bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emotion Recognition on Call Center Voice Data
Authors: Yurtay Yüksel , Demirci Hüseyin , Tiryaki Hüseyin , Altun Tekin
Published: October 2024

Emotion recognition is a crucial aspect of human–computer interaction, particularly in the field of marketing and advertising. Call centers play a vital role in generating positive client experiences and maintaining relationships. As individuals increasingly rely on computers for daily tasks, there is a growing need to improve human–computer interactions. Research has been conducted on emotion recognition, in three main areas: facial expression-based, voice-based, and text-based. This study focuses on emotion recognition on incoming customer calls to call centers, which plays a vital role in customer experience and company satisfaction. The study uses real-life customer data provided by Turkish Mobile Operators to analyze the customer’s emotional state and inform call center employees about the emotional state. The model created in this research is a significant milestone for sentiment analysis in the Turkish language, demonstrating the ability to acquire fundamental patterns and categorize emotional expressions. The objective is to analyze the emotional condition of individuals using audio data received from phone calls, focusing on identifying good, negative, and neutral emotional states. Deep learning techniques are employed to analyze the results, with an accuracy value of 0.91, which is acceptable for our partner the “Turkcell Global Bilgi Pazarlama Danışmanlık ve Çağrı Servisi Hizmetleri” Incorporation.
Knowledge-Graph-Based Integrated Line Loss Evaluation Management System
Authors: Li Bin , Wang Weihuan
Published: October 2024

The loss of power grid efficiency is affected by a number of factors, including the physical characteristics of the equipment used, the operational characteristics of the power grid itself, the characteristics of the electricity being used, and the natural conditions present. The application of a simple line loss rate value is inadequate for the objective evaluation of the implementation of line loss management in different provinces. Accordingly, this paper puts forth an innovative comprehensive evaluation method for municipal power grid line loss management, namely the construction of a comprehensive management evaluation knowledge graph for line loss. This method integrates the dimensionality reduction capability of nuclear principal component analysis with the combined decision support capability of DEMATEL-Entropy Weight-TOPSIS, thereby achieving a comprehensive evaluation of power grid line loss in the whole process and across multiple dimensions. The empirical analysis of cross-sectional data based on line loss management in Guangxi from 2014 to 2016 demonstrates that the line loss evaluation index system proposed in this paper effectively reduces the redundancy of line loss data. To illustrate, the municipal power grid in Guangxi (GL city) has demonstrated a gradual enhancement in the competitiveness of its management and planning loss reduction strategies. However, there has been a notable decline in the competitiveness of its operational and technical loss reduction approaches, with a reduction of approximately 23.7%. Therefore, the overall development of the city’s power grid line loss level can be considered stable. This method allows for an objective and reasonable reflection of the actual situation differences in line loss management work, thus providing a basis for future line loss management evaluation.
Efficacy of Nonpharmacological Treatment in Children and Adolescent with Tic Disorder: A Systematic Review
Authors: Amico Cecilia , Crepaldi Chiara , Rinaldi Margherita , Buffone Elisa , Scaini Simona , Forresi Barbara , Leoni Mauro
Published: October 2024

Tic disorders (TDs) are neurodevelopmental conditions which affect 0.3–0.9% of individuals aged < 18 years. Although tics often improve or resolve spontaneously over time, treatment is often recommended. Pharmacological approaches are widely used as primary interventions. However, their side effects encouraged the development and the interest in nonpharmacological approaches, whose efficacy in pediatric populations remains poorly understood. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the efficacy of nonpharmacological treatments for children and adolescents with TDs. A literature review was performed using PubMed, EBSCOhost, and JABA databases up to 16 May 2024. Eligible articles were randomized controlled trials, written in English and published in peer-reviewed journals, investigating the efficacy of nonpharmacological treatments in pediatric populations diagnosed with TDs. Significant evidence supported the efficacy of behavioral interventions such as the Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT), its reduced version the Habit Reversal Therapy (HRT), and the Exposure and Relapse Prevention (ERP) in reducing tics and tic-related impairment among young people, as assessed through the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale. Behavioral interventions were generally effective in reducing tics, although some studies reported higher effects on motor tics when compared to vocal tics. High level of efficacy was observed for both face-to-face and online treatments. While future studies are needed to improve treatment effects, especially on vocal tics, as well as to have a better understanding of treatment components and modalities, taken together, the present findings support the use of nonpharmacological intervention for TDs in youth.
Evolutionary Grid Optimization and Deep Learning for Improved In Vitro Cellular Spheroid Localization
Authors: Schurr Jonas , Janout Hannah , Haghofer Andreas , Fürsatz Marian , Scharinger Josef , Winkler Stephan , Nürnberger Sylvia
Published: October 2024

