bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CortiCow project: development of a rapid and non-invasive lateral flow immunoassay for the evaluation of cortisol levels in bovine saliva
Authors: Diaz Vicuna Elena , Anfossi Laura , Di Nardo Fabio , Forte Claudio , Ozella Laura
Published: March 2024

Being able to obtain an objective and repeatable measurement of stress levels from a single subject represents a primary issue in animal welfare science, especially in relation to cattle farming. A potential solution has been recently identified in the determination of cortisol’s salivary levels: a non-invasive method strictly related to acute stress. The development of an on-field, easy-to-use method to perform the analysis is yet to be validated. In this study, we developed and tested the reliability of salivary cortisol as a marker for the evaluation of animal welfare. We aimed to develop an on-field use Lateral Flow Immunoassay (LFIA) for the evaluation of acute stress in bovines.
The availability of this non-invasive diagnostic tool will facilitate monitoring of animal welfare. In the short term, this innovation is expected to assist farmers and veterinarians in performing a more objective evaluation of the animal’s acute stress levels.
In the long term, the device could become a key-instrument for the EU’s growing necessity to better monitor and identify the potential stressor factors in animal farming.
Photovoltaic cooling techniques’ effect on the average monthly performance
Authors: Rollo Antonino , Ferraro Vittorio , Bevilacqua Piero
Published: March 2024

Nowadays, mitigating climate-altering emissions resulting from air conditioning and mechanical ventilation of indoor spaces is of utmost importance. Encourage the adoption of renewable energy sources for power generation is a critical approach in this regard. Among the available technologies, photovoltaic technology stands as the most mature option. However, it does have limitations, such as reduced efficiency and performance degradation at elevated temperatures. To enhance the efficiency of photovoltaic systems, various solutions have been proposed over time, with significant research focusing on the exploration of new materials. One of the most promising solutions involves panel cooling through the utilization of external fluids, either in a forced or natural manner. Furthermore, the extracted heat from this cooling process can be effectively reused in other industrial processes, adding to its appeal. Nonetheless, despite its potential, the application of panel cooling technology is relatively recent, and assessing its suitability in specific scenarios at an early stage can be challenging. Currently, there is a lack of clear and straightforward methodologies to evaluate the performance gains achievable through the implementation of panel cooling. The primary objective of this research is to present an innovative methodology that can effectively assess panel cooling efficiency on an average daily-monthly basis. Specifically, we propose corrective parameters that modify the widely used Siegel method, which determines the monthly average daily efficiency of uncooled panels. Throughout the study, it has become evident that the input values derived from the UNI standard do not fully represent the real-world conditions. This finding may indicate the necessity for regulatory updates to accurately account for the practical operational environment.
A parallel approach for ultra-fast state estimation in large power system using graph partitioning theory
Authors: Karim Sarmadi Behnam , Salehi Dobakhshari Ahmad
Published: March 2024

This paper introduces a novel approach for multi-area state estimation in large transmission networks through the application of graph partitioning theory. By harnessing the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of the Laplacian matrix, a large-scale transmission network is partitioned into manageable sections. Within these partitions, state estimation processes run in parallel, markedly improving efficiency compared to conventional methods. Linear state estimation is employed within each area, expediting computations and making it adaptable to large-scale networks, which traditionally pose computational challenges. The method's efficacy is demonstrated through comprehensive validation, commencing with small networks and extending to real-world applications on the IEEE 118-bus test system and the 9241-bus European high-voltage transmission network. In comparison to the integrated network method, our approach has achieved state estimation answers with reduced computation time. The partitioning of the integrated network into multi areas has effectively mitigated computational loads, showcasing its potential for enhancing operational efficiency and reliability in complex power transmission systems. This approach not only offers a robust solution for state estimation but also represents a significant stride toward advancing the field of state estimation, promising to bolster the stability and performance of modern power grids.
Innovative sensors for the assessment of exercise stress in athlete horse
Authors: Porzio Elisabetta , Mecocci Samanta , Renzi Francesco , Chillemi Giovanni , Milanesi Marco , Vignali Giovanni , Valentini Riccardo , Beccati Francesca , Chiaradia Elisabetta , Trabalza-Minnucci Massimo , Cappelli Katia , Pepe Marco
Published: March 2024

Exercise tests are indicated for the evaluation of a horse’s physical condition and for the analysis of poor athletic performance, often associated with discomfort during training or competition that creates excessive stress in the animal. In order to understand the different biological mechanisms of adaptation to exercise-induced stress, a large amount of data need to be collected in real time, to obtain what is called “deep phenotyping” (DEPH) that opens the way to the full exploitation of omic techniques. The aim of the study is the configuration of innovative low-cost sensors for real time detection of crucial stress parameters that will allow early identification of metabolic dysfunctions preserving the horse’s welfare.
Realization of Martens hardness method in macro range with high accuracy force and indentation depth
Authors: Kuzu Cihan , Kazmanlı Kürşat
Published: March 2024

