bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design and Assessment of Bird-Inspired 3D-Printed Models to Evaluate Grasp Mechanics
Authors: Senthil Pavan , Vishanagra Om , Sparkman John , Smith Peter , Manero Albert
Published: March 2024

Adapting grasp-specialized biomechanical structures into current research with 3D-printed prostheses may improve robotic dexterity in grasping a wider variety of objects. Claw variations across various bird species lend biomechanical advantages for grasping motions related to perching, climbing, and hunting. Designs inspired by bird claws provide improvements beyond a human-inspired structure for specific grasping applications to offer a solution for mitigating a cause of the high rejection rate for upper-limb prostheses. This research focuses on the design and manufacturing of two robotic test devices with different toe arrangements. The first, anisodactyl (three toes at the front, one at the back), is commonly found in birds of prey such as falcons and hawks. The second, zygodactyl (two toes at the front, two at the back), is commonly found in climbing birds such as woodpeckers and parrots. The evaluation methods for these models included a qualitative variable-object grasp assessment. The results highlighted design features that suggest an improved grasp: a small and central palm, curved distal digit components, and a symmetrical digit arrangement. A quantitative grip force test demonstrated that the single digit, the anisodactyl claw, and the zygodactyl claw designs support loads up to 64.3 N, 86.1 N, and 74.1 N, respectively. These loads exceed the minimum mechanical load capabilities for prosthetic devices. The developed designs offer insights into how biomimicry can be harnessed to optimize the grasping functionality of upper-limb prostheses.
A Novel Artificial Coronary Plaque to Model Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Lindenhahn Philipp , Richter Jannik , Pepelanova Iliyana , Seeger Bettina , Volk Holger A. , Hinkel Rabea , Hiebl Bernhard , Scheper Thomas , Hinrichs Jan B. , Becker Lena S. , Haverich Axel , Kaufeld Tim
Published: March 2024

Background: Experimental coronary artery interventions are currently being performed on non-diseased blood vessels in healthy animals. To provide a more realistic pathoanatomical scenario for investigations on novel interventional and surgical therapies, we aimed to fabricate a stenotic lesion, mimicking the morphology and structure of a human atherosclerotic plaque. Methods: In an interdisciplinary setting, we engineered a casting mold to create an atherosclerotic plaque with the dimensions to fit in a porcine coronary artery. Oscillatory rheology experiments took place along with long-term stability tests assessed by microscopic examination and weight monitoring. For the implantability in future in vivo setups, we performed a cytotoxicity assessment, inserted the plaque in resected pig hearts, and performed diagnostic imaging to visualize the plaque in its final position. Results: The most promising composition consists of gelatin, cholesterol, phospholipids, hydroxyapatite, and fine-grained calcium carbonate. It can be inserted in the coronary artery of human-sized pig hearts, producing a local partial stenosis and interacting like the atherosclerotic plaque by stretching and shrinking with the vessel wall and surrounding tissue. Conclusion: This artificial atherosclerotic plaque model works as a simulating tool for future medical testing and could be crucial for further specified research on coronary artery disease and is going to help to provide information about the optimal interventional and surgical care of the disease.
Evaluation of Cardiovascular Autonomic Nervous System in Essential Tremor and Tremor Dominant Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Malkiewicz Jakub J. , Siuda Joanna
Published: March 2024

(1) Background: The differential diagnosis of essential tremor (ET) and tremor-dominant Parkinson’s disease (TDPD) can be challenging. Only a few studies have investigated the autonomic nervous system (ANS) in ET. However, some of these suggested that heart rate variability (HRV) might be useful in the differential diagnosis. (2) Methods: Demographic and clinical data, including medications and comorbidities, were collected from 15 TDPD patients, 19 ET patients, and 20 healthy controls. Assessment with the SCOPA-AUT questionnaire, 5 min HRV analysis in time and frequency domains, and evaluation of orthostatic hypotension (OH) with tilt test were performed. (3) Results: There were no significant differences between all groups on the SCOPA-AUT questionnaire. PD patients had OH more frequently and a larger drop in systolic blood pressure (SBP) during the tilt test than ET patients and controls. HRV was affected in PD, but not in ET and controls. Power in the low frequency band, the standard deviation of all normal RR intervals and SBP drop were potentially useful in differential diagnosis with AUCs of 0.83, 0.78, and 0.83, respectively. (4) Conclusions: Cardiovascular ANS dysfunction was present in TDPD, but not in ET and controls. HRV analysis and assessment of SBP drop may be potentially useful in the differential diagnosis of ET and TDPD.
Immunotherapeutic Strategies for the Treatment of Glioblastoma: Current Challenges and Future Perspectives
Authors: Salvato Ilaria , Marchini Antonio
Published: March 2024