The recently developed high-throughput system for cell spheroid generation (SpheroWell) is a promising technology for cost- and time-efficient in vitro analysis of, for example, chondrogenic differentiation. It is a compartmental growth surface where spheroids develop from a cell monolayer by self-assembling and aggregation. In order to automatize the analysis of spheroids, we aimed to develop imaging software and improve the localization of cell compartments and fully formed spheroids. Our workflow provides automated detection and localization of spheroids in different formation stages within Petri dishes based on images created with a low-budget camera imaging setup. This automated detection enables a fast and inexpensive analysis workflow by processing a stack of images within a short period of time, which is essential for the extraction of early readout parameters. Our workflow combines image processing algorithms and deep learning-based image localization/segmentation methods like Mask R-CNN and Unet++. These methods are refined by an evolution strategy for automated grid detection, which is able to improve the overall segmentation and classification quality. Besides the already pre-trained neural networks and predefined image processing parameters, our evolution-based post-processing provides the required adaptability for our workflow to deliver a consistent and reproducible quality. This is especially important due to the use of a low-budget imaging setup with various light conditions. The to-be-detected objects of the three different stages show improved results using our evolutionary post-processing for monolayer and starting aggregation with Dice coefficients of 0.7301 and 0.8562, respectively, compared with the raw scores of 0.2879 and 0.8187. The Dice coefficient of the fully formed spheroids in both cases is 0.8829. With our algorithm, we provide automated analyses of cell spheroid by self-assembling in SpheroWell dishes, even if the images are created using a low-budget camera setup.
Visual-Inertial Method for Localizing Aerial Vehicles in GNSS-Denied Environments
Authors: Tonini Andrea , Castelli Mauro , Bates Jordan Steven , Lin Nyi Nyi Nyan , Painho Marco
Published: October 2024

Estimating the location of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) within a global coordinate system can be achieved by correlating known world points with their corresponding image projections captured by the vehicle’s camera. Reducing the number of required world points may lower the computational requirements needed for such estimation. This paper introduces a novel method for determining the absolute position of aerial vehicles using only two known coordinate points that reduce the calculation complexity and, therefore, the computation time. The essential parameters for this calculation include the camera’s focal length, detector dimensions, and the Euler angles for Pitch and Roll. The Yaw angle is not required, which is beneficial because Yaw is more susceptible to inaccuracies due to environmental factors. The vehicle’s position is determined through a sequence of straightforward rigid transformations, eliminating the need for additional points or iterative processes for verification. The proposed method was tested using a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) created via LiDAR and 11 aerial images captured by a UAV. The results were compared against Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSSs) data and other common image pose estimation methodologies. While the available data did not permit precise error quantification, the method demonstrated performance comparable to GNSS-based approaches.
Affective Stroking: Design Thermal Mid-Air Tactile for Assisting People in Stress Regulation
Authors: He Sheng , Zeng Hao , Xue Mengru , Huang Guanghui , Yao Cheng , Ying Fangtian
Published: October 2024

Haptics for stress regulation is well developed these years. Using vibrotactile to present biofeedback, guiding breathing or heartbeat regulation is a dominant technical approach. However, designing computer-mediated affective touch for stress regulation is also a promising way and has not been fully explored. In this paper, a haptic device was developed to test whether the computer-mediated affective stroking on the forearm could help to assist people in reducing stress. In our method, we used mid-air technology to generate subtle pressure force by blowing air and generating thermal feedback by using Peltier elements simultaneously. Firstly, we found intensity and velocity parameters to present comfort and pleasant stroking sensations. Afterward, an experiment was conducted to find out whether this approach could help people mediate their perceived and physiological stress. A total of 49 participants were randomly assigned to either a Stroking Group (SG) or a Control Group (CG). Results showed that participants from SG felt more relaxed than those from CG. The physiological stress index, RMSSD, increased and LF/HF decreased in SG although these changes were not statistically significant. Our exploration created subtle, non-invasive, noiseless haptic sensations. It could be a promising alternative for assisting people in stress regulation. Design implications and future applicable scenarios were discussed.
Exploration of the Anti-Photoaging Mechanisms of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum TWK10 in a UVB-Induced Mouse Model
Authors: Liu Te-Hua , Lin Wan-Jyun , Cheng Meng-Chun , Cheng Yi-Chen , Lee Chia-Chia , Lin Jin-Seng , Tsai Tsung-Yu
Published: October 2024

Functional foods have shown promise in mitigating skin aging. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum TWK10 (LPTWK10) and its spray-dried supernatant powder on ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced skin photoaging in female BALB/c nude mice. Over a 13-week period of UVB exposure and concurrent administration of high doses of LPTWK10 or its spray-dried fermentation supernatant, significant improvements were observed, skin wrinkles were notably reduced, transepidermal water loss rate decreased by 68.94–70.77%, and stratum corneum hydration increased by 76.97–112.24%. Furthermore, LPTWK10 was effective in reducing erythema and inflammation while enhancing skin lightness. Histological assessments revealed substantial reductions in epidermal hyperplasia and collagen degradation. Additionally, LPTWK10 was found to influence critical mechanisms associated with collagen metabolism and proinflammatory cytokine production. In summary, LPTWK10 attenuates photoaging through modulation of collagen metabolism and reduction in inflammatory responses, suggesting its potential as a functional ingredient for delaying photoaging.
Investigating System Dynamics of Vegetable Prices Using Complex Network Analysis and Temporal Variation Methods
Authors: Karakasidou Sofia , Charakopoulos Avraam , Zachilas Loukas
Published: October 2024

