bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A critical reflection on using the Patient Engagement In Research Scale (PEIRS) to evaluate patient and family partners' engagement in dementia research
Authors: Wong Joey , Hung Lillian , Bayabay Cates , Wong Karen Lok Yi , Berndt Annette , Mann Jim , Wong Lily , Jackson Lynn , Gregorio Mario
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Research involvement of people with lived experiences is increasing. Few tools are designed to evaluate their engagement in research. The Patient Engagement In Research Scale (PEIRS) is one of the few validated tools. Our team employed the PEIRS with patient and family partners with lived experiences of dementia every 6 months in a two-year telepresence robot project. This reflection paper reports our self-study on key learnings and proposes practical tips on using the PEIRS to evaluate patient and family partners' engagement in dementia research. It is the first to document a case using the PEIRS multiple times in a dementia research project.

Methods

Guided by Rolfe et al.'s reflective model, we conducted three team reflective sessions to examine the team's experiences using the PEIRS to improve and evaluate patient and family partners' engagement in the research. We also reviewed our meeting notes and fieldnotes documented in the research journal. A reflexive thematic analysis was performed.

Results

The team identified three key learnings: the values of using the PEIRS survey, the adaptations, and the factors influencing its implementation as an evaluation tool. Using the PEIRS provided significant benefits to the project, although some patient and family partners felt it was burdensome. The evaluation tool was enhanced with emojis and comment boxes based on suggestions from patient partners. The emojis introduced an element of fun, while the comment boxes allowed for personalized responses. Several factors influenced the PEIRS tool's effectiveness: the interviewer's identity, the confidentiality of responses and follow-ups, the timing and frequency of using the tool, and the presentation of the evaluations. These learnings led to the development of six practical tips,—“ENGAGE”: Enjoyable and fun process, Never impose, Get prepared early, Adapt to the team's needs, Give people options, and Engage and reflect.

Conclusion

With the emerging trend of including people with lived experiences in dementia research, there is a need for ongoing assessment of engagement from both patient and family partners and the research team strategies. Future research can further explore survey logistics, co-development of evaluation tools, and the use of tools with people living with dementia.
Spectral features of a single type III burst in the frequency range of 10–70 MHz
Authors: Melnik Valentin , Brazhenko Anatolii , Dorovskyy Vladimir , Frantsuzenko Anatolii , Shevchuk Mykola , Yerin Sergii , Bubnov Igor
Published: June 2024

Spectral properties of a single type III burst in the wide frequency band from 10 to 70 MHz are studied in detail. It is shown that electrons corresponding to different levels of type III emission move with different velocities. Moreover, these electron velocities decrease from the maximum value, which corresponds to the 0.1 level of the maximum type III flux at its front, to the minimum value, corresponding to the 0.1 level of the maximum type III flux at its back. The velocity of electrons corresponding to the maximum type III flux was approximately 0.31 c. This value equals 0.6 of maximum velocity, and, namely, it was predicted by the gas dynamic theory of electron propagation through the coronal plasma. In addition, we adduce arguments that the type III radio emission is the harmonic emission. In supposition that type III electrons move through the Newkirk coronal plasma, we find electron velocities for every level of the type III burst. The duration dependence on frequency obtained from the observations is close to Elgaroy–Lingstad dependence. We discuss the contribution of electron velocity dispersion to the type III burst duration. In addition, we derived type III flux dependence on frequency in the frequency bands of 10–33 MHz and 33–62 MHz.
Disturbance-Observer-Based Sliding-Mode Speed Control for Synchronous Reluctance Motor Drives via Generalized Super-Twisting Algorithm
Authors: Liu Yong-Chao
Published: June 2024

In this study, a novel composite speed controller combining a sliding-mode speed controller with a disturbance observer is proposed for the vector-controlled synchronous reluctance motor (SynRM) drive system. The proposed composite speed controller employs the generalized super-twisting sliding-mode (GSTSM) algorithm to construct both the speed controller and the disturbance observer. The GSTSM speed controller is utilized to stabilize the speed tracking error dynamics in finite time, while the GSTSM disturbance observer compensates for the total disturbance in the speed tracking error dynamics, which includes external disturbances and parametric uncertainties. Under the framework of the constant direct-axis current component vector control strategy for the SynRM drive system, comparative simulation studies are conducted among the standard STSM speed controller, the GSTSM speed controller, the composite speed controller using a GSTSM speed controller and a standard STSM disturbance observer, and the proposed composite speed controller. The effectiveness and superiority of the proposed composite speed controller are verified through simulation results.
Path Planning Algorithm of Orchard Fertilization Robot Based on Multi-Constrained Bessel Curve
Authors: Kong Fanxia , Liu Baixu , Han Xin , Yi Lili , Sun Haozheng , Liu Jie , Liu Lei , Lan Yubin
Published: June 2024

