bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A longitudinal study on artificial intelligence adoption: understanding the drivers of ChatGPT usage behavior change in higher education
Authors: Polyportis Athanasios
Published: January 2024

As the field of artificial intelligence (AI) continues to progress, the use of AI-powered chatbots, such as ChatGPT, in higher education settings has gained significant attention. This paper addresses a well-defined problem pertaining to the critical need for a comprehensive examination of students' ChatGPT adoption in higher education. To examine such adoption, it is imperative to focus on measuring actual user behavior. While measuring students' ChatGPT usage behavior at a specific point in time can be valuable, a more holistic approach is necessary to understand the temporal dynamics of AI adoption. To address this need, a longitudinal survey was conducted, examining how students' ChatGPT usage behavior changes over time among students, and unveiling the drivers of such behavior change. The empirical examination of 222 Dutch higher education students revealed a significant decline in students' ChatGPT usage behavior over an 8 month period. This period was defined by two distinct data collection phases: the initial phase (T1) and a follow-up phase conducted 8 months later (T2). Furthermore, the results demonstrate that changes in trust, emotional creepiness, and Perceived Behavioral Control significantly predicted the observed change in usage behavior. The findings of this research carry significant academic and managerial implications, as they advance our comprehension of the temporal aspects of AI adoption in higher education. The findings also provide actionable guidance for AI developers and educational institutions seeking to optimize student engagement with AI technologies.
The high energy X-ray probe (HEX-P): probing the physics of the X-ray corona in active galactic nuclei
Authors: Kammoun Elias , Lohfink Anne M. , Masterson Megan , Wilkins Dan R. , Zhao Xiurui , Balokovic Mislav , Boorman Peter G. , Connors Riley , Coppi Paolo , Fabian Andrew , García Javier A. , Madsen Kristin K. , Rodriguez Cavero Nicole , Sridhar Navin , Stern Daniel , Tomsick John , Wevers Thomas , Walton Dominic J. , Bianchi Stefano , Buchner Johannes , Civano Francesca M. , Lanzuisi Giorgio , Mallick Labani , Matt Giorgio , Merloni Andrea , Nardini Emanuele , Piotrowska Joanna M. , Ricci Claudio , Wong Ka-Wah , Zoghbi Abderahmen
Published: January 2024

The hard X-ray emission in active galactic nuclei (AGN) and black hole X-ray binaries is thought to be produced by a hot cloud of electrons referred to as the corona. This emission, commonly described by a power law with a high-energy cutoff, is suggestive of Comptonization by thermal electrons. While several hypotheses have been proposed to explain the origin, geometry, and composition of the corona, we still lack a clear understanding of this fundamental component. NuSTAR has been playing a key role improving our knowledge of X-ray coronæ thanks to its unprecedented sensitivity above 10 keV. However, these constraints are limited to bright, nearby sources. The High Energy X-ray Probe (HEX-P) is a probe-class mission concept combining high spatial resolution X-ray imaging and broad spectral coverage (0.2–80 keV) with a sensitivity superior to current facilities. In this paper, we highlight the major role that HEX-P will play in further advancing our insights of X-ray coronæ notably in AGN. We demonstrate how HEX-P will measure key properties and track the temporal evolution of coronæ in unobscured AGN. This will allow us to determine their electron distribution and test the dominant emission mechanisms. Furthermore, we show how HEX-P will accurately estimate the coronal properties of obscured AGN in the local Universe, helping address fundamental questions about AGN unification. In addition, HEX-P will characterize coronæ in a large sample of luminous quasars at cosmological redshifts for the first time and track the evolution of coronæ in transient systems in real time. We also demonstrate how HEX-P will enable estimating the coronal geometry using spectral-timing techniques. HEX-P will thus be essential to understand the evolution and growth of black holes over a broad range of mass, distance, and luminosity, and will help uncover the black holes’ role in shaping the Universe.
Male gametogenesis in flowering plants
Authors: Cui Dan-Lu , Xu Chun-Xia , Wang Ping , Gao Tian-Ying , Wang Bo , Yu Tian-Ying
Published: January 2024

The life cycles of plants are characterized by significant alternations between the diploid sporophytic and the haploid gametophytic generations. Meiosis and fertilization are the prerequisites for achieving the alternation of generations. Diploid sporophytes undergo meiosis to produce haploid gametes, and male–female gametes fuse (double fertilization) to revert to the diploid sporophyte. The formation and development of male gametophytes are crucial for the alternation of generations in higher plants. During the long evolution of plants from aquatic to terrestrial, the way of sexual reproduction has undergone subversive innovations. From sperm swimming for fertilization to relying on the precise delivery of pollen tubes to female gametes for the fusion of the male–female gametes, higher requirements are placed on the male gametophytes’ development and fertilization process. The formation of male gametophytes has undergone significant changes to meet the needs for delivery and transportation of the male gametes. With the emergence of more and more evidence, the molecular mechanism underlying male gametophytes’ development, especially the initiation and specialization of germline cells has been better understood. Focusing on the latest studies, we reviewed and elucidated the critical proteins and factors involved in male gametophyte formation, highlighting the decisive role of auxin in archesporial cell specialization and the importance of microspore maturation in pre-mitosis, and analyzed the molecular mechanisms underlying male gametogenesis, with a view to providing insights for further exploration of male gametophytes formation in the future.
Clinical application of magnetic anchor technique in laparoscopic cholecystectomy: the first retrospective study in China
Authors: Tian Boyan , Zhang Miaomiao , Ren Yuxiang , Zhang Yuhan , Lyu Yi , Yan Xiaopeng
Published: January 2024

Background and objectives

Magnetic anchor technique (MAT) is frequently used in laparoscopic cholecystectomy. However, there are few reports on its clinical application in China. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the clinical application of MAT in laparoscopic cholecystectomy in China.

