bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Survival of Amalgam and Composite Resin Restorations From Big Data Real-Life Databases in the Era of Restricted Dental Mercury Use
Authors: Tobias Guy , Chackartchi Tali , Mann Jonathan , Haim Doron , Findler Mordechai
Published: March 2024

Tooth decay, also known as caries, is a significant medical problem that harms teeth. Treatment is based on the removal of the carious material and then filling the cavity left in the tooth, most commonly with amalgam or composite resin. The consequences of filling failure include repeating the filling, or performing another treatment, such as a root canal, or extraction. Dental amalgam contains mercury, and there is a global effort to reduce its use. However, no consensus has been reached using randomized clinical trials, regarding whether amalgam or composite resin materials are more durable, and which is the best restorative material. To determine which material is superior, we performed a retrospective cohort study using a large database where members of the 58 dental clinics with 440 dental units were treated. The number of failures of the amalgam compared to composite resin restorations between 2014 and 2021 were compared. Our data included information from over 650,000 patients. Between 2014 - 2021, 260,905 patients were treated. 19,692 out of 113,281 first amalgam restorations failed (17.49%), whereas significantly fewer composite restorations failed (11.98%) 65,943 out of 555,671. This study indicates that composite is superior to amalgam and therefore it is reasonable to cease using mercury containing amalgam.
“The Right to Our Own Body Is Over”: Justifications of COVID-19 Vaccine Opponents on Israeli Social Media
Authors: Inchi Liron , Rottman Amit , Zarecki Chen
Published: March 2024

Vaccines decrease morbidity and mortality. Nevertheless, their benefits depend on public response. During COVID-19, vaccine hesitancy and refusal were rampant, threatening public health. A thorough understand-ing of opponents' arguments is required to address the diffusion of unreliable information on social media and prevent vaccine hesitancy from developing into vaccine refusal. Accordingly, the article examines vac-cine opponents' justifications on social media. Textual content analysis of reader comments on three health-related Israeli Facebook pages was conducted. Data collection encompassed the Israeli COVID-19 vaccination period from October 2020 to May 2022. The comments were analyzed according to the health beliefs model (HBM). We found that vaccine opponents were characterized by low perceptions of the severity of the disease combined with high perceptions of the damages of the vaccine; low perceived benefits of vac-cine compliance; vaccine hesitancy and fear along with public distrust as barriers to change; and call for ac-tion to resist the vaccine and spread related anti-establishment views on the web. As vaccination hesitancy was found to develop into public distrust in the state systems and escalate into conspiracy beliefs and an-ti-vaccination activism, its early detection may prevent future vaccine resistance.
Knowledge Workers in the Italian Regions
Authors: Leogrande Angelo
Published: March 2024

In the following article I take into consideration the role of knowledge workers in the Italian regions. The analysed data refers to the ISTAT-BES database. The metric analysis consists of an in-depth analysis of the trends of the regions and macro-regions, followed by clustering with the k-Means algorithm, the application of machine learning algorithms for prediction, and the presentation of an econometric model with panel methods date. The results are also critically discussed in light of the North-South divide and the economic policy implications.
A New Look at Physico-Chemical Causes of Changing Climate: Is Strong Acid Production Lowering the Surface pH Value a Main Cause for Increasing pCO2 in the Earth’s Atmosphere?
Authors: Kennedy Ivan Robert , Crossan Angus Neill , Runcie John , Ritchie Raymond James
Published: March 2024

A testable hypothesis with quantitative predictions is put forward, proposing that strong acids produced on land are a major cause of increasing atmospheric pCO2. Our modelling analysis of reactions by dissolved inorganic carbon shows that increasing atmospheric CO2 could be caused thermodynamically by falling land surface pH values. This hypothesis challenges the imbalance assumed between the global uptake of CO2 by photosynthesis and emissions of CO2 from all sources, including the combustion of fossil fuels. Strong acids generated by oxygen from reduced nitrogen and sulphur emits CO2 almost stoichiometrically from dissolved bicarbonate in the pH range of most global soils from pH 6.5 to above 8. Each general decrease of aqueous pH value of 0.01 units from acidification of surface water potentially increases the pCO2 in the atmosphere by about 7 ppmv. Contrary to prevailing assumptions that CO2 emissions from combusting fossil fuels can remain in the atmosphere for more than a millennium, such emissions may be partly nullified by global greening from enhanced rates of photosynthesis as well as oceanic absorption. The surface pH value of the ocean has been shown to decrease as atmospheric pCO2 rises. Therefore, our qualitative estimates of increasing atmospheric CO2 driven by irreversible acidification on land are critical and need broad scale validation. To the extent that significant acidification of the land is occurring, through export of alkaline produce, the use of artificial nitrogen fertilisation and possible other causes, the prevailing methods of reducing CO2 emissions will fail. However, these acidifying processes on land have not been considered by previous biogeochemical reviews. Despite counter measures, including carbon capture and geological storage, the increasing Keeling curve for pCO2 may continue to rise because zero carbon policies do not address such a major cause. This hypothesis can be tested by in situ experiments in neutral soils and water, designed to compare CO2 emissions under the acidifying conditions described in this article with those when corrective counter measures are applied.
Fetal Splenic Artery Pulsatility Index May Predict the Need for Neonatal Intensive Care in Gestational Diabetes Class A1 Cases
Authors: Albayrak Mehmet , Akbas Humeyra , Guvendag Guven Emine Seda , Guven Suleyman
Published: March 2024