Path planning is the core problem of orchard fertilization robots during their operation. The traditional full-coverage job path planning algorithm has problems, such as being not smooth enough and having a large curvature fluctuation, that lead to unsteady running and low working efficiency of robot trajectory tracking. To solve the above problems, an improved A* path planning algorithm based on a multi-constraint Bessel curve is proposed. First, by improving the traditional A* algorithm, the orchard operation path can be fully covered by adding guide points. Second, according to the differential vehicle kinematics model of the orchard fertilization robot, the robot kinematics constraint is combined with a Bessel curve to smooth the turning path of the A* algorithm, and the global path meeting the driving requirements of the orchard fertilization robot is generated by comprehensively considering multiple constraints such as the minimum turning radius and continuous curvature. Finally, the pure tracking algorithm is used to carry out tracking experiments to verify the robot’s driving accuracy. The simulation and experimental results show that the maximum curvature of the planned trajectory is 0.67, which meets the autonomous operation requirements of the orchard fertilization robot. When tracking the linear path in the fertilization area, the average transverse deviation is 0.0157 m, and the maximum transverse deviation is 0.0457 m. When tracking the U-turn path, the average absolute transverse deviation is 0.1081 m, and the maximum transverse deviation is 0.1768 m, which meets the autonomous operation requirements of orchard fertilization robots.
Avocado Water Footprint for Two Municipalities in Michoacán, Mexico: A Research of the Blue and Green WF
Authors: Fuerte-Velázquez Diana J. , Seguí-Amórtegui Luis , Gómez-Tagle Alberto , Guerrero-García-Rojas Hilda
Published: June 2024

The Water Footprint (WF) is an indicator used to determine good practices for efficiently using water in human activities. This work evaluates the green (rainfed) and blue (irrigation) water footprint of avocado cultivation in the municipalities of Acuitzio (2012–2016) and Morelia (2016–2020) in Michoacán, Mexico. Likewise, the water stress of irrigation water use is analyzed, linking the blue WF with the volumes of concessions for agricultural use. The results revealed that the mean green WF for Acuitzio is 1292.49 m3/ton, and the mean blue WF is 689.23 m3/ton. In Morelia, the mean green WF is 582.97 m3/ton, and the mean blue WF is 711.74 m3/ton. The mean production of irrigated avocado in Acuitzio is 7963.62 (ton/year), and in Morelia, 8547.76 (ton/year), which allows us to project that, in Acuitzio, the avocado crop requires an annual mean of 5,046,610.69 m3, while the mean requirement in Morelia is 6,029,920.59 m3. The average volume of water for agricultural use in Acuitzio is 3,357,782.93 m3, while the average water demand is 149.27%. This situation shows water stress in this municipality since water consumption exceeds available water resources. For Morelia, the water available for agricultural use is 11,418,745.40 m3, and the average consumption of avocado as a crop is 53.18%, which can put the supply of this resource for other agricultural crops at risk.
The Use of Aerobic Urban Sewage Sludge in Agriculture: Potential Benefits and Contaminating Effects in Semi-Arid Zones
Authors: Hernández Teresa , López Aragón Román Francisco , Garcia Carlos
Published: June 2024

In this work, three wheat crops were planted successively under semi-arid climatic conditions; we wished to evaluate the positive and negative effects of the addition of sewage sludge (SS) on plants and soils under the conditions encountered during conventional agricultural management. SS was added to the first two crops at doses equivalent to 170 kg N/ha, and the third crop was left untreated. The soils were sampled initially and at the end of each cultivation period. At the end of the third crop’s cultivation period, the heavy metal and organic pollutant contents of grain and straw were analyzed, as well as the presence of Escherichia coli and Salmonella. The amended soils showed a higher N content, greater microbial respiration, and greater dehydrogenase and phosphatase activity than the control. The amended plants showed higher N, Ca, and K contents than the control. Yields were 11% and 16% higher in the SS-amended soils than in the control in the experiments involving the second and third crop, respectively. No problems related to salinity or the heavy metal content were observed in both the soil and plant. However, nitrate content increased in the amended soils compared to the control. Among the persistent organic compounds, only linear alkyl benzene sulphonates and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons increased with the addition of SS, but such differences from the control disappeared gradually. No problematic coliform content or presence of Salmonella spp. was detected in the soil or plant. We can thus conclude that SS of adequate quality can be recycled in agricultural soils, but adequate monitoring of the receiving soil is crucial.
Integrating Cover Crops into Soybean Systems in the Southern Great Plains: Impacts on Yield and Yield Components
Authors: Rice Josie F. , Zander Anna , Harris Chase , Booker Tori , Lofton Josh
Published: June 2024

The implementation of cover crops in crop rotation is a suggested soil health practice. As cover crops are not harvested and sold, they do not directly provide monetary gain to producers. Therefore, it is imperative that planting cover crops does not negatively affect the subsequent cash crop. However, there is no overall consensus in the literature regarding the effects of cover crops on cash crop yield. To better understand the effects of cover crops on soybean growth and yield in Oklahoma soybean systems, trials were conducted in Bixby, OK, in 2019 and Perkins, OK, in 2019, 2020, and 2021. The objectives of these trials were to (1) determine how different cover crop mixes affect soybean growth parameters and (2) determine if cover crops significantly influence soybean seed yield. Treatments within the trials included six cover crops and a fallow treatment. Soybeans were planted after the termination of the cover crops. Yield and growth parameter data were collected after harvest. No significant differences or consistent trends were detected in the yield among treatments. While cover crops had a significant impact on the number of three- and four-bean pods, no other differences in the growth parameters existed, and they never translated into significant yield differences. Based on our data, cover crops would not benefit the overall cash crop production in the continuous cover crop soybean system in Oklahoma. However, the fact that cover crops did not consistently or significantly reduce soybean yield allows growers to explore other benefits, such as weed management or soil health improvement.
Application of Allelopathy in Sustainable Agriculture
Authors: Pedrol Nuria , Puig Carolina G.
Published: June 2024