Despite decades of research and the best up-to-date treatments, grade 4 Glioblastoma (GBM) remains uniformly fatal with a patient median overall survival of less than 2 years. Recent advances in immunotherapy have reignited interest in utilizing immunological approaches to fight cancer. However, current immunotherapies have so far not met the anticipated expectations, achieving modest results in their journey from bench to bedside for the treatment of GBM. Understanding the intrinsic features of GBM is of crucial importance for the development of effective antitumoral strategies to improve patient life expectancy and conditions. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the distinctive characteristics of GBM that significantly influence current conventional therapies and immune-based approaches. Moreover, we present an overview of the immunotherapeutic strategies currently undergoing clinical evaluation for GBM treatment, with a specific emphasis on those advancing to phase 3 clinical studies. These encompass immune checkpoint inhibitors, adoptive T cell therapies, vaccination strategies (i.e., RNA-, DNA-, and peptide-based vaccines), and virus-based approaches. Finally, we explore novel innovative strategies and future prospects in the field of immunotherapy for GBM.
Uniportal Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery Completion Lobectomy Long after Wedge Resection or Segmentectomy in the Same Lobe: A Bicenter Study
Authors: Meacci Elisa , Refai Majed , Nachira Dania , Salati Michele , Kuzmych Khrystyna , Tabacco Diomira , Zanfrini Edoardo , Calabrese Giuseppe , Napolitano Antonio Giulio , Congedo Maria Teresa , Chiappetta Marco , Petracca-Ciavarella Leonardo , Sassorossi Carolina , Andolfi Marco , Xiumè Francesco , Tiberi Michela , Guiducci Gian Marco , Vita Maria Letizia , Roncon Alberto , Nanto Anna Chiara , Margaritora Stefano
Published: March 2024

Background: Completion lobectomy (CL) following a prior resection in the same lobe may be complicated by severe pleural or hilar adhesions. The role of uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (U-VATS) has never been evaluated in this setting. Methods: Data were collected from two Italian centers. Between 2015 and 2022, 122 patients (60 men and 62 women, median age 67.7 ± 8.913) underwent U-VATS CL at least 4 weeks after previous lung surgery. Results: Twenty-eight (22.9%) patients were affected by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and twenty-five (20.4%) were active smokers. Among the cohort, the initial surgery was performed using U-VATS in 103 (84.4%) patients, triportal-VATS in 8 (6.6%), and thoracotomy in 11 (9.0%). Anatomical segmentectomy was the initial surgery in 46 (37.7%) patients, while hilar lymphadenectomy was performed in 16 (13.1%) cases. CL was performed on 110 (90.2%) patients, segmentectomy on 10 (8.2%), and completion pneumonectomy on 2 (1.6%). Upon reoperation, moderate pleural adhesions were observed in 38 (31.1%) patients, with 2 (1.6%) exhibiting strong adhesions. Moderate hilar adhesions were found in 18 (14.8%) patients and strong adhesions in 11 (9.0%). The median operative time was 203.93 ± 74.4 min. In four (3.3%) patients, PA taping was performed. One patient experienced intraoperative bleeding that did not require conversion to thoracotomy. Conversion to thoracotomy was necessary in three (2.5%) patients. The median postoperative drainage stay and postoperative hospital stay were 5.67 ± 4.44 and 5.52 ± 2.66 days, respectively. Postoperative complications occurred in 34 (27.9%) patients. Thirty-day mortality was null. Histology was the only factor found to negatively influence intraoperative outcomes (p = 0.000). Factors identified as negatively impacting postoperative outcomes at univariate analyses were male sex (p = 0.003), age > 60 years (p = 0.003), COPD (p = 0.014), previous thoracotomy (p = 0.000), previous S2 segmentectomy (p = 0.001), previous S8 segmentectomy (p = 0.008), and interval between operations > 5 weeks (p= 0.005). In multivariate analysis, only COPD confirmed its role as an independent risk factor for postoperative complications (HR: 5.12, 95% CI (1.07–24.50), p = 0.04). Conclusions: U-VATS CL seems feasible and safe after wedge resection and anatomical segmentectomy.
Ianus Bifrons: The Two Faces of Metformin
Authors: Goglia Umberto , Hasballa Iderina , Teti Claudia , Boschetti Mara , Ferone Diego , Albertelli Manuela
Published: March 2024

The ancient Roman god Ianus was a mysterious divinity with two opposite faces, one looking at the past and the other looking to the future. Likewise, metformin is an “old” drug, with one side looking at the metabolic role and the other looking at the anti-proliferative mechanism; therefore, it represents a typical and ideal bridge between diabetes and cancer. Metformin (1,1-dimethylbiguanidine hydrochloride) is a drug that has long been in use for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, but recently evidence is growing about its potential use in other metabolic conditions and in proliferative-associated diseases. The aim of this paper is to retrace, from a historical perspective, the knowledge of this molecule, shedding light on the subcellular mechanisms of action involved in metabolism as well as cellular and tissue growth. The intra-tumoral pharmacodynamic effects of metformin and its possible role in the management of different neoplasms are evaluated and debated. The etymology of the name Ianus is probably from the Latin term ianua, which means door. How many new doors will this old drug be able to open?
Microfluidics-Based Technologies for the Assessment of Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Sassi Amel , You Lidan
Published: March 2024

