bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A 1RM Strengthening and Exercise Programme for the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Quality-Improvement Study
Authors: Creasey James , Masterman Jo , Turpin Gregory , Stanley Richard , Immins Tikki , Burgess Louise , Wainwright Thomas W.
Published: April 2023

Background: The Kneefit programme is a 12-week strengthening and exercise programme, personalised using body-weight ratios, for people with knee osteoarthritis. Objectives and Design: This quality-improvement study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the programme for managing symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. Methods: The Kneefit programme was delivered between 20 August 2013 and 7 January 2014 and included six weeks of supervised strengthening, balance, and cardiovascular exercise in a group at the local hospital, followed by six weeks of unsupervised exercise. Leg-press and knee-extension 1RM scores were assessed at baseline, six weeks, and twelve weeks. In addition, patient-reported outcome measures (Oxford Knee Score, EQ5D, Patient Specific Function Score (PSFS)) were assessed. Wilcoxon Signed Rank tests were used to evaluate the changes from week 1 to week 6 and week 12. Results: Thirty-six patients were included at baseline and at six weeks, and 31 patients completed their twelve-week assessment. Statistically significant improvements were found at 6 and 12 weeks for change for the Oxford Knee Score (median change: 4.0, IQR 4.0 to 9.0, p < 0.001 and 4.0, IQR 0 to 8.0, p < 0.001), EQ5D-5L (median change: 0.078, IQR 0.03 to 0.20, p < 0.001 and 0.071, IQR 0.02 to 0.25, p < 0.001) and the PSFS (median change: 1.3 IQR 0 to 2.6, p = 0.005 and 2.3 IQR −0.3 to 3.3, p = 0.016). In addition, significant improvements were found for 1RM leg-press and knee-extension scores on both the affected and unaffected legs. Conclusion: The Kneefit programme was successful at improving both functional and strength-related outcome measures in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Our findings suggest that tailoring strength exercises based on the 1RM strength-training principles is feasible in this population.
Age at Mortality in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Who Underwent Kidney Transplantation: An Analysis of Data from the Korean National Health Insurance and Statistical Information Service, 2006 to 2018
Authors: Song Sun Ok , Han Eugene , Son Kang Ju , Cha Bong-Soo , Lee Byung-Wan
Published: April 2023

Background: Although the clinical outcomes of diabetes have improved, diabetes remains the principal cause of end-stage renal disease. The aim of the study is to investigate whether mortality trends in individuals with type 2 diabetes and kidney transplantation (KT) have changed. Methods: This study analyzed data from the National Health Insurance Service claims database linked to death records from the National Statistical Information Service in Korea. Information from a total of 2521 deaths of KT recipients was collected from 2006 to 2018. Results: The age at death of KT recipients increased from 57.4 years in 2006 to 65.2 years in 2018, with a mean change of +0.65 years/year (p < 0.001). The overall age at death increased by 0.55 and 0.66 years/year in the type 2 diabetes and non-diabetes populations, respectively. The age at death was significantly higher in the type 2 diabetes group, and was maintained during the study period. The proportion of death due to malignancy and cerebrovascular and heart disease was maintained, that due to type 2 diabetes decreased and that due to pneumonia increased. Neither diabetes nor hypertension determined the age at death, and the age at KT was the most prominent factor affecting age at death in KT recipients. Conclusions: The age at death in KT recipients increased over the 12 years between 2006 and 2018, with similar trends in the type 2 diabetes and non-diabetes groups. The age at KT was higher in patients with type 2 diabetes, and was the main contributor to the age at death in KT recipients.
Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis Secondary to Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor Therapy in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Parra Rogério Serafim , Chebli Júlio Maria Fonseca , Chebli Liliana Andrade , Lima Junior Sérgio Figueiredo de , Lins Neto Manoel Alvaro , Medeiros Terry Rocha de , Faria Francesca Maia , Feitosa Marley Ribeiro , Nigro Cintia Maura Caseiro , Féres Omar
Published: April 2023

Background: Vasculitis is an uncommon complication of biologics used to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This study describes a case series of vasculitis induced by anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy in IBD patients. Methods: Retrospective assessments were performed using the medical records of adult IBD patients who underwent outpatient clinical follow-ups between January 2010 and December 2019 in order to identify patients with vasculitis caused by anti-TNF therapy. Results: There were 2442 patients altogether. Of these, 862 (35%) took anti-TNF medication. Five patients (0.6% of the overall patients; n = 3 (60%) Crohn’s disease; n = 2 (40%), ulcerative colitis) were identified as having leukocytoclastic vasculitis (LCV) due to anti-TNF therapy; these patients were white, female, and non-smokers. The mean age of LCV diagnosis was 32.2 years, and the mean IBD duration was 7.2 years. The mean time between the start of biologic therapy and LCV onset was 30.8 months. Most of the patients were using adalimumab (80%; n = 4). All the patients were in remission at the time of the LCV diagnosis, and the vasculitis affected the skin in all cases. Anti-TNF therapy was discontinued in the five abovementioned patients, and the response of LCV to the oral steroids was significantly positive. Remarkably, all five patients experienced complete remission from LCV within 4–12 weeks after starting prednisone therapy, and none of them had LCV recurrence in the follow-up period (a mean duration of 28 months). Conclusions: LCV is an unusual complication of anti-TNF therapy in the IBD setting. In this context, clinicians should have a high degree of suspicion of LCV in patients who develop an unexplained cutaneous rash.
Clinical Applications of Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography in Inherited Retinal Diseases: An Up-to-Date Review of the Literature
Authors: Iovino Claudio , Iodice Clemente Maria , Pisani Danila , Damiano Luciana , Di Iorio Valentina , Testa Francesco , Simonelli Francesca
Published: April 2023

Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) is a valuable imaging technique, allowing non-invasive, depth-resolved, motion-contrast, high-resolution images of both retinal and choroidal vascular networks. The imaging capabilities of OCT-A have enhanced our understanding of the retinal and choroidal alterations that occur in inherited retinal diseases (IRDs), a group of clinically and genetically heterogeneous disorders that may be complicated by several vascular conditions requiring a prompt diagnosis. In this review, we aimed to comprehensively summarize all clinical applications of OCT-A in the diagnosis and management of IRDs, highlighting significant vascular findings on retinitis pigmentosa, Stargardt disease, choroideremia, Best disease and other less common forms of retinal dystrophies. All advantages and limitations of this novel imaging modality will be also discussed.
A Novel Constitutional t(3;8)(p26;q21) and ANKRD26 and SRP72 Variants in a Child with Myelodysplastic Neoplasm: Clinical Implications
Authors: Lovatel Viviane Lamim , Bueno Ana Paula , Kós Elaiza Almeida Antônio de , Meyer Laura Guimarães Corrêa , Ferreira Gerson Moura , Kalonji Mayara de Fátima , Mello Fabiana Vieira de , Milito Cristiane Bedran , Costa Elaine Sobral da , Abdelhay Eliana , Redondo Maria Dolores Tabernero , Pombo-de-Oliveira Maria S. , Fernandez Teresa de Souza
Published: April 2023

Background: Childhood myelodysplastic neoplasm (cMDS) often raises concerns about an underlying germline predisposition, and its verification is necessary to guide therapeutic choice and allow family counseling. Here, we report a novel constitutional t(3;8)(p26;q21) in a child with MDS, inherited from the father, the ANKRD26 and SRP72 variants from the maternal origin, and the acquisition of molecular alterations during MDS evolution. Case presentation: A 4-year-old girl showed repeated infections and severe neutropenia. Bone marrow presented hypocellularity with dysplastic features. The patient had a t(3;8)(p26;q21)c identified by G-banding and FISH analysis. The family nucleus investigation identified the paternal origin of the chromosomal translocation. The NGS study identified ANKRD26 and SRP72 variants of maternal origin. CGH-array analysis detected alterations in PRSS3P2 and KANSL genes. Immunohistochemistry showed abnormal p53 expression during the MDS evolution. Conclusion: This study shows for the first time, cytogenetic and genomic abnormalities inherited from the father and mother, respectively, and their clinical implications. It also shows the importance of investigating patients with constitutional cytogenetic alterations and/or germline variants to provide information to their family nucleus for genetic counseling and understanding of the pathogenesis of childhood MDS.
Utilization of Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Test and the Prevalence of Enzyme Deficiency in Korea
Authors: Choi Rihwa , Park Wonseo , Chun Gayoung , Lee Sang Gon , Lee Eun Hee
Published: April 2023

Glucose-5-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is an X-linked genetic disorder that affects red blood cells’ metabolism. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of G6PD testing in Korea. Data were collected from laboratory information systems between July 2021 and June 2022. A total of 5193 patients (1722 males and 3471 females) with a median age of 55.1 years (interquartile range, IQR 44.6 to 64.5) were tested for whole blood G6PD, with 1.6% of tests performed on patients of non-Korean ethnicity. The majority of tests were performed in hospitals (37.7%) or local clinics (34.5%). Interestingly, no female children were tested for whole blood G6PD during the study period. The prevalence of decreased G6PD activity (<7.9 U/g Hb) was 0.4% (19/5111 Koreans and 2/82 non-Koreans), and only seven male patients with G6PD deficiency (<30% of the male median) were identified, with ages ranging from 4.8 months to 50.2 years. No female patients with G6PD deficiency were found. Further research is necessary to determine the clinical significance of G6PD test results and monitor their use.
Outcome of Surgery for Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation Depends on the Type and Timing of the Coronary Revascularization
Authors: Andrási Terézia B. , Glück Alannah C. , Ben Taieb Olfa , Talipov Ildar , Abudureheman Nunijiati , Volevski Lachezar , Vasiloi Ion
Published: April 2023