The fetal splenic artery pulsatility index (PI) is a parameter that reflects fetal well-being and has been used as a predictor of adverse pregnancy outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate the predictive value of splenic artery PI in GDM class A1 cases for NICU admission. In this prospective case controlled study, only sixty single pregnancy cases diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus class A1 were evaluated. Fetal splenic artery Doppler parameters Peak systolic velocity (PSV), Pulsatility index (PI), Resistivity index (RI) and End diastolic velocity (EDV) were measured in all cases. The rate of re-quirement of need of neanoatal intensive care unit was noted. In cases with need fetal intensive care, fetal splenic PI index was found to be statistically significantly lower than in healthy cases without it (0.94 ± 0.29 vs. 1.70 ± 0.53, respectively, p
Examining Sound, Light, and Vibrations as Tools to Manage Microbes and Support Holobionts, Ecosystems, and Technologies
Authors: Dietert Rodney R , Dietert Janice M
Published: March 2024

The vast array of interconnected microbes across earth’s ecosystems and within holobionts has been called the “Internet of Microbes.” Research into the fundamental microbial properties has demonstrated that bacteria and archaea are masters of energy and information collection, storage, transformation, and dissemination using both “wired” and wireless (at a distance) capacities. These features suggest that microbes are quantum entangled within and between earth’s holobionts, and that specific tools affecting energy and information functions could provide an effective strategy for managing microbial populations. Microbes use four critically important microbial networking functions (sound, light, electricity, and magnetism). This narrative review focuses on microbial management based on two of the four: sound and light (as well as related vibrations). These are examined as: 1) tools for managing microbial populations, 2) tools to support new technologies, and 3) tools for healing humans and other holobionts. Given microbial sensitivity to sound, light, and vibrations, it is critical that microbial populations and microbe-laden holobionts are protected from potentially damaging exposures. We conclude that sound, light, and vibrations are useful therapeutic tools that can help support useful microbial populations and help to address ongoing challenges of holobiont disease.
On Feature Selection Techniques for Detecting DoS Attacks with a Multi-class Classifier
Authors: Mundstock Iuri A. , Santo Yuri , Silveira Thiago L. T. da , Immich Roger , Riker André , Dalmazo Bruno L.
Published: March 2024

In a hyperconnected society, computer networks play a pivotal role in all activities that permeate our daily lives. In the context of smart cities, theses networks play a pivotal role in enhancing urban efficiency and sustainability. The continuous flow of packets in these networks poses security challenges, from personal data leakage to service unavailability. Anomaly-based methods are commonly used to detect network attacks. In this context, Software-Defined Networking (SDN) emerges as a solution for anomaly detection in network traffic, facilitating comprehensive, real-time analyses and dynamic adaptation to changes. This study aims to present a systematic review of feature selection techniques and evaluate the effectiveness of attribute selection with a multi-class classifier in network anomaly detection. The objective of this paper is to inspire future research and identify trade-offs among these techniques for detecting Denial of Service (DoS) attacks. Based on the findings, the analysis of the entire dataset yields superior results in terms of precision (99%), but using the output of OneR, although resulting in a slight loss of precision compared to the complete dataset, presents the highest precision among other studied techniques, indicating a trade-off between precision and processing time efficiency.
Numerical Modeling of the Venous Outflow from the Cranial Cavity in the Supine Body Position
Authors: Simka Marian , Czaja Joanna , Kawalec Agata , Latacz Paweł , Kovalko Uliana
Published: March 2024

Hemodynamic relevance of differently located stenoses of the internal jugular veins remains undetermined. It particularly concerns nozzle-like strictures in the upper parts of these veins and stenotic jugular valves located at the end of this vein. This study was aimed at understanding flow disturbances caused by such stenoses. Computational fluid dynamics software, Flowsquare+, was used. We constructed 3-dimensional models of venous outflow, comprising two alternative routes: tube representing the internal jugular vein and irregular network representing the vertebral veins. At the beginning of the tube representing the internal jugular vein, differently-shaped and sized short strictures, representing nozzle-like strictures were built in. At the end of this tube, differently-shaped membranes, representing the jugular valve, were built in. With the use of computational fluid dynamics modeling, we studied how these two obstacles influenced the outflow. We found that the most relevant outflow disturbances were evoked by nozzle-like strictures in the upper part of the internal jugular vein that were either small, long or asymmetrically positioned. Very tight stenotic valves and septum-like malformed valve were equally hemodynamically relevant. These findings suggest that both upper and lower strictures of the internal jugular vein can be of clinical significance.
Green Legacy: Plant Introduction and Dendrological Collections in Yerevan Botanical Gardens: From the Past to the Future
Authors: Vardanyan Zhirayr , Aleksanyan Alla , Gasparyan Arsen , Grigoryan Manik , Gatrchyan Gayane , Muradyan Nelli
Published: March 2024