Castration-resistant prostate cancer remains a significant clinical challenge, wherein patients display no response to existing hormone therapies. The standard of care often includes aggressive treatment options using chemotherapy, radiation therapy and various drugs to curb the growth of additional metastases. As such, there is a dire need for the development of innovative technologies for both its diagnosis and its management. Traditionally, scientific exploration of prostate cancer and its treatment options has been heavily reliant on animal models and two-dimensional (2D) in vitro technologies. However, both laboratory tools often fail to recapitulate the dynamic tumor microenvironment, which can lead to discrepancies in drug efficacy and side effects in a clinical setting. In light of the limitations of traditional animal models and 2D in vitro technologies, the emergence of microfluidics as a tool for prostate cancer research shows tremendous promise. Namely, microfluidics-based technologies have emerged as powerful tools for assessing prostate cancer cells, isolating circulating tumor cells, and examining their behaviour using tumor-on-a-chip models. As such, this review aims to highlight recent advancements in microfluidics-based technologies for the assessment of castration-resistant prostate cancer and its potential to advance current understanding and to improve therapeutic outcomes.
Numerous Serine/Threonine Kinases Affect Blood Cell Homeostasis in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Deichsel Sebastian , Gahr Bernd M. , Mastel Helena , Preiss Anette , Nagel Anja C.
Published: March 2024

Blood cells in Drosophila serve primarily innate immune responses. Various stressors influence blood cell homeostasis regarding both numbers and the proportion of blood cell types. The principle molecular mechanisms governing hematopoiesis are conserved amongst species and involve major signaling pathways like Notch, Toll, JNK, JAK/Stat or RTK. Albeit signaling pathways generally rely on the activity of protein kinases, their specific contribution to hematopoiesis remains understudied. Here, we assess the role of Serine/Threonine kinases with the potential to phosphorylate the transcription factor Su(H) in crystal cell homeostasis. Su(H) is central to Notch signal transduction, and its inhibition by phosphorylation impedes crystal cell formation. Overall, nearly twenty percent of all Drosophila Serine/Threonine kinases were studied in two assays, global and hemocyte-specific overexpression and downregulation, respectively. Unexpectedly, the majority of kinases influenced crystal cell numbers, albeit only a few were related to hematopoiesis so far. Four kinases appeared essential for crystal cell formation, whereas most kinases restrained crystal cell development. This group comprises all kinase classes, indicative of the complex regulatory network underlying blood cell homeostasis. The rather indiscriminative response we observed opens the possibility that blood cells measure their overall phospho-status as a proxy for stress-signals, and activate an adaptive immune response accordingly.
Ductular Reactions in Liver Injury, Regeneration, and Disease Progression—An Overview
Authors: Mavila Nirmala , Siraganahalli Eshwaraiah Mallikarjuna , Kennedy Jaquelene
Published: March 2024

Ductular reaction (DR) is a complex cellular response that occurs in the liver during chronic injuries. DR mainly consists of hyper-proliferative or reactive cholangiocytes and, to a lesser extent, de-differentiated hepatocytes and liver progenitors presenting a close spatial interaction with periportal mesenchyme and immune cells. The underlying pathology of DRs leads to extensive tissue remodeling in chronic liver diseases. DR initiates as a tissue-regeneration mechanism in the liver; however, its close association with progressive fibrosis and inflammation in many chronic liver diseases makes it a more complicated pathological response than a simple regenerative process. An in-depth understanding of the cellular physiology of DRs and their contribution to tissue repair, inflammation, and progressive fibrosis can help scientists develop cell-type specific targeted therapies to manage liver fibrosis and chronic liver diseases effectively.
Zero-Temperature Coefficient of Resonant Frequency in [(Mg0.6Zn0.4)0.95Co0.05]1.02TiO3.02-Ca0.6(La0.9Y0.1)0.2667TiO3 Ultra-Low-Loss Composite Dielectrics
Authors: Chen Yuan-Bin , Peng Jie
Published: March 2024

Investigating the microwave dielectric properties of ceramics prepared through the conventional solid-state route, such as x[(Mg0.6Zn0.4)0.95Co0.05]1.02TiO3.02-(1−x)Ca0.6(La0.9Y0.1)0.2667TiO3, reveals notable characteristics. [(Mg0.6Zn0.4)0.95Co0.05]1.02TiO3.02 shows a permittivity (εr) of approximately 20, a high quality factor (Q × f) ranging between 250,000 and 560,000 GHz, and a temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (τf) of approximately −65 ppm/°C. To enhance the temperature stability, Ca0.6(La0.9Y0.1)0.2667TiO3 featuring a τf value of +374 ppm/°C was incorporated into the [(Mg0.6Zn0.4)0.95Co0.05]1.02TiO3.02 composition. τf demonstrated an increase with rising Ca0.6(La0.9Y0.1)0.2667TiO3 content, reaching zero at x = 0.95. A ceramic composition of 0.95[(Mg0.6Zn0.4)0.95Co0.05]1.02TiO3.02-0.05Ca0.6(La0.9Y0.1)0.2667TiO3, incorporating 3wt.% BaCu(B2O5) as sintering aids, exhibited outstanding microwave dielectric properties: εr~22.5, Q × f~195,000 (at 9 GHz), and τf~0.1ppm/°C, with a sintering temperature at 950 °C. This material is proposed as a prospective candidate for 6G band components and GPS antennas.
Discrepancies in Perceived Indulgent Parenting, Relationship Satisfaction, and Psychological Well-Being of Adolescents and Parents
Authors: Feng Qinglan , Cui Ming
Published: March 2024

