bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eupatilin ameliorates postmenopausal osteoporosis via elevating microRNA‐211‐5p and repressing JAK2/STAT3 pathway
Authors: Hong Liu , Yang Chao
Published: December 2023

Postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) poses a significant threat to women's health worldwide. Eupatilin is a key bioactive component of the Chinese herbal medicine Artemisia asiatica Nakai. Recent research reports have proved the inhibitory function of Eupatilin in many diseases. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are 21–23 nucleotide‐long, single‐stranded, noncoding RNA molecules generated endogenously, and many studies have indicated that miRNAs are involved in the development of osteoporosis. This study explored the role and potential mechanism of Eupatilin underlying PMOP. First, rats were given intragastric administration of Eupatilin every day and subcutaneous injections of oligonucleotides or plasmids that interfered with miR‐211‐5p or janus kinase 2 (JAK2) once a week. After 4 weeks, the PMOP rat model was established. Then, serum alkaline phosphatase, calcium, and phosphorus levels, as well as femur bone mineral density and biomechanical parameters, were detected. Hematoxylin–eosin staining and Masson staining were applied for detecting the pathological condition of femur, and immunohistochemical staining was for detecting osteocalcin. MC3T3‐E1 cells were transfected with plasmid vectors interfering with miR‐211‐5p or JAK2; and cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase cytotoxicity, and cell mineralization were subsequently examined. The relationship between miR‐211‐5p and JAK2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway was analyzed. The targeting relation between miR‐211‐5p and JAK2 was also verified. The experimental results revealed that Eupatilin improved the pathological conditions of PMOP rats by promoting the proliferation and mineralization of osteoblasts. MiR‐211‐5p was down‐regulated and JAK2/STAT3 was upregulated in PMOP rats. Upregulation of miR‐211‐5p further improved the pathological conditions of PMOP rats based on Eupatilin treatment. MiR‐211‐5p inhibited the JAK2/STAT3 pathway. JAK2 offset the effects of elevated miR‐211‐5p on PMOP rats. Overall, Eupatilin attenuates PMOP through elevating miR‐211‐5p and repressing JAK2/STAT3 pathway, which suggests the utility of Eupatilin as a potential drug for POMP treatment.
Investigating the effect of bio‐convection, chemical reaction, and motile microorganisms on Prandtl hybrid nanofluid flow across a stretching sheet
Authors: Khan Zeeshan , Thabet Esraa N. , Abd‐Alla Abdelmooty Mohamed , Bayones Fatima Salem
Published: December 2023

Due to extensive application in extruding plastic sheet processes, liquid film condensation, glass blowing, biopolymer cylinder coatings, paper manufacture, and other processes, the thermodynamical characteristics of non‐Newtonian fluids across stretched surfaces have acquired ubiquitous essence. Therefore, the present communication aims to openly elucidate Prandtl fluid flow characteristics produced by a stretching surface. In this analysis, a hybrid nanofluid (HNF) is considered by using pure water as a base fluid and two various nanomaterials (copper and Titanium dioxide) as nanoparticles in the characterization of heat transfer. Moreover, the goal of this investigation is to ascertain the heat transfer characteristics of a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) Prandtl hybrid nanofluid (PHNF) model. Across the stretching sheet, this article interrogates the inclined MHD, chemical reaction, bio‐convection, linearly thermal radiation, and Darcy–Forchheimer (DF) effect in the attendance of porous medium of HNF. The modified Buongiorno model for nanofluids is adopted to explore heat transport augmentation. It includes the mechanics of nanoparticle random motion and thermo‐migration as well as useful nanofluid characteristics. Additionally, the outcomes are contrasted with nanofluid flow. With the right level of similarity, the process converts partial differential equations emerging in nanofluidic systems into nonlinear differential equation systems. The (FDM) finite difference approach (Lobatto IIIA) is used for the nonlinear nanofluid issue with the precision of order 4 to 5 and is implemented using a variety of collocation locations. The strength of (Lobatto IIIA) is its effectiveness in handling coupled differential equations that are extremely nonlinear. The higher‐order differential equations are converted into a first‐order method utilizing the boundary value dilemma (bvp4c) solver, which is part of the MATLAB software package, to computationally analyze the simplified mathematical model. The data obtained demonstrated a high degree of accuracy and symmetry when measured against previously published studies. Following earlier studies, increasing the values of the Prandtl parameters increases the velocity profiles of both basic nanofluid and HNF, while the Forchheimer and porosity parameters reduce fluid velocity. Additionally, as the values of the magnetic parameters increase, the temperature and concentration of simple and HNFs rise as well.
Retrofitting und Datenakquisition mittels Industrie 4.0-Technologien
Authors: Hardt Tina , Mieves Hans-Joachim , Marx Christoph , Meisberger Christian
Published: December 2023

