bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rim Enhancement on Contrast-Enhanced CT as a Predictor of Prognosis in Patients with Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Yamaguchi Takeru , Sofue Keitaro , Ueshima Eisuke , Sugiyama Naoki , Yabe Shinji , Ueno Yoshiko , Masuda Atsuhiro , Toyama Hirochika , Kodama Takayuki , Komatsu Masato , Hori Masatoshi , Murakami Takamichi
Published: April 2024

This study investigated the utility of imaging features, such as rim enhancement on contrast-enhanced CT (CECT), in predicting the prognosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). This retrospective study included 158 patients (84 men; mean age, 68 years) with pathologically confirmed PDAC. The following imaging features were evaluated on CECT by two radiologists: tumor size, tumor attenuation, and the presence of rim enhancement. Cox proportional hazards analysis was performed to identify the imaging and clinicopathological features for predicting disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Pathological features were compared with the presence of rim enhancement. Among the 158 patients, 106 (67%) underwent curative surgery (surgery group) and 52 (33%) received conservative treatment (non-surgery group). Rim enhancement was observed more frequently in the non-surgery group than in the surgery group (44% vs. 20%; p < 0.001). Rim enhancement showed significant associations with shorter DFS and OS in the surgery group (hazard ratios (HRs), 3.03 and 2.99; p < 0.001 and p = 0.003, respectively), whereas tumor size showed significant associations with shorter OS (HR per 1 mm increase, 1.08; p < 0.001). PDACs with rim enhancement showed significant associations with higher histological tumor grades (p < 0.001). PDAC with rim enhancement on CECT could predict poorer prognosis and more aggressive tumor grades.
A Retrospective Analysis: Investigating Factors Linked to High Lung-RADS Scores in a Nonsmoking, Non-Family History Population
Authors: Chen Chi-Shen , Yu Hsien-Chung , Yin Chun-Hao , Chen Jin-Shuen , Chen Yao-Shen , Chen I-Shu
Published: April 2024

Low-dose computed tomography screening for lung cancer is currently targeted at heavy smokers or those with a family history of lung cancer. This study aimed to identify risk factors for lung cancer in individuals who do not meet the current lung cancer screening criteria as stipulated by the Taiwan Health Promotion Agency’s low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening policy. A cohort analysis was conducted on 12,542 asymptomatic healthy subjects aged 20–80 years old who voluntarily underwent LDCT scans from January 2016 to December 2021. Logistic regression demonstrated that several factors, including age over 55 years, female gender, a body mass index (BMI) less than 23, a previous history of respiratory diseases such as tuberculosis or obstructive respiratory diseases (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD], asthma), and previous respiratory symptoms such as cough or dyspnea, were associated with high-risk lung radiology scores according to LDCT scans. These findings indicate that risk-based assessments using primary data and questionnaires to identify risk factors other than heavy smoking and a family history of lung cancer may improve the efficiency of lung cancer screening.
Classification and Determination of Severity of Corneal Ulcer with Vision Transformer Based on the Analysis of Public Image Dataset of Fluorescein-Stained Corneas
Authors: Alakuş Talha Burak , Baykara Muhammet
Published: April 2024

A corneal ulcer is a condition in which an injury to the corneal surface occurs as a result of infection. This can lead to severe vision loss and even blindness. For this reason, early diagnosis of this disease is of great importance. Deep learning algorithms are used in many critical health applications and are used effectively in the early diagnosis stages of diseases. Thus, a deep learning algorithm was applied in this study and corneal ulcer and severity were predicted. The study consisted of four stages over three different scenarios. In the first scenario, the types of corneal ulcers were predicted. In the second scenario, the grades of corneal ulcer types were classified. In the last scenario, the severity of corneal ulcers was classified. For each scenario, data were obtained in the first stage and separated according to the relevant labels. In the second stage, various image processing algorithms were employed, and images were analyzed. At this stage, the images were also augmented by various processes. In the third stage, ViT architecture, a new deep learning model, was used, and the images were classified. In the last stage, the performance of the classifier was determined by accuracy, precision, recall, F1-score, and AUC score. At the end of the study, the ViT deep learning model performed an effective classification, and accuracy scores of 95.77% for the first scenario, 96.43% for the second scenario, and 97.27% for the third scenario were calculated.
Correction: Takahashi et al. Estimating the Dominant Life Phase Concerning the Effects of Battery Degradation on CO2 Emissions by Repetitive Cycle Applications: Case Study of an Industrial Battery System Installed in an Electric Bus. Energies 2023, 16, 1508
Authors: Takahashi Reiko , Negishi Koji , Noda Hideki , Mizutani Mami
Published: April 2024

In the original publication [...]
Aerodynamic Analysis of Variable Camber-Morphing Airfoils with Substantial Camber Deflections
Authors: Marciniuk Marta , Piskur Paweł , Kiszkowiak Łukasz , Malicki Łukasz , Sibilski Krzysztof , Strzelecka Katarzyna , Kachel Stanisław , Kitowski Zygmunt
Published: April 2024

