bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring Associations between the Built Environment and Cycling Behaviour around Urban Greenways from a Human-Scale Perspective
Authors: Bai Yiwei , Bai Yihang , Wang Ruoyu , Yang Tianren , Song Xinyao , Bai Bo
Published: March 2023

The incorporation of cycling as a mode of transport has been shown to have a positive impact on reducing traffic congestion, improving mental health outcomes, and contributing to the development of sustainable cities. The proliferation of bike-sharing systems, characterised by their wide availability and high usage rates, has made cycling in urban areas more accessible and convenient for individuals. While the existence of a relationship between cycling behaviour and the built environment has been established, few studies have specifically examined this connection for weekdays and weekends. With the emergence of new data sources, new methodologies have become available for research into this area. For instance, bike-sharing spatio-temporal datasets have made it possible to precisely measure cycling behaviour over time, while street-view images and deep learning techniques now enable researchers to quantify the built environment from a human perspective. In this study, we used 139,018 cycling trips and 14,947 street-view images to examine the connection between the built environment consisting of urban greenways and cycling behaviour. The results indicated that the greenness and enclosure of the level of greenway were positively correlated with increased cycling on both weekdays and weekends. However, the openness of the greenway appears to have opposing effects on cycling behaviour depending on the day of the week, with high levels of openness potentially promoting cycling on weekends but hindering it on weekdays. Based on the findings of this study, policymakers and planners should focus on the cycling environment and prioritise improving its comfort and safety to promote green transportation and bicycle-friendly cities.
Sustainable Urban Planning Models for New Smart Cities and Effective Management of Land Take Dynamics
Authors: Locurcio Marco , Tajani Francesco , Anelli Debora
Published: March 2023

The development and management models of land use—both natural and man-made—and infrastructures, in order to be considered sustainable, must guarantee the inhabitants of the area the satisfaction of their vital needs in a way that can also continue to be implemented in the future, without conflicting with the limited availability of natural resources on the planet [...]
Glacier Change and Its Response to Climate Change in Western China
Authors: Li Jiahui , Xu Xinliang
Published: March 2023

Given that glaciers are good indicators of climate change, it is of great scientific significance to study glacier change for regional environmental protection and water resource development and utilization. Using the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform, we obtained the distribution of glaciers in western China in 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020. Then, we analyzed the temporal and spatial evolutions of the glacier areas and their responses to climate change. The results showed that there were 52,384 glaciers in western China in 2020, with an area of 42,903.57 km2, among which those belonging to the headwater of the Tarim River are the largest, accounting for 35.25% of the total area. From 2000 to 2020, the glaciers indicated an overall trend of retreat, with the total area decreasing by 15,575.94 km2 at a change rate of 1.46%/a. From 2000 to 2010, glaciers in the southeast Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) and Qilian Mountains saw the fastest area loss (>4%/a), followed by the Tianshan Mountains (3.31%/a), while those in the Pamir-Karakoram-West Kunlun regions and the Qiangtang Plateau had the slowest loss. From 2010 to 2020, the glacier retreat rate exhibited an accelerating trend in southeast QTP and the western Himalayas, while it slowed down in the Tianshan Mountains. The change in glaciers was greatly attributed to the combination of snowfall and summer temperature trends. The glaciers in southeast QTP showed an accelerated retreat tendency, probably due to the accelerating snowfall decrease and continuous temperature rise. The decreasing temperature mitigated the loss of glacier area in the Pamir-Karakoram-West Kunlun regions with continuously decreasing snowfall.
Pandemic Boosts Prospects for Recovery of Rural Tourism in Serbia
Authors: Gajić Tamara , Đoković Filip , Blešić Ivana , Petrović Marko D. , Radovanović Milan M. , Vukolić Dragan , Mandarić Marija , Dašić Goran , Syromiatnikova Julia A. , Mićović Andrej
Published: March 2023

Rural tourism in Serbia had its chance to shine with the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to determine to what extent the quality of rural service can contribute to improving rural tourism, and predictions for the continuation of the trend in terms of increasing the number of overnight stays in rural households. The obtained results show a small number of services in the sector could be improved, but that all elements except price value can influence the future development of rural tourism and that the number of overnight stays is expected to continue to grow. The importance and innovativeness of the research is reflected in the specific methodology that was applied, and the results complement those of previous research. It has been shown that villages in Serbia can create a barrier against COVID-19 through tourism.
Current Toolset in Predicting Acute Coronary Thrombotic Events: The “Vulnerable Plaque” in a “Vulnerable Patient” Concept
Authors: Emfietzoglou Maria , Mavrogiannis Michail C. , García-García Hector M. , Stamatelopoulos Kimon , Kanakakis Ioannis , Papafaklis Michail I.
Published: March 2023

