bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Paper-Based Assay for the Determination of Total Antioxidant Capacity in Human Serum Samples
Authors: Tran Michelle T. , Gomez Sophia V. , Alenicheva Vera , Remcho Vincent T.
Published: November 2024

Determining the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of biological samples is a valuable approach to measuring health status under oxidative stress conditions, such as infertility and type 2 diabetes. The Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) assay is the most common approach to evaluating TAC in biological matrices. This assay is typically performed in clinical settings on a microtiter plate using a plate reader. However, the instrumentation and expertise requirements, and the resulting delay in the reporting of assay outcomes, make solution-based TEAC assays impractical for point-of-care or at-home testing, where individuals may want to monitor their health status during treatment. This work introduces the first microfluidic paper-based analytical device (µPAD) that measures TAC in human serum using TEAC assay chemistry. TAC was determined through a colorimetric image analysis of the degree of decolorization of 2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical cations (ABTS●+) by serum antioxidants. The µPAD showed a linear response to Trolox, ranging from 0.44 to 2.4 mM, (r  =  0.999). The performance of paper-based TEAC assays was validated through direct comparison to solution-based TEAC assays. There was a 0.04 mM difference in TAC values between the two platforms, well within one standard deviation of a standard solution-based assay conducted on an aliquot of the same serum sample (±0.25 mM). The µPAD had a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.20 mM, well below the TAC of normal human serum. The results suggest that the proposed device can be used for biological TAC determination and expands the field of TAC analysis in point-of-care health monitoring.
Longitudinal Insights into the Mental Health of Healthcare Workers: Emotional Shifts During Two Years of the COVID-19 Crisis
Authors: Stanisławska-Kubiak Maia , Teusz Grażyna , Ziarko Michał , Mojs Ewa
Published: November 2024

Objective: Numerous studies have highlighted the prevalence of mental health disorders among healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic, with varying indications of emotional strain. This study compares the psychological functioning of healthcare workers at the onset of the pandemic and two years later, offering a comprehensive assessment of their emotional and mental health status in the evolving context of COVID-19. Methods: This longitudinal analysis examined the relationship between stress, emotional processing, and their positive/negative impacts on medical personnel working in Polish hospitals and outpatient clinics in 2020 (n = 285) and 2022 (n = 252). The study employed the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 (TAS-20), Cohen’s Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), Mini-COPE, Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS), Emotional Processing Scale (EPS), STAI, and PANAS to assess psychological responses and coping mechanisms. Results: Findings revealed a significant increase in denial, substance use, self-blame, negative mood, and impaired psychological and somatic functioning, alongside heightened symptoms of depression and anxiety. Conversely, a marked decrease in planning, positive reinterpretation, acceptance, religious coping, and seeking social support (both emotional and instrumental) was observed over the two-year period. Conclusion: The prolonged nature of the COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected the psychological resilience of healthcare professionals, eroding critical emotional resources necessary for maintaining interpersonal relationships and mental well-being. These results underscore the need for targeted interventions to support the mental health of medical staff in the ongoing crisis.
Sustainable High-Performance Concrete Using Zeolite Powder: Mechanical and Carbon Footprint Analyses
Authors: Mostafaei Hasan , Bahmani Hadi
Published: November 2024

This study investigates environmentally friendly high-performance concrete (HPC) by partially replacing cement and silica sand with zeolite powder. The replacement levels included 10%, 20%, and 30% for cement and up to 50% for silica sand. The optimal mix achieved 85 MPa compressive strength, 6 MPa tensile strength, and 7.8 MPa flexural strength with a 30% cement replacement, reducing the carbon footprint to approximately 659.72 kg CO2/m3. These findings demonstrate the potential of zeolite powder to enhance sustainability in HPC without compromising essential mechanical properties, promoting eco-friendly practices in construction.
A Novel Long Short-Term Memory Seq2Seq Model with Chaos-Based Optimization and Attention Mechanism for Enhanced Dam Deformation Prediction
Authors: Wang Lei , Wang Jiajun , Tong Dawei , Wang Xiaoling
Published: November 2024

The accurate prediction of dam deformation is essential for ensuring safe and efficient dam operation and risk management. However, the nonlinear relationships between deformation and time-varying environmental factors pose significant challenges, often limiting the accuracy of conventional and deep learning models. To address these issues, this study aimed to improve the predictive accuracy and interpretability in dam deformation modeling by proposing a novel LSTM seq2seq model that integrates a chaos-based arithmetic optimization algorithm (AOA) and an attention mechanism. The AOA optimizes the model’s learnable parameters by utilizing the distribution patterns of four mathematical operators, further enhanced by logistic and cubic mappings, to avoid local optima. The attention mechanism, placed between the encoder and decoder networks, dynamically quantifies the impact of influencing factors on deformation, enabling the model to focus on the most relevant information. This approach was applied to an earth-rock dam, achieving superior predictive performance with RMSE, MAE, and MAPE values of 0.695 mm, 0.301 mm, and 0.156%, respectively, outperforming conventional machine learning and deep learning models. The attention weights provide insights into the contributions of each factor, enhancing interpretability. This model holds potential for real-time deformation monitoring and predictive maintenance, contributing to the safety and resilience of dam infrastructure.
Study on the Vibration Comfort of a High-Rise Industrial Building
Authors: Zhang Xinxin , Zhou Ruoyang , Zha Xiaoxiong , Liao Yong
Published: November 2024

