bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of Genomic Predictors of Muscle Fiber Size
Authors: Guilherme João Paulo L. F. , Semenova Ekaterina A. , Kikuchi Naoki , Homma Hiroki , Kozuma Ayumu , Saito Mika , Zempo Hirofumi , Matsumoto Shingo , Kobatake Naoyuki , Nakazato Koichi , Okamoto Takanobu , John George , Yusupov Rinat A. , Larin Andrey K. , Kulemin Nikolay A. , Gazizov Ilnaz M. , Generozov Edward V. , Ahmetov Ildus I.
Published: July 2024

The greater muscle fiber cross-sectional area (CSA) is associated with greater skeletal muscle mass and strength, whereas muscle fiber atrophy is considered a major feature of sarcopenia. Muscle fiber size is a polygenic trait influenced by both environmental and genetic factors. However, the genetic variants underlying inter-individual differences in muscle fiber size remain largely unknown. The aim of our study was to determine whether 1535 genetic variants previously identified in a genome-wide association study of appendicular lean mass are associated with the CSA of fast-twitch muscle fibers (which better predict muscle strength) in the m. vastus lateralis of 148 physically active individuals (19 power-trained and 28 endurance-trained females, age 28.0 ± 1.1; 28 power-trained and 73 endurance-trained males, age 31.1 ± 0.8). Fifty-seven single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified as having an association with muscle fiber size (p < 0.05). Of these 57 SNPs, 31 variants were also associated with handgrip strength in the UK Biobank cohort (n = 359,729). Furthermore, using East Asian and East European athletic (n = 731) and non-athletic (n = 515) cohorts, we identified 16 SNPs associated with athlete statuses (sprinter, wrestler, strength, and speed–strength athlete) and weightlifting performance. All SNPs had the same direction of association, i.e., the lean mass-increasing allele was positively associated with the CSA of muscle fibers, handgrip strength, weightlifting performance, and power athlete status. In conclusion, we identified 57 genetic variants associated with both appendicular lean mass and fast-twitch muscle fiber size of m. vastus lateralis that may, in part, contribute to a greater predisposition to power sports.
The Mediating Role of Cardiorespiratory Fitness in the Association between a Negative Lifestyle and Poor Mental Health in Chilean Schoolchildren
Authors: Delgado-Floody Pedro , Caamaño-Navarrete Felipe , Barahona-Fuentes Guillermo , Arriagada-Hernández Carlos , Valdés-Badilla Pablo , Del-Cuerpo Indya , Cresp-Barría Mauricio , Gómez-López Manuel
Published: July 2024

Background: A negative lifestyle has a reported relationship with psychological problems and deteriorated well-being. However, there is little information regarding the mediating role of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in this relationship. Objectives: The objectives of the present study are twofold: first, to investigate the association between negative lifestyle, physical self-concept (PSC), and depression, and second, to assess the potential mediating role of CRF in this complex relationship. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 612 schoolchildren aged between 9 and 14 years from the Araucanía region (southern Chile). CRF was measured using the Leger test, and lifestyle, depression, and PSC were measured using validated questionnaires. Results: A negative lifestyle reported an inverse association with PSC (p < 0.001) and a positive association with depression levels (p < 0.001). The mediation analysis showed that CRF was positively related to PSC (p < 0.001) and inversely related to depression (p = 0.001); besides, the indirect effect CRF acted as a partial mediator in the association between a negative lifestyle and PSC (indirect effect = −1.15; SE = 0.01; 95% CI, −1.87, −0.55) and depression levels (indirect effect = 0.22; SE = 0.08; 95% CI, 0.08, 0.38). Conclusion: In conclusion, CRF in schoolchildren played a potential mediating role in the association between a negative lifestyle and depression and PSC.
Parental Attitudes and Practices regarding Atopic Dermatitis: A Cross-Sectional Study among a Thai Population
Authors: Nummak Phurithat , Techasatian Leelawadee , Uppala Rattapon , Sitthikarnkha Phanthila , Saengnipanthkul Suchaorn , Sirikarn Prapassara
Published: July 2024

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder common in children. Successful pediatric AD therapy requires parental assistance. Thus, evaluating parental knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding childhood AD may lead to more educational recommendations to help children control AD in the future. This study examined parents’ knowledge, attitudes, and conduct concerning AD in families with and without children with AD. Method: The Pediatric Department, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Thailand, conducted a cross-sectional study from June to December 2023. Parents of children who visited the dermatology clinic with or without AD were asked to complete a Google form questionnaire. Results: A total of 372 parents answered a questionnaire about AD pathophysiology, knowledge, attitudes, and practices. The participants were 293 (78.8%) female participants and 79 (21.2%) male participants. The average age was 29.79 (SD 4.91). Most parents (319, 85.8%) did not work in the medical field, and more than half (228 instances, 61.29%) had children diagnosed with AD. Conclusions: Parents of children with AD understood AD causes and triggers better than parents of children without AD. But, “exposure to furry toys” that may contain dust and allergies and “infection” that may cause AD flare-ups were the most common triggers, regardless of the group. Appropriate information should be supplied because both the parents of children with AD and those of children without AD reported immediate food avoidance without confirmatory testing, which might lead to malnutrition. Clinicians and families handling patients with AD require further education.
IL-17A Cytokine-Regulated Glut1 Expression in Placenta Cells
Authors: Lee Jeong Yeon , Kim Hyunju
Published: July 2024