TÜBİTAK UME Hardness Laboratory has been working on instrumentation in the field of hardness metrology since 2005 and three generations of hardness standardizing machines were developed since then to be used as reference (calibration/standardizing) machines in Türkiye. In former designs conventional hardness methods such as Rockwell, Brinell and Vickers scales were the main scope of the projects. In the final Project that was supported and funded by TÜBİTAK UME to develop three hardness standard machines to be used as national standards for the conventional hardness scales mentioned, the Instrumented Indentation Test (IIT) was also aimed at and some parameters like Martens hardness, creep, indentation hardness, (elastic and plastic) indentation work, etc. were also implemented onto the machines developed. It was a good occasion that the measurands in Rockwell hardness and IIT were the same, force and indentation depth besides time and this made it easier to realize the IIT on the same machine with a more suitable design to achieve the highest accuracy in terms of the measurands mentioned. In this paper the new design of the Rockwell-Brinell-Vickers hardness standard machine developed also for Martens hardness in macro range (3 kgf – 150 kgf) and preliminary Martens hardness measurements are explained.
Catalytic degradation of crude oil residues extracted from contaminated soil by heterogeneous Fenton process using natural magnetite
Authors: Aziz Mamane Souley Abdoul , Briton Bi Gouessé Henri , Assémian Alain Stéphane , Sani Ousmane Mahamane , Drogui Patrick , Yao Benjamin Kouassi
Published: March 2024

The presence of toxic compounds to humans in crude oil requires the purification of contaminated environment. In this study, physicochemical characterization of paraffinic petroleum residue extracted from contaminated soil, revealed the presence of benzene, toluene, 3-methylphenanthrene, and methylphenanthrene. Crude oil residues were degraded by heterogeneous Fenton process using cheap material (natural magnetite from Mount Ofoud) as heterogeneous catalyst. This magnetite, not yet upgraded, had a specific surface area of 69.742 m2/g and an average pore diameter of 2.8 nm according to the BET analysis. XRF analysis of pretreated material also indicates that iron was dominant at 97.09% (with 77.03% Fe3O4 generated by XRD), while the minor elements are Ti, Mg, Ni, Co and Mn. Using heterogeneous Fenton oxidation process at room temperature, the residual COT concentrations could be optimally diminished by up to 77–78% by applying H2O2/Fe3O4 molar ratio of 5 and pH of 6.5 in the investigated range of 1000 mg COT/L. The oxidation reactions lasted 48 hours. Chromatographic analysis shows that the degradation rate of alkanes with carbon atoms greater than 15 is low. The results of this study show that magnetite is effective at sub-neutral pH and H2SO4 is more appropriate than HCl for pH adjusting.
Climate and de-eutrophication affect abundance of benthos-feeding waterbirds in the Wadden Sea during stop-over
Authors: Laursen Karsten , Beusekom Justus E.E. van , Bregnballe Thomas , Kleefstra Romke , Frikke John , Günther Klaus , Hälterlein Bernd , Hornman Menno , Ludwig Jürgen , Meyer Julia , Scheiffarth Gregor , Pedersen Claus L , Møller Anders P.
Published: March 2024

Habitat quality such as food availability and physical structures impact abundance of bird species. During 1987–2019 we studied long-term changes in the quality of the habitat of 13 waterbird species in the Wadden Sea, an important stop-over site on the East Atlantic Flyway between arctic breeding areas and wintering grounds in West Europe and Africa. Monitoring of waterbirds revealed that several species feeding on macrozoobenthos increased or remained stable in the northern and southern sections of the Wadden Sea, while their abundance mainly decreased in the central areas. The Wadden Sea is influenced by freshwater discharge from rivers draining a large part of central Europe, by geomorphological dynamics driven by the tides, and by sea level rise and climate. We hypothesised that the abundance of waterbirds that are dependent on intertidal flats for feeding is influenced by (a) regime shifts in the southern North Sea, (b) climate affecting riverine discharge (the amount of nutrients) from rivers in the Wadden Sea area and breeding conditions at arctic and boreal breeding grounds, (c) changes in geomorphology, (d) sea level rise and (e) biomass of macrozoobenthos. The results reveal that abundance of staging waterbirds is affected by (a) the North Atlantic Oscillation index (NAO) and regime shifts, (b) annual discharge of nutrients (N and P have both positive and negative effects) and (c) biomass of macrozoobenthos. Accretion or erosion of intertidal flats and sea level rise caused local displacements of waterbirds. In a broader context we found that waterbirds in the Wadden Sea are influenced by an array of variables including de-eutrophication due to improved waste water treatment and a reduced use of fertilizer in central Europe, regime shifts in the southern North Sea including the Wadden Sea (partly driven by the Gulf Stream) and changes in climate conditions, which may affect breeding conditions of waterbirds in Northern Europe as well as precipitation in Central Europe.
A Transfer Learning-Based Deep Learning Model for Automated Breast Cancer Identification in Mammograms
Authors: katiyar preeti
Published: March 2024

