bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of Protein Biomarkers Relevant to Sperm Characteristics and Fertility in Semen in Three Wild Felidae: The Flat-Headed Cat (Prionailurus planiceps), Fishing Cat (Prionailurus viverrinus), and Asiatic Golden Cat (Catopuma temminckii)
Authors: Wittayarat Manita , Kiatsomboon Supalak , Kupthammasan Navapol , Tipkantha Wanlaya , Yimprasert Surasak , Thongphakdee Ampika , Panyaboriban Saritvich
Published: March 2024

Effective wild cat conservation programs with assisted reproductive technologies are being developed in different parts of the world. The flat-headed cat, fishing cat, and Asiatic golden cat are three species among nine wild Felidae in Thailand that are in need of urgent conservation efforts. Here, we assessed routine sperm characteristics and we report the detection of protein biomarkers related to the fertilization process, IZUMO1 and the CRISP family, and apoptotic markers, active or cleaved caspase-3, in semen samples collected from these wild cats. IZUMO1 was located in the equatorial segment of the sperm head, which is the region involved in gamete interaction. The highest levels of IZUMO1 were found in both the sperm pellet and the seminal plasma of the flat-headed cat, as determined by immunoblotting. CRISP2, a sperm–egg fusion assisting protein, and CRISP3 were found in both the sperm pellet and the seminal plasma, and the highest levels were observed in the fishing cat. Positive correlations between certain semen parameters and IZUMO1, CRISP2, and CRISP3 expression were also demonstrated. Cleaved caspase-3 was found in all sperm samples in all three species and was associated with an increase in DNA fragmentation and a decrease in certain semen characteristics such as motility, viability, and intact acrosomes. Our results suggest that the analysis of IZUMO1, the CRISP family, and cleaved caspase-3, along with the routine sperm characteristics, may allow for better success in breeding management in wild Felidae, particularly in the flat-headed cat and the fishing cat.
Diphyllobothrium sp. and Other Parasites of Migrating and Rare Fish Species in the Southern Baltic Sea and Coastal Waters, Poland
Authors: Rząd Izabella , Więcaszek Beata , Linowska Angelika , Korzelecka-Orkisz Agata , Dzika Ewa
Published: March 2024

The present study is the first to analyse the parasite fauna of sole Solea solea, dab Limanda limanda, hake Merluccius merluccius, whiting Merlangius merlangus, and plaice Pleuronectes platessa in the Pomeranian Bay, as well as saithe Pollachius virens from the Szczecin Lagoon (Poland). The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of parasites in migrating and rare fish in the Pomeranian Bay and the Szczecin Lagoon and to determine the composition of the diet of these fish. The fish for analysis were obtained in the years 2010–2019. The typical marine nematode Capillaria (Procapillaria) gracilis, rarely recorded in Poland, was found, in addition to the following parasites: Ichthyophonus hoferi, Trichodina jadranica, Diphyllobothrium sp., Dichelyne (Cucullanellus) minutus, Raphidascaris acus, Anisakis simplex, Contracaecum osculatum, Hysterothylacium aduncum, Pseudoterranova decipiens, and Echinorhynchus gadi. Because the fish species analysed in the study are not typically present in the Baltic (with the exception of plaice), and because we do not know how long they feed while they are in the Baltic, we cannot be certain which parasites they acquired in the water bodies analysed in the study and which were introduced during the migration of fish. Although these fish are outside of their normal geographic range (except for plaice), in the new environment, there were enough suitable intermediate hosts for the parasites of these fish to complete their life cycle and survive.
Morphometric Evaluation of Thoracolumbar Spinal Canal and Cord by Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Normal Small-Breed Dogs
Authors: Choi Gabchol , Yang Myungryul , Yang Seungweon , Park Sungbeen , Heo Suyoung , Kim Namsoo
Published: March 2024

Thoracolumbar intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is the most common cause of spinal injury in dogs. MRI has been considered the gold standard for neurologic diagnosis, but studies focusing on the thoracolumbar spinal canal and spinal cord using MRI in small-breed dogs are limited. Therefore, this study aimed to establish an MRI reference range for the spinal cord and canal measurements (height, width, cord-to-canal ratio of height, width, cross-sectional area (CSA)) of each intervertebral disc level from T11 to L5 (total of seven levels) on transverse T2-weighted images in normal small-breed dogs. We hypothesized that the spinal cord and spinal canal measurements might vary according to the body weight and age. The width and height of the spinal cord and canal increased as the body weight increased at all levels (p < 0.05). The cord-to-canal ratio of the width showed a negative correlation to the body weight at all levels. The cord-to-canal ratio of the height did not show any correlation to the body weight at all levels. All measurements (height, width, cord-to-canal ratio of height, width, CSA) did not show any statistical correlation between the groups subdivided by age. These measurements could serve as a morphometric baseline for thoracolumbar spinal diseases and clinical research in small-breed dogs.
UK Dog Owners’ Pre-Acquisition Information- and Advice-Seeking: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Mead Rebecca , Holland Katrina E. , Casey Rachel A. , Upjohn Melissa M. , Christley Robert M.
Published: March 2024