Objective: Long-term outcomes of mitral valve (MV) repair versus MV replacement for ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) in patients undergoing either prior (PCR) or concomitant coronary revascularization (CCR) by surgery (CABG) or intervention (PCI) are uncertain. Methods and Results: Of 446 patients receiving MV surgery for IMR between July 2006 and December 2010, 125 patients—87 CCR (69.1%) and 38 PCR (30.9%)—were eligible for inclusion in the study. Survival was higher in CCR versus PCR at long-term follow-up (78.83% vs. 57.9%, p = 0.016). The incidence of MACCE was lower in the CCR compared to PCR at both hospital discharge (34.11% vs. 63.57%, p = 0.003) and at follow-up (34.11% vs. 65.79%, p = 0.0008). Patients receiving CABG or CABG with PCI in PCR had higher mortality risks after MV surgery than CCR patients (X2 = 6.029, p = 0.014 and X2 = 6.466, p = 0.011, respectively). Whereas in the PCR group, MV repair and MV replacement achieved similar survival probability (X2 = 1.551, p = 0.213), MV repair in the CCR group led to improved survival compared to MV replacement (X2 = 3.921, p = 0.048). In MV replacement, LAD-CABG improved survival compared to LAD-PCI (U = 15,000.00, Z = −2.373 p = 0.018), and a substantial impact of arterial IMA-LAD grafting was revealed in the Cox-regression analysis (HR 0.334, CI: 0.113–0.989, p = 0.048) as opposed to venous-LAD grafting (HR 0.588, CI: 0.166–2.078, p = 0.410). Conclusion: Early treatment of IMR concomitant to coronary revascularization enhances long-term survival compared to delayed MV surgery after PCR. MV repair is not superior to MV replacement when performed late after coronary revascularization; however, MV repair leads to better survival than MV replacement when performed concomitantly with CABG with arterial LAD revascularization.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Japanese Children with Neurogenic Bladder: Analysis of Data from a National Health Insurance Database
Authors: Kitta Takeya , Mitsui Takahiko , Izumi Naoko
Published: April 2023

In pediatric patients with neurogenic bladder (NGB), urinary tract evaluation, early diagnosis, and individualized management are important. We aimed to clarify the current status of diagnosis and treatment of NGB in Japanese children. This descriptive, observational, retrospective cohort study using the JMDC claims database included NGB patients aged ≤17 years over a 12-month follow-up period. Of the 1065 pediatric NGB patients, 38.9% had spina bifida. Dermatological and gastrointestinal comorbidities were common in the baseline period. Renal/bladder ultrasound was a commonly performed investigation (38.3%), but urodynamics was infrequently used (3.0%). Of all the overactive bladder medications, anticholinergics were used commonly (17.9% patients), and most patients used anticholinergics alone (without combination therapy). Clean intermittent catheterization (CIC; alone or in combination with medications) was performed in 9.3% of patients, and 3.9% of patients were concomitantly treated with medications. The most common incident complication was lower urinary tract infection (18.1%), which was especially common in patients with open spina bifida (54.1%). Despite guideline recommendations, lower urinary tract dysfunction is not thoroughly evaluated. Adequate understanding of patient status is critical to optimal patient management (behavioral therapy, CIC, and medication) in clinical practice.
The Presence of Two MyoD Genes in a Subset of Acanthopterygii Fish Is Associated with a Polyserine Insert in MyoD1
Authors: White Lewis J. , Russell Alexander J. , Pizzey Alastair R. , Dasmahapatra Kanchon K. , Pownall Mary E.
Published: April 2023

The MyoD gene was duplicated during the teleost whole genome duplication and, while a second MyoD gene (MyoD2) was subsequently lost from the genomes of some lineages (including zebrafish), many fish lineages (including Alcolapia species) have retained both MyoD paralogues. Here we reveal the expression patterns of the two MyoD genes in Oreochromis (Alcolapia) alcalica using in situ hybridisation. We report our analysis of MyoD1 and MyoD2 protein sequences from 54 teleost species, and show that O. alcalica, along with some other teleosts, include a polyserine repeat between the amino terminal transactivation domains (TAD) and the cysteine-histidine rich region (H/C) in MyoD1. The evolutionary history of MyoD1 and MyoD2 is compared to the presence of this polyserine region using phylogenetics, and its functional relevance is tested using overexpression in a heterologous system to investigate subcellular localisation, stability, and activity of MyoD proteins that include and do not include the polyserine region.
Creative Process and Multivariate Factors through a Creative Course “Keep Calm and Be Creative”
Authors: Vuichard Aleksandra , Botella Marion , Capron Puozzo Isabelle
Published: April 2023

Creativity has been studied for a long time and it has become a more significant topic of research in educational fields in recent decades. The present paper outlines a multivariate approach to creativity and substantiates this approach by investigating the creative process and multivariate factors through a creative course for master’s students at the University of Teacher Education in Switzerland. Our goal is to examine more specifically the stages of the creative process and the emerging multivariate factors in different creative activities. The article reports findings from the analysis of students’ creative report process diaries as well as semi-structured interviews. Drawing on experiential learning, this pilot study was conducted in collaboration with master’s student teachers (n = 10). The results show that the different microlevels of the creative process are the subject of variations from one creative experience to another. Most factors of the multivariate approach emerge from this kind of creative training. The discussion will allow for a review of the research results and also a better understanding of the creative process in the pedagogy of creativity.
Lay Definitions of Intelligence, Knowledge, and Memory: Inter- and Independence of Constructs
Authors: Coane Jennifer H. , Cipollini John , Barrett Talia E. , Kavaler Joshua , Umanath Sharda
Published: April 2023

