bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Willingness of people living with HIV to receive a second COVID-19 booster dose: a multicenter cross-sectional study in China
Authors: Lan Xinquan , Su Bin , Liang Shijie , Yu Maohe , Qiao Ying , Wang Li , Song Moxin , Wang Yuxiao , Xu Junjie
Published: August 2023

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly affected the global population, with People Living with HIV (PLWH) being particularly vulnerable due to their compromised immune systems. Although vaccination is a crucial preventative measure against the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus, little is understood about the willingness of PLWH to receive a second COVID-19 booster dose and the factors that may influence this decision. This study investigates the willingness of PLWH in China to receive a second COVID-19 booster dose and its influencing factors, comparing these with a group of healthy individuals.

Methods

A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted across five Chinese cities, namely, Beijing, Tianjin, Zhengzhou, Hohhot, and Harbin. Participants were recruited through five community-based organizations. Data were collected via participant self-administered questionnaires included demographic information, willingness to receive a second COVID-19 booster dose, and knowledge about HIV and COVID-19 vaccination. Factors influencing vaccination willingness were identified using multivariable logistic regression analyzes.

Results

A total of 156 PLWH and 151 healthy individuals were included in the study. After adjusting for potential confounders, it was found that PLWH demonstrated a lower willingness to receive a second COVID-19 booster dose compared to healthy individuals (77.6% vs. 88.7%, p = 0.009). Lower willingness was associated with HIV positive status (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR]: 0.39, 95%CI: 0.20, 0.75), perceived barriers (AOR: 0.05, 95%CI: 0.01, 0.26), and perceived severity (AOR: 0.32, 95%CI: 0.12, 0.90).

Conclusion

PLWH in China demonstrated a lower willingness to receive a second COVID-19 booster dose compared to healthy individuals. The findings suggest that perceptions and understanding of the COVID-19 vaccination and its necessity for protection against SARS-CoV-2 could influence this willingness. Efforts should be made to strengthen and disseminate knowledge about HIV and COVID-19 vaccinations among this population. In addition, developing interventions and policies that target specific subgroups and address misconceptions about vaccination could be instrumental in improving vaccination rates among PLWH.
Determinants of post-stroke cognitive impairment and dementia: association with objective measures and patient-reported outcomes
Authors: Oliveira Lara C. , Bonkhoff Anna K. , Ponciano Ana , Tuozzo Carissa , Viswanathan Anand , Rost Natalia S. , Etherton Mark R.
Published: August 2023

Background

Post-stroke cognitive impairment and dementia (PSCID) is a sequel of ischemic stroke (IS), highly prevalent and linked to poor long-term outcomes. Thus, early recognition of the clinical determinants of PSCID is urgent for identifying high-risk individuals who are susceptible to PSCID. And investigating objective measures of PSCID in relation to patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) is essential for understanding the impact of IS. Here we identify the clinical determinants associated with PSCID and the relationship of PSCID to patient-reported outcomes in a population with IS.

Methods

This was a cohort study. We enrolled 138 patients who were admitted to our hospital between February 2017 and February 2020, with IS and no pre-stroke diagnosis of dementia. Clinical variables were acquired on admission. At 3 months, patients underwent a follow-up evaluation including the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS), modified Rankin scale (mRS), Barthel Index (BI), and PROMs, using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement information System Global Health (PROMIS GH). MCI/Dementia was defined as a TICS score of <36. Regression analyses were used to identify clinical, functional, and patient-reported outcome determinants of the 3-month TICS score. Analyses were adjusted for age, stroke severity, and prior IS.

Results

At follow-up, 113 participants (82%) were found to have MCI/Dementia. Patients with PSCID were more likely to be older, and at 3-months post-stroke they had lower rates of PROMIS GH T Mental (mean 47.69 vs. 52.13) and T Physical (mean 46.75 vs. 50.64). In multivariable linear regression analyses, increasing age (β = −0.07, p = 0.03) and Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD; β = −3.60, p = 0.03) were independently associated with a lower TICS score. Functional and patient-reported outcomes were also associated with worse TICS, including mRS ≥ 2, BI, T Mental, Global Mental, T Physical, and Global Physical in adjusted analyses. Individual components of PROMs were also associated with TICS, including quality of life, mental health, social satisfaction, and physical activities.

Conclusions

In patients with IS, increased age and a pre-admission diagnosis of PAD are independently associated with worse objective measures of PSCID. Worse functional and patient-reported outcomes are also strongly linked to PSCID.
Evaluation of the mechanical properties and clinical application of nickel–titanium shape memory alloy anal fistula clip
Authors: Deng Heng , Li Ming , Fang Xiaoli , Zhang Jun , Wang Jianmin , Tang Kun , Tang Ran , Jia Ru , Han Ying , Shi Yang , Dong Yu'ang
Published: August 2023

Objective

The study investigates the mechanical properties of a nickel–titanium shape memory alloy anal fistula clip (NiTi-AFC), studies the surgical method of treating anal fistula, and evaluates its clinical efficacy.