Dogs are the most common pet animal species in the UK. Little is known about information and advice gathering within the process of dog acquisition, nor what pre-acquisition research encompasses. This study aimed to better understand the preparatory research undertaken by prospective dog owners in the UK. A 2019 online survey collected quantitative and qualitative data about dog acquisition. Analyses within this study focused on a subset of these current (n = 4381) and potential (n = 2350) owners who had undertaken research, or who reported planning to do so, before acquiring a dog. Additional qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews with current (n = 24) and potential (n = 8) dog owners. Among those current owners who had sought information or advice, websites were the most common source of information (76%), followed by family and friends (70%), and online forums (51%). Similar patterns were seen among potential owners. Qualitative data revealed that information was commonly sought on the following: general information about dogs; information about breeds or types of dogs; owner requirements and dog suitability; aspects of dog ownership; and how to source a dog. The majority of prospective owners stated that they had found all the information they wanted (96% of current owners and 90% of potential owners) but some respondents found conflicting advice from different sources and did not know which sources to trust. Our study shows that, for some prospective owners, research into various aspects of dog acquisition and ownership is important. Knowing where to look for correct and unbiased advice, particularly online, is particularly important. Understanding the pre-acquisition research that owners undertake, including the sources they use, information they are interested in finding, and the challenges they face, is of interest to animal welfare and veterinary organisations and those involved in rehoming and selling dogs. This information may help inform interventions aimed at improving the knowledge and decisions made by potential dog owners.
MiR-106a-5p by Targeting MAP3K2 Promotes Repair of Oxidative Stress Damage to the Intestinal Barrier in Prelaying Ducks
Authors: Zhang Li , Luo Xiang , Tang Rui , Wu Yan , Liang Zhenhua , Liu Jingbo , Pi Jinsong , Zhang Hao
Published: March 2024

Under caged stress conditions, severe disruptions in duck intestinal barrier function, which adversely affect economic performance, have been observed. MiRNAs play a crucial role in cellular processes, but the mechanisms underlying their involvement in repairing oxidative stress-induced damage to duck intestinal barriers have not been elucidated. We performed miRNA-seq and protein tandem mass tagging (TMT) sequencing and identified differentially expressed miRNAs and proteins in oxidative stress-treated ducks. Dual-luciferase reporter vector experiments, RT-qPCR, and Western blotting revealed the regulatory role of apla-miR-106a-5p/MAP3K2 in intestinal barrier damage repair. The results showed that oxidative stress led to shortened villi and deepened crypts, impairing intestinal immune function. Significant downregulation of apla-miR-106a-5p was revealed by miRNA-seq, and the inhibition of its expression not only enhanced cell viability but also improved intestinal barrier function. TMT protein sequencing revealed MAP3K2 upregulation in caged-stressed duck intestines, and software analysis confirmed MAP3K2 as the target gene of apla-miR-106a-5p. Dual-fluorescence reporter gene experiments demonstrated direct targeting of MAP3K2 by apla-miR-106a-5p. RT-qPCR showed no effect on MAP3K2 expression, while Western blot analysis indicated that MAP3K2 protein expression was suppressed. In summary, apla-miR-106a-5p targets MAP3K2, regulating gene expression at the transcriptional level and facilitating effective repair of intestinal barrier damage. This discovery provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms of physiological damage in ducks under caged stress, offering valuable guidance for related research.
What Is the Rate of Antimicrobial Resistance of a Prosthetic Joint Infection in a Major Orthopaedic Centre?
Authors: Coskun Belgin , Ayhan Müge , Bozer Merve , Ozaslan Halil Ibrahim , Dogan Metin , Citak Mustafa , Akkaya Mustafa
Published: March 2024

Periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) are important factors in decreasing the success of hip and knee arthroplasties. It is a necessity to explore the epidemiological data and develop applications for rational antibiotic use, to address future infection control concerns. We aimed to investigate the microorganisms that were responsible and the related antibiograms in 121 patients with PJI, who were managed by two-stage revision surgery. Patients’ data records, demographics, comorbidities, sites of arthroplasty, synovial fluid and deep tissue culture results and antibiotic treatment were summarized on a standardized case report form. There were 43 (35.5%) culture-negative PJI cases and 12 (9.9%) polymicrobial growths. The causative pathogens included Gram-positive (50.4%) and Gram-negative microorganisms (23.1%) and fungi (0.8%). Methicillin resistance was 64.3% for S. aureus and 89.5% for coagulase-negative staphylococcus (CoNS). The extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) rate for Enterobacteriaceae was 68.4%. This study shows that antibiotic resistance is encountered in more than half of the cases, which is valid for all microorganisms most common in PJI. The success of treatment decreases significantly in cases where antibiotic-resistant microorganisms are isolated or in cases where the culture is negative.
Brave New World of Artificial Intelligence: Its Use in Antimicrobial Stewardship—A Systematic Review
Authors: Pinto-de-Sá Rafaela , Sousa-Pinto Bernardo , Costa-de-Oliveira Sofia
Published: March 2024