The urgent call from the European Commission (EC) for an ecological transition in food systems necessitates environmentally friendly inputs for more sustainable agricultural production [...]
The Effects of Dietary Pterostilbene on the Immune Response, Antioxidant Function, and Jejunal Structure of Broilers
Authors: Yin Zesheng , Sun Xue , Chai Xuehong , Zhou Xin , Wang Yingjie , Liu Mengru , Feng Xingjun
Published: June 2024

This experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of pterostilbene (PTE) supplementation in feed on Arbor Acres broilers in terms of serum biochemical parameters, immune and inflammatory responses, antioxidant status, and intestinal morphological structure. For a duration of 42 days, a total of 480 1-day-old Arbor Acres broilers were randomly divided into four groups. Each group was assigned to receive either the basal diet or the basal diet supplemented with 200, 400, or 600 mg/kg of PTE. Each treatment consisted of eight replicates, with 15 chicks per replicate. In comparison with the control group, three PTE treatments significantly increased the lymphocyte transformation rate in the spleen of broilers. The automated biochemical analysis, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and RT-qPCR analysis kits found that 400 mg/kg of PTE significantly increased the serum levels of complement C3, IL-4, and iNOS; reduced the serum levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and mRNA levels of the genes IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, NLRP3, and IFN-γ; significantly improved the activities of antioxidant enzymes including CAT, GSH-Px, and T-SOD in the jejunum; and significantly reduced the MDA contents in the serum and jejunum of broilers. Nikon microscope observations and ImagePro Plus 6.0 measure results found that 400 mg/kg of PTE supplementation significantly reduced the relative length and weight of the jejunum and improved the jejunal villi structure, resulting in increased intestinal villi, deepened crypt, and an enhanced ratio of villi height to crypt depth (VH/CD). RT-qPCR and Western blot found that dietary PTE also resulted in increased mRNA levels of the genes Claudin-2, Occludin, ZO-1, and Sirt1, and decreased NF-κB protein levels in the jejunum. The results of this study demonstrated that dietary PTE improved the immune function and intestinal health of broilers by reducing inflammation and increasing the antioxidant capacity of the animals.
Fattening Pigs with Tannin-Rich Source (Ceratonia siliqua L.) and High Doses of Vitamin E: Effects on Growth Performance, Economics, Digestibility, Physiology, and Behaviour
Authors: Bottegal Diego Nicolas , Latorre María Ángeles , Lobón Sandra , Verdú Marçal , Álvarez-Rodríguez Javier
Published: June 2024

This study aimed to assess the impact on growth, economic results, apparent nutrient digestibility (CTTAD), physiological variables, and animal behaviour when 214 fattening pigs (78 ± 8.5 kg of initial body weight and 130 ± 4.5 days of age) of both sexes (gilts and boars) were fed two levels of carob pulp (Cp, 0 vs. 20%) and two doses of vitamin E (Vit E, 30 vs. 300 IU/kg) for 40 days. No interaction effects between factors studied (Cp, Vit E, and sex) were observed on the variables. Most productive traits were unaffected by Cp or Vit E inclusion. However, the Cp increased the feed conversion ratio during the first 20 days. The Cp group showed a higher CTTAD of ether extract and hemicellulose but lower CTTAD of crude protein. Pigs fed Cp had a lower plasmatic urea content than the control group. The high Vit E doses increased the CTTAD of every nutrient and the plasmatic α-tocopherol content. The pigs fed Cp tended to spend more time eating in the early morning, likely to mitigate tannins’ astringent effects. Dietary inclusion of 20% Cp in finishing high-conformation pigs is possible without affecting overall performance though it reduces nutrient CTTAD and increases feeding cost. Supra-nutritional doses of Vit E do not affect pig performance but increase the α-tocopherol deposition with potential antioxidant effects.
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia: The Landscape in Critically Ill Patients and Optimising Management Approaches
Authors: Carbonell Nieves , Oltra María Rosa , Clari María Ángeles
Published: June 2024

