farfantepenaeus) notialis in the Gulf of Cadiz (Spain). The southern pink shrimp is a penaeid original from east and west Atlantic tropical coastal waters. New observations of tropical species in temperate waters have increased in the last twenty years. This species may have been able to expand successfully northward to European waters, probably favored by global warming, although an accidental introduction by ballast waters cannot be completely discharged. The widespread presence of African biota, such as P. notialis in the Gulf of Cadiz ecosystem underscores the necessity of establishing a long-term monitoring program that focuses on this and other currently established non-native species.
Anti-Biofilm Properties of Laser-Synthesized, Ultrapure Silver-Gold-Alloy Nanoparticles against Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Heine Nils , Doll-Nikutta Katharina , Stein Frederic , Jakobi Jurij , Ingendoh-Tsakmakidis Alexandra , Rehbock Christoph , Winkel Andreas , Barcikowski Stephan , Stiesch Meike
Published: December 2023

Staphylococcus aureus biofilm-associated infections are a common complication in modern medicine. Due to inherent resilience of biofilms to antibiotics and the rising number of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains, new treatment options are required. For this purpose, ultrapure, spherical silver-gold-alloy nanoparticles with homogenous elemental distribution were synthesized by laser ablation in liquids and analyzed for their antibacterial activity on different stages of S. aureus biofilm formation as well as for different viability parameters. First, the effect of nanoparticles against planktonic bacteria was tested with metabolic activity measurements. Next, nanoparticles were incubated with differently matured S. aureus biofilms, which were then analyzed by metabolic activity measurements and three dimensional live/dead fluorescent staining to determine biofilm volume and membrane integrity. It could be shown that AgAu NPs exhibit antibacterial properties against planktonic bacteria but also against early-stage and even mature biofilms, with a complete diffusion through the biofilm matrix. Furthermore, AgAu NPs primarily targeted metabolic activity, to a smaller extend membrane integrity, but not the biofilm volume. Additional molecular analyses using qRT-PCR confirmed the influence on different metabolic pathways, like glycolysis, stress response and biofilm formation. As this shows clear similarities to the mechanism of pure silver ions, the results strengthen silver ions to be the major antibacterial agent of the synthesized nanoparticles. In summary, the results of this study provide initial evidence of promising anti-biofilm characteristics of silver-gold-alloy nanoparticles and support the importance of further translation-oriented analyses in the future.
Analysis of nonlinear dynamic characteristics of planetary gears considering the influence of wear and temperature effects
Authors: wang jungang , Bi Xincheng , Luo Zijie , Mo Ruina , Yi Yong
Published: December 2023

The phenomenon of gear backlash is observed to increase as the planetary gears undergo wear, leading to an exacerbation of vibrations within the gear gearbox system. This heightened wear further contributes to the generation of substantial heat, consequently causing an elevation in temperature. As a consequence, the thermal deformation of the gear occurs, thereby affecting its capacity to effectively transmit power. This study presents the development of a nonlinear dynamic model for a gear system, incorporating the influence of wear and temperature. The model is constructed by integrating the Archard wear model with the thermal deformation idea. The present work investigates the influence of wear and temperature on the nonlinear dynamic characteristics of a gear system using a range of analytical techniques, such as bifurcation diagrams, Maximum Lyapunov index charts, phase diagrams, and Poincare cross section diagrams. The results suggest that there is a shift in the system's behaviors from displaying multi-period movement to single-period movement as the temperature rise increases, with wear reduction being the driving factor. As the magnitude of wear increases, the system exhibits a transition from chaotic motion to periodic motion as the temperature rises.
Investigation on the Impact of Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) on Climate Research: Case Study in Malaysia
Authors: TUKIMAT NURUL NADRAH AQILAH , Azman Azreen Harina , Othman Ahmad Saifuddin , Abu Nor Nabila , Rahmat Siti Nazahiyah , Kasmin Hartini , Sah Samera Samsuddin
Published: December 2023

This study evaluated the role of RCPs as a significant development in the climate research. RCP presents different scenarios based on specific radiation forcing that would lead to the climate formulations known as RCP2.6 (2.6W/m2), RCP4.5 (4.5W/m2) and RCP8.5 (8.5W/m2). In recent years, Malaysia has conducted climate research using Fourth Assessment Report (AR4) under the A1B scenario. To address the AR4's flaws, these situations had been updated, and the Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) had been launched since 2014. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to investigate the impact of RCPs on the climate generation and to identify the suitable radiation level for Malaysia. The study used statistical climate model (SDSM) as a climate driver to downscale the long-term local climates with regard to the possible emission changes in the local weather. According to the findings, 4 out of 10 states agreed that the RCP2.6 had a good association to the regional climate with higher R (> 0.8) and lower %MAE (< 23%). This result demonstrated that the RCPs plays a main role in the long-term climate assessment.
Electrochemical ohmic memristors for continual learning
Authors: Valov Ilia , Chen Shaochuan , Yang Zhen , Hartmann Heinrich , Besmehn Astrid , Yang Yuchao
Published: December 2023