Indulgent parenting has been associated with adolescents’ psychological well-being problems; however, prior research has primarily relied on adolescents’ report of such parenting behavior and its association with their own well-being, often overlooking parents’ perceptions of indulgence and their own well-being. In this study, we address this gap in the literature by examining the agreement and disagreement between parents’ and adolescents’ perceptions of indulgent parenting and the implications for the psychological well-being of both adolescents and their parents. Further, we explore the role of adolescent–parent relationship satisfaction as a potential factor affecting these associations. Our investigation was based on data from 128 parent–adolescent dyads. Utilizing structural equation modeling with double-entry intraclass correlations (ICC_DE), our analyses revealed several main findings: (1) adolescents perceived higher levels of indulgent parenting than their parents did; (2) disagreement in perceived indulgent parenting between parents and adolescents was linked to psychological well-being problems for both adolescents and their parents; and (3) disagreement in perceptions in indulgent parenting had a stronger association with adolescents’ well-being problems when adolescents reported greater relationship satisfaction with their parents. These findings provide insights into perceptions of indulgent parenting within parent–adolescent relationships and bring psychological implications for both adolescents and their parents.
Pediatric Migraine and Visual Cortical Excitability: A Prospective Observational Study with Sound-Induced Flash Illusions
Authors: Di Marco Salvatore , Pilati Laura , Torrente Angelo , Maccora Simona , Santangelo Andrea , Cosentino Giuseppe , Correnti Edvige , Raieli Vincenzo , Fierro Brigida , Brighina Filippo
Published: March 2024

The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying migraine are more difficult to investigate in children than in the adult population. Abnormal cortical excitability turns out to be one of the most peculiar aspects of migraine, accounting for the manifestations of migraine attacks. Recently, visual cortical excitability has been explored effectively in adult migraineurs with a technique based on cross-modal audio-visual illusions (with sound-induced flash illusions (SIFIs) being reduced in migraineurs compared to non-migraineur subjects). On such a basis, in this study, we investigated visual cortical excitability in children with migraine using SIFIs using combinations of visual and sound stimuli presented randomly. We evaluated 26 children with migraine without aura and 16 healthy children. Migraineurs did not differ from the age-matched healthy subjects regarding fission or fusion illusions but perceived more flashes in trials of multiple flashes with or without beeps. The higher number of SIFIs in migraineur children compared to adults may be due to a greater propensity of visual stimulation to be driven by auditory stimuli (i.e., acoustic dominance). The increased ability to perceive flashes reveals a hyperfunctional visual cortex, demonstrating that the use of SIFIs is a valid tool for assessing visual cortical responsiveness even in pediatric migraine.
Ultrasound-Guided Centrally Inserted Central Catheter (CICC) Placement in Newborns: A Safe Clinical Training Program in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Zini Tommaso , Corso Lucia , Mazzi Cinzia , Baraldi Cecilia , Nieddu Elisa , Rinaldi Laura , Miselli Francesca , Bedetti Luca , Spaggiari Eugenio , Rossi Katia , Berardi Alberto , Lugli Licia ,   on behalf of the CVC Study Group
Published: March 2024

Background: Centrally inserted central catheters (CICCs) are increasingly used in neonatal care. CICCs have garnered attention and adoption owing to their advantageous features. Therefore, achieving clinical competence in ultrasound-guided CICC insertion in term and preterm infants is of paramount importance for neonatologists. A safe clinical training program should include theoretical teaching and clinical practice, simulation and supervised CICC insertions. Methods: We planned a training program for neonatologists for ultrasound-guided CICCs placement at our level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in Modena, Italy. In this single-centre prospective observational study, we present the preliminary results of a 12-month training period. Two paediatric anaesthesiologists participated as trainers, and a multidisciplinary team was established for continuing education, consisting of neonatologists, nurses, and anaesthesiologists. We detail the features of our training program and present the modalities of CICC placement in newborns. Results: The success rate of procedures was 100%. In 80.5% of cases, the insertion was obtained at the first ultrasound-guided venipuncture. No procedure-related complications occurred in neonates (median gestational age 36 weeks, IQR 26–40; median birth weight 1200 g, IQR 622–2930). Three of the six neonatologists (50%) who participated in the clinical training program have achieved good clinical competence. One of them has acquired the necessary skills to in turn supervise other colleagues. Conclusions: Our ongoing clinical training program was safe and effective. Conducting the program within the NICU contributes to the implementation of medical and nursing skills of the entire staff.
Adaptation Attitudes Are Guided by “Lived Experience” Rather than Electoral Interests: Evidence from a Survey Experiment in Bangladesh
Authors: Eisenstadt Todd A. , Haque Sk Tawfique M. , Toman Michael A. , Wright Matthew
Published: March 2024