The aim of this review is to synthesise the key aspects of the epidemiology, current microbiological diagnostic challenges, antibiotic resistance rates, optimal antimicrobial management, and most effective prevention strategies for Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (SM) in the intensive care unit (ICU) population. In recent years, resistance surveillance data indicate that SM accounts for less than 3% of all healthcare-associated infection strains, a percentage that doubles in the case of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Interestingly, SM ranks as the third most isolated non-glucose fermenter Gram-negative bacilli (NFGNB). Although this NFGNB genus has usually been considered a bystander and colonising strain, recently published data warn about its potential role as a causative pathogen of severe infections, particularly pneumonia and bloodstream infections (BSI), not only for the classical immunocompromised susceptible host patients but also for critically ill ones even without overt immunosuppression. Indeed, it has been associated with crude 28-day mortality as high as 54.8%, despite initial response following targeted therapy. Additionally, alongside its intrinsic resistance to a wide range of common antimicrobials, various worldwide and local surveillance studies raise concerns about an increase in ICU settings regarding resistance to first-line drugs such as cotrimoxazole or tigecycline. This scenario alerts ICU physicians to the need to reconsider the best stewardship approach when SM is isolated in obtained samples from critically ill patients. Despite the coverage of this multidrug-resistant bacterium (MDRB) provided by some traditional and a non-negligible number of current pipeline antimicrobials, an ecological and cost-effective strategy is needed in the present era.
Urinary Tract Infections with Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae in a Urology Clinic—A Case-Control Study
Authors: Radu Viorel Dragos , Costache Radu Cristian , Onofrei Pavel , Miron Adelina , Bandac Carina-Alexandra , Arseni Daniel , Mironescu Mihaela , Miftode Radu-Stefan , Boiculese Lucian Vasile , Miftode Ionela-Larisa
Published: June 2024

Background: The aim of our study was to analyze the factors associated with the increased risk of urinary tract infection (UTI) with carbapenem-resistant (CR) Klebsiella pneumoniae (Kpn) and the antibiotic resistance spectrum of the strains in patients. As secondary objectives, we elaborated the profile of these patients and the incidence of different types of carbapenemases. Methods: We conducted a retrospective case-control study in which we compared a group of 62 patients with urinary tract infections with CR Kpn with a control group consisting of 136 patients with urinary tract infections with multidrug-resistant (MDR), but carbapenem-sensitive (CS), Kpn, who were hospitalized between 1 January 2022 and 31 March 2024. Results: Compared to patients with urinary tract infections with CS Kpn, patients with urinary tract infections with CR Kpn were preponderant in rural areas (62.9% vs. 47.1%, p = 0.038) and more frequently had an upper urinary tract infection (69.4% vs. 36.8%, p < 0.01). Among the risk factors examined, patients in the study group had a higher presence of urinary catheters inserted for up to one month (50% vs. 34.6%, p = 0.03), rate of hospitalization in the last 180 days (96.8% vs. 69.9%, p < 0.01) and incidence of antibiotic therapy in the last 180 days (100% vs. 64.7%, p < 0.01). They also had a higher rate of carbapenem treatment in the last 180 days (8.1% vs. 0%, p < 0.01). Patients in the study group had a broader spectrum of resistance to all antibiotics tested (p < 0.01), with the exception of sulfamethoxazole–trimethoprim, where the resistance rate was similar in both groups (80.6% vs. 67.6%, p = 0.059). In the multivariate analysis, transfer from other hospitals (OR = 3.51, 95% and CI: 1.430–8.629) and treatment with carbapenems in the last 180 days (OR = 11.779 and 95% CI: 1.274–108.952) were factors associated with an increased risk of disease compared to the control group. The presence of carbapenemases was observed in all patients with CR Kpn, in the order of frequency New Delhi metallo-ß-lactamase (NDM) (52.2%), Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC) (32.6%), and carbapenem-hydrolyzing oxacillinase (Oxa-48) (15.2%). Conclusions: The environment of origin and previous treatment with carbapenems appear to be the factors associated with an increased risk of urinary tract infection with CR Kpn compared to patients with urinary tract infections with CS Kpn. CR Kpn exhibits a broad spectrum of antibiotic resistance, among which is resistance to carbapenem antibiotics.
Understanding the Transcription Factor NFE2L1/NRF1 from the Perspective of Hallmarks of Cancer
Authors: Zhang Haomeng , Liu Yong , Zhang Ke , Hong Zhixuan , Liu Zongfeng , Liu Zhe , Li Guichen , Xu Yuanyuan , Pi Jingbo , Fu Jingqi , Xu Yuanhong
Published: June 2024

Cancer cells subvert multiple properties of normal cells, including escaping strict cell cycle regulation, gaining resistance to cell death, and remodeling the tumor microenvironment. The hallmarks of cancer have recently been updated and summarized. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 1 (NFE2L1, also named NRF1) belongs to the cap’n’collar (CNC) basic-region leucine zipper (bZIP) family. It acts as a transcription factor and is indispensable for maintaining both cellular homoeostasis and organ integrity during development and growth, as well as adaptive responses to pathophysiological stressors. In addition, NFE2L1 mediates the proteasome bounce-back effect in the clinical proteasome inhibitor therapy of neuroblastoma, multiple myeloma, and triple-negative breast cancer, which quickly induces proteasome inhibitor resistance. Recent studies have shown that NFE2L1 mediates cell proliferation and metabolic reprogramming in various cancer cell lines. We combined the framework provided by “hallmarks of cancer” with recent research on NFE2L1 to summarize the role and mechanism of NFE2L1 in cancer. These ongoing efforts aim to contribute to the development of potential novel cancer therapies that target the NFE2L1 pathway and its activity.
Ubiquinone (Coenzyme Q-10) Supplementation Influences Exercise-Induced Changes in Serum 25(OH)D3 and the Methyl-Arginine Metabolites: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Mieszkowski Jan , Kochanowicz Andrzej , Brzezińska Paulina , Kochanowicz Magdalena , Żołądkiewicz Katarzyna , Stankiewicz Błażej , Niespodziński Bartłomiej , Reczkowicz Joanna , Kowalski Konrad , Antosiewicz Jędrzej
Published: June 2024