This study assesses the vibration comfort of a steel–concrete composite floor system in a high-rise industrial building under construction in Shenzhen. The assessment focuses on human-induced vibrations. Acceleration time histories were recorded, and spectral analysis was conducted to identify the fundamental frequencies and damping ratios. A finite element model of the industrial building was developed to simulate the vibrational response under identical conditions. Additionally, vibration response calculations were carried out using standard methodologies. The performance of a Tuned Mass Damper (TMD) system was analyzed by comparing experimental, theoretical, and simulated results with standard thresholds. Prior to TMD installation, certain locations did not meet vibration comfort standards, but, following installation, all points were within acceptable limits. These findings demonstrate the TMD’s effectiveness in enhancing vibration comfort.
Damage Characteristics of Blasting Surrounding Rock in Mountain Tunnel in Fault Fracture Zones Based on the Johnson–Holmquist-2 Model
Authors: Cheng Lizhi , Yang Zhiquan , Zhao Ping , Li Fengting
Published: November 2024

Blasting is a widely employed technique for tunnel construction in mountainous regions; however, it often causes damage to the surrounding rock mass, particularly in fault fracture zones, which can lead to hazards such as rockfalls and collapses. This study examines the characteristics of damage to surrounding rock due to tunnel blasting through fault fracture zones. Based on an actual tunnel blasting construction project, we conducted a finite element analysis using the JH-2 material model, taking into account the width of the fault fracture zone. Results indicate that as the width of the fault fracture zone increases, the disturbance effect of tunnel blasting on the surrounding rock becomes more pronounced. Compared to the arch bottom and arch waist of the tunnel, the tunnel vault primarily absorbs the slip deformation and compressive forces resulting from blasting disturbances in the fault fracture zone. The findings of this paper contribute a valuable methodology for analyzing the mechanical mechanisms in mountain tunnel blasting and provide essential theoretical parameters to inform the design and construction of tunnel blasting projects.
Editorial for Special Issue “Brain Tumor Microenvironment”
Authors: Trevisi Gianluca , Mangiola Annunziato
Published: November 2024

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex interplay of cells, extracellular matrix, and signaling molecules that significantly influences tumor growth, invasion, and resistance to therapy [...]
Reformulated Kinetics of Immobilized Enzymes in Non-Conventional Media: A Case of Lipase-Catalyzed Esterification
Authors: Papamichael Emmanuel M. , Stergiou Panagiota-Yiolanda
Published: November 2024

Several approaches have been reported that aim to achieve simplified standardizations of the kinetic behavior of immobilized enzymes under specific experimental conditions. We have previously published simplified rate equations based on the kinetics of immobilized enzymes. Recently, new experimental results have become available on the kinetics and mechanisms of esterifications catalyzed by immobilized lipase in unconventional media, and consequently, a reformulation of their kinetics is necessary. In this work, we report the development of simplified rate equations relating the aforementioned reaction conditions on a new basis, considering our kinetic and mechanistic results. We provide experimental evidence that two different mechanisms describe the esterifications catalyzed by immobilized lipase, either in anhydrous organic solvent (n-hexane) or under non-solvent conditions. A ping-pong bi–bi mechanism with double dead-end substrate inhibition by both the fatty acid and the alcohol has been found to apply in the former case, while in the latter case the esterification proceeds via an ordered bi–bi mechanism with single dead-end substrate inhibition by ethanol. This study may be biotechnologically useful, as the increased use of immobilized enzymes, whether in academic research or in industry, requires sustainable development of new and environmentally friendly synthetic processes.
Dissecting the Impact of Genetic Background on Oncogenic Response to Radiation Exposure in the Ptch1+/− Mouse Model
Authors: Tanno Barbara , Fratini Emiliano , Leonardi Simona , Novelli Flavia , Pisano Valentina , Mancuso Mariateresa , Pazzaglia Simonetta
Published: November 2024