Daten sind die Grundlage vieler I4.0-Applikationen und auch für die Anwendung der Module der AKKORD AI-Toolbox. Es gibt viele verschiedene Arten von Daten, zum Beispiel Kundendaten, Auftragsdaten oder Rezepte in der Produktion. Dieser Artikel befasst sich speziell mit Prozessdaten. Prozessdaten sind digitale oder analoge Werte, wie beispielsweise Temperatur, Druck, Maschineneinstellungen, die relevante prozessbezogene Informationen darstellen bzw. einen Prozess beschreiben. Die Erfassung von Daten aus Prozessen ist keine triviale Aufgabe, da Anlagen oft geschlossene Systeme sind oder historisch gewachsen und dementsprechend heterogen aufgebaut sind. Hat man es mit einem geschlossenen System zu tun, ist zum Beispiel ein Problem, durch nachgerüstete Datenerfassung die Herstellergarantie nicht zu verletzen. Bei gewachsenen Systemen stellen unterschiedliche Schnittstellen und Protokolle sowie gegebenenfalls Synchronisierung und Datenzusammenführung Herausforderungen dar. Der Artikel beschreibt diese Herausforderungen, wie heterogene Datenquellen und Protokolle, bei der Akquisition von Daten im Allgemeinen, gibt Tipps zur Datenerfassung und geht beispielhaft auf die Umsetzung der Datenerfassung im Anwendungsfall des Projektpartners PolyMerge sowie dem Autorenn-Demonstrator und den Ansatz der AKKORD-Lernstation ein. Grundlegende Kenntnisse zu gängigen industriellen Protokollen und Komponenten industrieller Anlagen sind Voraussetzung, um die Schwierigkeiten und zugehörigen Tipps zu verstehen.
Konzeption und Entwicklung eines integrierten Datenbackends für die industrielle Datenanalyse
Authors: Eickhoff Thomas , Göbel Jens C. , Apostolov Christo , Krappe Hardy
Published: December 2023

Die Verfügbarkeit relevanter Daten in den betreffenden Produktlebenszyklusphasen bildet eine notwendige Voraussetzung für die Durchführung industrieller Datenanalysen. Die individuelle Analysezielsetzung und die spezifischen Anforderungen des jeweiligen Anwendungsszenarios bestimmen essenzielle Randbedingungen für die technische Auslegung einer Datenanalyse-Umgebung. Ausgehend von den verschiedenen im Forschungsprojekt AKKORD analysierten Anwendungsfällen wurde ein modulares Vorgehensmodell entwickelt, das verschiedene Lösungsbausteine umfasst, um unterschiedliche Szenarien angemessen abbilden zu können. Dabei wird die Auswahl erforderlicher Lösungskomponenten und die Realisierung einer informationstechnischen Lösung durch einen an dem Cross-Industry Standard Process for Data Mining angelehnten Prozess unterstützt. Die abgedeckten Anwendungsszenarien schließen hierbei die dezentrale Vernetzung verschiedener Datenquellen ein, um die vorhandenen Datenquellen zu nutzen. Daneben wird der Aufbau eines zentralen Datenbackends für die integrierte Verwaltung aller relevanten Analysedaten ermöglicht. Um zusätzliche Flexibilität bei der Vorverarbeitung der Daten zu erreichen, wird als dritte Lösungskomponente ein Data-Warehouse-Ansatz eingesetzt. Für die in diesem Kapitel vorgestellten Datenbackend-Ansätze und Konzeptmodule wird weiterhin eine Entscheidungshilfe zur Auswahl der für einen spezifischen Anwendungsfall bestmöglichen Konfiguration vorgestellt. Abschließend werden Möglichkeiten für den Einsatz von Standardlösungen für den Aufbau des Datenbackends sowie für die Weitergabe der Daten an Analysemodule diskutiert und abgegrenzt.
Advancing Women’s Empowerment in the Gulf: Pathways, Challenges, and Policy Implications
Authors: Aref Ahmed , Fallentine Angela
Published: December 2023

This final chapter of the book provides insightful concluding remarks based on the valuable evidence presented on women’s empowerment and public policy. It emphasizes the need for evidence-based policies tailored to local values, collaboration between stakeholders, and gender-specific research to achieve sustainable progress in women’s empowerment. The chapter examines pathways to increase women’s empowerment, identifies challenges that need to be addressed, and offers recommendations for sustained engagement to promote women’s empowerment in the Arab Gulf States.
Exploring the Quantum Spectral Curve for AdS3/CFT2
Authors: Cavaglià Andrea , Ekhammar Simon , Gromov Nikolay , Ryan Paul
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Despite the rich and fruitful history of the integrability approach to string theory on the AdS3× S3× T4background, it has not been possible to extract many concrete predictions from integrability, except in a strict asymptotic regime of large quantum numbers, due to the severity of wrapping effects. The situation changed radically with two independent and identical proposals for the Quantum Spectral Curve (QSC) for this system in a background of pure Ramond-Ramond flux. In other integrable superstring backgrounds there is compelling evidence that this formulation captures all wrapping effects exactly and describes the full planar spectrum. This great success motivates us to study the new proposed QSC and develop methods to extract from it concrete predictions for spectral data. The AdS3× S3× T4case presents a significant novel feature and challenge compared to its higher-dimensional analogues — massless modes. It has been conjectured that these manifest themselves in a new property of this QSC: the non-quadratic nature of the branch-cut singularities of the QSC Q-functions. This feature implies new technical challenges in solving the QSC equations as compared to the well-studied case of$$ \mathcal{N} $$N= 4 SYM. In this paper we resolve these difficulties and obtain the first ever predictions for unprotected string excitations in the planar limit with finite quantum numbers and RR flux. We explain how to extract a systematic expansion around the analogue of the weak ’t Hooft coupling limit in$$ \mathcal{N} $$N= 4 SYM and also obtain high-precision numerical results. These concrete data and others obtainable from the QSC could help to identify the so-far mysterious dual CFT.
Augmented reality-guided pelvic osteotomy of Ganz: feasibility in cadavers
Authors: Hoch Armando , Liebmann Florentin , Farshad Mazda , Fürnstahl Philipp , Rahm Stefan , Zingg Patrick O.
Published: December 2023