After decades of presuming that climate adaptation is a private good benefitting only those receiving resources to reduce individual climate risks, respondents in a survey experiment among the climate-vulnerable in Bangladesh chose less-particularistic adaptation projects than “electoral connection” disaster relief theories predict and more “short-sighted” projects than international diplomats anticipate. This article reports on the experiment, which asked a representative national sample of Bangladeshis whether they favor spending funds on short-term particularistic solutions (disaster relief stockpiles), medium-term inclusionary and non-excludable solutions (ocean embankments), or long-term, public goods solutions (the development of flood-resistant rice seeds). More respondents chose “middle ground” embankment spending, and a statistically significant change in respondent propensities was tied to their lived experience with climate vulnerability rather than electoral incentives. The logic of their choices contradicts existing explanations, implying that a reconsideration of vulnerable community preferences, and how to address them, may be needed.
Study on Plugging Microfracture by Using High-Temperature Emulsified Bitumen
Authors: Yang Liang , Chen Xiang , Gu Linhao , Chen Yan , Shi Shuang
Published: March 2024

A new kind of modified emulsified bitumen used to plug a microcrack was studied. The sizes of high-temperature emulsified bitumen were fit for the sizes of the microcrack, which were approved by the scanning electron microscope and laser particle size analyzer. Some tests have been designed to demonstrate that the polymer could be used to promote the softening point of modified asphalt, and the high-temperature emulsified bitumen has also shown an excellent performance in terms of static filtration, the viscous coefficient, and extreme pressure lubrication, as well as to inhibit ting shale expansion. The permeability recovery could reach 88.26%, which meets the specification requirements. The mud cake, which was formed by high-temperature emulsified bitumen as an additive, was thin, tough, and dense, which was proved by the scanning electron microscope. The process used to obtain this additive was simple, and the performance of the plugging microfracture was excellent, so this kind of plugging agent could have a better application future.
The Effect of Sputtering Target Density on the Crystal and Electronic Structure of Epitaxial BaTiO3 Thin Films
Authors: Qi Fugang , Peng Shaoqin , Bi Jiachang , Zhang Shunda , Su Guanhua , Li Peiyi , Zhang Jiahui , Zhang Tengteng , Zhou Weisong , Zhang Ruyi , Cao Yanwei
Published: March 2024

Barium titanate (BaTiO3) is a promising material for silicon-integrated photonics due to its large electro-optical coefficients, low loss, high refractive index, and fast response speed. Several deposition methods have been employed to synthesize BaTiO3 films. Magnetron sputtering is one of these methods, which offers specific advantages for growing large-scale films. However, there is a scarcity of studies investigating the effect of sputtering target density on the quality of BaTiO3 films. Therefore, this study aims to uncover the effect of sputtering targets on the crystal and electronic structures of epitaxial BaTiO3 thin films. Two BaTiO3 ceramic targets were sintered at different densities by altering the sintering temperatures. The crystal structure and chemical composition of the targets were then characterized using X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Subsequently, BaTiO3 epitaxial films were grown by magnetron sputtering using these two targets. The crystal and electronic structures of the BaTiO3 films were analyzed using high-resolution X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoemission spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and spectroscopic ellipsometry. Notably, the BaTiO3 films grown with high-density targets show superior quality but contain oxygen vacancies, whereas those films synthesized with low-density targets display high surface roughness. These findings provide insights into the effect of sputtering target density on the crystal and electronic structures of epitaxial BaTiO3 thin films.
Is Chorioptes texanus to Displace Chorioptes bovis? Notes on the Mites Causing Bovine Chorioptic Mange in Central Europe
Authors: Rehbein Steffen , Visser Martin
Published: March 2024

Chorioptic mange is the most common type of bovine mange in central Europe, affecting mainly housed dairy cattle. Until 1976, when Chorioptes texanus were described for the first time from mangy cattle in Brazil, bovine chorioptic mange was thought to be caused only by C. bovis mites. In Europe, C. texanus parasitism in cattle was for the first time reported in Germany in 1998. Following the repeated diagnosis of C. texanus mites in skin scrapings from local cattle in recent years, scrapings from cattle that were clinically suspicious for chorioptic mange were requested and provided during the years from 2019 to 2022 from Austria, France, Germany, and Switzerland (from 6, 17, 28, and 7 farms, respectively) and from dairy cows of 1 farm in Canada. Mites were isolated from the scrapings, cleared, and microscopically identified based on their morphology. Examination of scrapings revealed the presence of C. texanus in the cattle from 2 farms in Austria, 13 farms in France, 7 farms in Germany, 1 farm in Switzerland, and in the specimens from Canada. Chorioptes bovis mites were recovered only in scrapings from 5 farms in Germany and Psoroptes ovis mites in scrapings of cattle from 2 farms in France. The scrapings did not reveal co-infestations of C. bovis and C. texanus or of Chorioptes species and P. ovis. The records of C. texanus from Austria, France, Switzerland, and Canada constitute the first descriptions of this mite species in these countries. Although this investigation was based on an opportunistic collection of the material and was of small extent, the results suggest a widespread occurrence of C. texanus in central Europe and may emphasize the need for studies to closely investigate the nature of the causative agents of chorioptic mange in cattle and other hosts.
Multiparametric Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Assessment in Sickle Beta Thalassemia
Authors: Pistoia Laura , Meloni Antonella , Positano Vincenzo , Longo Filomena , Borsellino Zelia , Spasiano Anna , Righi Riccardo , Renne Stefania , Izzo Daniela , Savino Ketty , Mavrogeni Sophie , Quaia Emilio , Cademartiri Filippo , Pepe Alessia
Published: March 2024