Trophoblasts, the principal cellular component of the placenta, play an important role in nutrient and gas exchange. Previous studies have indicated that maternal immune activation (MIA) leads to an elevation in IL-17A cytokine levels in maternal serum, subsequently influencing fetal brain development during pregnancy. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the impact of the IL-17A cytokine on placental function. First, we treated JAR and JEG-3, which is a placenta cell line, with IL-17A in a concentration-dependent or time-dependent manner and observed cell morphology and viability. It was confirmed that treatment with IL-17A or a double-stranded RNA mimic (PolyI:C) had no effect on the morphology or cell viability. IL-17A treatment increased the expression of IL-17R at the mRNA and protein levels, and Poly(I:C) increased the levels of IFNγ and TNFα. Additionally, PPARγ, known as a metabolism regulator, was increased by IL-17A treatment. Also, we observed that the expression of Glut1 and Glut3 was increased by IL-17A treatment. To confirm this, we examined the expression of transporters in the placental tissue of the MIA rodent model, and we observed that mRNA expression of glut1 and glut3 was significantly increased. However, the expression of Gltu1 and Glut3 was observed to be significantly inhibited in the brains of MIA-induced offspring. This study suggests that IL-17A increases signaling through IL-17R in the placenta and fetal brain tissue; however, there is a mechanism for regulating the expression of glucose transporters by increased IL-17A in the placenta.
Dual Inhibition of PI3 Kinase and MAP Kinase Signaling Pathways in Intrahepatic Cholangiocellular Carcinoma Cell Lines Leads to Proliferation Arrest but Not Apoptosis
Authors: Schüler Jessica , Vockerodt Martina , Salehzadeh Niloofar , Becker Jürgen , Wilting Jörg
Published: July 2024

Cholangiocellular carcinoma (CCA) is the second most common primary liver cancer, with increasing incidence worldwide and inadequate therapeutic options. Intra- and extrahepatic bile ducts have distinctly different embryonic origins and developmental behavior, and accordingly, intra- and extrahepatic CCAs (ICC vs. ECC) are molecularly different. A promising strategy in oncotherapy is targeted therapy, targeting proteins that regulate cell survival and proliferation, such as the MAPK/ERK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways. Inhibitors of these pathways have been tested previously in CCA cell lines. However, these cell lines could not be clearly assigned to ICC or ECC, and the results indicated apoptosis induction by targeted therapeutics. We tested targeted therapeutics (selumetinib, MK2206) in three defined ICC cell lines (HuH28, RBE, SSP25). We observed additive effects of the dual inhibition of the two pathways, in accordance with the inhibition of phospho-AKT and phospho-ERK1/2 expression. Proliferation was blocked more effectively with dual inhibition than with each single inhibition, but cell numbers did not drop below baseline. Accordingly, we observed G1 phase arrest but not apoptosis or cell death (measured by cleaved caspase-3, AIFM1 regulation, sub-G0/G1 phase). We conclude that the dual inhibition of the MAPK/ERK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways is highly effective to block the proliferation of ICC cell lines in vitro; however, potential clinical applications must be critically examined, as a proliferation block could also induce resistance to standard therapies.
Effect Analysis of Process Parameters on Geometric Dimensions during Belt-Heated Incremental Sheet Forming of AA2024 Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Li Zhengfang , Gao Zhengyuan , An Zhiguo , Lin Han , Sun Pengfei , Ren Zhong , Qiao Zhengyang , Zhang Yuhang , Jia Youdong
Published: July 2024

The effect of process parameters on geometric dimensions is complex during belt-heated incremental sheet forming, leading to control difficulties in the geometric dimension of parts. In this study, the geometric errors were analyzed under the action of different process parameters, and the corresponding influence law was obtained through macro- and microexperiments. On this basis, the micromorphology of the deformation region section was analyzed in detail, and the effect of process parameters on micromorphology characteristics was obtained during belt-heated incremental sheet forming. Meanwhile, the dislocation density of the deformation region section was analyzed through XRD, and the change law of the dislocation density was revealed under the action of different process parameters. Therefore, the macro and micro effect mechanism of process parameters on geometric dimensions was verified, and then the control method of the geometric dimension was obtained in belt-heated incremental sheet forming.
Chemical Bonding of Nanorod Hydroxyapatite to the Surface of Calciumfluoroaluminosilicate Particles for Improving the Histocompatibility of Glass Ionomer Cement
Authors: Kang Sohee , Park So Jung , Kim Sukyoung , Kang Inn-Kyu
Published: July 2024

