bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Postoperative Communicating Hydrocephalus Following Grade 2/3 Glioma Resection: Incidence, Timing and Risk Factors
Authors: Hönikl Lisa S. , Lange Nicole , Meyer Bernhard , Gempt Jens , Meyer Hanno S.
Published: July 2023

Background: In diffusely infiltrating gliomas, the maximum extent of tumor resection is an important predictor of overall survival, irrespective of histological or molecular subtype or tumor grade. For glioblastoma WHO grade 4 (GBM), it has been shown that resection-related events, such as ventricular opening and ventriculitis, increase the risk for development of communicating hydrocephalus (CH) requiring cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion surgery. Risk factors for the development and the incidence of hydrocephalus following resection of other types of infiltrating gliomas are less well established. In this study, we evaluated the incidence and timing of occurrence of different types of hydrocephalus and potential risk factors for the development of CH following resection of grade 2 and 3 gliomas. Methods: 346 patients who underwent tumor resection (WHO grade 2: 42.2%; 3: 57.8%) at our department between 2006 and 2019 were analyzed retrospectively. For each patient, age, sex, WHO grade, histological type, IDH mutation and 1p/19q codeletion status, tumor localization, number of resections, rebleeding, ventriculitis, ventricular opening during resection and postoperative CSF leak were determined. Uni- as well as multivariate analyses were performed to identify associations with CH and independent risk factors. Results: 24 out of 346 (6.9%) patients needed CSF diversion surgery (implantation of a ventriculoperitoneal or ventriculoatrial shunt) following resection. Nineteen patients (5.5%) had CH, on median, 44 days after the last resection (interquartile range: 18–89 days). Two patients had obstructive hydrocephalus (OH), and three patients had other CSF circulation disorders. CH was more frequent in grade 3 compared to grade 2 gliomas (8.5 vs. 1.4%). WHO grade 3 (odds ratio (OR) 7.5, p = 0.00468), rebleeding (OR 5.0, p = 0.00984), ventriculitis (OR 4.1, p = 0.00463) and infratentorial tumor localization (OR 6.6, p = 0.00300) were identified as significant independent risk factors for the development of post-resection CH. Ventricular opening was significantly associated with CH, but it was not an independent risk factor. Conclusion: Physicians treating brain tumor patients should be aware that postoperative CH requiring CSF shunting occurs not only in GBM but also after resection of lower-grade gliomas, especially in grade 3 tumors. It usually occurs several weeks after resection. Rebleeding and postoperative ventriculitis are independent risk factors.
Assessment of Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors through the Application of Network-Based Approaches in a Racially Diverse Cohort of Colon Organoid Stem Cells
Authors: Devall Matthew , Eaton Stephen , Yoshida Cynthia , Powell Steven M. , Casey Graham , Li Li
Published: July 2023

Numerous demographic factors have been associated with colorectal cancer (CRC) risk. To better define biological mechanisms underlying these associations, we performed RNA sequencing of stem-cell-enriched organoids derived from the healthy colons of seven European Americans and eight African Americans. A weighted gene co-expression network analysis was performed following RNA sequencing. Module–trait relationships were determined through the association testing of each module and five CRC risk factors (age, body mass index, sex, smoking history, and race). Only modules that displayed a significantly positive correlation for gene significance and module membership were considered for further investigation. In total, 16 modules were associated with known CRC risk factors (p < 0.05). To contextualize the role of risk modules in CRC, publicly available RNA-sequencing data from TCGA-COAD were downloaded and re-analyzed. Differentially expressed genes identified between tumors and matched normal-adjacent tissue were overlaid across each module. Loci derived from CRC genome-wide association studies were additionally overlaid across modules to identify robust putative targets of risk. Among them, MYBL2 and RXRA represented strong plausible drivers through which cigarette smoking and BMI potentially modulated CRC risk, respectively. In summary, our findings highlight the potential of the colon organoid system in identifying novel CRC risk mechanisms in an ancestrally diverse and cellularly relevant population.
Exploring the Relationship between the Gut Mucosal Virome and Colorectal Cancer: Characteristics and Correlations
Authors: Li Gangping , Jin Yu , Chen Baolong , Lin Aiqiang , Wang Erchuan , Xu Fenghua , Hu Gengcheng , Xiao Chuanxing , Liu Hongli , Hou Xiaohua , Zhang Bangzhou , Song Jun
Published: July 2023