Medulloblastoma (MB) is a common primary brain cancer in children. The sonic hedgehog (SHH) pathway is indispensable for the normal development of the cerebellum, and MB is often caused by persistent SHH activation owing to mutations in pathway components. Patched1 (PTCH1) is the primary receptor for the SHH ligand and a negative regulator of the SHH signal transduction pathway. Mice heterozygous for the Ptch1 gene (Ptch1+/−) are predisposed to MB development. Irradiation of newborn Ptch1+/− mice dramatically increases MB occurrence. A genetic background carrying the Ptch1 mutation significantly influences the risk of developing MB. This study aims to investigate the genetic background-related mechanisms that regulate radiation-induced cellular response and oncogenesis in the cerebellum. We employed multiple approaches, including: (a) analysis of cellular radiosensitivity in granule cell precursors (GCPs), the MB cells of origin, derived from Ptch1 mice with a genetic background that is sensitive (CD1) or resistant (C57Bl/6) to the induction of radiogenic MB; (b) identification of genes differentially expressed in spontaneous and radiation-induced MBs from these two mouse strains; (c) bioinformatic analysis to correlate the expression of radiation-induced genes with survival in MB patients; and (d) examining the expression of these genes in ex vivo MBs induced by single or repeated radiation doses. We have identified a potential gene expression signature—Trp53bp1, Bax, Cyclin D1, p21, and Nanog—that influences tumor response. In ex vivo cultured spontaneous MBs, the expression levels of these genes increase after irradiation in CD1 mice, but not in mice with a C57Bl/6 genetic background, suggesting that this signature could predict tumor response to radiation therapy and help develop strategies for targeting DNA damage repair in tumors. A detailed understanding of the mechanisms behind genetic background-related susceptibility to radiation-induced oncogenic responses is crucial for translational research.
MYBPC3 D389V Variant Induces Hypercontractility in Cardiac Organoids
Authors: Desai Darshini , Song Taejeong , Singh Rohit R. , Baby Akhil , McNamara James , Green Lisa C. , Nabavizadeh Pooneh , Ericksen Mark , Bazrafshan Sholeh , Natesan Sankar , Sadayappan Sakthivel
Published: November 2024

MYBPC3, encoding cardiac myosin binding protein-C (cMyBP-C), is the most mutated gene known to cause hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). However, since little is known about the underlying etiology, additional in vitro studies are crucial to defining the underlying molecular mechanisms. Accordingly, this study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of HCM associated with a polymorphic variant (D389V) in MYBPC3 by using isogenic human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived cardiac organoids (hCOs). The hiPSC-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) and hCOs were generated from human subjects to define the molecular, cellular, functional, and energetic changes caused by the MYBPC3D389V variant, which is associated with increased fractional shortening and highly prevalent in South Asian descendants. Recombinant C0-C2, N’ region of cMyBP-C (wild-type and D389V), and myosin S2 proteins were also utilized to perform binding and motility assays in vitro. Confocal and electron microscopic analyses of hCOs generated from noncarriers (NC) and carriers of the MYBPC3D389V variant revealed the presence of highly organized sarcomeres. Furthermore, functional experiments showed hypercontractility, faster calcium cycling, and faster contractile kinetics in hCOs expressing MYBPC3D389V than NC hCOs. Interestingly, significantly increased cMyBP-C phosphorylation in MYBPC3D389V hCOs was observed, but without changes in total protein levels, in addition to higher oxidative stress and lower mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). Next, spatial mapping revealed the presence of endothelial cells, fibroblasts, macrophages, immune cells, and cardiomyocytes in the hCOs. The hypercontractile function was significantly improved after the treatment of the myosin inhibitor mavacamten (CAMZYOS®) in MYBPC3D389V hCOs. Lastly, various vitro binding assays revealed a significant loss of affinity in the presence of MYBPC3D389V with myosin S2 region as a likely mechanism for hypercontraction. Conceptually, we showed the feasibility of assessing the functional and molecular mechanisms of HCM using highly translatable hCOs through pragmatic experiments that led to determining the MYBPC3D389V hypercontractile phenotype, which was rescued by the administration of a myosin inhibitor.
Cell Adhesion Molecules as Modulators of the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor
Authors: Kozlova Irina , Sytnyk Vladimir
Published: November 2024

Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) are cell surface glycoproteins mediating interactions of cells with other cells and the extracellular matrix. By mediating the adhesion and modulating activity of other plasma membrane proteins, CAMs are involved in regulating a multitude of cellular processes, including growth, proliferation, migration, and survival of cells. In this review, we present evidence showing that various CAMs interact with the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a receptor tyrosine kinase inducing pro-proliferative and anti-apoptotic intracellular signaling in response to binding to several soluble ligands, including the epidermal growth factor. We discuss that CAMs are involved in regulating EGFR signaling by either potentiating or inhibiting the soluble ligand-dependent activation of EGFR. In addition, CAMs induce soluble ligand-independent forms of EGFR activity and regulate the levels of EGFR and its ligand-induced degradation. The CAM-dependent modulation of EGFR activity plays a key role in regulating the growth, proliferation, and survival of cells. Future research is needed to determine whether these processes can be targeted in both normal and cancerous cells by regulating interactions of EGFR with various CAMs.
Ball-on-Disk Wear Maps for Bearing Steel–Hard Anodized EN AW-6082 Aluminum Alloy Tribocouple in Dry Sliding Conditions
Authors: Baroni Enrico , Fortini Annalisa , Meo Lorenzo , Soffritti Chiara , Merlin Mattia , Garagnani Gian Luca
Published: November 2024