Developing versatile and reliable memristive devices is crucial for advancing future memory and computing architectures. The years of intensive research have still not reached and demonstrated their full horizon of capabilities, and new concepts are essential for successfully using the complete spectra of memristive functionalities in industrial applications. The physicochemical complexity of these nanoscale systems makes control over performance and functionalities difficult where fundamental interactions and mechanisms are not fully understood. Here, we report on the discovery of a new switching mechanism that in contrast to other memristive devices uses low-work-function electrodes to create metal/oxide interfaces with minimal Schottky barrier heights. The novel two-terminal Ohmic memristor operation is based entirely on localized electrochemical redox reactions. The device is characterised by essential advantages such as ultra-stable binary and analogue switching with high OFF/ON ratio, broad voltage stability window, low forming voltages and high temperature stability. We demonstrate the multifunctional properties enabled by the new mechanism can be effectively used to overcome the catastrophic forgetting problem as a significant and fundamental issue in conventional deep neural networks as connectionist models. Our findings represent a new milestone in the resistive switching fundamentals and provide a new approach for the design of a memristive system, expanding the horizon of functionalities, enabling more effective emulation of the metaplasticity concept in neuroscience.
Classification of fish freshness using a convolutional neural network
Authors: Flores Edwin Wilson Mamani , Huisa Roger Pedraza
Published: December 2023

At work, the freshness of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) was analyzed, this aspect being very important to determine its quality. The objective is to propose a computational model based on a CNN to classify the freshness of the trout based on changes in the color of their eyes and gills. For this purpose, a dataset of images with acquired trout was created. To obtain the results, three experiments were conducted: the first with 2 classes (days 1 and 9), the second with 3 classes (days 1, 5, and 9), and the third with 5 classes (days 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9). All experi- ments were carried out in Google Colab. The results were validated using a confusion matrix ROC curve. The best results were obtained by the ResNeXt5032x4d model, with 2 classes achieving an accuracy of 0.9833, with 3 classes an accuracy of 0.9222, and with 5 classes an accuracy of 0.8800.
Productivity nexus economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa: Panel ARDL and GMM Approaches
Authors: Worku Urgaia
Published: December 2023

This study examines the role of total factor productivity with other major determinants on economic growth in the SSA over the period 1990–2022 using panel ARDL, GMM and their extended asymmetric non-linear ARDL and GMM models. The asymmetric non-linear ARDL and GMM are more superior to the counterpart ARDL and GMM symmetric models in the long-run than the short-run estimation, ensuring more efficient and reliable information regarding economic growth analysis. Finally, the robust dynamic inter-temporal Granger causality tests show that asymmetrically there are bi-directional causality between the growth rate of an upward movement in total factor productivity and real GDP as well as between a downward movement in the growth rate of terms of trade and real GDP growth rate. These empirical results are extremely important indicators for the SSA governments that should enhance total factor productivity and terms of trade is a policy suggestion of this research.
The carbon footprint of cataract surgery pathways in England: an observational study using administrative data
Authors: Gray William , Hove Maria van , Begum Hasina , Phull Manraj ,   Jonathan Bhargava1, Chang Lydia , Briggs Tim
Published: December 2023

Background
The National Health Service (NHS) in England has set a target to be net zero for carbon emissions by 2040. The aim of this study was to investigate the estimated difference between the carbon footprint of the Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) High Volume Low Complexity (HVLC) pathway for cataract surgery and current practice.
Methods
Retrospective analysis of administrative data. Data were extracted from the Hospital Episode Statistics database for all elective cataract surgery procedures conducted in England from 1st April 2021 to 31st March 2022.
Results
The England average carbon footprint was 100.0 kgCO2e (ranging from 74.8 kgCO2e – 128.0 kgCO2e depending on Integrated Care Board). Had all Integrated Care Boards adhered to the GIRFT HVLC pathway, then 17.5 kilotonsCO2e would have been saved in 2021-22. The main limitation of our study is that only key elements of the cataract surgery pathway were included in the analysis.
Conclusions
Even in a standardised healthcare pathway such as cataract surgery and within a publicly funded national healthcare system, significant differences in practice exist. With this paper we have demonstrated that tackling this unwarranted variation and adhering to the GIRFT HVLC pathway where possible has the potential to reduce the carbon footprint of cataract surgery.
Atomically Resolved Trajectories of a Bimolecular Photochemical Reaction
Authors: Miller R. J. Dwayne , Xian Rui Patrick , Hayes Stuart , Corthey Gaston , Marx Alexander , Daoud Hazem , Morrison Carole , Lu Cheng
Published: December 2023