Materials and methods

25 patients (4 males, 21 females) who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy assisted by MAT at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University were enrolled from November 2020 to March 2021. Their records were retrospectively analyzed. The magnetic anchor device was independently designed and developed by the authors and consisted of the anchor magnet and magnetic grasping apparatus. Surgical time, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative accidents, operator experience, postoperative incision pain score, postoperative complications, and other indicators were evaluated and analyzed.

Results

All patients successfully underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy, including 3 cases of MAT-assisted transumbilical single-port LC, 16 cases of MAT-assisted 2-port LC and 6 cases of conventional 3-port LC. The median operation time was 50 min (range 30–95 min); intraoperative bleeding was less than 30 ml. The median score of surgical incision on day 1 and 3 after the operation was 3 (range 1–4) and 1 (range 1–3), respectively. All patients had no intraoperative bile duct injury, vascular injury, postoperative bleeding, bile leakage, biliary stricture and other complications. No adverse events (such as injury to adjacent organs or failure of the magnetic anchor device) occurred either during or after the operation.

Conclusions

The MAT-assisted laparoscopic cholecystectomy appears to be safe, feasible and effective and exhibits unique assistance in transumbilical single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Effect of feeding hydroponic barley seedlings to lactating ewes on blood biochemical indexes and growth performance of lambs
Authors: Ma Yan , Guo Tongjun , Zhang Zhijun , Amat Guzalnur , Jing Yaxing , Tuo Yong , Hou Liangzhong
Published: January 2024

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of replacing different ratios of basal diets with hydroponically barley seedlings (HBS) on the serum biochemical indexes and growth performance of lambs. It provides a theoretical basis for the use of HBS in ruminant health and scientific feeding management. In total, 30 ewes were randomly categorized into six groups (two control groups, 4 treatment groups, and 8 replicates in each group). All experiments were conducted under the same feeding and management conditions, on this basis the control group was CK1 and CK2 groups, which CK1 group added 15% corn silage, the treatment groups replacing 5% (group A), 10% (group B), 15% (group C) and 20% (group D) of the basal diet (dry matter basis) with HBS, and the experimental period lasted for 36 days, and the lambs were lactating with their mothers throughout the experimental period. Key results. The contents of total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), milk fat percentage and total solids (TS) in group C were significantly higher than CK1 and CK2 groups (p < 0.05) in milk samples; malondialdehyde (MDA) content in groups A and C was significantly lower than groups CK1 and CK2 (p < 0.05), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and azelaic transaminase (AST) contents in groups A and B were significantly higher than CK1 group (p < 0.05), TC content in groups A and D was significantly higher than CK1 and CK2 groups (p < 0.05), high-density lipoprotein (HDL-c) content in group D was significantly higher than CK1 and CK2 groups (p < 0.01) in blood samples; Body height in C group was significantly higher than CK2 group (p < 0.05), ear width in group B was significantly higher than CK1 group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, under the conditions of this experiment, HBS instead of 5–15% of the basal diet could improve the milk quality of lactating Hu ewes and alleviate the oxidative stress of the body.
Comparison of differentially expressed genes in longissimus dorsi muscle of Diannan small ears, Wujin and landrace pigs using RNA-seq
Authors: Li Qiuyan , Hao Meilin , Zhu Junhong , Yi Lanlan , Cheng Wenjie , Xie Yuxiao , Zhao Sumei
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Pig growth is an important economic trait that involves the co-regulation of multiple genes and related signaling pathways. High-throughput sequencing has become a powerful technology for establishing the transcriptome profiles and can be used to screen genome-wide differentially expressed genes (DEGs). In order to elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying muscle growth, this study adopted RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to identify and compare DEGs at the genetic level in the longissimus dorsi muscle (LDM) between two indigenous Chinese pig breeds (Diannan small ears [DSE] pig and Wujin pig [WJ]) and one introduced pig breed (Landrace pig [LP]).

Methods

Animals under study were from two Chinese indigenous pig breeds (DSE pig, n = 3; WJ pig, n = 3) and one introduced pig breed (LP, n = 3) were used for RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to identify and compare the expression levels of DEGs in the LDM. Then, functional annotation, Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis, and Protein–Protein Interaction (PPI) network analysis were performed on these DEGs. Then, functional annotation, Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis, and Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) network analysis were performed on these DEGs.