The fecal virome has been reported to be associated with CRC. However, little is known about the mucosal virome signature in CRC. This study aimed to determine the viral community within CRC tissues and their contributions to colorectal carcinogenesis. Colonic mucosal biopsies were harvested from patients with CRC (biopsies of both neoplasia and adjacent normal tissue (CRC-A)) and healthy controls (HC). The shot-gun metagenomic sequencing of virus-like particles (VLPs) was performed on the biopsies. Viral community, functional pathways, and their correlations to clinical data were analyzed. Fluorescence in situ hybridizations (FISH) for the localization of viruses in the intestine was performed, as well as quantitative PCR for the detection of Torque teno virus load in human mucosal VLP DNA. A greater number and proportion of core species were found in CRC tissues than in CRC-A and HC tissues. The diversity of the mucosal virome in CRC tissues was significantly increased compared to that in HC and CRC-A tissues. The mucosal virome signature of CRC tissues were significantly different from those of HC and CRC-A tissues at the species level. The abundances of eukaryotic viruses from the Anelloviridae family and its sub-species Torque teno virus (TTV) were significantly higher in CRC patients than in HC. Furthermore, increased levels of TTV in the intestinal lamina propria were found in the CRC group. Multiple viral functions of TTV associated with carcinogenesis were enriched in CRC tissues. We revealed for the first time that the mucosal virobiota signature of CRC is characterized by a higher diversity and more eukaryotic viruses. The enrichment of TTV species in CRC tissues suggests that they may play an oncogenic role in CRC. Targeting eukaryotic viruses in the gut may provide novel strategies for the prevention and treatment of CRC.
Facile Synthesis of 3D Interconnected Porous g-C3N4/rGO Composite for Hydrogen Production and Dye Elimination
Authors: Zhao Congyue , Sun Hengchao , Li Chunling , Wang Manrong , Wu Jiahang , Chen Minghui , Jiang Shuai , Niu Tianqi , Liu Dong
Published: July 2023

Photocatalytic materials can effectively decompose water to produce hydrogen and degrade pollutants, ameliorating environmental issues. These materials are currently a popular research topic for addressing energy shortages and water pollution issues worldwide. Herein, we prepared composite catalysts with g-C3N4/rGO heterojunctions formed via the stacking of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanosheets and three-dimensional (3D) carbon nitride, and the catalysts displayed excellent photocatalytic activity in experiments for hydrogen production (4.37 mmol g−1 h−1) and rhodamine B elimination (96.2%). The results of structural characterization showed that the recombination of rGO has no effect on the morphology of g-C3N4, and the photochemical characterization results showed that the photogenerated electron migration of the prepared composite was accelerated. Additionally, a possible mechanism of enhancement involving synergy between the 3D structure of the catalyst and the g-C3N4/rGO heterojunctions was proposed on the basis of catalyst characterization and photocatalytic experiments. The prepared composite catalysts had large specific surface areas and abundant adsorption sites due to the 3D structure, and the g-C3N4/rGO heterojunction provided high electron mobility, resulting in low recombination of photoinduced electron and hole pairs and high conductivity. Moreover, free radical species that may play a substantial role in the photocatalytic process were analyzed via free radical quenching experiments, and possible catalytic mechanisms were presented in this study.
Probing the Roles of Residual Sodium in Physicochemical Properties and Performance of FeAlNa Catalyst for Fischer–Tropsch Synthesis
Authors: Song Wenlong , Zhu Qiqi , Wang Kangzhou , Zhu Rui , Ma Qingxiang , Zhao Tiansheng , Guo Qingjie , Gao Xinhua , Zhang Jianli
Published: July 2023

Although Fe-based catalysts have made significant progress in Fischer–Tropsch synthesis, the effect of residual sodium on the structural properties and catalytic performance of Fe-based catalysts has been controversial. Herein, we report the positive role of residual sodium in the structural properties and performance of FeAlNa catalysts for olefins synthesis from syngas. Meanwhile, the as-prepared catalysts were characterized by the multiple characterization technique to reveal the positive role of residual sodium on the structural properties. The characterization results revealed that the residual sodium improved the reduction behavior of Fe species and adsorption ability of CO, and inhibited the secondary hydrogenation due to its weak adsorption ability of H2. Moreover, the residual sodium inhibited the interaction between Fe and Al. Importantly, a high olefins/paraffins ratio of 6.19 and low CH4 selectivity of 12.8% were achieved on the residual sodium modified FeAlNa catalyst. An in-depth understanding of the structural properties and catalytic performance of residual sodium on FeAl-based catalysts can provide a theoretical basis for the development of novel efficient catalysts and large-scale applications for olefins synthesis from syngas.
Effects of Oral Cannabinoids on Systemic Inflammation and Viral Reservoir Markers in People with HIV on Antiretroviral Therapy: Results of the CTN PT028 Pilot Clinical Trial
Authors: Mboumba Bouassa Ralph-Sydney , Comeau Eve , Alexandrova Yulia , Pagliuzza Amélie , Yero Alexis , Samarani Suzanne , Needham Judy , Singer Joel , Lee Terry , Bobeuf Florian , Vertzagias Claude , Sebastiani Giada , Margolese Shari , Mandarino Enrico , Klein Marina B. , Lebouché Bertrand , Routy Jean-Pierre , Chomont Nicolas , Costiniuk Cecilia T. , Jenabian Mohammad-Ali
Published: July 2023