Researchers have studied the effects of exercise on serum methyl-arginine and vitamin D metabolites; however, the effects of exercise combined with antioxidants are not well documented. Since oxidative stress affects the metabolism of vitamin D and methyl-arginine, we hypothesised that the antioxidant coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) might modulate exercise-induced changes. A group of twenty-eight healthy men participated in this study and were divided into two groups: an experimental group and a control group. The exercise test was performed until exhaustion, with gradually increasing intensity, before and after the 21-day CoQ10 supplementation. Blood samples were collected before, immediately after, and 3 and 24 h after exercise. CoQ10, vitamin D metabolites, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), symmetric dimethylarginine, methylarginine, dimethylamine, arginine, citrulline, and ornithine were analysed in serum samples. CoQ10 supplementation caused a 2.76-fold increase in the concentration of serum CoQ10. Conversely, the 25(OH)D3 concentration increased after exercise only in the placebo group. ADMA increased after exercise before supplementation, but a decrease was observed in the CoQ10 supplementation group 24 h after exercise. In conclusion, our data indicate that CoQ10 supplementation modifies the effects of exercise on vitamin D and methyl-arginine metabolism, suggesting its beneficial effects. These findings contribute to the understanding of how antioxidants like CoQ10 can modulate biochemical responses to exercise, potentially offering new insights for enhancing athletic performance and recovery.
Social Network Analysis: Understanding Volleyball Dynamics through Match Opponents
Authors: do Nascimento Marcos Henrique , Castro Henrique de Oliveira , Rocha Augusto Cézar Rodrigues , Freire Auro Barreiros , Pedrosa Gustavo Ferreira , Ugrinowitsch Herbert , Savassi Figueiredo Lucas , Laporta Lorenzo , Costa Gustavo De Conti Teixeira
Published: June 2024

The current investigation scrutinized the strategic approaches employed by the top four teams in the Brazilian Men’s Volleyball Superliga, according to the match’s opponent. The study encompasses the analysis of 22 matches, involving teams ranked first through fourth, competing against each of the 12 teams participating in the 21–22 season of the Brazilian Men’s Volleyball Superliga, including one home and one away match for each team. Social network analysis facilitated the identification of the interconnections and particularities among all variables, offering a comprehensive perspective. The findings unveiled that during the offensive phase, the second-, third-, and fourth-ranked teams consistently exhibited higher eigenvector values, irrespective of the opposing team, notably when the middle-blocker positioned themselves in front and near the setter. Conversely, the championship-winning team displayed variations in offensive tactics. The team securing the second position demonstrated alterations in setting placement, whereas the other teams executed settings aimed at zones 3 and 4. Additionally, the initial setter’s position at the commencement of a rally displayed varying eigenvector values based on the opponent, indicating team rotation as a performance determinant. Thus, barring the finalist team, the performance of the remaining teams is intricately intertwined with the individual characteristics of players.
In Vitro Models for Cancer-Associated Cachexia: The Complex Modelling of a Multiorgan Syndrome
Authors: Meireles Isabel , Medeiros Rui , Cerqueira Fátima
Published: June 2024

Cancer-associated cachexia is a multifactorial syndrome characterised by systemic inflammation and hypermetabolism that affects different tissues and organs. Is characterised by progressive and irreversible weight loss, mainly due to skeletal muscle wasting and often accompanied by loss of fat mass. Due to its complexity, and lack of effective treatment, this syndrome is a sign of poor prognosis in cancer patients. Cellular models constitute a valuable and powerful tool offering insights into the molecular pathways and cellular responses associated with cancer cachexia. Currently, there are robust and widely used cell lines used to establish models to study the pathophysiology of muscle wasting and adipose tissue loss. Various methods can be used to induce the cachectic phenotype in the cells, utilising genetic engineering or different inducing agents such as hormones, inflammatory factors and chemotherapeutic drugs. The available experimental data on their metabolic properties and transcriptional and proteomic profiles allows the selection of the most suitable research model to replicate the relevant aspects of cachexia. In this review, we make an overview of the in vitro models used to study biological aspects of cancer-associated cachexia and analyse their strengths and limitations in replicating the complex physiological environment and pathological processes of the syndrome. Herein, we also briefly approach the difficulty of modelling the contribution of different organs and crosstalk between different tissues.
A New Class of Edge Filter Based on a Cross-correlation-like Equation Derived from Fractional Calculus Principles
Authors: Gonzalez-Lee Mario , Vazquez-Leal Hector , Garcia-Martinez Jose R. , Pale-Ramon Eli G. , Morales-Mendoza Luis J. , Nakano-Miyatake Mariko , Perez-Meana Hector
Published: June 2024