In the present study, we analyze the price time series behavior of selected vegetable products, using complex network analysis in two approaches: (a) correlation complex networks and (b) visibility complex networks based on transformed time series. Additionally, we apply time variability methods, including Hurst exponent and Hjorth parameter analysis. We have chosen products available throughout the year from the Central Market of Thessaloniki (Greece) as a case study. To the best of our knowledge, this kind of study is applied for the first time, both as a type of analysis and on the given dataset. Our aim was to investigate alternative ways of classifying products into groups that could be useful for management and policy issues. The results show that the formed groups present similarities related to their use as plates as well as price variation mode and variability depending on the type of analysis performed. The results could be of interest to government policies in various directions, such as products to develop greater stability, identify fluctuating prices, etc. This work could be extended in the future by including data from other central markets as well as with data with missing data, as is the case for products not available throughout the year.
Secure and Transparent Lung and Colon Cancer Classification Using Blockchain and Microsoft Azure
Authors: Eliwa Entesar Hamed I. , Mohamed El Koshiry Amr , Abd El-Hafeez Tarek , Omar Ahmed
Published: October 2024

Background: The global healthcare system faces challenges in diagnosing and managing lung and colon cancers, which are significant health burdens. Traditional diagnostic methods are inefficient and prone to errors, while data privacy and security concerns persist. Objective: This study aims to develop a secure and transparent framework for remote consultation and classification of lung and colon cancer, leveraging blockchain technology and Microsoft Azure cloud services. Dataset and Features: The framework utilizes the LC25000 dataset, containing 25,000 histopathological images, for training and evaluating advanced machine learning models. Key features include secure data upload, anonymization, encryption, and controlled access via blockchain and Azure services. Methods: The proposed framework integrates Microsoft Azure’s cloud services with a permissioned blockchain network. Patients upload CT scans through a mobile app, which are then preprocessed, anonymized, and stored securely in Azure Blob Storage. Blockchain smart contracts manage data access, ensuring only authorized specialists can retrieve and analyze the scans. Azure Machine Learning is used to train and deploy state-of-the-art machine learning models for cancer classification. Evaluation Metrics: The framework’s performance is evaluated using metrics such as accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score, demonstrating the effectiveness of the integrated approach in enhancing diagnostic accuracy and data security. Results: The proposed framework achieves an impressive accuracy of 100% for lung and colon cancer classification using DenseNet, ResNet50, and MobileNet models with different split ratios (70–30, 80–20, 90–10). The F1-score and k-fold cross-validation accuracy (5-fold and 10-fold) also demonstrate exceptional performance, with values exceeding 99.9%. Real-time notifications and secure remote consultations enhance the efficiency and transparency of the diagnostic process, contributing to better patient outcomes and streamlined cancer care management.
The Unseen Truth of God in Early Modern Masterpieces
Authors: Abrahams Simon
Published: October 2024

God the Father was considered so completely inexpressible and unembodied that his visual appearance in early modern masterpieces has long challenged the theological accuracy of such works. A recent discovery complicates that issue. Albrecht Dürer’s 1500 Self-portrait as Christ is incorrectly considered an isolated example of divine self-representation. It was, in fact, as shown here, part of a long tradition throughout Europe between at least the fifteenth and seventeenth centuries. The praxis, potentially sacrilegious, raises questions about the truth of art at its highest level. To address this conundrum, this article analyzes works by three eminent, but very different, artists: Michelangelo, Raphael, and Dürer. Two current methodologies—visual exegesis and the poetics of making—support the argument. The analysis reveals that there is a fundamental unity to their work, which has not been recognized on account of three popular misconceptions about the nature of art, divinity, and the mind. This article concludes that depictions of God the Father and Christ by these artists are neither heretical nor false because, as the evidence shows, all three were part of a continuous spiritual tradition embedded within their craft.
Decoupled Model-Free Adaptive Control with Prediction Features Experimentally Applied to a Three-Tank System Following Time-Varying Trajectories
Authors: Salighe Soheil , Trivedi Nehal , Bakhshande Fateme , Söffker Dirk
Published: October 2024