Despite major advances in pharmacotherapy and interventional procedures, coronary artery disease (CAD) remains a principal cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Invasive coronary imaging along with the computation of hemodynamic forces, primarily endothelial shear stress and plaque structural stress, have enabled a comprehensive identification of atherosclerotic plaque components, providing a unique insight into the understanding of plaque vulnerability and progression, which may help guide patient treatment. However, the invasive-only approach to CAD has failed to show high predictive value. Meanwhile, it is becoming increasingly evident that along with the “vulnerable plaque”, the presence of a “vulnerable patient” state is also necessary to precipitate an acute coronary thrombotic event. Non-invasive imaging techniques have also evolved, providing new opportunities for the identification of high-risk plaques, the study of atherosclerosis in asymptomatic individuals, and general population screening. Additionally, risk stratification scores, circulating biomarkers, immunology, and genetics also complete the armamentarium of a broader “vulnerable plaque and patient” concept approach. In the current review article, the invasive and non-invasive modalities used for the detection of high-risk plaques in patients with CAD are summarized and critically appraised. The challenges of the vulnerable plaque concept are also discussed, highlighting the need to shift towards a more interdisciplinary approach that can identify the “vulnerable plaque” in a “vulnerable patient”.
Clinical Use of the ImmunoCAP Inhibition Test in the Diagnosis of Meat Allergy Caused by a Tick Bite in an Adult Male with No Previous Atopic History
Authors: Lis Kinga , Ukleja-Sokołowska Natalia , Karwowska Kornelia , Wernik Joanna , Pawłowska Małgorzata , Bartuzi Zbigniew
Published: March 2023

(1) Background: alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) is a serious, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. This is a type of food allergy to red meat and other mammalian products (e.g., gelatin). In Poland, this problem seems to be rare or, more likely, very underdiagnosed. The diagnosis of AGS is difficult. It seems that the knowledge about this syndrome is insufficient. There are no effective diagnostic tools able to clearly diagnose this cross-reactive allergy. This paper presents the clinical application of a non-standard method in the diagnosis of a cross-reactive allergy using the example of AGS. (2) Methods: standard tests for in vitro allergy diagnostics and the non-standard ImmunoCAP inhibition test(IT) were carried out for serum collected from a patient with a red meat allergy. (3) Results: the serum concentration of anti-α-Gal IgE was very high (302 kUA/L), and IgE antibodies toanti-mammalian-meat allergens were found. The level of IgE antibodies to mammalian meat allergens decreased after blocking on α-GAL-CAP. The concentration of anti-α-Gal IgE decreased after blocking on CAPs coated with various mammalian meat allergens. Blocking with allergens of poultry meat did not affect the concentration of anti-α-Gal IgE. (4) Conclusions: the ImmunoCAP ITseems to be a useful tool in the diagnosis of cross-reactive allergies. Based on their clinical history and test results, the patient was diagnosed with AGS caused by a primary sensitization to α-Gal after a tick bite. This is the second case of AGS described in Poland and the first in Pomerania.
The Abundant Phytocannabinoids in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Therapeutic Targets and Molecular Processes Identified Using Integrated Bioinformatics and Network Pharmacology
Authors: Nandi Arijit , Das Anwesha , Dey Yadu Nandan , Roy Kuldeep K.
Published: March 2023

The endocannabinoid system consists of several phytocannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors, and enzymes that aid in numerous steps necessary to manifest any pharmacological activity. It is well known that the endocannabinoid system inhibits the pathogenesis of the inflammatory and autoimmune disease rheumatoid arthritis (RA). To the best of our knowledge, no research has been done that explains the network-pharmacology-based anti-rheumatic processes by focusing on the endocannabinoid system. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to further our understanding of the signaling pathways, associated proteins, and genes underlying RA based on the abundant natural endocannabinoids. The knowledge on how the phytocannabinoids in Cannabis sativa affect the endocannabinoid system was gathered from the literature. SwissTarget prediction and BindingDB databases were used to anticipate the targets for the phytocannabinoids. The genes related to RA were retrieved from the DisGeNET and GeneCards databases. Protein–protein interactions (high confidence > 0.7) were carried out with the aid of the string web server and displayed using Cytoscape. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) metabolic pathway analysis was used to perform enrichment analyses on the endocannabinoid–RA common targets. ShinyGO 0.76 was used to predict the biological processes listed in the Gene Ontology (GO) classification system. The binding affinity between the ligand and the receptors was precisely understood using molecular docking, induced-fit docking, and a molecular dynamics simulation. The network pharmacology analyses predicted that processes like response to oxygen-containing compounds and peptodyl-amino acid modification are related to the potential mechanisms of treatment for RA. These biological actions are coordinated by cancer, neuroactive ligand–receptor interaction, lipids and atherosclerosis, the calcium signaling pathway, and the Rap1 signaling pathway. According to the results of molecular docking, in the context of RA, phytocannabinoids may bind to important target proteins such PIK3CA, AKT1, MAPK9, PRKCD, BRAF, IGF1R, and NOS3. This entire study predicted the phytocannabinoids’ systemic biological characteristics. Future experimental research is needed, however, to confirm the results so far.
Analysis of MIR27A (rs11671784) Variant Association with Systemic Lupus Erythematous
Authors: Khired Zenat Ahmed , Kattan Shahad W. , Alzahrani Ahmad Khuzaim , Milebary Ahmad J. , Hussein Mohammad H. , Qusti Safaa Y. , Alshammari Eida M. , Toraih Eman A. , Fawzy Manal S.
Published: March 2023