Botanical living collections within botanical gardens represent a crucial global asset for plant diversity. Particular emphasis should be given to dendrological collections, considering their key role in contribution to biodiversity conservation, support scientific inquiry, enhance educational initiatives and support on involvement of the public. The introduction of plants, especially woody plants, is one of the important problems in botanical science, solved in botanical gardens and arboretums. Establishment and development of the Dendrological collections in Botanical gardens is a way to have a comprehensive representation of diverse plant species from different biogeographical regions and continents.
Current paper first time presents establishment, development, current status and future perspective of dendrological collections of Yerevan Botanical Garden in the linkage to introduction of woody plants in Armenia.
Relationship between Glucose 6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase and Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency with New Generation Inflammation Biomarkers of in Term Newborns with Prolonged Neonatal Jaundice
Authors: Okuyan Omer , Elgormus Yusuf , Dumur Seyma , Uzun Hafize
Published: March 2024

Background: Glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency increases the risk of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. The aim of the study is to evaluate the clinical findings of glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) and pyruvate kinase (PK) deficiency, to prevent further examinations for prolonged jaundice, and to contribute by regulating its treatment. At the same time, it is to determine whether systemic-immune-inflammation index (SII), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) can be used in addition to conventional complete blood count (CBC) parameters in the diagnosis of neonatal prolonged jaundice. Methods: In full term neonates with hyperbilirubinemia who were admitted to Medicine Hospital between January 2019 and January 2024 with the complaint of jaundice, 167 infants with a serum bilirubin level above 5 mg/dL, whose jaundice persisted after the 10th day, were included in the study. Results: 63.5% of the patients were male and the mean age was 31±6 days. G6PD was negatively perfectly correlated with NLR (r: -1; p
Unravelling the Function of the Sesquiterpene Cyclase STC3 in the Life Cycle of Botrytis cinerea
Authors: Coca-Ruiz Víctor , Suárez Ivonne , Aleu Josefina , Cantoral Jesús M. , González Celedonio , Garrido Carlos , Brito Nélida , Collado and Isidro G.
Published: March 2024

The genome sequencing of Botrytis cinerea has supplied a general overview of the map of genes involved in secondary metabolite synthesis. B. cinerea genomic data have revealed that this phytopathogenic fungus has seven sesquiterpene cyclase (Bcstc) genes that encode proteins involved in the farnesyl diphosphate cyclization. Three sesquiterpene cyclases (BcStc1, BcStc5 and BcStc7) have been characterized, related to the biosynthesis of botrydial, abscisic acid and (+)-4-epi-eremophilenol, respectively. However, the role of the other four sesquiterpene cyclases (BcStc2, BcStc3, BcStc4 and BcStc6) remains unknown. BcStc3 is a well-conserved protein with homologues in many fungal species, and here, we have undertaken its functional characterization in the life cycle of the fungus. A null mutant ΔBcstc3 and an overexpressed–Bcstc3 transformant (OvBcstc3) were generated, and both strains show deregulation of those other sesquiterpene cyclase-encoding genes (Bcstc1, Bcstc5, Bcstc7). These results suggest a co-regulation of the expression of the sesquiterpene cyclase gene family in B. cinerea. Phenotypic characterization of both transformants revealed that BcStc3 is involved in oxidative stress tolerance, production of reactive oxygen species and virulence. The metabolomic analysis allowed the isolation of characteristic polyketides and eremophilenols from the secondary metabolism of B. cinerea, although no sesquiterpenes different from those already described were identified.
Nitric Oxide in the Mechanisms of Cell Death and Cytoprotection
Authors: Belenichev Igor , Popazova Olena , Bukhtiyarova Nina , Savchenko Dmytro , Oksenych Valentyn , Kamyshnyi Oleksandr
Published: March 2024

The regulation of cell death is a fundamental issue in cell biology and continues to be intensely investigated worldwide. The significance of research in this field persists because understanding the determinants of cell lifespan directly impacts the maintenance of multicellular organism homeostasis and, consequently, is crucial for addressing biomedical challenges associated with various diseases. It is recognized that the initiation of cell death can be prompted by both specific signals (such as cytokines or hormones) and nonspecific stimuli, including radiation, temperature increase, or oxidants. When these factors affect a cell, numerous signaling pathways are triggered in the cell, leading to neutralization of the effects of their negative effects or, in case of irreparable damage, to cell elimination. This removal of damaged cells occurs through apoptosis or programmed cell death, a highly regulated process. Numerous signaling molecules participate in orchestrating the apoptotic process, many of which also govern other essential functions within the organism.
Physiological factors capable of triggering the apoptotic program in cells include nitric oxide (NO), which serves as one of the key signaling molecules regulating the functions of the cardiovascular, nervous, and immune systems of the organism. The unique chemical nature of NO, along with its numerous intracellular targets and physiologically active redox forms, raises questions about the specific mechanisms through which NO exerts its damaging effects on cells. Utilizing pharmacological preparations- such as sources (donors) of exogenous nitric oxide- represents an approach to investigating the initiation and execution of the apoptotic program in sensitive target cells. Furthermore, this approach holds promise as a direction for discovering new selective drugs.
Existence and Nonexistence of Positive Solutions for Semilinear Elliptic Equations Involving Hardy-Sobolev Critical Exponents
Authors: Wang Lin-Lin , Fan Yong-Hong
Published: March 2024