The present study examined how lay participants define the following concepts used widely in psychology: being intelligent, knowing, and remembering. In the scientific community, knowledge overlaps with the contents of semantic memory, crystallized intelligence reflects the accumulation of knowledge, knowledge and event memory interact, and fluid intelligence and working memory correlate. Naturally, the lay public has implicit theories of these constructs. These theories mainly distinguish between intelligent and unintelligent behaviors and tend to include characteristics outside psychometric studies of intelligence, such as emotional intelligence. Here, we asked lay participants from the online platform Prolific to explain “what does being intelligent mean to you?” as well as “knowing” and “remembering” to understand their degree of alignment with theoretical conceptualizations in the research community. Qualitative coding of participant definitions showed that intelligence and knowledge are closely related, but asymmetrically—when defining what it means to be intelligent, participants reference knowledge, but intelligence is not considered in explaining knowing. Although participants note that intelligence is multi-faceted and related to problem-solving, there is an emphasis (in terms of frequency of mentions) on the crystallized side of intelligence (i.e., knowledge). A deeper understanding of lay participants’ mental models of these constructs (i.e., their metacognitions) is essential for bridging gaps between experts and the general public.
Calculation Model of Vertical Bearing Capacity of Rock-Embedded Piles Based on the Softening of Pile Side Friction Resistance
Authors: Abi Erdi , Shen Li , Liu Mingwei , Du Hongbo , Shu Dan , Han Yafeng
Published: April 2023

Rock-socketed pile is widely used in coastal wharf, Marine bridge, and Marine power engineering, and the end bearing function is considered more in the design process. However, the lateral friction resistance of rock-socketed piles is an important bearing part, and the load transfer mechanism of the pile–soft rock interface is an important research focus. In this paper, a comparative analysis was adopted in the test, and ten groups of test specimens were made, including five groups of natural and saturated mudstone specimens, respectively. The characteristics of interfacial load transfer were analyzed through the shear test of a pile–mudstone interface. A calculation model for the vertical bearing capacity of rock-socketed piles based on the softening of lateral friction resistance was established, and the effects of interface relative displacement, lateral positive pressure, pile length, and pile stiffness on the vertical bearing capacity of rock-socketed piles were analyzed. The results show that the shear strength of the pile–rock interface is lower than that of the mudstone interface, and the interfacial shear strength shows the characteristics of “first increasing, then decreasing, and finally flattening with the increase of shear displacement”. The vertical ultimate bearing capacity and residual bearing capacity under saturation were 89.49% and 89.73% of the natural state, respectively. With the increase of pile side pressure, the proportion of pile side friction resistance increased by 39.96%, and the pile side friction resistance was fully exerted. With the increase of pile length, the vertical ultimate bearing capacity of pile foundation increased, and the residual bearing capacity change value increased from 6.80% to 16.97%. However, the increase in pile stiffness had little effect on the vertical bearing capacity. The calculation model can provide a certain reference for the design and calculation of rock-socketed piles in soft rock areas.
Estimating Stock Status and Biological Reference Points of the Sardine Fishery Using the Surplus Production Model from the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh
Authors: Sultana Rokeya , Liu Qun , Al-Mamun Md. Abdullah , Barman Partho Protim , Shamsuzzaman Md. Mostafa , Barua Suman
Published: April 2023

This research examined the biological reference points (BRPs) and stock status of the sardine fishery in the Bay of Bengal (BoB), Bangladesh, to determine the sustainability of this resource. The Monte Carlo method (CMSY), the Bayesian state-space Schaefer surplus production model (BSM), and the ASPIC (a Stock Production Model Incorporating Covariates) software suite, were used to analyze catch–effort data obtained from the Yearbook of Fisheries Statistics of Bangladesh. All models derived maximum sustainable yields (MSY) ranging from 37,900 to 41,280 t, which is quite near to the catch from the latest year (38,051 t in 2020), indicating the fully exploited status of sardines. The estimated B < BMSY and F > FMSY values from the BSM and Schaefer models indicate a poor biomass and an unsafe fishing status. For Schaefer and BSM, the calculated F/FMSY values were 1.07 and 1.06, and the B/BMSY values were 0.92 and 0.75, which also indicate the overexploited status of the sardine fishery in the BoB, Bangladesh. This information will aid in developing management strategies and conservation policies for the sustainability and rebuilding of this commercially important resource in the BoB on the Bangladesh coast.
Comprehensive Investigation on Spatiotemporal Variations of Tropical Cyclone Activities in the Western North Pacific, 1950–2019
Authors: Yu Qi , Wang Xianwei , Fang Yongjun , Ning Yazhou , Yuan Peiqing , Xi Bingrou , Wang Runzhi
Published: April 2023