Multiple microRNAs (miRs) are associated with systemic autoimmune disease susceptibility/phenotype, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). With this work, we aimed to unravel the association of the miR-27a gene (MIR27A) rs11671784G/A variant with SLE risk/severity. One-hundred sixty-three adult patients with SLE and matched controls were included. A TaqMan allelic discrimination assay was applied for MIR27A genotyping. Logistic regression models were run to test the association with SLE susceptibility/risk. Genotyping of 326 participants revealed that the heterozygote form was the most common genotype among the study cohort, accounting for 72% of the population (n = 234), while A/A and G/G represented 15% (n = 49) and 13% (n = 43), respectively. Similarly, the most prevalent genotype among cases was the A/G genotype, which was present in approximately 93.3% of cases (n = 152). In contrast, only eight and three patients had A/A and G/G genotypes, respectively. The MIR27A rs11671784 variant conferred protection against the development of SLE in several genetic models, including heterozygous (G/A vs. A/A; OR = 0.10, 95% CI = 0.05–0.23), dominant (G/A + G/G vs. AA; OR = 0.15, 95% CI = 0.07–0.34), and overdominant (G/A vs. A/A + G/G; OR = 0.07, 95% CI = 0.04–0.14) models. However, the G/G genotype was associated with increased SLE risk in the recessive model (G/G vs. A/A+ G/G; OR = 17.34, 95% CI = 5.24–57.38). Furthermore, the variant showed significant associations with musculoskeletal and mucocutaneous manifestations in the patient cohort (p = 0.035 and 0.009, respectively) and platelet and white blood cell counts (p = 0.034 and 0.049, respectively). In conclusion, the MIR27A rs11671784 variant showed a potentially significant association with SLE susceptibility/risk in the studied population. Larger-scale studies on multiethnic populations are recommended to verify the results.
Antimicrobial Activities and Biofilm Inhibition Properties of Trigonella foenumgraecum Methanol Extracts against Multidrug-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli
Authors: Alenazy Rawaf
Published: March 2023

Multidrug-resistant bacteria are becoming the leading cause of death globally due to their resistance to many currently used antibiotics. Bacteria naturally have intrinsic resistance or acquired resistance to certain commonly used antibiotics. Therefore, searching for novel compounds has become necessary. Trigonella foenumgraecum extract was evaluated for antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities against multidrug-resistant bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration of the extract were also determined. Moreover, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was used to identify the phytochemical components present in the extract. GC-MS analysis revealed that T. foenumgraecum extract contains major compounds such as Phenol, 2-methoxy-3-(2-propenyl)-, n-Hexadecanoic acid, and 9,12,15-Octadecatrienoic acid. Both bacterial strains showed resistance to some of the antibiotics tested. T. foenumgraecum showed inhibitory activity against the tested bacterial strains with a MIC of 500 µg/mL and MBC of 1000 µg/mL. The methanol extract decreased the biofilm activity of both E. coli and S. aureus below the sub-minimum inhibitory concentration. The extract showed antibacterial and antibiofilm activity against the tested bacterial pathogens.
Plant Metabolomics: An Overview of the Role of Primary and Secondary Metabolites against Different Environmental Stress Factors
Authors: Salam Uzma , Ullah Shakir , Tang Zhong-Hua , Elateeq Ahmed A. , Khan Yaseen , Khan Jafar , Khan Asif , Ali Sajid
Published: March 2023

Several environmental stresses, including biotic and abiotic factors, adversely affect the growth and development of crops, thereby lowering their yield. However, abiotic factors, e.g., drought, salinity, cold, heat, ultraviolet radiations (UVr), reactive oxygen species (ROS), trace metals (TM), and soil pH, are extremely destructive and decrease crop yield worldwide. It is expected that more than 50% of crop production losses are due to abiotic stresses. Moreover, these factors are responsible for physiological and biochemical changes in plants. The response of different plant species to such stresses is a complex phenomenon with individual features for several species. In addition, it has been shown that abiotic factors stimulate multi-gene responses by making modifications in the accumulation of the primary and secondary metabolites. Metabolomics is a promising way to interpret biotic and abiotic stress tolerance in plants. The study of metabolic profiling revealed different types of metabolites, e.g., amino acids, carbohydrates, phenols, polyamines, terpenes, etc, which are accumulated in plants. Among all, primary metabolites, such as amino acids, carbohydrates, lipids polyamines, and glycine betaine, are considered the major contributing factors that work as osmolytes and osmoprotectants for plants from various environmental stress factors. In contrast, plant-derived secondary metabolites, e.g., phenolics, terpenoids, and nitrogen-containing compounds (alkaloids), have no direct role in the growth and development of plants. Nevertheless, such metabolites could play a significant role as a defense by protecting plants from biotic factors such as herbivores, insects, and pathogens. In addition, they can enhance the resistance against abiotic factors. Therefore, metabolomics practices are becoming essential and influential in plants by identifying different phytochemicals that are part of the acclimation responses to various stimuli. Hence, an accurate metabolome analysis is important to understand the basics of stress physiology and biochemistry. This review provides insight into the current information related to the impact of biotic and abiotic factors on variations of various sets of metabolite levels and explores how primary and secondary metabolites help plants in response to these stresses.
Isolated Mitochondria State after Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury and Cardioprotection: Analysis by Flow Cytometry
Authors: Crola Da Silva Claire , Baetz Delphine , Védère Marie , Lo-Grasso Mégane , Wehbi Mariam , Chouabe Christophe , Bidaux Gabriel , Ferrera René
Published: March 2023