Glass ionomer cement (GIC) is composed of anionic polyacrylic acid and a silica-based inorganic powder. GIC is used as a filling material in the decayed cavity of the tooth; therefore, compatibility with the tooth tissue is essential. In the present study, we aimed to improve the histocompatibility of GIC by introducing nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA), a component of teeth, into a silica-based inorganic powder. CFAS-nHA was prepared by chemically bonding nanorod hydroxyapatite (nHA) to the surface of calciumfluoroaluminosilicate (CFAS). The synthesis of CFAS-nHA was confirmed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The prepared CFAS-nHA was mixed with polyacrylic acid and cured to prepare GIC containing nHA (GIC-nHA). Cytocompatibility tests of GIC-nHA and GIC were performed using osteoblasts. Osteoblast activity and bone formation ability were superior after GIC-nHA treatment than after control GIC treatment. This enhanced histocompatibility is believed to be due to the improvement of the biological activity of osteoblasts induced by the HA introduced into the GIC. Therefore, to enhance its compatibility with dental tissues, GIC could be manufactured by chemically bonding nHA to the surface of GI inorganic powder.
Characterization of Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) Thin Films towards Terahertz (THz) Functional Device Applications
Authors: Sahoo Anup Kumar , Au Wei-Chen , Pan Ci-Ling
Published: July 2024

In this study, we explored the manipulation of optical properties in the terahertz (THz) frequency band of radio-frequency (RF) sputtered indium tin oxide (ITO) thin films on highly resistive silicon substrate by rapid thermal annealing (RTA). The optical constants of as-deposited and RTA-processed ITO films annealed at 400 °C, 600 °C and 800 °C are determined in the frequency range of 0.2 to 1.0 THz. The transmittance can be changed from ~27% for as-deposited to ~10% and ~39% for ITO films heat-treated at different annealing temperatures (Ta’s). Such variations of optical properties in the far infrared for the samples under study are correlated with their mobility and carrier concentration, which are extracted from Drude–Smith modeling of THz conductivity with plasma frequency, scattering time and the c-parameters as fitting parameters. Resistivities of the films are in the range of 10−3 to 10−4 Ω-cm, confirming that annealed ITO films can potentially be used as transparent conducting electrodes for photonic devices operating at THz frequencies. The highest mobility, μ = 47 cm2/V∙s, with carrier concentration, Nc = 1.31 × 1021 cm−3, was observed for ITO films annealed at Ta = 600 °C. The scattering times of the samples were in the range of 8–21 fs, with c-values of −0.63 to −0.87, indicating strong backscattering of the carriers, mainly by grain boundaries in the polycrystalline film. To better understand the nature of these films, we have also characterized the surface morphology, microscopic structural properties and chemical composition of as-deposited and RTA-processed ITO thin films. For comparison, we have summarized the optical properties of ITO films sputtered onto fused silica substrates, as-deposited and RTA-annealed, in the visible transparency window of 400–800 nm. The optical bandgaps of the ITO thin films were evaluated with a Tauc plot from the absorption spectra.
Biochemical and Microbiological Properties of the Cotton–Copper Composite Material Obtained via Sputter Deposition
Authors: Świerczyńska Małgorzata , Mrozińska Zdzisława , Juszczak Michał , Woźniak Katarzyna , Kudzin Marcin H.
Published: July 2024

This study investigated the biochemical and microbiological properties of Cotton–Copper composite materials obtained using magnetron sputtering technology. Copper particles were precisely distributed on the fabric surface, ensuring free airflow without the need to create additional layers. The Cotton–Copper composite materials were subjected to physiochemical and biological investigations. The physiochemical analysis included the elemental analysis of composites (C, N, O, S, Cu) and analyses of their microscopic and surface properties (specific surface area and total pore volume). The biological investigations consisted of microbiological and biochemical–hematological tests, including evaluation of the activated partial thromboplastin time and prothrombin time. Experiments showed significant effectiveness of the antibacterial material against representative strains of fungi and bacterial species. We also demonstrated the ability of the cotton–copper material to interact directly with the plasmid DNA.
Postoperative Intestinal Intussusception in Polytraumatized Adult Patient: A Case Report
Authors: Jaimes González Claudia Viviana , Pereira Velásquez María José , Unigarro Villota Juan Pablo , Mora Lozada Adriana Patricia
Published: July 2024

Background: Intestinal intussusception is defined as the invagination of one segment of the intestine into the lumen of an adjacent intestinal segment, resulting in the mechanical intestinal obstruction of multifactorial origin with a high risk of morbidity and mortality. It is a rare pathology in adults with a nonspecific clinical presentation. We present the case of a 26-year-old male patient who was admitted postoperatively after multiple extra institutional surgical interventions due to polytrauma secondary to a work-related accident that caused high-impact trauma by a solids mixer. However, he was referred to our institution due to suspected vascular trauma in the right femoral artery. During his hospital stay, he developed intolerance to oral intake associated with pain, abdominal distension, and persistent emetic episodes despite medical management. Consequently, an abdominal CT scan with double contrast was requested, revealing intestinal intussusception secondary to intestinal adhesions, which required new surgical management with a favorable resolution; Discussion: Intussusception in the adult population is rare and is primarily caused by an identifiable structural lesion. It is one of the most challenging pathologies in terms of diagnosis and management due to its nonspecific presentation. However, when postoperative symptoms indicating intestinal obstruction appear, a computed tomography scan is considered the imaging modality of choice for diagnosing intussusception in adults; Conclusions: The development of postoperative peritoneal adhesions is a common cause of intestinal obstruction that can lead to complications such as intestinal intussusception, requiring additional interventions. Therefore, it is vital to identify their presence to reduce morbidity and mortality.
Teachers’ Needs for Support during Emergency Remote Teaching in Greek Schools: Role of Social Networks
Authors: Nikiforos Stefanos , Anastasopoulou Eleftheria , Pappa Athina , Tzanavaris Spyros , Kermanidis Katia Lida
Published: July 2024