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing public health problem in the One Health dimension. Artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging in healthcare, since it is helpful to deal with large amounts of data and as a prediction tool. This systematic review explores the use of AI in antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) and summarizes the predictive performance of machine learning (ML) algorithms, compared with clinical decisions, in inpatients and outpatients who need antimicrobial prescriptions. This review includes eighteen observational studies from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The exclusion criteria comprised studies conducted only in vitro, not addressing infectious diseases, or not referencing the use of AI models as predictors. Data such as study type, year of publication, number of patients, study objective, ML algorithms used, features, and predictors were extracted from the included publications. All studies concluded that ML algorithms were useful to assist antimicrobial stewardship teams in multiple tasks such as identifying inappropriate prescribing practices, choosing the appropriate antibiotic therapy, or predicting AMR. The most extracted performance metric was AUC, which ranged from 0.64 to 0.992. Despite the risks and ethical concerns that AI raises, it can play a positive and promising role in ASP.
Sulforaphane Inhibits IL-1β-Induced IL-6 by Suppressing ROS Production, AP-1, and STAT3 in Colorectal Cancer HT-29 Cells
Authors: Sah Dhiraj Kumar , Arjunan Archana , Park Seon Young , Lee Bora , Jung Young Do
Published: March 2024

Colorectal cancer (CRC) stands as a major cause of cancer-related mortality globally, accounting for approximately 881,000 deaths each year. Traditional approaches such as chemotherapy and surgery have been the primary treatment modalities, yet the outcomes for patients with metastatic CRC are often unsatisfactory. Recent research has focused on targeting the pathways involved in oxidative stress, inflammation, and metastasis to enhance the survival of CRC patients. Within this context, sulforaphane (SFN), a notable phytochemical found predominantly in cruciferous vegetables, has been recognized as a potential anticancer agent. However, the specific mechanisms through which SFN may exert its chemopreventive effects in CRC remain unclear. This study explores the impact of SFN on IL-1β-induced IL-6 activation and MAPK and AP-1 signaling in HT-29 cells. Our findings reveal that SFN treatment not only diminishes IL-1β-stimulated IL-6 expression but also reduces oxidative stress by curtailing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Furthermore, it hinders the proliferation and invasiveness of HT-29 cells through the modulation of MAPK/AP-1 and STAT3 signaling pathways. These results indicate that SFN mitigates IL-1β-induced IL-6 expression in CRC cells by attenuating ROS production and disrupting MAPK/AP-1 signaling. This suggests that SFN holds significant potential as a chemotherapeutic agent for both treating and preventing CRC.
A Fundamental Study of Reliable Vehicle-to-Cloud Communication Using Multiple Paths with Redundancy Mitigation
Authors: Teng Rui , Sato Kenya
Published: March 2024

The reliability of V2X (vehicle-to-everything) communication is important for safe automated driving. With the advances in wireless communication and multipath transport protocols, a vehicle can employ multiple wireless interfaces and carry out multipath communication. Although there has been extensive research into increasing the Quality of Service (QoS) performance, such as throughput and delay in V2X communication, few studies have addressed explicit ways of improving the reliability of vehicle-to-cloud (V2C) communication through multipath-based redundancy. This paper addresses the issue of improving V2C reliably via multipath-based packet duplication, with particular consideration given to redundancy mitigation. We propose a method that employs dynamic adjustment of multipath redundancy to maintain packet-delivery reliability in V2C communication while enabling redundancy mitigation. The evaluation results show that the proposed method allows the vehicle to maintain the desired reliability in terms of successful packet transmission while reducing redundancy caused by packet duplication in a multipath connection.
GPS-Induced Disparity Correction for Accurate Object Placement in Augmented Reality
Authors: Youm Sungkwan , Jung Nyum , Go Sunghyun
Published: March 2024

The use of augmented reality (AR) continues to increase, particularly in marketing and advertising, where virtual objects are showcased in the AR world, thereby expanding its various applications. In this paper, a method of linking coordinate systems to connect the metaverse with the real world is proposed and a system for correcting and displaying virtual objects in the AR environment is implemented. The proposed method calculates errors to accurately represent virtual objects in AR and presents a method to show these objects without errors. The proposed method was verified through experiments to successfully display virtual objects in AR. To minimize localization errors, semantic segmentation was used to recognize objects and estimate buildings, thereby correcting the device location. An error correction expression is also presented. The proposed system is designed to correct and display virtual objects in AR, with confirmed functionality for location correction.
Computational Fluid Dynamics and Numeric Analysis of Aortic Wall Shear Stress Alterations Induced by Fatty Streaks
Authors: Evren Vedat , Arya Muhammad , Sağcan Abdi , Bora Sebnem
Published: March 2024