Rationale: Mitochondria are key organelles involved in cell survival and death during the acute phenomena of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (i.e., myocardial infarction). To investigate the functions of isolated mitochondria such as calcium retention capacity, oxidative phosphorylation, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, already established methods are based on extramitochondrial measurements of the whole mitochondria population. Objective: The aim of this study was to develop a reliable and well-characterized method for multiparametric analysis of isolated single mitochondrion by flow cytometry (FC) in the context of myocardial infarction. The advantage of FC is the possibility to give a simultaneous analysis of morphological parameters (side and forward scatters: SSC and FSC) for each mitochondrion, combined with intramitochondrial measurements of several biological markers, such as ROS production or membrane potential (Δφm), using specific fluorescent probes. Methods and Results: For this study, a rat model of ischemia-reperfusion and a protective approach of post-conditioning using low reperfusion pressure was used. Thanks to the use of specific probes (NAO, MTR, TMRM, DilC1, and DHR123) combined with flow cytometry, we propose a method: (i) to identify mitochondrial populations of interest based on quality criteria (NAO/TMRM double staining); (ii) to monitor their morphological criteria, especially during swelling due to calcium overload; and (iii) to compare mitochondrial functions (membrane potential and ROS production) in different experimental groups. Applied to mitochondria from ischemic hearts, these measurements revealed that individual mitochondria are altered and that cardioprotection by low-pressure reperfusion reduces damage, as expected. Conclusions: Our results highlight FC as a reliable and sensitive method to investigate changes in mitochondrial functions and morphology in pathological conditions that disrupts their activity such as the case in ischemia-reperfusion. This methodological approach can be extended to other pathologies involving mitochondrial dysfunctions. Moreover, FC offers the possibility to work with very small amounts of isolated mitochondria, a factor that may limit the use of classical methods.
Single Center Experience of Oral Vancomycin Therapy in Young Patients with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: A Case Series
Authors: Alenchery Amala J. , Patel Sophia , Mahajan Lori , Kurowski Jacob A. , Worley Sarah , Hupertz Vera , Radhakrishnan Kaddakal , Kabbany Mohammad Nasser
Published: March 2023

There is no single proven therapy that prolongs hepatic transplant-free survival in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Oral vancomycin (OV) has shown some benefit in small pediatric and adult series. We describe the effect of OV on pediatric onset PSC at our tertiary hospital. This is a single-center, retrospective, descriptive case series involving patients (<21 years at diagnosis) with PSC on OV from 2001 till 2021. The therapy effect was assessed based on symptoms, biochemical labs, imaging and liver biopsy at six and twelve months, and then annually until therapy was discontinued. The inclusion criteria identified 17 patients. Baseline GGT (n = 17) was elevated among 88.2% which then normalized among 53.8% (n = 13) at six months and 55.6% (n = 9) at one year post-OV. Baseline ALT normalized in 58.8% (n = 17) at six months and 42.8% (n = 14) at one year. Imaging findings within one year of OV revealed improved/stable biliary findings among 66.7% (n = 8/12). No adverse events were reported. OV was associated with an improvement in bile duct injury marker (GGT) after at least six months of therapy, with no disease progression on imaging within one year of therapy.
Understanding the Machinability and Energy Consumption of Al-Based Hybrid Composites under Sustainable Conditions
Authors: Şap Serhat
Published: March 2023

Tribological properties are directly related to cutting efficiency. To achieve high machinability performances, sustainable coolants (minimum quantity lubricant (MQL), cryogenic etc.) have been used instead of conventional cutting fluids in recent years. This study used MQL and cryogenic-cooling techniques while milling Al-based hybrid composites. The effects of different cutting environments on flank wear, surface roughness, cutting temperature, and energy consumption were analyzed according to the Taguchi method. According to the findings, the best cutting environment for surface roughness, flank wear, and cutting temperature is the cryo-LN2-assisted cooling technique. In terms of energy consumption, MQL was found to be more efficient than cryo-LN2 and dry environments. According to SEM/EDS analysis, BUE formation was observed at the tool edges during milling in dry conditions. It was determined that cutting tool surfaces are smoother in MQL and cryo-LN2 environments. The effect ratios of control factors on response parameters were determined according to Taguchi analysis. As a result, it was concluded that MQL and cryo-LN2 strategies could be evaluated within the scope of sustainable conditions.
Wall Thickness Uniformity in ISF of Hydraulic Support: System Design, Finite Element Analysis and Experimental Verification
Authors: Shang Miao , Li Yan , Yang Mingshun , Chen Yunshuai , Bai Lang , Li Pengyang
Published: March 2023