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic prompted a rapid shift to Emergency Remote Teaching (ERT). Social networks had a key role in supporting the educational community in facing challenges and opportunities. A quantitative study was conducted to assess the Greek teachers’ perceptions of social network support. Findings indicated that teachers turned to universities, educational institutions, the Ministry of Education, school support groups, and virtual communities for support. Additionally, the study revealed the barriers faced by teachers, including infrastructure limitations, technical difficulties, skill deficiencies, problems with students’ engagement, and school policies. Teachers’ evaluation of support regarding ERT provided fruitful insight. The results illustrate teachers’ perspectives on ERT, contributing to the ongoing discourse on educational resilience to unpredictable disruptions. In conclusion, the role of social networks was considered as critical for the teachers to overcome barriers during ERT with the formation of social communities for support and the sharing of common experiences. Expertise in internet use and social networking played a significant role in readiness for the abrupt shift to distance education. The present study uniquely contributes to the educational field by emphasizing the role of teachers’ support as an innovative approach to holistically enhance teachers’ performance in ERT.
Description of the Northern Green Anaconda (Eunectes akayima sp. nov. Serpentes; Boidae): What Is in a Name?
Authors: Rivas Jesús A. , Terra Juliana S. , Roosen Marijn , Champagne Patrick S. , Leite-Pitman Renata , De La Quintana Paola , Mancuso Marco , Pacheco Luis F. , Burghardt Gordon M. , Vonk Freek J. , García-Pérez Juán Elías , Fry Bryan G. , Corey-Rivas Sarah
Published: July 2024

While elucidating the evolutionary trajectory of green anacondas, we previously documented the existence of two distinct species, Eunectes akayima sp. nov. and Eunectes murinus (Linnaeus, 1758), that separated approximately 10 million years ago. Our research integrates a novel molecular clock approach, focuses on tectonic plate movements with fossil records as minimal chronological markers, and offers a refined understanding of speciation events in relation to major biogeographical occurrences in South America. Mitochondrial DNA analysis demonstrates a significant genetic divergence between the species, which is supported by a notable difference in sexual size dimorphism (SSD) intensity between the two species, along with other morphological differences. This paper also rectifies earlier oversights in the description of the new species and clarifies taxonomic ambiguities in compliance with the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (henceforth ICZN). In addition, we designate a neotype for E. murinus to stabilize the group. In an effort to honor Indigenous nations, E. akayima sp. nov. derives its name from the Carib language, advocating for the inclusion of traditional names in scientific discourse. Our paper not only contributes to the taxonomic stability of anacondas but also advocates for the usage of Indigenous names in zoological nomenclature by adopting a more inclusive and flexible approach to the ICZN and eliminating unintended exclusionary practices that we have inherited in science as in other disciplines.
Repetitive Self-Inflicted Craniocerebral Injury in a Patient with Antisocial Personality Disorder
Authors: Cucu Andrei Ionut , Costea Claudia Florida , Silișteanu Sînziana Călina , Blaj Laurentiu Andrei , Istrate Ana Cristina , Patrascu Raluca Elena , Hartie Vlad Liviu , Patrascanu Emilia , Turliuc Mihaela Dana , Turliuc Serban , Sava Anca , Boişteanu Otilia
Published: July 2024

Self-inflicted penetrating injuries in patients with mental disorders are a rare phenomenon. The authors report the case of a prisoner who recurrently presented to the emergency department over a period of four years for self-insertion of six metal foreign bodies into the skull. Computed tomography each time revealed the presence of a metal foreign body (screw, nail, metal rod, and wire) passing through the frontal bone into the frontal lobe. In each situation, the foreign body was safely extracted with a favorable outcome. Despite the use of the latest imaging modalities, metal artifacts can limit the assessment of vascular involvement, and special attention must be given to preoperative planning. Surgical extraction of the foreign body can be safely performed when appropriate preoperative planning is carried out to consider all possible complications.
“Unkinking” the “Kink” Normalizes the Doppler Pattern
Authors: Blickenstaff Elaina A. , O’Shea Michael , Barry Timothy , Arsanjani Reza , Fasolino John P. , Hagler Donald J. , Marcotte Francois , Majdalany David S.
Published: July 2024

Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) comprises 5–7% of congenital heart disease and can present as an isolated narrowing in the aortic arch just distal to the left subclavian artery or can be associated with cardiac abnormalities such as a bicuspid aortic valve, aortopathy, or ventricular septal defects. With the advances in the medical field, intervention on CoA can either be via surgical repair or endovascular stenting. Echocardiography is the mainstay in diagnosing CoA, with tomographic imaging such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography providing supplementary assessment of the aorta, valves, and collateral vessels. We present a case of a young hypertensive male who was noted to have a continuous cardiac murmur with diagnostic Doppler pattern of CoA on echocardiography that normalized soon after percutaneous stenting.
Radiomic Gradient in Peritumoural Tissue of Liver Metastases: A Biomarker for Clinical Practice? Analysing Density, Entropy, and Uniformity Variations with Distance from the Tumour
Authors: Fiz Francesco , Ragaini Elisa Maria , Sirchia Sara , Masala Chiara , Viganò Samuele , Francone Marco , Cavinato Lara , Lanzarone Ettore , Ammirabile Angela , Viganò Luca
Published: July 2024

The radiomic analysis of the tissue surrounding colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) enhances the prediction accuracy of pathology data and survival. We explored the variation of the textural features in the peritumoural tissue as the distance from CRLM increases. We considered patients with hypodense CRLMs >10 mm and high-quality computed tomography (CT). In the portal phase, we segmented (1) the tumour, (2) a series of concentric rims at a progressively increasing distance from CRLM (from one to ten millimetres), and (3) a cylinder of normal parenchyma (Liver-VOI). Sixty-three CRLMs in 51 patients were analysed. Median peritumoural HU values were similar to Liver-VOI, except for the first millimetre around the CRLM. Entropy progressively decreased (from 3.11 of CRLM to 2.54 of Liver-VOI), while uniformity increased (from 0.135 to 0.199, p < 0.001). At 10 mm from CRLM, entropy was similar to the Liver-VOI in 62% of cases and uniformity in 46%. In small CRLMs (≤30 mm) and responders to chemotherapy, normalisation of entropy and uniformity values occurred in a higher proportion of cases and at a shorter distance. The radiomic analysis of the parenchyma surrounding CRLMs unveiled a wide halo of progressively decreasing entropy and increasing uniformity despite a normal radiological aspect. Underlying pathology data should be investigated.
Upregulation of TET2 and Resistance to DNA Methyltransferase (DNMT) Inhibitors in DNMT1-Deleted Cancer Cells
Authors: Laranjeira Angelo B. A. , Nguyen Dat , Pelosof Lorraine C. , Doroshow James H. , Yang Sherry X.
Published: July 2024

Background: Ten-eleven-translocation (TET) 2 is a member of the TET family of proteins (TET1-3). DNMT1 gene deletion confers resistance to DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) inhibitors in colorectal, breast, and ovarian cancer cells. Currently, the effect of DNMT1 gene status on TET2 phenotype following DNMT inhibitor treatment is unclear in human malignancies. Methods: Human colorectal carcinoma HCT116 cells (DNMT+/+) and their isogenic DNMT1 knockout (DNMT1–/–) counterpart were treated with DNMT inhibitors. Expression of TET2 and tumor suppressor (p16ink4A and p15ink4B) proteins were examined by Western blot. Apoptosis and CDKN2A promoter demethylation following drug treatment were detected by Annexin-V apoptosis assay and methylation-specific PCR. Results: TET2 expression was robustly increased in DNMT1−/− cells by 0.5 µM and 5 µM decitabine and azacitidine treatment. Augmentation of TET2 expression was accompanied by re-expression of p16ink4A and p15ink4B proteins and CDKN2A promoter demethylation. TET2 upregulation and tumor suppressor re-expression were associated with resistance conferred by DNMT1 deletion. Treatment with 5-aza-4′-thio-2′-deoxycytidine at a low 0.5 µM dose only upregulated TET2 and reduced CDKN2A promoter methylation, and re-expression of p16ink4A in DNMT1−/− cells. DNMT inhibitors showed minimal effects on TET2 upregulation and re-expression of tumor suppressor proteins in cells with intact DNMT1. Conclusions: DNMT1 gene deletion made cancer cells prone to TET2 upregulation and activation of tumor suppressor expression upon DNMT inhibitor challenge. TET2 augmentation is concomitant with resistance to DNMT inhibitors in a DNMT1-deleted state.
YOMO-Runwaynet: A Lightweight Fixed-Wing Aircraft Runway Detection Algorithm Combining YOLO and MobileRunwaynet
Authors: Dai Wei , Zhai Zhengjun , Wang Dezhong , Zu Zhaozi , Shen Siyuan , Lv Xinlei , Lu Sheng , Wang Lei
Published: July 2024