In this paper, a class of semi-linear elliptic equations involving Hardy-Sobolev critical exponents has been investigated. This problem comes from the consideration of standing waves in the anisotropic Schr\"{o}dinger equation, also it is very important in the field of hydrodynamics, glaciology, quantum field theory and statistical mechanics. By a detailed estimation for the extremum function and using Mountain Pass Lemma with $\left( PS\right) _{c}$ conditions, the existence of positive solutions has been obtained. On the other hand, by establishing Pohozaev-type identity and using the properties of Bessel function, the nonexistence of positive solution also has been obtained. These results are extensions of E. Jannelli's research (\cite[Theorem 1.A-1.C]{EJ}).
How Does ChatGPT Perform on the Italian National Residency Program Admission Test?
Authors: Barone Gianmaria , Confalonieri Filippo , Gaeta Alessandro , Ferraro Vanessa , Vinciguerra Paolo , Di Maria Alessandra
Published: March 2024

Background: Open AI developed ChatGPT, a language model based on the GPT architecture, designed for text-based communication. Trained on diverse internet texts, ChatGPT generates contextually appropriate responses using machine learning. It understands input through analysis and context interpretation, generating coherent and contextually relevant responses. Interaction is possible through messaging platforms. Materials and Methods: In November 2023, we utilized ChatGPT 3.5, the default version at that time, to answer questions from the Italian National Residency Program Admission Tests (SSMs) of 2021, 2022, and 2023. The questions cover clinical, diagnostic, analytical, therapeutic, and epidemiological scenarios, sometimes accompanied by images. The study compared ChatGPT's answers to the official corrections on the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR) website. The scoring method used for evaluation was 1 point for correct answers, 0 points for unanswered questions, and -0.25 points for incorrect answers, reflecting the SSM test scoring system. Results: In summary, ChatGPT was tested with a total of 420 questions, 140 for each test. It achieved an overall accuracy of 80.48%, providing correct answers for 338 questions and incorrect answers for 82 questions. When faced with questions containing both text and images, it answered 55% correctly and 45% incorrectly. The model's performance varied over time, with an 82.14% accuracy rate in 2021 and 2022 (115 correct out of 140) and a 77.14% accuracy rate in 2023 (108 correct out of 140). Applying thisscoring method to the SSM test, ChatGPT would have scored 105 points in 2021 and 2022, and 100 points in 2023. Conclusions: ChatGPT has exhibited above-average performance in the last three SSM tests, highlighting its robust capability to interpret clinical scenarios and offer precise diagnostic and therapeutic guidance. Despite this, some limitations persist, notably the software's inability to interpret non-textual information.
Existences Results for Some Nonsingular $p$-Kirchhoff Problems with $\psi$-Hilfer Fractional Derivative
Authors: Alzumi Hadeel Z. , Shammakh Wafa , Ghanmi Abdeljabbar
Published: March 2024

In this paper, we prove the existence of three solutions for a $p$-Kirchhoff problem with $\psi$-Hilfer fractional derivative. To be more precise, we use the variational method and we prove that the associated functional energy admits a critical point in each of the three constructed sets, these critical points are weak solutions for a studied problem. Moreover, by definition of these sets, one of these solutions is positive, the second is negative, and the third one change sign. At the end of this work, we present an example to validate our main results.
A Systematic Review of Sustainability Criteria in Infrastructure Development
Authors: Kustova Ieva , Hudenko Justina , Lace Natalja
Published: March 2024

This paper explores the urgent necessity for practical guidance of infrastructure stakeholders aimed to promote sustainable infrastructure development, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and European Union (EU) regulations. Despite overarching definitions, there is a noticeable absence of a unified set of sustainability criteria, which delays the integration of sustainability principles into infrastructure planning, development, and operations. Through a systematic literature review and content analysis, this study seeks to clarify characteristics of sustainable infrastructure. Utilizing a content analysis of 124 sources, carefully selected through a structured exclusion process, the authors construct a comprehensive set of indicators. Subsequently, these indicators undergo rigorous evaluation by sector experts through structured focused group discussions on the relevance of the proposed sustainable infrastructure criteria to local planning contexts. The study's findings underscore the adequacy of the proposed criteria, albeit with variations in perceived importance. Additionally, focus group participants encourage for field-testing the criteria within a municipal setting before scaling up to national-level policy frameworks.
The Future of Antipsychotic Interventions: From Managing Symptoms to Improving Outcomes
Authors: Sfera Adonis , Imran Hassan , Sfera Dan O , Anton Jacob J , Kozlakidis Zisis , Hazan Sabine
Published: March 2024