In recent years, morphing wings have become not only a concept, but an aerodynamic solution for the aviation industry to take a step forward toward future technologies. However, continuously morphing airfoils became an interesting answer to provide green energy solutions. In this paper, the authors conducted experimental research on a continuously camber-morphing airfoil using the Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) methods. The main objective of this work was to research a variety of morphing airfoils with different camber deflections. An average velocity distribution and turbulence distribution were compared and are discussed. The two-dimensional PIV results were compared to the CFD simulations to validate the numerical method’s accuracy and obtain the aerodynamic coefficient’s trends. A further comparison revealed that morphing airfoils have better aerodynamic performance than conventional airfoils for very low camber deflections and create substantial amounts of drag for significant camber deflections.
Co-Gasification of Polyethylene and Biomass in Catalytic Bed Material
Authors: Fernando Warnakulasooriya Dinoja Sammani , Naser Jamal
Published: April 2024

In this work, a simplified comprehensive three-dimensional numerical model is developed to study the effect of hydrogen production on co-gasification of biomass and low-density polyethylene (LDPE). CFD software AVL Fire 2020 inbuilt algorithms were employed to develop the gas phase while the solid phase was developed by user-defined FORTRAN subroutines. Solid hydrodynamics, fuel conversion, homogenous and non-homogenous chemical reactions, and heat transfer, including radiation, subroutines were defined and incorporated into AVL FIRE explicitly. Species concentrations of the syngas were analyzed for co-gasification of Beechwood and LDPE for three distinct types of bed materials (silica sand, Na-Y zeolite, and ZSM-5 zeolite). Then, the model is validated with experiment results available in the literature for a lab-scale fluidized bed reactor. The highest hydrogen production was observed in Na-Y zeolite followed by ZSM-5 zeolite and silica in both numerical and experimental analysis for the co-gasification of Beechwood and LDPE, providing a reasonable agreement between the numerical and the experimental results. Therefore, the current model predicts the enhancement of the quality of hydrogen-rich syngas through the application of co-pyrolysis within a fluidized bed reactor, incorporating a catalytic bed material.
Polyphenols from Maackia amurensis Heartwood Protect Neuronal Cells from Oxidative Stress and Prevent Herpetic Infection
Authors: Tarbeeva Darya V. , Pislyagin Evgeny A. , Menchinskaya Ekaterina S. , Berdyshev Dmitrii V. , Krylova Natalya V. , Iunikhina Olga V. , Kalinovskiy Anatoliy I. , Shchelkanov Mikhail Y. , Mishchenko Natalia P. , Aminin Dmitry L. , Fedoreyev Sergey A.
Published: April 2024

Here, we continued the investigation of anti-HSV-1 activity and neuroprotective potential of 14 polyphenolic compounds isolated from Maackia amurensis heartwood. We determined the absolute configurations of asymmetric centers in scirpusin A (13) and maackiazin (10) as 7R,8R and 1″S,2″S, respectively. We showed that dimeric stilbens maackin (9) and scirpusin A (13) possessed the highest anti-HSV-1 activity among polyphenols 1–14. We also studied the effect of polyphenols 9 and 13 on the early stages of HSV-1 infection. Direct interaction with the virus (virucidal activity) was the main mechanism of the antiviral activity of these compounds. The neuroprotective potential of polyphenolic compounds from M. amurensis was studied using models of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-and paraquat (PQ)-induced neurotoxicity. A dimeric stilbene scirpusin A (13) and a flavonoid liquiritigenin (6) were shown to be the most active compounds among the tested polyphenols. These compounds significantly increased the viability of 6-OHDA-and PQ-treated Neuro-2a cells, elevated mitochondrial membrane potential and reduced the intracellular ROS level. We also found that scirpusin A (13), liquiritigenin (6) and retusin (3) considerably increased the percentage of live Neuro-2a cells and decreased the number of early apoptotic cells. Scirpusin A (13) was the most promising compound possessing both anti-HSV-1 activity and neuroprotective potential.
Fine Mapping of Five Grain Size QTLs Which Affect Grain Yield and Quality in Rice
Authors: Zhou Yin , Yang Hanyuan , Liu Enyu , Liu Rongjia , Alam Mufid , Gao Haozhou , Gao Guanjun , Zhang Qinglu , Li Yanhua , Xiong Lizhong , He Yuqing
Published: April 2024

Grain size is a quantitative trait with a complex genetic mechanism, characterized by the combination of grain length (GL), grain width (GW), length to width ration (LWR), and grain thickness (GT). In this study, we conducted quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis to investigate the genetic basis of grain size using BC1F2 and BC1F2:3 populations derived from two indica lines, Guangzhan 63-4S (GZ63-4S) and TGMS29 (core germplasm number W240). A total of twenty-four QTLs for grain size were identified, among which, three QTLs (qGW1, qGW7, and qGW12) controlling GL and two QTLs (qGW5 and qGL9) controlling GW were validated and subsequently fine mapped to regions ranging from 128 kb to 624 kb. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis and expression analysis revealed that qGW7 influences cell expansion, while qGL9 affects cell division. Conversely, qGW1, qGW5, and qGW12 promoted both cell division and expansion. Furthermore, negative correlations were observed between grain yield and quality for both qGW7 and qGW12. Nevertheless, qGW5 exhibited the potential to enhance quality without compromising yield. Importantly, we identified two promising QTLs, qGW1 and qGL9, which simultaneously improved both grain yield and quality. In summary, our results laid the foundation for cloning these five QTLs and provided valuable resources for breeding rice varieties with high yield and superior quality.
Empowering Naringin’s Anti-Inflammatory Effects through Nanoencapsulation
Authors: Marinho Andreia , Seabra Catarina Leal , Lima Sofia A. C. , Lobo-da-Cunha Alexandre , Reis Salette , Nunes Cláudia
Published: April 2024