Methods

The anal fistula clip was formed in nickel–titanium alloy with a titanium content of 50.0%–51.8%. The mechanical properties and chemical properties were tested. A total of 31 patients with anal fistula were enrolled between 1 January 2020 and 1 January 2023. All patients underwent internal orifice closure surgery using NiTi-AFC, and anorectal magnetic resonance or ultrasound was performed before surgery and 6 months after surgery for diagnosis and evaluation. Fistula cure rates, length of stay, perianal pain, and Wexner incontinence scores were retrospectively compared between patients treated with NiTi-AFC and patients treated with other surgical methods.

Result

NiTi-AFC has a density of 6.44–6.50 g·cm−3, with a shape-restoring force of 63.8 N. The corrosion rate of NiTi-AFC in 0.05% hydrochloric acid solution at atmospheric pressure and 20°C is approximately 6.8 × 10−5 g·(m·h)−1. A total of 31 patients (male/female: 19/12, age: 43.7 ± 17.8 years) were included. Among them, 22.6% (7) had multiple anal fistula, 16.1% (5) had high anal fistula, and 48.3% (15) had perianal fistula Crohn's disease. In total, 12.9% (4/31) did not achieve primary healing, underwent fistula resection, and eventually recovered. A retrospective analysis showed that the fistula healing rate, length of stay, and anal pain of NiTi-AFC treatment were similar to those of other traditional surgeries, but the Wexner incontinence score was significantly lower.

Conclusion

NiTi-AFC has shape memory properties, corrosion resistance, superelastic effect, and surface cell adhesion. It is applied to internal orifice closure surgery of anal fistula, with good therapeutic effect, and can protect the anal function.
Detecting Image Forgery over Social Media Using U-NET with Grasshopper Optimization
Authors: Ghannad Niousha , Passi Kalpdrum
Published: August 2023

Currently, video and digital images possess extensive utility, ranging from recreational and social media purposes to verification, military operations, legal proceedings, and penalization. The enhancement mechanisms of this medium have undergone significant advancements, rendering them more accessible and widely available to a larger population. Consequently, this has facilitated the ease with which counterfeiters can manipulate images. Convolutional neural network (CNN)-based feature extraction and detection techniques were used to carry out this task, which aims to identify the variations in image features between modified and non-manipulated areas. However, the effectiveness of the existing detection methods could be more efficient. The contributions of this paper include the introduction of a segmentation method to identify the forgery region in images with the U-Net model’s improved structure. The suggested model connects the encoder and decoder pipeline by improving the convolution module and increasing the set of weights in the U-Net contraction and expansion path. In addition, the parameters of the U-Net network are optimized by using the grasshopper optimization algorithm (GOA). Experiments were carried out on the publicly accessible image tempering detection evaluation dataset from the Chinese Academy of Sciences Institute of Automation (CASIA) to assess the efficacy of the suggested strategy. The results show that the U-Net modifications significantly improve the overall segmentation results compared to other models. The effectiveness of this method was evaluated on CASIA, and the quantitative results obtained based on accuracy, precision, recall, and the F1 score demonstrate the superiority of the U-Net modifications over other models.
A Comprehensive Analysis of Real-Time Car Safety Belt Detection Using the YOLOv7 Algorithm
Authors: Nkuzo Lwando , Sibiya Malusi , Markus Elisha Didam
Published: August 2023

Using a safety belt is crucial for preventing severe injuries and fatalities during vehicle accidents. In this paper, we propose a real-time vehicle occupant safety belt detection system based on the YOLOv7 (You Only Look Once version seven) object detection algorithm. The proposed approach aims to automatically detect whether the occupants of a vehicle have buckled their safety belts or not as soon as they are detected within the vehicle. A dataset for this purpose was collected and annotated for validation and testing. By leveraging the efficiency and accuracy of YOLOv7, we achieve near-instantaneous analysis of video streams, making our system suitable for deployment in various surveillance and automotive safety applications. This paper outlines a comprehensive methodology for training the YOLOv7 model using the labelImg tool to annotate the dataset with images showing vehicle occupants. It also discusses the challenges of detecting seat belts and evaluates the system’s performance on a real-world dataset. The evaluation focuses on distinguishing the status of a safety belt between two classes: “buckled” and “unbuckled”. The results demonstrate a high level of accuracy, with a mean average precision (mAP) of 99.6% and an F1 score of 98%, indicating the system’s effectiveness in identifying the safety belt status.
The Effect of Eco-Scheme Support on Romanian Farms—A Gini Index Decomposition by Income Source at Farm Level
Authors: Toma Elena , Stoicea Paula , Dobre Carina , Iorga Adina
Published: August 2023