Uniform wall thickness plays an essential role in avoiding forming failure in incremental sheet forming. However, it is challenging to promote the uniform distribution of wall thickness in single-pass forming of high wall angle and complex three-dimensional thin-walled parts using flexible dieless incremental sheet forming technology. In this article, based on the hydraulic support single-point incremental sheet forming technology, the finite element software is used to simulate and analyze the influence of different support pressure on the wall thickness distribution and the uniform critical angle of single-pass incremental sheet forming truncated pyramid parts. The results show that the hydraulic support can effectively improve the thickness uniformity and critical forming angle. In addition, a single-point increment experiment system of hydraulic support is designed, and the uniform critical angle of wall thickness corresponding to different support pressure is obtained. The experimental results are consistent with the finite element simulation results. Therefore, this article provides guidance for manufacturing high wall angles and complex parts with uniform wall thickness in single-pass incremental sheet forming.
Effects of Mainstream Velocity and Turbulence Intensity on the Sweeping Jet and Film Composite Cooling
Authors: Kong Xiangcan , Zhang Yanfeng , Li Guoqing , Lu Xingen , Zhu Junqiang , Xu Jinliang
Published: March 2023

The jet always sweeps to the leftmost and rightmost points in the sweeping jet and film composite cooling (SJF) process, resulting in a different coolant flow in each film hole. The film can not easily cover the outer surface evenly under the scouring of the mainstream. This work presents a case study to analyze the effects of two mainstream variables on the film areodynamic and cooling performance of the SJF. Three different mainstream velocities (Vm= 10 m/s, 50 m/s, 90 m/s) and three different mainstream turbulence intensities (Tu = 1%, 10%, 20%) are discussed. Results indicate that the increase of mainstream velocity yields to better film attachment. When the mainstream velocity increases from 10 m/s to 50 m/s, the overall cooling effectiveness and total pressure loss coefficient are reduced by 17.68% and 98.60%, respectively. When the mainstream velocity increases from 50 m/s to 90 m/s, the overall cooling effectiveness and total pressure loss coefficient are almost unchanged. The effect of turbulence intensity on the overall cooling effectiveness and total pressure loss coefficient are relatively small. The increase of mainstream turbulence intensity enhances the disturbance of the mainstream to the coolant from the middle film holes, and the distribution of adiabatic film cooling effectiveness is more uneven when the mainstream turbulence intensity is raised to 10% and 20%. In the research scope of present work, the flow structure, total pressure loss coefficient and overall cooling effectiveness are the most expected under the conditions of lower turbulence intensity and higher mainstream velocity (Tu = 1%, Vm= 90 m/s).
A State-of-the-Art Review on Chatter Stability in Machining Thin−Walled Parts
Authors: Sun Yuwen , Zheng Meng , Jiang Shanglei , Zhan Danian , Wang Ruoqi
Published: March 2023

Thin−walled parts are widely used in many important fields because of performance and structural lightweight requirements. They are critical parts because they usually carry the core functions of high−end equipment. However, their high−performance machining has been facing severe challenges, among which the dynamics problem is one of the most important obstacles. The machining system is easily subjected to chatter due to the weak rigidity of the thin−walled structure and slender cutting tool, which significantly deteriorates the surface quality and reduces the machining efficiency. Extensive studies aiming at eliminating machining chatter have been carried out in the recent decades. This paper systematically reviews previous studies on the identification of system dynamic characteristics, modeling and prediction of chatter stability, and chatter elimination/suppression methods and devices. Finally, existing problems are summarized, and future research is concluded.
The Hybrid of Multilayer Perceptrons: A New Geostatistical Tool to Generate High-Resolution Climate Maps in Developing Countries
Authors: Han Yue , Zhang Zhihua , Kobe Fekadu Tadege
Published: March 2023

The ability to produce high-resolution climate maps is crucial for assessing climate change impacts and mitigating climate disasters and risks in developing countries. Mainstream geostatistical downscaling techniques use spatial interpolation or multi-linear regression models to produce high-resolution climate maps in data-scarce regions. Since global climate evolution is a nonlinear process governed by complex physical principles, these linear downscaling techniques cannot achieve the desired accuracy. Moreover, these techniques cannot utilize different resolution data as model inputs. In this study, we developed a hybrid of multilayer perceptrons that could couple high-resolution topographic data with sparse climate observation data well and then generate high-resolution climate maps. To test the performance of our tool, we generated high-resolution precipitation and air temperature maps using sparse observation data from 21 meteorological stations in Ethiopia. The accuracy of the high-resolution climate maps generated using our hybrid of MLPs clearly outperformed those using a multi-linear regression model or a pure MLP.
Solving Optimal Power Flow Problem via Improved Constrained Adaptive Differential Evolution
Authors: Yi Wenchao , Lin Zhilei , Lin Youbin , Xiong Shusheng , Yu Zitao , Chen Yong
Published: March 2023

