bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A B C Dengue: a case of multifactorial shock due to major trauma and dengue infection
Authors: Hoang Bui Hai , Tang Thomas Vu , Phan Nguyen Dai Nghia , Nguyen Anh Dung , Dinh Michael Minh Quoc
Published: April 2024

Objective: We report on a case of severe dengue diagnosed in a patient with major trauma and illustrate some of the potential challenges and considerations in the clinical management of such cases.
Method: Case report from Hanoi, Vietnam
Results: A 49-year-old female presented following road trauma incident requiring urgent laparotomy. Her recovery in Intensive Care Unit was complicated by the development of Dengue Shock Syndrome.
Conclusions: Dengue Shock Syndrome may complicate fluid management and bleeding control in major trauma cases.
Optimization based Data Aggregation and Fault Tolerance with Energy Management for Fog Enabled Heterogeneous IoT Environment
Authors: Nalayini P. , jenifer P. Immaculate Rexi , Meena V.
Published: April 2024

Fog computing is one of the efficient technologies used for overcoming the issues related to handling large quantities of Heterogeneous Internet of Things (HIoT) data like distributed network and health monitoring by dispensing the applications which gets applied nearer to the network edge. In fog based network model, distributed fog server closeness to the terminal devices allows currently available data to be transmitted effectually. But the increasing size of fog enabled HIoT environments leads to the design of effective routing and path selection to accomplish minimum delay and power consumption. With this motivation, this paper presents Optimization based Data Aggregation and fault Tolerance with Energy Management (ODFTEM) technique for fog enabled HIoT. This idea is segmented into three categories; they are a quasi-oppositional chimp optimization based data aggregation for routing, fault tolerance amongst the fog nodes and a Markov-chain-based probabilistic model for energy management. Initially, data aggregation is employed to gather the data and accumulate it for removing repetitive data and conserving energy. The goal of data aggregation is to reduce quantity of data dissemination and extend lifetime. A quasi-oppositional chimp optimization based data aggregation in routing is performed to choose an optimal collection of routes and perform data aggregation and it follows two stages like relay node selection and data aggregation. Secondly, to boost the network performance the best cost path is chosen where it selects the best nearest neighbor so that the packet transmission time can get reduced. Finally to forecast the energy consumption a Markov chain based probabilistic approach is used and this method can provide a comfortable energy saving model to the fog network. A detailed experimental validation of the ODFTEM technique reported the better performance in terms of energy consumption, throughput and transmission delay of the devices in the Fog enabled HIoT environment which is compared with the baseline methods like IHCFC, DAIFC and ODIFC.
Single artifact inverse RCSA with improved cross compliance identification
Authors: Sulitka Matej , Falta Jiri , Kohut Peter
Published: April 2024

The Frequency Response Function (FRF) at the tool-tip is important input for machining dynamics prediction, but its measurement is a time-intensive process. The receptance coupling technique offers a faster alternative, suitable for industrial applications where there is experimentally identified receptance matrix at machine-tool holder interface containing enough degrees of freedom to allow connection with various compliant tools modelled using finite element analysis (FEA). The presented approach to the technique further develops simplification of the inverse RCSA by using a single artifact proposed by Montevecchi, presenting simpler and more general mathematical formulation of the receptance matrix identification. The study also looked into how simplifying tool models affects their accuracy and performance in FEA, aiming to find a good balance between detail and efficiency. To prove the proposed technique, thorough tests on two dynamically different machine tools were conducted with various tool geometries.
Centrality-Based Heuristics in Risk Management: A Network-agent Dynamics for Analyzing Systemic Failure
Authors: Park Chulwook
Published: April 2024

This study scrutinized the mechanisms for mitigating systemic risk in scale-free networks, modeling on the functions of memorized capital, social learning, and centrality-based heuristics. We deployed a network-agent dynamic to examine the distribution of vulnerabilities and explored how node centrality impacts decisions related to protective investment. Our mechanical approach encompassed advanced computational techniques and interactive simulations, enabling us to monitor the relevant state variables effectively. By focusing on the dynamics of individual protective investment, we observed that nodes with higher centrality are inclined to invest more significantly in protection. These outcomes provide crucial understandings of the risk propagation and the tactics to mitigate such risks, which underscores the significance of strategic cooperation and effective regulation in bolstering network resilience and stability.
Lifetime Employment Trajectories and Cancer: A Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Cullati Stéphane , Sieber Stefan , Gabriel Rainer , Studer Matthias , Chiolero Arnaud , Linden Bernadette Wilhelmina Antonia van der
Published: April 2024