Bimolecular processes are ubiquitous in chemistry but incredibly difficult to study with the spatio-temporal resolution required to record molecular movies. Mechanistic studies on ultrafast timescales have been carried out predominantly in the liquid state, either by spectroscopic1,2 or structural3 methods, but this approach is inherently limited to the picosecond time domain due to the wide distribution of orientations and positions of the reactant molecules, causing timing uncertainty between collisional encounters that cannot be disentangled4. The prospect of atomically resolving bimolecular collision trajectories would seem out of reach as it demands not just the utmost in terms of temporal and spatial resolution, but also strong signal to detect small changes and well-defined initial states to ensure minimal signal overlap in space or time that can blur out collisional details. Here, we exploit solid-state spatial alignment to track a photoinduced bimolecular disproportionation reaction involving two pairs of adjacent triiodide molecular anions (I3-) using femtosecond electron diffraction5,6. We succeeded in reconstructing atomic coordinates from the diffraction data, uncovering the real-space transfer of iodine liberated by photodissociation of I3- and captured by its nearest neighbour, yielding a metastable tetraiodide species (I4−) within one picosecond.
Numerical study of mortar reinforced with carbon fibers: a decoupled thermomechanical model to obtain the stress intensity factor
Authors: Sousa Fábio , Macedo Alcebiades
Published: December 2023

Background
Mortar is a building material with low tensile strength e fracture resistance. One method for improving these characteristics is to include synthetic fibers, such as carbon fibers, into the matrix.
Materials and methods
A thermomechanical numerical model for mortar reinforced with carbon fibers was created based on an experiment in the literature, where it was calibrated and validated. From this, damage mechanics were analyzed using XFEM; the material's stress intensity factor at 20°C, 250°, and 350°C were analyzed using FEM.
Results
The results for the numerical model using XFEM agree with the experiment. Regarding the Stress intensity factor, the highest value found was for room temperature, and the lowest was for 250°C.
Conclusion
The numerical methods presented can be used in thermomechanical models in mortar reinforced with carbon fibers, and the intensity factor behaves non-linearly with temperature change.
Intelligent machines work in unstructured environments by differential neuromorphic computing
Authors: Occhipinti Luigi , Wang Shengbo , Gao Shuo , Tang Chenyu , Occhipinti Edoardo , Li Cong , Wang Shurui , Wang Jiaqi , Zhao Hubin , Hu Guohua , Nathan Arokia , Dahiya Ravinder
Published: December 2023

Efficient operation of intelligent machines in the real world requires methods that allow them to understand and predict the uncertainties presented by the unstructured environments with good accuracy, scalability and generalization, similar to humans. Current methods rely on pretrained networks instead of continuously learning from the dynamic signal properties of working environments and suffer inherent limitations, such as data-hungry procedures, and limited generalization capabilities. Herein, we present a memristor-based differential neuromorphic computing, perceptual signal processing and learning method for intelligent machines. The main features of environmental information such as amplification (> 720%) and adaptation (< 50%) of mechanical stimuli encoded in memristors, are extracted to obtain human-like processing in unstructured environments. The developed method takes advantage of the intrinsic multi-state property of memristors and exhibits good scalability and generalization, as confirmed by validation in two different application scenarios: object grasping and autonomous driving. In the former, a robot hand experimentally realizes safe and stable grasping through fast learning (in ~ 1 ms) the unknown object features (e.g., sharp corner and smooth surface) with a single memristor. In the latter, the decision-making information of 10 unstructured environments in autonomous driving (e.g., overtaking cars, pedestrians) is accurately (94%) extracted with a 40×25 memristor array. By mimicking the intrinsic nature of human low-level perception mechanisms, the electronic memristive neuromorphic circuit-based method, presented here shows the potential for adapting to diverse sensing technologies and helping intelligent machines generate smart high-level decisions in the real world.
Universal Submerged Arc Welding (USAW): High Weaving Amplitudes as a New Possibilities to Saw Process
Authors: Cunha Tiago Vieira da , Rode Ana Clara , Voigt Anna Louise
Published: December 2023

The present work investigated the effects of a submerged arc welding process with high weaving amplitudes (up to 40 mm) on the weld beads morphological aspects. For this purpose, bead-on-plate welding tests with different welding energies and weaving parameters were performed. As a result, weld beads of up to 45 mm width, free of discontinuities, and with flat penetration profiles were obtained. Based on this, we have a single wire process able to fill grooves more efficiently and, at the same time, working for cladding applications.
Harmonizing Big Data in Mental Health Research:
A Proof-of-Principle in the R2D2-MH Consortium Using the
International Classification of Functioning (ICF)
Authors: Black Melissa , Buitelaar Jan , Charman Tony , Ecker Christine , Gallagher Louise , Hens Kristien , Jones Emily , Murphy Declan , Schaer Marie , Sadaka Yair , St-Pourcain Beate , Wolke Dieter , Bonnot-Briey Stéf , Bougeron Thomas , Bölte Sven
Published: December 2023