The optimal power flow problem is one of the most widely used problems in power system optimizations, which are multi-modal, non-linear, and constrained optimization problems. Effective constrained optimization methods can be considered in tackling the optimal power flow problems. In this paper, an ϵ-constrained method-based adaptive differential evolution is proposed to solve the optimal power flow problems. The ϵ-constrained method is improved to tackle the constraints, and a p-best selection method based on the constraint violation is implemented in the adaptive differential evolution. The single and multi-objective optimal power flow problems on the IEEE 30-bus test system are used to verify the effectiveness of the proposed and improved εadaptive differential evolution algorithm. The comparison between state-of-the-art algorithms illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed and improved εadaptive differential evolution algorithm. The proposed algorithm demonstrates improvements in nine out of ten cases.
Ranking of Service Quality Solution for Blended Design Teaching Using Fuzzy ANP and TOPSIS in the Post-COVID-19 Era
Authors: Lin Chia-Liang , Chen Jwu-Jenq , Ma Yu-Yu
Published: March 2023

The blended educational method has become a common way of teaching and learning in the post-COVID-19 era. However, the related research on the selection model for the blended design teaching service quality solution is still an important research gap during this period. Therefore, this study proposed a hybrid method of fuzzy analytic network process (FANP) and technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) to analyse the dimensions, indicators and alternatives of blended design teaching service quality. As for the findings of this research, the dimension of assurance is the most vital factor, followed by responsiveness, reliability and empathy. Meanwhile, this research discovered that the top three significant alternatives are “Employees are trustworthy”, “Safe transaction mechanism and environment” and “Personalised needs of customers”. Also, we found that dimensions utilised to evaluate the quality of education service are similar whether in the post COVID-19 era, in the COVID-19 epidemic or prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The main contribution of this study is to establish a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) model for the ranking of the blended design teaching service quality index and solution under a fuzzy environment. Finally, the research findings of this study have a guiding role, thereby becoming a guide for the industries related to hybrid design education to maintain good service quality in similar scenarios in the future.
Do Statistics Show Differences between Distance Estimations of 3D Objects in the Traffic Environment Using Glances, Side View Mirrors, and Camera Display?
Authors: Trifunović Aleksandar , Ivanišević Tijana , Čičević Svetlana , Simović Sreten , Vukšić Vedran , Slović Živana
Published: March 2023

The driver’s task in traffic is to evaluate traffic situations and act in accordance with the estimate. One of the most common causes of road crashes is “incorrect estimated of the traffic situation”. Correct perception of surroundings is one of the prerequisites for safe and successful driving. To investigate the mentioned issue, the authors of this paper conducted an experimental study with the aim of determining what affects the estimation of the object distance. In contrast to previous studies known from the available literature, our study presents experimental research of the estimated distance of 3D stimuli in three environments by direct observation, a rear-view mirror, and a camera display in a vehicle. One-hundred-and-sixty-four participants participated in the experiment. The research results show statistically significant differences in the estimation of the distance of 3D objects for different colors. Participants, for the largest number of stimuli, best estimate the distance from direct observation than through the rear-view mirror, while they make the most mistakes when estimating the distance of 3D objects using the camera display in a vehicle. On the other hand, in all described conditions, the respondents estimated the distance to the blue and green objects with the most significant errors.
Hidden Markov Mixture of Gaussian Process Functional Regression: Utilizing Multi-Scale Structure for Time Series Forecasting
Authors: Li Tao , Ma Jinwen
Published: March 2023

The mixture of Gaussian process functional regressions (GPFRs) assumes that there is a batch of time series or sample curves that are generated by independent random processes with different temporal structures. However, in real situations, these structures are actually transferred in a random manner from a long time scale. Therefore, the assumption of independent curves is not true in practice. In order to get rid of this limitation, we propose the hidden-Markov-based GPFR mixture model (HM-GPFR) by describing these curves with both fine- and coarse-level temporal structures. Specifically, the temporal structure is described by the Gaussian process model at the fine level and the hidden Markov process at the coarse level. The whole model can be regarded as a random process with state switching dynamics. To further enhance the robustness of the model, we also give a priori parameters to the model and develop a Bayesian-hidden-Markov-based GPFR mixture model (BHM-GPFR). The experimental results demonstrated that the proposed methods have both high prediction accuracy and good interpretability.
Modeling Languages for Internet of Things (IoT) Applications: A Comparative Analysis Study
Authors: Arslan Sadik , Ozkaya Mert , Kardas Geylani
Published: March 2023

Modeling languages have gained ever-increasing importance for the Internet of Things (IoT) domain for improving the productivity and quality of IoT developments. In this study, we analyzed 32 different modeling languages that have been designed for IoT software development in terms of a set of requirements that were categorized into three groups: language definition, language features, and tool support. Some key findings are as follows: (1) performance is the most supported quality property (28%); (2) most languages offer a visual notation set only, while 6% provide both textual and visual notation sets; (3) most languages (88%) lack formally precise semantic definitions; (4) most languages (94%) support the physical, deployment, and logical modeling viewpoints, while the behavior, logical, and information viewpoints are rarely supported; (5) almost none of the languages enable extensibility; (6) Java (34%) and C (21%) are the most preferred programming languages for model transformation; (7) consistency (77%) and completeness (64%) are the most supported properties for the automated checking of models; and (8) most languages (81%) are not supported with any websites for sharing case studies, source code, tools, tutorials, etc. The analysis results can be useful for language engineers, practitioners, and tool vendors for better understanding the existing languages for IoT, their weak and strong points, and IoT industries’ needs in future language and modeling toolset developments.
Acoustic Wind in a Hyperbolic Predator—Prey System
Authors: Morgulis Andrey
Published: March 2023