Working life is associated with lifestyle, screening uptake, and occupational health risks that may explain differences in cancer onset. To better understand the association between working life and cancer risk, we need to account for the entire employment history. We investigated whether lifetime employment trajectories are associated with cancer risk. We used data from 6,809 women and 5,716 men, average age 70 years, from the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe. Employment history from age 16 to 65 was collected retrospectively using a life calendar and trajectories were constructed using sequence analysis. Associations between employment trajectories and self-reported cancer were assessed using logistic regression. We identified eight employment trajectories for women and two for men. Among women, the risk of cancer was higher in the trajectories “Mainly full-time to home/family”, “Full-time or home/family to part-time”, “Mainly full-time”, and “Other” compared with the “Mainly home/family” trajectory. Among men, the risk of cancer was lower in the “Mainly self-employment” trajectory compared with “Mainly full-time”. We could show how employment trajectories were associated with cancer risk, underlining the potential of sequence analysis for life course epidemiology. More research is needed to understand these associations and determine if causal relationships exist.
Knowledge of meat safety, personal hygiene and antimicrobial resistance awareness among abattoir workers in the formal and informal meat sector
Authors: Mazhangara Irene Rumbidzai , Jaja Ishmael Festus , Falowo Andrew Bamidele , Oguttu James , Green Ezekiel , Muchenje Voster
Published: April 2024

Meat is a great source of vital nutrients and important proteins for human health. But at the same time, it serves as a conducive environment for the development of microbes and their transfer to humans. This is exacerbated if the recommended safety procedures are not strictly adhered to. The aim of this research was to assess the level of knowledge of meat safety, hygiene practices, and antimicrobial drug resistance among abattoir workers in the meat value chain. A cross-sectional study employing questionnaires was conducted to assess the basic understanding of meat safety, personal hygiene, and antimicrobial resistance among abattoir workers (n = 208) in the formal (FMS) and informal (INMS) meat sectors. The results showed that the abattoir workers in the FMS had better knowledge of meat safety concepts than those in the INMS. However, abattoir workers in both sectors showed inadequate knowledge about the causative agents of foodborne diseases (FBDs). Notably, Clostridium perfringens (64.4%, 91.7%), Escherichia coli (55.6%, 70.8%), and fasciolosis (53.1%, 100.0%) were incorrectly associated with FBDs by a significant portion of abattoir workers. On the other hand, the incorrect association between FBDs and HIV (72.5%) and asthma (65.0%) was observed. In addition, the factors influencing meat safety were widely recognised; yet, misconceptions continued to exist, such as the false belief that anger (26.9%; 72.9%) is linked to FBDs. While some participants demonstrated satisfactory knowledge of meat safety, particularly within the FMS, INMS participants displayed inadequate understanding. This underscores the need for enhancements in meat safety practices across both sectors. The study emphasizes the urgency for improvement in meat safety within the examined area, advocating for initiatives encompassing research, education, and mass media dissemination to bolster awareness and adherence to safety protocols.
Libman-Sacks Endocarditis in a Congenital Valve Defect: A Case Report
Authors: Zaher Soukaina , Nassar Kawtar , Ajerouassi Ahlam , Janani Saadia
Published: April 2024

Background: Libman-Sacks endocarditis (LSE) is a rare complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) characterized by non-infectious vegetations on normal heart valves. Here, we present a case of SLE with a congenital valve malformation.
Case presentation: The patient, a 20-year-old, had been undergoing treatment for SLE for one year with a good response. One year later, she presented with stage IV dyspnea and chest pain, accompanied by signs of right heart failure on clinical examination. Investigations revealed active lupus and vegetations on the mitral valve, along with agenesis of the posterior mitral leaflet and severe mitral insufficiency on echocardiography. The patient received corticosteroids, antibiotics, anticoagulants, and symptomatic treatment for heart failure. Despite initial clinical improvement, the patient's condition worsened and did not respond to resuscitation measures.
Conclusion: While LSE typically responds favorably to treatment, severe valvulopathy, as seen in our patient with congenital valve malformation, can lead to fatal outcomes.
On the possibility of using highly sensitive SFCO sensors for studies in the field of behavioral physiology
Authors: Khachunts Aleksandr , Sargsyan Armen , Tadevosyan Narine , Tumanian Anush , Gevorgyan Vardan , Gevorgyan Samvel
Published: April 2024

The article discusses the possibility of using different types of first class SFCO sensors for detecting and analyzing behavioral characteristics of small laboratory animals widely used in physiology, pharmacology and translational medicine. The SFCO vibration sensor and vibro-acoustic microphones were used for monitoring white rats' behaviour. For the first time, a new type of sensors, the SFCO hydrophone, was specially designed by PSI Ltd. to study Zebrafish locomotion. Here, we show the ability to track animal behavior, with the required accuracy. The high sensitivity of the SFCO sensors made it possible to record a ballistocardiogram transmitted to the research platform through the paws of the rat on fragments corresponding to the behavioral pattern “freezing.” The pioneering results demonstrating the ability to record fine details of movements using the SFCO hydrophone while observing the behavioral activity of zebrafish (Danio rerio) were also shown during the study.
Hygienic behaviors and use of dental care in patients with genetic syndromes
Authors: Piekoszewska-Ziętek Paula , Witt-Porczyk Aneta , Turska-Szybka Anna , Olczak-Kowalczyk Dorota
Published: April 2024