In recent years, Golden Hard Anodizing (G.H.A.®) has been developed as a variant of the traditional hard anodizing process with the addition of Ag+ ions in the nanoporous structure. The tribological properties of this innovative surface treatment are still not well understood. In this study, ball-on-disk tests were conducted in dry sliding conditions using 100Cr6 (AISI 52100) bearing steel balls as a counterbody and GHA®-anodized EN AW-6082 aluminum alloy disks. The novelty of this work lies in the mapping of the wear properties of the tribocouple under different test conditions for a better comparison of the results. Three different normal loads (equal to 5, 10, and 15 N) and three different reciprocating frequencies (equal to 2, 3, and 4 Hz) were selected to investigate a spectrum of operating conditions for polished and unpolished G.H.A.®-anodized EN AW-6082 aluminum alloy. Quantitative wear maps were built based on the resulting wear rate values to define the critical operating limits of the considered tribocouple. The results suggest that the coefficient of friction (COF) was independent of test conditions, while different wear maps were found for polished and non-polished surfaces. Polishing before anodizing permitted the acquisition of lower wear for the anodized disks and the steel balls.
Addressing the Apparent Controversies Between the Contact Angle-Based Models for Estimation of Surface Free Energy: A Critical Review
Authors: Georgiev Georgi As. , Baluschev Stanislav , Eftimov Petar , Bacheva Mihaela , Landfester Katharina
Published: November 2024

The most popular contact angle (CA)-based approaches for determination of solid surface free energy (SFE) are considered: (i) single liquid methods, mainly of Neumann and Chibowski, (ii) the multiple liquids approach of Owens–Wendt–Rabel–Kaelble (OWRK), and (iii) van Oss-Chaudhury–Good (vOCG) acid–base model. Evaluations based on Neumann and Chibowski models agree between each other. Under the assumption of equilibrium “wet wetting” (i.e., presence of saturated precursor film ahead of the drop), the model of Chibowski transforms in Lipatov’s interfacial equilibrium rule, i.e., the Antonow rule derived for the ternary point solid–liquid–gas. Very good agreement is observed between single and multiple liquids models where OWRK/vOCG values can be viewed as a mean of the individual SFE adopted by the solid with each of the wetting probes. Both approaches (single and multiple liquids) can be used in conjunction to evaluate SFE dispersion and polar components and to elucidate hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity. The implementation of apparently fully non-polar liquids (diiodomethane, bromonaphthalene) in OWRK and vOCG is practically and theoretically suspect. CA-based estimates represent apparent SFE determined by the interactions of both the solid surface and the probing liquid, which are very useful to elucidate the energy, chemistry and dynamics of the solid surface.
Fe3O4@SiO2-NH2 Functionalized Nanoparticles as a Potential Contrast Agent in Magnetic Resonance
Authors: Betin Bohorquez Brayan Stick , Saavedra Gaona Indry Milena , Parra Vargas Carlos Arturo , Vargas-Sánchez Karina , Amaya Jahaziel , Losada-Barragán Mónica , Rincón Javier , Llamosa Pérez Daniel
Published: November 2024

The present work proposes a method for the synthesis of a nanoparticle with a superparamagnetic Fe3O4 core coated with SiO2-NH2 by ultrasound-assisted coprecipitation. Additionally, the nanoparticle is functionalized with a microinflammation biomarker peptide, and its effects on the viability of monkey kidney endothelial cells and the Vero cell line were evaluated. The main physicochemical properties of the nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), a field emission scanning electron, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HR-TEM). The results showed that the nanoparticles are spherical, with sizes smaller than 10 nm, with high thermal stability and superparamagnetic properties. They also demonstrated cell viability rates exceeding 85% through Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The results indicate the potential of these nanoparticles to be used as a contrast agent in magnetic resonance to detect mild brain lesions.
Unveiling the Bluish Green Chalcedony Aquaprase™—The Study of Its Microstructure and Mineralogy
Authors: Monico Sara , Adamo Ilaria , Diella Valeria , Melas Yianni , Prosperi Loredana , Marinoni Nicoletta
Published: November 2024

A bluish green chalcedony (a micro to crypto polycrystalline form of silica) from Africa has been marketed with the trademark AQUAPRASETM. A multimethodological approach, combining gemological analyses, thin section examination, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and trace elements chemical analyses by LA–ICP–MS, was carried out to characterize this material from a gemological and mineralogical point of view. The chalcedony samples consist of a mixture of quartz and moganite, as shown by the X-ray powder diffraction analysis and Raman spectroscopy. “Aquaprase” showed a strong microstructural zoning in terms of grain size, from macrocrystalline to micro and crypto, and morphology. Trace element variations correlated well with the different colored areas of the samples. In particular, the main chromophore ion present in the bluish green areas of the “aquaprase” chalcedony was chromium, followed by iron and nickel, so this chalcedony could be included in the group of chromium-bearing chalcedony. Rayleigh light scattering contributed to the blue hue of the gems.
Higher Soil Mesofauna Abundance and Microbial Activities Drive Litter Decomposition in Subtropical Forests
Authors: Lin Hong , Kong Qin , Xu Xinyu , He Xingbing , Lin Yonghui , He Zaihua , Gao Yuehong , Kong Xiangshi
Published: November 2024