In this paper, the performance of three model-free control approaches on a multi-input, multi-output (MIMO) nonlinear system with constant and time-varying references is compared. The first control algorithm is model-free adaptive control (MFAC). The second is a modified version of MFAC (MMFAC) designed to handle delays in the system by incorporating the output error difference (over two sample time steps) in the control input. The third approach, model-free adaptive predictive control (MFAPC) with a one-step-ahead forecast of the system input, is obtained by using predictions of the outputs based on the data-based linear model. The experimental device used is an MIMO three-tank system (3TS) assumed to be an interconnected system with multiple coupled single-input, single-output (SISO) subsystems with unmeasurable couplings. The novelty of this contribution is that each coupled SISO partition is assumed to be controlled independently using a decoupled control algorithm, leading to fewer control parameters compared to a centralized MIMO controller. Additionally, both parameter tuning for each controller and performance evaluation are conducted using an evaluation criterion considering energy consumption and accumulated tracking error. The results demonstrate that almost all the proposed model-free controllers effectively control an MIMO system by controlling its SISO subsystems individually. Moreover, the predictive features in the decoupled MFAPC contribute to more accurate tracking of time-varying references. The utilization of tracking error differences helps in reducing energy consumption.
Notes on Modified Planar Kelvin–Stuart Models: Simulations, Applications, Probabilistic Control on the Perturbations
Authors: Kyurkchiev Nikolay , Zaevski Tsvetelin , Iliev Anton , Kyurkchiev Vesselin , Rahnev Asen
Published: October 2024

In this paper, we propose a new modified planar Kelvin–Stuart model. We demonstrate some modules for investigating the dynamics of the proposed model. This will be included as an integral part of a planned, much more general Web-based application for scientific computing. Investigations in light of Melnikov’s approach are considered. Some simulations and applications are also presented. The proposed new modifications of planar Kelvin–Stuart models contain many free parameters (the coefficients gi,i=1,2,…,N), which makes them attractive for use in engineering applications such as the antenna feeder technique (a possible generating and simulating of antenna factors) and the theory of approximations (a possible good approximation of a given electrical stage). The probabilistic control of the perturbations is discussed.
Mechanosensitive Differentiation of Human iPS Cell-Derived Podocytes
Authors: Zhang Yize , Musah Samira
Published: October 2024

Stem cell fate decisions, including proliferation, differentiation, morphological changes, and viability, are impacted by microenvironmental cues such as physical and biochemical signals. However, the specific impact of matrix elasticity on kidney cell development and function remains less understood due to the lack of models that can closely recapitulate human kidney biology. An established protocol to differentiate podocytes from human-induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells provides a promising avenue to elucidate the role of matrix elasticity in kidney tissue development and lineage determination. In this study, we synthesized polyacrylamide hydrogels with different stiffnesses and investigated their ability to promote podocyte differentiation and biomolecular characteristics. We found that 3 kPa and 10 kPa hydrogels significantly support the adhesion, differentiation, and viability of podocytes. Differentiating podocytes on a more compliant (0.7 kPa) hydrogel resulted in significant cell loss and detachment. Further investigation of the mechanosensitive proteins yes-associated protein (YAP) and synaptopodin revealed nuanced molecular distinctions in cellular responses to matrix elasticity that may otherwise be overlooked if morphology and cell spreading alone were used as the primary metric for selecting matrices for podocyte differentiation. Specifically, hydrogels with kidney-like rigidities outperformed traditional tissue culture plates at modulating the molecular-level expression of active mechanosensitive proteins critical for podocyte health and function. These findings could guide the development of physiologically relevant platforms for kidney tissue engineering, disease modeling, and mechanistic studies of organ physiology and pathophysiology. Such advances are critical for realizing the full potential of in vitro platforms in accurately predicting human biological responses.
Classifications Based on Dynamic Navicular Drop during Gait and Characteristics of Flat Foot Muscle Morphology
Authors: Fukuda Kengo , Okamura Kazunori , Ikeda Tomohiro , Egawa Kohei , Kanai Shusaku
Published: October 2024

This study investigated the collapse of the medial longitudinal arch (MLA) as a risk factor for medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), hypothesizing that overuse of extrinsic foot muscles to prevent MLA collapse can lead to disability. Twenty healthy adults (age: 20.8 ± 0.8, height: 162.2 ± 10.4, weight: 54.9 ± 9, BMI: 20.8 ± 1.7) (39 feet) with a foot posture index score below 6 and no recent lower extremity orthopedic history participated. Ultrasonography measured foot muscle cross-sectional areas, while three-dimensional motion analysis using VICON assessed foot kinematics during gait, focusing on navicular height at initial contact (ICNH) and dynamic navicular drop (DND) during the stance phase. Hierarchical cluster analysis based on ICNH and DND compared muscle cross-sectional areas between clusters using ANOVA or Kruskal–Wallis test. The analysis indicated that ICNH was lower in clusters 1 and 3 than in cluster 2, and DND was smaller in clusters 1 and 2 than in cluster 3. Although there was no significant difference in muscle cross-sectional area between the clusters, the flexor hallucis longus tended to be thicker in cluster 1 than in cluster 3 (p = 0.051). The findings suggest that flexor digitorum longus may help prevent MLA compression during loading, indicating that overuse of extrinsic foot muscles may contribute to MTSS development.
Development and Characterization of a Three-Dimensional Organotypic In Vitro Oral Cancer Model with Four Co-Cultured Cell Types, Including Patient-Derived Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts
Authors: Aizawa Yuka , Haga Kenta , Yoshiba Nagako , Yortchan Witsanu , Takada Sho , Tanaka Rintaro , Naito Eriko , Abé Tatsuya , Maruyama Satoshi , Yamazaki Manabu , Tanuma Jun-ichi , Igawa Kazuyo , Tomihara Kei , Togo Shinsaku , Izumi Kenji
Published: October 2024

