bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PANDA: Processing in Magnetic Random-Access Memory-Accelerated de Bruijn Graph-Based DNA Assembly
Authors: Angizi Shaahin , Fahmi Naima Ahmed , Najafi Deniz , Zhang Wei , Fan Deliang
Published: February 2024

In this work, we present an efficient Processing in MRAM-Accelerated De Bruijn Graph-based DNA Assembly platform, named PANDA, based on an optimized and hardware-friendly genome assembly algorithm. PANDA is able to assemble large-scale DNA sequence datasets from all-pair overlaps. We first design a PANDA platform that exploits MRAM as computational memory and converts it to a potent processing unit for genome assembly. PANDA can not only execute efficient bulk bit-wise X(N)OR-based comparison/addition operations heavily required for the genome assembly task but also a full set of 2-/3-input logic operations inside the MRAM chip. We then develop a highly parallel and step-by-step hardware-friendly DNA assembly algorithm for PANDA that only requires the developed in-memory logic operations. The platform is then configured with a novel data partitioning and mapping technique that provides local storage and processing to utilize the algorithm level’s parallelism fully. The cross-layer simulation results demonstrate that PANDA reduces the run time and power by a factor of 18 and 11, respectively, compared with CPU. Moreover, speed-ups of up to 2.5 to 10× can be obtained over other recent processing in-memory platforms to perform the same task, like STT-MRAM, ReRAM, and DRAM.
Data-Driven Prediction of Maximum Settlement in Pipe Piles under Seismic Loads
Authors: Rasheed Sajjad E. , Al-Jeznawi Duaa , Al-Janabi Musab Aied Qissab , Bernardo Luís Filipe Almeida
Published: February 2024

The structural stability of pipe pile foundations under seismic loading stands as a critical concern, demanding an accurate assessment of the maximum settlement. Traditionally, this task has been addressed through complex numerical modeling, accounting for the complicated interaction between soil and pile structures. Although significant progress has been made in machine learning, there remains a critical demand for data-driven models that can predict these parameters without depending on numerical simulations. This study aims to bridge the disparity between conventional analytical approaches and modern data-driven methodologies, with the objective of improving the precision and efficiency of settlement predictions. The results carry substantial implications for the marine engineering field, providing valuable perspectives to optimize the design and performance of pipe pile foundations in marine environments. This approach notably reduces the dependence on numerical simulations, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of the prediction process. Thus, this study integrates Random Forest (RF) models to estimate the maximum pile settlement under seismic loading conditions, significantly supporting the reliability of the previously proposed methodology. The models presented in this research are established using seven key input variables, including the corrected SPT test blow count (N1)60, pile length (L), soil Young’s modulus (E), soil relative density (Dr), friction angle (ϕ), soil unit weight (γ), and peak ground acceleration (PGA). The findings of this study confirm the high precision and generalizability of the developed data-driven RF approach for seismic settlement prediction compared to traditional simulation methods, establishing it as an efficient and viable alternative.
Forensic Audio and Voice Analysis: TV Series Reinforce False Popular Beliefs
Authors: Ferragne Emmanuel , Guyot Talbot Anne , Cecchini Margaux , Beugnet Martine , Delanoë-Brun Emmanuelle , Georgeton Laurianne , Stécoli Christophe , Bonastre Jean-François , Fredouille Corinne
Published: February 2024

People’s perception of forensic evidence is greatly influenced by crime TV series. The analysis of the human voice is no exception. However, unlike fingerprints—with which fiction and popular beliefs draw an incorrect parallel—the human voice varies according to many factors, can be altered deliberately, and its potential uniqueness has yet to be proven. Starting with a cursory examination of landmarks in forensic voice analysis that exemplify how the voiceprint fallacy came about and why people think they can recognize people’s voices, we then provide a thorough inspection of over 100 excerpts from TV series. Through this analysis, we seek to characterize the narrative and aesthetic processes that fashion our perception of scientific evidence when it comes to identifying somebody based on voice analysis. These processes converge to exaggerate the reliability of forensic voice analysis. We complement our examination with plausibility ratings of a subset of excerpts. We claim that these biased representations have led to a situation where, even today, one of the main challenges faced by forensic voice specialists is to convince trial jurors, judges, lawyers, and police officers that forensic voice comparison can by no means give the sort of straightforward answers that fingerprints or DNA permit.
Primary Stabbing Headache in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Reimers Maria , Bonemazzi Ilaria , Brunello Francesco , Cavaliere Elena , Sartori Stefano , Toldo Irene
Published: February 2024