Soil fauna play an important role in litter decomposition and affect the “home-field advantage” (HFA) of litter decomposition. However, how this effect is modulated by the microenvironment needs further investigation. We conducted a reciprocal transplant experiment of litter decomposition using different mesh-size litterbags across litter and soil layers in subtropical coniferous (Pinus massoniana) and broad-leaved (Quercus variabilis) forests. Our results revealed a pronounced HFA in P. massoniana. P. massoniana litter decomposed faster in its home habitat by 40.6% in the litter layer and 10.2% in the soil layer in coarse mesh bags and by 21.8% in the litter layer and 21.4% in the soil layer in fine mesh bags. However, Q. variabilis litter showed faster decomposition in its home soil layer by 10.8% and 4.3% for coarse and fine mesh bags, whereas in the litter layer it decomposed faster in the away habitat by 16.7% and 20.6% for coarse and fine mesh bags, respectively. Higher soil mesofauna abundance and microbial activities in the coniferous forest compared to the broad-leaved forest drive the observed HFA of litter decomposition. Especially in the litter layer, the abundance of mesofauna was 89.8% higher in the coniferous forest. Coarse mesh bags generally facilitated a higher decomposition rate across litter and soil layers, likely due to a better interaction between soil mesofauna and extracellular enzyme activity. The HFA index exhibited distinct seasonal fluctuations, peaking in October for coarse mesh bags and in April for fine mesh bags within the litter layer, while soil layer peaks occurred in August and April. Notably, an increase in Acarina abundance strongly correlated with enhanced decomposition and HFA effects in the litter layer during October. This study revealed the sensitivity of HFA to the soil layer and soil fauna and underscores the complex role of the microclimate in shaping interactions among soil microorganisms, litter quality, and mesofauna, thereby enriching our understanding of litter decomposition dynamics in forest ecosystems.
RETRACTED: Quintero-Castañeda et al. Assessing Mercury Contamination Levels in the Sediments of Two Pyrenean Lakes. Diversity 2024, 16, 627
Authors: Quintero-Castañeda Cristian Yoel , Hernández-Angulo Luis Roberto , Tobón-Vélez Daniel , Franco-Leyva Anamaría , Sierra-Carrillo María Margarita
Published: November 2024

The journal retracts the article, “Assessing Mercury Contamination Levels in the Sediments of Two Pyrenean Lakes” [...]
Unsedated or On-Demand Minimally Sedated Water-Aided Outpatient Colonoscopy in Colorectal Cancer Screening and Surveillance: A Step Forward or Backward? Experience from Daily Practice in a Regional (Nonacademic) Hospital
Authors: Arnaert Stijn , Persyn Diederik , Cool Mike , Lambrecht Guy , Deboever Guido
Published: November 2024

Background: By using optimal insertion techniques with water infusion and dynamic position changes, pain during colonoscopy is greatly reduced and the procedures can usually be performed without sedation. We investigated whether the excellent results with water-aided colonoscopy reported by experts are reproducible in daily practice in a regional hospital. Methods: During the year 2023, 500 consecutive outpatients 50–75 years old presenting for colorectal cancer screening and surveillance could choose between unsedated or on-demand minimally sedated colonoscopy, moderate sedation with midazolam, or deep sedation with propofol. A total of 57% opted for unsedated colonoscopy, and of those patients, 250 consecutive patients were included. The primary outcome was the feasibility of the procedure. Cecal intubation rate (CIR), pain scores, use of midazolam, and willingness to repeat future procedures in the same way were registered periprocedural. Additional outcomes were cecal intubation time (CIT), detection rate of lesions, polyp resection rate, rate of adequate bowel preparation, and volume of water aspirated during insertion. Results: 250 consecutive sedation-free or on-demand minimally sedated water-based colonoscopies were analyzed. The CIR was 98%. A total of 96.5% completed without sedation and 5% of the procedures were perceived as moderately painful, but none had severe pain. The willingness to repeat was 97%. The mean CIT was 8.2 min. Conclusions: Using water-aided insertion techniques, comfortable sedation-free, or on-demand minimally sedated colonoscopy in daily practice in a regional hospital is feasible in the vast majority of patients presenting for colorectal cancer screening and surveillance, and the willingness to repeat is very high.
Comorbidities and Treatment Outcomes in Patients Diagnosed with Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis in Rural Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
Authors: Hosu Mojisola Clara , Faye Lindiwe Modest , Apalata Teke
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health challenge, with drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) posing a greater threat due to difficulty in treatment. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between comorbidities and treatment outcomes in patients diagnosed with DR-TB in rural Eastern Cape using logistic regression. Methods: Data on patient characteristics, comorbidities, and treatment outcomes were extracted from the medical records and analyzed using Python version 3.8. and R version 4.1.1 software. A logistic regression model was used to determine the effects of selected variables on treatment outcomes of DR-TB cases. Results: Hearing loss and hypertension (HTN) were the most frequently observed comorbidities across various DR-TB cases, particularly rifampicin-resistant (RR), multidrug-resistant (MDR), and pre-extensively drug-resistant (pre-XDR-TB) cases. A hearing loss prevalence of 5.8% (26/445) was found among patients receiving treatment for TB, with the intensity of impairment ranging from mild to severe. Gender is significantly associated with the occurrence of HTN among these patients (p-value: 0.022). Comorbidities such as epilepsy, hearing loss, and HTN significantly impact treatment success, with higher risks of mortality and incomplete cure. Using logistic regression, obesity (OR = 3.0884; e = 1.1277; p = 0.0408) and HIV-positive status (OR = 0.4458; e = 0.8078; p = 0.0001) were highly likely and less likely associated with better treatment outcomes, respectively. The logistic regression model achieved an accuracy of 64.0%, a precision of 63.0%, and a recall of 95.0%, with an F-1 score of 76.0%. Conclusions: The findings underscore the importance of implementing integrated management strategies that address both DR-TB and its comorbidities, particularly in resource-limited settings where such patients are prevalent. Public health policies should incorporate strategies to provide nutritional assessments and interventions, particularly for individuals with low BMI. This could include food supplementation programs or partnerships with local food kitchens to ensure that patients have access to adequate nutrition during DR-TB treatment.
Extracellular Phosphate Modulation and Polyphosphate Accumulation by Corynebacterium matruchotii and Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Ghose Debarati , Jones Robert S.
Published: November 2024