Background/Objectives: Cancer organoids have emerged as a valuable tool of three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures to investigate tumor heterogeneity and predict tumor behavior and treatment response. We developed a 3D organotypic culture model of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) to recapitulate the tumor–stromal interface by co-culturing four cell types, including patient-derived cancer-associated fibroblasts (PD-CAFs). Methods: A stainless-steel ring was used twice to create the horizontal positioning of the cancer stroma (adjoining normal oral mucosa connective tissue) and the OSCC layer (surrounding normal oral mucosa epithelial layer). Combined with a structured bi-layered model of the epithelial component and the underlying stroma, this protocol enabled us to construct four distinct portions mimicking the oral cancer tissue arising in the oral mucosa. Results: In this model, α-smooth muscle actin-positive PD-CAFs were localized in close proximity to the OSCC layer, suggesting a crosstalk between them. Furthermore, a linear laminin-γ2 expression was lacking at the interface between the OSCC layer and the underlying stromal layer, indicating the loss of the basement membrane-like structure. Conclusions: Since the specific 3D architecture and polarity mimicking oral cancer in vivo provides a more accurate milieu of the tumor microenvironment (TME), it could be crucial in elucidating oral cancer TME.
Dyslipidemia in Peritoneal Dialysis: Implications for Peritoneal Membrane Function and Patient Outcomes
Authors: Stepanova Natalia
Published: October 2024

Dyslipidemia is a common metabolic complication in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD) and has traditionally been viewed primarily in terms of cardiovascular risk. Current guidelines do not recommend initiating lipid-lowering therapy in dialysis patients due to insufficient evidence of its benefits on cardiovascular mortality. However, the impact of dyslipidemia in PD patients may extend beyond cardiovascular concerns, influencing PD-related outcomes such as the peritoneal ultrafiltration rate, residual kidney function, PD technique survival, and overall mortality. This review challenges the traditional perspective by discussing dyslipidemia’s potential role in PD-related complications, which may account for the observed link between dyslipidemia and increased all-cause mortality in PD patients. It explores the pathophysiology of dyslipidemia in PD, the molecular mechanisms linking dyslipidemia to peritoneal membrane dysfunction, and summarizes clinical evidence supporting this hypothesis. In addition, this paper examines the potential for therapeutic strategies to manage dyslipidemia to improve peritoneal membrane function and patient outcomes. The review calls for future research to investigate dyslipidemia as a potential contributor to peritoneal membrane dysfunction and to develop targeted interventions for PD patients.
Biomimetic Cooling: Functionalizing Biodegradable Chitosan Films with Saharan Silver Ant Microstructures
Authors: Zimmerl Markus , van Nieuwenhoven Richard , Whitmore Karin , Vetter Wilfried , Gebeshuber Ille
Published: October 2024

The increasing occurrence of hot summer days causes stress to both humans and animals, particularly in urban areas where temperatures can remain high, even at night. Living nature offers potential solutions that require minimal energy and material costs. For instance, the Saharan silver ant (Cataglyphis bombycina) can endure the desert heat by means of passive radiative cooling induced by its triangular hairs. The objective of this study is to transfer the passive radiative cooling properties of the micro- and nanostructured chitin hairs of the silver ant body to technically usable, biodegradable and bio-based materials. The potential large-scale transfer of radiative cooling properties, for example, onto building exteriors such as house facades, could decrease the need for conventional cooling and, therefore, lower the energy demand. Chitosan, a chemically altered form of chitin, has a range of medical uses but can also be processed into a paper-like film. The procedure consists of dissolving chitosan in diluted acetic acid and uniformly distributing it on a flat surface. A functional structure can then be imprinted onto this film while it is drying. This study reports the successful transfer of the microstructure-based structural colors of a compact disc (CD) onto the film. Similarly, a polyvinyl siloxane imprint of the silver ant body shall make it possible to transfer cooling functionality to technically relevant surfaces. FTIR spectroscopy measurements of the reflectance of flat and structured chitosan films allow for a qualitative assessment of the infrared emissivity. A minor decrease in reflectance in a relevant wavelength range gives an indication that it is feasible to increase the emissivity and, therefore, decrease the surface temperature purely through surface-induced functionalities.
Data-Driven Sparse Sensor Placement Optimization on Wings for Flight-By-Feel: Bioinspired Approach and Application
Authors: Hollenbeck Alex C. , Beachy Atticus J. , Grandhi Ramana V. , Pankonien Alexander M.
Published: October 2024