Abstract
For the past 70 years, dopamine hypothesis has been the key working model in schizophrenia. This has contributed to the development of numerous inhibitors of dopaminergic signaling, antipsychotic drugs, which led to rapid symptom resolution but only marginal outcome improvement. Over the past decades, there was limited research on the quantifiable pathological changes in schizophrenia, including premature cellular/neuronal, senescence, brain volume loss, attenuation of gamma oscillations on electroencephalogram and oxidation of lipids in plasma and mitochondrial membranes.
We surmise that aberrant activation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor by toxins derived from the gut microbes or the environment drives premature cellular, including neuronal, senescence, a hallmark of schizophrenia. Early brain aging promotes secondary changes, including impairment and loss of mitochondria, gray matter depletion, decreased gamma oscillations, and a compensatory metabolic shift to lactate and lactylation.
The aim of this narrative review is twofold:
1. To summarize what is known about premature cellular/neuronal senescence in schizophrenia or schizophrenia-like disorders.
2. To discuss novel strategies for improving long-term outcome in severe mental illness with natural senotherapeutics, membrane lipid replacement, mitochondrial transplantation, microbial phenazines, novel antioxidant phenothiazines, inhibitors of glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta, and aryl hydrocarbon receptor.
Experimental Demonstration of Energy Harvesting by Maxwell's Demon Device
Authors: Mustafa Hewa
Published: March 2024

A selective permeable membrane between two different solutions can generate osmotic pressure, Donnan potential, and ion/pH gradients based on various factors such as membrane type, solute concentration and temperature. In this study, we introduce a novel method for extracting energy from ion gradients through an innovative cycle, presenting intriguing experimental findings. Additionally, by leveraging Raoult’s Law, which describes the relationship between vapor pressure and solute presence, in conjunction with osmosis within a closed system, we successfully engineer the simplest iteration of Maxwell’s demon device. This pioneering approach to sustainable energy generation harnesses ambient temperature marking a significant advancement in energy research. Finally this renewable energy source is available all the time and everywhere.
Berberis vulgaris L. Root Extract as a Multi-target Chemopreventive Agent against Colon Cancer
Authors: Och Anna , Lemieszek Marta Kinga , Cieśla Marek , Jedrejek Dariusz , Kozłowska Aleksandra , Pawelec Sylwia , Nowak Renata
Published: March 2024

Berberis vulgaris L. (Berberidaceae) is a shrub that has been widely used in European folk medicine as an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agent. The purpose of our study was to elucidate the mechanisms of antiproliferative action of the plant’s methanolic root extract (BVR) against colon cancer cells. Cytotoxicity and pro-apoptotic activity were determined in human colon adenocarcinoma cell lines (LS180 and HT-29) and control colon epithelial CCD841 CoN cells. According to the MTT assay, after 48 h of cell exposure, the IC50 values were as follows: 4.3; 46.1 and 50.2 µg/mL for LS180, HT-29, and CCD841 CoN cells, respectively, showing the greater sensitivity of cancer cells to BVR. The Cell Death Detection ELISAPLUS kit demonstrated that BVR induced programmed cell death only against HT-29 cells. RT-qPCR with relative quantification method showed significant changes in the expression of genes related to apoptosis in both colon cancer cell lines. The genes BCL2L1 (126.84-366.66%), BCL2L2 (277.08-330.12%), CASP3 (180.36-261.36%) and CASP9 (158.08-213.46%) had significantly elevated expression, while BCL2 (23.08-52.06%) had reduced expression. Furthermore, in a panel of antioxidant tests, BVR showed positive effects (63.93±0.01, 122.92±0.01, and 220.29±0.02 mg Trolox equivalents (TE)/g in the DPPH•, ABTS•+ and ORAC assays, respectively). In the lipoxygenase (LOX) inhibition test, BVR revealed 62,60±0.87% of enzyme inhibition. The chemical composition of BVR was determined using UHPLC-UV-CAD-MS/MS analysis and confirmed the presence of several known alkaloids, including berberine, as well as other alkaloids and two derivatives of hydroxycinnamic acid (ferulic and sinapic acid hexosides). This is the first such extensive assessment of the biological activity of BVR. The results are very promising and encourage for the use of BVR as a comprehensive chemopreventive agent (anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and pro-apoptotic) in colorectal cancer.
Crossing Point Estimation in Human/Robot Navigation -
Statistical Linearization versus Sigma-Point-Transformation
Authors: Palm Rainer Heinrich , Lilienthal Achim J.
Published: March 2024

Interactions between mobile robots and human operators in common areas require a high safety especially in terms of trajectory planning, obstacle avoidance and mutual cooperation. In this connection the crossings of planned trajectories, their uncertainty based on model fluctuations, system noise and sensor noise,play an outstanding role. This paper discusses the calculation of expected areas of interactions du ring human-robot navigation with respect to fuzzy and noisy information. Expected crossing points of possible trajectories are nonlinearily associated with positions and orientations of robot and human. The nonlinear transformation of a noisy system input, such as directions of motion of human and robot, to a system output, the expected area of intersection of
their trajectories, is done by two methods: statistical linearization and the sigma-point-transformation. For both approaches fuzzy approximations are presented and the inverse problem is discussed where the input distribution parameters are computed from given output distribution parameters.
Analysis of Spatial and Temporal Distribution and Changes of Extreme Climate Events in Northwest China from 1960 to 2021: A Case Study of Xinjiang
Authors: Yang Yang , Chang Wei
Published: March 2024