Cardiac involvement in sickle beta thalassemia (Sβ-thal) patients has been poorly investigated. We aimed to evaluate cardiac function and myocardial iron overload by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in patients with Sβ-thal. One-hundred and eleven Sβ-thal patients consecutively enrolled in the Myocardial Iron Overload in Thalassemia (MIOT) network were studied and compared with 46 sickle cell anemia (SCA) patients and with 111 gender- and age- matched healthy volunteers. Cine images were acquired to quantify biventricular function. Myocardial iron overload (MIO) was assessed by the T2* technique, while macroscopic myocardial fibrosis was evaluated by the late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) technique. In Sβ-thal and SCA patients, the morphological and functional CMR parameters were not significantly different, except for the left atrial area and left ventricular (LV) stroke volume, indexed by body surface area (p = 0.023 and p = 0.048, respectively), which were significantly higher in SCA patients. No significant differences between the two groups were found in terms of myocardial iron overload and macroscopic myocardial fibrosis. When compared to healthy subjects, Sβ-thal patients showed significantly higher bi-atrial and biventricular parameters, except for LV ejection fraction, which was significantly lower. The CMR analysis confirmed that Sβ-thal and SCA patients are phenotypically similar. Since Sβ-thal patients showed markedly different morphological and functional indices from healthy subjects, it would be useful to identify Sβ-thal/SCA-specific bi-atrial and biventricular reference values.
Intelligent Scheduling Technology of Swarm Intelligence Algorithm for Drone Path Planning
Authors: Meng Zhipeng , Li Dongze , Zhang Yong , Yan Haoquan
Published: March 2024

Different kinds of swarm intelligence algorithm obtain superior performances in solving complex optimization problems and have been widely used in path planning of drones. Due to their own characteristics, the optimization results may vary greatly in different dynamic environments. In this paper, a scheduling technology for swarm intelligence algorithms based on deep Q-learning is proposed to intelligently select algorithms to realize 3D path planning. It builds a unique path point database and two basic principles are proposed to guide model training. Path planning and network learning are separated by the proposed separation principle and the optimal selection principle ensures convergence of the model. Aiming at the problem of reward sparsity, the comprehensive cost of each path point in the whole track sequence is regarded as a dynamic reward. Through the investigation of dynamic environment conditions such as different distances and threats, the effectiveness of the proposed method is validated.
Energy-Efficient Device-to-Device Communications for Green Internet of Things Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle-Mounted Intelligent Reflecting Surface
Authors: Tan Fangqing , Pang Shuo , Cao Yashuai , Chen Hongbin , Lv Tiejun
Published: March 2024

The Internet of Things (IoT) serves as a crucial element in interconnecting diverse devices within the realm of smart technology. However, the energy consumption of IoT technology has become a notable challenge and an area of interest for researchers. With the aim of achieving an IoT with low power consumption, green IoT has been introduced. The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) represents a highly innovative approach for creating a sustainable green IoT network. UAVs offer advantages in terms of flexibility, mobility, and cost. Moreover, device-to-device (D2D) communication is essential in emergency communications, due to its ability to support direct communication between devices. The intelligent reflecting surface (IRS) is also a hopeful technology which reconstructs the radio propagation environment and provides a possible solution to reduce co-channel interference resulting from spectrum sharing for D2D communications. The investigation in this paper hence focuses on energy-efficient UAV-IRS-assisted D2D communications for green IoT. In particular, a problem of optimization aimed at maximizing the system’s average energy efficiency (EE) is formulated, firstly, by simultaneously optimizing the power coefficients of all D2D transmitters, the UAV’s trajectory, and the base station (BS)’s active beamforming, along with the IRS’s phase shifts. Second, to address the problem, we develop a multi-agent twin delayed deep deterministic policy gradient (MATD3)-based scheme to find a near-optimal solution, where D2D transmitters, the BS, and the UAV cooperatively learn to improve EE and suppress the interference. To conclude, numerical simulations are conducted to assess the availability of the proposed scheme, and the simulation results demonstrate that the proposed scheme surpasses the baseline approaches in both convergence speed and EE performance.
Dynamic Modeling of Environmental Subsidies
Authors: Halkos George E. , Papageorgiou George J. , Halkos Emmanuel G. , Papageorgiou John G.
Published: March 2024