We address a hyperbolic model for prey-sensitive predators interacting with purely diffusive prey. We adopt the Cattaneo formulation for describing the predators’ transport. Given the hyperbolicity, the long-lived short-wave patterns occur for sufficiently weak prey diffusivities. The main result is that the non-linear interplay of the short waves generically excites the slowly growing amplitude modulation for wide ranges of the model parameters. We have observed such a feature in the numerical experiments and support our conclusions with a short-wave asymptotic solution in the limit of vanishing prey diffusivity. Our reasoning relies on the so-called homogenized system that governs slow evolutions of the amplitudes of the short-wave parcels. It includes a term (called wind) which is absent in the original model and only comes from averaging over the short waves. It is the wind that (unlike any of the other terms!) is capable of exciting the instability and pumping the growth of solutions. There is quite a definite relationship between the predators’ transport coefficients to be held for getting rid of the wind. Interestingly, this relationship had been introduced in prior studies of small-scale mosaics in the spatial distributions of some real-life populations.
Mathematical and Experimental Model of Neuronal Oscillator Based on Memristor-Based Nonlinearity
Authors: Kipelkin Ivan , Gerasimova Svetlana , Guseinov Davud , Pavlov Dmitry , Vorontsov Vladislav , Mikhaylov Alexey , Kazantsev Victor
Published: March 2023

This article presents a mathematical and experimental model of a neuronal oscillator with memristor-based nonlinearity. The mathematical model describes the dynamics of an electronic circuit implementing the FitzHugh–Nagumo neuron model. A nonlinear component of this circuit is the Au/Zr/ZrO2(Y)/TiN/Ti memristive device. This device is fabricated on the oxidized silicon substrate using magnetron sputtering. The circuit with such nonlinearity is described by a three-dimensional ordinary differential equation system. The effect of the appearance of spontaneous self-oscillations is investigated. A bifurcation scenario based on supercritical Andronov–Hopf bifurcation is found. The dependence of the critical point on the system parameters, particularly on the size of the electrode area, is analyzed. The self-oscillating and excitable modes are experimentally demonstrated.
A Tripartite Evolutionary Game Analysis of Participant Decision-Making Behavior in Mobile Crowdsourcing
Authors: Hao Hanyun , Yang Jian , Wang Jie
Published: March 2023

With the rapid development of the Internet of Things and the popularity of numerous sensing devices, Mobile crowdsourcing (MCS) has become a paradigm for collecting sensing data and solving problems. However, most early studies focused on schemes of incentive mechanisms, task allocation and data quality control, which did not consider the influence and restriction of different behavioral strategies of stakeholders on the behaviors of other participants, and rarely applied dynamic system theory to analysis of participant behavior in mobile crowdsourcing. In this paper, we first propose a tripartite evolutionary game model of crowdsourcing workers, crowdsourcing platforms and task requesters. Secondly, we focus on the evolutionary stability strategies and evolutionary trends of different participants, as well as the influential factors, such as participants’ irrational personality, conflict of interest, punishment intensity, technical level and awareness of rights protection, to analyze the influence of different behavioral strategies on other participants. Thirdly, we verify the stability of the equilibrium point of the tripartite game system through simulation experiments. Finally, we summarize our work and provide related recommendations for governing agencies and different stakeholders to facilitate the continuous operation of the mobile crowdsourcing market and maximize social welfare.
The Predictive Value of Monocyte/High-Density Lipoprotein Ratio (MHR) and Positive Symptom Scores for Aggression in Patients with Schizophrenia
Authors: Cheng Ning , Ma Huan , Zhang Ke , Zhang Caiyi , Geng Deqin
Published: March 2023