Atherosclerosis, a disease of the large arteries, is the primary cause of heart disease and stroke. It often begins with the formation of fatty streaks (FS). The FS consists of subendothelial accumulations of cholesterol-engorged macrophages, called ‘foam cells’. For this to happen, there needs to be a significant change in the permeability of the endothelial layer. Considering the established influence of mechanical stresses on endothelial properties, shear stress can increase the permeability of the endothelial layer. This study employs a hybrid approach, combining computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation with numerical analysis, on a simplified model of the aorta to Investigate Endothelial Shear Stress (ESS) changes in the FS. Our findings reveal that the presence of FS leads to quantitative changes in ESS. Further numerical analysis in MATLAB 9.14 suggests a pattern that metaphorically resembles a dam, potentially trapping ‘foam cells’. In an additional aspect of this study, our findings suggest that an increase in blood flow could potentially counteract the permeability increase, thus acting as a preventative measure against atherosclerosis progression. These results underscore the importance of early intervention strategies to mitigate atherosclerosis progression.
Using Integrated Multi-Omics to Explore the Differences in the Three Developmental Stages of Thelephora ganbajun Zang
Authors: Zhang Zihan , Gai Hongzhen , Sha Tao
Published: March 2024

Thelephora ganbajun Zang, a rare wild macrofungus, has significant culinary and medicinal value. However, it also has a high cost attributed to its inability to achieve artificial cultivation and its strict environmental requirements. To reveal the intricacies of its development, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the proteome and metabolome in three pivotal developmental stages: the mycelium, the primordium, and the fruiting body. In our investigation, genes exhibiting various expression levels across multi-omics analyses were identified as potential candidates implicated in growth, development, or metabolic regulation. The aim of this study was to provide a clearer direction for understanding the fundamental metabolic activities and growth stages of this species. Label-free proteomic sequencing revealed a critical juncture in ectomycorrhiza formation, particularly during the transition from the mycelium to the primordium. Secreted proteins, signaling proteins, membrane proteins, and proteins with unidentified functions were rapidly synthesized, with certain amino acids contributing to the synthesis of proteins involved in signaling pathways or hormone precursor substances. In the metabolomics analysis, the classification of secondary metabolites revealed a noteworthy increase in lipid substances and organic acids, contributing to cell activity. The early mycelial development stage exhibited vigorous cell metabolism, contrasting with a decline in cell division activity during fruiting body formation. In our findings, the integration of metabolomic and transcriptomic data highlighted the potential key role of folate biosynthesis in regulating early ectomycorrhiza development. Notably, the expression of alkaline phosphatase and dihydrofolate synthase genes within this pathway was significantly up-regulated in the mycelium and fruiting body stages but down-regulated in the primordium stage. This regulation primarily influences dihydrofolate reductase activity and B vitamin synthesis.
External Workload Evolution and Comparison across a Pre-Season in Belgian Professional Football Players: A Pilot Study
Authors: Falces-Prieto Moisés , Martínez-Aranda Luis Manuel , Iglesias-García Javier , López-Mariscal Samuel , Raya-González Javier
Published: March 2024

The pre-season plays a crucial role in the preparation of professional football players, as it allows for an extensive focus on training sessions compared to the more congested schedules during the in-season period, especially in professional football leagues. This study aimed to describe the workload during a 6-week pre-season in Belgian professional football players and to analyse and compare the workloads for players in each microcycle according to several variables of external workload (e.g., distance covered at some velocities). Seventeen male Belgian professional football players competing in the second division of the Belgian league system participated in the study. Throughout the 6 weeks, the players were closely monitored during both training sessions and friendly matches using Global Positioning System (GPS) devices. Several parameters, including total distance covered and distance at different velocities, were recorded. Accelerating and decelerating distances, as well as the number of sprints, were also captured. Statistical analysis was based on a repeated measures ANOVA, percentage dynamics, and effect size calculations. The results obtained showed a progressive increase in the distance travelled at different intensities from week 1 (i.e., lower values) to week 3 (i.e., higher values), with reductions in these values in week 6, prior to the start of the official competition. Similarly, the peak of accelerations and decelerations were observed in week 2 and week 3, with decrements at the end of the pre-season period. This comprehensive investigation attempts to shed light on the effects and dynamic changes in external workload during the crucial pre-season, contributing valuable insights for coaches and practitioners in football conditioning and training programs, especially concerning optimal preparation for the beginning of the league’s season.
Optimization Study of Water Interval Charge Structure Based on the Evaluation of Rock Damage Effect in Smooth Blasting
Authors: Wang Sijie , Gong Min , Wu Haojun , Wu Xiaodong , Liu Xiangyu
Published: March 2024

In tunnel smooth blasting, optimizing the water interval charging structure of peripheral holes is of great significance in improving the effect of smooth blasting and reducing the unit consumption of explosives. Addressing the issue of a single traditional evaluation standard, this paper proposes a composite index evaluation method for rock blasting damage in different zones, and the best charging structure is optimized according to the evaluation results. Taking Liyue Road Tunnel Light Smooth Blasting Project in Chongqing as the Research Background, the numeric models were established with ten kinds of charge structures, the charge structures and explosive quantity were optimized according to the evaluation results, and then the field tests were conducted. The results show that when the length of the water medium at the bottom of the hole is 20 cm, the damage range of the retained rock mass can be controlled while ensuring rock fragmentation. If the length of the water medium at the orifice and in the center of the hole is more than 30 cm, it will affect the superposition effect of the blast stress wave, resulting in under-excavation; in the preferred charge structure, the ratio of the length of the upper and lower explosives reaches 1:3, and the ratio of the length of the water medium is 2:2:1, which achieves a better rock-breaking effect in the field test.
Unveiling the Biomechanical Insights: Motor Control Shifts Induced by Shoe Friction Adjustments and Their Impact on Defensive Slide, Crossover Dribbling, and Full Approach Jump in Basketball
Authors: Wang Xiangdong , Cao Kezhun , Bai Yang , Wei Shutao , Hu Zongxiang , Shan Gongbing
Published: March 2024