Results

The results revealed that for the DSE, WJ, and LP libraries, more than 66, 65, and 71 million clean reads were generated by transcriptome sequencing, respectively. A total of 11,213 genes were identified in the LDM tissue of these pig breeds, of which 7,127 were co-expressed in the muscle tissue of the three samples. In total, 441 and 339 DEGs were identified between DSE vs. WJ and LP vs. DSE in the study, with 254, 193 up-regulated genes and 187, 193 down-regulated genes in DSE compared to WJ and LP. GO analysis and KEGG signaling pathway analysis showed that DEGs are significantly related to contractile fiber, sarcolemma, and dystrophin-associated glycoprotein complex, myofibril, sarcolemma, and myosin II complex, Glycolysis/Gluconeogenesis, Propanoate metabolism, and Pyruvate metabolism, etc. In combination with functional annotation of DEGs, key genes such as ENO3 and JUN were identified by PPI network analysis.

Discussion

In conclusion, the present study revealed key genes including DES, FLNC, PSMD1, PSMD6, PSME4, PSMB4, RPL11, RPL13A, ROS23, RPS29, MYH1, MYL9, MYL12B, TPM1, TPM4, ENO3, PGK1, PKM2, GPI, and the unannotated new gene ENSSSCG00000020769 and related signaling pathways that influence the difference in muscle growth and could provide a theoretical basis for improving pig muscle growth traits in the future.
The impact of mass vaccination policy and control measures on lumpy skin disease cases in Thailand: insights from a Bayesian structural time series analysis
Authors: Punyapornwithaya Veerasak , Arjkumpa Orapun , Buamithup Noppawan , Jainonthee Chalita , Salvador Roderick , Jampachaisri Katechan
Published: January 2024

Introduction

In 2021, Thailand reported the highest incidence of lumpy skin disease (LSD) outbreaks in Asia. In response to the widespread outbreaks in cattle herds, the government's livestock authorities initiated comprehensive intervention measures, encompassing control strategies and a national vaccination program. Yet, the efficacy of these interventions remained unevaluated. This research sought to assess the nationwide intervention's impact on the incidence of new LSD cases through causal impact analysis.

Methods

Data on weekly new LSD cases in Thailand from March to September 2021 was analyzed. The Bayesian structural time series (BSTS) analysis was employed to evaluate the causal relationship between new LSD cases in the pre-intervention phase (prior to the vaccination campaign) and the post-intervention phase (following the vaccination campaign). The assessment involved two distinct scenarios, each determined by the estimated effective intervention dates. In both scenarios, a consistent decline in new LSD cases was observed after the mass vaccination initiative, while other control measures such as the restriction of animal movement, insect control, and the enhancement of the active surveillance approach remained operational throughout the pre-intervention and the post-intervention phases.

Results and discussion

According to the relative effect results obtained from scenario A and B, it was observed that the incidence of LSD cases exhibited reductions of 119% (95% Credible interval [CrI]: −121%, −38%) and 78% (95% CrI: −126, −41%), respectively. The BSTS results underscored the significant influence of these interventions, with a Bayesian one-sided tail-area probability of p < 0.05. This model-based study provides insight into the application of BSTS in evaluating the impact of nationwide LSD vaccination based on the national-level data. The present study is groundbreaking in two respects: it is the first study to quantify the causal effects of a mass vaccination intervention on the LSD outbreak in Thailand, and it stands as the only endeavor of its kind in the Asian context. The insights collected from this study hold potential value for policymakers in Thailand and other countries at risk of LSD outbreaks.
Attending veterinarians improve the research capability and psychological well-being of researchers in animal research institutes
Authors: Lee Ji Min , Lee Gwang-Hoon , Kim KilSoo
Published: January 2024

The use of laboratory animals in biomedical research has significantly advanced scientific understanding, yet it raises ethical concerns about animal welfare and the mental health of researchers Recent research has highlighted the potential for stress and compassion fatigue among researchers working with distressed animals. Attending veterinarians (AVs) are crucial in mitigating the pain and stress experienced by animals and, by extension, researchers. However, the impact of AVs on researchers’ psychological well-being remains understudied. This study explores how AVs contribute to researchers’ research capability and psychological well-being in animal research institutions. AVs oversee animal housing, health, and welfare; their involvement is mandated or strongly recommended in developed countries. AVs enhance animal welfare by ensuring proper housing, nutrition, and social interaction. They monitor animal health, educate researchers on pain assessment, and promote compliance with post-surgical care. AVs also contribute to researchers’ well-being by addressing euthanasia procedures, which can be emotionally challenging. Programs for rehoming animals after experiments offer an alternative to euthanasia and positively impact researchers’ psychological well-being. Moreover, AVs promote workplace well-being by fostering positive workplace cultures, offering peer counseling, and providing social support. Programs considering animal welfare and researchers’ emotions are crucial for a healthy research environment. In conclusion, AVs are essential in balancing scientific progress with animal welfare and researchers’ psychological well-being. Therefore, their role should be recognized as vital in achieving social equity that considers the welfare of humans and laboratory animals.
Towards Full Forward On-Tiny-Device Learning: A Guided Search for a Randomly Initialized Neural Network
Authors: Pau Danilo , Pisani Andrea , Candelieri Antonio
Published: January 2024