Chronic HIV infection is characterized by persistent inflammation despite antiretroviral therapy (ART). Cannabinoids may help reduce systemic inflammation in people with HIV (PWH). To assess the effects of oral cannabinoids during HIV, ten PWH on ART were randomized (n = 5/group) to increasing doses of oral Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): cannabidiol (CBD) combination (2.5:2.5–15:15 mg/day) capsules or CBD-only (200–800 mg/day) capsules for 12 weeks. Blood specimens were collected prospectively 7–21 days prior to treatment initiation and at weeks 0 to 14. Plasma cytokine levels were determined via Luminex and ELISA. Immune cell subsets were characterized by flow cytometry. HIV DNA/RNA were measured in circulating CD4 T-cells and sperm by ultra-sensitive qPCR. Results from both arms were combined for statistical analysis. Plasma levels of IFN-γ, IL-1β, sTNFRII, and REG-3α were significantly reduced at the end of treatment (p ˂ 0.05). A significant decrease in frequencies of PD1+ memory CD4 T-cells, CD73+ regulatory CD4 T-cells, and M-DC8+ intermediate monocytes was also observed (p ˂ 0.05), along with a transient decrease in CD28–CD57+ senescent CD4 and CD8 T-cells. Ki-67+ CD4 T-cells, CCR2+ non-classical monocytes, and myeloid dendritic cells increased over time (p ˂ 0.05). There were no significant changes in other inflammatory markers or HIV DNA/RNA levels. These findings can guide future large clinical trials investigating cannabinoid anti-inflammatory properties.
Diagnostic Value and Prognostic Significance of Nucleated Red Blood Cells (NRBCs) in Selected Medical Conditions
Authors: Pikora Katarzyna , Krętowska-Grunwald Anna , Krawczuk-Rybak Maryna , Sawicka-Żukowska Małgorzata
Published: July 2023

Nucleated red blood cells (NRBCs) are premature erythrocyte precursors that reside in the bone marrow of humans of all ages as an element of erythropoiesis. They rarely present in healthy adults’ circulatory systems but can be found circulating in fetuses and neonates. An NRBC count is a cost-effective laboratory test that is currently rarely used in everyday clinical practice; it is mostly used in the diagnosis of hematological diseases/disorders relating to erythropoiesis, anemia, or hemolysis. However, according to several studies, it may be used as a biomarker in the diagnosis and clinical outcome prognosis of preterm infants or severely ill adult patients. This would allow for a quick diagnosis of life-threatening conditions and the prediction of a possible change in a patient’s condition, especially in relation to patients in the intensive care unit. In this review, we sought to summarize the possible use of NRBCs as a prognostic marker in various disease entities. Research into the evaluation of the NRBCs in the pediatric population most often concerns neonatal hypoxia, the occurrence and consequences of asphyxia, and overall neonatal mortality. Among adults, NRBCs can be used to predict changes in clinical condition and mortality in critically ill patients, including those with sepsis, trauma, ARDS, acute pancreatitis, or severe cardiovascular disease.
A Paper-Based Multicolor Colorimetric Aptasensor for the Visual Determination of Multiple Sulfonamides Based on Aptamer-Functionalized Magnetic Beads and NADH–Ascorbic Acid-Mediated Gold Nanobipyramids
Authors: Ping Meiling , Lv Wenchao , Yang Chen , Chen Qian , Wang Zongwen , Fu Fengfu
Published: July 2023

It is crucial that simple and high-throughput methods for determining multiple, or groups of, sulfonamides (SAs) be developed since they are widely used in animal husbandry and aquaculture. We developed a paper-based multicolor colorimetric aptasensor to detect 3 SAs: sulfaquinoxaline (SQ), sulfamethoxypyridazine (SMP) and sulfamethoxydiazine (SMD). Using a broad-specificity aptamer as a bioreceptor, we reduced the growth of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide I (NADH)–ascorbic acid (AA)-mediated gold nanobipyramids (AuNBPs) to generate a multicolor signal. We also used a paper-based analytical device (PAD) system to deposit AuNBPs for a sensitive color signal read out. The aptasensor can detect more color changes corresponding to the concentrations of SQ, SMP and SMD and has higher sensitivity, better specificity and stability. It can also be used to determine SQ, SMP and SDM individually, or collectively, or any two together with a visual detection limit of 0.3–1.0 µM, a spectrometry quantification limit (LOQ) of 0.3–0.5 µM and a spectrometry detection limits (LOD) of 0.09–0.15 µM. The aptasensor was successfully used to determine SQ, SMP and SDM in fish muscle with a recovery of 89–94% and a RSD n = 5) < 8%, making it a promising method for the rapid screening of total SQ, SMP and SDM residue in seafood.
The Meaning of Physical Literacy for Instructors of Children Experiencing Disability, from an Ecological Systems Perspective
Authors: Pushkarenko Kyle , Causgrove Dunn Janice , Goodwin Donna
Published: July 2023