Background: Primary Stabbing Headache (PSH) is characterized by brief, focal, and paroxysmal pain (“stab”), occurring sporadically or in clusters. Data on pediatric cases are poor. Methods: We performed a comprehensive literature review by searching PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase in order to collect pediatric case reports and case series of PSH. Results: A total of 12 out of 162 articles assessed for eligibility were finally included. The prevalence of PSH and probable PSH varies from 2.5 to 10% among children with primary headaches and it is higher among children aged less than 6 years old. The mean age of onset is between 7 and 11 years of age. Attack duration greatly varies, ranging from a few seconds to several minutes. The intensity of pain is usually from moderate to severe. Associated symptoms are infrequent but may be observed (mainly photophobia, vertigo, nausea, and vomiting). Neuroradiological findings are usually unremarkable; EEG may show sporadic epileptiform abnormalities (up to 30% of cases). Preventive therapy is anecdotal, including treatment with indomethacin, trazodone, valproate, and amitriptyline. Conclusion: PSH is a common but still underdiagnosed entity among children with primary headaches; further and larger cohort studies are needed to better assess, in particular, prognosis and response to therapy.
Unregulated Cap-and-Trade Model for Sustainable Supply Chain Management
Authors: Caramia Massimiliano , Stecca Giuseppe
Published: February 2024

Cap-and-trade models have been largely studied in the literature when it comes to reducing emissions in a supply chain. In this paper, further pursuing the goal of analyzing the effectiveness of cap-and-trade strategies in reducing emissions in supply chains, we propose a mathematical model for sustainable supply chain management. This optimization program aims at reducing emissions and supply chain costs in an unregulated scenario w.r.t. the cap definition, i.e., trading CO2 is allowed but no formal limit on the CO2 emissions is imposed. Also, we considered an initial budget for technological investments by the facilities in the considered supply chain, allowing plants to reduce their unit production emissions at a different unit production cost. For this model, differently from what exists in the literature, we derive some theoretical conditions guaranteeing that, if obeyed, the emissions over time have a non-increasing trend meaning that decreasing caps over time can be attained with a self-regulated scenario. Computational results show the effectiveness of our approach.
Research on Path Planning Method of Solid Backfilling and Pushing Mechanism Based on Adaptive Genetic Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Bo Lei , Zhang Zihang , Liu Yang , Yang Shangqing , Wang Yanwen , Wang Yiying , Zhang Xuanrui
Published: February 2024

This paper investigates the path planning problem of the coal mine solid-filling and pushing mechanism and proposes a hybrid improved adaptive genetic particle swarm algorithm (AGAPSO). To enhance the efficiency and accuracy of path planning, the algorithm combines a particle swarm optimization algorithm (PSO) and a genetic algorithm (GA), introducing the sharing mechanism and local search capability of the particle swarm optimization algorithm. The path planning of the pushing mechanism for the solid-filling scenario is optimized by dynamically adjusting the algorithm parameters to accommodate different search environments. Subsequently, the proposed algorithm’s effectiveness in the filling equipment path planning problem is experimentally verified using a simulation model of the established filling equipment path planning scenario. The experimental findings indicate that the improved hybrid algorithm converges three times faster than the original algorithm. Furthermore, it demonstrates approximately 92% and 94% better stability and average performance, respectively, than the original algorithm. Additionally, AGAPSO achieves a 27.59% and 19.16% improvement in path length and material usage optimization compared to the GA and GAPSO algorithms, showcasing superior efficiency and adaptability. Therefore, the AGAPSO method offers significant advantages in the path planning of the coal mine solid-filling and pushing mechanism, which is crucial for enhancing the filling effect and efficiency.
Improved Conditional Domain Adversarial Networks for Intelligent Transfer Fault Diagnosis
Authors: Qin Haihua , Pan Jiafang , Li Jian , Huang Faguo
Published: February 2024

Intelligent fault diagnosis encounters the challenges of varying working conditions and sample class imbalance individually, but very few approaches address both challenges simultaneously. This article proposes an improvement network model named ICDAN-F, which can deal with fault diagnosis scenarios with class imbalance and working condition variations in an integrated way. First, Focal Loss, which was originally designed for target detection, is introduced to alleviate the sample class imbalance problem of fault diagnosis and emphasize the key features. Second, the domain discriminator is improved by the default ReLU activation function being replaced with Tanh so that useful negative value information can help extract transferable fault features. Extensive transfer experiments dealing with varying working conditions are conducted on two bearing fault datasets with the effect of class imbalance. The results show that the fault diagnosis performance of ICDAN-F outperforms several other widely used domain adaptation methods, achieving 99.76% and 96.76% fault diagnosis accuracies in Case 1 and Case 2, respectively, which predicts that ICDAN-F can handle both challenges in a cohesive manner.
Nasopharyngeal and Peripheral Blood Type II Interferon Signature Evaluation in Infants during Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
Authors: Savino Francesco , Dini Maddalena , Clemente Anna , Calvi Cristina , Pau Anna , Galliano Ilaria , Gambarino Stefano , Bergallo Massimiliano
Published: February 2024