In the context of TinyML, many research efforts have been devoted to designing forward topologies to support On-Device Learning. Reaching this target would bring numerous advantages, including reductions in latency and computational complexity, stronger privacy, data safety and robustness to adversarial attacks, higher resilience against concept drift, etc. However, On-Device Learning on resource constrained devices poses severe limitations to computational power and memory. Therefore, deploying Neural Networks on tiny devices appears to be prohibitive, since their backpropagation-based training is too memory demanding for their embedded assets. Using Extreme Learning Machines based on Convolutional Neural Networks might be feasible and very convenient, especially for Feature Extraction tasks. However, it requires searching for a randomly initialized topology that achieves results as good as those achieved by the backpropagated model. This work proposes a novel approach for automatically composing an Extreme Convolutional Feature Extractor, based on Neural Architecture Search and Bayesian Optimization. It was applied to the CIFAR-10 and MNIST datasets for evaluation. Two search spaces have been defined, as well as a search strategy that has been tested with two surrogate models, Gaussian Process and Random Forest. A performance estimation strategy was defined, keeping the feature set computed by the MLCommons-Tiny benchmark ResNet as a reference model. In as few as 1200 search iterations, the proposed strategy was able to achieve a topology whose extracted features scored a mean square error equal to 0.64 compared to the reference set. Further improvements are required, with a target of at least one order of magnitude decrease in mean square error for improved classification accuracy. The code is made available via GitHub to allow for the reproducibility of the results reported in this paper.
Continuum Modeling and Boundary Control of a Satellite with a Large Space Truss Structure
Authors: Cao Shilei , Yang Man , Liu Jian
Published: January 2024

Due to its advantages of easy deployment and high stiffness-to-mass ratio, the utilization of truss structures for constructing large satellites presents an appealing solution for modern space missions, including Earth observation and astronomy. However, the dimensions of the traditional finite element model for a satellite with a large space truss structure become exceedingly large as the structure’s size increases. The control system design process based on the finite element model is complex and time-consuming. This paper employs the continuum modeling method to represent the truss structure as a continuous entity. The bending vibrations of the truss structure are encapsulated by a simplified partial differential equation (PDE), as opposed to the more intricate traditional finite element model. Simultaneously, the satellite’s attitude motion is characterized by an ordinary differential equation (ODE). Building upon this coupled PDE-ODE model, a boundary control law that only requires sensors/actuators at the boundary is formulated to effectively mitigate structural vibrations and regulate the satellite’s attitude. The exponential stability of this closed-loop system is scrutinized using Lyapunov’s direct method. The simulation results affirm that the continuum modeling method is indeed well-suited for satellites endowed with substantial truss structures, and the proposed boundary law proves to be highly effective in both attitude tracking and vibration suppression.
Statistically Significant Differences in AI Support Levels for Project Management between SMEs and Large Enterprises
Authors: Tominc Polona , Oreški Dijana , Čančer Vesna , Rožman Maja
Published: January 2024

Background: This article delves into an in-depth analysis of the statistically significant differences in AI support levels for project management between SMEs and large enterprises. The research was conducted based on a comprehensive survey encompassing a sample of 473 SMEs and large Slovenian enterprises. Methods: To validate the observed differences, statistical analysis, specifically the Mann–Whitney U test, was employed. Results: The results confirm the presence of statistically significant differences between SMEs and large enterprises across multiple dimensions of AI support in project management. Large enterprises exhibit on average a higher level of AI adoption across all five AI utilization dimensions. Specifically, large enterprises scored significantly higher (p < 0.05) in AI adopting strategies and in adopting AI technologies for project tasks and team creation. This study’s findings also underscored the significant differences (p < 0.05) between SMEs and large enterprises in their adoption and utilization of AI technologies for project management purposes. While large enterprises scored above 4 for several dimensions, with the highest average score assessed (mean value 4.46 on 1 to 5 scale) for the usage of predictive Analytics Tools to improve the work on the project, SMEs’ average levels, on the other hand, were all below 4. SMEs in particular may lag in incorporating AI into various project activities due to several factors such as resource constraints, limited access to AI expertise, or risk aversion. Conclusions: The results underscore the need for targeted strategies to enhance AI adoption in SMEs and leverage its benefits for successful project implementation and strengthen the company’s competitiveness.
Effects of Sophora alopecuroides in a High-Concentrate Diet on the Liver Immunity and Antioxidant Function of Lambs According to Transcriptome Analysis
Authors: An Yawen , Wang Hairong , Gao Aiwu , Li Shufang , Yang Jinli , Li Boyang , Lu Henan
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of Sophora alopecuroides (SA) on liver function, liver inflammatory factor levels, antioxidant indexes and transcriptome in sheep. Twenty-four 3-month-old healthy Dumont hybrid lambs weighing 25.73 ± 2.17 kg were randomly divided into three groups: C1 (the control group), fed a concentrate-to-forage ratio of 50:50; H2 (the high-concentration group), fed a concentrate-to-forage ratio of 70:30; and S3 (the SA group), fed a concentrate-to-forage ratio of 70:30 + 0.1% SA. The results showed that the rumen pH values of the C1 and S3 groups were significant or significantly higher than that of the H2 group (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). The serum ALT, AST and LDH activities and the LPS and LBP concentrations in the sheep serum and liver in the H2 group were significantly or extremely significantly higher than those in the C1 and S3 groups (p < 0.01), and the IL-10 content and SOD, GPX-PX and T-AOC activities showed the opposite trend (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the differentially expressed genes were significantly enriched in the ECM–receptor interaction and focal adhesion pathways, which are closely related to immune and antioxidant functions (p-adjust < 0.1). In summary, SA could improve the immune and antioxidant functions of lamb livers under high-concentrate conditions and regulate the mechanism of damage on sheep livers, which is caused by high-concentrate diets and through the expression of related genes in the ECM/FAs pathway.
Caveolin 1 Regulates the Tight Junctions between Sertoli Cells and Promotes the Integrity of Blood–Testis Barrier in Yak via the FAK/ERK Signaling Pathway
Authors: Yan Qiu , Li Tianan , Zhang Yong , Zhao Xingxu , Wang Qi , Yuan Ligang
Published: January 2024