Objectives: Patients with genetic syndromes require special dental attention because they have symptoms that promote plaque accumulation, dental erosion, dental caries and gingival diseases. The aim of the study was to assess hygienic behaviors, use of dental care and frequency of professional preventive procedures among Polish children and adolescents with Prader-Willi, Down's, Angelman, Silver-Russell and Smith-Lemle-Opitz syndromes.
Materials and Methods: Parents/legal guardians of children and adolescents with genetic syndromes were included. A questionnaire survey was conducted regarding socioeconomic factors, hygienic procedures performed at home and use of dental care as well as use of preventive treatments.
Results: The percentage of patients with genetic syndromes who received dental care was statistically significantly lower compared to the control group. Oral hygiene measures were most frequently used by participants with Silver-Russel syndrome, and less commonly by patients with Prader-Willi and Down syndrome. Dental treatment under general anesthesia was provided in 26 (38.2%) of the 68 children with genetic syndromes receiving dental care.
Conclusions: Hygienic neglect and inadequate use of dental care due to limited access to certain preventive and therapeutic procedures among patients with genetic syndromes are worrying. It is necessary to educate and intensify caries prevention in this group of patients.
Clinical Relevance: The paper draws attention of the medical community to the needs of patients with genetic diseases. Patients' hygiene habits and home care are often incorrect, which contributes to oral diseases, generating treatment needs.
Siamese neural network based algorithm for user recognition by their eye blinking
Authors: Malinowski Kamil , Saeed Khalid
Published: April 2024

The article proposes a new method for user recognition based on their unique eyelid blinking pattern. Our research aimed to develop a method that is resistant to shoulder surfing and brute force attacks, while also not requiring complex recording devices. Most user authentication methods utilizing eyelid blinking patterns are vulnerable to pattern replication attacks. On the other hand, methods using EEG sometimes require the use of complicated equipment to record the blinking event. In our study, we utilized the publicly available mEBAL database. The temporal eyelid movement patterns extracted from the samples in the database are analyzed by a Siamese neural network. The achieved results of 98.20% accuracy and 0.11 EER unequivocally demonstrate the superiority of the proposed method over other methods using eyelid blinking for user authentication.
Identification and variation of a new restorer of fertility gene that induces cleavage in orf138 mRNA of Ogura male sterility in radish.
Authors: Yamagishi Hiroshi , Terachi Toru , Takenaka Mizuki
Published: April 2024

Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) in plants caused by the expression of abnormal mitochondrial genes results from impaired pollen production. The manifestation of CMS is suppressed by the restorer of fertility (Rf) genes in the nuclear genome. Thus, the CMS-Rf system is a suitable model for studying the direct interactions of mitochondrial and nuclear genes. At least nine haplotypes, of which Type B is ancestry, have been reported for the Ogura CMS gene, orf138, in radish (Raphanus sativus). We previously observed that Rfoencoding a pentatricopeptide-repeat (PPR) protein, ORF687, which inhibits the translation of orf138 is ineffective in one haplotype (i.e., Type H). Here, we carried out map-based cloning of another Rf gene (Rfs) that cleaves the orf138 mRNA of Type H. Rfs produces a protein consisting of 15 PPRs that binds to the mRNA, cleaving the mRNA at about 50nt downstream of the binding site. However, Rfs was ineffective for Type A because of a single nucleotide substitution in the binding site. Both Rfo and Rfs suppress orf138 expression in ancestral Type B, but they are rendered ineffective in Type H and Type A, respectively, by a single nucleotide substitution in orf138.
Network Analysis of Childhood Maltreatment and Internet Addiction in Adolescents with Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Wang Song , Geng Feng , Gu Mengyue , Gu Jingyang , Shi Yudong , Yang Yating , Zhang Ling , Li Mengdie , Xia Lei , Liu Huanzhong
Published: April 2024

Background
In this study, network analysis was used to explore the relationship between childhood maltreatment (CM) and Internet Addiction (IA) in adolescents with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).
Methods
Conducted across seven hospitals in Anhui Province, China, involving 332 adolescents, it employs the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire - Short Form (CTQ-SF) and the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) to measure CM and the symptoms of IA, respectively.
Results
Using network analysis, the CM-IA network were constructed to identify the most central symptoms and the bridge symptoms within the networks. "Depress/moody/nervous being offline", " Request an extension for longer time", "Sleep loss due to late-night logines", and " emotional abuse " were identified as the central symptoms of CM-IA network analysis. Bridge symptoms, notably "emotional abuse", "sexual abuse", and "complaints about online time", were significant in linking CM and IA.
Conclusion
These results underscore the complex relationship between childhood trauma and IA, emphasizing the role of specific symptoms in understanding and addressing internet addiction in adolescents.
The Association of Early-life exposure to the Chinese Famine and healthy lifestyle behavior for elderly hypertensive patients in China
Authors: wang saiyi , Miao Yudong , Niu Yadong , Feng Yifei , Ma Mingze , Zhao Lipei , Guo Xinghong , Shen Zhanlei , Jia Shiyu , Wu Xiaoman , Zhao Weijia , Xu Lin , Wu Jian
Published: April 2024