The runway detection algorithm for fixed-wing aircraft is a hot topic in the field of aircraft visual navigation. High accuracy, high fault tolerance, and lightweight design are the core requirements in the domain of runway feature detection. This paper aims to address these needs by proposing a lightweight runway feature detection algorithm named YOMO-Runwaynet, designed for edge devices. The algorithm features a lightweight network architecture that follows the YOMO inference framework, combining the advantages of YOLO and MobileNetV3 in feature extraction and operational speed. Firstly, a lightweight attention module is introduced into MnasNet, and the improved MobileNetV3 is employed as the backbone network to enhance the feature extraction efficiency. Then, PANet and SPPnet are incorporated to aggregate the features from multiple effective feature layers. Subsequently, to reduce latency and improve efficiency, YOMO-Runwaynet generates a single optimal prediction for each object, eliminating the need for non-maximum suppression (NMS). Finally, experimental results on embedded devices demonstrate that YOMO-Runwaynet achieves a detection accuracy of over 89.5% on the ATD (Aerovista Runway Dataset), with a pixel error rate of less than 0.003 for runway keypoint detection, and an inference speed exceeding 90.9 FPS. These results indicate that the YOMO-Runwaynet algorithm offers high accuracy and real-time performance, providing effective support for the visual navigation of fixed-wing aircraft.
Powering Up Preschool Science: A Home–School–Community Partnership to Support Science Learning with a Focus on Emergent Multilingual Learners
Authors: Young Jessica Mercer , Hoisington Cindy , Kook Janna F. , Ramer Megan
Published: July 2024

All children, including emergent multilingual learners (EMLs), are primed to engage with science from an early age. Yet preschool educators traditionally have not been offered in-depth professional learning (PL) in science, how to teach it effectively to young EMLs, and how to communicate its importance to families. This quasi-experimental study investigated a partnership model designed to engage early educators, children’s families, informal science educators, and STEM role models at an informal science learning environment (ISLE)in collaboratively supporting high-quality science experiences for young EML children at school, at home, and in the community. The study examined the effects of a multi-faceted PL program on educators’ beliefs and attitudes toward science and their classroom instructional practices. Caregivers were surveyed and interviewed to assess their beliefs and attitudes around early science learning. Results indicated that educators in the treatment condition gained confidence in supporting science with EMLs and showed significant increases in instructional quality relative to comparison classrooms. Caregivers rated themselves as more confident in supporting science with their children. Promoting partnerships between preschools and ISLEs can be an effective way to power up educators’ and families’ capacities to activate young EMLs’ science inquiry, learning, and language development across multiple contexts.
Hierarchical Two-Dimensional Layered Nickel Disulfide (NiS2)@PEDOT:PSS Nanocomposites as Battery-Type Electrodes for Battery-Type Supercapacitors with High Energy Density
Authors: Thomas Susmi Anna , Cherusseri Jayesh , Rajendran Deepthi N.
Published: July 2024

Battery-type hybrid supercapacitors (HSCs) (otherwise known as supercapatteries) are novel electrochemical energy storage devices bridge the gap between rechargeable batteries and traditional SCs. Herein, we report the synthesis of layered two-dimensional (2D) nickel disulfide (NiS2) nanosheets (NSNs) modified with poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene:polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) and their successful implementation in battery-type SCs. Initially, a layered 2D NSN is synthesized via a microwave-assisted hydrothermal method and further used as a template to coat PEDOT:PSS in order to prepare NiS2@PEDOT:PSS nanocomposite electrodes by a facile drop-casting method. This is the first-time report on the synthesis of a hierarchical NiS2@PEDOT:PSS nanocomposite electrode for battery-type HSC applications. An asymmetric battery-type HSC fabricated with NSN@PEDOT:PSS nanocomposite as positrode and activated carbon as negatrode delivers a maximum energy density of 52.1 Wh/kg at a current density of 1.6 A/g with a corresponding power density of 2500 W/kg.
Temporal Continuity Expression for Network Topology of Space Information Systems
Authors: Huang Ming , Shang Xia , Chen Xiang , Zhang Feng , Li Bing , Lan Baojun , Chen Shuang , Zhu Jun
Published: July 2024

The main functions of the space information system, such as providing the backbone transmission, broadband access, and global connectivity, are realized based on the network topology. Thus, it is necessary to recognize the temporal dynamics of the network topology. A temporal continuity expression method is proposed to describe the topological dynamic characteristics of the network in space information systems. Based on orbit dynamics, a time-dependent adjacency matrix of the space information system can be established by introducing the geometric linkable factor, the link distance intensity factor, and the relative angular velocity factor of the node. The adjacency matrix describes the dynamic characteristics from two layers: one is the physical layer using a time-dependent function, which represents the feasibility of inter-satellite link construction in the system cycle; the other one is the transport layer, described by a piecewise continuous function that varies with time, which characterizes the link quality during the connection period between two satellites. The results show that compared with the existing network topology description methods, the proposed method describes the network topology more accurately, which can distinguish the network topology characteristics at any time, and is more conducive to the understanding and application of the network topology of the space information system.
Progressive Discriminative Feature Learning for Visible-Infrared Person Re-Identification
Authors: Zhou Feng , Cheng Zhuxuan , Yang Haitao , Song Yifeng , Fu Shengpeng
Published: July 2024