Big data approaches in mental health research hold great promise to advance research and support for neurologically diverse populations. The Risk, Resilience and Developmental Diversity in Mental Health (R2D2-MH) project moves from risk-focused studies toward understanding and promoting resilience, and from a diagnosis-based approach to a developmental diversity approach that defines well-being across the lifespan. Here, we present a proof-of-principle in R2D2-MH demonstrating that the International Classification of Functioning (ICF) can facilitate content harmonization in mental health research to generate big data compatible with several contemporary approaches in psychiatry. Transforming data through the ICF classification system allowed data collected with a wide range of instruments across modalities and diverse populations to be harmonized under the widely accepted WHO framework. Data harmonized using the ICF provides novel opportunities for large-scale data analyses that may be more capable of capturing diversity, aligning with more transdiagnostic and neurodiversity-affirmative ways of understanding data.
Caveolin-1 Knockout Mitigates Breast Cancer Metastasis to the Lungs via Integrin α3 Dysregulation.
Authors: Francis Joseph , Singh Dhirendra , Pathak Rashmi , Pandit Abhishek , Ebenezer Philip , Kumar Sanjay , Duplooy Alexander , White Mary , Jambunathan Nithya , Chintalaramulu Naveen , Dharmakumar Rohan
Published: December 2023

Caveolin-1 (Cav-1) is a critical lipid raft protein playing divergent roles as both a tumor suppressor and promoter. While its role in tumorigenesis, progression, and metastasis is recognized, explicit contribution of Cav-1 to the onset of lung metastasis from primary breast malignancies remained vague. We exhibit here, the first-ever evidence of Cav-1 knockout in epithelial cells leading to a significant reduction in lung metastasis in syngeneic mouse models of breast cancer. In vitro, Cav-1 knockout in 4T1 cells suppressed extracellular vesicles secretion, cellular motility, and MMP secretion vis-à-vis the controls. Complementing this, our in vivo analyses demonstrated a marked reduction in lung metastatic foci in mice injected with Cav-1 knockout 4T1 cells as compared to wild-type mice, which was further corroborated by mRNA profiling of the primary tumor. We discerned 21 epithelial cell migration genes exhibiting varied expression in tumors derived from Cav-1 knockout versus wild-type 4T1 cells. Correlation analysis and immunoblotting further divulged that Cav-1 regulates metastasis via integrin α3 (ITGα3). In silico protein docking anticipated an interaction between Cav-1 and ITGα3, substantiated by co-immunoprecipitation. Furthermore, ITGα3 knockdown corroborated its role in metastasis in a cell migration assay. Therefore, it can be inferred that Cav-1 plays a pivotal role in the pre-metastatic niche establishment and facilitates lung-specific cell migration.
Response Surface Methodology-Based High-Throughput BioLector Fermentation Screening of Rosetta™-2 for Enhanced Production of Insulin Variant: Towards Improved Production Efficiency
Authors: Ayan Esra , Aytekin Ali Ozhan , KATI AHMET , DeMirci Hasan
Published: December 2023

Background
To obtain high yields of recombinant insulin and advancing therapeutic avenues for diabetes patients, the development of innovative designer insulin analogs have critical importance. The modified insulin analog presents a cost-effective remedy by being produced as inclusion bodies (IBs) within Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) Rosetta-2 strain. This approach to production not only offers reduced production time but also yields high recovery rates. The prime aim of this investigation was to optimize the composition of the cultivation media, thereby accomplishing higher cell density fermentation of the proinsulin.
Result
Various factors, including carbon and nitrogen sources, salts, metal ions, and pH, were systematically investigated through experimental screening using the BioLector multiwell bright plate. Additionally, computational analysis employing the Plackett-Burman Design within the Design Expert software was utilized to assess their effectiveness in terms of insulin concentration as a surrogate measure of insulin yield. Among the tested variables, glucose, glycerol, MgSO4, and lower Luria-Bertani mix concentration have a significant influence on insulin production, as determined by the screening experiment. Subsequently, the Central Composite Design approach was operated to further evaluate and optimize the precise levels of these influential variables. This systematic methodology achieved an optimized cultivation media formulation, resulting in a remarkable enhancement of insulin production, with levels reaching up to 13 mg/ml when applied in BioLector fermentation.
Conclusion
The formulated cultivation media exhibited suitability for promoting high cell density fermentation of the modified insulin, thereby facilitating the attainment of optimal yields for the proinsulin expression.
Homologous seminal plasma efficiently activates epididymal tail sperm compared to traditional Tris buffer and Sperm-TALP in sheep
Authors: Singh Pawan Preet , Dar Rameez Ali , Lone Farooz Ahmad , Bhat Ghulam Rasool , Abdullah Muzamil
Published: December 2023