(1) Background: An alternative and understudied microbial mechanism that may influence demineralization is the microbially mediated ion exchange of Ca2+ and orthophosphate (Pi), which alters the saturation state of the mineral species within the surface enamel. There is a need to examine the ability of members of the oral microbiome to modulate Ca2+ and Pi, which control mineral solubility, in order to effectively evaluate mineralization therapies to improve oral health. (2) Methods: Pi uptake was measured using an ascorbic acid assay during a BHI liquid culture growth of Corynebacterium matruchotii and Streptococcus mutans for up to 20 h. The initial and endpoint medium Ca2+ levels were measured using ICP-OES. Bacterial cells were examined at different growth stages using DAPI/polyP binding emission at 525 nm to detect the presence of internalized macromolecules of polyphosphates (polyP) that could drive Pi uptake. (3) Results: C. matruchotii (p = 0.0061) substantially accumulated Pi (3.84 mmol/L), with a concomitant formation of polyP. In contrast, S. mutans did not take up Pi or accumulate polyP. No significant Ca2+ drawdown in the media was observed in either strain. (4) Conclusions: This study suggests that when examining the future efficacy of prevention technologies to improve, in vitro assays may consider including specific oral bacteria capable of substantial Pi uptake.
Efficacy and Comfort Level with the Non-Sliding Lingual Orthodontic Technique (BRIUS™) Versus Labial Full Fixed Appliances: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Alzainal Mohammed Hussain , Warunek Stephen , Covell David A. , Tanberg William , Aliaga-Del Castillo Aron , Cevidanes Lucia , Al-Jewair Thikriat
Published: November 2024

Introduction: This pilot two-arm, parallel group, randomized clinical trial aimed to compare the efficacy of tooth movement and patient comfort during orthodontic leveling and alignment with the BRIUS™ lingual system (BR) versus labial full fixed appliances (LFFAs). Methods: Patients in the permanent dentition with mild to moderate crowding were recruited at the University at Buffalo and randomly assigned into the BR group (seven patients) or LFFAs group (six patients). The patients’ dental arches were scanned before bonding (T1) and after 18 weeks (T2). Digital dental model superimpositions were performed to three-dimensionally evaluate tooth movement. Changes between T1 and T2 were measured in the x, y, and z planes. Little’s Irregularity Index (LII) was also assessed at T1 and T2. An electronic questionnaire was completed daily for 7 days after T1 to evaluate the patients’ comfort levels. Results: After 18 weeks, similar displacements were observed for all teeth in both groups except for the lower left second premolar (LL5) in the x-axis which showed greater displacement in the BR group (p = 0.016). Groups showed similar changes in LII. Discomfort during the first week after bonding was greater on the tongue in the BR group and on the lips and cheeks in the LFFAs group. Tongue discomfort caused by the BR lasted for around 3 days. Conclusion: The BR and LFFAs showed similar teeth displacements and therefore were equally effective at leveling and aligning teeth. LFFAs caused cheek- and lip-borne discomfort while the BR caused tongue-borne discomfort during the first week after bonding. Larger studies with longer follow-ups are needed to obtain more definitive results.
Mandibular Advancement Devices in OSA Patients: Impact on Occlusal Dynamics and Tooth Alignment Modifications—A Pilot Prospective and Retrospective Study
Authors: Uyaner Aylin , Schneider Helen , Parikh Aditya , Paeske-Hinz Kathrin , Konermann Anna
Published: November 2024