The Common Agricultural Policy 2021–2027 includes stronger environmental and climate targets to contribute to Green Deal objectives. By using direct payment funds for sustainable agricultural practices, the CAP aims to strengthen incomes, reduce climate impact, protect biodiversity, etc. However, there are many conditions farmers must meet to access funds under eco-schemes, and there are many concerns about their impact on income and profitability. It is, therefore, important to understand the impact of subsidies on Romanian farms. This study analyses income inequality on three Romanian farms (with a cultivated area between 2400 and 2600 ha, 550 and 610 ha, and 40 and 66 ha during the 2019–2021 period), focusing on the impact of different income sources (production and subsidies). The study is based on data collected during the 2019–2021 period and uses Gini coefficients and concentration indicators. The results show the following: the inequality-reducing effect of subsidies depends on crop rotation and changes in income from agricultural production; the influence of subsidies on inequality at the farm level is very low; the dependence on direct payments can be overcome by good crop selection and management; farmers cannot survive without subsidies, especially in years with difficult conditions; the impact of subsidies was higher for the lowest-profit variants. These findings are important because eco-schemes are voluntary, and stakeholders are not expected to spend the money allocated to eco-schemes.
Lightweight One-Stage Maize Leaf Disease Detection Model with Knowledge Distillation
Authors: Hu Yanxin , Liu Gang , Chen Zhiyu , Liu Jiaqi , Guo Jianwei
Published: August 2023

Maize is one of the world’s most important crops, and maize leaf diseases can have a direct impact on maize yields. Although deep learning-based detection methods have been applied to maize leaf disease detection, it is difficult to guarantee detection accuracy when using a lightweight detection model. Considering the above problems, we propose a lightweight detection algorithm based on improved YOLOv5s. First, the Faster-C3 module is proposed to replace the original CSP module in YOLOv5s, to significantly reduce the number of parameters in the feature extraction process. Second, CoordConv and improved CARAFE are introduced into the neck network, to improve the refinement of location information during feature fusion and to refine richer semantic information in the downsampling process. Finally, the channel-wise knowledge distillation method is used in model training to improve the detection accuracy without increasing the number of model parameters. In a maize leaf disease detection dataset (containing five leaf diseases and a total of 12,957 images), our proposed algorithm had 15.5% less parameters than YOLOv5s, while the mAP(0.5) and mAP(0.5:0.95) were 3.8% and 1.5% higher, respectively. The experiments demonstrated the effectiveness of the method proposed in this study and provided theoretical and technical support for the automated detection of maize leaf diseases.
Estimating the Physicochemical and Antioxidant Properties of Hardy Kiwi (Actinidia arguta) Treated with 1-Methylcyclopropene during Storage
Authors: Krupa Tomasz , Kistechok Andrii , Tomala Kazimierz
Published: August 2023

In fruit storage, new methods are being sought to extend the distribution period while maintaining the highest quality parameters of the fruit, i.e., the physical and chemical characteristics of the fruit, but also the health-promoting properties. One method is to treat the fruit with 1-MCP, which effectively inhibits fruit ripening, since the main reasons for limiting the distribution of minikiwi fruit are rapid ripening and the loss of firmness. It is also highlighted that minikiwi is a source of antioxidants, which, as highly reactive compounds, are quickly degraded during storage. This study evaluates the effectiveness of using 1-MCP to reduce minikiwi softening and maintain the high antioxidant properties of the fruit. In the experiment, minikiwi fruits of the ‘Ananasnaya’ cultivar were used. After harvesting, the fruits were treated with 1-methylcyclopropene at a concentration of 0.65 µL/L. Fruits treated in this way were stored in ordinary cold storage (NA) and under low oxygen concentration (ULO) conditions for a period of 12 weeks. The fruits’ physicochemical properties, sugar and acid contents and antioxidant potential, which consisted of ascorbic acid, polyphenols, phenolic acids, flavonols and flavan-3-ols, were evaluated. The application of 1-MCP is effective in reducing the loss of firmness in the minikiwi during storage, but the blocking of minikiwi ripening by 1-MCP makes the fruit less sweet and more acidic. Fruits treated with 1-MCP had higher antioxidant activity and a higher content of biologically active compounds. The effect of 1-MCP is stronger for flavan-3-ols, but slightly weaker for phenolic acids. Fruits treated with 1-MCP have a higher antioxidant potential than untreated fruit after a long period of storage.
A Survey of Knowledge, Approaches, and Practices Surrounding Parasitic Infections and Antiparasitic Drug Usage by Veterinarians in Türkiye
Authors: Erez Mahmut Sinan , Doğan İlkay , Kozan Esma , Göksu Ahmet
Published: August 2023

Despite a global background of increasing anthelmintic resistance in parasites, little is known about the current parasite control strategies adopted within the livestock industry in Türkiye. The aim of this survey is to identify the parasitic diseases encountered by veterinarians, the methods and drugs used for the diagnosis and treatment of these diseases, parasite control practices, and other related factors. This survey was conducted online between October 2018 and March 2019 with the participation of 607 veterinarians working in different areas from seven different geographical regions of Türkiye. A total of 29 questions were posed to the veterinarians in the online survey. As a result of this survey, it was determined that veterinarians should utilize laboratory methods more frequently for the detection and diagnosis of parasitic diseases and anthelmintic resistance. It was concluded that to effectively implement diagnosis, prevention, and control measures for parasitic diseases, field veterinarians need to establish closer relationships within academia and increase their participation in national and international conferences, symposia, and workshops where knowledge sharing and exchange take place. In conclusion, antiparasitic drug resistance has become increasingly important recently, and therefore measures taken to prevent the development of resistance should be increased.
Impact of Climate Change on the Major Eco-Hydrological Parameters in the Dongting Lake Basin
Authors: Zheng Fang , Gan Yiqun , Yang Liu , Wu Jing
Published: August 2023