Abundant in citrus fruits, naringin (NAR) is a flavonoid that has a wide spectrum of beneficial health effects, including its anti-inflammatory activity. However, its use in the clinic is limited due to extensive phase I and II first-pass metabolism, which limits its bioavailability. Thus, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) were used to protect and concentrate NAR in inflamed issues, to enhance its anti-inflammatory effects. To target LNPs to the CD44 receptor, overexpressed in activated macrophages, functionalization with hyaluronic acid (HA) was performed. The formulation with NAR and HA on the surface (NAR@NPsHA) has a size below 200 nm, a polydispersity around 0.245, a loading capacity of nearly 10%, and a zeta potential of about 10 mV. In vitro studies show the controlled release of NAR along the gastrointestinal tract, high cytocompatibility (L929 and THP-1 cell lines), and low hemolytic activity. It was also shown that the developed LNPs can regulate inflammatory mediators. In fact, NAR@NPsHA were able to decrease TNF-α and CCL-3 markers expression by 80 and 90% and manage to inhibit the effects of LPS by around 66% for IL-1β and around 45% for IL-6. Overall, the developed LNPs may represent an efficient drug delivery system with an enhanced anti-inflammatory effect.
A Molecular Approach for Detecting Bacteria and Fungi in Healthcare Environment Aerosols: A Systematic Review
Authors: Matys Jacek , Kensy Julia , Gedrange Tomasz , Zawiślak Ireneusz , Grzech-Leśniak Kinga , Dobrzyński Maciej
Published: April 2024

Molecular methods have become integral to microbiological research for microbial identification. This literature review focuses on the application of molecular methods in examining airborne bacteria and fungi in healthcare facilities. In January 2024, a comprehensive electronic search was carried out in esteemed databases including PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus, employing carefully selected keywords such as ((bacteria) OR (virus) OR (fungi)) AND (aerosol) AND ((hospital) OR (healthcare) OR (dental office)) AND ((molecular) OR (PCR) OR (NGS) OR (RNA) OR (DNA) OR (metagenomic) OR (microarray)), following the PRISMA protocol. The review specifically targets healthcare environments with elevated concentrations of pathogenic bacteria. A total of 487 articles were initially identified, but only 13 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The study disclosed that the prevalent molecular methodology for appraising aerosol quality encompassed the utilization of the PCR method, incorporating either 16S rRNA (bacteria) or 18S rRNA (fungi) amplification techniques. Notably, five diverse molecular techniques, specifically PFGE, DGGE, SBT, LAMP, and DNA hybridization methods, were implemented in five distinct studies. These molecular tests exhibited superior capabilities compared to traditional bacterial and fungal cultures, providing precise strain identification. Additionally, the molecular methods allowed the detection of gene sequences associated with antibiotic resistance. In conclusion, molecular testing offers significant advantages over classical microbiological culture, providing more comprehensive information.
Organophosphorus Flame Retardant TPP-Induced Human Corneal Epithelial Cell Apoptosis through Caspase-Dependent Mitochondrial Pathway
Authors: Chen Chen , Cui Daolei , Li Jingya , Ren Caixia , Yang Danlei , Xiang Ping , Liu Jianxiang
Published: April 2024

A widely used organophosphate flame retardant (OPFR), triphenyl phosphate (TPP), is frequently detected in various environmental media and humans. However, there is little known on the human corneal epithelium of health risk when exposed to TPP. In this study, human normal corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) were used to investigate the cell viability, morphology, apoptosis, and mitochondrial membrane potential after they were exposed to TPP, as well as their underlying molecular mechanisms. We found that TPP decreased cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner, with a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 220 μM. Furthermore, TPP significantly induced HCEC apoptosis, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential in a dose-dependent manner, and changed the mRNA levels of the apoptosis biomarker genes (Cyt c, Caspase-9, Caspase-3, Bcl-2, and Bax). The results showed that TPP induced cytotoxicity in HCECs, eventually leading to apoptosis and changes in mitochondrial membrane potential. In addition, the caspase-dependent mitochondrial pathways may be involved in TPP-induced HCEC apoptosis. This study provides a reference for the human corneal toxicity of TPP, indicating that the risks of OPFR to human health cannot be ignored.
Dental Implant Abutment Screw Loss: Presentation of 10 Cases
Authors: Soleimani Maryam , Żmudzki Jarosław , Pakieła Wojciech , Jaśkowska Anna , Krasny Kornel
Published: April 2024