Flight-by-feel (FBF) is an approach to flight control that uses dispersed sensors on the wings of aircraft to detect flight state. While biological FBF systems, such as the wings of insects, often contain hundreds of strain and flow sensors, artificial systems are highly constrained by size, weight, and power (SWaP) considerations, especially for small aircraft. An optimization approach is needed to determine how many sensors are required and where they should be placed on the wing. Airflow fields can be highly nonlinear, and many local minima exist for sensor placement, meaning conventional optimization techniques are unreliable for this application. The Sparse Sensor Placement Optimization for Prediction (SSPOP) algorithm extracts information from a dense array of flow data using singular value decomposition and linear discriminant analysis, thereby identifying the most information-rich sparse subset of sensor locations. In this research, the SSPOP algorithm is evaluated for the placement of artificial hair sensors on a 3D delta wing model with a 45° sweep angle and a blunt leading edge. The sensor placement solution, or design point (DP), is shown to rank within the top one percent of all possible solutions by root mean square error in angle of attack prediction. This research is the first to evaluate SSPOP on a 3D model and the first to include variable length hairs for variable velocity sensitivity. A comparison of SSPOP against conventional greedy search and gradient-based optimization shows that SSPOP DP ranks nearest to optimal in over 90 percent of models and is far more robust to model variation. The successful application of SSPOP in complex 3D flows paves the way for experimental sensor placement optimization for artificial hair-cell airflow sensors and is a major step toward biomimetic flight-by-feel.
FTDZOA: An Efficient and Robust FS Method with Multi-Strategy Assistance
Authors: Chen Fuqiang , Ye Shitong , Xu Lijuan , Xie Rongxiang
Published: October 2024

Feature selection (FS) is a pivotal technique in big data analytics, aimed at mitigating redundant information within datasets and optimizing computational resource utilization. This study introduces an enhanced zebra optimization algorithm (ZOA), termed FTDZOA, for superior feature dimensionality reduction. To address the challenges of ZOA, such as susceptibility to local optimal feature subsets, limited global search capabilities, and sluggish convergence when tackling FS problems, three strategies are integrated into the original ZOA to bolster its FS performance. Firstly, a fractional order search strategy is incorporated to preserve information from the preceding generations, thereby enhancing ZOA’s exploitation capabilities. Secondly, a triple mean point guidance strategy is introduced, amalgamating information from the global optimal point, a random point, and the current point to effectively augment ZOA’s exploration prowess. Lastly, the exploration capacity of ZOA is further elevated through the introduction of a differential strategy, which integrates information disparities among different individuals. Subsequently, the FTDZOA-based FS method was applied to solve 23 FS problems spanning low, medium, and high dimensions. A comparative analysis with nine advanced FS methods revealed that FTDZOA achieved higher classification accuracy on over 90% of the datasets and secured a winning rate exceeding 83% in terms of execution time. These findings confirm that FTDZOA is a reliable, high-performance, practical, and robust FS method.
Stair-Climbing Wheeled Robot Based on Rotating Locomotion of Curved-Spoke Legs
Authors: Seo Dongwoo , Kang Jaeyoung
Published: October 2024

This study proposes a new wheel-leg mechanism concept and formulations for the kinematics and dynamics of a stair-climbing robot utilizing the rotating leg locomotion of curved spokes and rolling tires. The system consists of four motor-driven tires and four curved-spoke legs. The curved-spoke leg is semicircle-like and is used to climb stairs. Once the spoke leg rolls on the surface, it lifts and pulls the mating wheel toward the surface, owing to the kinematic constraint between the spoke and the wheel. Single-wheel climbing is a necessary condition for the stair climbing of whole robots equipped with front and rear axles. This study proposes the design requirements of a spoke leg for the success of single-wheel climbing in terms of kinematic inequality equations according to the scenario of single-wheel climbing. For a design configuration that enables single-wheel climbing, the required minimum friction coefficient for the static analysis of the stair-climbing wheeled robots is demon-strated. Thereafter, the stair-climbing ability is validated through the dynamic equations that enable the frictional slip of the tires, as well as the curved-spoke legs. Lastly, the results revealed that the rotating locomotion of the well-designed curved-spoke legs effectively enables the stair climbing of the whole robot.
Enhancing Target Detection: A Fluorescence-Based Streptavidin-Bead Displacement Assay
Authors: Tungsirisurp Sireethorn , Frascione Nunzianda
Published: October 2024

Fluorescence-based aptasensors have been regarded as innovative analytical tools for the detection and quantification of analytes in many fields, including medicine and therapeutics. Using DNA aptamers as the biosensor recognition component, conventional molecular beacon aptasensor designs utilise target-induced structural switches of the DNA aptamers to generate a measurable fluorescent signal. However, not all DNA aptamers undergo sufficient target-specific conformational changes for significant fluorescence measurements. Here, the use of complementary ‘antisense’ strands is proposed to enable fluorescence measurement through strand displacement upon target binding. Using a published target-specific DNA aptamer against the receptor binding domain of SARS-CoV-2, we designed a streptavidin-aptamer bead complex as a fluorescence displacement assay for target detection. The developed assay demonstrates a linear range from 50 to 800 nanomolar (nM) with a limit of detection calculated at 67.5 nM and a limit of quantification calculated at 204.5 nM. This provides a ‘fit-for-purpose’ model assay for the detection and quantification of any target of interest by adapting and functionalising a suitable target-specific DNA aptamer and its complementary antisense strand.
Security Analysis of Smart Contract Migration from Ethereum to Arbitrum
Authors: Tang Xueyan , Shi Lingzhi
Published: October 2024