Breast cancer poses a significant global health threat to women, underscoring the crucial need for reliable and effective screening approaches. The utilization of computer-aided diagnostic (CAD) systems, leveraging mammograms, enables early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of breast cancer, thereby offering vital support in combating this disease. This study introduces a unique deep-learning model that uses transfer learning to identify and categorize breast cancer automatically. Several recent studies have shown that deep convolutional neural networks (DCNNs) can be used to diagnose breast cancer in mammograms with performances comparable to or even superior to those of human experts. The proposed model extracts features from the Mammographic Image Analysis Society (MIAS) dataset using pre-trained convolutional neural network (CNN) architectures such as ResNet50 and VGG-16. This revolutionary deep-learning model has the potential to improve the efficiency and accuracy of breast cancer detection and categorization.
Experimental Study on Mechanical Properties of GFRP-Confined Bamboo-Reinforced Fine Aggregate Concrete Composite Rod
Authors: Bu Guobin , Qi Chaowen , Wang Ying , Zhou Jing , Liu Fangcheng , Zhang Tianqing
Published: March 2024

A Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP)-confined Bamboo-reinforced fine aggregate Concrete composite Rod (GBCR) is proposed, as an alternative for the thin-walled steel tubes in compressive and bending load-bearing components. To investigate the mechanical properties of GBCR and the synergistic interaction among different materials, a comprehensive experimental study was conducted. The influence factors on the mechanical behaviour of GBCR are investigated by conducting axial compression tests of twelve short GBCR compressing-resistant (SGC) specimens and seven long ones (LGC specimens), and bending tests of ten long GBCR bending-resistant (LGB) specimens. The SGC specimens fail in an axial compression mode characterized by GFRP tube expansion cracking and concrete crushing. The LGC specimens experience instability under axial compression, and brittle fracture is observed in the LGB specimens. The mechanical behaviour of GBCR is influenced by the material composition, bamboo content, concrete compactness, bamboo arrangement direction, and bamboo-reinforcement defects. GBCR specimens with a bamboo content of approximately 20% exhibit a good load-carrying capacity that matches or even exceeds that of the thin-walled hollow steel tube specimens. Furthermore, the LGC specimens show excellent elastic recovery capabilities. Based on the experimental results, a formula for estimating the ultimate axial compressive bearing capacity of GBCR is established.
Rag-GTPase-TFEB/TFE3 axis controls B cell mitochondrial fitness and humoral immunity independent of mTORC1
Authors: Zeng Hu , Zhu Xingxing , Wu Yue , Li Yanfeng , Zhou Xian , Watzlawik Jens , Chen Yin , Raybuck Ariel , Billadeau Daniel , Shapiro Virginia , Springer Wolfdieter , Jie Sun , Boothby Mark
Published: March 2024

During the humoral immune response, B cells undergo rapid metabolic reprogramming with a high demand for nutrients, which are vital to sustain the formation of the germinal centers (GCs). Rag-GTPases sense amino acid availability to modulate the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) pathway and suppress transcription factor EB (TFEB) and transcription factor enhancer 3 (TFE3), members of the microphthalmia (MiT/TFE) family of HLH-leucine zipper transcription factors. However, how Rag-GTPases coordinate amino acid sensing, mTORC1 activation, and TFEB/TFE3 activity in humoral immunity remains undefined. Here, we show that B cell-intrinsic Rag-GTPases are critical for the development and activation of B cells. RagA/RagB deficient B cells fail to form GCs, produce antibodies, and generate plasmablasts in both T-dependent (TD) and T-independent (TI) humoral immune responses. Deletion of RagA/RagB in GC B cells leads to abnormal dark zone (DZ) to light zone (LZ) ratio and reduced affinity maturation. Mechanistically, the Rag-GTPase complex constrains TFEB/TFE3 activity to prevent mitophagy dysregulation and maintain mitochondrial fitness in B cells, which are independent of canonical mTORC1 activation. TFEB/TFE3 deletion restores B cell development, GC formation in Peyer’s patches and TI humoral immunity, but not TD humoral immunity in the absence of Rag-GTPases. Collectively, our data establish Rag-GTPase-TFEB/TFE3 axis as an mTORC1 independent mechanism to coordinating nutrient sensing and mitochondrial metabolism in B cells.
Economic losses and cross border effects caused by Pantanal catastrophic wildfires
Authors: Scur Mayara Camila , Centurião Daniel , Berlinck Christian Niel , Batista Eugênia Kelly Luciano , Libonati Renata , Rodrigues Julia Abrantes , Nunes André Valle , Garcia Leticia Couto , Wilson Geraldo Fernandes , Damasceno-Junior Geraldo Alves , Pereira Alexandre de Matos Martins , Anderson Liana , Ochoa-Quintero Jose Manoel , Oliveira Maxwell da Rosa , Ribeiro Danilo , Roque Fábio de Oliveira
Published: March 2024