This study endeavors to explore the intricate interplay between the fundamental skills of basketball—defensive slide, crossover dribbling, and full approach jump—and the shoe outsole friction coefficient, with the overarching goal of advancing our comprehension regarding the pivotal role of footwear in athlete performance. Employing a comprehensive methodology that integrates 3D motion capture, force platform dynamometry, and biomechanical modeling, the study seeks to quantify the inherent motor control intricacies associated with these fundamental skills. Data collection involved 12 varsity players, and the research systematically assesses the influence of the shoe friction coefficient on both skill quality and injury risk, utilizing a set of 13 parameters for evaluation. The findings unveil that, with an increased friction coefficient, the following changes occur: for the defensive slide, we observed decreased contact time (p < 0.05), boosted medio–lateral impulse (p < 0.05), and lowered ankle torque (p < 0.01); for crossover dribbling, we observed increased anterior–posterior impulse (p < 0.05) and ankle torque (p < 0.05); for the full approach jump, we observed decreased contact time (p < 0.05) and increased jump height (p < 0.05). Generally, the equal increment in the shoe outsole friction coefficient did not result in equal changes in the selected parameters of motor skill control, indicating a non-linear relationship between the performance quality of essential basketball skills and the shoe friction coefficient. The results suggest the potential existence of an optimal value for skill execution. Notably, the study identifies that, while an augmentation in the friction coefficient enhances specific skill aspects, there is a discernible saturation point, signifying diminishing returns. This investigation makes a substantial contribution to our understanding of the precise impacts of shoe friction coefficients on basketball skills, thereby prompting considerations for the judicious selection of optimal friction coefficients and advocating for possible personalized footwear recommendations based on individual biomechanical profiles.
Terahertz Time-Domain Spectroscopy of Blood Serum for Differentiation of Glioblastoma and Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Vrazhnov Denis A. , Ovchinnikova Daria A. , Kabanova Tatiana V. , Paulish Andrey G. , Kistenev Yury V. , Nikolaev Nazar A. , Cherkasova Olga P.
Published: March 2024

The possibility of the differentiation of glioblastoma from traumatic brain injury through blood serum analysis by terahertz time-domain spectroscopy and machine learning was studied using a small animal model. Samples of a culture medium and a U87 human glioblastoma cell suspension in the culture medium were injected into the subcortical brain structures of groups of mice referred to as the culture medium injection groups and glioblastoma groups, accordingly. Blood serum samples were collected in the first, second, and third weeks after the injection, and their terahertz transmission spectra were measured. The injection caused acute inflammation in the brain during the first week, so the culture medium injection group in the first week of the experiment corresponded to a traumatic brain injury state. In the third week of the experiment, acute inflammation practically disappeared in the culture medium injection groups. At the same time, the glioblastoma group subjected to a U87 human glioblastoma cell injection had the largest tumor size. The THz spectra were analyzed using two dimensionality reduction algorithms (principal component analysis and t-distributed Stochastic Neighbor Embedding) and three classification algorithms (Support Vector Machine, Random Forest, and Extreme Gradient Boosting Machine). Constructed prediction data models were verified using 10-fold cross-validation, the receiver operational characteristic curve, and a corresponding area under the curve analysis. The proposed machine learning pipeline allowed for distinguishing the traumatic brain injury group from the glioblastoma group with 95% sensitivity, 100% specificity, and 97% accuracy with the Extreme Gradient Boosting Machine. The most informative features for these groups’ differentiation were 0.37, 0.40, 0.55, 0.60, 0.70, and 0.90 THz. Thus, an analysis of mouse blood serum using terahertz time-domain spectroscopy and machine learning makes it possible to differentiate glioblastoma from traumatic brain injury.
Towards Transdisciplinary Heritage Assessment: An Analysis of the Use of Landscape Study Methods as a Holistic Toolbox for Cultural Site Characterisation in the Spanish Context
Authors: López-Bravo Celia
Published: March 2024

This research work arises from the need to design specific techniques for the characterisation of cultural sites. Assuming the increasing complexity of the protection typologies, the expansion of working scales gives thanks to technology and the pursuit of social sustainability objectives. Thus, its main objective is to search for innovative tools that other disciplines can contribute to the work of architects specialising in heritage studies. To this end, the research explores the main methodologies, maps, guides, and registers of landscape and historic landscape characterisation developed in Europe, particularly in Spain, over the last 40 years. Considering this intense and profound evolution of landscape analysis, useful strategies for the assessment of cultural sites from their conception in the 21st century arise. Nevertheless, landscape characterisation methods have been mainly developed and applied by geographers and are absent in many urban and territorial heritage studies. In response, this article proposes a new methodological approach focusing on contextual values to be used in the assessment of architectural heritage at the territorial scale.
Replacing Settler Spaces: The Transformational Power of Indigenous Public Art
Authors: Smetzer Megan A.
Published: March 2024