With the rapid and widespread uptake of physical literacy (PL), there is potential for instructors to devalue participation of children who experience disability. The aim of the investigation was to understand how instructors who facilitate physical activity for children experiencing disability make sense of PL, and more specifically, how these instructors bring meaning to PL. Using interpretive phenomenological analysis, six instructors engaged in individual, semi-structured interviews. The study rationale was underpinned by the conceptual framework of ecological systems theory, which provided a foundation for the research, guided the structure of the interview guide, and facilitated a reflexive interpretation of the findings. Four themes were generated: Recognizing unique embodiments, The importance of context, Beyond physical competence, and Navigating PL’s dominant discourse. The instructors’ meaning of PL, impacted by relational and environmental influences, reflected the importance of movement skill development, while also embracing diverse embodiment and pedagogical flexibility by giving value to exploratory play, partial participation, family involvement, and willingness to abandon rigid lessons plans.
Becoming Dad: Expectant Fathers’ Attachment Style and Prenatal Representations of the Unborn Child
Authors: Svendsrud Hedvig , Fredriksen Eivor , Moe Vibeke , Smith Lars , Tsotsi Stella , Ullebø Anne Karin , Brean Gro Vatne , Kaasen Anne , Bekkhus Mona
Published: July 2023

How expectant fathers think and feel about the unborn child (prenatal representations), has shown associations with fathers’ postnatal parenting behaviors, observed father–infant interactional quality and child cognitive development. There is limited knowledge about fathers’ prenatal representations. The present study examined if fathers’ partner-related attachment styles were related to their prenatal representations of the unborn child. In the “Little in Norway Study”, an ongoing prospective, longitudinal population-based study, 396 expectant fathers completed the Experiences in Close Relationships Scale at enrollment (mean gestational week = 23.76, SD = 4.93), and in gestational weeks 27–35 completed three questions assessing prenatal representations. Correlations of attachment style and prenatal representations were reported using logistic regression analyses. We found that an avoidant attachment style by fathers were predicted to have absent or negative representations on all three items (1) “strongest feeling about the unborn child” (Cl = 1.19–2.73), (2) “thoughts about child personality” (Cl = 1.16–1.87), and (3) “experiences of relationship with the child” (Cl = 1.14–1.75). Father anxious attachment style was not significantly associated with absent or negative prenatal representations. Results suggest that expectant fathers with a partner related avoidant attachment style have an increased risk of having absent or negative prenatal representations of the unborn child.
Calcium Phosphates and Bioactive Glasses for Bone Implant Applications
Authors: Drevet Richard , Fauré Joël , Benhayoune Hicham
Published: July 2023

The worldwide clinical demand for skeletal repair is constantly increasing due to the aging of the population [...]
Temperature-Dependent Optical Behaviors and Demonstration of Carrier Localization in Polar and Semipolar AlGaN Multiple Quantum Wells
Authors: Ouyang Ping , Liu Kunzi , Zhang Jiaxin , Chen Qiushuang , Deng Liqiong , Yan Long , Hoo Jason , Guo Shiping , Chen Li , Guo Wei , Ye Jichun
Published: July 2023

Semipolar AlGaN multiple quantum wells (MQWs) have unique advantages in deep ultraviolet light emitters due to the weak Quantum-Confined Stark Effect. However, their applications are hampered by the poor crystalline quality of semipolar AlGaN thin films. Different treatments were developed to improve the crystal quality of semipolar AlGaN, including a multistep in situ thermal annealing technique proposed by our group. In this work, temperature-dependent and time-resolved photoluminescence characterizations were performed to reveal the carrier localization in the MQW region. The degree of carrier localization in semipolar AlGaN MQWs grown on top of the in situ-annealed AlN is similar to that of conventional ex situ face-to-face annealing, both of which are significantly stronger than that of the c-plane counterpart. Moreover, MQWs on in situ-annealed AlN show drastically reduced dislocation densities, demonstrating its great potential for the future development of high-efficiency optoelectronic devices.
A New Enigmatic Teleost Fish from the Mid-Cretaceous of Lebanon
Authors: El Hossny Tamara , Cavin Lionel
Published: July 2023

Teleosts form the largest clade among the extant actinopterygians, some extinct forms of which are still poorly positioned in the phylogeny. The Tselfatiiformes and Araripichthyidae are such examples. A newly discovered genus and species from the Cenomanian of Haqel, Lebanon, is described, and its systematic affinities are discussed. It shares several characteristics (deep and compressed body with elongated and high dorsal and anal fins, edentulous maxilla, and sinusoidal vertebral column) with both the Tselfatiiformes and Araripichthys, making it difficult to place within the teleosts. It shares with Abisaadichthys, among the tselfatiiforms’ family Protobramidae, an autogenous retroarticular, and with Araripichthys premaxillae with a long ascending process, well-developed maxillary articular condyle and two supramaxillae. Moreover, it shows some unique characteristics (a thin maxilla with two large supramaxillae, fused articular and angular bones, mandibular sensory canal opening on the external side of the anguloarticular, first dorsal pterygiophore having the same enlarged semi-circular plate as the first anal pterygiophore) justifying its generic status. Comments on some of the protobramids are presented, and the necessity for phylogenetic analysis to place the Tselfatiiformes, Araripichthys and Ypsiloichthys within the teleosts is outlined.
Non-Native Decapods in South America: Risk Assessment and Potential Impacts
Authors: de Oliveira Lucas Rieger , Brito Gustavo , Gama Mafalda , Ovando Ximena María Constanza , Anastácio Pedro , Cardoso Simone Jaqueline
Published: July 2023