Objective: Early life exposure plays a key role in a person's life. However, little is known about whether such effects will influence healthy lifestyle behaviors(HLBs) in later life. The study aimed to investigate the impact of early-life famine exposure on HLBs in elderly hypertensive patients.
Methods: This study included 18284 elderly hypertensive patients who were surveyed from 11 July to 31 August 2023, in Jia County, Henan Province. Famine exposure subgroups were categorized by birth year: infancy and toddler (1956-1958), preschool (1953-1955), school-aged (1947-1952), adolescent (1942-1946), and adult (before 1942). The outcome was six HLBs, including no smoking, no alcohol consumption, physical activity, sleep duration, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference (WC). Logistic regression evaluated the associations of each outcome with early-life exposure. Further analyses were stratified by gender and sensitivity analysis was verified.
Results: The average age of the study population was 73.4 years, and 57.7% were predominantly women. After adjustment for potential confounding, compared with adult exposure groups, infancy and toddler exposed showed a decreased risk of no smoking, no alcohol consumption, healthy BMI, healthy WC, and an increased OR for healthy physical activity and sleep duration (all P<0.05). Preschooler-exposure has the same results as infants and toddlers exposed (P<0.05). Only the school-aged child exposed group and the adolescent exposed group had no statistical significance between sleep duration.
Conclusions: Early-life exposure to famine was associated with HLBs, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, BMI, WC, physical activity and sleep duration in hypertensive patients. These associations are stronger among participants who have experienced infancy exposure. Our findings would provide useful knowledge for other countries suffering from famine as a result of natural disasters, helping public health workers to target interventions.
High Humidity Aggravates Collagen-induced Arthritis in Mice by Increasing the Expression of Splenic Myeloid-derived Suppressor Cells
Authors: Wang Hongli , Wang Mingzhu , Wang Tengyue , Wen Chengping , He Zhixing , Huang Lin
Published: April 2024

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by joint inflammation and bone destruction, leading to severe complications. Previous research has suggested that high humidity conditions may exacerbate RA, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Furthermore, there is a lack of evidence linking humidity to the worsening of RA symptoms in animal models.
Methods: We utilized C57BL/6 mice to establish the CIA mouse model. The arthritis status of mice was assessed under two different humidities (50% and 80%). ELISA was used to measure the concentrations of autoantibodies and pro-inflammatory factors. Histopathological changes in spleen tissues were observed through H&E and immunohistochemistry. Mass cytometry was employed to investigate changes in cell types in the spleens of CIA mice under high humidity conditions. Additionally, we evaluated oxidative stress markers associated with MDSCs and conducted mRNA sequencing of sorted MDSCs to investigate their impact on arthritis in CIA mice.
Results: Compared to normal humidity, high humidity exacerbated arthritis incidence in mice, leading to increased arthritis scores,swelling, serum autoantibodies (anti-COII and anti-CCP), and upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Significant variations were observed in the spleen index under conditions of high humidity, accompanied by noticeable inflammatory alterations. Furthermore, Elevated humidity levels induced a substantial modulation in MDSCs population in the spleen of CIA mice, along with alterations in oxidative stress markers such as heightened serum ROS levels, and increased expression of COX, SOD, and Nrf2 mRNA. Following successful sorting of MDSCs, mRNA sequencing revealed a decrease in the expression of Rap1 signaling pathway under high humidity environment, which may contribute to the increase of MDSCs cells and aggravate the progression of RA disease.
Conclusion: Our comprehensive analysis demonstrates that high humidity is a negative factor in the occurrence and development of RA, potentially mediated by the influence of the Rap1 signaling pathway on MDSCs.
The adaptation of the 6 item Turnover Intention Scale among Hungarian elderly care workers: A validity and reliability study
Authors: Németh Zsanett , Deák Petra , Szűcs Réka , Makai Alexandra , Hock Márta
Published: April 2024

This research examines psychometric characteristics and reliability of the 6-items turnover intention scale (TIS-6) by Bothma and Roodt’s (2013) on a Hungarian sample. The internal validity of the TIS-6 was performed using data of 269 Hungarian elderly care institutions workers. Confirmatory factor analysis was performed to analyse the structural validity. Convergent and discriminant validity were examined with questions on job characteristics and using Maslach Burnout Inventory and Effort-Reward Imbalance Scale. IBM SPSS 28.0 software was used for statistical analysis, results considered significant at p < .001. The internal consistency of the questionnaire's scale proved to be acceptable (\(\text{α}\text{=.826}\)). Convergent validity was confirmed by the relationship between the components of the questionnaire and burnout (rs=.512; p < .001; rs=.419; p < .001) and workplace stress (rs=.565; p < .001; rs=.310; p < .001). There were significant differences between the TIS-6 scores among the groups with different degrees of burnout (p < .001), which indicated adequate discriminant validity of the questionnaire. The structural validity of the questionnaire was acceptable, the questions of the scale fit good. The Hungarian version of the TIS-6 scale is a valid and reliable tool for assessing the turnover intention among elderly care institutions workers in Hungary.
Introducing Quantum Information and Computation to a Broader Audience with MOOCs at OpenHPI
Authors: Hellstern Gerhard , Hettel Jörg , Just Bettina
Published: April 2024