Re-tightening the loosened dental implant abutment screw is an accepted procedure, however the evidence that such screw will hold sufficiently is weak. The purpose of this study was material analysis of lost dental implant abutment screws made of the TiAlV alloy from various manufacturers, which became lost due to unscrewing or damaged when checking if unscrewed; undamaged screws could be safely re-tightened. Among 13 failed screws retrieved from 10 cases, 10 screws were removed due to untightening and 3 were broken but without mechanical damage at the threads. Advanced corrosion was found on nine screws after 2 years of working time on all surfaces, also not mechanically loaded. Sediments observed especially in the thread area did not affect the corrosion process because of no pit densification around sediments. Pitting corrosion visible in all long-used screws raises the question of whether the screws should be replaced after a certain period during service, even if they are well-tightened. This requires further research on the influence of the degree of corrosion on the loss of the load-bearing ability of the screw.
Factors Influencing User Favorability of Government Chatbots on Digital Government Interaction Platforms across Different Scenarios
Authors: Guo Yuanyuan , Dong Peng
Published: April 2024

This study investigates the direct and indirect influences of behavioral quality, social support, perceived system, emotional perception, and public expectation on user favorability regarding government chatbots in both government service and policy consultation contexts. The findings reveal that while behavioral quality, social support, and perceived system directly affect user favorability in both scenarios, public expectation uniquely impacts user favorability in policy consultation settings, but not in government service scenarios. Furthermore, the analysis indicates that social support, emotional perception, and public expectation all indirectly influence user favorability through their mediating effect on behavioral quality in both contexts. Notably, the significant distinction between the two scenarios is the presence of an indirect impact of perceived system on user favorability within policy consultation scenarios, which is absent in government service scenarios. This study sheds light on the intricate interplay of factors shaping user favorability with government chatbots, and provides valuable insights for improving user experiences and user favorability in different governmental service contexts.
Evolution of Landscapes and Land Cover in Old Villages of Ziz Oasis (East Morocco) and SWOT Analysis for Potential Sustainable Tourism
Authors: Alaoui Kaoutare Amini , Radoine Hassan
Published: April 2024

This study aimed to investigate the changes in the landscapes and land cover in the villages of the Ziz Valley from 1965 to 2023. Equally, we evaluated the potential of sustainable tourism in these rural regions with a SWOT analysis. The obtained results showed that the landscapes were deeply changed, with a dominance of farmlands and the appearance of the Ziz reservoir. Rural villages near Errachidia were replaced after the flood of 1965. Errachidia’s urbanization increased by 400% and overflowed into certain villages, while the availability of water encouraged the rise of farms. The villages near the city became urbanized, resulting in the development of business zones and tourism destinations that offered the locals bright futures. In contrast to cluster A, the SWOT analysis reveals that strengths exceed vulnerabilities in cluster B and C villages. Despite the alteration of ancient and natural landscapes, the potential for rural tourism appears to be stronger in the villages included in clusters B and C.
Review on the Tensile Properties and Strengthening Mechanisms of Additive Manufactured CoCrFeNi-Based High-Entropy Alloys
Authors: Wu Zhining , Wang Shanshan , Jia Yunfeng , Zhang Weijian , Chen Ruiguang , Cao Boxuan , Yu Suzhu , Wei Jun
Published: April 2024

The advent of high-entropy alloys (HEAs) provides new possibilities for the metallurgical community. CoCrFeNi-based alloys have been widely recognized to demonstrate superior mechanical properties, amongst the high-entropy alloy systems; in particular, they possess an outstanding tensile ductility and work-hardening capacity. Additive manufacturing (AM) uses a layer-by-layer material deposition approach to build parts directly from computer-aided design models, which are capable of producing near-net-shape HEAs with superior mechanical properties, surpassing traditional manufacturing methods that require a time-consuming post-treatment process, such as cutting, milling, and molding. Moreover, the rapid solidification inherent in AM processes induces the formation of high-density dislocations, which are capable of enhancing the mechanical properties of HEAs. This review comprehensively investigates and summarizes the diverse strengthening mechanisms within CoCrFeNi-based alloys produced using AM technologies, with a specific focus on their influence on tensile properties. A correlation is established between the AM processing parameters and the resultant phases and microstructures, as well as the mechanical properties of CoCrFeNi-based HEAs, which provide guidelines to achieve a superior strength–ductility synergy.
Sorption of Polycyclic Aromatic Sulfur Heterocycles (PASH) on Nylon Microplastics at Environmentally Relevant Concentrations
Authors: Nauth Stephanie D. , Campiglia Andres D.
Published: April 2024

Microplastics have garnered an infamous reputation as a sorbate for many concerning environmental pollutants and as a delivery vehicle for the aquatic food chain through the ingestion of these contaminated small particulates. While sorption mechanisms have been extensively studied for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polycyclic aromatic sulfur heterocycles (PASHs) have not been investigated, partly due to their low concentrations in aquatic ecosystems. Herein, an analytical methodology is presented for the analysis of dibenzothiophene, benzo[b]naphtho[1,2-b]thiophene, benzo[b]naphtho[2,1-b]thiophene, benzo[b]naphtho[2,3-b]thiophene, chryseno[4,5-bcd]thiophene and dinaphtho[1,2-b:1′,2′-d]thiophene at relevant environmental concentrations based on solid phase extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography. The sorption uptake behavior and the sorption kinetics of the three benzo[b]napthothiophene isomers were then investigated on nylon microplastics to provide original information on their environmental fate and avoid human contamination through the food chain. The obtained information might also prove relevant to the development of successful remediation approaches for aquatic ecosystems.
Homicide or Happiness: Did Folate Fortification and Public Health Campaigns Influence Homicide Rates and the Great American Crime Decline?
Authors: Schoenthaler Stephen J. , Prescott Susan L. , Logan Alan C.
Published: April 2024