Biological invasions pose significant challenges in the Anthropocene, impacting ecosystem biodiversity and functioning. Ecological Niche Modeling is widely used to evaluate potential areas at risk of invasions, aiding in the prevention of invasive-species expansion and guiding conservation efforts in freshwater ecosystems. The main objectives of this study were to model the ecological niche and evaluate remaining suitable habitat areas for the occurrence of five potentially invasive species of freshwater decapods in South America: Dilocarcinus pagei, Macrobrachium amazonicum, M. jelskii, M. rosenbergii, and Procambarus clarkii. Occurrence data from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility were complemented with a literature systematic review. Variables used in the models were obtained from the Worldclim and EarthEv databases. Ecological Niche Modeling was performed using the Biomod2 and sdm package algorithms. Our results indicated a suitable area of up to 11% of South America. Model evaluations yielded favorable TSS and AUC values (>0.7 and >0.8). The suitable areas projected for South America included several hydrographic basins and Protected Areas. The information generated in our study can help identifying areas susceptible to decapod invasion in South America and support local management and decisions.
Diagnosis, Treatment, and Management of Otitis Media with Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Ding Xin , Huang Yu , Tian Xu , Zhao Yang , Feng Guodong , Gao Zhiqiang
Published: July 2023

A common infectious disease, otitis media (OM) has a low rate of early diagnosis, which significantly increases the difficulty of treating the disease and the likelihood of serious complications developing including hearing loss, speech impairment, and even intracranial infection. Several areas of healthcare have shown great promise in the application of artificial intelligence (AI) systems, such as the accurate detection of diseases, the automated interpretation of images, and the prediction of patient outcomes. Several articles have reported some machine learning (ML) algorithms such as ResNet, InceptionV3 and Unet, were applied to the diagnosis of OM successfully. The use of these techniques in the OM is still in its infancy, but their potential is enormous. We present in this review important concepts related to ML and AI, describe how these technologies are currently being applied to diagnosing, treating, and managing OM, and discuss the challenges associated with developing AI-assisted OM technologies in the future.
The Utility of Mitochondrial Detection Methods Applied as an Additional Tool for the Differentiation of Renal Cell Tumors
Authors: Nikolic Gorana , Zivotic Maja , Cirovic Sanja , Despotovic Sanja , Dundjerovic Dusko , Radojevic Skodric Sanja
Published: July 2023

The precise differentiation of renal cell tumors (RCTs) is sometimes hard to achieve using standard imaging and histopathological methods, especially for those with eosinophilic features. It has been suggested that the vast overabundance of mitochondria, as a well-known hallmark of eosinophilic cytoplasm, and could be a characteristic of distinct tumor types with opposing clinical outcomes. Thus, we intended to explore the associations between mitochondrial distribution patterns in different RCTs, including 43 cell renal cell carcinomas (ccRCCs), 15 papillary renal cell carcinomas (pRCCs), 20 chromophobe renal cell carcinomas (chRCCs), and 18 renal oncocytomas (ROs). Tumor samples were stained with two anti-mitochondrial antibodies (mitochondrial antibody Ab-2, clone MTC02; prohibitin, II-14-10, MA5-12858), applying immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence to define mitochondrial distribution patterns (coarse scanty, moderate granular, and diffuse granular). Our results revealed significantly different expression patterns among the investigated RCTs (p < 0.001). The majority of ccRCCs exhibited coarse scanty mitochondrial staining, while all chRCCs had moderate granular expression. Nevertheless, all ROs, all pRCCs, and two cases of ccRCC presenting with higher nuclear grade and eosinophilic cytoplasm had diffuse granular mitochondrial expression. Moreover, with increased distribution of mitochondria, the intensity of staining was higher (p < 0.001). Here we present a strategy that utilizes fast and easy mitochondrial detection to differentiate RO from chRCC, as well as other eosinophilic variants of RCC with high accuracy.
Productivity vs. Evenness in the U.S. Financial Market: A Business Ecosystem Perspective
Authors: Fort Hugo
Published: July 2023

This paper starts by presenting an empirical finding in the U.S. stock market: Between 2001 and 2021, high productivity was achieved when the Shannon evenness—measuring the inverse of concentration—dropped. Conversely, when the Shannon evenness soared, productivity plunged. The same inverse relationship between evenness and productivity has been observed in several ecosystems. This suggests explaining this result by adopting the business ecosystem perspective, i.e., regarding the tangle of interactions between companies as an ecological network, in which companies play the role of species. A useful strategy to model such ecological communities is through ensembles of synthetic communities of pairwise interacting species, whose dynamics is described by the Lotka–Volterra generalized equations. Each community is specified by a random interaction matrix whose elements are drawn from a uniform distribution centered around 0. It is shown that the inverse relationship between productivity and evenness can be generated by varying the strength of the interaction between companies. When the strength increases, productivity increases and simultaneously the market evenness decreases. Conversely, when the strength decreases, productivity decreases and evenness increases. This strength can be interpreted as reflecting the looseness of monetary policy, thus providing a link between interest rates and market structure.
Cumulative Residual Entropy of the Residual Lifetime of a Mixed System at the System Level
Authors: Kayid Mohamed , Alshehri Mashael A.
Published: July 2023