Quantum computing is an exciting field with high disruptive potential, but very difficult to access. For this reason, numerous concepts are being developed worldwide on how quantum computing can be taught. This always raises questions about the didactic concept, the content actually taught, and how to measure the success of the teaching concept.
In 2022 and 2023, the authors gave a total of nine two-week MOOCs (massive open online courses) with different possible learning paths on the Hasso Plattner Institute's OpenHPI platform. The platform's purpose is to make computer science education available to everyone free of charge. The nine quantum courses form a self-contained curriculum. A total of 17157 course attendances have been taken by 7413 natural persons, and the number is still rising.
This paper presents the course concept and then evaluates the anonymized data on the background of the participants, their behavior in the courses, and their learning success.
In the present paper for the first time such a large dataset of MOOC-based quantum computing education is analyzed.
The summarized results are a heterogeneous personal background of the participants biased towards IT professionals, a majority following the didactic recommendations, and a high success rate, which is strongly correlatatd to following the didactic recommendations. The amount of data from such a large group of quantum computing learners offers numerous starting points for further research in the field of quantum computing education.
Discrimination of small sample tea varieties based on convolutional neural network and deep convolutional generative adversarial network enhanced near-infrared diffuse reflectance spectral dataset
Authors: Guo Yulong , Huang Zhengwei , Sheng Yang , Teng Yan , Li Chunyang , Li Chun , Jiang Ling
Published: April 2024

Near-infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopy is widely recognized as a rapid, non-destructive, and environmentally friendly detection technology. However, in order to ensure the accuracy and stability of the detection model, a large number of sample data is necessary. This paper proposed the rapid and non-destructive detection of small sample tea variety recognition based on the near-infrared diffuse reflectance spectrum data extended by convolutional neural network (CNN) and deep convolutional generative adversarial network (DCGAN). The near-infrared diffuse reflectance spectra of 240 tea samples were obtained by Lambda 950 spectrometer using eight of the most popular tea varieties on the Chinese market. Firstly, the spectral data was enhanced using translation, linear superposition, noise addition, and DCGAN methods, and the quality of the generated spectra was evaluated using the support vector machine (SVM) and gradient boosting decision tree (GBDT) methods. Compared with other methods, the DCGAN has the highest accuracy of 91.75%. Secondly, the optimal number of iterations of DCGAN was confirmed to be 6000 by SVM and GBDT methods. To further augment the precision of identifying small samples of tea, two additional classification models of the Extreme Gradient Boosting (Xgboost) and CNN were applied to the DCGAN. Finally, the results demonstrated that the CNN achieved the highest identification accuracy of 98.68% compared with SVM (90.46%), GBDT (90.42%), and Xgboost (88.83%) with an additional 100 samples and 6000 iterations. Therefore, the combination of deep convolutional generative adversarial network enhanced near-infrared diffuse reflectance spectral dataset and the CNN successfully realizes the identification of small sample tea varieties. The experimental results strongly indicate that this method holds significant potential for practical implementation in the field of small sample tea varieties identification.
Leveraging Common User Clustering for Improved Performance in Cell-Free NOMA Networks
Authors: Mousavi S. Ali , Monemi Mehdi , Mohseni Reza
Published: April 2024

In existing cell-free non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) networks, each user equipment (UE) receives desired signals from a group of access points (APs) simultaneously, however, the UE belongs to only a single NOMA cluster. This prevents exploiting the potential benefits of having clusters with common UEs. Previous studies have investigated clusters with common UE in cellular NOMA networks by considering that UEs at the cell borders can communicate with base stations through multiple clusters using coordinate multi-point techniques. However, this approach has not been investigated for cell-free NOMA networks yet.In this paper, we consider the UE clustering in a cell-free NOMA network considering three strategies, including single-UE OMA (CF-OMA), double-UE NOMA with no common UE (CF-NOMA), and double-UE NOMA with common UE (CF-NOMAC) clusters. We analytically prove that the proposed CF-NOMAC clustering improves the sum rate compared to the CF-NOMA, and CF-OMA methods, provided that certain conditions hold. Considering the three characterized UE clustering methods, we formally define UE clustering, AP grouping, and power allocation problem for maximizing the sum rate in cell-free NOMA networks.We decompose the formulated mixed-integer non-linear program (MINLP) problem into subproblems with integers and continuous decision variables. The integer decision variables correspond to UE clustering and AP grouping which are obtained based on the analytically elaborated results, and the continuous ones correspond to the power values that are obtained by converting a non-convex signomial programming problem into geometrical programming using the monomial approximation technique.Analytical results reveal the outperformance of the proposed algorithm due to employing a lower number of orthogonal clusters in the network.
Integrated Geological Study in an Offshore Renewable Energy Test Site: An Example From the Basque Contiental Shelf (Bay of Biscay, Spain)
Authors: Cantero Iván Asensio , Rodríguez-Méndez Lidia , Tubía Néstor Vegas , Iriarte Aitor Aranguren
Published: April 2024