The Pantanal, the Earth's largest continuous wetland, experienced severe impacts from wildfires in 2019 and, particularly, in 2020. The surge in wildfires can be attributed to several factors, including climate extremes, inadequate fire management, ineffective policymaking, as well as commercial and demographic dynamics. Understanding the economic effects of wildfires is crucial for guiding resource allocation toward prevention, firefighting efforts, and policymaking. This study aims to examine the economic losses resulting from the catastrophic wildfires in the Brazilian Pantanal region during 2019 and 2020. By utilizing new publicly available datasets and data obtained from representatives of institutions, we constructed scenarios to simulate the fire's impacts on the economic input-output system. Through the application of structural impact analysis, we were able to verify an impact in MS GDP of -0.79% and MT had an impact of -0.98% resulting from fire damages. The industries impacted most were livestock, wholesale and retail trade, electricity, gas, and other utilities, agriculture, other food products, land transportation, and slaughtering and meat products. The impact of fire per square kilometer burned reaches 10 thousand dollars in MS. Our findings reveal that the economic impact of the wildfires extends beyond the burned areas, affecting other states of Brazil, such as São Paulo and Paraná.
Association between extent of intrapulmonary spread on chest CT and false-negative results of T-SPOT.TB in pulmonary tuberculosis: a retrospective study
Authors: Sato Ryo , Takasaka Naoki , Hosaka Yusuke , Fukuda Taiki , Shinfuku Kyota , Takatsuka Makiko , Hasegawa Tsukasa , Yamada Masami , Yamanaka Yumie , Ryu Kai , Ishikawa Takeo , Araya Jun
Published: March 2024

Background
The T-SPOT.TB assay is widely used in adjunctive diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB). However, clinicians often encounter false-negative T-SPOT.TB results. The extent of spread in TB may influence host immune function, which can influence results of the T-SPOT.TB. However, few previous reports have investigated the association between radiologic pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) severity and T-SPOT.TB results.
Methods
We retrospectively investigated patients with culture-confirmed pulmonary TB (PTB) at the Jikei University Daisan Hospital between September 2016 and December 2021. We aimed to clarify the association of PTB severity, according to computed tomography (CT), with false-negative results of the T-SPOT.TB test.
Results
Among 187 patients with PTB, 44 (23.5%) had false-negative T-SPOT.TB results. High rates of false-negative results were considered to be 7/16 (43.7%) with PTB spread in two lung segments (mild PTB) and 16/37 (43.2%) with PTB spread in 19 lung segments (severe PTB). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that lymphopenia (odds ratio [OR]: 3.29; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05–10.27; P = 0.04), mild PTB (OR: 4.90; 95% CI: 1.60–14.95; P = 0.005), and severe (OR: 2.89; 95% CI: 1.15–7.26; P = 0.02) were statistically significant risk factors for false-negative results.
Conclusion
Both mild and severe extent of intrapulmonary lesions on chest CT may be associated with false-negative results of the T-SPOT.TB assay. To estimate intrapulmonary spreads of PTB in chest CT helps diagnosis for PTB with false-negative results of T-SPOT.TB.
First-Order Phase Transition of the Schwinger Model with a Quantum Computer
Authors: Angelides Takis , Naredi Pranay , Crippa Arianna , Jansen Karl , Kühn Stefan , Tavernelli Ivano , Wang Derek
Published: March 2024

We explore the first-order phase transition in the lattice Schwinger model in the presence of a topological θ-term by means of the variational quantum eigensolver (VQE). Using two different fermion discretizations, Wilson and staggered fermions, we develop parametric ansatz circuits suitable for both discretizations, and compare their performance by simulating classically an ideal VQE optimization in the absence of noise. The states obtained by the classical simulation are then prepared on the IBM's superconducting quantum hardware. Applying state-of-the art error-mitigation methods, we show that the electric field density and particle number, observables which reveal the phase structure of the model, can be reliably obtained from the quantum hardware. To investigate the minimum system sizes required for a continuum extrapolation, we study the continuum limit using matrix product states, and compare our results to continuum mass perturbation theory. We demonstrate that taking the additive mass renormalization into account is vital for enhancing the precision that can be obtained with smaller system sizes. Furthermore, for the observables we investigate we observe universality, and both fermion discretizations produce the same continuum limit.
RSL3 enhances ROS-mediated cell apoptosis of myelodysplastic syndrome cells through MYB/Bcl-2 signaling pathway
Authors: Zhang Ji , Liu Li , Yang Chaoying , Zhu Lin , Wang Yanyan , Zheng Fuxiang , Cao Pengfei , Han Xu , Liu Jing , Liang Long
Published: March 2024

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are clonal hematopoietic malignancies and seriously threatens people’s health. Current therapies include bone marrow transplantation and several hypomethylating agents. However, many elderly patients cannot benefit from bone marrow transplantation and many patients develop drug resistance to hypomethylating agents, making it urgent to explore novel therapy. RSL3 can effectively induce ferroptosis in various tumors and combination of RSL3 and hypomethylating agents is promising to treat many tumors. However, its effect in MDS was unknown. In this study, we found that RSL3 inhibited MDS cell proliferation through inducing ROS-dependent apoptosis. RSL3 inhibited Bcl-2 expression and increased caspase 3 and PARP cleavage. RNA-seq analysis revealed that MYB may be a potential target of RSL3. Rescue experiments showed that overexpression of MYB can rescue MDS cell proliferation inhibition caused by RSL3. Cellular thermal shift assay showed that RSL3 binds to MYB to exert its function. Furthermore, RSL3 inhibited tumor growth and decreased MYB and Bcl-2 expression in vivo. More importantly, RSL3 decreased the viability of bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMCs) isolated from MDS patients, and RSL3 had a synergistic effect with DAC in MDS cells. Our studies have uncovered RSL3 as a promising compound and MYB/Bcl-2 signaling pathway as a potential target for MDS treatment.
Exploring the transcriptomic landscape of BLCA: SHTN1 as a key player in photodynamic therapy response
Authors: Shen Zhengang , Lu Jiayi , Cheng Haojin , Tang Xiaodi , Li Yunlong , Chen Li , Liu Junfeng , Hu Guangqiang , Yu Yong , Han Xingyue , Liao Hong , Zhou Shukui
Published: March 2024