Quantifying the impacts of climate change on evapotranspiration (ET) and gross primary production (GPP) in the Dongting Lake Basin is essential for assessing water scarcity and implementing sustainable development strategies. Premised on actual measurements and remote sensing data from 47 stations, the impact of climate change on eco-hydrological parameters in the Dongting Lake Basin was analyzed in the present study using the BESS model (The Breathing Earth System Simulator), ridge regression analysis, stepwise regression model and time-lag analysis. The results reveal that: (1) the Dongting Lake Basin has been warm and arid over the last four decades, with the frequent occurrence of extreme climate events. Vegetation carbon sequestration capacity exhibited a slightly upward trend with 0.0081 g C m−2 d−1/year from 2000–2017. ET changed with rates of −3.309 mm/year, with possible risk conflicts between water demand and supply in the future. (2) The increasing temperature was the main driver of ET enhancement in the Dongting Lake Basin. Meanwhile, both temperature and precipitation were found to be the dominant drivers of GPP enhancement. The effect of temperature on GPP was found to be greater in the areas covered by crops and tree vegetation, and natural vegetation was more strongly influenced by precipitation than radiation. (3) Extreme temperature events have had a significant impact on evapotranspiration (ET) and gross primary production (GPP) in the Dongting Lake Basin. Specifically, the cold index in extreme temperature events was found to significantly affect ET, while the heat index in extreme temperature events significantly affected GPP. Additionally, both ET and GPP were found to respond to extreme precipitation events in the region. The results of the study established that vegetation is highly sensitive to temperature, especially temperature extremes, and that precipitation also has a stressful effect. Increasing temperatures and precipitation within a range benefit vegetation productivity. (4) In the Dongting Lake Basin, we found that different climatic factors produced different time lag effects on GPP and ET by time lag analysis. This study highlights the lag effects of climate factors and extreme climate events on eco-hydrological parameters. We suggest incorporating the effects into simulation models of eco-hydrological parameters. This will lead to a better understanding of the variation of eco-hydrological parameters under climate change.
Open-Source Software Development in Cheminformatics: A Qualitative Analysis of Rationales
Authors: Pernaa Johannes , Takala Aleksi , Ciftci Veysel , Hernández-Ramos José , Cáceres-Jensen Lizethly , Rodríguez-Becerra Jorge
Published: August 2023

This qualitative research explored the rationales of open-source development in cheminformatics. The objective was to promote open science by mapping out and categorizing the reasons why open-source development is being carried out. This topic is important because cheminformatics has an industrial background and open-source is the key solution in promoting the growth of cheminformatics as an independent academic field. The data consisted of 87 research articles that were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The analysis produced six rationale categories: (1) Develop New Software, (2) Update Current Features, Tools, or Processes, (3) Improve Usability, (4) Support Open-source Development and Open Science, (5) Fulfill Chemical Information Needs, and (6) Support Chemistry Learning and Teaching. This classification can be used in designing rationales for future software development projects, which is one of the largest research areas in cheminformatics. In particular, there is a need to develop cheminformatics education for which software development can serve as an interesting multidisciplinary framework.
Physical and Thermal Characterization of Achira (Canna edulis Ker) Fiber Obtained from Food Industry Waste in the Department of Cundinamarca, Colombia
Authors: Gómez-Rosales Zully-Esmeralda , Rodrigo-Ilarri Javier , Castiblanco-Moncada Leidy-Juliana , Rodrigo-Clavero María-Elena , Solano-Meza Johanna-Karina , Orjuela-Yepes David
Published: August 2023

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in effectively managing agro-industrial waste. One promising approach that has gained attention is exploring this waste to develop new composite materials, especially polymeric materials, with diverse applications across various industries. This study focuses on comprehending the physical and thermal properties of fibrous residues derived from achira (Canna edulis Ker). To achieve this, several analyses, including thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), have been conducted. Additionally, parameters such as moisture percentage, moisture absorption, bulk density, and lignin percentage have been calculated. The results indicate similarities between achira fibers and other characterized fibers, such as bamboo and other natural fibers studied in scientific research. Based on these findings, it is evident that integrating achira fibers into polymeric matrices is a feasible option. The results of this research offer an opportunity to utilize these materials and contribute to the advancement and strengthening of the recycled raw materials market, promoting sustainability and the circular economy.
F-ALBERT: A Distilled Model from a Two-Time Distillation System for Reduced Computational Complexity in ALBERT Model
Authors: Kim Kyeong-Hwan , Jeong Chang-Sung
Published: August 2023