Recently, there has been growing interest in alternative measures of uncertainty, including cumulative residual entropy. In this paper, we consider a mixed system consisting of n components, assuming that all components are operational at time t. By utilizing the system signature, we are able to compute the cumulative residual entropy of a mixed system’s remaining lifetime. This metric serves as a valuable tool for evaluating the predictability of a system’s lifetime. We study several results related to the cumulative residual entropy of mixed systems, including expressions, limits, and order properties. These results shed light on the behavior of the measure and provide insights into the predictability of mixed systems. In addition, we propose a criterion for selecting a preferred system based on the relative residual cumulative entropy. This criterion is closely related to the parallel system and provides a practical way to choose the best system configuration. Overall, the present study of cumulative residual entropy and the proposed selection criterion provide valuable insights into the predictability of mixed systems and can be applied in various fields.
An Internal Defect Detection Algorithm for Concrete Blocks Based on Local Mean Decomposition-Singular Value Decomposition and Weighted Spatial-Spectral Entropy
Authors: Tian Xu , Ao Jun , Ma Zizhu , Ma Chunbo , Shi Junjie
Published: July 2023

Within the scope of concrete internal defect detection via laser Doppler vibrometry (LDV), the acquired signals frequently suffer from low signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) due to the heterogeneity of the concrete’s material properties and its rough surface structure. Consequently, these factors make the defect signal characteristics challenging to discern precisely. In response to this challenge, we propose an internal defect detection algorithm that incorporates local mean decomposition-singular value decomposition (LMD-SVD) and weighted spatial-spectral entropy (WSSE). Initially, the LDV vibration signal undergoes denoising via LMD and the SVD algorithms to reduce noise interference. Subsequently, the distribution of each frequency in the scan plane is analyzed utilizing the WSSE algorithm. Since the vibrational energy of the frequencies caused by the defect resonance is concentrated in the defect region, its energy distribution in the scan plane is non-uniform, resulting in a significant difference between the defect resonance frequencies’ SSE values and the other frequencies’ SSE values. This feature is used to estimate the resonant frequencies of internal defects. Ultimately, the defects are characterized based on the modal vibration patterns of the defect resonant frequencies. Tests were performed on two concrete blocks with simulated cavity defects, using an ultrasonic transducer as the excitation device to generate ultrasonic vibrations directly from the back of the blocks and applying an LDV as the acquisition device to collect vibration signals from their front sides. The results demonstrate the algorithm’s capacity to effectively pinpoint the information on the location and shape of shallow defects within the concrete, underscoring its practical significance for concrete internal defect detection in practical engineering scenarios.
The Teaching–Learning of Community Social Work: Debating as an Instrument to Acquire Transversal Competences
Authors: Ferrer-Aracil Javier , Giménez-Bertomeu Víctor M. , Aragonés-González María , Cortés-Florín Elena M.
Published: July 2023

Debating represents an active teaching–learning method in higher education. Engaging in debates helps to acquire and develop transversal skills, which are essential to successfully function in personal, academic, and professional spheres. In this quantitative, descriptive, and explanatory study, we analyse how attitudes included within transversal competences were acquired through a debate activity conducted as a part of the social work programme at the University of Alicante. A total of 74 students participated, with an average age of 22.34 years, the majority of which were women. The students were divided into two evaluation groups: a peer evaluation group and a teacher evaluation group. Using an ad hoc questionnaire, three categories of variables were studied: sociodemographic variables; organisational and activity evaluation variables; and variables relating to the acquisition of attitudes. The results indicated that debating favoured communication, innovation and entrepreneurship, social commitment, critical thinking, information management, autonomy and self-regulation, as well as teamwork. Variations were also found according to the university admission modality and the evaluation agent. These results highlight not only how useful debating can be as a pedagogical tool, but also the need to consider different contextual factors when implementing debate activities in the context of university studies.
Shaping the Future of Education: Exploring the Potential and Consequences of AI and ChatGPT in Educational Settings
Authors: Grassini Simone
Published: July 2023