The last several years have witnessed a remarkable growth in research directed at nutrition and behavior, with increased interest in the field of nutritional criminology. It is becoming clear that dietary patterns and specific nutrients play an important role in cognition and behavior, including those related to aggression, violence, and antisocial activity. Included in this expanding knowledge base is the recognition that folate, through multiple pathways, including enzymatic reactions and gut microbiome ecology, plays a critical role in central nervous system functioning. These mechanistic advances allow for a retrospective analysis of a topic that remains unexplained—the sudden and unpredicted drop in homicide and other violent crime rates in the United States and other nations in the 1990s. Here, we revisit this marked reduction in homicide rates through the lens of the coincident public health campaign (and subsequent mandatory fortification) to increase folic acid intake. Based on objectively measured blood folate levels through the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, there is little doubt that tissue folate witnessed a dramatic rise at the national level from 1988 through 2000. Drawing from accumulated and emerging research on the neurobehavioral aspects of folate, it is our contention that this relatively sudden and massive increase in tissue folate levels may have contributed to reductions in violent crime in the United States.
Online Questionnaire with Fibromyalgia Patients Shows Negative Correlations between Disease Severity and Adherence to Mediterranean Diet
Authors: Proietti Elisa , Rapallo Fabio , Molinari Elena , Mucci Viviana , Marinelli Lucio , Borgarelli Consuelo , Burlando Bruno , Pisciotta Livia , Demori Ilaria
Published: April 2024

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a multidimensional disorder in which intense chronic pain is accompanied by a variety of psychophysical symptoms that impose a burden on the patients’ quality of life. Despite the efforts and the recent advancement in research, FM pathogenesis and effective treatment remain unknown. Recently, the possible role of dietary patterns and/or components has been gaining attention. The current study aimed to investigate a potential correlation between adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) and FM severity in a sample of Italian FM patients. An online survey was designed, composed of customized questions and validated questionnaires with the aim of investigating the intensity and type of pain, the presence of other psychophysical symptoms, the overall impact of FM, general food and lifestyle habits, and adherence to the MedDiet. The collected responses were analyzed for descriptive statistics, linear regression, and propensity score analyses. The results show that, despite considerable use of pharmaceuticals and supplements, FM participants suffered from a high-severity grade disease. However, those with good adherence to the MedDiet experienced a lower pain intensity and overall FM impact. A propensity score analysis indicates a positive influence of the MedDiet against FM severity, thus unveiling the need for well-designed intervention studies to evaluate the therapeutic potential of different dietary patterns.
Resveratrol Improves Hyperuricemia and Ameliorates Renal Injury by Modulating the Gut Microbiota
Authors: Zhou Yuqing , Zeng Yupeng , Wang Ruijie , Pang Juan , Wang Xin , Pan Zhijun , Jin Yufeng , Chen Yu , Yang Yan , Ling Wenhua
Published: April 2024

Resveratrol (RES) has been reported to prevent hyperuricemia (HUA); however, its effect on intestinal uric acid metabolism remains unclear. This study evaluated the impact of RES on intestinal uric acid metabolism in mice with HUA induced by a high-fat diet (HFD). Moreover, we revealed the underlying mechanism through metagenomics, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), and 16S ribosomal RNA analysis. We demonstrated that RES reduced the serum uric acid, creatinine, urea nitrogen, and urinary protein levels, and improved the glomerular atrophy, unclear renal tubule structure, fibrosis, and renal inflammation. The results also showed that RES increased intestinal uric acid degradation. RES significantly changed the intestinal flora composition of HFD-fed mice by enriching the beneficial bacteria that degrade uric acid, reducing harmful bacteria that promote inflammation, and improving microbial function via the upregulation of purine metabolism. The FMT results further showed that the intestinal microbiota is essential for the effect of RES on HUA, and that Lactobacillus may play a key role in this process. The present study demonstrated that RES alleviates HFD-induced HUA and renal injury by regulating the gut microbiota composition and the metabolism of uric acid.
Nutritional Status and Recurrent Major Cardiovascular Events Following Acute Myocardial Infarction—A Follow-Up Study in a Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Center
Authors: Czinege Maria , Halațiu Vasile-Bogdan , Nyulas Victoria , Cojocariu Liliana-Oana , Ion Bianca , Mașca Violeta , Țolescu Constantin , Benedek Theodora
Published: April 2024