Background and Objectives: Schizophrenia with aggression often has an inflammatory abnormality. The monocyte/high-density lipoprotein ratio (MHR), neutrophil/high-density lipoprotein ratio (NHR), platelet/high-density lipoprotein ratio (PHR) and lymphocyte/high-density lipoprotein ratio (LHR) have lately been examined as novel markers for the inflammatory response. The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between these new inflammatory biomarkers and aggression in schizophrenia patients. Materials and Methods: We enrolled 214 schizophrenia inpatients in our cross-sectional analysis. They were divided into the aggressive group (n = 94) and the non-aggressive group (n = 120) according to the Modified Overt Aggression Scale (MOAS). The severity of schizophrenia was assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). The numbers of platelets (PLT), neutrophils (NEU), lymphocytes (LYM), monocytes (MON) and the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) content from subjects were recorded. The NHR, PHR, MHR and LHR were calculated. We analyzed the differences between those indexes in these two groups, and further searched for the correlation between inflammatory markers and aggression. Results: Patients with aggression had higher positive symptom scores (p = 0.002). The values of PLT, MON, MHR and PHR in the aggressive group were considerably higher (p < 0.05). The NHR (r = 0.289, p < 0.01), LHR (r = 0.213, p < 0.05) and MHR (r = 0.238, p < 0.05) values of aggressive schizophrenia patients were positively correlated with the total weighted scores of the MOAS. A higher MHR (β = 1.529, OR = 4.616, p = 0.026) and positive symptom scores (β = 0.071, OR = 1.047, p = 0.007) were significant predictors of aggression in schizophrenia patients. Conclusions: The MHR and the positive symptom scores may be predictors of aggressive behavior in schizophrenia patients. The MHR, a cheap and simple test, may be useful as a clinical tool for risk stratification, and it may direct doctors’ prevention and treatment plans in the course of ordinary clinical care.
Controlling the Impact of Helicobacter pylori-Related Hyperhomocysteinemia on Neurodegeneration
Authors: Kountouras Jannis , Doulberis Michael , Papaefthymiou Apostolis , Polyzos Stergios A. , Zavos Christos , Kazakos Evangelos , Arapoglou Stergios , Kyrailidi Foteini , Mouratidou Maria C. , Boziki Marina , Vardaka Elisabeth
Published: March 2023

Helicobacter pylori infection consists a high global burden affecting more than 50% of the world’s population. It is implicated, beyond substantiated local gastric pathologies, i.e., peptic ulcers and gastric cancer, in the pathophysiology of several neurodegenerative disorders, mainly by inducing hyperhomocysteinemia-related brain cortical thinning (BCT). BCT has been advocated as a possible biomarker associated with neurodegenerative central nervous system disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and/or glaucoma, termed as “ocular Alzheimer’s disease”. According to the infection hypothesis in relation to neurodegeneration, Helicobacter pylori as non-commensal gut microbiome has been advocated as trigger and/or mediator of neurodegenerative diseases, such as the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Among others, Helicobacter pylori-related inflammatory mediators, defensins, autophagy, vitamin D, dietary factors, role of probiotics, and some pathogenetic considerations including relevant involved genes are discussed within this opinion article. In conclusion, by controlling the impact of Helicobacter pylori-related hyperhomocysteinemia on neurodegenerative disorders might offer benefits, and additional research is warranted to clarify this crucial topic currently representing a major worldwide burden.
First Case of Raoultella planticola Urinary Tract Infection Reported in Western Romania
Authors: Mihu Alin Gabriel , Susan Monica Maria , Strauti Carmen Nicoleta , Mot Maria Daniela , Muresanu Horia Dan , Balta Cornel , Nesiu Alexandru
Published: March 2023

Raoultella planticola is a Gram-negative bacterium rarely involved in urinary tract infections. The patient was an 80-year-old woman with several associated diseases who presented to the hospital with fever and dysuria. Raoultella planticola was identified to be the causative agent of the urinary tract infection. Antibacterial treatment led to a full recovery within 7 days. This report highlights the presence of a rare pathogen as a causative agent in the case of a urinary tract infection and also the importance of using multiple methods in order to identify bacteria and to establish the diagnosis.
Variants of SARS-CoV-2: Influences on the Vaccines’ Effectiveness and Possible Strategies to Overcome Their Consequences
Authors: Rabaan Ali A. , Al-Ahmed Shamsah H. , Albayat Hawra , Alwarthan Sara , Alhajri Mashael , Najim Mustafa A. , AlShehail Bashayer M. , Al-Adsani Wasl , Alghadeer Ali , Abduljabbar Wesam A. , Alotaibi Nouf , Alsalman Jameela , Gorab Ali H. , Almaghrabi Reem S. , Zaidan Ali A. , Aldossary Sahar , Alissa Mohammed , Alburaiky Lamees M. , Alsalim Fatimah Mustafa , Thakur Nanamika , Verma Geetika , Dhawan Manish
Published: March 2023

The immune response elicited by the current COVID-19 vaccinations declines with time, especially among the immunocompromised population. Furthermore, the emergence of novel SARS-CoV-2 variants, particularly the Omicron variant, has raised serious concerns about the efficacy of currently available vaccines in protecting the most vulnerable people. Several studies have reported that vaccinated people get breakthrough infections amid COVID-19 cases. So far, five variants of concern (VOCs) have been reported, resulting in successive waves of infection. These variants have shown a variable amount of resistance towards the neutralising antibodies (nAbs) elicited either through natural infection or the vaccination. The spike (S) protein, membrane (M) protein, and envelope (E) protein on the viral surface envelope and the N-nucleocapsid protein in the core of the ribonucleoprotein are the major structural vaccine target proteins against COVID-19. Among these targets, S Protein has been extensively exploited to generate effective vaccines against COVID-19. Hence, amid the emergence of novel variants of SARS-CoV-2, we have discussed their impact on currently available vaccines. We have also discussed the potential roles of S Protein in the development of novel vaccination approaches to contain the negative consequences of the variants’ emergence and acquisition of mutations in the S Protein of SARS-CoV-2. Moreover, the implications of SARS-CoV-2’s structural proteins were also discussed in terms of their variable potential to elicit an effective amount of immune response.