Background: The widespread prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) underscores the necessity for effective therapies. Mandibular advancement devices (MADs) have emerged as valid treatment for mild to moderate cases, despite the associated dental side effects. Methods: This study evaluates the nature, onset, and long-term manifestation of these side effects. In the prospective group (n = 12), dental impressions were taken pre-MAD-insertion and at intervals of three, six, nine, and twelve months post-insertion to monitor occlusal alterations. In the retrospective group, participants (n = 8) wearing MADs for 7 years at average underwent lateral cephalogram assessments to compare with pre-treatment X-rays. All participants completed a specific questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed via t-test and with p < 0.05 as the significance level. Results: The majority of participants in both groups consistently used MADs and reported significant sleep quality improvements, rating common symptoms like jaw tension as negligible. In both the prospective group and the retrospective group, significant reductions in overjet were observed at multiple time points, with the prospective group showing reductions at six months (p = 0.001), nine months (p > 0.001), and twelve months (p = 0.019), while the retrospective group indicated a notable decrease between baseline and follow-up assessments after a mean of seven years of device wear (p = 0.004). A slight overbite increase of 0.2 mm was prospectively observed after one year, whereas a trend towards a minimal decrease over the long term was observed in the retrospective sample (p = 0.003). Noteworthy changes in angle class or lower incisor inclination were absent. Cephalograms revealed significant IOK-NL angle alterations with a mean of 98.2° before and 95.2° upon long-term treatment (p = 0.020). Conclusions: These findings suggest that MADs are effective in treating OSA with minor adverse effects. This study advocates for moderate mandibular protrusion to balance therapeutic efficacy with dental health considerations, crucial for optimizing treatment outcomes. Nonetheless, the limited sample size warrants caution when generalizing these results to the broader population.
Lightweight UAV Small Target Detection and Perception Based on Improved YOLOv8-E
Authors: Zhao Yongjuan , Wang Lijin , Lei Guannan , Guo Chaozhe , Ma Qiang
Published: November 2024

Traditional unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) detection methods struggle with multi-scale variations during flight, complex backgrounds, and low accuracy, whereas existing deep learning detection methods have high accuracy but high dependence on equipment, making it difficult to detect small UAV targets efficiently. To address the above challenges, this paper proposes an improved lightweight high-precision model, YOLOv8-E (Enhanced YOLOv8), for the fast and accurate detection and identification of small UAVs in complex environments. First, a Sobel filter is introduced to enhance the C2f module to form the C2f-ESCFFM (Edge-Sensitive Cross-Stage Feature Fusion Module) module, which achieves higher computational efficiency and feature representation capacity while preserving detection accuracy as much as possible by fusing the SobelConv branch for edge extraction and the convolution branch to extract spatial information. Second, the neck network is based on the HSFPN (High-level Screening-feature Pyramid Network) architecture, and the CAA (Context Anchor Attention) mechanism is introduced to enhance the semantic parsing of low-level features to form a new CAHS-FPN (Context-Augmented Hierarchical Scale Feature Pyramid Network) network, enabling the fusion of deep and shallow features. This improves the feature representation capability of the model, allowing it to detect targets of different sizes efficiently. Finally, the optimized detail-enhanced convolution (DEConv) technique is introduced into the head network, forming the LSCOD (Lightweight Shared Convolutional Object Detector Head) module, enhancing the generalization ability of the model by integrating a priori information and adopting the strategy of shared convolution. This ensures that the model enhances its localization and classification performance without increasing parameters or computational costs, thus effectively improving the detection performance of small UAV targets. The experimental results show that compared with the baseline model, the YOLOv8-E model achieved (mean average precision at IoU = 0.5) an mAP@0.5 improvement of 6.3%, reaching 98.4%, whereas the model parameter scale was reduced by more than 50%. Overall, YOLOv8-E significantly reduces the demand for computational resources while ensuring high-precision detection.
The Role of Microscopes to Promote Sustainable Development Goals at School: A Literature Review
Authors: Rams Susana , Pla-Pueyo Sila , Blanco-López Ángel
Published: November 2024

Microscopes are instruments usually associated with the field of Science Education. Unfortunately, despite their great potential for education, their use at school is not generalised. This implies fewer opportunities for students to understand the microscopic world, thus affecting the quality of their Environmental Education. In the present systematic literature review, proposals for Primary and Secondary (6–18 years) microscopy education are analysed, as well as their relation to the promotion of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It has been carried out in the databases Web of Science and Scopus, followed by a content analysis of 82 journal articles. The main results show that non-formal educational contexts pay more attention to the relation between school microscopy and the SDGs than the formal ones, and, within these, basic education is the least represented in comparison to middle and high levels. Optical microscopes are the most used in relation to SDGs, in contrast to electron microscopes, while new digital, virtual and remote-controlled models are also mentioned. Within the Science and Technology fields associated with SDGs through school microscopy, ‘Life Sciences’ and ‘Technological Sciences’ stand out, and these fields are particularly varied in the case of SDG4 (Quality Education) and SDG3 (Good health and well-being). In conclusion, microscopes play a diverse and conspicuous role in promoting SDGs in school contexts at an international level, and their use should be encouraged in Environmental Education formal and non-formal Primary and Secondary Education.
Spatial Attention-Based Kernel Point Convolution Network for Semantic Segmentation of Transmission Corridor Scenarios in Airborne Laser Scanning Point Clouds
Authors: Zhou Fangrong , Wen Gang , Ma Yi , Pan Hao , Wang Guofang , Wang Yifan
Published: November 2024