Similar to 19th-century steamship travel, 21st-century cruise ships link far-flung communities for visitors to the Pacific Northwest Coast. Contemporary Indigenous artists, like their ancestors before them, have transformed touristic curiosity into economic, educational and cultural opportunities for their communities. Public art has become an increasingly important site for engaging visitors who have only a few hours to spend on shore. This paper compares two public art projects—Juneau, Alaska’s Kootéeyaa Deiyí (Totem Pole Trail) and Vancouver, British Columbia’s Blanketing the City—to explore the multivalent ways in which public art expresses Indigenous sovereignty.
The Role of ChatGPT in Elevating Customer Experience and Efficiency in Automotive After-Sales Business Processes
Authors: Sliż Piotr
Published: March 2024

Purpose: The advancements in deep learning and AI technologies have led to the development of such language models, in 2022, as OpenAI’s ChatGPT. The primary objective of this paper is to thoroughly examine the capabilities of ChatGPT within the realm of business-process management (BPM). This exploration entails analyzing its practical application, particularly through process-mining techniques, within the context of automotive after-sales processes. Originality: this article highlights the issue of possible ChatGPT application in selected stages of after-sales processes in the automotive sector. Methods: to achieve the main aim of this paper, methods such as a literature review, participant observation, unstructured interviews, CRISP-DM methodology, and process mining were used. Findings: This study emphasizes the promising impact of implementing the ChatGPT OpenAI tool to enhance processes in the automotive after-sales sector. Conducted in 2023, shortly after the tool’s introduction, the research highlights its potential to contribute to heightened customer satisfaction within the after-sales domain. The investigation focuses on the process-execution time. A key premise is that waiting time represents an additional cost for customers seeking these services. Employing process-mining methodologies, the study identifies stages characterized by unnecessary delays. Collaborative efforts with domain experts are employed to establish benchmark durations for researched processes’ stages. The study proposes the integration of ChatGPT to improve and expedite stages, including service reception, reception check-out, repair and maintenance, and claim repair. This holistic approach aligns with the current imperatives of business-process improvement and optimalization, aiming to enhance operational efficiency and customer-centric service delivery in the automotive after-sales sector.
New Developments in Geometric Function Theory II
Authors: Oros Georgia Irina
Published: March 2024

This Special Issue is a sequel to the successful first volume entitled “New Developments in Geometric Function Theory” [...]
Neuroarchitecture: How the Perception of Our Surroundings Impacts the Brain
Authors: Abbas Sarah , Okdeh Nathalie , Roufayel Rabih , Kovacic Hervé , Sabatier Jean-Marc , Fajloun Ziad , Abi Khattar Ziad
Published: March 2024

The study of neuroarchitecture is concerned with the significant effects of architecture on human behavior, emotions and thought processes. This review explores the intricate relationship between the brain and perceived environments, focusing on the roles of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and parahippocampal place area (PPA) in processing architectural stimuli. It highlights the importance of mirror neurons in generating empathetic responses to our surroundings and discusses how architectural elements like lighting, color, and space layout significantly impact emotional and cognitive experiences. The review also presents insights into the concept of cognitive maps and spatial navigation, emphasizing the role of architecture in facilitating wayfinding and orientation. Additionally, it addresses how neuroarchitecture can be applied to enhance learning and healing environments, drawing upon principles from the Reggio Emilia approach and considerations for designing spaces for the elderly and those with cognitive impairments. Overall, this review offers a neuroscientific basis for understanding how human cognition, emotions, spatial navigation, and well-being are influenced by architectural design.
Engineering a Microphysiological Model for Regenerative Endodontic Studies
Authors: Sanz-Serrano Diana , Mercade Montse , Ventura Francesc , Sánchez-de-Diego Cristina
Published: March 2024

Dental pulp infections are common buccal diseases. When this happens, endodontic treatments are needed to disinfect and prepare the root canal for subsequent procedures. However, the lack of suitable in vitro models representing the anatomy of an immature root canal hinders research on regenerative events crucial in endodontics, such as regenerative procedures. This study aimed to develop a 3D microphysiological system (MPS) to mimic an immature root canal and assess the cytotoxicity of various irrigating solutions on stem cells. Utilizing the Dental Stem Cells SV40 (DSCS) cell line derived from human apical papilla stem cells, we analyzed the effects of different irrigants, including etidronic acid. The results indicated that irrigating solutions diminished cell viability in 2D cultures and influenced cell adhesion within the microphysiological device. Notably, in our 3D studies in the MPS, 17% EDTA and 9% 1-hydroxyethylidene-1, 1-bisphosphonate (HEBP) irrigating solutions demonstrated superior outcomes in terms of DSCS viability and adherence compared to the control. This study highlights the utility of the developed MPS for translational studies in root canal treatments and suggests comparable efficacy between 9% HEBP and 17% EDTA irrigating solutions, offering potential alternatives for clinical applications.
The RAGE Axis: A Relevant Inflammatory Hub in Human Diseases
Authors: Rojas Armando , Lindner Cristian , Schneider Ivan , Gonzalez Ileana , Uribarri Jaime
Published: March 2024