Yaks, a valuable livestock species endemic to China’s Tibetan plateau, have a low reproductive rate. Cryptorchidism is believed to be one of the leading causes of infertility in male yaks. In this study, we compared the morphology of the normal testis of the yak with that of the cryptorchidism, and found dysplasia of the seminiferous tubules, impaired tightness of the Sertoli cells, and a disruption of the integrity of the blood–testis barrier (BTB) in the cryptorchidism. Previous studies have shown that CAV1 significantly contributes to the regulation of cell tight junctions and spermatogenesis. Therefore, we hypothesize that CAV1 may play a regulatory role in tight junctions and BTB in Yaks Sertoli cells, thereby influencing the development of cryptorchidism. Additional analysis using immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, and Western blotting confirmed that CAV1 expression is up-regulated in yak cryptorchidism. CAV1 over-expression plasmids and small RNA interference sequences were then transfected in vitro into yak Sertoli cells. It was furthermore found that CAV1 has a positive regulatory effect on tight junctions and BTB integrity, and that this regulatory effect is achieved through the FAK/ERK signaling pathway. Taken together, our findings, the first application of CAV1 to yak cryptorchidism, provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of cell tight junctions and BTB. This paper suggests that CAV1 could be used as a potential therapeutic target for yak cryptorchidism and may provide insight for future investigations into the occurrence of cryptorchidism, the maintenance of a normal physiological environment for spermatogenesis and male reproductive physiology in the yak.
Bringing Back a Scientific and Updated Approach to Wildlife Conservation: A Response. Reply to Beltrán, J.F.; Rodríguez-Rodríguez, E.J. Relying on Incomplete Information Can Lead to the Wrong Conclusions. Comment on “van Hassel, F.; Bovenkerk, B. How Should We Help Wild Animals Cope with Climate Change? The Case of the Iberian Lynx. Animals 2023, 13, 453”
Authors: van Hassel Falco , Bovenkerk Bernice
Published: January 2024

We are pleased that our paper on the need to extend climate justice to animals [...]
Potential Tick Defense Associated with Skin and Hair Characteristics in Korean Water Deer (Hydropotes inermis argyropus)
Authors: Lee Sang-Joon , Kim Ki-Yoon , Kim Gyurae , Moon Subin , Park Yung-Chul , Cho Ho-Seong , Oh Yeonsu
Published: January 2024

The Korean water deer (WD), a predominant wildlife species in South Korea, is listed as vulnerable by the IUCN Red List. Despite belonging to the same family, Cervidae, WD show significantly fewer adult ixodid tick infestations compared to roe deer (RD). Ticks, which cannot fly, engage in questing behavior in natural environments to latch onto hosts. They detect signals like body temperature and host skin chemicals to navigate through the hair coat to the preferred epidermis. In light of this, we performed an extensive comparative study of the skin tissue and hair characteristics of both deer species, focusing on elements contributing to the reduced tick bite incidence in WD. Remarkably, WD exhibited more prominent blood vessels, sebaceous glands, and sweat glands, which are crucial for skin barrier functions (p < 0.005). Moreover, WD had irregular scale patterns on their hair cuticles and possessed hair that was significantly stiffer and 2.83 times thicker than that of RD (p < 0.001). These characteristics potentially impede ticks from reaching the epidermis hair in WD and RD in the context of tick bite prevention. Further investigations in this area could enhance our understanding of tick–host dynamics and contribute to developing preventive measures against tick-borne diseases in other deer species.
Initiative to Increase the Circularity of HDPE Waste in the Construction Industry: A Physico-Mechanical Characterization of New Sustainable Gypsum Products
Authors: Álvarez Manuel , Ferrández Daniel , Zaragoza-Benzal Alicia , Colorado-Pastor Bryan
Published: January 2024