Introduction

The periacetabular osteotomy is a technically demanding procedure with the goal to improve the osseous containment of the femoral head. The options for controlled execution of the osteotomies and verification of the acetabular reorientation are limited. With the assistance of augmented reality, new possibilities are emerging to guide this intervention. However, the scientific knowledge regarding AR navigation for PAO is sparse.

Methods

In this cadaveric study, we wanted to find out, if the execution of this complex procedure is feasible with AR guidance, quantify the accuracy of the execution of the three-dimensional plan, and find out what has to be done to proceed to real surgery. Therefore, an AR guidance for the PAO was developed and applied on 14 human hip cadavers. The guidance included performance of the four osteotomies and reorientation of the acetabular fragment. The osteotomy starting points, the orientation of the osteotomy planes, as well as the reorientation of the acetabular fragment were compared to the 3D planning.

Results

The mean 3D distance between planned and performed starting points was between 9 and 17 mm. The mean angle between planned and performed osteotomies was between 6° and 7°. The mean reorientation error between the planned and performed rotation of the acetabular fragment was between 2° and 11°.

Conclusion

The planned correction can be achieved with promising accuracy and without serious errors. Further steps for a translation from the cadaver to the patient have been identified and must be addressed in future work.
Short-term safety and effectiveness of the mCLIP partial prosthesis
Authors: Rasse Thomas , Niederwanger Lisa , Hornung Joachim , Taha Lava , Arndt Susan , Offergeld Christian , Beutner Dirk , Bevis Nicholas , Lenarz Thomas , Teschner Magnus , Schimanski Esther , Georg Sprinzl  , Magele Astrid , Skarżyński Piotr H. , Plichta Łukasz , Arnoldner Christoph , Riss Dominik , Loader Benjamin , Windisch Franz , Rubicz Nina , Zwittag Paul Martin
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This multicentric, retrospective study aimed to analyze the short-term safety and effectiveness of the mCLIP Partial Prosthesis.

Methods

Patients underwent tympanoplasty with implantation of a mCLIP Partial Prosthesis. Follow-up examination included ear microscopy and pure-tone audiometry to determine the post-operative pure tone average of the frequencies 0.5, 1, 2 and 3 kHz (PTA4). The post-operative PTA4 air bone gap (ABG) was used to evaluate the audiological outcome. A post-operative minimum and maximum follow-up period was not defined. Thus, the follow-up times of each study center were different, which resulted in different follow-up times for the audiological analysis and for adverse events (AE).

Results

72 (66 adults, 6 children) patients were implanted with the mCLIP Partial Prosthesis. 68 (62 adults, 6 children) patients underwent audiological examination; all 72 patients were examined for adverse events. All patients (N = 68): 72.1% of the patients showed a PTA4 ABG of ≤ 20 dB. Individual post-operative bone conduction (BC) PTA4 thresholds were stable in 67 patients. The mean post-operative follow-up time was 78 ± 46 days. Children (N = 6): 5 out of 6 children showed a PTA4 ABG of ≤ 20 dB. None of the children reported a BC PTA4 deterioration of > 10 dB HL after the implantation. The mean post-operative follow-up time was 101 ± 45 days. Adverse events (all patients, N = 72): 15 (14 adults, 1 child) patients had AEs (27 AEs and 2 Follow-Ups). The mean post-operative follow-up time was 375 days.

Conclusion

Clinical data show satisfactory audiological parameters after implantation of the mCLIP Partial Prosthesis. The prosthesis is safe and effective for implantation in children and adults.

Trial registration number

NCT05565339, 09 September 2022, retrospectively registered.
Lithium chloride treatments in free flying honey bee colonies: efficacy, brood survival, and within-colony distribution
Authors: Rein Carolin , Blumenschein Marius , Traynor Kirsten , Rosenkranz Peter
Published: December 2023