We hypothesized that ram epididymal tail sperm may be efficiently activated in homologous seminal plasma compared to tris and sperm-TALP. Eighty ejaculates were collected from five healthy fertile rams by artificial vagina for harvesting of seminal plasma by two-phase centrifugation. Spermatozoa were activated in three activation fluids- homologous seminal plasma (SP), sperm-TALP (TP) and tris buffer (TR) and were preserved at 4°C for 72 hours. Sperm motility was higher (p<0.05) for SP (64.33±4.80-48 hr; 52.50±2.14-72 hr) compared to both TP (51.66±2.10-48 hr; 40.83±3.00-72 hr) and TR groups (52.50±4.03-48 hr; 41.66±3.33-72 hr) at 48 and 72 hr of cold storage. CFDA (Carboxy fluorescein diacetate) positive sperm (Viable) percentage was also higher (p<0.05) for SP than TP and TR at 48 (72.39±0.62-SP, 67.13±1.29-TP, 66.89±1.65-TR) and 72 hours (63.37±2.19-SP, 56.13±1.60-TP, 58.18±1.49-TR) of cold storage. HOST reacted sperm percentage was also higher (p<0.05) for SP at 48 (65.10±1.55-SP, 59.95±0.24-TP, 61.50±1.11-TR) and 72 hours (55.09±1.17-SP, 46.53±0.78-TP, 50.16±0.16-TR) of cold storage compared to TP and TR groups. FITC-PNA (Fluorescein isothiocyanate conjugated to peanut agglutinin) negative sperm (Intact acrosomes) percentage was also higher (p<0.05) for SP than TR at 0 (91.66±0.90-SP, 88.13±1.02-TR), compared to TP at 48 (75.54±0.70-SP, 74.49±1.07-TP) and compared to TP and TR at 72 hours of cold storage (68.27±1.15-SP, 61.97±1.35-TP, 62.91±1.53-TR). In conclusion, homologous seminal plasma efficiently activated and preserved epididymal tail sperm compared to tris buffer and sperm-TALP. This study opened a new window of research to further explore the role of homologous seminal plasma in cryoprotection of epididymal tail sperm.
Calculation of River Ecological Flow Based on Multiple Hydrological Methods
Authors: Wei Huaibin , Li Wen , Liu Jing , Qiu Haojie , Zhao Chenchen
Published: December 2023

Under the backdrop of increasing water utilization, river ecosystem problems continue to emerge. Determining the ecological flow of rivers is one of the keys to the comprehensive restoration of river ecosystems. This paper determines the operability of runoff sequences by means of the Mann-Kendal test, quantifies the minimum ecological flow through five representative hydrological methods, including Intra-year distribution (IYD), Flow during curve (FDC), Q90, Monthly minimum average flow (MMAF) and Average flow in the driest month (AFDM), and calculates the suitable ecological flow by the monthly frequency (M-F) method in three different scenarios. In addition, a comprehensive comparison of the methods is made from various aspects to give the recommended methods. Taking the Shaying River basin as the research objects, the AFDM method achieves the best satisfaction in terms of water demand, the Q90 method and the FDC method have the highest satisfaction level, and IYD method best meet the requirements of hydrological rhythms. The suitable ecological flow derived from the M-F method under Scenario a is optimally satisfactory in all respects. It is recommended to determine the minimum and suitable ecological flow processes by IYD method and the result under scenario b, respectively. This study can be used to provide a scientific and effective reference basis for integrated river management.
Role of radiation alone versus concurrent chemoradiotherapy in surgically ineligible patients with tracheobronchial squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Jang Jeong Yun , Pyo Hongryull , Yang Kyungmi , Noh Jae Myoung , Lee Jeong Ha
Published: December 2023

Background
We aimed to evaluate treatment outcomes for primary tracheobronchial squamous cell carcinoma, explicitly focusing on the potential benefits of adding concurrent chemotherapy to definitive radiotherapy (RT).
Methods
Nineteen patients with tracheobronchial squamous cell carcinoma treated at the Samsung Medical Center between January 1995 and April 2023 were identified. Surgical interventions were determined using a multidisciplinary approach, and patients who were ineligible for surgery received RT with or without concurrent chemotherapy. The progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method.
Results
Of the 19 patients included in the study 5 underwent surgery, whereas the remaining 14 underwent RT. For total patients, the median PFS and OS were 28.2 months and 43.3 months, respectively. The 3-year OS rates were 16.7%, 83.3%, and 60.0% in the RT alone, concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT), and surgery groups, respectively. With a median follow-up period of 19.1 months, eight patients experienced disease progression, with the lungs and trachea being the most common sites for recurrence. Univariate analysis demonstrated that large tumor size, low radiation dose, pretreatment stent insertion, and radiation-only treatment correlated with inferior survival. In the 12 patients receiving curative RT, a trend towards improved OS was observed in the CCRT group. (RT alone vs. CCRT; 25.0% vs. 83.3% at three years, p = 0.077)
Conclusion
CCRT may improve survival outcomes in patients with inoperable tracheobronchial squamous cell carcinoma, offering a possible alternative to surgical interventions.
First principles molecular dynamics simulation and thermal decomposition kinetics study of CL-20
Authors: Wu Jia , Hu Jianbo , Liu Qiao , Tang Yan , Liu Yonggang , Xiang Wei , Sun Shanhu , Suo Zhirong
Published: December 2023