Background
A high recurrence rate and a tendency to progress to more advanced, invasive stages characterize bladder urothelial carcinoma (BLCA), the ninth most common malignant tumor worldwide. Despite its potential, photodynamic therapy (PDT), a minimally invasive treatment, remains underutilized in BLCA management. This study focuses on identifying key genes that influence BLCA progression and prognosis, specifically in the context of PDT therapy.
Methods
According to the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), we analyzed the mRNA expression profiles as well as clinical data for BLCA patients. Our approach included differential analysis, gene set intersection using GSEA databases, univariate regression analysis, and ROC curve plotting. Additionally, we validated our findings using BLCA patients' genes from the GEO dataset. To explore the role of SHTN1, we employed various methods such as GO, KEGG, GSEA, and GeneMANIA. We also examined the immunological environments associated with SHTN1 using tools like ESTIMATE, CIBERSORT, ssGSEA, and ICB to compare SHTN1 subgroups.
Results
A positive correlation was found between SHTN1 expression and clinical stage and distant metastasis of BLCA, while a negative correlation was found between SHTN1 expression and patient survival. There were a number of genes associated with tumor formation and development in the high SHTN1-expressing group. Immune characteristics assessment using ESTIMATE, CIBERSORT, and ssGSEA showed that the high SHTN1-expressing group showed improved immune characteristics.
Conclusion
According to our research, SHTN1 can both be a prognostic factor for BLCA and a therapeutic target.
Intestinal energy harvest is associated with post-bariatric surgery weight loss
Authors: Carroll Ian , Qian Yunzhi , Sorgen Alicia , Steffen Kristine , Heinberg Leslie , Reed Kylie , Malazarte Aliyah , Fodor Anthony
Published: March 2024

Background/Objectives: Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is the most effective treatment for severe obesity; however, a significant subset of patients does not achieve expected weight loss or have substantial weight recurrence over time. The intestinal energy harvest is a potential determinant of varying weight loss outcomes, but with limited exploration. We assess the relationships between diet, intestinal energy harvest, and weight outcomes over 24 months in individuals who have undergone MBS.
Subjects/Methods: Calorie absorption was assessed with bomb calorimetry and dietary questionnaires before and after MBS. Within a total of 67 patients, fecal energy density was measured in 67, 56, 60, 67, 44, 47 samples at 0, 1, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months, respectively. Multivariate regression was developed to identify potential weight loss predictors, and random forest algorithms were employed to forecast weight results based on intestinal energy harvest.
Results: Intestinal energy harvest enhanced the predictability of patient weight loss outcomes with random forest models. A notable difference in relative fecal energy content was observed between patients experiencing optimal and sub-optimal weight loss (p<0.01). Prior to MBS, an increased energy content in feces (indicating less energy absorption) is associated with greater weight loss after the operation. Associations between diet and energy harvest were insignificant.
Conclusion: MBS changes energy harvest capacity post-surgery. A higher relative fecal energy content (lower energy absorption) at one month correlates with better weight loss outcomes at 6M, 12M, 18M and 24M post-MBS. Findings may guide the development of diagnostic tools and treatment guidelines for patients at risk of suboptimal weight loss outcomes.
CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial is registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03065426).
Enhanced Homomorphic Encryption and Dual Blockchain Authentication for Securing Medical Data on the Internet of Things
Authors: velivela gopinath , k venkata rao , sala krishana rao
Published: March 2024

This research presents Enhanced Homomorphic Encryption (DBA-EHE) and Dual Blockchain Authentication as methods for protecting medical data on the Internet of Things (IoT). Two authentication layers make up DBA-EHE: edge-based and blockchain-based. When Internet of Things devices interface with network edges for data processing and storage, the centralized authentication layer is implemented. In order to provide decentralized authentication, safe communication, and information sharing between authenticated IoT devices and edge networks, the blockchain layer is concurrently connected to edge networks. Online medical data platforms are used to validate the proposed technique. The introduction of Enhanced Homomorphic Encryption (EHE) strengthens the security of medical data even more. To choose the best key, EHE makes use of the Homomorphic Encryption (HE) and the Coati Optimization Algorithm (COA). The suggested approach is implemented in MATLAB, and metrics such as energy consumption, end-to-end delay, processing time, encryption time, decryption time, authentication time, and communication overhead are used to assess the method's performance. A comparative study between the suggested methodology and conventional methodologies shows its higher performance.
Evaluation of genotype characteristics and drug resistance mutations in patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: He Changlong , Wu Xiaoli , You Zhonglan , Diao Liping , Yang Ying , Wu Liqun , Zhou Tao , Yang Xiaoying , Xu Zhousong , Zhao Xiaohong , Chen Zhongping , Lin Qing , Huang Huacui , Xu Xin , Zhang Mingjun , Wang Yonghong
Published: March 2024