Testing and research centres for offshore renewable energy, exemplified by facilities like BIMEP on the Basque coast of Spain, play a crucial role in driving the energy transition. In this study, we utilize standardized data for this infrastructure, such as high resolution bathymetry or sediment samples, to conduct a comprehensive geological analysis including both sedimentary and rocky seabed. Our approach could serve as a methodological example that offers a cost-effective means to characterize offshore energy sites. We present a geological map that extends the main lithological formations from onshore to the continental shelf and identifies the main structures, including NW-trending folds and fractures predominantly oriented NE-SW. Sedimentary bottoms are analysed through a Seabed sediment map, illustrating a NE-SW oriented banded distribution attending to granulometry. Bedforms are also studied, they are asymmetric and mainly oriented NE-SW. The Seabed sediment map and the bedform analysis reveal the effect of a SE-directed bottom current as the main mechanism controlling sediment mobility. This current matches with the predominant swell from the NW and with the most energetic waves in the area.
A Novel Kernel-Based Machine Learning Approach for Differential-Algebraic Equations
Authors: Taheri Tayebeh , Aghaei Alireza Afzal , Parand Kourosh
Published: April 2024

The recent introduction of the Least-Squares Support Vector Regression (LS-SVR) algorithm for solving differential and integral equations has sparked interest. In this study, we expand the application of this algorithm to address systems of differential-algebraic equations (DAEs). Our work presents a novel approach to solving general DAEs in an operator format by establishing connections between the LS-SVR machine learning model, weighted residual methods, and Legendre orthogonal polynomials. To assess the effectiveness of our proposed method, we conduct simulations involving various DAE scenarios, such as nonlinear systems, fractional-order derivatives, integro-differential, and partial DAEs. Finally, we carry out comparisons between our proposed method and currently established state-of-the-art approaches, demonstrating its reliability and effectiveness.
Metaverse Counseling: Transforming Depression Care with AI Digital Humans in Virtual Realms
Authors: HWANG SUNIK , Seo TaeWoong , Kim YoonSoo , Oh HaYoung
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we present an innovative solution to address the problem of modern depression through a metaverse-based counseling platform. Recognizing that time, space, and social factors make it difficult for individuals to access counseling, the platform leverages NPCs in the metaverse. The platform analyzes user text data to predict suicide risk and emotional state using models built on datasets such as ‘Suicide and Depression Detection’ and various algorithms such as K-nearest neighbors, logistic regression, and SVM. To implement digital human conversations in Unreal Engine, we used several plugins, including speech-to-text, chatbot, and text-to-speech, to process user speech in real time to enable effective counseling responses. Ultimately, the platform aims to provide accessible counseling services and personalized support to depression patients by overcoming temporal and spatial constraints. This metaverse solution is expected to not only break new ground in the treatment of depression, but also contribute significantly to addressing mental health issues, enabling an innovative approach to modern well-being.
“She doesn’t consider it to be real literature”
Authors: Jeroen Dera
Published: April 2024

Starting from the premise that there may be a discrepancy between how teachers and students understand the term ‘literature’, this article explores the ability of 10th grade students to define the concept of ‘literature’. It argues that such an undertaking is relevant in light of a similar discrepancy between literary studies and literature: while the first adopts an increasingly inclusive definition of ‘literature’, publications on the concept of literary competence still employ a strongly normative view of literature.
Drawing on empirical observations from a Dutch research project in which students discussed the literary quality of text fragments in jury groups, the article demonstrates that students hold highly heterogeneous ideas about the definition of literature. The analysis of survey responses, transcribed student conversations and jury posters reveals that a minority of students are able to provide a reasoned definition of ‘literature’, while a significant portion equates literary texts with books in general or stories amenable to narratological analysis. Based on these observations, the article suggests expanding the operationalization of literary competence in Alter & Ratheiser’s recent model to include the concept of ‘taxonomic competence’, which encompasses students’ ability to differentiate between literary and non-literary texts through reasoned argumentation.
Serial mediation role of destination image: Will virtual reality replace the decision to visit offline destination?
Authors: Sri Rahayu Karisma , Kusumawati Andriani , Pangestuti Edriana , Siti Astuti Endang
Published: April 2024

This study aims to evaluate the impact of virtual reality exposure on Instagram users’ decisions to visit physical locations and their perceptions of the destination. It also analyzes the mediating role of destination image on the phygical tourism intentions of Instagram users in Indonesia. This study employs a positivist paradigm and uses an explanatory research design to conduct an online survey about virtual reality experiences and outline respondents’ opinions about the decision to visit particular destination. Next, 280 millennial generation Instagram account followers responded to an online questionnaire; the data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. The criteria for respondents are Indonesian citizens who are Instagram followers and have virtual experience. Most respondents were between the ages of 23-32 years. The research findings indicate virtual reality positively and significantly affects destination image and offline visit decisions. Destination image has a positive and significant effect on offline visit decisions. Virtual reality encounters were incapable of substituting offline visits. The virtual reality encounter affects the perception of a destination and influences the decision to visit specific location in person. Destination images partially mediate the relationship between virtual reality experience and offline visit decisions. This study enhances the understanding of consumer behavior by examining its relationship with technological advancements, particularly among millennials. This paper also offers tangible contributions to tourism marketing management for destination managers.
AcknowledgmentsThis publication is partly funded by the Directorate General of Higher Education. The authors also acknowledge the financial support from the Directorate General of Higher Education through Brawijaya University.
Одинокие пожилые люди как объект социальной работы: анализ демографических, социальных и психологических характеристик
Authors: Забелина Н.В. , Алымова Н.В.
Published: April 2024