Xinjiang, as a climate-sensitive region in northwest China, holds significant importance in studying extreme weather events for agricultural production and socioeconomic development. Based on data from 52 meteorological stations and 23 extreme climate indicators in Xinjiang from 1960 to 2021, the 5a moving average, linear trend estimation, climate tendency rate, and GIS spatial analysis methods are used to analyze the distribution and change characteristics of extreme climate. The results revealed that from 1960 to 2021, TXx, TNx, TXn, TNn, FD, ID, TN10p, TX10p, and WSDI showed a significant upward trend, while SU, TR, TN90p, TX90p, and CSDI showed a significant downward trend. What is more, the range of changes in the extreme temperature indexes from 1990 to 2021 is higher than that of 1960 to 1989. The high-value areas of extreme indexes are primarily concentrated in the northern part, while the high-value areas of cold event indexes are mainly distributed in the southern part. The upward/downward trends all accounting for over 80.00% of the entire region. The Rx1day, Rx5day, PRCPTOT, R95p, R99p, R10, R20, and R25 showed a significant growth trend from 1960 to 2021, and the range of change in the extreme precipitation indexes from 1990 to 2021 was lower than that from 1960 to 1989. Moreover, their high-value areas and high climate tendency areas are mainly concentrated in the northern and western parts of Xinjiang, with upward trends all accounting for over 71.00% of the entire region. The research results provide theoretical foundations for formulating climate risk strategies in the northwest region of China.
Unravelling the Triad of Lung Cancer, Drug Resistance, and Metabolic Pathways
Authors: Mohanty Pratik , Pande Babita , Acharya Rakesh Kumar , Bhaskar LVKS , Verma Henu Kumar
Published: March 2024

Abstract: Lung cancer, characterized by its heterogeneity, presents a significant challenge in ther-apeutic management, primarily due to the development of resistance to conventional drugs. This resistance is often compounded by the tumour’s ability to reprogram its metabolic pathways, a survival strategy that enables cancer cells to thrive in adverse conditions. This review article ex-plores the complex link between drug resistance and metabolic reprogramming in lung cancer, offering a detailed analysis of the molecular mechanisms and treatment strategies. It emphasizes the interplay between drug resistance and changes in metabolic pathways, crucial for developing effective lung cancer therapies. The review examines the impact of current treatments on metabolic pathways and the significance of considering metabolic factors to combat drug resistance. It highlights the different challenges and metabolic alterations in non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer, underlining the need for subtype-specific treatments. Key signalling pathways, including PI3K/AKT/mTOR, MAPK, and AMPK, have been discussed for their roles in promoting drug resistance and metabolic changes, alongside the complex regulatory networks involved. The article evaluates emerging treatments targeting metabolism, such as metabolic inhibitors, dietary management, and combination therapies, assessing their potential and challenges. It concludes with insights into the role of precision medicine and metabolic biomarkers in crafting personalized lung cancer treatments, advocating for metabolic targeting as a promising approach to enhance treatment efficacy and overcome drug resistance. The review underscores ongoing advancements and hurdles in integrating metabolic considerations into lung cancer therapy strategies.
Diverse Genetic Conflicts Mediated by Molecular Mimicry and Computational Approaches to Detect Them
Authors: Russell Shelbi , Penunuri Gabriel , Condon Christopher
Published: March 2024

In genetic conflicts, driver and killer elements achieve biased survival, replication, or transmission over sensitive and targeted elements through a wide range of molecular mechanisms, including mimicry. Driving mechanisms manifest at all organismal levels, from the biased propagation of individual genes, as demonstrated by transposable elements, to the biased transmission of genomes, as illustrated by viruses, to the biased transmission of cell lineages, as in cancer. Targeted genomes are vulnerable to molecular mimicry through the conserved motifs they use for their own signaling and regulation. Mimicking these motifs enables a selfish element to control core target processes, and can occur at the sequence, structure, or functional level. Molecular mimicry was first appreciated as an important phenomenon more than twenty years ago. Modern genomics technologies, databases, and machine learning approaches offer tremendous potential to study the distribution of molecular mimicry across genetic conflicts in nature. Here, we explore the theoretical expectations for molecular mimicry between conflicting genomes, the trends in molecular mimicry mechanisms across known genetic conflicts, and outline how new examples can be gleaned from population genomic datasets. We discuss how mimics involving short sequence-based motifs or gene duplications can evolve convergently from new mutations. Whereas, processes that involve divergent domains or fully-folded structures occur among genomes by horizontal gene transfer. These trends are largely based on a small number of organisms and should be reevaluated in a general, phylogenetically independent framework. Currently, publicly available databases can be mined for genotypes driving non-mendelian inheritance patterns, epistatic interactions, and convergent protein structures. A subset of these conflicting elements may be molecular mimics. We propose approaches for detecting genetic conflict and molecular mimicry from these datasets.
Enhanced Bone Healing Through Systemic Capsaicin Administration: An Experimental Study on Wistar Rats
Authors: Bingul Muhammet Bahattin , Gul Mehmet , Dundar Serkan , Tanık Abdulsamet , Artas Gökhan , Polat Mehmet emrah
Published: March 2024