Background: Hepatitis B is one of the public health priorities worldwide, especially in the Southwest China. Our study aimed to investigate the relationship between genotypes and drug resistance mutations among HBV patients in Southwest China, with the objective of providing guidance for clinical antiviral treatment.
Methods: A total of 4266 chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients treated in the Qianjiang Hospital of Chongqing University were included in our study from 2014 to 2020. Both genotypes and drug-resistant mutations of CHB patients were determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Results: Genotype B and genotype C were the main HBV genotypes in our study. We found 54 mutation patterns, including 9 single-site mutations and 45 multiple-site mutations, accounting for 57.64% and 42.36%, respectively. RT204 (485/1936) was the most common single-site mutation type, and RT180+RT204 (482/1936) was the most common multiple-site mutation type. 1372 CHB patients were resistant to LAM+LDT, and 342 CHB patients were resistant to ADV. There was only 1 CHB patient who exhibited resistance to LAM+LDT+ADV+ETV, with a specific mutation pattern of RT181+RT184+RT204.
Conclusion: Our study demonstrated trends in genetic mutations and drug resistance in CHB patients to enable timely adjustment of antiviral treatment strategies.
The construction and practice of the Internet + Nursing Service model led by nursing specialist outpatient services
Authors: Zhang Lei , Tang Fengrong
Published: March 2024

Background: To construct an "Internet + nursing service" model dominated by nursing specialist outpatient services, and to improve the quality of nursing services by using a combination of online and offline nursing service models.
Methods： The data of this study were mainly derived from the existing literature and field survey data. Through literature analysis, the relevant theories were sorted out, and the related concepts of "Internet + nursing service", "nursing specialist outpatient clinic", and "patient medical experience and satisfaction" were defined. A total of 212 patients in nursing outpatient clinics from March 2022 to December 2023 were selected as the research subjects, and the patient experience questionnaire and patient satisfaction questionnaire were used to conduct on-site investigations.
Results：The patients rated the five dimensions of "Internet + nursing service" medical experience, and the highest score was acquisition (4.71±0.67). The lowest scoring dimension was attractiveness (4.34±0.95); The highest scores of patients' satisfaction with the nursing work of "Internet + Nursing Service" in the nursing clinic were knowledge education (4.76±0.61) and operation technology (4.75±0.56). The lowest score was for service efficiency (4.56±0.70); The overall satisfaction of the respondents with different characteristics of "Internet + nursing service" was high, and the satisfaction of the respondents aged > 45 years was higher than that of other age groups. Female satisfaction is higher than that of males; The satisfaction of patients with junior high school and below was higher than that of other education groups. Patient satisfaction with first-time visits was higher than in the other groups.
Conclusion：The "Internet + Nursing Service" model dominated by nursing specialist outpatient services can meet the personalized and diversified nursing needs of patients, and use Internet information technology to provide patients with online and offline nursing services, improve patients' medical experience and satisfaction, thereby improving the quality of nursing and promoting the development of nursing discipline.
Artificial-Noise-Aided Power-efficient Multicast Directional Modulation Scheme of UAV Communication Networks
Authors: Gao Jianbang , Guo Yuxiao , Qiu Bin
Published: March 2024

With the continuous progress of intelligent unmanned cluster technology, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) have been widely used in military operations, agriculture, uran management, disater relief and other fields. However, due to the broadcast nature of wireless channels, the problem of secure transmission also needs to be urgently addressed. Since UAV are resource-constrained aerial platform, upper-layer encryption techniques can hardly play an equally effective role in UAV communication networks. In this paper, we consider the power-efficient secure beamforming scheme in multicast directional modulation (MCDM) scenario. In MCDM, all legitimate UAVs are divided into groups, and there may exist eavesdroppers (Eves) wiretapping the confidential message. We aim to address the PHY security problem for MCDM by jointly optimizing the beamforming vector and the AN projection matrix. Specifically, the power-efficient MCDM PHY secure scheme with known/unknown locations of Eves is proposed respectively. The beamforming vector per group is designed to obtain a desired standard modulation constellation at the target UAVs while distorting the received signals at other undesired receivers. Then, the power-efficient AN projection matrix optimization (PEANO) method is calculated to enhance the interference to Eves while reducing AN power consumption. Numerical results show that the proposed scheme can achieve a secure and power-efficient wireless transmission of confidential messages in MCDM.
Two are better than one: increased biofilm formation in dual-type compared to single-type communities of Cutibacterium acnes
Authors: Bjerg Cecilie Scavenius Brønnum , Poehlein Anja , Bömeke Mechthild , Himmelbach Axel , Schramm Andreas , Brüggemann Holger
Published: March 2024