The visible-infrared person re-identification (VI-ReID) task aims to retrieve the same pedestrian between visible and infrared images. VI-ReID is a challenging task due to the huge modality discrepancy and complex intra-modality variations. Existing works mainly complete the modality alignment at one stage. However, aligning modalities at different stages has positive effects on the intra-class and inter-class distances of cross-modality features, which are often ignored. Moreover, discriminative features with identity information may be corrupted in the processing of modality alignment, further degrading the performance of person re-identification. In this paper, we propose a progressive discriminative feature learning (PDFL) network that adopts different alignment strategies at different stages to alleviate the discrepancy and learn discriminative features progressively. Specifically, we first design an adaptive cross fusion module (ACFM) to learn the identity-relevant features via modality alignment with channel-level attention. For well preserving identity information, we propose a dual-attention-guided instance normalization module (DINM), which can well guide instance normalization to align two modalities into a unified feature space through channel and spatial information embedding. Finally, we generate multiple part features of a person to mine subtle differences. Multi-loss optimization is imposed during the training process for more effective learning supervision. Extensive experiments on the public datasets of SYSU-MM01 and RegDB validate that our proposed method performs favorably against most state-of-the-art methods.
Forensic Analysis for Cybersecurity of Smart Home Environments with Smart Wallpads
Authors: Kim Sungbum , Bang Jewan , Shon Taeshik
Published: July 2024

Various smart home companies are adding displays to smart home control devices and are also releasing smart home control functions for devices with displays. Since smart home management devices with displays are multifunctional, they can store more digital evidence than traditional management devices. Therefore, we propose a smart home environment forensic methodology focused on wallpads, which are smart home management devices with displays. And we validate the proposed methodology by building a smart home environment centered around wallpads and conducting tests with three vendors (Samsung, Kocom, and Commax). Following the proposed methodology, we identified the software and hardware specifications of devices within the testbed, particularly the wallpads. Based on this, we were able to extract network packets, disk images, and individual files stored internally using methods such as packet capture, vulnerability exploits, serial ports, and chip-off. Through analysis, we confirmed that significant user-related information and videos are stored in these control devices. The digital evidence obtained through the proposed methodology can be used as critical legal evidence, and this study contributes to efficiently analyzing important security issues and evidential data in various smart home IoT environments.
Design and Implementation of Time Metrology Vocabulary Ontology
Authors: Du Mingxin , Gao Boyong , Wang Shuaizhe , Liu Zilong , Xiong Xingchuang , Luo Yuqi
Published: July 2024

The advent of the digital era has put forward an urgent need for the digitization of metrology, and the digitization of metrology vocabularies is one of the fundamental and critical steps to achieve the digital transformation of metrology. Metrology vocabulary ontology can facilitate the exchange and sharing of data and is an important way to achieve the digitization of metrology vocabulary. Time metrology vocabulary is a special and important part of the whole metrology vocabulary, and constructing its ontology can reduce the problems caused by semantic confusion, help to smooth the progress of metrological work, and promote the digital transformation of metrology. Currently, the existing ontology for metrology vocabulary is primarily the MetrOnto ontology, but it lacks a systematic description of the vocabulary of time metrology. To address this issue, improve the metrology vocabulary ontology, and lay the groundwork for realizing the digital transformation of metrology, this paper takes time metrology vocabulary as the research object; proposes a classification principle that meets the inherent requirements of time transfer in the digital world; adopts the seven-step method of ontology construction to construct an ontology specialized in time metrology vocabulary, OTMV (Ontology of Time Metrology Vocabulary); and conducts an ontology consistency check, a machine-readable validation, a machine-understandable primary validation, and information retrieval validation on it. The validation results show that OTMV has correct syntactic and logical consistency and is capable of realizing machine-readable, machine-understandable, and information retrieval. The construction of this ontology provides a systematic description of the time measurement vocabulary that can address the problem of word expression of time metrology vocabulary in the digital world and lay the foundation for the digitization of our metrology vocabulary, as well as its readability, understandability, and sharing.
Design and Polyphase Implementation of Rotationally Invariant 2D FIR Filter Banks Based on Maximally Flat Prototype
Authors: Matei Radu , Chiper Doru Florin
Published: July 2024

This paper presents a design approach for a class of rotationally invariant 2D filters of finite impulse response (FIR) type, which may form circular filter banks with imposed specifications. The design is conducted analytically in the frequency domain and starts from a maximally flat low-pass prototype based on a trapezoidal function with specified width and slope. Its trigonometric approximation is derived using the Fourier series expressed analytically, truncated to a number of terms depending on the imposed accuracy. The chosen trapezoidal function leads to significantly smaller ringing oscillations compared to the approximation of an ideal square characteristic. By shifting the LP prototype to various frequencies, the desired filter bank is generated, where the component filters have a specified bandwidth, steepness, and overlap. The 2D circular filter bank results by applying a specific frequency mapping to the factored frequency response of the prototype filter. Thus, the frequency responses of the 2D filter bank components will also result in factored form, which is an advantage in implementation. The circular filter bank is designed in two versions, a uniform and a non-uniform (dyadic) filter bank. The designed filter banks have accurate shapes and relatively low order for the specified parameters. These filter banks are then used in a sub-band image decomposition application. Finally, an efficient implementation of these filters at the system level is proposed based on polyphase decomposition and the block filtering technique with a high degree of parallelism, resulting in a lower computational complexity.
Dynamic Cyberattack Simulation: Integrating Improved Deep Reinforcement Learning with the MITRE-ATT&CK Framework
Authors: Oh Sang Ho , Kim Jeongyoon , Park Jongyoul
Published: July 2024