Background and Objectives: The healing of bone defects is a serious challenge worldwide. One branch of dentistry deals with bone defects. capsaicin has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and cholesterol-reducing effects. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of systemic capsaicin administered at different doses on bone healing. Materials and Methods: A total of 32 male wistar rats was used, their weight varying between 250 and 300 g. The rats were randomly divided into four groups of eight rats each. The analyses served to evaluate the effect on healing of different doses of capsaicin and grafts. A significant increase was observed in the number of osteoblasts in the capsaicin-applied groups compared to the control group. Conclusions: As a result of the analyses, positive effects on bone healing were observed when capsaicin 0.25 mg/kg and 0.50 mg/kg was administered intraperitoneally. However, more studies are needed for more accurate information.
Ligand-based pharmacophore modeling, virtual screening, and 2D quantitative structure-activity relationship performance on anti-Hepatitis B virus flavonols
Authors: Mohebbi Alireza , Askari Fatemeh Sana , Askari Parnia , Kiani Seyed Jalal
Published: March 2024

Background: Targeting Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in human is crucial due to its adverse. Herbal medicine has long been significant in this regard, with flavonoids demonstrating promising results. Hence, establishing a way of identifying flavonoids with anti-HBV activities is the aim of the present study. Methods: Flavonoid structures with anti-HBV activities were retrieved. A flavonol-based pharmacophore model was established using LigandScout v4.4. Screening was performed using the PharmIt server. A QSAR equation was developed and validated with independent sets of compounds. Applicability domain (AD) was defined using Euclidean distance calculations for model validation. Results: The best model, consisting of 57 features was generated. HTS using the flavonol-based model resulted in 509 unique hits. The model's sensitivity and specificity were 71% and 100%, respectively. The QSAR model with two predictors, x4a and qed, exhibited strong predictive performance with an adjusted-R² value of 0.85 and 0.90 of Q2. Conclusion: The QSAR model has been validated with two separate chemical sets, guaranteeing the model's reproducibility and usefulness for other flavonols by utilizing the predictive characteristics of X4A and qed. These results provide new possibilities for discovering future anti-HBV drugs by integrating modeling and experimental research.
Mixed hay produced in Southern Italy: nutritive value and environmental impact
Authors: Vastolo Alessandro , Kiatti Dieu donné , Cutrignelli Monica Isabella , Calabrò Serena
Published: March 2024

The aim of this study was to characterize eight mixed forages preserved as hays produced in four agricultural and livestock farms located in four Provinces (Avellino, Benevento, Campobasso, and Potenza) of Southern Italy, different for environmental condition. Nutritive value, in vitro fermentation characteristics and kinetics, including methane production were determined. The little differences observed between sampling areas highlighted that the forage produced in Avellino area is the most interesting in terms of chemical composition, nutritive value, in vitro characteristics, and environmental impact. Data obtained allow having more information about hays produced in the study area, useful for farmers to make balanced rations, to maintain animal health and guarantee high quality of production.
comprehensive review of image super-resolution metrics: classical and AI-based approaches
Authors: Arabboev Mukhriddin , Begmatov Shohruh , Rikhsivoev Mokhirjon , Nosirov Khabibullo , Saydiakbarov Saidakmal
Published: March 2024

Image super-resolution is a process that aims to enhance the quality and resolution of images using various techniques and algorithms. The process aims to reconstruct a high-resolution image from a given low-resolution input. To determine the effectiveness of these algorithms, it's crucial to evaluate those using specific metrics. In this paper, we take a closer look at the most commonly used image super-resolution metrics, including classical approaches like Mean Squared Error (MSE), Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE), Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR), and Structural Similarity Index (SSIM). We also discuss advanced metrics like Learned Perceptual Image Patch Similarity (LPIPS), Fréchet Inception Distance (FID), Inception Score (IS), and Multi-Scale Structural Similarity Index (MS-SSIM). Furthermore, we provide an overview of classical and AI-based super-resolution techniques and methods. Finally, we discuss potential challenges and future research directions in the field and present our experimental results by applying image super-resolution metrics. In the result and discussion section, we have practiced some given metrics and proposed our image super-resolution results.
GIS-based analysis to assess biogas energy potential as support for manure management in Southern Italy
Authors: Scotto di Perta Ester , Cervelli Elena , Grieco Raffaele , Mautone Antonio , Pindozzi Stefania
Published: March 2024