Accurate semantic segmentation in transmission corridor scenes is crucial for the maintenance and inspection of power infrastructure, facilitating the timely detection of potential hazards. In this study, we propose SA-KPConv, an advanced segmentation model specifically designed for transmission corridor scenarios. Traditional approaches, including Random Forest and point-based deep learning models such as PointNet++, demonstrate limitations in segmenting critical infrastructure components, particularly power lines and towers, primarily due to their inadequate capacity to capture complex spatial relationships and local geometric details. Our model effectively addresses these challenges by integrating a spatial attention module with kernel point convolution, enhancing both global context and local feature extraction. Experiments demonstrate that SA-KPConv outperforms state-of-the-art methods, achieving a mean Intersection over Union (mIoU) of 89.62%, particularly excelling in challenging terrains such as mountainous areas. Ablation studies further validate the significance of our model’s components in enhancing overall performance and effectively addressing class imbalance. This study presents a robust solution for semantic segmentation, with considerable potential for monitoring and maintaining power infrastructure.
Quantum Representation for Deterministic Push-Down Automata
Authors: Puram Varun teja , George K. M. , Thomas Johnson P.
Published: November 2024

There are many papers presenting quantum computing models. The definitions parallel the classical definitions of finite state automata, push-down automata, context-free grammars, etc. Classical computing model definitions define languages precisely. We can state that a string belongs to a language or does not belong to it with no room for error. Quantum definitions do not possess this certainty. Sacrificing the certainty and adopting a quantum definition of a computing model does not appear to provide any concrete power to the model. Therefore, the path of this paper is to begin from the classical definition and end in a quantum circuit. In this paper, we start from a deterministic push-down automaton (DPDA). We present circuits for state transition and stack operations. The circuits presented can be viewed as independent algorithms. As an example, the approach used to construct the circuit for state transition can be utilized to build the circuit for a function presented as a Boolean matrix.
End-to-End Deployment of Winograd-Based DNNs on Edge GPU
Authors: Mori Pierpaolo , Rahman Mohammad Shanur , Frickenstein Lukas , Sampath Shambhavi Balamuthu , Thoma Moritz , Fasfous Nael , Vemparala Manoj Rohit , Frickenstein Alexander , Stechele Walter , Passerone Claudio
Published: November 2024

The Winograd algorithm reduces the computational complexity of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) by minimizing the number of multiplications required for convolutions, making it particularly suitable for resource-constrained edge devices. Concurrently, most edge hardware accelerators utilize 8-bit integer arithmetic to enhance energy efficiency and reduce inference latency, requiring the quantization of CNNs before deployment. Combining Winograd-based convolution with quantization offers the potential for both performance acceleration and reduced energy consumption. However, prior research has identified significant challenges in this combination, particularly due to numerical instability and substantial accuracy degradation caused by the transformations required in the Winograd domain, making the two techniques incompatible on edge hardware. In this work, we describe our latest training scheme, which addresses these challenges, enabling the successful integration of Winograd-accelerated convolution with low-precision quantization while maintaining high task-related accuracy. Our approach mitigates the numerical instability typically introduced during the transformation, ensuring compatibility between the two techniques. Additionally, we extend our work by presenting a custom-optimized CUDA implementation of quantized Winograd convolution for NVIDIA edge GPUs. This implementation takes full advantage of the proposed training scheme, achieving both high computational efficiency and accuracy, making it a compelling solution for edge-based AI applications. Our training approach enables significant MAC reduction with minimal impact on prediction quality. Furthermore, our hardware results demonstrate up to a 3.4× latency reduction for specific layers, and a 1.44× overall reduction in latency for the entire DeepLabV3 model, compared to the standard implementation.
DMTN-Net: Semantic Segmentation Architecture for Surface Unmanned Vessels
Authors: Shao Mingzhi , Liu Xin , Zhang Tengwen , Zhang Qingfa , Sun Yuhan , Yuan Haiwen , Xiao Changshi
Published: November 2024

Aiming at the problems of insufficient navigation area recognition accuracy, fuzzy boundary of obstacle segmentation, and high consumption of computational resources in the autonomous navigation of water navigation sensors, such as USVs, this paper proposes a DMTN-Net network architecture based on DeeplabV3+ to improve the accuracy and efficiency of environment sensing. Firstly, DMTN-Net adopts the lightweight MobileNetV2 as the backbone, which reduces the amount of computation. Secondly, the innovative N-Decoder structure integrates cSE and Triplet Attention, which enhances the feature representation and improves the segmentation performance. Finally, various experiments were conducted on the MassMind dataset, Pascal VOC2007 dataset, and related sea areas. The experimental results show that DMTN-Net performs well on MassMind and Pascal VOC2007 datasets, and compared with other mainstream networks, the indexes of mIoU, mPA, and mPrecision are significantly improved, and the computational cost is greatly reduced. In addition, the offshore navigation experiments further validate its performance advantages and provide solid support for the practicalization of USV waterborne sensors.