Background: Acute myocardial infarction is often accompanied by malnutrition, which is associated with an imbalance between catabolic and anabolic processes. This ultimately leads to cardiac cachexia, which worsens the patient’s prognosis. We aimed to assess the correlation between nutritional status, assessed using the controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score, and the rate of major cardiovascular adverse events (MACE). Methods: The present investigation was a non-randomized, prospective, observational study in which 108 patients with acute myocardial infarction were included. Nutritional status was assessed using the CONUT score. Based on the CONUT score, the patients were divided as follows: Group 1—normal or mild nutritional status (CONUT < 3 points, n = 76), and Group 2—moderate to severe nutritional deficiency (CONUT ≥ 3 points, n = 32). Demographic, echocardiographic, and laboratory parameters were obtained for all patients, as well as the MACE rate at 1 and 3 months of follow-up. Results: The MACE occurred more frequently in patients with impaired nutritional status at both 1-month follow-up (46.9% versus 9.2%; p < 0.0001) and 3-month follow-up (68.8% versus 10.5%; p < 0.0001). In terms of cardiovascular events, patients with poor nutritional status, with a CONUT score ≥ 3, presented more frequent non-fatal myocardial infarction, stroke, revascularization procedure, and ventricular arrhythmia. Also, the number of cardiovascular deaths was higher in the undernourished group. Conclusions: This study found that patients with poor nutritional status experienced inflammatory status, frailty, and cardiovascular events more often than those with normal nutritional status at 1-month and 3-month follow-up after an acute myocardial infarction.
Thermal Properties’ Enhancement of PLA-Starch-Based Polymer Composite Using Sucrose
Authors: Massijaya Sri Yustikasari , Lubis Muhammad Adly Rahandi , Nissa Rossy Choerun , Nurhamiyah Yeyen , Kusumaningrum Wida Banar , Marlina Resti , Ningrum Riska Surya , Sutiawan Jajang , Hidayat Iman , Kusumah Sukma Surya , Karlinasari Lina , Hartono Rudi
Published: April 2024

Polylactic-acid–starch-based polymer composite (PLA/TPS) has good thermal stability for biocomposites. However, the physical and mechanical properties of PLA/TPS do not meet the standards. It needed additives to enhance its physical and mechanical properties. The aim was to improve the physical and mechanical properties of PLA/thermoplastic starch using sucrose. In addition, this study evaluated the enhancement of thermal properties of PLA/thermoplastic starch using sucrose. This study used sucrose as an additive to enhance the PLA/TPS composite. The addition of sucrose inhibits the degradation of biocomposites. This means that thermal stability increases. The thermal stability increased because the degree of crystallinity increased with the addition of sucrose, which was also proven in the XRD result. The addition of sucrose caused the morphology of the biocomposite to have pores. The FESEM results showed that biocomposites with the addition of sucrose had pores and gaps. These gaps result from low adhesion between polymers, causing a decrease in the mechanical and physical properties of the sample. Based on the FTIR spectra, biocomposite PLA/TPS blends with the addition of sucrose still have many hydroxyl groups that will lead to attracting other molecules or ions, such as oxygen or water. This phenomenon affects the physical and mechanical properties of materials. The physical and mechanical properties increased with sucrose addition. The best composite was prepared using 3% sucrose. This is because sucrose has a crystalline structure that affects the properties of biocomposites. However, the addition of 3% sucrose was not as effective as that of neat PLA.
Active Dual Line-Laser Scanning for Depth Imaging of Piled Agricultural Commodities for Itemized Processing Lines
Authors: Ali Mohamed Amr , Wang Dongyi , Tao Yang
Published: April 2024

The accurate depth imaging of piled products provides essential perception for the automated selection of individual objects that require itemized food processing, such as fish, crabs, or fruit. Traditional depth imaging techniques, such as Time-of-Flight and stereoscopy, lack the necessary depth resolution for imaging small items, such as food commodities. Although structured light methods such as laser triangulation have high depth resolution, they depend on conveyor motion for depth scanning. This manuscript introduces an active dual line-laser scanning system for depth imaging static piled items, such as a pile of crabs on a table, eliminating the need for conveyor motion to generate high-resolution 3D images. This advancement benefits robotic perception for loading individual items from a pile for itemized food processing. Leveraging a unique geometrical configuration and laser redundancy, the dual-laser strategy overcomes occlusions while reconstructing a large field of view (FOV) from a long working distance. We achieved a depth reconstruction MSE of 0.3 mm and an STD of 0.5 mm on a symmetrical pyramid stage. The proposed system demonstrates that laser scanners can produce depth maps of complex items, such as piled Chesapeake Blue Crab and White Button mushrooms. This technology enables 3D perception for automated processing lines and offers broad applicability for quality inspection, sorting, and handling of piled products.
Customizable Presentation Attack Detection for Improved Resilience of Biometric Applications Using Near-Infrared Skin Detection
Authors: Scheer Tobias , Rohde Markus , Breithaupt Ralph , Jung Norbert , Lange Robert
Published: April 2024