The annual production of plastic waste worldwide has doubled in just two decades, with approximately 390 million tonnes of plastic waste now being generated. In this context, the construction industry must move towards the development of new, more sustainable materials made under circular economy criteria. In this work, a physico-mechanical characterisation of gypsum composites with the incorporation of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) waste, replacing 2–4–6–8–10% by volume of the original raw material, has been conducted. The results show how the incorporation of these plastic wastes improves the water resistance of the gypsum material without additions, as well as producing a decrease in thermal conductivity and greater resistance to impact. On the other hand, it has been found that, as the percentage of recycled raw material added increases, the mechanical resistance to bending and compression decreases, leading to fracture due to a lack of cohesion between the matrix and the waste. Nevertheless, in all the cases studied, mechanical strengths higher than those established by the EN 13279-2 standard were obtained. Thus, the results confirm the viability of these secondary raw materials to be used in the development of new products for sustainable building, especially in the design of prefabricated panels for false ceilings.
Evaluation of the Marginal Adaptation of Two Hydraulic Calcium Silicate Cements Used in Apical Plugs: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Filipe Sara , Martinho José Pedro , Paulo Siri , Carvalho Catarina , Coelho Ana , Amaro Inês , Carrilho Eunice , Paula Anabela , Marto Carlos Miguel , Girão Henrique , Zuzarte Mónica , Pires Ana S. , Ferreira Manuel Marques
Published: January 2024

Background: The emergence of new hydraulic calcium silicate cements has revolutionized endodontics, addressing the limitations of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). The aim of this study is to assess and compare the marginal adaptation of two calcium silicate-based cements (White ProRoot MTA® and TotalFill® BC RRM Fast Set PuttyTM), when creating apical plugs for teeth with open apices. Methods: twenty-four single-rooted teeth were divided into two groups—GMTA (plug with MTA®) and GTBC (plug with TotalFill® BC RRM Fast Set PuttyTM)—and were sectioned at 1 mm and 2 mm from the apex. The transverse sections were analyzed with scanning electron microscopy and the marginal adaptation of the cements was measured with ImageJ® 1.3 software. Statistical analysis (IBM® SPSS® statistics software version 27) was performed and statistical significance was set at 0.05 (p < 0.05). Results: There was a significant difference in the apical region, favoring White ProRoot MTA®, with a lower percentage of marginal adaptation failure (1.32 ± 4.47), presenting a statistically significant difference in the apical region (p = 0.029) but not in the cervical region of the apical plugs (p = 0.774). Conclusions: White ProRoot MTA® showed superior marginal adaptation in the apical section compared to TotalFill® BC RRM Fast Set PuttyTM.
Korean Pansori Vocal Note Transcription Using Attention-Based Segmentation and Viterbi Decoding
Authors: Bhattarai Bhuwan , Lee Joonwhoan
Published: January 2024

In this paper, first, we delved into the experiment by comparing various attention mechanisms in the semantic pixel-wise segmentation framework to perform frame-level transcription tasks. Second, the Viterbi algorithm was utilized by transferring the knowledge of the frame-level transcription model to obtain the vocal notes of Korean Pansori. We considered a semantic pixel-wise segmentation framework for frame-level transcription as the source task and a Viterbi algorithm-based Korean Pansori note-level transcription as the target task. The primary goal of this paper was to transcribe the vocal notes of Pansori music, a traditional Korean art form. To achieve this goal, the initial step involved conducting the experiments with the source task, where a trained model was employed for vocal melody extraction. To achieve the desired vocal note transcription for the target task, the Viterbi algorithm was utilized with the frame-level transcription model. By leveraging this approach, we sought to accurately transcribe the vocal notes present in Pansori performances. The effectiveness of our attention-based segmentation methods for frame-level transcription in the source task has been compared with various algorithms using the vocal melody task of the MedleyDB dataset, enabling us to measure the voicing recall, voicing false alarm, raw pitch accuracy, raw chroma accuracy, and overall accuracy. The results of our experiments highlight the significance of attention mechanisms for enhancing the performance of frame-level music transcription models. We also conducted a visual and subjective comparison to evaluate the results of the target task for vocal note transcription. Since there was no ground truth vocal note for Pansori, this analysis provides valuable insights into the preservation and appreciation of this culturally rich art form.
Performance Measurement and Analysis of Building Information Modeling (BIM) Applications in the Railway Infrastructure Construction Phase
Authors: Shin Min-Ho , Kim Hwan-Yong , Liao Jian-Feng
Published: January 2024

Building information modeling (BIM) is acknowledged for enhancing efficiency and collaboration in the construction industry. However, its application in the construction phase of railway projects faces challenges. This study, utilizing quantitative and qualitative analyses, explores the advantage of BIM consulting services in the railway infrastructure projects. A comparative analysis of similar-scale projects shows that BIM significantly boosts construction efficiency, yielding a 197.6% economic benefit in pilot projects. This study also delves into the BIM application environment in railway construction. Our findings provide valuable insights into BIM’s advantages and challenges, emphasizing the need for further research. The results will contribute to advancing railway infrastructure and promoting BIM’s application, aiding decision makers and practitioners in understanding its potential contributions to a more efficient and sustainable industry.
Time-Series Anomaly Detection Based on Dynamic Temporal Graph Convolutional Network for Epilepsy Diagnosis
Authors: Wu Guanlin , Yu Ke , Zhou Hao , Wu Xiaofei , Su Sixi
Published: January 2024