The efficacy of various lithium chloride (LiCl) applications in eradicating the parasitic mite Varroa destructor in honey bee colonies was investigated, with a specific focus on its impact on brood development. In broodless colonies (3 weeks post queen caging), the highest efficacy of 98% was achieved with a 9-day treatment of 2.5 kg of candy spiked with 50 mM LiCl. A shorter 5-day treatment with 2 kg of 50 mM LiCl candy resulted in an efficacy of 78%. In colonies with brood, a repeated short-term application of 4 × 0.5 kg 50 mM LiCl candy yielded an efficacy of 88%. LiCl treatment led to a removal of the first batch of brood reared after release of the queen. However, no long-term effects on colony growth were observed, and the colonies successfully overwintered. Additionally, the study demonstrated that lithium is rapidly distributed among the bees of a colony within 2 days, yet only low concentrations were detected in stored food samples. This suggests that the bees efficiently absorb and distribute lithium within the colony. The harvested honey in the following spring revealed a lithium concentration of 0.1–0.2 mg/kg, which is below naturally occurring lithium levels in honey. Based on these findings, LiCl can be considered an effective and easy-to-apply acaricide in broodless colonies, and even in colonies with brood, it had good efficacy and no long-term effects on colony survival. Further research may be necessary to determine the optimal treatment period for achieving an efficacy over 95%.
Mapping the impact of malnutrition as defined by the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition and nutrition impact symptoms on the possibility of returning to work after treatment for head and neck cancer
Authors: Einarsson Sandra , Bokström Anna , Laurell Göran , Tiblom Ehrsson Ylva
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate whether malnutrition or nutrition impact symptoms (NIS) affect the possibility of returning to work after treatment for head and neck cancer.

Methods

Patients of working age with head and neck cancer were followed up from treatment initiation to 3 months (n = 238), 1 year (n = 182), and 2 years (n = 130) after treatment completion. The observed decrease in the number of patients over time was due to retirement, lack of follow-up, or death. Returning to work was dichotomised as yes or no. Malnutrition was diagnosed 7 weeks after treatment initiation using the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria. This time-point corresponds to the end of chemoradiotherapy or radiotherapy (with or without prior surgery), except for patients who underwent exclusive surgery. NIS were scored on a Likert scale (1–5) at each follow-up using the Head and Neck Patient Symptom Checklist© (HNSC©). Nonparametric tests were used to analyse the ability of patients with/without malnutrition and high/low NIS scores to return to work.

Results

At 3 months, 1 year, and 2 years after treatment completion, 135/238 (56.7%), 49/182 (26.9%), and 23/130 (17.7%) patients had not returned to work. Patients with malnutrition at 7 weeks after treatment initiation were more likely to not return to work at 3 months than those without malnutrition, 70.5% compared to 47.1% (p < 0.001). At all three follow-up time-points, patients reporting high scores for a number of NIS had more often not returned to work, with this pattern being most distinct at 2 years.

Conclusion

Malnutrition according to the GLIM criteria at 7 weeks after treatment initiation and NIS assessed by the HNSC© at subsequent follow-ups were predictors of the return-to-work process after treatment for up to 2 years.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03343236 (date of registration 17/11/2017).
Robotic-assisted versus conventional total knee arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Alrajeb Reda , Zarti Mohammed , Shuia Zakaria , Alzobi Osama , Ahmed Ghalib , Elmhiregh Aissam
Published: December 2023

Objectives

Robotic knee arthroplasty procedures have emerged as a new trend, garnering attention from orthopedic surgeons globally. It has been hypothesized that the use of robotics enhances the accuracy of prosthesis positioning and alignment restoration. The objective of this study was to provide a high-level, evidence-based comparison between robotic total knee replacements and conventional methods, focusing on radiological and functional outcomes.

Methods

We searched five databases from their inception until June 1, 2022, specifically targeting randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the outcomes of robotic and conventional total knee replacements. We were interested in outcomes such as knee range of motion, clinical and function knee society scores, the Western Ontario and McMaster University score (WOMAC), the Hospital of Special Surgery score, complications, and radiological alignment. This review was carried out in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyzes guidelines. We assessed the risk of bias using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2).

Results

Our search returned seven RCTs suitable for our analysis, which included a total of 1942 knees; 974 of these knees were implanted using robotic arms while the remaining 968 utilized jig-based knee systems. Our findings indicated that robotic knees had significantly better post-operative anatomical (OR − 0.82; 95% CI, − 1.027 to − 0.58, p value < 0.00001) and mechanical restoration (OR − 0.95; 95% CI, − 1.49 to − 0.41, p value < 0.0006). While knee range of motion (OR − 2.23; 95% CI − 4.89–0.43, p value 0.1) and femoral prosthesis position (OR − 0.98; 95% CI, − 2.03–0.08, p value 0.07) also favored robotic knees, these differences did not reach statistical significance. Both clinical and functional outcomes, as well as the rate of complications, were found to be statistically similar between the groups undergoing robotic and traditional knee replacement surgeries.

Conclusion

This meta-analysis indicates that robotic total knee replacements offer superior post-operative anatomical and mechanical alignment compared to conventional total knee replacements. Despite this, clinical and functional outcomes, as well as complication rates, were similar between the two. These findings should be considered in light of potential confounding factors. More randomized controlled trials with the latest robotic systems are needed to confirm any superior functional and clinical outcomes from robotic-assisted surgeries.