Background and Objectives: In this study, we applied one-step real time rt-PCR technology type II INF signature to blood and nasopharyngeal (NPS) swabs of acute early recovery children < 1 years hospitalized for bronchiolitis with laboratory-confirmed RSV infection. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational case–control study was conducted in 2021–2022. The study took place in Children Hospital “Regina Margherita”, Torino Italy. The study included 66 infants, of which 30 patients were hospitalized for bronchiolitis due to RSV infection and 36 age-matched controls. Inclusion criteria included a positive RSV test for infants with bronchiolitis. We collected peripheral blood and nasopharyngeal swabs for relative quantification of type II Interferon signature by One-Step Multiplex PCR real time. Results: IFN levels were downregulated in the peripheral blood of bronchiolitis patients; these data were not confirmed in the nasopharyngeal swab. There was no correlation between NPS and the type II IFN score in peripheral blood. Conclusions: our study shows for the first time that type II IFN score was significant reduced in peripheral blood of infants with bronchiolitis by RSV compared to age-matched healthy controls; in the NPS swab this resulted downregulation was not statistically significant and the type II IFN score in the NPS swab can be used as marker of resolution of infection or improvement of clinical conditions.
Optimization of Multiple Performance Characteristics for CNC Turning of Inconel 718 Using Taguchi–Grey Relational Approach and Analysis of Variance
Authors: Zhujani Fatlume , Abdullahu Fitore , Todorov Georgi , Kamberov Konstantin
Published: February 2024

The optimization of machining processes is a deciding factor when increasing productivity and ensuring product quality. The response characteristics, such as surface roughness, material removal rate, tool wear, and cutting time, of the finish turning process have been simultaneously optimized. We used the Taguchi-based design of experiments L9(34) in this study to test and find the best values for process parameters like cutting speed, feed rate, depth of cut, and nose radius. The Taguchi-based multi-objective grey relational approach (GRA) method was used to address the turning problem of Inconel 718 alloy to increase productivity, i.e., by simultaneously minimizing surface roughness, tool wear, and machining time. GRA and the S/N ratio derived from the Taguchi approach were utilized to combine many response characteristics into a single response. The grey relational grade (GRG) produces results such as estimations of the optimal level of input parameters and their proportional significance to specific quality characteristics. By employing ANOVA, the significance of parameters with respect to individual responsibility and the overall quality characteristics of the cutting process were ascertained. The single-objective optimization yielded the following results: minimal surface roughness of 0.167 µm, tool wear of 44.65 µm, minimum cutting time of 19.72 s, and maximum material speed of 4550 mm3/min. While simultaneously optimizing the Inconel 718 superalloy at a cutting speed of 100 m/min, depth of cut of 0.4 mm, feed rate of 0.051 mm/rev, and tool nose radius of 0.4 mm, the results of the multi-objective optimization showed that all investigated response characteristics reached their optimal values (minimum/maximum). To validate the results, confirmatory experiments with the most favorable outcomes were conducted and yielded a high degree of concurrence.
Blood-Derived Metabolic Signatures as Biomarkers of Injury Severity in Traumatic Brain Injury: A Pilot Study
Authors: Bykowski Elani A. , Petersson Jamie N. , Dukelow Sean P. , Ho Chester , Debert Chantel T. , Montina Tony , Metz Gerlinde A. S.
Published: February 2024

Metabolomic biomarkers hold promise in aiding the diagnosis and prognostication of traumatic brain injury. In Canada, over 165,000 individuals annually suffer from a traumatic brain injury (TBI), making it one of the most prevalent neurological conditions. In this pilot investigation, we examined blood-derived biomarkers as proxy measures that can provide an objective approach to TBI diagnosis and monitoring. Using a 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based quantitative metabolic profiling approach, this study determined whether (1) blood-derived metabolites change during recovery in male participants with mild to severe TBI; (2) biological pathway analysis reflects mechanisms that mediate neural damage/repair throughout TBI recovery; and (3) changes in metabolites correlate to initial injury severity. Eight male participants with mild to severe TBI (with intracranial lesions) provided morning blood samples within 1–4 days and again 6 months post-TBI. Following NMR analysis, the samples were subjected to multivariate statistical and machine learning-based analyses. Statistical modelling displayed metabolic changes during recovery through group separation, and eight significant metabolic pathways were affected by TBI. Metabolic changes were correlated to injury severity. L-alanine (R= −0.63, p < 0.01) displayed a negative relationship with the Glasgow Coma Scale. This study provides pilot data to support the feasibility of using blood-derived metabolites to better understand changes in biochemistry following TBI.
A Comparison of One- and Two-Handed Gesture User Interfaces in Virtual Reality—A Task-Based Approach
Authors: Nyyssönen Taneli , Helle Seppo , Lehtonen Teijo , Smed Jouni
Published: February 2024