Recently, language models based on the Transformer architecture have been predominantly used in AI natural language processing. These models, which have been proven to perform better with more parameters, have led to a significant increase in model size and computational load. ALBERT solves this problem by significantly reducing the number of parameters it retains by repeatedly reusing parameters. Although ALBERT significantly reduces the parameters it maintains, it requires a computational load similar to the original language model due to the reuse process. In this study, we develop a distillation system that decreases the number of times the ALBERT model reuses parameters and progressively reduces the parameters being reused. We propose a representation in this distillation system that can effectively distill the knowledge of the original model and develop a new architecture with reduced computation. Through this system, F-ALBERT, which had about half the computational load compared to the ALBERT model, restored about 98% of the performance of the original model on the GLUE benchmark.
Mammalian Sex Hormones as Steroid-Structured Compounds in Wheat Seedling: Template of the Cytosine Methylation Alteration and Retrotransposon Polymorphisms with iPBS and CRED-iBPS Techniques
Authors: Demirel Fatih , Türkoğlu Aras , Haliloğlu Kamil , Eren Barış , Özkan Güller , Uysal Pinar , Pour-Aboughadareh Alireza , Leśniewska-Bocianowska Agnieszka , Jamshidi Bita , Bocianowski Jan
Published: August 2023

Phytohormones are chemical compounds found naturally in plants that have a significant effect on their growth and development. The increase in research on the occurrence of mammalian sex hormones (MSHs) in plants has prompted the need to investigate the functions performed by these hormones in plant biology. In the present study, we investigated the effects of MSHs on DNA damage and DNA methylation of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) during the seedling growth stage, using the CRED-iPBS (coupled restriction enzyme digestion/inter primer binding site) assay and iPBS analysis to determine DNA methylation status. Exogenous treatment with four MSHs (17-β-estradiol, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone) was carried out at four different concentrations (0, 0.05, 0.5, and 5 µM). The highest genomic template stability (GTS) value (80%) was observed for 5 µM 17-β-estradiol, 0.5 µM testosterone, and 0.05 µM estrogen, while the lowest value (70.7%) was observed for 5 µM progesterone and 0.5 µM estrogen. The results of the CRED-iPBS analysis conducted on MspI indicate that the 0.05 µM estrogen-treated group had the highest polymorphism value of 40%, while the 5 µM progesterone-treated group had the lowest value of 20%. For HpaII, treatment with 0.5 µM 17-β-estradiol had the highest polymorphism value of 33.3%, while the group treated with 0.05 µM 17-β-estradiol and 0.05 µM progesterone had the lowest value of 19.4%. In conclusion, MSH treatments altered the stability of the genomic template of wheat plants and affected the cytosine methylation status at the seedling growth stage. Upon comprehensive examination of the results, it was seen that the employed methodology successfully detected alterations in cytosine methylation of genomic DNA (gDNA), as well as changes in the pattern of genomic instability.
A Three-Stage Uyghur Recognition Model Combining the Attention Mechanism and Different Convolutional Recurrent Networks
Authors: Li Wentao , Zhang Yuduo , Huang Yongdong , Shen Yue , Wang Zhe
Published: August 2023

Uyghur text recognition faces several challenges in the field due to the scarcity of publicly available datasets and the intricate nature of the script characterized by strong ligatures and unique attributes. In this study, we propose a unified three-stage model for Uyghur language recognition. The model is developed using a self-constructed Uyghur text dataset, enabling evaluation of previous Uyghur text recognition modules as well as exploration of novel module combinations previously unapplied to Uyghur text recognition, including Convolutional Recurrent Neural Networks (CRNNs), Gated Recurrent Convolutional Neural Networks (GRCNNs), ConvNeXt, and attention mechanisms. Through a comprehensive analysis of the accuracy, time, normalized edit distance, and memory requirements of different module combinations on a consistent training and evaluation dataset, we identify the most suitable text recognition structure for Uyghur text. Subsequently, utilizing the proposed approach, we train the model weights and achieve optimal recognition of Uyghur text using the ConvNeXt+Bidirectional LSTM+attention mechanism structure, achieving a notable accuracy of 90.21%. These findings demonstrate the strong generalization and high precision exhibited by Uyghur text recognition based on the proposed model, thus establishing its potential practical applications in Uyghur text recognition.
Challenges and Progress in Computational Geophysical Fluid Dynamics in Recent Decades
Authors: Sun Wen-Yih
Published: August 2023

Here we present the numerical methods, applications, and comparisons with observations and previous studies. It includes numerical analyses of shallow water equations, Sun’s scheme, and nonlinear model simulations of a dam break, solitary Rossby wave, and hydraulic jump without smoothing. We reproduce the longitude and transverse cloud bands in the Equator; two-day mesoscale waves in Brazil; Ekman spirals in the atmosphere and oceans, and a resonance instability at 30° from the linearized equations. The Purdue Regional Climate Model (PRCM) reproduces the explosive severe winter storms in the Western USA; lee-vortices in Taiwan; deformation of the cold front by mountains in Taiwan; flooding and drought in the USA; flooding in Asia; and the Southeast Asia monsoons. The model can correct the small-scale errors if the synoptic systems are correct. Usually, large-scale systems are more important than small-scale disturbances, and the predictability of NWP is better than the simplified dynamics models. We discuss the difference between Boussinesq fluid and the compressible fluid. The Bernoulli function in compressible atmosphere conserving the total energy, is better than the convective available potential energy (CAPE) or the Froude number, because storms can develop without CAPE, and downslope wind can form against a positive buoyancy. We also present a new terrain following coordinate, a turbulence-diffusion model in the convective boundary layer (CBL), and a new backward-integration model including turbulence mixing in the atmosphere.
210Pb Deposition Distribution in the Northern Hemisphere Based on a Long-Range Atmospheric Transport and Deposition Model Calculation
Authors: Cai Yu , Yamazawa Hiromi , Iimoto Takeshi
Published: August 2023