In this research, the intertemporal optimal management of subsidies offered by the environmental regulator and the dynamic conflict between two groups of economic agents involved in environmental quality are discussed. First the environmental model is examined in its optimal control management form with two state variables. The analysis of the improved model, inspecting the social planner’s decision (policy) variable, the variable which influences not only environmental quality but the national budget stock, reveals that is dependent on the growth of the national budget stock. A negative growth rate leads to the long run saddle point equilibrium, while an incremental growth rate, but less than the model’s discount rate, leads to an interesting complicated limit cycle equilibrium, for which under certain parameter values the orbit’s phase portrait can be drawn. For the dynamic game model between the social planner and natural resource exploiters, the equilibrium conditions are examined. It is rather a richer than the point equilibrium for which the cyclical strategies have great importance. Therefore, the conditions for that rich equilibrium are found. As a continuation, the paper concludes that the equilibrium condition is that the players’ discount rates are both greater than the national budget interest rate. Finally, the certain values of the equilibrium strategies and national budget stock are provided.
Margin Elimination in a 55 nm Near-Threshold Microcontroller with Adaptive Prediction Capability and Voltage Scaling
Authors: Yu Runze , Li Zhenhao , Deng Xi , Wang Zhaoxu , Zhang Haoming , Liu Zhenglin
Published: March 2024

This paper presents an innovative approach for error prediction (EP) tailored to near-threshold operations, addressing the energy-efficient requirements of digital circuits in applications such as IoT devices and wearables. The novel EP technique combines the benefits of error prediction and detection, effectively addressing critical issues associated with each method by enabling adaptive prediction capability and voltage scaling. More specifically, the presented EP method requires no modifications to the processor pipeline and mitigates the generation of false-positive errors, ensuring stable operation of the system at high-efficiency points. The effectiveness of this strategy is demonstrated through its implementation in a near-threshold 32-bit microprocessor system with a modest 5.82% area overhead. Silicon measurements validate the adaptive EP system from 0.59 to 0.66 V (4–32 MHz) and confirm its removal of all voltage margins. Here, the EP technique reduces the energy consumption by 18.6–25.1% with respect to the signoff margins and it allows the system to operate without energy overhead compared to its ideal non-margined critical operation point, with less than a 5% throughput loss.
Cooperative Caching and Resource Allocation in Integrated Satellite–Terrestrial Networks
Authors: Gao Xiangqiang , Shao Yingzhao , Wang Yuanle , Zhang Hangyu , Liu Yang
Published: March 2024

Due to the rapid development of low earth orbit satellite constellations, e.g., Starlink, OneWeb, etc., integrated satellite-terrestrial networks have been viewed as a promising paradigm to globally provide satellite internet services for users. However, when the contents from ground data centers are provided for users by satellite networks, there will be high capital expenditures in terms of communication delay and bandwidth usage. To this end, in this paper, a cooperative-caching and resource-allocation problem is investigated in integrated satellite–terrestrial networks. Popular contents, which are cached on satellites and ground data centers, can be accessed via inter-satellite and satellite–terrestrial networks in a cooperative way. The optimization problem is formulated to jointly minimize the deployment costs of storage resource usage and network bandwidth consumption. A cooperative caching and resource allocation (CCRA) algorithm based on a neighborhood search is proposed to address the problem. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed CCRA algorithm outperforms Greedy and BFS in reducing the deployment costs.
A 12 μW 10 kHz BW 58.9 dB SNDR AC-Coupled Incremental ADC for Neural Recording
Authors: Zhang Xiangwei , Hou Ying , Wang Xiaosong , Liu Yu
Published: March 2024

This paper presents an AC-coupled, incremental analog-to-digital converter (ADC) based on two-step quantization for high-density implantable neural recording. It achieves a rail-to-rail electrode DC offset (EDO) rejection, low noise, a small area, and low power consumption. Fabricated in a 180 nm CMOS process, the prototype ADC achieves a high input impedance, 24 mVpp linear input range, and 58.9 dB signal-to-noise and distortion ratio (SNDR). Its core circuit has a power consumption of 12 μW and an area of 0.0192 mm2. The referred-to-input (RTI) noise is 6.9 μVrms within the bandwidth of 1 Hz–10 kHz.
Isolated Video-Based Sign Language Recognition Using a Hybrid CNN-LSTM Framework Based on Attention Mechanism
Authors: Kumari Diksha , Anand Radhey Shyam
Published: March 2024

Sign language is a complex language that uses hand gestures, body movements, and facial expressions and is majorly used by the deaf community. Sign language recognition (SLR) is a popular research domain as it provides an efficient and reliable solution to bridge the communication gap between people who are hard of hearing and those with good hearing. Recognizing isolated sign language words from video is a challenging research area in computer vision. This paper proposes a hybrid SLR framework that combines a convolutional neural network (CNN) and an attention-based long-short-term memory (LSTM) neural network. We used MobileNetV2 as a backbone model due to its lightweight structure, which reduces the complexity of the model architecture for deriving meaningful features from the video frame sequence. The spatial features are fed to LSTM optimized with an attention mechanism to select the significant gesture cues from the video frames and focus on salient features from the sequential data. The proposed method is evaluated on a benchmark WLASL dataset with 100 classes based on precision, recall, F1-score, and 5-fold cross-validation metrics. Our methodology acquired an average accuracy of 84.65%. The experiment results illustrate that our model performed effectively and computationally efficiently compared to other state-of-the-art methods.
Fault Diagnosis Method for Lithium-Ion Power Battery Incorporating Multidimensional Fault Features
Authors: Zhang Fan , Zheng Xiao , Xing Zixuan , Wu Minghu
Published: March 2024