Electroencephalography (EEG) is typical time-series data. Designing an automatic detection model for EEG is of great significance for disease diagnosis. For example, EEG stands as one of the most potent diagnostic tools for epilepsy detection. A myriad of studies have employed EEG to detect and classify epilepsy, yet these investigations harbor certain limitations. Firstly, most existing research concentrates on the labels of sliced EEG signals, neglecting epilepsy labels associated with each time step in the original EEG signal—what we term fine-grained labels. Secondly, a majority of these studies utilize static graphs to depict EEG’s spatial characteristics, thereby disregarding the dynamic interplay among EEG channels. Consequently, the efficient nature of EEG structures may not be captured. In response to these challenges, we propose a novel seizure detection and classification framework—the dynamic temporal graph convolutional network (DTGCN). This method is specifically designed to model the interdependencies in temporal and spatial dimensions within EEG signals. The proposed DTGCN model includes a unique seizure attention layer conceived to capture the distribution and diffusion patterns of epilepsy. Additionally, the model incorporates a graph structure learning layer to represent the dynamically evolving graph structure inherent in the data. We rigorously evaluated the proposed DTGCN model using a substantial publicly available dataset, TUSZ, consisting of 5499 EEGs. The subsequent experimental results convincingly demonstrated that the DTGCN model outperformed the existing state-of-the-art methods in terms of efficiency and accuracy for both seizure detection and classification tasks.
Seasonal Changes in the Soil Microbial Community Structure in Urban Forests
Authors: Wan Xin , Zhou Runyang , Liu Sian , Xing Wei , Yuan Yingdan
Published: January 2024

Urban forests play a crucial role in the overall health and stability of urban ecosystems. Soil microorganisms are vital to the functioning of urban forest ecosystems as they facilitate material cycling and contribute to environmental stability. This study utilized high-throughput sequencing technology to examine the structural characteristics of bacterial and fungal communities in the bulk soil of six different forest stands: Phyllostachys pubescens (ZL), Metasequoia glyptostroboides (SSL), Cornus officinalis (SZY), mixed broad-leaved shrub forest (ZKG), mixed pine and cypress forest (SBL), and mixed broad-leaved tree forest (ZKQ). Soil samples were collected from each forest stand, including the corners, center, and edges of each plot, and a combined sample was created from the first five samples. The results revealed that among the bacterial communities, ZKG exhibited the highest alpha diversity in spring, while ZL demonstrated the highest alpha diversity in both summer and autumn. Proteobacteria was the most abundant bacterial phylum in all six forest stand soils. The dominant fungal phylum across the six forest stands was identified as Ascomycota. Notably, the microbial community diversity of SBL bulk soil exhibited significant seasonal changes. Although ZL exhibited lower bacterial community diversity in spring, its fungal community diversity was the highest. The bulk soil microbial diversity of ZL and SSL surpassed that of the other forest stands, suggesting their importance in maintaining the stability of the urban forest ecosystem in the Zhuyu Bay Scenic Area. Furthermore, the diversity of the bulk soil microbial communities was higher in all six stands during spring compared to summer and autumn. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the seasonal variations of bulk soil microbial communities in urban forests and identifies dominant tree species, offering guidance for tree species’ selection and preservation in urban forest management.
SOX2 and SOX9 Expression in Developing Postnatal Opossum (Monodelphis domestica) Cortex
Authors: Baričević Zrinko , Pongrac Marta , Ivaničić Matea , Hreščak Helena , Tomljanović Ivana , Petrović Antonela , Cojoc Dan , Mladinic Miranda , Ban Jelena
Published: January 2024

(1) Background: Central nervous system (CNS) development is characterized by dynamic changes in cell proliferation and differentiation. Key regulators of these transitions are the transcription factors such as SOX2 and SOX9. SOX2 is involved in the maintenance of progenitor cell state and neural stem cell multipotency, while SOX9, expressed in neurogenic niches, plays an important role in neuron/glia switch with predominant expression in astrocytes in the adult brain. (2) Methods: To validate SOX2 and SOX9 expression patterns in developing opossum (Monodelphis domestica) cortex, we used immunohistochemistry (IHC) and the isotropic fractionator method on fixed cortical tissue from comparable postnatal ages, as well as dissociated primary neuronal cultures. (3) Results: Neurons positive for both neuronal (TUJ1 or NeuN) and stem cell (SOX2) markers were identified, and their presence was confirmed with all methods and postnatal age groups (P4-6, P6-18, and P30) analyzed. SOX9 showed exclusive staining in non-neuronal cells, and it was coexpressed with SOX2. (4) Conclusions: The persistence of SOX2 expression in developing cortical neurons of M. domestica during the first postnatal month implies the functional role of SOX2 during neuronal differentiation and maturation, which was not previously reported in opossums.
The Use of Schisandrin B to Combat Triple-Negative Breast Cancers by Inhibiting NLRP3-Induced Interleukin-1β Production
Authors: Chang Chun-Ming , Liang Ting-Ruei , Lam Ho Yin Pekkle
Published: January 2024