This study delves into the long-term atmospheric transport and deposition of 210Pb in the Northern Hemisphere by using the atmospheric transport model HIRAT. The calculation for the four-year (2012–2015) period showed an average deposition flux of 13.0 Bq m−2 month−1 with significant seasonal variations characterized by higher deposition rates during summer and lower during winter. High deposition was found in the Northern Bay of Bengal and Bangladesh regions, Southern China, the Western Philippine Sea, the Eastern Japan Sea, the Northwestern Pacific region, the Eastern and Western coasts of North America, the Caribbean Sea, the Eastern Pacific region off of Central America, the Central Atlantic region between Central America and Africa, and the Northwestern Atlantic Ocean. Deposition patterns varied across latitudinal zones, with tropical areas experiencing the highest deposition and polar/subpolar zones the lowest. This study emphasized the impact of monsoons on the significantly large 210Pb deposition in the Japan Sea region. Furthermore, this study showed that the lower troposphere (0 to 3 km) dominates with about 53%, and the middle troposphere (3 to 6 km) and upper troposphere (above 6 km) also contribute significantly to the total 210Pb inventory with 37% and 10%, respectively. These findings provide essential insights into the characteristics of atmospheric transport and deposition of 210Pb, and their mechanisms.
Transcriptomics Reveal the Effects of Breeding Temperature on Growth and Metabolism in the Early Developmental Stage of Platax teira
Authors: Liu Ming-Jian , Gao Jie , Guo Hua-Yang , Zhu Ke-Cheng , Liu Bao-Suo , Zhang Nan , Sun Jin-Hui , Zhang Dian-Chang
Published: August 2023

The growth, development, and survival of fish, especially in the early stages of development, is influenced by a complex of environmental factors, among which temperature is one of the most important. Although the physiological effects of environmental stress in fish have been extensively studied, the molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. However, recent advances in transcriptomic techniques have facilitated the study of the molecular mechanisms of environmental stress responses in aquatic species. Here, we aimed to elucidate the effects of breeding temperatures (21, 24, 27, and 30 °C) on the growth and nutrient metabolism in the early developmental stage of Platax teira, using transcriptomic techniques. Transcriptomic analysis identified 5492, 6937, and 4246 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the 21 vs. 24 °C, 27 vs. 24 °C, and 30 vs. 24 °C comparisons, respectively, most of which were involved in cell processes, single organism, metabolism, catalytic activity, and cell part, based on gene ontology (GO) functional annotations. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis showed that the DEGs were mainly enriched in pathways related to metabolism of matter and energy, protein digestion and absorption, and glucose and lipid metabolism. Additionally, the expression of genes related to energy, lipid, and glucose metabolism in the fish liver was upregulated under a low-temperature condition (21 °C), although increasing the temperature within the acceptable threshold improved nutrient metabolism and growth in the fish. Meanwhile, nutrient metabolism and growth were suppressed by an extremely high temperature (30 °C) owing to oxidative stress. Overall, it was shown that nutrient metabolism pathways were involved in thermal stress responses in P. teira, and the optimal breeding temperature range was 24–27 °C. Through transcriptomics, the regulatory mechanism of larval development in P. teira under different growth temperatures was elucidated, with the goal of establishing a theoretical basis for industrial breeding.
Redox Regulation of Protein Functioning
Authors: Zamyatnin Andrey A.
Published: August 2023

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their derivatives play a key role in signaling under normal and oxidative stress conditions in all aerobic living organisms [...]
Inheritance-Specific Dysregulation of Th1- and Th17-Associated Cytokines in Alopecia Areata
Authors: Van Acker Monica M. , Schwartz Rebekah R. , Andrews Kelly , Seiffert-Sinha Kristina , Sinha Animesh A.
Published: August 2023