Due to their user-friendliness and reliability, biometric systems have taken a central role in everyday digital identity management for all kinds of private, financial and governmental applications with increasing security requirements. A central security aspect of unsupervised biometric authentication systems is the presentation attack detection (PAD) mechanism, which defines the robustness to fake or altered biometric features. Artifacts like photos, artificial fingers, face masks and fake iris contact lenses are a general security threat for all biometric modalities. The Biometric Evaluation Center of the Institute of Safety and Security Research (ISF) at the University of Applied Sciences Bonn-Rhein-Sieg has specialized in the development of a near-infrared (NIR)-based contact-less detection technology that can distinguish between human skin and most artifact materials. This technology is highly adaptable and has already been successfully integrated into fingerprint scanners, face recognition devices and hand vein scanners. In this work, we introduce a cutting-edge, miniaturized near-infrared presentation attack detection (NIR-PAD) device. It includes an innovative signal processing chain and an integrated distance measurement feature to boost both reliability and resilience. We detail the device’s modular configuration and conceptual decisions, highlighting its suitability as a versatile platform for sensor fusion and seamless integration into future biometric systems. This paper elucidates the technological foundations and conceptual framework of the NIR-PAD reference platform, alongside an exploration of its potential applications and prospective enhancements.
MAD-UNet: A Multi-Region UAV Remote Sensing Network for Rural Building Extraction
Authors: Xue Hang , Liu Ke , Wang Yumeng , Chen Yuxin , Huang Caiyi , Wang Pengfei , Li Lin
Published: April 2024

For the development of an idyllic rural landscape, an accurate survey of rural buildings is essential. The extraction of rural structures from unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) remote sensing imagery is prone to errors such as misclassifications, omissions, and subpar edge detailing. This study introduces a multi-scale fusion and detail enhancement network for rural building extraction, termed the Multi-Attention-Detail U-shaped Network (MAD-UNet). Initially, an atrous convolutional pyramid pooling module is integrated between the encoder and decoder to enhance the main network’s ability to identify buildings of varying sizes, thereby reducing omissions. Additionally, a Multi-scale Feature Fusion Module (MFFM) is constructed within the decoder, utilizing superficial detail features to refine the layered detail information, which improves the extraction of small-sized structures and their edges. A coordination attention mechanism and deep supervision modules are simultaneously incorporated to minimize misclassifications. MAD-UNet has been tested on a private UAV building dataset and the publicly available Wuhan University (WHU) Building Dataset and benchmarked against models such as U-Net, PSPNet, DeepLabV3+, HRNet, ISANet, and AGSCNet, achieving Intersection over Union (IoU) scores of 77.43% and 91.02%, respectively. The results demonstrate its effectiveness in extracting rural buildings from UAV remote sensing images across different regions.
Magnetoelectric Sensor Operating in d15 Thickness-Shear Mode for High-Frequency Current Detection
Authors: Li Fuchao , Wu Jingen , Liu Sujie , Gao Jieqiang , Lin Bomin , Mo Jintao , Qiao Jiacheng , Xu Yiwei , Du Yongjun , He Xin , Zhou Yifei , Zeng Lan , Hu Zhongqiang , Liu Ming
Published: April 2024

For the application of high-frequency current detection in power systems, such as very fast transient current, lightning current, partial discharge pulse current, etc., current sensors with a quick response are indispensable. Here, we propose a high-frequency magnetoelectric current sensor, which consists of a PZT piezoelectric ceramic and Metglas amorphous alloy. The proposed sensor is designed to work under d15 thickness-shear mode, with the resonant frequency around 1.029 MHz. Furthermore, the proposed sensor is fabricated as a high-frequency magnetoelectric current sensor. A comparative experiment is carried out between the tunnel magnetoresistance sensor and the magnetoelectric sensor, in the aspect of high-frequency current detection up to 3 MHz. Our experimental results demonstrate that the d15 thickness-shear mode magnetoelectric sensor has great potential for high-frequency current detection in smart grids.
Lyapunov Drift-Plus-Penalty-Based Cooperative Uplink Scheduling in Dense Wi-Fi Networks
Authors: Kim Yonggang , Kim Yohan
Published: April 2024

In high-density network environments with multiple access points (APs) and stations, individual uplink scheduling by each AP can severely interfere with the uplink transmissions of neighboring APs and their associated stations. In congested areas where concurrent uplink transmissions may lead to significant interference, it would be beneficial to deploy a cooperative scheduler or a central coordinating entity responsible for orchestrating cooperative uplink scheduling by assigning several neighboring APs to support the uplink transmission of a single station within a proximate service area to alleviate the excessive interference. Cooperative uplink scheduling facilitated by cooperative information sharing and management is poised to improve the likelihood of successful uplink transmissions in areas with a high concentration of APs and stations. Nonetheless, it is crucial to account for the queue stability of the stations and the potential delays arising from information exchange and the decision-making process in uplink scheduling to maintain the overall effectiveness of the cooperative approach. In this paper, we propose a Lyapunov drift-plus-penalty framework-based cooperative uplink scheduling method for densely populated Wi-Fi networks. The cooperative scheduler aggregates information, such as signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) and queue status. During the aggregation procedure, propagation delays are also estimated and utilized as a value of expected cooperation delays in scheduling decisions. Upon aggregating the information, the cooperative scheduler calculates the Lyapunov drift-plus-penalty value, incorporating a predefined model parameter to adjust the system accordingly. Among the possible scheduling candidates, the proposed method proceeds to make uplink decisions that aim to reduce the upper bound of the Lyapunov drift-plus-penalty value, thereby improving the network performance and stability without a severe increase in cooperation delay in highly congested areas. Through comprehensive performance evaluations, the proposed method effectively enhances network performance with an appropriate model parameter. The performance improvement is particularly notable in highly congested areas and is achieved without a severe increase in cooperation delays.
A Tale of Two Realities: Gendered Workspace during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Taipei
Authors: Tsai Chyi-Rong
Published: April 2024