Level of evidence

I.
Immobilization of azide-functionalized proteins to micro- and nanoparticles directly from cell lysate
Authors: Saini Gunjan , Parasa Mrugesh Krishna , Clayton Katherine N. , Fraseur Julia G. , Bolton Scott C. , Lin Kevin P. , Wereley Steven T. , Kinzer-Ursem Tamara L.
Published: December 2023

Immobilization of proteins and enzymes on solid supports has been utilized in a variety of applications, from improved protein stability on supported catalysts in industrial processes to fabrication of biosensors, biochips, and microdevices. A critical requirement for these applications is facile yet stable covalent conjugation between the immobilized and fully active protein and the solid support to produce stable, highly bio-active conjugates. Here, we report functionalization of solid surfaces (gold nanoparticles and magnetic beads) with bio-active proteins using site-specific and biorthogonal labeling and azide-alkyne cycloaddition, a click chemistry. Specifically, we recombinantly express and selectively label calcium-dependent proteins, calmodulin and calcineurin, and cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) with N-terminal azide-tags for efficient conjugation to nanoparticles and magnetic beads. We successfully immobilized the proteins on to the solid supports directly from the cell lysate with click chemistry, forgoing the step of purification. This approach is optimized to yield low particle aggregation and high levels of protein activity post-conjugation. The entire process enables streamlined workflows for bioconjugation and highly active conjugated proteins.

Graphical Abstract
Numerical solutions of nonlocal heat conduction technique in tumor thermal therapy
Authors: Abbas Ibrahim , Hobiny Aatef , El-Bary A.
Published: December 2023

The heat transport that takes place in living tissue during magnetic tumor hyperthermia is described in this study using the nonlocal bioheat model in spherical coordinates. In magnetic fluid hyperthermia, it is crucial to regulate the therapeutic temperature. This paper suggests a hybrid numerical approach that employs the Laplace transforms, change of variables, and modified discretization techniques, coupled with nonlocal hyperbolic shape function, to tackle the present problem. This study investigates the impacts of nonlocal parameter and the disparity in thermophysical properties between diseased and healthy tissue. A graph is displayed to represent the numerical temperature results. The validity of the numerical findings is demonstrated by comparing them with the results reported in previous literature.
Back-analysis of the paraglacial slope failure at Grewingk Glacier and Lake, Alaska
Authors: Lemaire Emilie , Dufresne Anja , Hamdi Pooya , Higman Bretwood , Wolken Gabriel J. , Amann Florian
Published: December 2023

The relationship between rock-slope failure and glacier retreat is complex, and paraglacial failures often lack clearly identified triggers. To better understand the role of glacier retreat in rock-slope failures, we analysed the processes that led to the October 1967 Grewingk landslide in Kachemak Bay State Park on the Kenai Peninsula, Southcentral Alaska. The rock material collapsed onto the glacier toe and into its pro-glacial lake and produced a tsunami wave that swept the outwash plain. On the day of the failure, rainfall and snowmelt were well within normal ranges, and seismic records show no significant shaking. Three years prior to the 1967 failure, the slope withstood the second largest earthquake ever recorded (Great Alaskan earthquake, MW 9.2). We reassessed the volume of the failure by differencing pre- and post-digital terrain models and found a value of 20–24 × 106 m3, which is four times smaller than a previous estimate. The back analysis of the Grewingk landslide is based on remote sensing data and field measurements including aerial satellite image analysis, detailed surveying and understanding of the structural geology, a kinematic analysis, and runout modelling. Our research provides an example of a major paraglacial failure that lacks an obvious trigger and points to several geological factors and changing environmental conditions that likely promote such failures. This study further indicates that the Grewingk landslide, pre-conditioned by the geometry of faults and joints, may have reached a critical stability state due to internal processes and the potential combined effects of seismic activity and glacier retreat prior to the collapse.
A decision support model to investigate the pandemic recovery challenges and strategies in the leather supply chain
Authors: Moktadir Md. Abdul , Sarker Md. Rayhan , Sharif Taimur , Abedin Mohammad Zoynul
Published: December 2023

The COVID-19 has caused unprecedented disruptions to supply chains (SC) worldwide, posing numerous challenges for industries, particularly in the emerging economies (EE). These economies are undergoing a phase of recovery from the pandemic devastations now, requiring investigation into the recovery challenges (RCs) and propositions for effective recovery strategies (RSs) to address RCs. Given this backdrop, this study aims to explore the COVID-19-related RCs in the Bangladeshi leather industry and build an integrated decision-making model to formulate RSs to counteract the RCs while the industry seeks to recover. This study used Pareto analysis to deduce lists of the nine most critical RCs and nine vital RSs for the Bangladeshi leather industry. This study also applied the best worst method (BWM) to identify a long-term liquidity crisis and an increasing bankruptcy of business stakeholders as the most urgent RCs, highlighting financial sustainability as a significant matter of concern for the sector. With regard to the RSs, the application of the fuzzy Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) indicated a need to solve the existing problems of central effluent treatment plant (CETP) and provisioning of solid waste management facilities for long run business as priorities to make the leather industry SC more financially and operationally sustainable. The RSs formulated in this study have managerial implications for decision-makers in reducing the adversities caused by the pandemic and hence improving the SC performance of the leather industry. Although not totally, these valuable insights into the RCs and RSs for the leather industry during and following COVID-19 periods can be generalized across other industries in Bangladesh and EE regions affected by the pandemic.
Using learners’ problem-solving processes in computer-based assessments for enhanced learner modeling: A deep learning approach
Authors: Chen Fu , Lu Chang , Cui Ying
Published: December 2023