Autoimmune diseases tend to cluster in families, suggesting genetic predisposition to autoimmunity associated with familial background. We have previously reported similarities in gene expression patterns and PTPN22 polymorphisms between alopecia areata (AA) patients and their healthy relatives, but not unrelated healthy controls. However, the spectrum of disease promoting (or preventing) pathways that may be activated in blood relatives of AA patients remains to be defined. Here, we investigated the extent to which cytokines associated with the Th1 and Th17 pathway are differentially expressed in the blood of patients with AA and its clinical subtypes in comparison to both healthy relatives as well as unrelated healthy controls. A comprehensive set of Th1- and Th17-related cytokines were evaluated by ELISA. We found a significant elevation of the Th17 inducer IL-23, the Th17 product IL-17A, the Th1 hallmark cytokine IFNγ, and TNFα, a Th1 cytokine with relevance to the Th17 pathway in AA patients, regardless of disease subtype, compared to healthy individuals. On further examination, we found that healthy family members grouped together with patients in terms of elevated Th1- and Th17-pathway cytokines in an inheritance-specific manner, distinct from unrelated controls. The elevation of Th17-associated cytokines in healthy controls related to AA patients indicates that Th1 and Th17 dysregulation in AA may be genetically based. Of note, one unrelated control displayed elevated levels of IL-17A and IL-23 similar to those detected in patients. One year after initial blood draw, areas of beard hair loss consistent with the diagnosis of AA were reported by this individual, indicating that the elevation in Th17-related cytokines may have predictive value.
Optical Fibre-Based Sensors—An Assessment of Current Innovations
Authors: Khonina Svetlana N. , Kazanskiy Nikolay L. , Butt Muhammad A.
Published: August 2023

Optical fibre sensors are an essential subset of optical fibre technology, designed specifically for sensing and measuring several physical parameters. These sensors offer unique advantages over traditional sensors, making them gradually more valuable in a wide range of applications. They can detect extremely small variations in the physical parameters they are designed to measure, such as analytes in the case of biosensing. This high sensitivity allows them to detect subtle variations in temperature, pressure, strain, the refractive index of analytes, vibration, and other environmental factors with exceptional accuracy. Moreover, these sensors enable remote sensing capabilities. Since light signals are used to carry information, the sensing elements can be placed at distant or inaccessible sites and still communicate the data back to the central monitoring system without signal degradation. In recent times, different attractive configurations and approaches have been proposed to enhance the sensitivity of the optical fibre-based sensor and are briefly explained in this review. However, we believe that the choice of optical fibre sensor configuration should be designated based on the specific application. As these sensors continue to evolve and improve, they will play an increasingly vital role in critical monitoring and control applications across various industries.
Functional Nucleic Acid Probes Based on Two-Photon for Biosensing
Authors: Wu Kefeng , Ma Changbei , Wang Yisen
Published: August 2023

Functional nucleic acid (FNA) probes have been widely used in environmental monitoring, food analysis, clinical diagnosis, and biological imaging because of their easy synthesis, functional modification, flexible design, and stable properties. However, most FNA probes are designed based on one-photon (OP) in the ultraviolet or visible regions, and the effectiveness of these OP-based FNA probes may be hindered by certain factors, such as their potential for photodamage and limited light tissue penetration. Two-photon (TP) is characterized by the nonlinear absorption of two relatively low-energy photons of near-infrared (NIR) light with the resulting emission of high-energy ultraviolet or visible light. TP-based FNA probes have excellent properties, including lower tissue self-absorption and autofluorescence, reduced photodamage and photobleaching, and higher spatial resolution, making them more advantageous than the conventional OP-based FNA probes in biomedical sensing. In this review, we summarize the recent advances of TP-excited and -activated FNA probes and detail their applications in biomolecular detection. In addition, we also share our views on the highlights and limitations of TP-based FNA probes. The ultimate goal is to provide design approaches for the development of high-performance TP-based FNA probes, thereby promoting their biological applications.
A Review of Approaches for Detecting Vulnerabilities in Smart Contracts within Web 3.0 Applications
Authors: Li Hui , Dang Ranran , Yao Yao , Wang Han
Published: August 2023

Smart contracts, programs running on a blockchain, play a crucial role in driving Web 3.0 across a variety of domains, such as digital finance and future networks. However, they currently face significant security vulnerabilities that could result in potential risks and losses. This paper outlines the inherent vulnerabilities of smart contracts, both those typical of their applications and those unique to Web 3.0 applications. We then systematically classify the techniques based on their core approach to detecting vulnerabilities in smart contracts. Using these approaches, we conduct a comparative analysis of existing tools in terms of their vulnerability coverage, detection effectiveness, open-source availability, and integration capabilities. Finally, we present the Co-Governed Sovereignty Multi-Identifier Network (CoG-MIN) as a case study to demonstrate the significance of smart contract application security in establishing a community with a shared future in cyberspace during the Web 3.0 era and anticipate future research directions with challenges. To conclude, this study addresses the gap in integrating existing smart contract security research with the advancement of Web 3.0 development, while also providing recommendations for future research directions.
Guilt, Disgust, and Not Just Right Experience Mediate the Effect of Demanding Parent Mode on Obsessive-Compulsive-Disorder-like Tendencies, and Punitive Parent Mode Moderates This Mediation
Authors: Semeniuc Suzana , Păduraru Ancuța Elena , Soponaru Camelia
Published: August 2023