This study examines how heterosexual couples in Taipei used space when both were working from home. I interviewed 29 heterosexual couples on how they arranged working space at home and how these spatial arrangements influenced their working experiences and career development. I found that space was gendered: men tended to work in a preferable space at home compared to their partners. However, a preferable space was not always defined by its physical setting, such as a room. Interviews revealed that women tended to move around to accommodate their family members’ needs when they worked from home, having unstable and interrupted working environments. Their experiences revealed that women’s family roles, such as mother, daughter, and wife, are prioritized at home, resulting in constant interruptions. On the contrary, men’s roles as workers were prioritized and protected when they worked from home. Gender superseded and transformed the physical space and reproduced gender inequality at work for people who work from home. This study suggests the need to consider the impact of gender norms before treating remote work as a pro-work–family policy.
A Study on the Competitiveness and Influencing Factors of the Digital Service Trade
Authors: Li Jinke , Wang Fang
Published: April 2024

In today’s digital era, the rapidly escalating digital service industry plays a crucial role in the country’s economic development. However, compared to the countries that are a part of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), the competitiveness level of China’s digital service trade still needs to be improved. This paper aims to know the differences in the competitiveness of the digital service trade between China and CPTPP countries and explore the factors affecting competitiveness in both exports and imports to improve China’s competitiveness level and narrow the gap with CPTPP, thereby promoting its accession process. This paper first uses China and CPTPP countries’ 2010–2022 import and export volume of digital service data to calculate each country’s revealed comparative advantage index, trade competitiveness index, market share, and Michaely fluctuation index indicators, further comparing the comprehensive level of competitiveness between countries. Then, based on the diamond theory, multiple regression analyses will be conducted based on the factors influencing digital service trade competitiveness and using the indicator data of influencing factors in each country for 2010–2021. The conclusions show that China’s digital service trade competitiveness ranked relatively high among CPTPP countries. The competitiveness of imports and exports of the digital service trade is influenced positively by several factors, including the degree of trade freedom, government efficiency, the number of fixed broadband subscriptions per 100 people, and the industry’s openness. The value of exports of trade in goods has a positive effect on export competitiveness, the enrolment rate in tertiary education has a positive effect on import competitiveness, and the ratio of employed in the service sector to the total employed has a dual effect, facilitating export competitiveness and inhibiting import competitiveness.
Research on Genetic Algorithm Optimization with Fusion Tabu Search Strategy and Its Application in Solving Three-Dimensional Packing Problems
Authors: Kang Zhenjia , Guan Yong , Wang Jiake , Chen Pengzhan
Published: April 2024

Symmetry is an important principle and characteristic that is prevalent in nature and artificial environments. In the three-dimensional packing problem, leveraging the inherent symmetry of goods and the symmetry of the packing space can enhance packing efficiency and utilization.The three-dimensional packing problem is an NP-hard combinatorial optimization problem in the field of modern logistics, with high computational complexity. This paper proposes an improved genetic algorithm by incorporating a fusion tabu search strategy to address this problem. The algorithm employs a three-dimensional loading mathematical model and utilizes a wall-building method under residual space constraints for stacking goods. Furthermore, adaptation of fitness variation strategy, chromosome adjustment, and tabu search algorithm are introduced to balance the algorithm’s global and local search capabilities, as well as to enhance population diversity and convergence speed. Through testing on benchmark cases such as Bischoff and Ratcliff, the improved algorithm demonstrates an average increase of over 3% in packing space utilization compared to traditional genetic algorithms and other heuristic algorithms, validating its feasibility and effectiveness. The proposed improved genetic algorithm provides new insights for solving three-dimensional packing problems and optimizing logistics loading schedules, offering promising prospects for various applications.
Variability of Double-Porosity Flow, Interporosity Flow Coefficient λ and Storage Ratio ω in Dolomites
Authors: Verbovšek Timotej
Published: April 2024

Seventy-one pumping tests were carried out in various dolomites, revealing two of the less-studied hydrogeological parameters related to double-porosity flow: the interporosity flow coefficient λ and the ratio between storage in the fractures and storage in the whole system (ω). Conceptually, they are both tied to the flow properties of the fractures and matrix and define the communication between these two hydrogeological domains. Five different groups of dolomites were included in this study, with different diagenesis types, crystal sizes, bed thicknesses, fracture intensities and chert contents represented. The results of both parameters reflect variations in the sedimentological and resulting hydrogeological properties of dolomites. The largest values of the interporosity flow coefficient λ (6.53 × 10−1) are found in dolomites formed by late diagenesis, exhibiting the highest degree of fracturing, resulting in fast responses in fractures and large λ values. The values of the storage ratio ω also vary (the range of most values is from 3.32 × 10−4 to 2.14 × 10−1), with the overall range almost completely filling all the theoretical limits from zero to one. The greatest values of ω are found in dolomites with the largest storage, due to the large number of small fractures, and silica diagenesis probably reduces the matrix storage. The correlations among the parameters show some significant relationships, especially between λ and Km, λ and Sf, ω and Sf, and ω and Sm.