Anaerobic digestion can provide a valuable aid to manure management while producing renewable energy. Biogas production is highly dependent on the size and composition of livestock farms, and the availability of fresh manure can vary throughout the year, limiting reliable assessment of potential production. The aim of this study is to develop an affordable GIS-based analysis to support manure management, based on a highly detailed livestock farm database. Databases refer to the years 2013 and 2019 and report the herd consistency and the age of each class head. Kernel density (KD) was used to identify emerging hotspot areas with potentially high concentrations of nitrogen applied to the field. Three KD classification methods were compared: defined interval (DI) into 3 classes (0-170, 170-340, > 340 kg N/ha), quantile (Q) and natural break (NB). The results show that the DI and NB areas correspond to 40 % and 84 % of the total N of buffalo origin in the Campania region, with a N surplus in the hotspot areas localized in nitrate vulnerable zones of 55 and 6 % respectively. The biogas produced from 50 % of the buffalo manure in these areas generates sufficient energy to allow the removal of the N surplus.
Bio-logging reveals heritable patterns of natural behaviours in sheep
Authors: Langford Joss , Fawcett Tim , Price Emily , Bradley Destiny , Wilson Alastair , Croft Darren
Published: March 2024

The measurement of behaviour in extensively managed livestock for the assessment of welfare remains a challenge. Bio-logging devices offer the opportunity to collect continuous behavioural data over long periods while animals are in their normal physical environment. Using collar-measured acceleration from 84 ewes over 28 days in a commercial flock, we built two-component daily phenotypic profiles with data-driven analysis techniques not reliant on human observations. Our analysis demonstrates the moderate repeatability of both components (0.58 ± 0.06 and 0.53 ± 0.05), the heritability of one component (0.53 ± 0.15), and environmental associations with wind chill index (−0.63 ± 0.13), and day length (−0.66 ± 0.19). We discuss these results in relation to previous work, showing that our methods of measurement and analysis are capable of revealing the daily patterns of behaviour in sheep and how these are influenced by the physical environment and genetics. This approach can be generalised to assess behavioural phenotypes and the determinants of behaviour in other breeds or species.
Анализ динамики эпидемического процесса COVID-19 в мире за неделю с 23.03.2024 г. по 29.03.2024 г.
Authors: Зимирова Анастасия , Поспелов Михаил , Иванова Александра , Карнаухов Игорь , Щербакова Светлана , Кутырев Владимир , Чумачкова Елена
Published: March 2024

В обзоре представлен анализ эпидемиологической ситуации в странах мира по COVID-19 за неделю с 23.03.2024 г. по 29.03.2024 г.
Robust Multiphase-Split Calculations Based on Improved Successive Substitution Schemes
Authors: Jex M. , Mikyška J. , Firoozabadi A.
Published: March 2024

Successful large-scale compositional reservoir simulations require robust and efficient phase-split calculations. In recent years, there has been progress in three-phase-split calculations. However, there may be convergence issues when the number of equilibrium phases increases to four. Part of the problem is from the poor initial guesses. In phase-split computations, the results from stability provide good initial guesses. Successive substitution (SS) is a key step in phase-split calculations. The method, if efficient, can provide good initial guesses for the final step, the Newton method that has a rapid rate of convergence. In this contribution, we present a robust algorithm with high efficiency and robustness in phase-split calculations in two, three, and four phases. We find that a key step is the SS. The convergence may even be very slow away from the critical point and phase boundaries. A modified SS is used which may reduce the number of iterations many times. In the course of this investigation, we observe some regions often inside the phase envelopes (far from the phase boundary or critical points) with a very high number of SS iterations. The adoption of the improved SS iterations leads to a significant speedup of the multiphase-split computations. In some mixtures, the average reduction is more than 70%.
Cariprazine and cognition in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder: A systematic review
Authors: Garcia-Fernandez LORENA , Romero Veronica , Peñuelas-Calvo Inmaculada , de Mon Miguel Angel Álvarez , Scala Mauro , Ferreiro Carmen Romero , López Estela Jiménez , Santos Jose Luis , Rodriguez-Jimenez Roberto
Published: March 2024

Background
Cariprazine is a recently incorporated drug whose differential characteristic is its partial agonism for the D3 receptor, with great affinity for it, higher than dopamine itself. Preclinical studies with animal models have shown a manifest pro cognitive effect. The objective of this study is to conduct a systematic review examining the effects of cariprazine on cognitive measures in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Methods
Two independent reviewers searched PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases to December 31st 2023 following the PRISM guideline. Additional studies were identified through hand-searching of references of the included studies. Eligible studies were those randomized controlled trials published in English evaluating the effects of the use of cariprazine on cognitive outcomes in patients with mental disorders. Quality assessment followed the Jadad scale recommendations.
Results
From a total of 136 initial reports, up to 5 studies comprising 6104 patients with schizophrenia, bipolar I mania and bipolar I depression were included in the systematic review. In patients with schizophrenia, the use of cariprazine showed better cognitive outcomes compared to placebo in both early and late stages. Furthermore, cariprazine showed cognitive advantages over risperidone in patients with a predominance of negative symptoms and over aripiprazole when the variables power and continuity of attention were measured. In patients with bipolar disorder, cariprazine showed cognitive improvements compared to placebo. Most studies seem to find a greater pro cognitive effect with low doses of cariprazine (1.5-3 mg/d).
Conclusions
Overall, cariprazine improved cognitive measures compared to placebo, especially in patients with greater baseline impairment and when low doses are used. Thus, the use of cariprazine in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder could become an effective therapeutic option to enhance cognition as well as other inherent symptoms of both disorders.
Systematic review registration
PROSPERO CRD42023485028.