The main objective of the present study was to examine, in a non-clinical population, the validity of a moderated mediation model for obsessive mental functioning. The research was conducted on a sample of 205 participants. Data were collected using the Psychiatric Screening and Diagnostic Questionnaire, Young’s Modes Questionnaire-form SMI-2, Padua Inventory of Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms, Fear of Guilt Scale in OCD, Disgust Propensity and Sensitivity Scale-Revised, and Not Just Right Experiences Questionnaire-Revised. The results revealed that there is a significant positive, indirect effect of the Demanding Parent mode on OCD-like tendencies, which is completely mediated by fear of guilt, tendency and sensitivity to disgust, and Not Just Right Experiences severity. The Punitive Parent mode moderates only the indirect effect of the Demanding Parent mode mediated by fear of guilt, not the indirect effect mediated by disgust tendency and sensitivity and Not Just Right Experiences severity. Also, the indirect effect of the Demanding Parent mode on obsessive tendencies mediated by fear of guilt is significant only at medium and high values of the Punitive Parent mode, not at low values of the moderator. Our results provide a novel direction targeting the direct therapeutic intervention on demanding and punitive internal dialogue, complementing the classical CBT intervention protocol.
Building Information Modeling in Steel Building Projects Following BIM-DFE Methodology: A Case Study
Authors: Avendaño José Ignacio , Domingo Alberto , Zlatanova Sisi
Published: August 2023

Construction is a key industry that significantly contributes to the global gross domestic product and generates substantial revenues. However, it faces challenges such as errors and high costs. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the methodology of applying building information modeling integration for the design, fabrication, and erection of steel buildings, called BIM-DFE, in a real-world scenario. This is the first study in which this methodology is applied in an actual case. Two steel building projects with similar design typologies were selected. The first project was executed using computer-aided design and traditional BIM techniques during the planning, design, and fabrication phases. The BIM-DFE methodology was applied to the same phases in the second project. The results of the two projects were compared quantitatively. The experiments suggest that the application of the BIM-DFE methodology reduced the development time in the planning phase, incorporated manufacturing constraints in the design phase, and significantly reduced assembly times in the fabrication phase. This study confirmed the feasibility of applying BIM-DFE methodology in an actual case scenario, which is the result of collaboration between the scientific community and the industry in steel building projects.
Real-Time Evaluation of Thyroid Cytology Using New Digital Microscopy Allows for Sample Adequacy Assessment, Morphological Classification, and Supports Molecular Analysis
Authors: Verri Martina , Scarpino Stefania , Naciu Anda Mihaela , Lopez Gianluca , Tabacco Gaia , Taffon Chiara , Pilozzi Emanuela , Palermo Andrea , Crescenzi Anna
Published: August 2023

Thyroid cytological examination, a key tool in preoperative thyroid nodule evaluation, is specific and accurate; some drawbacks are due to inadequate or indeterminate cytological reports and there is a need for an innovative approach overcoming the limits of traditional cytological diagnostics. Fluorescence laser confocal microscopes (FCM) is a new optical technique for allowing immediate digital imaging of fresh unfixed tissues and real-time assessment of sample adequacy and diagnostic evaluation for small biopsies and cytological samples. Currently, there are no data about the use of FCMs in the field of thyroid nodular pathology. The aims of this study were to test FCM technology for evaluating the adequacy of FNA samples at the time of the procedure and to assess the level of concordance between FCM cytological evaluations, paired conventional cytology, and final surgical histology. The secondary aim was to define the integrity of nucleic acids after FCM evaluation through NGS molecular analysis. Sample adequacy was correctly stated. Comparing FCM evaluation with the final histology, all cases resulting in malignant or suspicious for malignancy at FCM, were confirmed to be carcinomas (PPV 100%). In conclusion, we describe a successful application of FCM in thyroid preoperative cytological evaluation, with advantages in immediate adequacy assessment and diagnostic information, while preserving cellular specimens for permanent morphology and molecular analysis, thus improving timely and accurate patient management.
Delivering a Quantitative Imaging Agenda
Authors: deSouza Nandita M. , van der Lugt Aad , Hall Timothy J. , Sullivan Daniel , Zahlmann Gudrun
Published: August 2023

In a digital image, each voxel contains quantitative information dependent on the technique used to generate the image [...]
Mutational Landscape and Precision Medicine in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Gorji Leva , Brown Zachary J. , Pawlik Timothy M.
Published: August 2023

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fourth most common malignancy worldwide and exhibits a universal burden as the incidence of the disease continues to rise. In addition to curative-intent therapies such as liver resection and transplantation, locoregional and systemic therapy options also exist. However, existing treatments carry a dismal prognosis, often plagued with high recurrence and mortality. For this reason, understanding the tumor microenvironment and mutational pathophysiology has become the center of investigation for disease control. The use of precision medicine and genetic analysis can supplement current treatment modalities to promote individualized management of HCC. In the search for personalized medicine, tools such as next-generation sequencing have been used to identify unique tumor mutations and improve targeted therapies. Furthermore, investigations are underway for specific HCC biomarkers to augment the diagnosis of malignancy, the prediction of whether the tumor environment is amenable to available therapies, the surveillance of treatment response, the monitoring for disease recurrence, and even the identification of novel therapeutic opportunities. Understanding the mutational landscape and biomarkers of the disease is imperative for tailored management of the malignancy. In this review, we summarize the molecular targets of HCC and discuss the current role of precision medicine in the treatment of HCC.