This paper presents two gesture-based user interfaces which were designed for a 3D design review in virtual reality (VR) with inspiration drawn from the shipbuilding industry’s need to streamline and make their processes more sustainable. The user interfaces, one focusing on single-hand (unimanual) gestures and the other focusing on dual-handed (bimanual) usage, are tested as a case study using 13 tasks. The unimanual approach attempts to provide a higher degree of flexibility, while the bimanual approach seeks to provide more control over the interaction. The interfaces were developed for the Meta Quest 2 VR headset using the Unity game engine. Hand-tracking (HT) is utilized due to potential usability benefits in comparison to standard controller-based user interfaces, which lack intuitiveness regarding the controls and can cause more strain. The user interfaces were tested with 25 test users, and the results indicate a preference toward the one-handed user interface with little variation in test user categories. Additionally, the testing order, which was counterbalanced, had a statistically significant impact on the preference and performance, indicating that learning novel interaction mechanisms requires an adjustment period for reliable results. VR sickness was also strongly experienced by a few users, and there were no signs that gesture controls would significantly alleviate it.
Embrittlement Mechanisms of HR3C Pipe Steel at Room Temperature in Ultra-Supercritical Unit
Authors: Liu Xinying , Cao Xue , Zhang Zhongwu
Published: February 2024

HR3C steel is an austenitic high-temperature-resistant steel. Because of its good strength and high-temperature performance, it has been widely used in ultra-supercritical power plant boilers. With the increasingly frequent start-up and shutdown of thermal power units, leakages of HR3C steel pipes have occasionally occurred due to the embrittlement of HR3C pipe steel after a long service duration. In this study, the embrittlement mechanisms of HR3C pipe steel are investigated systematically. The mechanical properties of the pipe steel after running for 70,000 h in an ultra-supercritical unit were determined. As a comparison, the pipe steel supplied in the same batch was aged at 700 degrees Celsius for 500 h. The mechanical properties and the micro-precipitation of the aged counterparts were also determined for comparison. The results show that the embrittlement of HR3C pipe steel in service for 70,000 h is obvious. The average impact absorption is only 5.5 J, which is a decrease of 96.7%. It is found that embrittlement of HR3C steel also occurs after 500 h of aging at 700 °C, and the average value of impact absorption energy decreases by 70.4%. The comparison experiment between the in-service pipe steel and the aged pipe steel shows that in the rapid decline stage of the impact toughness of HR3C steel, the M23C6 carbide in the microstructure has a continuous chain distribution in the grain boundary. There were no other precipitated phases observed. The rapid precipitation and aggregation of M23C6 carbides leads to the initial embrittlement of HR3C steel at room temperature. The CRFe-type σ phase was found in the transmission electron microscope (TEM) image of the steel pipe after 70 thousand hours of use. The precipitation of the σ phase further induces the embrittlement of HR3C pipe steel after a long service duration.
The Design, Synthesis and Mechanism of Action of Paxlovid, a Protease Inhibitor Drug Combination for the Treatment of COVID-19
Authors: Bege Miklós , Borbás Anikó
Published: February 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has presented an enormous challenge to health care systems and medicine. As a result of global research efforts aimed at preventing and effectively treating SARS-CoV-2 infection, vaccines with fundamentally new mechanisms of action and some small-molecule antiviral drugs targeting key proteins in the viral cycle have been developed. The most effective small-molecule drug approved to date for the treatment of COVID-19 is PaxlovidTM, which is a combination of two protease inhibitors, nirmatrelvir and ritonavir. Nirmatrelvir is a reversible covalent peptidomimetic inhibitor of the main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2, which enzyme plays a crucial role in viral reproduction. In this combination, ritonavir serves as a pharmacokinetic enhancer, it irreversibly inhibits the cytochrome CYP3A4 enzyme responsible for the rapid metabolism of nirmatrelvir, thereby increasing the half-life and bioavailability of nirmatrelvir. In this tutorial review, we summarize the development and pharmaceutical chemistry aspects of Paxlovid, covering the evolution of protease inhibitors, the warhead design, synthesis and the mechanism of action of nirmatrelvir, as well as the synthesis of ritonavir and its CYP3A4 inhibition mechanism. The efficacy of Paxlovid to novel virus mutants is also overviewed.
Wavelength and Light Intensity Affect Macro- and Micronutrient Uptake, Stomata Number, and Plant Morphology of Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)
Authors: Bueno Paulo Mauricio Centenaro , Vendrame Wagner A.
Published: February 2024

It is already known that light quality and intensity have major influences on the growth, etiolation, germination, and morphology of many plant species, but there is limited information about the effect of wavelength and light intensity on nutrient absorption by plants. Therefore, this study was established to evaluate the plant growth, stomata formation, chlorophyll index, and absorption of macro- and micronutrients by common bean plants under six light treatments. The experimental design was completely randomized and consisted of six treatments: strong blue (blue LED at high light intensity); weak blue (blue LED at low light intensity); strong red (red LED at high light intensity); weak red (red LED at low light intensity; pink (combined red + blue LED), and white (combined red + white led). The stomatal density (stomata mm−2); the SPAD index; plant height (cm); root length (cm); plant dry weight (g); root dry weight (g); and the concentrations of N, S, K, Mg, Ca, B, Zn, Mn, and Fe on leaf analysis were influenced by all treatments. We found that plant photomorphogenesis is controlled not only by the wavelength, but also by the light intensity. Etiolation was observed in bean plants under blue light at low intensity, but when the same wavelength had more intensity, the etiolation did not happen, and the plant height was the same as plants under multichromatic lights (pink and white light). The smallest plants showed the largest roots, some of the highest chlorophyll contents, and some of the highest stomatal densities, and consequently, the highest dry weight, under white LED, showing that the multichromatic light at high intensity resulted in better conditions for the plants in carbon fixation. The effect of blue light on plant morphology is intensity-dependent. Plants under multichromatic light tend to have lower concentrations of N, K, Mg, and Cu in their leaves, but the final amount of these nutrients absorbed is higher because of the higher dry weight of these plants. Plants under blue light at high intensity tended to have lower concentrations of N, Cu, B, and Zn when compared to the same wavelength at low intensity, and their dry weight was not different from plants grown under pink light. New studies are needed to understand how and on what occasions intense blue light can replace red light in plant physiology.
A Two-Stage Stochastic Programming Approach for the Design of Renewable Ammonia Supply Chain Networks
Authors: Mitrai Ilias , Palys Matthew J. , Daoutidis Prodromos
Published: February 2024