Context
2,4,6,8,10, 12-hexanitro-2,4,6,8,10, 12-hexazepane (CL-20) is a new energetic material with high performance and low sensitivity. In-depth study of the thermal decomposition mechanism of CL-20 is a necessary condition to improve its performance, ensure its safety and optimize its application. On the basis of a large number of empirical force fields used in molecular dynamics simulation in the past, the machine learning augmented first-principles molecular dynamics method was used for the first time to simulate the thermal decomposition reaction of CL-20 at 2200 K, 2500 K, 2800 K, 3000 K isothermal temperature. The main stable resulting compounds are N2, CO2, CO, H2O, H2, where CO2 and H2O continue to decompose at higher temperatures. The initial decomposition pathways are denitration by N-N fracture, ring-opening by C-N bond fracture and redox reaction involving NO2 and CL-20. After ring opening, two main compounds, fused tricyclic pyrazine and azadicyclic, were formed, which were decomposed continuously to form monocyclic pyrazine and pyrazole ring structures. The most common fragments formed during decomposition are those containing two, three, four, and six carbons. The formation rule and quantity of main small molecule intermediates and resulting stable products under different simulated temperatures were analyzed.
Methods
Based on ab initio Bayesian active learning algorithm, CL-20 is predicted with high efficiency and accuracy by means of the dynamic machine learning function of Vienna Ab-initio Simulation Package (VASP), and the machine learning force field obtained from trajectory learning is applied to the AIMD calculation of CL-20 supercells. PAW pseudopotentials and generalized gradient approximation (GGA), namely Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof (PBE) functional, are used in the calculation. The plane wave truncation energy (ENCUT) is set to 550 eV, and using the Gaussian broadening, the thermal broadening size of the single-electron orbital is 0.05 eV. A van der Waals revision of the system with Grimme Version 3. The energy convergence accuracy (EDIFF) of electron self-consistent iteration is set to 1E-5 eV and 1E-6 eV, respectively. The two-step structure optimization is carried out using 1×1×1 k point grid and conjugate gradient method. The ENCUT was changed to 500 eV and EDIFF to 1E-5 eV, NVT integration (ISIF = 2) of Langevin thermostat was used for machine learning force field training and AIMD simulation of the system.
Aβ42 and ROS Dual-targeted Multifunctional Nanocomposite for Combination Therapy of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Zhang Liding , Cao Kai , Xie Jun , Liang Xiaohan , Luo Qingming , Luo Haiming
Published: December 2023

Amyloid-β (Aβ) is prone to misfolding into neurotoxic aggregates that generate high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to progressive oxidative damage and ultimately cell death. Therefore, simultaneous inhibition of Aβ aggregation and scavenging ROS may be a promising therapeutic strategy for alleviating Alzheimer’s disease pathology. Based on the previously developed antibody 1F12 that can target all forms of Aβ42, we developed an Aβ42 and ROS dual-targeted nanocomposite using biodegradable mesoporous silica nanoparticles as a carrier to load ultra-small cerium oxide nanocrystals (bMSNs@Ce-1F12). With the modification of brain-targeted rabies virus glycoprotein 29 (RVG29-bMSNs@Ce-1F12), this intelligent nanocomposite can efficiently target brain Aβ-rich regions. Combined with peripheral and central nervous system therapy, RVG29-bMSNs@Ce-1F12 can significantly alleviate AD symptoms by inhibiting Aβ42 misfolding, accelerating Aβ42 clearance, and scavenging ROS. Furthermore, this synergistic effect of ROS scavenging and Aβ clearance exhibited by this Aβ42 and ROS dual-targeted strategy also reduced hyperphosphorylated tau burden, alleviated glial cell activation, and ultimately improved cognitive function in APP/PS1 mice. Our findings suggest that RVG29-bMSNs@Ce-1F12 is a promising nanodrug that facilitates multi-target therapy in AD.
Effect of lymphovascular invasion on survival and recurrence after liver transplantation in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and its prognostic significance
Authors: Batı Bakır , Tüysüz Umut
Published: December 2023