Cutibacterium acnes is a known opportunistic pathogen in orthopedic implant-associated infections (OIAIs). The species of C. acnes comprises distinct phylotypes. Previous studies suggested that C. acnes can cause single- as well as multi-typic infections, i.e. infections caused by multiple strains of different phylotypes. However, it is not known if different C. acnes phylotypes are organized in a complex biofilm community, which could constitute a multicellular strategy to increase biofilm strength and persistency. Here, the interactions of two C. acnes strains representing phylotypes IB and II were determined in co-culture experiments. No adverse interactions between the strains were observed in liquid culture or on agar plates; instead, biofilm formation in both microtiter plates and on titanium discs was significantly increased when combining both strains. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) showed that both strains co-occurred throughout the biofilm. Transcriptome analyses revealed strain-specific alterations of gene expression in biofilm-embedded cells compared to planktonic growth, in particular affecting genes involved in carbon and amino acid metabolism. Overall, our results provide first insights into the nature of dual-type biofilms of C. acnes, suggesting that strains of different phylotypes can form biofilms together with additive effects. The findings might influence the perception of C. acnes OIAIs in terms of diagnosis and treatment.
Low-Cost Recruitment Approach: Utilizing Facebook Groups to Recruit COVID-19 Long-Haulers
Authors: Garrett Camryn , Qiao Shan , Tam Cheuk Chi , Li Xiaoming
Published: March 2024

Introduction: The accessibility of social media (e.g., Facebook groups) presents long-haulers with the ability to connect with others with similar experiences and symptomology that are likely outside of their physical social networks. Social media sites may serve as promising platforms for research recruitment, public health campaigns, or interventions. The present study aims to assess, and comprehensively present, the effectiveness of a low-cost approach to recruitment through groups on Facebook within the context of a broader study of COVID-19 long-haulers.
Methods: Facebook groups were searched using a variety of COVID-related terminology and included if they were in English, COVID-19 specific, public, and have or were approaching 1,000 or more members. Group administrators were either contacted for permission to post recruitment materials or posts were made and left pending administrator approval, depending on group settings. Group members were able to follow a link to the online survey platform (i.e., RedCap) where they provided informed consent and completed an online assessment of their COVID-19 experiences and psychosocial wellbeing. Upon survey completion participants were able to opt-in to a raffle-based incentive. The characteristics of the Facebook groups and demographic background of participants were assessed.
Findings: Contacting administrators and posts made between January and March of 2022 within 17 COVID-19 specific groups yielded a sample size of 460 long-haulers. The groups relied upon for recruitment had a mean size of 21,022 (SD=45,645.3), most had three or more administrators (43%), and a majority were state specific (60%). The long-hauler participants enrolled from the posts had an average age of 32 years (SD=6.19), approximately split between men (48.91%) and women (50.22%), a majority white (70%), having earned a bachelor’s or postgraduate degree (63.48%), and reporting an annual income between $50,000 and $100,000 (56.09%).
Discussion: The present study presents strengths and recommendations for survey recruitment through Facebook groups as a low-cost recruitment strategy that is easily targeted to populations with a specific health condition and allows users to complete online psycho-behavioral assessments off-site on a HIPPA compliant survey platform.
Biology, morphology and molecular study of Sassanidotus gracilis (Birula, 1900) (Arachnida: Scorpiones)
Authors: Barahoei Hossein
Published: March 2024

Sassanidotus (Scorpiones: Buthidae) is a small genus of scorpions described by Farzanpay (1987). The size of adult members is about 50 mm and overall color of the body is yellow. This genus has two species. Sassanidotus gracilis (Birula, 1900) has been described morphologically from Zabol, southeast of Iran. Sassanidotus zarudnyi (Birula, 1900) was described based on a holotype from Teheran, North of Iran. Limitations in morphology-based identification systems indicate the need for molecular study to taxon identification. To confirm the validity and redescription of Sassanidotus gracilis, twenty specimens collected from Sistan & Baluchistan province were studied morphologically and molecularly. Sassanidotus gracilis were redescribed. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference phylogenetic trees show that members of Sassanidotus were placed at the top of trees as the sister group of the Mesobuthus. Both genera are very similar morphologically. The genetic difference between different genera confirms Sassanidotus validity. Five pairs of living specimens were studied to investigate the biology of the species. Litter size for S. gracilis was 15–19.
Unravelling the predictors of vaccine defaults in Southern Ghana: Evidence from the Malaria RTSS vaccine implementation trial program in the Cape Coast Metropolis
Authors: Bediako Vincent Bio , Ackah Josephine Akua , Yankey Theophilus Junior , Okyere Joshua , Acheampong Emmanuella , Owusu Bernard Afriyie , Agbemavi Wonder , Nwameme Adanna Uloaku , Kamau Edward Mberu , Asampong Emmanuel
Published: March 2024