Tropical Cyclones (TCs) are the most severe natural disasters in the Western North Pacific Ocean (WNP). While previous studies reported evident changes over certain regions or seasons between typical periods, there is a lack of a complete picture of the long-term variations in TC activities in the WNP. This study carried out a comprehensive investigation on the spatiotemporal variations in TC genesis locations and transit pathways in the WNP, based on the TC best-track datasets from the China Meteorological Administration Shanghai Typhoon Institute. The results showed that the TC genesis and occurrence frequencies showed drastic decreases and westward shifts in the WNP from 1950 to 2019. The greatest decrease in TC genesis occurred for Tropical Depressions (TDs: 10.8−17.1 m/s) and Typhoons (TYs: > 32.7 m/s). The number of Tropical Storms (TSs: 17.2−32.6 m/s) and the mean intensity (2 min maximum sustained wind speed) of TCs overall showed no evident change. The decadal average of TC genesis frequency increased by 63% in the near-coast seas (WNPO), but decreased by 46% near the central Pacific Ocean (WNCP), demonstrating a westward shift for TC genesis locations. The TC genesis and occurrence frequencies also showed significant declines in the southern Philippine Sea (SPS) and South China Sea (SCS), while they showed a lower reduction in the Eastern East China Sea (EECS), the northern ocean edge of TC genesis areas, resulting in an increase in the average latitude of TC genesis locations, a spurious northward shift. The La Niña and El Niño years showed contrasting effects on TC genesis frequency and landfall ratios. There were greater instances of TC genesis and greater landfall ratios during the La Niña mature phase, while there were fewer TC formations and lower landfall ratios during the short duration (SD) El Niño developing phase. The TC genesis locations showed a distinct northwestward shift during La Niña years compared to those during El Niño years.
Evaluating the Vulnerability of YOLOv5 to Adversarial Attacks for Enhanced Cybersecurity in MASS
Authors: Lee Changui , Lee Seojeong
Published: April 2023

The development of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, such as machine learning algorithms, computer vision systems, and sensors, has allowed maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS) to navigate, detect and avoid obstacles, and make real-time decisions based on their environment. Despite the benefits of AI in MASS, its potential security threats must be considered. An adversarial attack is a security threat that involves manipulating the training data of a model to compromise its accuracy and reliability. This study focuses on security threats faced by a deep neural network-based object classification algorithm, particularly you only look once version 5 (YOLOv5), which is a model used for object classification. We performed transfer learning on YOLOv5 and tested various adversarial attack methods. We conducted experiments using four types of adversarial attack methods and parameter changes to determine the attacks that could be detrimental to YOLOv5. Through this study, we aim to raise awareness of the vulnerability of AI algorithms for object detection to adversarial attacks and emphasize the need for efforts to overcome them; these efforts can contribute to safe navigation in MASS.
Artificial Reefs Reduce Morbidity and Mortality of Small Cultured Sea Cucumbers Apostichopus japonicus at High Temperature
Authors: Wang Huiyan , Wu Guo , Hu Fangyuan , Tian Ruihuan , Ding Jun , Chang Yaqing , Su Yanming , Zhao Chong
Published: April 2023

Summer mortality and morbidity are serious environment-related problems in cultured sea cucumbers (Apostichopus japonicus). Air exposure probably worsens the impact of high temperature on cultured sea cucumbers. In this present study, two laboratory experiments were designed to investigate the effects of artificial reefs on mortality, morbidity, crawling, feeding, and adhesion behaviors of small sea cucumbers (~1 g of wet body weight) after air exposure and disease outbreaks at 25 °C, respectively. Significantly lower mortality and morbidity occurred in the group with artificial reefs compared with those in the group without artificial reefs in the two experiments. This present study found that the stressed sea cucumbers cultured inside artificial reefs showed a significantly higher adhesion index, feeding behavior, and crawling frequency than those cultured without artificial reefs. In disease challenge assays, small sea cucumbers cultured inside the artificial reefs showed a significantly higher adhesion index and crawling frequency than those cultured without artificial reefs at 25 °C. Feeding, crawling, and adhesion behaviors of sea cucumbers cultured outside artificial reefs were not significantly different from those cultured without artificial reefs. The experimental results indicate that sea cucumbers with good fitness-related behaviors may be less affected by the disease and more likely to move into the crevices of artificial reefs. Fitness-related behaviors were poor in sea cucumbers cultured outside artificial reefs, so we considered them as affected individuals. Thus, artificial reefs provide a place to reduce the physical contact between unaffected and diseased/affected individuals, showing a potential to reduce disease transmission. Our present study establishes a cost-effective approach to increasing the survival of small sea cucumbers in seed production at high temperatures.
Risky Maritime Encounter Patterns via Clustering
Authors: Oruc M. Furkan , Altan Yigit C.
Published: April 2023