In 1992, a transcendental report suggested that the receptor of advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) functions as a cell surface receptor for a wide and diverse group of compounds, commonly referred to as advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), resulting from the non-enzymatic glycation of lipids and proteins in response to hyperglycemia. The interaction of these compounds with RAGE represents an essential element in triggering the cellular response to proteins or lipids that become glycated. Although initially demonstrated for diabetes complications, a growing body of evidence clearly supports RAGE’s role in human diseases. Moreover, the recognizing capacities of this receptor have been extended to a plethora of structurally diverse ligands. As a result, it has been acknowledged as a pattern recognition receptor (PRR) and functionally categorized as the RAGE axis. The ligation to RAGE leads the initiation of a complex signaling cascade and thus triggering crucial cellular events in the pathophysiology of many human diseases. In the present review, we intend to summarize basic features of the RAGE axis biology as well as its contribution to some relevant human diseases such as metabolic diseases, neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, autoimmune, and chronic airways diseases, and cancer as a result of exposure to AGEs, as well as many other ligands.
Integrated Proteomics and Metabolomics of Safflower Petal Wilting and Seed Development
Authors: Vincent Delphine , Reddy Priyanka , Isenegger Daniel
Published: March 2024

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is an ancient oilseed crop of interest due to its diversity of end-use industrial and food products. Proteomic and metabolomic profiling of its organs during seed development, which can provide further insights on seed quality attributes to assist in variety and product development, has not yet been undertaken. In this study, an integrated proteome and metabolic analysis have shown a high complexity of lipophilic proteins and metabolites differentially expressed across organs and tissues during seed development and petal wilting. We demonstrated that these approaches successfully discriminated safflower reproductive organs and developmental stages with the identification of 2179 unique compounds and 3043 peptides matching 724 unique proteins. A comparison between cotyledon and husk tissues revealed the complementarity of using both technologies, with husks mostly featuring metabolites (99%), while cotyledons predominantly yielded peptides (90%). This provided a more complete picture of mechanisms discriminating the seed envelope from what it protected. Furthermore, we showed distinct molecular signatures of petal wilting and colour transition, seed growth, and maturation. We revealed the molecular makeup shift occurring during petal colour transition and wilting, as well as the importance of benzenoids, phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, and pigments. Finally, our study emphasizes that the biochemical mechanisms implicated in the growing and maturing of safflower seeds are complex and far-reaching, as evidenced by AraCyc, PaintOmics, and MetaboAnalyst mapping capabilities. This study provides a new resource for functional knowledge of safflower seed and potentially further enables the precision development of novel products and safflower varieties with biotechnology and molecular farming applications.
Restoring Mitochondrial Function and Muscle Satellite Cell Signaling: Remedies against Age-Related Sarcopenia
Authors: Marzetti Emanuele , Lozanoska-Ochser Biliana , Calvani Riccardo , Landi Francesco , Coelho-Júnior Hélio José , Picca Anna
Published: March 2024

Sarcopenia has a complex pathophysiology that encompasses metabolic dysregulation and muscle ultrastructural changes. Among the drivers of intracellular and ultrastructural changes of muscle fibers in sarcopenia, mitochondria and their quality control pathways play relevant roles. Mononucleated muscle stem cells/satellite cells (MSCs) have been attributed a critical role in muscle repair after an injury. The involvement of mitochondria in supporting MSC-directed muscle repair is unclear. There is evidence that a reduction in mitochondrial biogenesis blunts muscle repair, thus indicating that the delivery of functional mitochondria to injured muscles can be harnessed to limit muscle fibrosis and enhance restoration of muscle function. Injection of autologous respiration-competent mitochondria from uninjured sites to damaged tissue has been shown to reduce infarct size and enhance cell survival in preclinical models of ischemia–reperfusion. Furthermore, the incorporation of donor mitochondria into MSCs enhances lung and cardiac tissue repair. This strategy has also been tested for regeneration purposes in traumatic muscle injuries. Indeed, the systemic delivery of mitochondria promotes muscle regeneration and restores muscle mass and function while reducing fibrosis during recovery after an injury. In this review, we discuss the contribution of altered MSC function to sarcopenia and illustrate the prospect of harnessing mitochondrial delivery and restoration of MSCs as a therapeutic strategy against age-related sarcopenia.
Pulse Feature-Enhanced Classification of Microalgae and Cyanobacteria Using Polarized Light Scattering and Fluorescence Signals
Authors: Bi Ran , Yang Jianxiong , Huang Chengqi , Zhang Xiaoyu , Liao Ran , Ma Hui
Published: March 2024