Over the last decade, technological advancements, especially artificial intelligence (AI), have significantly transformed educational practices. Recently, the development and adoption of Generative Pre-trained Transformers (GPT), particularly OpenAI’s ChatGPT, has sparked considerable interest. The unprecedented capabilities of these models, such as generating humanlike text and facilitating automated conversations, have broad implications in various sectors, including education and health. Despite their immense potential, concerns regarding their widespread use and opacity have been raised within the scientific community. ChatGPT, the latest version of the GPT series, has displayed remarkable proficiency, passed the US bar law exam, and amassed over a million subscribers shortly after its launch. However, its impact on the education sector has elicited mixed reactions, with some educators heralding it as a progressive step and others raising alarms over its potential to reduce analytical skills and promote misconduct. This paper aims to delve into these discussions, exploring the potential and problems associated with applying advanced AI models in education. It builds on extant literature and contributes to understanding how these technologies reshape educational norms in the “new AI gold rush” era.
Does Mentoring Directly Improve Students’ Research Skills? Examining the Role of Information Literacy and Competency Development
Authors: Cutillas Anesito , Benolirao Eingilbert , Camasura Johannes , Golbin Rodolfo , Yamagishi Kafferine , Ocampo Lanndon
Published: July 2023

This work proposes a structural model highlighting the research skills of undergraduate students. Due to the stages in their research project implementation, mentoring students becomes a crucial initiative in higher education institutions. Despite substantial progress in the literature linking mentoring and skills development, there is a lack of greater emphasis on research skills, especially for undergraduate students facing research work for the first time. Consequently, the direct relation between mentoring and research skills may not be straightforward. Thus, driven by social learning theory, the proposed model highlights the mediating effects of information literacy constructs and competency development on the relationship between mentoring and research skills. An empirical study of 539 participants via Partial Least Squares–Structural Equation Modeling supports six of the seven hypothesized paths. Three major theoretical contributions arise from the findings. Firstly, mentoring improves information-seeking skills and information-sharing behaviors and facilitates students’ competency development due to the technical knowledge transfer from the faculty mentor to student mentees. Secondly, information literacy constructs and competency development promote research skills, emphasizing that students with those behaviors and capacities will achieve enhanced research skills. Finally, our findings suggest that mentoring does not directly translate to improved research skills; instead, information-seeking and sharing behaviors and competency development fully mediate such a link. Thus, mentors must shape these behaviors for mentoring to develop students’ research skills. Theoretical and practical insights are outlined from these findings for university leadership to inform the design of mentoring initiatives for undergraduate students.
The Complexities of Mathematical Knowledge and Beliefs within Initial Teacher Education: An Analysis of Three Cases
Authors: Lo Wing Yee
Published: July 2023

This study arose from a desire to investigate initial teacher education for primary school mathematics teachers in Hong Kong. A conceptual framework for analyzing pre-service teachers’ mathematical knowledge and beliefs informed this qualitative investigation. The purpose of the study was to scrutinize both the cognitive and affective domains in mathematics teaching of pre-service primary teachers within the analytical framework. This paper seeks to capture three cases of Hong Kong pre-service primary teachers holding different views about mathematics teaching and learning as revealed by a beliefs survey. Their mathematical knowledge was examined along with a questionnaire, individual interviews, and an analysis of the lesson plans they provided. Through triangulation, it was found that these pre-service teachers’ beliefs about mathematics teaching and learning correspond to their pedagogical content knowledge to some extent. The results of lesson plan analysis were mostly consistent with those in the questionnaire and interviews although some of the interview data were inconsistent with the questionnaire results. Such inconsistency seemed to suggest that pre-service teachers’ reform-oriented mathematical beliefs were impacted by some traditional values such as Confucianism. Implications are discussed regarding the relationship between knowledge and beliefs in mathematics education as well as the theory of teacher competencies.
A National Audit of Typical Secondary School Provision of Physical Education, Physical Activity and Sports in the Republic of Ireland
Authors: Rocliffe Padraic , O’ Keeffe Brendan T. , Sherwin Ian , Mannix-McNamara Patricia , Mac Donncha Ciaran
Published: July 2023

Evaluating the extent of implementation and variation of typical school provision of physical education, physical activity and sports in the Republic of Ireland is a public health priority. Therefore, a national audit into the different levels of typical school provision of physical education, physical activity and sports was conducted. To date, this has not been evaluated. A cross-sectional, nationally representative sample of 112 secondary schools were included. A school provision of physical education, physical activity and sports evaluation index, validated via a concept mapping methodology, was utilized to measure variation of provision in the context of school personnel, curriculum, facilities and equipment, budget, partnerships, ethos and prioritization. A proposed grade for each indicator of provision was established using an internationally standardized grading system. Overall, physical education was the indicator with the highest national average grade (B−); physical activity was the indicator with the lowest national average grade (D+); while the indicator for sports received a C− grade. An overview of the national averages in terms of provision, paralleled with national and international comparisons and recommendations to support provision, is illuminated for each indicator. Future country comparison and benchmarking on key components of provision is envisaged.
Design and Application of a Resource Allocation Method for CAEVs Internet of Things Based on Swarm Intelligence Computing
Authors: Han Yibo , Zhang Zheng , Han Pu , Yuan Bo , Liu Lu , Panneerselvam John
Published: July 2023