The volume of maritime traffic is increasing with the growing global trade demand. The effect of volume growth is especially observed in narrow and congested waterways as an increase in the ship-ship encounters, which can have severe consequences such as collision. This study aims to analyze and validate the patterns of risky encounters and provide a framework for the visualization of model variables to explore patterns. Ship–ship interaction database is developed from the AIS messages, and interactions are analyzed via unsupervised learning algorithms to determine risky encounters using ship domain violation. K-means clustering-based novel methodology is developed to explore patterns among encounters. The methodology is applied to a long-term dataset from the Strait of Istanbul. Findings of the study support that ship length and ship speed can be used as indicators to understand the patterns in risky encounters. Furthermore, results show that site-specific risk thresholds for ship–ship encounters can be determined with additional expert judgment. The mid-clusters indicate that the ship domain violation is a grey zone, which should be treated carefully rather than a bold line. The developed approach can be integrated to narrow and congested waterways as an additional safety measure for maritime authorities to use as a decision support tool.
Calcium Ion Channels in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Dong Xiao-Yu
Published: April 2023

Regulating calcium ion (Ca2+) channels to improve the cell cycle and metabolism is a promising technology, ensuring increased cell growth, differentiation, and/or productivity. In this regard, the composition and structure of Ca2+ channels play a vital role in controlling the gating states. In this review, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, as a model eukaryotic organism and an essential industrial microorganism, was used to discuss the effect of its type, composition, structure, and gating mechanism on the activity of Ca2+ channels. Furthermore, the advances in the application of Ca2+ channels in pharmacology, tissue engineering, and biochemical engineering are summarized, with a special focus on exploring the receptor site of Ca2+ channels for new drug design strategies and different therapeutic uses, targeting Ca2+ channels to produce functional replacement tissues, creating favorable conditions for tissue regeneration, and regulating Ca2+ channels to enhance biotransformation efficiency.
Living on the Edge. On Bare and Non-Bare NCIs across Italo-Romance
Authors: Garzonio Jacopo , Poletto Cecilia
Published: April 2023

This article describes and discusses some properties of the distribution of Negative Concord Items (NCIs) in the Italo-Romance domain, taking into account both varieties of Italian and varieties of other Italo-Romance languages. More precisely, the authors examine non-negative contexts, which allow the presence of NCIs. Across all non-negative contexts, bare/pronominal NCIs are systematically allowed in more contexts than complex ones, modulo the behavior of the specific variety in relation to non-negative contexts. The phenomenon can be accounted for by assuming that the structure of complex and bare NCIs is different not only in terms of null versus lexically realized NPs. The authors argue that bare NCIs, and possibly other quantificational elements, are not paired with a null DP but with a reduced structure, i.e., a classifier-like element which contains no lexical N.
Stratagems as a Means of Achieving Justice and Spreading Truth
Authors: von Senger Harro
Published: April 2023

This contribution is based on the Chinese concept called Moulüe. A unique feature of Moulüe, without parallel in Western praxis-oriented schools of thinking, is its Yin-Yang dimension. The two hemispheres of the Yin-Yang symbol, a white one and a black one, are inseparably interconnected. According to the Moulüe concept, the white hemisphere is the place of transparent, conventional, legal ways to solve problems, whereas the black hemisphere harbors hidden agendas, and unconventional, cunning methods to solve problems, with the 36 stratagems as a central component. A person with Moulüe competence who is confronted with a problem can switch from options for action in one hemisphere to options for action in the other according to the circumstances. This contribution shows how the realization of justice, and the spreading of truth, can be achieved based on Moulüe skill which enables the application of the 36 stratagems.
Tribological Properties of Polymer Friction Improvers Combined with MoDTC/ZDDP at Different Temperatures
Authors: Hong Ye , Mo Yimin , Lv Juncheng , Wang Jun
Published: April 2023

To expand the applications of polymer friction modifiers in low viscosity oils suitable for hybrid power systems, the tribological properties of five kinds of oil samples at different temperatures were studied, which were compounded with polymer friction modifiers Perfad XG 2500, molybdenum dialkyl dithiocarbamate (MoDTC), zinc dialkyl dithiophosphate (ZDDP). When Perfad XG 2500 is used alone, it forms a brush-like surface film at low temperatures, which can provide lower initial friction. With the rise in temperature, its antifriction effect decreases significantly, which is related to the desorption behavior of physical film. When Perfad XG 2500 is combined with MoDTC, it has the best synergistic antifriction effect, and the average friction coefficient is reduced by a maximum of 20.83% (90 °C). Its friction coefficients decrease significantly with the increase in temperature due to the dissociation process of MoDTC catalyzed by high temperature. However, there are many furrows on the worn surfaces, and the sharp features of the profiles are obvious. When Perfad XG 2500 is combined with ZDDP, it has the best synergistic anti-wear effect, and the total wear depth is reduced by 49.6%. Its worn surface is smooth and defect-free, with minimal residual strain. The friction coefficients are hardly affected by temperature, and the average friction coefficient is reduced by a maximum of 14.4% (30 °C). When Perfad XG 2500, MoDTC and ZDDP are used together, the average friction coefficient is reduced by up to 15.2% (30 °C). Its friction coefficient increases slightly with the rise in temperature. The reason for its moderate tribological performance may be related to the superficial competition of various additives.
7-((5-Bromo-1H-indol-3-yl)(4-methoxyphenyl)methyl)-1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantan-7-ium Tetrafluoroborate
Authors: Bandaru Siva Sankar Murthy , Schulzke Carola
Published: April 2023