Accurately identifying a specific faulty monomer in a battery pack in the early stages of battery failure is essential to preventing safety accidents and minimizing property damage. While there are existing lithium-ion power battery fault diagnosis methods used in laboratory settings, their effectiveness in real-world vehicle conditions is limited. To address this, fault diagnosis methods for real-vehicle conditions should incorporate fault characteristic parameters based on external battery fault characterization, enabling the accurate identification of different fault types. However, these methods are constrained when confronted with complex fault types. To overcome these limitations, this paper proposes a battery fault diagnosis method that combines multidimensional fault features. By merging different fault feature parameters and mapping them to a high-dimensional space, the method utilizes a local outlier factor (LOF) algorithm to detect anomalous values, enabling fault diagnosis in complex working conditions. This method improves the detection time by an average of 22 min compared to the extended RMSE method and maintains strong robustness while correctly detecting faults compared to other conventional methods.
Reinforcement Learning-Based Energy Management for Fuel Cell Electrical Vehicles Considering Fuel Cell Degradation
Authors: Shuai Qilin , Wang Yiheng , Jiang Zhengxiong , Hua Qingsong
Published: March 2024

The service life and fuel consumption of fuel cell system (FCS) are the main factors limiting the commercialization of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV). Effective energy management strategies (EMS) can reduce fuel consumption during the cycle and prolong the service life of FCS. This paper proposes an energy management strategy based on the deep reinforcement learning (DRL) algorithm, deep Q-learning (DQL). Considering the unstable performance of conventional DQL during the training process, a new algorithm called Double Deep Q Learning (DDQL) is introduced. The DDQL uses a target evaluation network to evaluate output actions and a delayed update strategy to improve the convergence and stability of DRL. This article trains the strategy using UDDS cycle, tests it using combined cycles UDDS-WLTC-NEDC, and compares it with traditional ECM-based EMS. The results demonstrate that under the combined cycle, the strategy effectively reduced FCS voltage degradation by 50%, maintained fuel economy, and ensured consistency between the initial and final state of charge (SOC) of LIB.
Modular PV System for Applications in Prosumer Installations with Uncontrolled, Unbalanced and Non-Linear Loads
Authors: Kelm Paweł , Mieński Rozmysław , Wasiak Irena
Published: March 2024

This article proposes a modular system for prosumer installations composed of photovoltaic (PV) panels and energy storage (ES) integrated with the low voltage (LV) network through a common 4-wire AC/DC inverter. The novel idea is a control strategy for the inverter in which additional functionalities are incorporated. Apart from transmitting an active power generated by the PV source, the same inverter is used to manage energy generated by the PV and to compensate for the current unbalance, harmonics (including subharmonics and interharmonics) and reactive power of the prosumer loads. As a result of the algorithm operation, the currents flowing to the prosumer installation are sinusoidal, symmetrical and purely active, which results in voltage balancing and improving voltage waveforms at the point of common coupling (PCC). In this way, with the widespread use of this solution among prosumers, the impact of the prosumer installation on the distribution network is minimized, and power quality (PQ) disturbances such as unacceptable voltage rises, voltage unbalance and harmonics are avoided. The presented approach may be a solution to the problems network operators face nowadays due to the uncontrolled connection of PV sources. The proposed modular system is also beneficial for the prosumer as the instances of unacceptable overvoltage and, consequently, shutdowns of prosumer installations are reduced. The features of the proposed method are shown in relation to other means applied for PQ improvement in the networks with distributed generation. A principle of the control and the involving algorithm for the inverter is presented. The efficiency of the control strategy was tested in a simulation developed in the PSCAD/EMTDC program. The results of simulations are presented, and the proposed solution is concluded.
Assessment of Temperate Deciduous Forest Communities and Structures after Restoration through the Multi-Reference Ecosystems Framework
Authors: Won Suyeon , Song Youngkeun
Published: March 2024

The reference forest serves as a model for forest ecosystem restoration and can be employed to assess the vegetation of the Restored Forest, thereby confirming the success of restoration. When evaluating restoration, employing multireference forests is advantageous for discerning gradual changes in Restored Forests. However, in previous studies, their utilization has been limited to comparisons with individual ecosystems. Therefore, this study investigates the status of Restored Forests in previously damaged areas and their resemblance to reference forests across four forest types, namely Climax Forest (CF), Secondary Forest (SF), Restored Forest (RF), and Planted Forest (PF). Reference forests, serving as model targets for restoration, include CF and SF, while RF and PF represent the restoration forests. Six target sites within two temperate deciduous forests (Quercus acutissima and Quercus variabilis) were selected, and a comparative analysis of species diversity, dominance, and evenness was conducted. This study revealed that the dominant species in the top canopy of restoration forests mirrored those in reference forests, with Q. variabilis and Q. acutissima being prevalent. A similarity index of over 60% and a high correlation of 0.987 were observed in the top canopy layer between the reference and restored ecosystems (CF-RF/SF-PF). These findings enhance our understanding of the current status of Restored Forests and advocate for the utilization of multiple reference forests for successful restoration efforts.