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) pose a global threat to the biodiversity and stability of local aquatic ecosystems. Rapid and accurate classification of microalgae and cyanobacteria in water is increasingly desired for monitoring complex water environments. In this paper, we propose a pulse feature-enhanced classification (PFEC) method as a potential solution. Equipped with a rapid measurement prototype that simultaneously detects polarized light scattering and fluorescence signals of individual particles, PFEC allows for the extraction of 38 pulse features to improve the classification accuracy of microalgae, cyanobacteria, and other suspended particulate matter (SPM) to 89.03%. Compared with microscopic observation, PFEC reveals three phyla proportions in aquaculture samples with an average error of less than 14%. In this paper, PFEC is found to be more accurate than the pulse-average classification method, which is interpreted as pulse features carrying more detailed information about particles. The high consistency of the dominant and common species between PFEC and microscopy in all field samples also demonstrates the flexibility and robustness of the former. Moreover, the high Pearson correlation coefficient accounting for 0.958 between the cyanobacterial proportion obtained by PFEC and the cyanobacterial density given by microscopy implies that PFEC serves as a promising early warning tool for cyanobacterial blooms. The results of this work suggest that PFEC holds great potential for the rapid and accurate classification of microalgae and cyanobacteria in aquatic environment monitoring.
Hierarchical Principal Components for Data-Driven Multiresolution fMRI Analyses
Authors: Wylie Korey P. , Vu Thao , Legget Kristina T. , Tregellas Jason R.
Published: March 2024

Understanding the organization of neural processing is a fundamental goal of neuroscience. Recent work suggests that these systems are organized as a multiscale hierarchy, with increasingly specialized subsystems nested inside general processing systems. Current neuroimaging methods, such as independent component analysis (ICA), cannot fully capture this hierarchy since they are limited to a single spatial scale. In this manuscript, we introduce multiresolution hierarchical principal components analysis (hPCA) and compare it to ICA using simulated fMRI datasets. Furthermore, we describe a parametric statistical filtering method developed to focus analyses on biologically relevant features. Lastly, we apply hPCA to the Human Connectome Project (HCP) to demonstrate its ability to estimate a hierarchy from real fMRI data. hPCA accurately estimated spatial maps and time series from networks with diverse hierarchical structures. Simulated hierarchies varied in the degree of branching, such as two-way or three-way subdivisions, and the total number of levels, with varying equal or unequal subdivision sizes at each branch. In each case, as well as in the HCP, hPCA was able to reconstruct a known hierarchy of networks. Our results suggest that hPCA can facilitate more detailed and comprehensive analyses of the brain’s network of networks and the multiscale regional specializations underlying neural processing and cognition.
Natural Compounds Oridonin and Shikonin Exhibit Potentially Beneficial Regulatory Effects on Select Functions of Microglia
Authors: Greuel Bridget K. , Da Silva Dylan E. , Robert-Gostlin Victoria N. , Klegeris Andis
Published: March 2024

Accumulating evidence indicates that the adverse neuroimmune activation of microglia, brain immunocytes that support neurons, contributes to a range of neuroinflammatory disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease. Correcting the abnormal functions of microglia is a potential therapeutic strategy for these diseases. Nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor (NLRP) 3 inflammasomes are implicated in adverse microglial activation and their inhibitors, such as the natural compounds oridonin and shikonin, reduce microglial immune responses. We hypothesized that some of the beneficial effects of oridonin and shikonin on microglia are independent of their suppression of NLRP3 inflammasomes. Murine and human microglia-like cells were stimulated with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) only, which did not induce NLRP3 inflammasome activation or the resulting secretion of interleukin (IL)-1β, allowing for the identification of other anti-inflammatory effects. Under these experimental conditions, both oridonin and shikonin reduced nitric oxide (NO) secretion and the cytotoxicity of BV-2 murine microglia towards HT-22 murine neuronal cells, but upregulated BV-2 cell phagocytic activity. Only oridonin inhibited the secretion of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) by stimulated BV-2 microglia, while only shikonin suppressed the respiratory burst response of human HL-60 microglia-like cells. This observed discrepancy indicates that these natural compounds may have different molecular targets in microglia. Overall, our results suggest that oridonin and shikonin should be further investigated as pharmacological agents capable of correcting dysfunctional microglia, supporting their potential use in neuroinflammatory disorders.
Preschool Teachers’ Emotional Competence and Teacher Self-Efficacy towards Preschool Performance in Zhejiang Province of China
Authors: Ye Xiaolu , Ahmad Nor Aniza , Burhanuddin Nur Aimi Nasuha , Na Meng , Li Danwei
Published: March 2024

This study investigates the interplay between emotional competence, self-efficacy, and teaching experience in determining preschool teachers’ performance. Drawing on Bandura’s Theory of Self-Efficacy, Goleman’s Emotional Intelligence Theory, and Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory, the research employs a quantitative approach, analyzing responses from preschool teachers in Zhejiang province, China. Key findings reveal that emotional competence significantly predicts teachers’ performance and self-efficacy, with self-efficacy further mediating this relationship. Interestingly, while teaching experience moderates the impact of emotional competence on self-efficacy, it does not significantly influence the relationship between self-efficacy and teaching performance. The study underscores the critical role of emotional competence in teaching efficacy and highlights the complexity of how teaching experience interacts with these dynamics. These insights are crucial for developing targeted interventions in teacher training programs, emphasizing emotional skills and self-belief as key drivers of effective teaching in early-childhood education.