The novel organic salt 7-((5-bromo-1H-indol-3-yl)(4-methoxyphenyl)methyl)1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantan-7-ium tetrafluoroborate was synthesized from a Lewis acid (LA) and Lewis-base (LB) reaction between 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadmantane (LB) and 5-bromo-3-(4-methoxybenzylidene)-3-H-indol-1-ium tetrafluoroborate (LA). The obtained Lewis acid base adduct, being the title compound, was analyzed and validated by 1H, 13C, 31P, and 19F 1D-NMR-spectroscopy, ESI mass spectrometry, CHN-elemental analysis, and a single crystal X-ray diffraction investigation.
Machine Learning-Based Agoraphilic Navigation Algorithm for Use in Dynamic Environments with a Moving Goal
Authors: Hewawasam Hasitha , Kahandawa Gayan , Ibrahim Yousef
Published: April 2023

This paper presents a novel development of a new machine learning-based control system for the Agoraphilic (free-space attraction) concept of navigating robots in unknown dynamic environments with a moving goal. Furthermore, this paper presents a new methodology to generate training and testing datasets to develop a machine learning-based module to improve the performances of Agoraphilic algorithms. The new algorithm presented in this paper utilises the free-space attraction (Agoraphilic) concept to safely navigate a mobile robot in a dynamically cluttered environment with a moving goal. The algorithm uses tracking and prediction strategies to estimate the position and velocity vectors of detected moving obstacles and the goal. This predictive methodology enables the algorithm to identify and incorporate potential future growing free-space passages towards the moving goal. This is supported by the new machine learning-based controller designed specifically to efficiently account for the high uncertainties inherent in the robot’s operational environment with a moving goal at a reduced computational cost. This paper also includes comparative and experimental results to demonstrate the improvements of the algorithm after introducing the machine learning technique. The presented experiments demonstrated the success of the algorithm in navigating robots in dynamic environments with the challenge of a moving goal.
Drivetrain Response Prediction Using AI-Based Surrogate and Multibody Dynamics Model
Authors: Koutsoupakis Josef , Giagopoulos Dimitrios
Published: April 2023

Numerical models, such as multibody dynamics ones, are broadly used in various engineering applications, either as an integral part of the preliminary design of a product or simply to analyze its behavior. Aiming to increase the accuracy and potential of these models, complex mechanisms are constantly being added to existing methods of simulation, leading to powerful modelling frameworks that are able to simulate most mechanical systems. This increase in accuracy and flexibility, however, comes at a great computational cost. To mitigate the issue of high computation times, surrogates, such as reduced order models, have traditionally been used as cheaper alternatives, allowing for much faster simulations at the cost of introducing some error to the overall process. More recently, advancements in Artificial Intelligence have also allowed for the introduction of Artificial Intelligence-based models in the field of surrogates. While still undergoing development, these Artificial Intelligence based methodologies seem to be a potentially good alternative to the high-fidelity/burden models. To this end, an Artificial Intelligence-based surrogate comprised of Artificial Neural Networks as a means of predicting the response of dynamic mechanical systems is presented in this work, with application to a non-linear experimental gear drivetrain. The model utilizes Recurrent Neural Networks to accurately capture the system’s response and is shown to yield accurate results, especially in the feature space. This methodology can provide an alternative to the traditional model surrogates and find application in multiple fields such as system optimization or data mining.
On Symmetric Weighing Matrices
Authors: Georgiou Stelios D. , Stylianou Stella , Alrweili Hleil
Published: April 2023

Symmetric weighing matrices are an important class of combinatorial designs and their constructions remains unknown even for some small orders. The existence of symmetric weighing matrices becomes an even more interesting challenge as these matrices possess both beautiful mathematical properties and many applications. In this paper, we present two original construction methods for symmetric weighing matrices. The suggested methods lead to two infinite families of symmetric weighing matrices. The first consists of symmetric weighing matrices W(2p×15,2q×25) for all q<p and p=1,2,… while the second is an infinite family of symmetric weighing matrices W(2p+1×15,2+2q×25) for all q≤p and p=1,2,…. These matrices are constructed by combining together a circulant and a negacyclic matrix with identical first row. The first of the infinite families includes a symmetric weighing matrix of order 30 and weight 25. The results presented here are new and have never been reported.
CCTrans: Improving Medical Image Segmentation with Contoured Convolutional Transformer Network
Authors: Wang Jingling , Zhang Haixian , Yi Zhang
Published: April 2023