When migrating smart contracts from one blockchain platform to another, there are potential security risks. This is because different blockchain platforms have different environments and characteristics for executing smart contracts. The focus of this paper is to study the security risks associated with the migration of smart contracts from Ethereum to Arbitrum. We collected relevant data and analyzed smart contract migration cases to explore the differences between Ethereum and Arbitrum in areas such as Arbitrum cross-chain messaging, block properties, contract address alias, and gas fees. From the 36 types of smart contract migration cases we identified, we selected four typical types of cases and summarized their security risks. The research shows that smart contracts deployed on Ethereum may face certain potential security risks during migration to Arbitrum, mainly due to issues inherent in public blockchain characteristics, such as outdated off-chain data obtained by the inactive sequencer, logic errors based on time, failed permission checks, and denial of service (DOS) attacks. To mitigate these security risks, we proposed avoidance methods and provided considerations for users and developers to ensure a secure migration process. It is worth noting that this study is the first to conduct an in-depth analysis of the secure migration of smart contracts from Ethereum to Arbitrum.
Intensity of Physical Activity in Young People: Focus on Emotional, Cognitive, and Healthy Lifestyle-Related Variables
Authors: Elliott Adrián S. , Moreno-Fernández Román D. , Cordellat-Marzal Ana , Sampedro-Piquero Patricia
Published: October 2024

The college years represent a crucial developmental period in which unhealthy behaviors, including smoking, alcohol consumption, inadequate physical activity (PA), poor sleep quality, and unhealthy nutrition habits are often acquired, influencing the onset or exacerbation of pre-existing mental disturbances such as anxiety, depression, or difficulties in emotion regulation. Our aim was to analyze the effect of the intensity of physical activity (PA) on the emotional, behavioral, and cognitive variables in a sample of young people. We recruited 103 participants (19.85 ± 0.25) who completed several online questionnaires (IPAQ-SF, STAI-t, DERS, UPPS-P, ISP-20, and Mini-IPIP). Subsequently, face-to-face sessions were conducted to assess the cognitive variables and to collect more details about their lifestyle habits, including drug use, sleep quality, and leisure activities. Based on the IPAQ-SF results, we categorized the sample into three groups: light PA (n = 47), moderate PA (n = 29), and vigorous PA (n = 27). Vigorous PA group showed better emotional regulation, lower impulsivity, fewer prefrontal symptoms and unhealthy behaviors, better sleep quality, and more leisure activities. No significant cognitive differences were found. It seems that young people are a vulnerable group with emotional and impulsivity traits and engaging in intense PA appears to be a promising avenue for managing these symptoms. In conclusion, our study suggests that young people are a vulnerable group with emotional and impulsivity traits that may precipitate in future mental disorders. Nevertheless, engaging in PA, particularly at high intensity, appears to be a promising avenue for reducing and managing these symptoms during this critical period of life.
Intimate Partner Violence and Mental Distress, Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms and Life Satisfaction in Colombian Women
Authors: Molina Janneth E. , Matud M. Pilar
Published: October 2024

Intimate partner violence (IPV) against women is a major global public health and human rights issue, with significant consequences for women’s health and well-being. This study aimed to determine the relevance of IPV on women’s mental distress, post-traumatic stress symptoms and life satisfaction, and to examine whether age, education, socioeconomic status, social support and self-esteem are associated with mental health and well-being. The sample consisted of 255 women aged 18 to 71 living in Colombia who were assessed using six self-reported questionnaires. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses showed that more IPV was associated with women’s increased mental distress, post-traumatic stress symptoms and decreased life satisfaction. Although self-esteem and, to a lesser extent, social support were important predictors of women’s mental distress and well-being, psychological IPV was the main predictor of women’s post-traumatic stress symptoms, followed by lower self-esteem and younger age. The most important predictor of women’s mental distress was lower self-esteem, followed by more psychological IPV and lower social support. The main predictor of women’s life satisfaction was high self-esteem, followed by high social support, less psychological IPV and higher age and education. It is concluded that IPV, especially psychological IPV, is a serious threat to women’s mental health and well-being, while high self-esteem and, to a lesser extent, high social support are associated with better mental health and well-being.
Cultivating Leadership and Teamwork in Medical Students Through Rowing: A Phenomenological Study
Authors: Kwon Hyo Jin , Chae Su Jin
Published: October 2024