In this paper, we propose a new sliding window edge-oriented filter that computes the output pixels using a cross-correlation-like equation derived from the principles of fractional calculus (FC); thus, we call it the “fractional cross-correlation filter” (FCCF). We assessed the performance of this filter utilizing exclusively edge-preservation-oriented metrics such as the gradient conduction mean square error (GCMSE), the edge-based structural similarity (EBSSIM), and the multi-scale structural similarity (MS-SSIM); we conducted a statistical assessment of the performance of the filter based on those metrics by using the Berkeley segmentation dataset benchmark as a test corpus. Experimental data reveal that our approach achieves higher performance compared to conventional edge filters for all the metrics considered in this study. This is supported by the statistical analysis we carried out; specifically, the FCCF demonstrates a consistent enhancement in edge detection. We also conducted additional experiments for determining the main filter parameters, which we found to be optimal for a broad spectrum of images. The results underscore the FCCF’s potential to make significant contributions to the advancement of image processing techniques since many practical applications such as medical imaging, image enhancement, and computer vision rely heavily on edge detection filters.
Intuitionistic Connection Cloud Model Based on Rough Set for Evaluation of the Shrinkage–Swelling of Untreated and Lime-Treated Expansive Clays
Authors: Wang Mingwu , Zhang Yuhan , Yan Jiahui , Zhu Zhaohui
Published: June 2024

The evaluation of the shrinkage–swelling characteristic of expansive clay is of great significance, but it is a complex problem since the evaluation process involves numerous uncertain factors, such as randomness, non-subordination, and hesitation uncertainties. Here, an intuitionistic connection cloud model has been proposed to address this issue. First, an evaluation index system is established. According to the reliability of interval-valued evaluation indexes, the corresponding cloud numerical characteristic parameters are specified based on the membership interval generated by the intuitionistic fuzzy principle. Moreover, the improved conditional information entropy based on rough set theory is utilized to assign the index weight. Subsequently, combined with the weight, the intuitionistic connection degree of the sample to the classification standard is determined to identify the shrinkage–swelling grade. Finally, a case study on the shrinkage–swelling grade of untreated and lime-treated expansive clays in Hefei Xinqiao International Airport was performed to illustrate the validity and reliability of the model. The results show that the proposed model is reasonable and feasible for the evaluation of the shrinkage–swelling grade of untreated and lime-treated expansive clays.
Research on Range of Appropriate Spatial Scale of Underground Commercial Street Based on Psychological Perception Evaluation
Authors: Yao Tianning , Ding Shanmin , Zhang Yiyun , Chen Xing , Xu Yao , Hu Kuntao , Xu Xin , Sun Liang , Liang Zheng , Huang Yin , Wang Jin
Published: June 2024

Developing and utilizing underground space is a vital direction for urban growth. Underground commercial streets, as a significant component of underground space accommodating extensive human social activities, consequently necessitate the creation of human-scale spaces. In the evolution of urban design development towards more significant, more terrific refinement, applying architectural theories and excessively subjective designs has resulted in a deficient human-centered design and a disordered spatial environment. This study merges environmental psychology and architectural theory to determine the appropriate length of spatial scale. Two experiments focusing on spatial perception evaluation were conducted using a virtual experimental platform that featured varying dimensions of spatial scale combinations. These quantified combinations were correlated with the perception evaluation, and a regression analysis was employed to identify appropriate scale ranges, which were superimposed with the range of length selection. Finally, the optimal length and scale combination for underground commercial street spaces was established, providing a reference for the human-centered design of these environments.
Evaluating Neural Networks’ Ability to Generalize against Adversarial Attacks in Cross-Lingual Settings
Authors: Mathur Vidhu , Dadu Tanvi , Aggarwal Swati
Published: June 2024

Cross-lingual transfer learning using multilingual models has shown promise for improving performance on natural language processing tasks with limited training data. However, translation can introduce superficial patterns that negatively impact model generalization. This paper evaluates two state-of-the-art multilingual models, Cross-Lingual Model-Robustly Optimized BERT Pretraining Approach (XLM-Roberta) and Multilingual Bi-directional Auto-Regressive Transformer (mBART), on the cross-lingual natural language inference (XNLI) natural language inference task using both original and machine-translated evaluation sets. Our analysis demonstrates that translation can facilitate cross-lingual transfer learning, but maintaining linguistic patterns is critical. The results provide insights into the strengths and limitations of state-of-the-art multilingual natural language processing architectures for cross-lingual understanding.
Investigating the Effect of Cyclodextrin Nanosponges and Cyclodextrin-Based Hydrophilic Polymers on the Chemical Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Profile of Al(III) and Ga(III) Complexes with 5-Hydroxyflavone
Authors: Radu Claudiu , Olteanu Andreea Alexandra , Aramă Corina Cristina , Mihăilă Mirela , Uivaroși Valentina
Published: June 2024

In the present study, the complexes of aluminum and gallium with 5-hydroxyflavone were evaluated for their interaction with cyclodextrin polymers, as well as for the pharmacological effect of their inclusion. The cyclodextrin polymers were synthesized using diphenylcarbonate as a crosslinking agent, resulting in a lipophilic nanosponge (DPCNS), and pyromellitic dianhydride, resulting in a hydrophilic polymer (PMDACD). The inclusion complexes were synthesized and characterized via IR spectrometry and thermal analysis. The effect on the solubility of the metal complexes was also studied, where the hydrophobic nanosponge did not lead to an increase in solubility, but on the contrary, in the case of Al, it decreased; meanwhile, in the case of the hydrophilic polymer, the solubility of the metal complexes increased with the amount of polymer added. The cytostatic effect of inclusion complexes was investigated on two cell lines with different localizations, human colon adenocarcinoma (LoVo) and human ovarian adenocarcinoma (SKOV-3). The cytostatic efficacy is increased compared to simple complexes with efficacy on LoVo cells. Compared between the two metals, gallium complexes proved to be more active, with the efficacy of gallium complexes with the PMDACD being approximately the same as that of cisplatin, an antitumor agent used in therapy.
Realization of Impression Evidence with Reverse Engineering and Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Abdelaal Osama , Aldahash Saleh Ahmed
Published: June 2024