The Internet of Things (IoT) faces significant challenges in the requirements of sensitive task latency, reasonable resource allocation and reliability for resource transactions. This paper introduces a novel method for road resource allocation in the IoT context of connected and autonomous electric vehicles (CAEVs). The proposed algorithm leverages the ant colony algorithm (ACA) to effectively allocate and coordinate road resources within groups of CAEVs. By considering the energy consumption and pheromone volatilization, the allocation and coordination process of road resources are optimized. To improve the linear packet loss of RED, we adopt the advanced ACA and CRED in the NS2 platform. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms the RED algorithm in packet loss rate and delay time, significantly enhancing system efficiency and performance. Furthermore, the combination of the CRED algorithm and ant colony algorithm successfully mitigates short-term congestion and identifies optimized paths with minimal delay.
Flocking Control for Cucker–Smale Model Subject to Denial-of-Service Attacks and Communication Delays
Authors: Shi Xiaoyu , Ma Zhuangzhuang , Xie Weicheng , Yang Yong , Chen Kai , Qiu Gen
Published: July 2023

This paper examines the flocking control issue of the Cucker–Smale model in the presence of denial-of-service (DoS) attacks and communication delays. In the setting of DoS attacks, the attacker only obstructs the information communication between agents during the activation phases, while it concentrates on supplying its own energy during the dormancy phases. Furthermore, the communication delays are assumed to be time-varying and heterogeneous. Firstly, a general control input scheme that defends against DoS network attacks and communication delays is constructed. Secondly, on the basis of the presented control input and the properties of graph theory, the flocking control issue is equivalently transformed into a products convergence issue of infinite sub-stochastic matrices. Finally, an algebraic condition is obtained to formulate all the agents that asymptotically achieve the flocking behavior. Moreover, the obtained theoretical results are verified by a numerical example.
A Weighting Method Based on the Improved Hesitation of Pythagorean Fuzzy Sets
Authors: Du Xiuli , Lu Kun , Zhou Rui , Lv Yana , Qiu Shaoming
Published: July 2023

The existing expert weight determination method for multi-attribute decision making based on the Pythagorean fuzzy number approach does not make sufficient use of the hesitation involved with the decision information, which may cause biased weight assignment. Therefore, to address the issue of unknown expert weights and attribute evaluation based on Pythagorean fuzzy numbers in multi-attribute group decision-making problems, a weight determination method is proposed that improves the treatment of hesitation in Pythagorean fuzzy sets. Firstly, the proximity of experts and similarity of the modified ones are determined according to the evaluation matrix. Then, the expert weights are integrated from the aspects of proximity and corrected similarity to obtain an assembled comprehensive evaluation matrix. Finally, the alternatives are ranked using the PF-TOPSIS method. The results of expert weight analysis and data verification demonstrate that the proposed method fully utilizes expert decision-making information, leading to a significant improvement in the rationality and accuracy of multi-attribute group decision-making problems.
Establishment of Real-Time Simulation Test Environment for Electric Propulsion System of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Using KDECAN Communication
Authors: Gwon Mingwan , Lee Kichang , Park Junshin , Kim Jangmok
Published: July 2023

This paper proposes the construction of a real-time simulation testing environment for the electric propulsion systems of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) using a real-time simulator and KDECAN communication equipment. The proposed real-time simulation environment enables the testing of flight controllers and control algorithms using real-time control communication commands that are identical to those used during actual flight. The KDECAN protocol is analyzed and utilized in the proposed real-time simulation environment for control communication. A reduced-size lift–cruise UAV with eight lift motors (for takeoff) and one cruise motor (for cruising) is used as the target hardware for real-time simulation. This is used to verify the construction of the real-time simulation environment. The final goal of this work is to construct a real-time simulation environment for the stable application of propeller-driven devices, and the findings confirm the independent operation of the lift and cruise motors in the constructed testing environment. Additionally, the real-time monitoring of the state of the electronic speed controllers is verified, suggesting that the testing environment can be utilized as a verification tool for the control algorithms and system design data of electric propulsion systems in actual devices in the future.
An Efficient Hardware Implementation for Complex Square Root Calculation Using a PWL Method
Authors: Wang Yu , Liang Xingcheng , Xu Weizhe , Han Caofan , Lyu Fei , Luo Yuanyong , Li Yun
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we propose a methodology for computing the square root of a complex number based on a piecewise linear (PWL) approximation method. The proposed method relies on a software-based segmentor that automatically divides the three real square root functions used in complex square root computation into the fewest segments with a predefined fractional bit width and maximum absolute error (MAE). The coefficients, including the start point, end point, slope and y-intercept of each segment, are stored for use in the implementation of the hardware design. The proposed fully pipelined circuit is coded in the Verilog hardware description language (HDL). The results of synthesis in TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company) 65-nm CMOS technology show that our design achieves savings of 64.21% in area, 16.67% in delay and 65.08% in power compared to the existing methods. Moreover, implementation results on an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) platform (XC7Z020-CLG400) show that the proposed design reduces the number of LUTs by 29.38%, delay by 28.57% and power consumption by 53.47%.