This study was conducted to allow us to understand the subjective experiences of medical students participating in rowing exercise classes at a medical school in South Korea and to derive implications for medical education. Accordingly, we analyzed their reflective journals, focusing on leadership and teamwork development. The study involved 40 second-year premedical students, and Colaizzi’s analysis was employed to understand and structure their experiences. The comprehensive analysis revealed 149 meaningful statements expressing students’ thoughts and experiences regarding the rowing exercise. From these statements, 13 meanings were synthesized, resulting in nine themes and four overarching categories, which provided a multilayered understanding of students’ experiences. The factors that enhanced teamwork included communication, trust, respect among team members, and a sense of responsibility. By contrast, the hindering factors were competitiveness, impatience, and avoidance of responsibility. Before the class, a mix of anticipation, excitement, and dissatisfaction regarding the rowing exercise course was observed. However, after the class, students realized that the role of the entire team, rather than individual ability, is crucial, and collaboration with peers is key—the concept of shared leadership. This study is significant in that it demonstrates rowing’s potential as a team sport to serve as an effective program for fostering collaboration and leadership within the medical school curriculum.
Marketing Strategies for Olive Oil: A Supply-Side Perspective from Spain
Authors: López-Castro Jose Antonio , Parrilla-González Juan Antonio
Published: October 2024

Olive oil, a staple of the Mediterranean diet, encounters substantial commercial obstacles in Spain and other olive oil-producing nations. Historically, these obstacles have been examined from a consumer demand standpoint, focusing on aspects such as quality enhancement, pricing issues, and consumer awareness deficiencies. This study shifts the focus to the supply-side perspective, providing novel insights into the factors affecting the marketing and sale of olive oil. To investigate these factors, a comprehensive consultation with an expert panel consisting of industry leaders from olive oil mills was conducted. These experts evaluated 13 critical factors identified through a literature review and their practical experience. The findings from this panel offer immediate practical applications, emphasizing the importance of marketing strategies, professionalization, internationalization, and the utilization of social networks and e-commerce in driving olive oil sales. The implications of these findings suggest that companies must restructure to become more professional and market-oriented to navigate and surmount the traditional commercial barriers in the olive oil industry. Overall, this research enhances our understanding of the supply-side dynamics influencing the marketing and sale of olive oil in the Spanish context and beyond.
The Effects of Support Specific Surface Area and Active Metal on the Performance of Biphenyl Selective Hydrogenation to Cyclohexylbenzene
Authors: Fan Jie , Li Wei , Yang Jingyi , Yang Tao , Liu Zhongyi , Zhang Meng
Published: October 2024

With the rapid development of modern society, the consumption of fossil fuels during the industrial production process produces a significant amount of carcinogens. Converting the highly toxic biphenyl (BP) to the valuable product cyclohexylbenzene (CHB) can decrease the emission of carcinogenic aromatic hydrocarbons. In this study, we prepared a series of 20%Ni/SiO2 catalysts with different specific surface areas (SSAs) using the over-volume impregnation method, as well as 20%M/SiO2 (M = Fe, Cu, Co, and Ni) catalysts to highlight the effects of support SSAs and active metal on the performance of BP selective hydrogenation to CHB. The catalysts were characterized by XRD, N2 physisorption, TEM, and H2-TPR, which demonstrated that a high SSA would be helpful for the dispersion of the active metal. The evaluation results revealed that 20%Ni/SiO2-300 exhibited excellent activity and stability in the selective hydrogenation of BP to CHB (BP conversion: 99.6%, CHB yield: 99.3% at the conditions of 200 °C, 3 MPa, 4 h and isopropanol as the solvent) among the catalysts with different SSAs, which was also superior to the performance over the catalysts with other transition metals as the active sites. The structure–activity relationship of the employed catalysts for the selective hydrogenation of BP to CHB was also discussed.
NPS-1034 Exerts Therapeutic Efficacy in Renal Cell Carcinoma Through Multiple Targets of MET, AXL, and TNFRSF1A Signaling in a Metastatic Model
Authors: Chang Ya-Chuan , Liu Chien-Te , Yu Chia-Ying , Sung Wen-Wei
Published: October 2024

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has diverse pathological subtypes, most of which have a poor prognosis. Patients with advanced RCC require systemic therapies for disease control. Although targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors have shown therapeutic efficacy, patients eventually succumb to disease progression. Therefore, additional therapies targeting different pathways are needed to provide more therapeutic options for sequential treatment. Our study explored the biological mechanisms and therapeutic outcomes for NPS-1034, a dual MET/AXL inhibitor, in RCC, both in vivo and in vitro. Our results showed that NPS-1034 can significantly inhibit tumor proliferation and induce cancer cell apoptosis. Besides MET and AXL, known targets of NPS-1034, we identified TNFRSF1A as another target gene inhibited by NPS-1034 via antibody arrays. This was further supported by next-generation sequencing, showing that the TNF signaling pathway is one of the most significant NPS-1034-regulated pathways. Furthermore, one of the identified target genes, GADD45A, responsible for NPS-1034 anticancer properties, was significantly associated with patient survival in RCC. GADD45A expression was significantly upregulated via NPS-1034 and downregulated via TNFRSF1A overexpression. Finally, its therapeutic efficacy was demonstrated in vivo, showing that NPS-1034 significantly alleviated the tumor burden and inhibited cell proliferation in a lung metastatic animal model. In conclusion, we explored the therapeutic mechanism of NPS-1034 and found that it targets not only MET and AXL but also TNFRSF1A. In a lung metastatic animal model, we confirmed that NPS-1034 is a potential candidate for systemic therapy in RCC.