Significant advances in reverse engineering and additive manufacturing have the potential to provide a faster, accurate, and cost-effective process chain for preserving, analyzing, and presenting forensic impression evidence in both 3D digital and physical forms. The objective of the present research was to evaluate the capabilities and limitations of five 3D scanning technologies, including laser scanning (LS), structured-light (SL) scanning, smartphone (SP) photogrammetry, Microsoft Kinect v2 RGB-D camera, and iPhone’s LiDAR (iLiDAR) Sensor, for 3D reconstruction of 3D impression evidence. Furthermore, methodologies for 3D reconstruction of latent impression and visible 2D impression based on a single 2D photo were proposed. Additionally, the FDM additive manufacturing process was employed to build impression evidence models created by each procedure. The results showed that the SL scanning system generated the highest reconstruction accuracy. Consequently, the SL system was employed as a benchmark to assess the reconstruction quality of other systems. In comparison to the SL data, LS showed the smallest absolute geometrical deviations (0.37 mm), followed by SP photogrammetry (0.78 mm). In contrast, the iLiDAR exhibited the largest absolute deviations (2.481 mm), followed by Kinect v2 (2.382 mm). Additionally, 3D printed impression replicas demonstrated superior detail compared to Plaster of Paris (POP) casts. The feasibility of reconstructing 2D impressions into 3D models is progressively increasing. Finally, this article explores potential future research directions in this field.
Ketogenic Diet Plus Resistance Training Applied to Physio-Pathological Conditions: A Brief Review
Authors: Cannataro Roberto , Petro Jorge Luis , Abrego-Guandique Diana Marisol , Cione Erika , Caroleo Maria Cristina , Kreider Richard B. , Bonilla Diego A.
Published: June 2024

The ketogenic diet (KD) is a nutritional strategy characterized by a reduced intake of carbohydrates (between 30 and 45 g per day or ≈5% of one’s total calories from this macronutrient). The regimen induces physiological ketosis in which serum levels of ketone bodies increase from 0.5 to 3.0 mM, becoming an essential contributor to energy production. The popularity of using the KD to lose weight and its application in specific physio-pathological conditions, such as epilepsy, lipedema, and polycystic ovary syndrome, which is maintained over extended periods, gave us the impulse to write this brief review. In these types of physio-pathological conditions, subjects can achieve favorable training outcomes even if adhering to a KD. Therefore, performing resistance training under the KD to enhance muscle status and quality of life could be possible. It is important to note that, while some statements here suggest potential future directions, they are hypotheses that require experimental validation, even if they are supported by the independent benefits reported from the KD and resistance training and represent a promising area for future research.
A Heat Load Prediction Method for District Heating Systems Based on the AE-GWO-GRU Model
Authors: Yang Yu , Yan Junwei , Zhou Xuan
Published: June 2024

Accurate prediction of the heat load in district heating systems is challenging due to various influencing factors, substantial transmission lag in the pipe network, frequent fluctuations, and significant peak-to-valley differences. An autoencoder—grey wolf optimization—gated recurrent unit (AE-GWO-GRU)-based heat load prediction method for district heating systems is proposed, employing techniques such as data augmentation, lag feature extraction, and input feature extraction, which contribute to improvements in the model’s prediction accuracy and heat load control stability. By using the AE approach to augment the data, the issue of the training model’s accuracy being compromised due to a shortage of data is effectively resolved. The study discusses the influencing factors and lag time of heat load, applies the partial autocorrelation function (PACF) principle to downsample the sequence, reduces the interference of lag and instantaneous changes, and improves the stationary characteristics of the heat load time series. To increase prediction accuracy, the GWO algorithm is used to tune the parameters of the GRU prediction model. The prediction error, measured by RMSE and MAPE, dropped from 56.69 and 2.45% to 47.90 and 2.17%, respectively, compared to the single GRU prediction approach. The findings demonstrate greater accuracy and stability in heat load prediction, underscoring the practical value of the proposed method.
Numerical Study of Coolant Flow Phenomena and Heat Transfer at the Cutting-Edge of Twist Drill
Authors: Diba Farhana , Naser Jamal , Stephens Guy , Rahman Rashid Rizwan Abdul , Palanisamy Suresh
Published: June 2024