Malaria has been a severe global and public health concern for the last couple of decades. Ghana, like many other countries in sub–Saharan Africa, is most affected by the disease, with children facing dire consequences. The recent introduction of the RTS, S malaria vaccine holds great potential in reducing malaria fatalities in children. However, RTS and S implementation have inherent challenges that raise the stakes of vaccine defaults in piloted areas in Ghana. In this study, we examine the predictors of RTS,S vaccine defaults using a cross-sectional research design that covers a sample of 765 caregivers in Southern Ghana. Classification models (Binary logistic regression and Random Forest) were performed to identify critical socio-demographic, health and RTS, S related predictors. The findings show that more than a third (38.43%) of children defaulted at least one dose of the malaria vaccine. Key predictors of defaults included sub-metro of residence, cost of traveling to health facilities, experience of adverse events, knowledge about the vaccine doses, caregiver’s employment status, and religion. Our findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions to reduce defaults, mainly focusing on caregiver education on vaccines, reducing financial barriers to healthcare access, and addressing concerns about adverse events.
Constructing a structural equation model of fertility anxiety, medical coping, and risk perception in cancer survivors
Authors: Wu Xiaoqin , Ou Yan , Peng Yejuan , Xiong Yuying , Tong Mei , Zhou Yanhui , Xun Rende
Published: March 2024

This study aimed to explore the associations between fertility anxiety, medical coping, and risk perception in cancer survivors. We assessed 516 cancer survivors using fertility anxiety, medical coping, and risk perception scales. The score obtained for fertility anxiety was (63.227 ± 12.664); the score for the coping dimension was (21.114 ± 6.478); the score for the avoidance dimension was (16.680 ± 6.800); and the score for the submission dimension was (13.159 ± 4.674). The mean risk perception score was 39.949 ± 11.869. The structural equation model showed that risk perception had a negative role in facing (P < 0.001), and a positive role in avoidance, submission, and fertility concerns (P < 0.001). Avoidance and submission had positive effects on fertility concerns (P < 0.05), while facing had negative effects on fertility concerns (P < 0.05). Medical coping was a mediating variable between risk perception and fertility concerns. Fertility anxiety and risk perception were at a medium level among the cancer survivors assessed, with the participants more inclined to adopt a confrontational coping style. Medical coping can modulate the interaction between risk perception and fertility concerns.
Continuous removal of thorium from aqueous solution using functionalized graphene oxide: study of adsorption kinetics in batch system and fixed bed column
Authors: Zahakifar Fazel , Khanramaki Fereshte
Published: March 2024

In this article, the kinetic studies of thorium adsorption from an aqueous solution with graphene oxide functionalized with aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) as an adsorbent were investigated. Experiments were performed in two batch and continuous modes. The results showed that thorium adsorption follows a pseudo-second-order kinetic model and that the adsorption reaction is endothermic. In continuous conditions, the effect of feed flow rate, initial concentration, and column bed height was investigated. The continuous data was analyzed using Thomas, Yoon-Nelson, and Bohart-Adams models. The experimental data of the column were well matched with the Thomas, Yoon-Nelson model. The research results showed that the use of functionalized graphene oxide adsorbents has a great ability to remove thorium from aqueous solutions.
Engineering the catalyst interface enables high carbon efficiency in both cation-exchange and bipolar membrane electrolyzers
Authors: Voiry Damien , WU Huali , Karamok Bonito Aristide , Wang Wenseng , Liu Jiefeng , Petit Eddy , Li Suming , Salameh Chrystelle
Published: March 2024

The formation of (bi)carbonate in alkaline and neutral membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) electrolyzers poses an unsatisfactorily low upper-bound of CO2 single-pass utilization rate (SPU) and single-pass conversion rate (SPC) in CO2 electrolyzers. Electrolyzing CO2 in acidic MEA has been regarded as an effective strategy to prevent carbonate formation and CO2 loss but poses challenges due to the competitive hydrogen evolution reaction. Here we report the preparation of a hydrogel buffering layer on an Ag-coated gas diffusion electrode (GDE) to prevent the (bi)carbonate formation and break the theoretical limitation of 50% SPU in neutral-media electrolyzers. Through precise control of the porosity within the buffering layer, while maintaining superaerophobicity, we found that the hydrogel enhances the mass transfer of regenerated CO2 at the interface between the buffering layer and the cation-exchange layer. We demonstrate a high energy efficiency of 37% and high SPU of 77% at a total current density of 375 mA cm− 2 when performing acidic electrolysis using an optimal Ag/buffer GDE within a Nafion-based MEA cell.
Synaptic plasticity-based regularizer for artificial neural networks
Authors: Yousef Qais , Li Pu
Published: March 2024

Regularization is an important tool for the generalization of ANN models. Due to the lack of constraints, it cannot guarantee that the model will work in a real environment with continuous changes in the distribution. Inspired by neuroplasticity, this paper proposes a bounded regularization method that can be safely activated during the deployment phase. First, we improve the reliability of the outputs of selected neurons by extending our recently proposed neuronal masking. Subsequently, we regularize the model by introducing a synaptic connection module to determine the connection of the masks to their previous layer based on the coming input data. To find the optimal connection, we define a mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) problem to minimize the loss of prospect uncertainty and solve it using our proposed “single wave” method. Finally, we propose a storage/recovery memory module to memorize these connections along with the corresponding uncertainty level. Experimental results from classification and regression tasks show that the proposed method outperforms the state-of-the-art in the sense of accuracy.