This work considers the incorporation of renewable ammonia manufacturing sites into existing ammonia supply chain networks while accounting for ammonia price uncertainty from existing producers. We propose a two-stage stochastic programming approach to determine the optimal investment decisions such that the ammonia demand is satisfied and the net present cost is minimized. We apply the proposed approach to a case study considering deploying in-state renewable ammonia manufacturing in Minnesota’s supply chain network. We find that accounting for price uncertainty leads to supply chains with more ammonia demand met via renewable production and thus lower costs from importing ammonia from existing producers. These results show that the in-state renewable production of ammonia can act as a hedge against the volatility of the conventional ammonia market.
Detection of Multiplicative False Data Injection Cyberattacks on Process Control Systems via Randomized Control Mode Switching
Authors: Narasimhan Shilpa , Ellis Matthew J. , El-Farra Nael H.
Published: February 2024

A fundamental problem at the intersection of process control and operations is the design of detection schemes monitoring a process for cyberattacks using operational data. Multiplicative false data injection (FDI) attacks modify operational data with a multiplicative factor and could be designed to be detection evading without in-depth process knowledge. In a prior work, we presented a control mode switching strategy that enhances the detection of multiplicative FDI attacks in processes operating at steady state (when process states evolve within a small neighborhood of the steady state). Control mode switching on the attack-free process at steady-state may induce transients and generate false alarms in the detection scheme. To minimize false alarms, we subsequently developed a control mode switch-scheduling condition for processes with an invertible output matrix. In the current work, we utilize a reachable set-based detection scheme and use randomized control mode switches to augment attack detection capabilities. The detection scheme eliminates potential false alarms occurring from control mode switching, even for processes with a non-invertible output matrix, while the randomized switching helps bolster the confidentiality of the switching schedule, preventing the design of a detection-evading “smart” attack. We present two simulation examples to illustrate attack detection without false alarms, and the merits of randomized switching (compared with scheduled switching) for the detection of a smart attack.
Pricing Life Contingencies Linked to Impaired Life Expectancies Using Intuitionistic Fuzzy Parameters
Authors: Andrés-Sánchez Jorge de
Published: February 2024

Several life contingency agreements are based on the assumption that policyholders have impaired life expectancy attributable to factors, such as lifestyle, social class, or preexisting health issues. Quantifying two crucial variables, augmented death probabilities and the discount rate of projected cash flows, is essential for pricing such agreements. Information regarding the correct values of these parameters is subject to vagueness and imprecision, which further intensifies if impairments must be considered. This study proposes modelling mortality and interest rates using a generalization of fuzzy numbers (FNs), known as intuitionistic fuzzy numbers (IFNs). Consequently, this paper extends the literature on life contingency pricing with fuzzy parameters, where uncertainty in variables, such as interest rates and death probabilities, is modelled using FNs. While FNs introduce epistemic uncertainty, the use of IFNs adds bipolarity to the analysis by incorporating both positive and negative information regarding actuarial variables. Our analysis focuses on two agreements involving policyholders with impaired life expectancies: determining the annuity payment in a substandard annuity and pricing a life settlement over a whole life insurance policy. In particular, we emphasize modelling interest rates and survival probabilities using triangular intuitionistic fuzzy numbers (TIFNs) owing to their ease of interpretation and implementation.
The Fifth Industrial Revolution as a Transformative Step towards Society 5.0
Authors: Ziatdinov Rushan , Atteraya Madhu Sudhan , Nabiyev Rifkat
Published: February 2024

This concept paper aims to shed light on the emergence of the first to the fifth industrial revolutions, their evolution, and their transformative steps towards Society 5.0. By explaining the nuances of the different phases of industrial revolutions and their positive and negative externalities, we found that the fifth industrial revolution can be considered a transformative step for the emergence or coevolution of Society 5.0. By examining how Society 5.0 affects various aspects of human society (e.g., advances in healthcare and improved life expectancy; business, the economy, growth, and industry; education and skills; privacy and cybersecurity; smart cities; labour and the workforce), we conclude that Society 5.0 should move forward by adhering to the harmonious integration of humans and technology to address the world’s pressing problems in the future.
“Will I Be Celebrated at the End of This Training?” Inclusive Research in Kenya
Authors: Wanjagua Rachael W. , van Heumen Lieke , Parker Harris Sarah
Published: February 2024