Successful computer-based assessments for learning greatly rely on an effective learner modeling approach to analyze learner data and evaluate learner behaviors. In addition to explicit learning performance (i.e., product data), the process data logged by computer-based assessments provide a treasure trove of information about how learners solve assessment questions. Unfortunately, how to make the best use of both product and process data to sequentially model learning behaviors is still under investigation. This study proposes a novel deep learning-based approach for enhanced learner modeling that can sequentially predict learners’ future learning performance (i.e., item responses) based on modeling their history learning behaviors. The evaluation results show that the proposed model outperforms another popular deep learning-based learner model, and process data learning of the model contributes to improved prediction performance. In addition, the model can be used to discover the mapping of items to skills from scratch without prior expert knowledge. Our study showcases how product and process data can be modelled under the same framework for enhanced learner modeling. It offers a novel approach for learning evaluation in the context of computer-based assessments.
Detecting envelope wages with e-billing information
Authors: Lopez-Luzuriaga Andrea , Calijuri Monica , Pessino Carola , Schächtele Simeon , Gonzalez Ubaldo , Chamorro Carla
Published: December 2023

We use information from the electronic billing system to estimate the underreporting of income of private sector employees. We follow an expenditure-based methodology using the consumption of public and private sector employees for similar levels of reported income. We find that private sector employees underreport between 7 and 9% of their income in Ecuador. The size of the underreporting gap is negatively correlated with the number of employees at the firm, consistent with different risks and administrative costs of ‘envelope wages’ in small versus large firms.
3D Remote Assistance for NDT Inspections
Authors: Rehbein Jörg , Lorenz Sebastian-Johannes , Holtmannspötter Jens , Valeske Bernd
Published: December 2023

In this work, we present a system architecture that is especially designed for remote ultrasound testing inspections (UT). The system itself is realized using a real-time session service and a web service based on a REST API (REST: Representational State Transfer; API: application programming interface). This web service is used to store data persistently, e.g., sample geometries, raw nondestructive testing (NDT) data and derived inspection results in a shared dataspace. In the current development state, the results consist of textures mapped onto the sample geometry. This approach allows us to display the UT results directly on the real sample using mixed reality technologies. We also implemented a feature to assist the inspector remotely by making use of the availability of this digital representation. Hence, it is necessary to share additional data like the current UT-signal, temporary position marks, user and device positions, etc. between the different participants. A real-time distribution of this highly dynamic data is required to create an effective assistance environment. Therefore, a separate session service is used. The inspection data generated in this temporary session can also be transferred to the afore mentioned dataspace to be saved persistently. The system features mixed reality visualization for the inspector and optionally a virtual reality or a 3D Desktop environment for one or more remote assistants.
Robust recurrent graph convolutional network approach based sequential prediction of illicit transactions in cryptocurrencies
Authors: Alarab Ismail , Prakoonwit Simant
Published: December 2023

Money laundering has urged the need for machine learning algorithms for combating illicit services in the blockchain of cryptocurrencies due to its increasing complexity. Recent studies have revealed promising results using supervised learning methods in classifying illicit Bitcoin transactions of Elliptic data, one of the largest labelled data of Bitcoin transaction graphs. Nonetheless, all learning algorithms have failed to capture the dark market shutdown event that occurred in this data using its original features. This paper proposes a novel method named recurrent graph neural network model that extracts the temporal and graph topology of Bitcoin data to perform node classification as licit/illicit transactions. The proposed model performs sequential predictions that rely on recent labelled transactions designated by antecedent neighbouring features. Our main finding is that the proposed model against various models on Elliptic data has achieved state-of-the-art with accuracy and $$f_1$$

f
1

-score of 98.99% and 91.75%, respectively. Moreover, we visualise a snapshot of a Bitcoin transaction graph of Elliptic data to perform a case study using a backward reasoning process. The latter highlights the effectiveness of the proposed model from the explainability perspective. Sequential prediction leverages the dynamicity of the graph network in Elliptic data.
Reliability evaluation of reinforcement learning methods for mechanical systems with increasing complexity
Authors: Manzl Peter , Rogov Oleg , Gerstmayr Johannes , Mikkola Aki , Orzechowski Grzegorz
Published: December 2023

Reinforcement learning (RL) is one of the emerging fields of artificial intelligence (AI) intended for designing agents that take actions in the physical environment. RL has many vital applications, including robotics and autonomous vehicles. The key characteristic of RL is its ability to learn from experience without requiring direct programming or supervision. To learn, an agent interacts with an environment by acting and observing the resulting states and rewards. In most practical applications, an environment is implemented as a virtual system due to cost, time, and safety concerns. Simultaneously, multibody system dynamics (MSD) is a framework for efficiently and systematically developing virtual systems of arbitrary complexity. MSD is commonly used to create virtual models of robots, vehicles, machinery, and humans. The features of RL and MSD make them perfect companions in building sophisticated, automated, and autonomous mechatronic systems. The research demonstrates the use of RL in controlling multibody systems. While AI methods are used to solve some of the most challenging tasks in engineering, their proper understanding and implementation are demanding. Therefore, we introduce and detail three commonly used RL algorithms to control the inverted N-pendulum on the cart. Single-, double-, and triple-pendulum configurations are investigated, showing the capability of RL methods to handle increasingly complex dynamical systems. We show 2D state space zones where the agent succeeds or fails the stabilization. Despite passing randomized tests during training, blind spots may occur where the agent’s policy fails. Results confirm that RL is a versatile, although complex, control engineering approach.
Does Parfit Establish Non-Reductionists Should Accept the Extreme Claim?
Authors: Ehring Douglas
Published: December 2023