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive and fatal breast cancer subtype. Nowadays, chemotherapy remains the standard treatment of TNBC, and immunotherapy has emerged as an important alternative. However, the high rate of TNBC recurrence suggests that new treatment is desperately needed. Schisandrin B (Sch B) has recently revealed its anti-tumor effects in cancers such as cholangiocarcinoma, hepatoma, glioma, and multi-drug-resistant breast cancer. However, there is still a need to investigate using Sch B in TNBC treatment. Interleukin (IL)-1β, an inflammatory cytokine that can be expressed and produced by the cancer cell itself, has been suggested to promote BC proliferation and progression. In the current study, we present evidence that Sch B can significantly suppress the growth, migration, and invasion of TNBC cell lines and patient-derived TNBC cells. Through inhibition of inflammasome activation, Sch B inhibits interleukin (IL)-1β production of TNBC cells, hindering its progression. This was confirmed using an NLRP3 inhibitor, OLT1177, which revealed a similar beneficial effect in combating TNBC progression. Sch B treatment also inhibits IL-1β-induced EMT expression of TNBC cells, which may contribute to the anti-tumor response.
2-Aminoethyl Dihydrogen Phosphate (2-AEH2P) Associated with Cell Metabolism-Modulating Drugs Presents a Synergistic and Pro-Apoptotic Effect in an In Vitro Model of the Ascitic Ehrlich Tumor
Authors: Alves Monique G. , Cabral Laertty G. S. , Totti Paulo G. F. , Azarias Felipe R. , Pomini Karine T. , Rici Rose E. G. , Laiso Rosa A. N. , Maria Durvanei A.
Published: January 2024

The progression and maintenance of cancer characteristics are associated with cellular components linked to the tumor and non-cellular components with pro-tumoral properties. Pharmacological association with antagonists of the cellular components of the tumor, such as anti- and pro-apoptotic drugs, represents a novel adjuvant strategy. In this study, the antiproliferative, pro-apoptotic, and pharmacological effects of the combination of monophosphoester 2-AEH2P with Simvastatin, Coenzyme Q10, the chemotherapeutic drug paclitaxel, and colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) were evaluated. Tests were conducted to determine cytotoxic activity using the MTT method, cell cycle phases, and fragmented DNA by flow cytometry, mitochondrial membrane potential, expression of cell markers Bcl2, TNF-α/DR-4, Cytochrome c, caspase 3, and P53, and analysis of drug combination profiles using Synergy Finder 2.0 Software. The results showed a synergistic effect among the combinations, compared to individual treatments with the monophosphoester and other drugs. In addition, there was modulation of marker expression, indicating a pro-apoptotic and immunomodulatory effect of 2-AEH2P. Pharmacological analysis revealed that tumor cells treated with GM-CSF + 2-AEH2P exhibited a synergistic effect, while groups of tumor cells treated with paclitaxel, Coenzyme Q10, and Simvastatin showed additive effects. Furthermore, treatment with the paclitaxel + 2-AEH2P combination (12 h) resulted in a significant reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential. Pharmacological combinations for normal cells did not exhibit deleterious effects compared to mammary carcinomatosis tumor (EAT) cells.
m6A Methylation-Mediated Stabilization of LINC01106 Suppresses Bladder Cancer Progression by Regulating the miR-3148/DAB1 Axis
Authors: Liu Jun , Tian Cong , Qiao Jiajia , Deng Keming , Ye Xiongjun , Xiong Liulin
Published: January 2024

Background: The pivotal roles of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the realm of cancer biology, inclusive of bladder cancer (BCa), have been substantiated through various studies. Remarkably, RNA methylation, especially m6A modification, has demonstrated its influence on both coding and noncoding RNAs. Nonetheless, the explicit impact of RNA methylation on lncRNAs and its subsequent contribution to the progression of BCa remains to be elucidated. Methods: In the present investigation, we scrutinized the expression and m6A methylation status of LINC01106, employing quantitative real-time PCR (qRT–PCR) and methylated RNA immunoprecipitation (MeRIP)-qPCR. To decipher the regulatory mechanism underpinning LINC01106, we utilized RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP)-qPCR, methylated RNA immunoprecipitation (MeRIP) assays, and bioinformatic analysis. Furthermore, the CRISPR/dCas13b-METTL3-METTL14 system was implemented to probe the function of LINC01106. Results: The findings of our study indicated that LINC01106 is under expressed and exhibits diminished m6A methylation levels in BCa tissues when compared those of normal controls. A diminished expression of LINC01106 was associated with a less favorable prognosis in BCa patients. Intriguingly, CRISPR-mediated hypermethylation of LINC01106, facilitated by dCas13b-M3-M14, abolished the malignant phenotype of the BCa cells, an effect that could be inverted by Disabled-1 (DAB1) knockdown. From a mechanistic standpoint, we identified an m6A modification site on LINC01106 and highlighted YTHDC1 as a potential reader protein implicated in this process. Additionally, a positive correlation between DAB1 and LINC01106 expression was observed, with miR-3148 potentially acting as a mediator in this relationship. Conclusions: In summary, our research unveils a suppressive regulatory role of the LINC01106/miR-3148/DAB1 axis in the progression of BCa and underscores the YTHDC1-mediated m6A modification mechanism in regards to LINC01106. These revelations propose a new therapeutic target for the management of BCa.