The development and practice of inclusive research with people with intellectual disabilities is complex, revealing challenges and lessons that inform innovative and novel methodological approaches. In Africa, inclusive research still lags for various reasons. First, due to societal misconceptions that portray people with intellectual disabilities as unable to self-advocate or as lacking agency and self-determination; second, due to a lack of trained researchers and ethics committees on inclusive research practices. This paper critically reflects on and discusses the strategies and methods used to conduct an inclusive research study in Kenya. The focus was on the methodological approach of including people with intellectual disabilities as researchers in Kenya. Two people with intellectual disabilities were trained as research assistants. This paper describes the experiences with Institutional Review Boards, the processes and experiences while training this research assistants using a UK-developed curriculum, and fieldwork experiences while piloting interview guides, conducting interviews, and conducting focus groups with this research assistants. This study findings indicate the need to culturally adapt co-researcher training, the importance of working with support personnel who empower researchers with intellectual disabilities, and the need for greater advocacy to change negative attitudes towards people with intellectual disabilities that hinder their participation in research.
Botulinum Toxin Injections to the Obliquus Capitis Inferioris Muscle for Dynamic Cervical Dystonia Improves Subjective Patient Outcomes
Authors: Bessemer Robin Anne , Jog Mandar
Published: February 2024

The obliquus capitis inferioris (OCI) muscle is a significant driver of cervical dystonia with torticaput movements and a no–no head tremor. Limited data are available on the efficacy of OCI injections on patient outcomes. Our study aims to determine whether the botulinum toxin injection into OCI improves subjective patient quality of life in those with dystonic head tremors. A retrospective chart review was performed for 25 patients receiving injections into the OCI for a dystonic head tremor at the London Movement Disorders Clinic between January 2020 and January 2022. Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Scale-2 (TWSTRS-2) subscale scores for disability and pain, TWSTRS-PSYCH scores, and the global impression of severity were extracted. The average TWSTRS-2 disability subscale change was −2.8 points (p < 0.003). The average TWSTRS-2 pain subscale change was −4.6 points (p < 0.003). The average TWSTRS-PSYCH score prior to injection was 5.6. After injection, the average score was 3.7 (p < 0.004). The patient self-reported average global impression of severity before injection was 7.0; after this, it was 4.2 (p < 0.0003). The OCI injection showed significant improvement in retrospective patient self-reported outcomes; it should be considered early in the treatment plan for cervical dystonia with a no–no head tremor.
Plea for Diagonals and Telescopers of Rational Functions
Authors: Hassani Saoud , Maillard Jean-Marie , Zenine Nadjah
Published: February 2024

This paper is a plea for diagonals and telescopers of rational or algebraic functions using creative telescoping, using a computer algebra experimental mathematics learn-by-examples approach. We show that diagonals of rational functions (and this is also the case with diagonals of algebraic functions) are left-invariant when one performs an infinite set of birational transformations on the rational functions. These invariance results generalize to telescopers. We cast light on the almost systematic property of homomorphism to their adjoint of the telescopers of rational or algebraic functions. We shed some light on the reason why the telescopers, annihilating the diagonals of rational functions of the form P/Qk and 1/Q, are homomorphic. For telescopers with solutions (periods) corresponding to integration over non-vanishing cycles, we have a slight generalization of this result. We introduce some challenging examples of the generalization of diagonals of rational functions, like diagonals of transcendental functions, yielding simple F12 hypergeometric functions associated with elliptic curves, or the (differentially algebraic) lambda-extension of correlation of the Ising model.
New Classes of Solutions for Euclidean Scalar Field Theories
Authors: Bender Carl M. , Sarkar Sarben
Published: February 2024

This paper presents new classes of exact radial solutions to the nonlinear ordinary differential equation that arises as a saddle-point condition for a Euclidean scalar field theory in D-dimensional spacetime. These solutions are found by exploiting the dimensional consistency of the radial differential equation for a single massless scalar field, which allows it to transform into an autonomous equation. For massive theories, the radial equation is not exactly solvable, but the massless solutions provide useful approximations to the results for the massive case. The solutions presented here depend on the power of the interaction and on the spatial dimension, both of which may be noninteger. Scalar equations arising in the study of conformal invariance fit into this framework, and classes of new solutions are found. These solutions exhibit two distinct behaviors as D→2 from above.
Investigating Noise Mapping in Cities to Associate Noise Levels with Sources of Noise Using Crowdsourcing Applications
Authors: Othman Esraa , Cibilić Iva , Poslončec-Petrić Vesna , Saadallah Dina
Published: February 2024