The Non-Reductionist holds that personal identity is a matter in whole or in part of “further facts,” facts over and above those about psychological and physical continuity and connectedness. If Non-Reductionism is true, then it is possible for there to be “nonsymmetrical fission cases” in which there is nonsymmetry with respect to further facts such that the fissioner is identical with one of the fission products but not the other, even though there is symmetry along each branch with respect to non-further facts. If it is also true that the fissioner gets what matters with respect to the fission product to which the fissioner is not identical in those cases, it is possible for identity and what matters to come apart. If the Non-Reductionist is to hold fast to the importance of identity, she must demonstrate that the fissioner does not get what matters in survival with respect to the fission product to which he is not identical in cases of nonsymmetrical fission. One way to get this result would be to demonstrate that Non-Reductionism in and of itself has the implication that the fissioner does not get what matters with respect to the fission product to which he is not identical in the nonsymmetrical fission case. Parfit offers an argument that is meant to show that the Non-Reductionism qua Non-Reductionism has just this result. I outline Parfit’s argument and suggest that it does not work.
Comprehensive study on genetic and chemical diversity of Asian medicinal plants, aimed at sustainable use and standardization of traditional crude drugs
Authors: Komatsu Katsuko
Published: December 2023

Our representative studies to achieve sustainable use of crude drugs and ensure their stable quality are introduced: comprehensive studies on genetic, chemical, and sometimes pharmacological diversity of Asian medicinal plants including Paeonia lactiflora, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Ephedra spp., Saposhnikovia divaricata, and Curcuma spp., as well as their related crude drugs. (1) For peony root, after genetic and chemical diversity analysis of crude drug samples including white and red peony root in China, the value-added resources with quality similar to red peony root were explored among 61 horticultural P. lactiflora varieties, and two varieties were identified. In addition, an optimized post-harvest processing method, which resulted in high contents of the main active components in the produced root, was developed to promote cultivation and production of brand peony root. (2) Alternative resources of glycyrrhiza, ephedra herb and saposhnikovia root and rhizome of Japanese Pharmacopoeia grade were discovered in eastern Mongolia after field investigation and quality assessment comparing Mongolian plants with Chinese crude drugs. Simultaneously, suitable specimens and prospective regions for cultivation were proposed. (3) Because of the wide distribution and morphological similarities of Curcuma species, classification of some species is debated, which leads to confusion in the use of Curcuma crude drugs. Molecular analyses of the intron length polymorphism (ILP) markers in genes encoding diketide-CoA synthase (DCS) and curcumin synthase (CURS) and trnK sequences, combined with essential oils analysis, were demonstrated as useful for standardization of Curcuma crude drugs. The above studies, representing various facets, can be applied to other crude drugs.
On the analytic theory of isotropic ternary quadratic forms
Authors: Duke William , Schulze-Pillot Rainer
Published: December 2023

A new local-global result about the primitive representations of zero by integral ternary quadratic forms is proven. By an extension of a result of Kneser (given in the Appendix), it yields a quantitative supplement to the Hasse principle on the number of automorphic orbits of primitive zeros of a genus of forms. One ingredient in its proof is an asymptotic formula for a count of the zeros of a given form in such an orbit.
Heavy Metals Assessment and Health Risk to Consumers of Two Commercial Fish Species from Polyculture Fishponds in El-Sharkia and Kafr El-Sheikh, Egypt: Physiological and Biochemical Study
Authors: Abbas Mahmoud Mahrous M. , EL-Sharkawy Salah M. , Mohamed Hassan R. , Elaraby Bassem E. , Shaban Walaa M. , Metwally Metwally G. , Farrag Diaa M. G.
Published: December 2023

Metal pollution is a major environmental concern worldwide, especially in Egypt. The aquaculture industry uses widespread artificial feeds to stimulate fish production, leading to metal accumulation in the aquatic environment. Heavy metal concentrations (HMCs) in sediments, water, and tissues were studied to study the effect of pollution levels on heamatological, and biochemical, immunological aspects of farmed fish as well as on human health. Results declared that the HMC levels in the water and sediment were significantly different between El-Sharkia and Kafr El-Sheikh fishponds (T-test, p < 0.05). This was supported by the metal pollution index in the water and sediment, indicating that El-Sharkia fishponds (ES fishponds) were more contaminated than Kafr El-Sheikh fishponds (KES fishponds). Also, HMCs in fish tissues were significantly increased in fish cultivated in ES fishponds than in KES fishponds. Haematological, immunological, and biochemical alterations of Bolti (Oreochromis niloticus) and Topara (Chelon ramada) fish were significantly different within the different fish species as well as the different fishponds. From the human health perspective, the THQ-HMC and HI-HMC associated with the consumption of muscle suggest a safe non-carcinogenic risk to human health. In contrast, cadmium poses a cancer risk to children who consume the muscular tissue of Bolti fish from ES fishponds, which should be regarded as a warning sign based on data indices and a human health perspective. In order to minimise HMC pollution in the aquaculture sector, it is advisable to take possible assessments and carry out continuous monitoring considering international WHO/FAO assessments.
Mechanisms and risk factors of metabolic syndrome in children and adolescents
Authors: Codazzi Valentina , Frontino Giulio , Galimberti Luca , Giustina Andrea , Petrelli Alessandra
Published: December 2023