objectives
One of the important characteristics of Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is that it features multicentric recurrences that can recur after curative treatment. The current recommended curative treatments for HCC include liver transplantation (LT). Prognostic evaluation and selection of appropriate treatment are crucial in the management of HCC patients. These often include tumor size and number, lobar distribution, multinodularity, α-fetoprotein (AFP) level, degree of tumor differentiation, vascular invasion and satellite nodule.However, the prognostic value of intrahepatic lymphatic vessel invasion (LVI) has rarely been reported for liver cancers.
Methods
From January 2012 - December 2020 a total of 178 consecutively HCC patients who underwent liver transplantationwere retrospectively enrolled. The HCC patients who underwent liver transplantation were divided into two groups based on having or not having lymphatic vessel invasion. The primary aim was to compare the two groups for overall survival (OS), disease free survival (DFS) and recurrence rates, and to evaluate the prognostic effect of LVI after transplantation.
Results
Predicted survival period and redicted DFS was significantly lower in the LVI group. Recurrence and mortality rates were significantly higher in the LVI group group. In the multivariate reduced model ,LVI had significant independent effects on OS and DFS
Conclusion
Results has demonstrated the prognostic value of LVI in different stages of HCC except for the advanced stages. LVI was an independent prognostic factor for recurrence, OS and DFS in transplant recipients for HCC.
Clinical Characteristics and Management of Aborted Sudden Cardiac Arrest in Children: How is The Situation in Developing Countries?
Authors: Sisko Sezen Gulumser , Sulu Ayse , Kafali Hasan Candas , Tanriverdi Dogan Cagri , Kamali Hacer , Karacan Mehmet , Haydin Sertac , Guzeltas Alper , Ergul Yakup
Published: December 2023

Purpose
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in children is very rare, it has various causes. In this study, we provided an overview of SCA survivors and evaluated investigations for aetiology with management in our center.
Methods
We identified 59 pediatric patients with aborted SCA (aSCA) only documented by the healthcare professionals (emergency physician, pediatrician, and pediatric cardiologist) between March 2010 and December 2021. Clinical history, non-invasive and invasive diagnostic tests and therapies were noted from FileMaker® Database.
Results
The mean ± standard deviation age of patients was 9,6 ± 5.5 years (2 month-21 years) and 55.9% were male. Echocardiography and other imaging tests revealed structural heart disease (group 1) in 18 patients (30.5%). 37 patients (62.8%) had electrical heart disease (group 2) and no cause was found in the remaining four patients (Table 1). Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy was the most common cause (4/18, 22%) in the first group. Long QT syndrome (LQTS) was the most common cause (12/17, 32.4%) in the second group. 46 patients (78%) had SCA as the first manifestation of heart disease. While SCA occurred with exertion in 14 patients (23.7%), SCA developed in 38 patients (64.7%) at rest. According to the information obtained from the data, the most common documented cardiac arrest rhythm was ventricular fibrillation in 15 patients (25.4%). The median intensive care unit follow-up period of survivors after sudden cardiac arrest was 7 days (2–46 days). Neurological sequelae remained in 10 (16.9%) patients after aSCD. 15 patients (25.4%) underwent electrophysiological study and/or ablation. ICD implantation was performed in 44 (74.6%) patients (29 transvenous, 14 epicardial, 1 cardiac resynchronization therapy-defibrillator (CRT-D)). ICD was not implanted in 15 patients. Of these, 7 patients did not require ICD due to definitive treatment (successful ablation therapy, surgical coronary reimplantation, pacemaker implantation). ICD could not be inserted because 4 patients died. 4 patients and their families refused ICD. The median follow-up duration for patients was 1091 days (range: 15–4225 days). 9 patients (15.3%) died during the follow-up.
Conclusions
The etiology of aSCA is very variable and present at any age. Detailed non-invasive and invasive investigations are crucial in revealing the diagnosis. Appropriate treatment and secondary preventive ICD implantation are life-saving route for selected SCA survivors. In our country, there is a need to increase basic life support training, use of automatic external defibrillators in public spaces and develop genetic research.
An efficient deep learning approach for human hand gesture recognition
Authors: Haq Ejaz Ul , Wuttisittikulkij Lunchakorn , Vanichchanunt Pisit
Published: December 2023

The bodily motion of human hand generates different gestures which are considered as non-verbal communication to convey a message to receivers. Human hand gestures have wide real-time applications in different areas, i.e., human-computer interactions (HCI), robot automation, household control, gaming, medical fields, and a major way of communication between deaf peoples. Various novel and innovative methods are used for hand gestures identification and recognition. In this paper, a systematic approach based on deep convolutional neural network (CNN) is developed for the identification and recognition of human hand gestures. The process pipeline of the proposed approach is a) segmentation of hand’s region of interest from image b) features extraction c) recognition of gestures based on CNN classifier. The proposed method is tested and verified on open access hand dataset. Experimental results validate the effectiveness and robustness of our proposed approach in terms of hand gestures recognition. Moreover, our methods achieved better recognition performance and outperformed well-known state-of-the-art gestures recognition methods.
Metabolic and cardiovascular disease risk for Zimbabwean men with prostate cancer receiving long-term androgen deprivation therapy
Authors: Mazhindu Tinashe , Ndlovu Ntokozo , Borok Margaret Z. , Meki Shingirirai , Nyamhunga Albert , Havranek Edward P. , Kessler Elizabeth R. , Campbell Thomas B. , Flaig Thomas W.
Published: December 2023