Статья посвящена анализу характеристик одиноких пожилых людей как социально-демографической группы с позиции практики социальной работы. Одинокие пожилые люди, как особая социальная группа, занимают одно из главнейших мест среди объектов социальной помощи, защиты и обслуживания. Старость представляет собой период человеческой жизни, характеризующийся потерей возможности организма продолжать род до наступления естественной смерти, который проявляется в снижение качества жизни, ухудшение физического, психического, социального здоровья и затухания всех ключевых функций организма. Одинокие пожилые люди часто сталкиваются с проблемами на различных уровнях, будь то личностный или глобальный.
Experimental and simulation analysis of flow patterns and energy dissipation through sluice gates in a U-shaped channel
Authors: Wang Jing , Li Songping , Zhang Yisheng
Published: April 2024

The vertical U-shaped gate holds significant potential for widespread application in flow control within U-shaped channels, as it eliminates the necessity for constructing auxiliary hydraulic structures. The boundary conditions associated with the U-shaped gate are complex, offering distinctive hydraulic features. In this study, the hydraulic characteristics of a vertical U-shaped gate have been investigated by model test and numerical simulation on a U-shaped channel under different flow rates, and the hydraulic evolution process was analyzed. The results show that the minimum relative error of discharges is 0.4%, so the numerical simulation can accurately describe the hydraulic performance of the vertical U-shaped gate. The flow generates a contracted cross-section and presents rhomboid water waves with a ‘hump-like’ convex structure after passing the U-shaped gate, accompanied by large kinetic energy dissipation. The gate opening exerts notable influence on the free surface width. The width of the first contraction section increased by 53.88% as the gate opening ranged from 2.5 to 5.5 cm with a flow rate of 8.24 L/s. The power function relationship of upstream flow Froude number, the width of free surface and energy loss is established. The results are helpful for engineering designing and operation management of a U-shaped gate.
Identification of agricultural surface source pollution in plain river network areas based on 3D-EEMs and convolutional neural networks
Authors: Huan Juan , Yuan Jialong , Zhang Hao , Xu Xiangen , Shi Bing , Zheng Yongchun , Li Xincheng , Zhang Chen , Hu Qucheng , Fan Yixiong , Lv Jiapeng , Zhou Liwan
Published: April 2024

Agricultural non-point sources, as major sources of organic pollution, continue to flow into the river network area of the Jiangnan Plain, posing a serious threat to the quality of water bodies, the ecological environment, and human health. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a method that can accurately identify various types of agricultural organic pollution to prevent the water ecosystems in the region from significant organic pollution. In this study, a network model called RA-GoogLeNet is proposed for accurately identifying agricultural organic pollution in the river network area of the Jiangnan Plain. RA-GoogLeNet uses fluorescence spectral data of agricultural non-point source water quality in Changzhou Changdang Lake Basin, based on GoogLeNet architecture, and adds an efficient channel attention (ECA) mechanism to its A-Inception module, which enables the model to automatically learn the importance of independent channel features. ResNet are used to connect each A-Reception module. The experimental results show that RA-GoogLeNet performs well in fluorescence spectral classification of water quality, with an accuracy of 96.3%, which is 1.2% higher than the baseline model, and has good recall and F1 score. This study provides powerful technical support for the traceability of agricultural organic pollution.
Pollutant removal in an experimental bioretention cell situated in a northern Chinese sponge city
Authors: Shi Chunyan , Feng Xia , Sun Weining , Qiu Hong , Liu Gen , Li Siwen , Xie Jing , Wang Pengxuan , Lin Yingzi , Wei Xindong , Xu Tongyu , Gao Weijun
Published: April 2024

To assess the viability and effectiveness of bioretention cell in enhancing rainwater resource utilization within sponge cities, this study employs field monitoring, laboratory testing, and statistical analysis to evaluate the water purification capabilities of bioretention cell. Findings indicate a marked purification impact on surface runoff, with removal efficiencies of 59.81% for suspended solids (SS), 39.01% for chemical oxygen demand (COD), 37.53% for ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), and 30.49% for total phosphorus (TP). The treated water largely complies with rainwater reuse guidelines and tertiary sewage discharge standards. Notably, while previous research in China has emphasized water volume control in sponge city infrastructures, less attention has been given to the qualitative aspects and field-based evaluations. This research not only fills that gap but also offers valuable insights and practical implications for bioretention cell integration into sponge city development. Moreover, the methodology and outcomes of this study serve as a benchmark for future sponge city project assessments, offering guidance to relevant authorities.
Recent Advancements in Refashioning of NSAIDs and their Derivatives as
Anticancer Candidates
Authors: Kassab Asmaa E. , Gedawy Ehab M.
Published: April 2024