Environmental noise is a major environmental concern in metropolitan cities. The rapid social and economic growth in the 20th century is not always accompanied by adequate land planning and environmental management measures. As a consequence of rapid urbanization processes, cities are facing an increase in noise pollution. Noise is being recognized as a serious environmental problem and one which must be accounted for in a sustained development policy designed to improve the quality of life for citizens. Therefore, the monitoring of noise is a crucial aspect of urban planning to allow urban planners to create harmonious and livable environments for communities worldwide. This research aims at assessing the noise levels and associated sources of noise in downtown areas through the involvement of crowdsourcing techniques. The incorporation of noise mapping and increased public awareness are achieved by a framework that enables a comparative scheme between two cities: Alexandria, Egypt and Zagreb, Croatia. The methodology depends on combining crowdsourcing techniques using mobile applications and geographic information system (GIS) tools to detect and analyze noise. Finally, this research provides a comparison between the two cities using the adopted methodology and introduces recommendations to enhance urban planning decisions.
Development of NP-Based Universal Vaccine for Influenza A Viruses
Authors: Sayedahmed Ekramy E. , Elshafie Nelly O. , dos Santos Andrea P. , Jagannath Chinnaswamy , Sambhara Suryaprakash , Mittal Suresh K.
Published: February 2024

The nucleoprotein (NP) is a vital target for the heterosubtypic immunity of CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) due to its conservation among influenza virus subtypes. To further enhance the T cell immunity of NP, autophagy-inducing peptide C5 (AIP-C5) from the CFP10 protein of Mycobacterium tuberculosis was used. Mice were immunized intranasally (i.n.) with human adenoviral vectors, HAd-C5-NP(H7N9) or HAd-NP(H7N9), expressing NP of an H7N9 influenza virus with or without the AIP-C5, respectively. Both vaccines developed similar levels of NP-specific systemic and mucosal antibody titers; however, there was a significantly higher number of NP-specific CD8 T cells secreting interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) in the HAd-C5-NP(H7N9) group than in the HAd-NP(H7N9) group. The HAd-C5-NP(H7N9) vaccine provided better protection following the challenge with A/Puerto Rico/8/1934(H1N1), A/Hong Kong/1/68(H3N2), A/chukkar/MN/14951-7/1998(H5N2), A/goose/Nebraska/17097/2011(H7N9), or A/Hong Kong/1073/1999(H9N2) influenza viruses compared to the HAd-NP(H7N9) group. The autophagy transcriptomic gene analysis of the HAd-C5-NP(H7N9) group revealed the upregulation of some genes involved in the positive regulation of the autophagy process. The results support further exploring the use of NP and AIP-C5 for developing a universal influenza vaccine for pandemic preparedness.
Freezing Stallion Semen—What Do We Need to Focus on for the Future?
Authors: Al-Kass Ziyad , Morrell Jane M.
Published: February 2024

Artificial insemination (AI) is used frequently in the breeding of sport horses, apart from Thoroughbreds. Most AIs are carried out with cooled semen rather than frozen semen because of the difficulties in identifying a protocol that is suitable for freezing most ejaculates and the necessity to inseminate close to ovulation because of the short life of the thawed spermatozoa. More widespread use of frozen semen would improve biosecurity, allow greater choice of stallions, and offer more flexibility when managing deliveries of semen to the stud. It would even decrease the amount of antibiotics used in semen extenders, since the volume of frozen semen is smaller than when cooled semen is inseminated. However, there is considerable variability in the cryosurvival of spermatozoa from different stallions, leading to the classification of stallions as good or bad freezers. Improvements could be made at the level of stallion nutrition, the semen collection regimen, the extender, the removal of seminal plasma, and the cooling protocol, among others. Stallion sperm membranes are highly susceptible to lipid peroxidation, but research on antioxidants has failed to identify an additive that would benefit all stallions. In the future, biomarkers for sperm freezability could be used as an aid in identifying suitable ejaculates for cryopreservation.
Series-Hybrid Powertrains: Advancing Mobility Control in Electric Tracked Vehicle Technology
Authors: Çeliksöz Dersu , Kılıç Varlık
Published: February 2024

This work focuses on developing a mobility control system for high-speed series-hybrid electric tracked vehicles, which operate with independent traction motors for each track. The scope of this research includes modeling a series-hybrid powertrain specific to military tracked vehicles and conducting an in-depth analysis of its dynamic behavior. Subsequently, this study conducts a critical review of mobility control approaches sourced from the literature, identifying key techniques relevant to high-inertia vehicular applications. Building on foundational models, this study proposes a robust closed-loop mobility control system aimed at ensuring precise and stable off-road vehicle operations. The system’s resilience and adaptability to a variety of driving conditions are emphasized, with a particular focus on handling maneuvers such as steering and pivoting, which are challenging operations for tracked vehicle agility. The performance of the proposed mobility control system is tested through a series of simulations, covering a spectrum of operational scenarios. These tests are conducted in both offline simulation settings, which permit meticulous fine-tuning of system parameters, and real-time environments that replicate actual field conditions. The simulation results demonstrate the system’s capacity to improve the vehicular response and highlight its potential impact on future designs of mobility control systems for the heavy-duty vehicle sector, particularly in defense applications.
Neural Sliding Mode Control of a Buck-Boost Converter Applied to a Regenerative Braking System for Electric Vehicles
Authors: Ruz-Hernandez Jose A. , Garcia-Hernandez Ramon , Ruz Canul Mario Antonio , Guerra Juan F. , Rullan-Lara Jose-Luis , Vior-Franco Jaime R.
Published: February 2024