Introduction:Prostate cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the majority of sub-Saharan Africa region countries. Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is effective treatment, however ADT is associated with complications including metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. Although cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of mortality among prostate cancer patients, there is limited information on ADT impact on metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease risk among Africans. An observational prospective cohort study was carried out in Harare, Zimbabwe. Prostate cancer patients due to be initiated on ADT (medical or surgical) were assessed for metabolic syndrome and a 10-year Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD) 10-year risk probability score was done before ADT and followed up to 9 months.Results:17 black Zimbabwean men were enrolled with a median age 72 years. Most participants (59%) had stage IV disease and 75% opted for surgical castration. At enrolment 23.5% had metabolic syndrome and this increased to 33% after 9 months of ADT. Baseline ASCVD risk was in the high risk category for 68.8% of participants and remained above 50% after 9 months of ADT. In this cohort, there is a 10% absolute increase in metabolic syndrome prevalence amongst African men with prostate cancer within 9 months of ADT initiation.
Assessing the Influence of Demographic Factors and Functional Independence on Disease Risk among Home-Dwelling Chinese Elders Aged 80 and Over: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Bian Sensen , Tian Xiaobing , Xu Chunjie , Zhao Yan , Gao Qian
Published: December 2023

Background
Ensuring top-quality care for the elderly necessitates a deep understanding of the elements influencing the health and self-sufficiency of those over 80, especially those residing in their own homes.
Aim
The study identifies key health influencers in Chinese home-dwelling individuals over 80, informing public health and medical care strategies.
Methods
The study analyzed 13,027 elderly individuals Activities of Daily Living (ADL) by the Barthel Index (BI), focusing on how demographic factors affect their health outcomes, employing logistic regression analysis to contribute insights into geriatric healthcare.
Results
Results show that in individuals over 80, chronic disease prevalence is significantly influenced by factors like age, occupation, location, marital status, education, income, and insurance (p<0.01). Female participants (Hazard Ratio (HR）= 0.858(0.787-0.935) had a lower risk of chronic diseases, while divorced individuals (HR= 1.839 (1.047-3.228) had a higher risk. Education level and income source also influenced disease risk. Insurance with “New Rural"(HR=3.407 (2.773-4.187) and "Urban Resident" (HR=2.872 (2.471-3.339) participants had higher risks. Mobility Issues stand out as having a substantial negative effect, significantly reducing the likelihood of self-sufficient or mildly dependent (HR=0.579 (0.427, 0.786)) and increasing the risk of severely dependent (HR= 1.649 (1.175, 2.315)).
Discussion
The study finds that factors like age, occupation, and lifestyle strongly impact chronic diseases in the elderly, highlighting the need for personalized healthcare for those at higher risk.
Conclusions
This analysis explores how demographic and clinical factors influence the health and independence of elderly Chinese individuals aged 80 and above, with potential implications for their healthcare needs.
Structural diversity and carbon sequestration of forest stands. Tradeoff as modified by silvicultural thinning
Authors: Pretzsch Hans , Hilmers Torben
Published: December 2023

In forest management, merging stand structure diversity with carbon storage is essential for resilience and climate mitigation. This study assesses (i) how structure diversity in stands of spruce (Picea abies (L.) H. Karst.), pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), and oak (Quercus robur L. and Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl.) varies with age, site quality, and applied thinning grade; (ii) these factors' impact on carbon stock; and (iii) the link between structure diversity and carbon stock. Analyzing 26 long-term thinning experiments, we used the Gini coefficient of tree heights to measure structural diversity and species-specific biomass functions for carbon stock assessments. Our results show structure diversity, highest in beech and spruce, decreases with stand age and on richer sites. Thinning enhances structure diversity in spruce and beech but reduces it in pine and oak. Unthinned or only moderately thinned mature spruce and beech stands outperform pine and oak in carbon stock (200–300 vs. 100–150 MG C ha-1). C- and D&E-grade thinning halves carbon stock. A decrease in vertical layering with increased carbon storage varies across species. Given the same carbon stock, thinning from above maintains structure diversity in spruce and beech, while non-thinning or thinning from below promotes structure diversity in pine and oak. We argue that reduced thinning in previously D&E-grade thinned stands may reduce structural diversity but improve carbon storage (+ 100–200 MG C ha− 1) of the four considered species in the next 3–5 decades. We discussed options for reconciling structural diversity and carbon storage by silvicultural management.