Inflammation is critical to the formation and development of tumors and is closely associated with
cancer. Therefore, addressing inflammation and the mediators that contribute to the inflammatory process
may be a useful strategy for both cancer prevention and treatment. Tumor predisposition can be attributed to
inflammation. It has been demonstrated that NSAIDs can modify the tumor microenvironment by enhancing
apoptosis and chemosensitivity and reducing cell migration. There has been a recent rise in interest in drug
repositioning or repurposing because the development of innovative medications is expensive, timeconsuming,
and presents a considerable obstacle to drug discovery. Repurposing drugs is crucial for the
quicker and less expensive development of anticancer medicines, according to an increasing amount of research.
This review summarizes the antiproliferative activity of derivatives of NSAIDs such as Diclofenac,
Etodolac, Celecoxib, Ibuprofen, Tolmetin, and Sulindac, published between 2017 and 2023. Their mechanism
of action and structural activity relationships (SARs) were also discussed to set the path for potential future
repositioning of NSAIDs for clinical deployment in the treatment of cancer.
In vitro Modified Release Studies on Melatoninergic Fluorinated Phenylalkylamides:
Circumventing their Lipophilicity for Oral Administration
Authors: Vlachou Marilena , Siamidi Angeliki , Protopapa Chrystalla , Vlachos Michalis , Kloutsou Sophia , Dreliozi Chrysoula-Christina , Papanastasiou Ioannis P.
Published: April 2024

Introduction:

In an attempt to circumvent the lipophilicity burden for the oral administration of
new potent synthetic melatoninergic fluorine-substituted methoxyphenylalkyl amides, we conducted in vitro
modified release studies using carefully selected matrix tablets’ biopolymeric materials in different ratios.

Method:

In particular, we sought to attain release profiles of these analogues similar to that of the parent compound,
the chronobiotic hormone Melatonin (MLT), and also of the commercially available drug, Circadin®.

Result:

It was found that some of these systems, albeit being more lipophilic than MLT, mimic the in vitro
release patterns of melatonin and Circadin®.

Conclusion:

Moreover, a number of these derivatives were proven suitable for dealing with sleep onset problems,
whilst others for dealing with combined sleep onset/sleep maintenance dysfunctions.
Ramifications of m6A Modification on ncRNAs in Cancer
Authors: Mehmood Rashid
Published: April 2024

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is an RNA modification wherein the N6-position of adenosine
is methylated. It is one of the most prevalent internal modifications of RNA and regulates
various aspects of RNA metabolism. M6A is deposited by m6A methyltransferases, removed by
m6A demethylases, and recognized by reader proteins, which modulate splicing, export, translation,
and stability of the modified mRNA. Recent evidence suggests that various classes of non--
coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs), and long
con-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), are also targeted by this modification. Depending on the ncRNA
species, m6A may affect the processing, stability, or localization of these molecules. The m6A--
modified ncRNAs are implicated in a number of diseases, including cancer. In this review, the author
summarizes the role of m6A modification in the regulation and functions of ncRNAs in tumor
development. Moreover, the potential applications in cancer prognosis and therapeutics are discussed.
Comparison of 4 mm-sized and 3 mm-sized Stent Retrievers in Mechanical
Thrombectomy for M2 Occlusion
Authors: Lee Han Gyul , Yi Ho Jun , Shin Dong-Seong , Kim Bum-Tae
Published: April 2024

Introduction:

A stent retriever (SR) is widely used in mechanical thrombectomy
(MT) for M2 segment occlusion. However, the suitable size of SR in M2 occlusion remains unclear.
Therefore, we aimed to compare 4 mm-sized SR with 3 mm-sized SR in M2 occlusion.

Methods:

Patients who underwent MT with SR for M2 occlusion were dichotomized into 4×20
mm SR and 3×20 mm SR groups. Then, 1:1 propensity score matching was performed. The M2
segment was divided into proximal and distal segments according to the occlusion site. Subgroup
analysis was then performed for each cohort.

Results:

A total of 111 patients were enrolled, with 4×20 mm SR and 3×20 mm SR applied in 72
(64.9%) and 39 (35.1%) cases, respectively. In propensity score matching, mean number of stent
passages for reperfusion was significantly lower in the 4×20 mm SR group than in the 3×20 mm
SR group (1.5 ± 0.8 vs. 2.1 ± 1.1; p = 0.004). First-pass reperfusion (FPR) was more highly
achieved in the 4×20 mm SR group than in the 3×20 mm SR group (52.6% vs. 42.1%; p =
0.007). In both proximal and distal occlusion cohorts, the 4 mm SR group showed lower mean
number of SR passage (p = 0.004 and p = 0.003, respectively) and higher FPR rate than the 3
mm SR group (p = 0.003 and p = 0.007, respectively).

Conclusion:

In MT for M2 occlusion, 4×20 mm SR enables an effective procedure with lesser
SR passage for reperfusion and a higher rate of FPR than 3×20 mm SR.