This paper presents the design and simulation of a neural sliding mode controller (NSMC) for a regenerative braking system in an electric vehicle (EV). The NSMC regulates the required current and voltage of the bidirectional DC-DC buck–boost converter, an element of the auxiliary energy system (AES), to improve the state of charge (SOC) of the battery of the EV. The controller is based on a recurrent high-order neural network (RHONN) trained using the extended Kalman filter (EKF) and the unscented Kalman filter (UKF) as the tools to train the neural networks to obtain a higher SOC in the battery. The performance of the controller with the two training algorithms is compared with a proportional integral (PI) controller illustrating the differences and improvements obtained with the EKF and the UKF. Furthermore, robustness tests considering Gaussian noise and varying of parameters have demonstrated the outcome of the NSMC over a PI controller. The proposed controller is a new strategy with better results than the PI controller applied to the same buck–boost converter circuit, which can be used for the main energy system (MES) efficiency in an EV architecture.
Cold Storage Followed by Transplantation Induces Immunoproteasome in Rat Kidney Allografts: Inhibition of Immunoproteasome Does Not Improve Function
Authors: Bhattarai Dinesh , Lee Seong-Ok , Joshi Neelam , Jun Se-Ran , Lo Sorena , Jiang Li , Gokden Neriman , Parajuli Nirmala
Published: February 2024

Key Points

Cold storage (CS) increases the severity of graft dysfunction in a time-dependent manner, and prolonged CS decreases animal survival.

CS plus transplant increases iproeasome levels/assembly in renal allografts; IFN-γ is a potential inducer of the iproteasome.

Inhibiting iproteasome ex vivo during renal CS did not confer graft protection after transplantation.

Background

It is a major clinical challenge to ensure the long-term function of transplanted kidneys. Specifically, the injury associated with cold storage (CS) of kidneys compromises the long-term function of the grafts after transplantation. Therefore, the molecular mechanisms underlying CS-related kidney injury are attractive therapeutic targets to prevent injury and improve long-term graft function. Previously, we found that constitutive proteasome function was compromised in rat kidneys after CS followed by transplantation. Here, we evaluated the role of the immunoproteasome (iproteasome), a proteasome variant, during CS followed by transplantation.

Methods

Established in vivo rat kidney transplant model with or without CS containing vehicle or iproteasome inhibitor (ONX 0914) was used in this study. The iproteasome function was performed using rat kidney homogenates and fluorescent-based peptide substrate specific to β5i subunit. Western blotting and quantitative RT-PCR were used to assess the subunit expression/level of the iproteasome (β5i) subunit.

Results

We demonstrated a decrease in the abundance of the β5i subunit of the iproteasome in kidneys during CS, but β5i levels increased in kidneys after CS and transplant. Despite the increase in β5i levels and its peptidase activity within kidneys, inhibiting β5i during CS did not improve graft function after transplantation.

These results suggest that the pharmacologic inhibition of immunoproteasome function during CS does not improve graft function or outcome. In light of these findings, future studies targeting immunoproteasomes during both CS and transplantation may define the role of immunoproteasomes on short-term and long-term kidney transplant outcomes.
War memes: language transformations after the Russian invasion of Ukraine
Authors: Faichuk Tetiana , Myroshnichenko Ilona , Vakulych Mariia , Fihol Nadija , Stohnii Iryna
Published: January 2024

The study of media viruses and memes that have emerged as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine represents a relevant interdisciplinary approach that brings together philology, cultural studies, history, psychology, social communications and social sciences. Memes ("bavovna", "zeleni cholovichky") have become not only symbols-viruses, but also effective means of mass communication and expression of national identity. The study of memes includes the following aspects: a selection of headline titles with a meme component, analysis of their semantics; disclosure of the social and cultural context and history of events that led to their emergence; study of perceptions and reactions to memes, their impact; determination of the role of memes in order to form public consciousness. The study of the "bavovna" and "zeleni cholovichky" memes was carried out on the basis of online media headlines in Ukrainian, Polish, Lithuanian and English, which provides a wide range of analysis and clarification of the impact of these memes on different cultures and societies, interpretation of events and realities related to the war in Ukraine. The use of memes as components of media headlines demonstrates the importance of the information space and its impact on the perception of geopolitical events and threats. The media use these symbols to emphasise the seriousness of issues, shape positions, and provoke discussion. This approach helps to understand better the important factors of society, the relationship with historical events and political realities, the specifics of the emergence of new memes, algorithms for their transformation into viruses, and the peculiarities of development, spread and transformation in social media.