Cutting tool coolant channels play a pivotal role in machining processes, facilitating the efficient supply of cooling agents to high-stress areas and effective heat dissipation. Achieving optimal cooling at the tool’s cutting-edge is essential for enhancing production processes. Experimental investigations into tribological stress analysis can be limited in accessing complex tool–workpiece contact zones, prompting the use of numerical modelling to explore fluid dynamics and tribology. In this study, the coolant flow dynamics and heat dissipation in drilling operations were comprehensively investigated through computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling. Four twist drill models with varying coolant channel arrangements were studied: standard model drill, standard model drill with notch, profile model drill, and profile model drill with notch. Two distinct approaches are applied to the coolant inlet to assess the impact of operating conditions on fluid flow and heat dissipation at the cutting-edge. The findings emphasize that cutting-edge zones have insufficient coolant supply, particularly in modified drill models such as the standard model drill with notch and profile model drills with and without notch. Moreover, enhanced coolant supply at the cutting-edge is achieved under high-pressure inlet conditions. The standard model drill with a notch exhibited exceptional performance in reducing thermal load, facilitating efficient coolant escape to the flute for improved heat dissipation at the cutting-edge. Despite challenges like dead zones in profile models, the standard-with-notch model yielded the most promising results. Further analyses under constant pressure conditions at 40 and 60 bar exhibited enhanced fluid flow rates, particularly at the cutting-edge, leading to improved heat dissipation. The temperature distribution along the cutting-edge and outer corner demonstrated a decrease as the pressure increased. This study underscores the critical role of both coolant channel design and inlet pressure in optimizing coolant flow dynamics and heat transfer during drilling operations. The findings provide valuable insights for designing and enhancing coolant systems in machining processes, emphasizing the significance of not only coolant channel geometry but also inlet pressure for effective heat dissipation and enhanced tool performance.
Digital Twin—A Review of the Evolution from Concept to Technology and Its Analytical Perspectives on Applications in Various Fields
Authors: Iliuţă Miruna-Elena , Moisescu Mihnea-Alexandru , Pop Eugen , Ionita Anca-Daniela , Caramihai Simona-Iuliana , Mitulescu Traian-Costin
Published: June 2024

Digital Twin (DT) technology has experienced substantial advancements and extensive adoption across various industries, aiming to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness. Defined as virtual replicas of physical objects, systems, or processes, Digital Twins enable real-time simulation, monitoring, and analysis of real-world behavior. This comprehensive review delves into the evolution of DT technology, tracing its journey from conceptual origins to contemporary technological implementations. The review provides detailed definitions, a classification of different types of Digital Twins, and a comparative analysis of their architectures. Furthermore, it investigates the application of DT technology in diverse sectors, with a particular emphasis on medicine and manufacturing, exemplified by use cases such as personalized medicine. Moreover, the review highlights emerging trends and future directions in DT technology, underscoring the transformative potential of integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning to augment DT capabilities. This analysis not only elucidates the current state of DT technology but also anticipates its future trajectory and impact across multiple domains.
No Pictures, Please: Using eXplainable Artificial Intelligence to Demystify CNNs for Encrypted Network Packet Classification
Authors: Luis-Bisbé Ernesto , Morales-Gómez Víctor , Perdices Daniel , López de Vergara Jorge E.
Published: June 2024

Real-time traffic classification is one of the most important challenges for both Internet Service Providers and users, because correct traffic policing and planning allow for proper optimization of the network resources. However, there is no perfect solution for this problem, due to the grade of complexity of modern traffic. Nowadays, convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are believed to be the miraculous solution for network packet classification of encrypted traffic. Nevertheless, given the obscure nature of deep learning, an appropriate explanation could not be easily obtained on how the model detects each traffic category. In this paper, we present an analysis on some popular CNN-based models for network packet classification, focusing on how the model works and how it was implemented, trained, and tested. By using eXplainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI), we are able to extract the most important regions of the models and extract some reasoning to justify their decisions. Moreover, in the process, we look for possible flawed methodologies that can lead to data leakage or an unrealistic performance evaluation. The results show that CNNs mainly focus on the packet length to make a decision, which is definitely a waste of resources. As we also check, the same could also be implemented with simpler machine learning models, such as decision trees. Our findings indicate that poor experimental protocols result in an unrealistic performance evaluation. Moreover, XAI techniques are of great help in the assessment of the model, showing that CNNs do not detect significant features in encrypted payloads apart from packet length.
Tuning a PI/PID Controller with Direct Synthesis to Obtain a Non-Oscillatory Response of Time-Delayed Systems
Authors: Kula Krzysztof S.
Published: June 2024

The article presents a method for tuning PI/PID regulators controlling inertial time-delayed plants. The method was formulated on the basis of direct synthesis using the FOPDT (First-Order Plus Dead-Time) and the SOPDT (Second-Order Plus Dead-Time) models to represent the dynamics of the object. The performance objective is to achieve the non-oscillatory response of the system in the shortest time possible while set-point tracking. By employing a novel approach to the synthesis of the control systems with a time delay based on a root-locus analysis, the method eliminates errors resulting from the omission of high-order terms in the Taylor series expansion or the Padé approximation in simplified mathematical descriptions of the process. Consequently, the proposed method makes it possible to precisely determine controller settings to achieve the set control objective. The method was tested with a computer simulation, and the results obtained were compared with those of other methods designed to ensure specific system responses in the designed control systems. The comparisons confirm the proposed method’s ability to achieve the desired reference response and demonstrate its effectiveness in overcoming the limitation of permissible time delays present in other similar methods.