As cyberattacks become increasingly sophisticated and frequent, it is crucial to develop robust cybersecurity measures that can withstand adversarial attacks. Adversarial simulation is an effective technique for evaluating the security of systems against various types of cyber threats. However, traditional adversarial simulation methods may not capture the complexity and unpredictability of real-world cyberattacks. In this paper, we propose the improved deep reinforcement learning (DRL) algorithm to enhance adversarial attack simulation for cybersecurity with real-world scenarios from MITRE-ATT&CK. We first describe the challenges of traditional adversarial simulation and the potential benefits of using DRL. We then present an improved DRL-based simulation framework that can realistically simulate complex and dynamic cyberattacks. We evaluate the proposed DRL framework using a cyberattack scenario and demonstrate its effectiveness by comparing it with existing DRL algorithms. Overall, our results suggest that DRL has significant potential for enhancing adversarial simulation for cybersecurity in real-world environments. This paper contributes to developing more robust and effective cybersecurity measures that can adapt to the evolving threat landscape of the digital world.
Three-Dimensional Documentation and Virtual Web Navigation System for the Indoor and Outdoor Exploration of a Complex Cultural Heritage Site
Authors: Aricò Manuela , Dardanelli Gino , La Guardia Marcello , Lo Brutto Mauro
Published: July 2024

The spread of new survey strategies for the documentation and 3D reconstruction of complex cultural heritage sites enables the implementation of virtual web navigation systems that are useful for their virtual fruition. In particular, remote indoor/outdoor exploration enhances our knowledge of cultural heritage sites, even in inaccessible or difficult-to-visit states. However, the 3D data acquisition of complex sites for documentation remains a challenge, and the 3D virtual exploration of these datasets is often limited to property software implementations. This work describes the 3D documentation and construction of an indoor/outdoor web visualization system based on the WebGL open-source technology of a complex cultural heritage site. The case study regards the complex of “Santa Maria della Grotta” in Marsala (Italy), which is composed of a church that is located mostly underground and is connected to a human-dug hypogea on the site of a Punic necropolis. The aim of the work was to obtain detailed 3D documentation of the indoor and outdoor spaces through the integration of mobile laser scanning and aerial photogrammetry survey, and to develop a virtual web navigation system for the remote exploration of the site. The indoor/outdoor web navigation system provides users with a simple, web-browser-based 3D visualization, enabling the dissemination of the monuments’ knowledge on the web through an economically sustainable solution based on open-source technologies.
A Multivariate Time Series Prediction Method Based on Convolution-Residual Gated Recurrent Neural Network and Double-Layer Attention
Authors: Cao Chuxin , Huang Jianhong , Wu Man , Lin Zhizhe , Sun Yan
Published: July 2024

In multivariate and multistep time series prediction research, we often face the problems of insufficient spatial feature extraction and insufficient time-dependent mining of historical series data, which also brings great challenges to multivariate time series analysis and prediction. Inspired by the attention mechanism and residual module, this study proposes a multivariate time series prediction method based on a convolutional-residual gated recurrent hybrid model (CNN-DA-RGRU) with a two-layer attention mechanism to solve the multivariate time series prediction problem in these two stages. Specifically, the convolution module of the proposed model is used to extract the relational features among the sequences, and the two-layer attention mechanism can pay more attention to the relevant variables and give them higher weights to eliminate the irrelevant features, while the residual gated loop module is used to extract the time-varying features of the sequences, in which the residual block is used to achieve the direct connectivity to enhance the expressive power of the model, to solve the gradient explosion and vanishing scenarios, and to facilitate gradient propagation. Experiments were conducted on two public datasets using the proposed model to determine the model hyperparameters, and ablation experiments were conducted to verify the effectiveness of the model; by comparing it with several models, the proposed model was found to achieve good results in multivariate time series-forecasting tasks.
Revealing the 2300-Year-Old Fermented Beverage in a Bronze Bottle from Shaanxi, China
Authors: Liu Li , Zhang Yanglizheng , Ge Wei , Lin Zhiwei , Sinnott-Armstrong Nasa , Yang Lu
Published: July 2024

China has a 9000-year-long history of cereal-based alcohol production, with the use of molds (filamentous fungi) likely being one of the earliest fermentation techniques. This method later developed into the uniquely East Asian qu (koji) starter compound, containing grains, molds, yeasts, and bacteria. Recent studies have revealed that this method was already widely applied during the Neolithic period. However, much less is known about its development during the early dynastic times, and our knowledge of this innovation has mainly relied on textual materials. Here, we present direct evidence, based on microbotanical, microbial, and chemical analyses, for the fermentation method of a 2300-year-old liquid preserved in a sealed bronze bottle unearthed in a Qin tomb at Yancun, Shaanxi. The results of this research suggest that this liquid is likely a fermented beverage made from wheat/barley, rice, Job’s tears, broomcorn millet, and pulses. The fermentation starter may have been a cereal-based qu, consisting of a wide range of microorganisms, including molds (Aspergillus and Monascus), yeasts, and bacteria. Our findings suggest that the tradition of selecting suitable grains and microbial communities for brewing alcohol, possibly with a maiqu starter (primarily wheat/barley-based qu), may have been well established more than two thousand years ago.