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a complex disorder characterized by abdominal obesity, elevated blood pressure, hyperlipidemia, and elevated fasting blood glucose levels. The diagnostic criteria for MetS in adults are well-established, but there is currently no consensus on the definition in children and adolescents. The etiology of MetS is believed to involve a complex interplay between genetic predisposition and environmental factors. While genetic predisposition explains only a small part of MetS pathogenesis, modifiable environmental risk factors play a significant role. Factors such as maternal weight during pregnancy, children’s lifestyle, sedentariness, high-fat diet, fructose and branched-chain amino acid consumption, vitamin D deficiency, and sleep disturbances contribute to the development of MetS. Early identification and treatment of MetS in children and adolescents is crucial to prevent the development of chronic diseases later in life. In this review we discuss the latest research on factors contributing to the pathogenesis of MetS in children, focusing on non-modifiable and modifiable risk factors, including genetics, dysbiosis and chronic low-grade inflammation.
Integration of ultrasound-based radiomics with clinical features for predicting cervical lymph node metastasis in postoperative patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Fan Fengjing , Li Fei , Wang Yixuan , Dai Zhengjun , Lin Yuyang , Liao Lin , Wang Bei , Sun Hongjun
Published: December 2023

Objective

The primary objective was to establish a radiomics model utilizing longitudinal +cross-sectional ultrasound (US) images of lymph nodes (LNs) to predict cervical lymph node metastasis (CLNM) following differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) surgery.

Methods

A retrospective collection of 211 LNs from 211 postoperative DTC patients who underwent neck US with suspicious LN fine needle aspiration cytopathology findings at our institution was conducted between June 2021 and April 2023. Conventional US and clinicopathological information of patients were gathered. Based on the pathological results, patients were categorized into CLNM and non-CLNM groups. The database was randomly divided into a training cohort (n = 147) and a test cohort (n = 64) at a 7:3 ratio. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator algorithm was applied to screen the most relevant radiomic features from the longitudinal + cross-sectional US images, and a radiomics model was constructed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess US and clinicopathological significance features. Subsequently, a combined model for predicting CLNM was constructed by integrating radiomics, conventional US, and clinicopathological features and presented as a nomogram.

Results

The area under the curves (AUCs) of the longitudinal + cross-sectional radiomics models were 0.846 and 0.801 in the training and test sets, respectively, outperforming the single longitudinal and cross-sectional models (p < 0.05). In the testing cohort, the AUC of the combined model in predicting CLNM was 0.901, surpassing that of the single US model (AUC, 0.731) and radiomics model (AUC, 0.801).

Conclusions

The US-based radiomics model exhibits the potential to accurately predict CLNM following DTC surgery, thereby enhancing diagnostic accuracy.
Patient with a novel syndrome with multiple benign hepatic lesions and extrahepatic neoplasms
Authors: Wilken Silvana , Thevathasan Tharusan , Kamali Can , Guillot Adrien , Ihlow Jana , Fehrenbach Uli , Danyel Magdalena , Pratschke Johann , Tacke Frank , Krenzien Felix
Published: December 2023

Simultaneous occurrence of benign hepatic lesions of different types is a sporadic phenomenon. To the best of our knowledge, we report the first clinical case of a syndrome with simultaneous manifestations of three different entities of benign liver tumors (hepatocellular adenoma, focal nodular hyperplasia and hemangioma) with a novel mutation detected in the liver adenoma and in the presence of a number of further extrahepatic organ neoplasms. Furthermore, we describe for the first time the presence of liver epithelial cells of hepatocytic phenotype expressing cytokeratin 7 (CK7) at the border of the adenoma. These findings may be important for explaining pathogenesis of benign as well as malignant tumors based on genetic and histopathological features.
The Additional Value of T1 Mapping in Cardiac Disease: State of the Art
Authors: Ascione Raffaele , De Giorgi Marco , Dell’Aversana Serena , Di Costanzo Giuseppe , Nappi Carmela , Imbriaco Massimo , Ponsiglione Andrea
Published: December 2023

Purpose of the Review

This paper delves into the emerging realm of T1 mapping, exploring recent innovations and their relevance across several cardiac diseases.

Recent Findings

T1 mapping with cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging has emerged as a valuable tool for cardiac disease evaluation, offering diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic insights. Tissue characterization using parametric mapping methods holds the promise of identifying and quantifying both focal and diffuse changes in myocardial structure, which cannot be adequately assessed through late gadolinium enhancement (LGE).

CMR imaging, particularly LGE, has enhanced cardiac tissue characterization. However, the detection of diffuse interstitial fibrosis remains challenging, necessitating the exploration of alternative techniques. T1 mapping could probably represent a game changer in the evaluation of diffuse and focal fibrosis in multiple cardiovascular conditions.