Medical images contain complex information, and the automated analysis of medical images can greatly assist doctors in clinical decision making. Therefore, the automatic segmentation of medical images has become a hot research topic in recent years. In this study, a novel architecture called a contoured convolutional transformer (CCTrans) network is proposed to solve the segmentation problem. A dual convolutional transformer block and a contoured detection module are designed, which integrate local and global contexts to establish reliable relational connections. Multi-scale features are effectively utilized to enhance semantic feature understanding. The dice similarity coefficient (DSC) is employed to evaluate experimental performance. Two public datasets with two different modalities are chosen as the experimental datasets. Our proposed method achieved an average DSC of 83.97% on a synapse dataset (abdominal multi-organ CT) and 92.15% on an ACDC dataset (cardiac MRI). Especially for the segmentation of small and complex organs, our proposed model achieves better segmentation results than other advanced approaches. Our experiments demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of the novel method and its potential for real-world applications. The proposed CCTrans network offers a universal solution with which to achieve precise medical image segmentation.
Parallel Selector for Feature Reduction
Authors: Yin Zhenyu , Fan Yan , Wang Pingxin , Chen Jianjun
Published: April 2023

In the field of rough set, feature reduction is a hot topic. Up to now, to better guide the explorations of this topic, various devices regarding feature reduction have been developed. Nevertheless, some challenges regarding these devices should not be ignored: (1) the viewpoint provided by a fixed measure is underabundant; (2) the final reduct based on single constraint is sometimes powerless to data perturbation; (3) the efficiency in deriving the final reduct is inferior. In this study, to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of feature reduction algorithms, a novel framework named parallel selector for feature reduction is reported. Firstly, the granularity of raw features is quantitatively characterized. Secondly, based on these granularity values, the raw features are sorted. Thirdly, the reordered features are evaluated again. Finally, following these two evaluations, the reordered features are divided into groups, and the features satisfying given constraints are parallel selected. Our framework can not only guide a relatively stable feature sequencing if data perturbation occurs but can also reduce time consumption for feature reduction. The experimental results over 25 UCI data sets with four different ratios of noisy labels demonstrated the superiority of our framework through a comparison with eight state-of-the-art algorithms.
The Grad–Shafranov Equation in Cap-Cyclide Coordinates: The Heun Function Solution
Authors: Crisanti Flavio , Cesarano Clemente , Ishkhanyan Artur
Published: April 2023

The Grad–Shafranov plasma equilibrium equation was originally solved analytically in toroidal geometry, which fitted the geometric shape of the first Tokamaks. The poloidal surface of the Tokamak has evolved over the years from a circular to a D-shaped ellipse. The natural geometry that describes such a shape is the prolate elliptical one, i.e., the cap-cyclide coordinate system. When written in this geometry, the Grad–Shafranov equation can be solved in terms of the general Heun function. In this paper, we obtain the complete analytical solution of the Grad–Shafranov equation in terms of the general Heun functions and compare the result with the limiting case of the standard toroidal geometry written in terms of the Fock functions.
Mathematical Modeling of Pavement Gyratory Compaction: A Perspective on Granular-Fluid Assemblies
Authors: Man Teng
Published: April 2023

The compaction of asphalt mixture is crucial to the performance of the pavement. However, the mix design (i.e., porosity, aggregate size distribution, binder content), which is based on compaction results, remains largely empirical. It is difficult to relate the aggregate size distribution and the asphalt binder properties to the compaction curve in both the field and laboratory compaction of asphalt mixtures. In this paper, the author proposes a simple mathematical model from the perspective of granular physics to predict the compaction of asphalt mixtures. In this model, the compaction process is divided into two mechanisms: (i) viscoplastic deformation of an ordered granular-fluid assembly, and (ii) the transition from an ordered system to a disordered system due to particle rearrangement. This model could take into account both the viscous properties of the asphalt binder and the grain size distributions of the aggregates, where the viscous deformation is calculated with a proposed governing equation and the particle rearrangement effect is solved using simple DEM simulations. This model is calibrated based on the Superpave gyratory compaction tests in the pavement lab, and the R-squares of model predictions are all above 0.95. The model results are compared with experimental data to show that it can provide good predictions for the experiments, suggesting its potential for enhancing the design of asphalt mixtures.
Solving a Production Lot-Sizing and Scheduling Problem from an Enhanced Inventory Management Perspective
Authors: Popović Dražen , Bjelić Nenad , Vidović Milorad , Ratković Branislava
Published: April 2023

In this study, we consider a production lot-sizing and scheduling problem found in the fruit juice production industry from an enhanced inventory management perspective. The problem can be classified as a P2SMM (two-stage multi-machine lot-scheduling) problem. We extended the classical P2SMM problem by incorporating an additional inventory management aspect of finished products to reflect a possible real-life case problem, specifically regarding the shelf-life concept and limited warehouse capacity, with a possibility of outsourcing the warehousing demand to a third-party logistics company. We developed the mixed integer linear programming (MILP) model to fully represent the considered problem (due to the NP-hard nature of the problem, only small-scale instances could be solved to optimality), and the hybrid variable neighborhood search with linear programming (VNS/LP) model to solve both small and real-life large-scale problem instances. The goal of the developed models is to minimize total costs that consist of the cost of backordering, the cost of planned minimum and maximum stock level violation, the cost of warehouse capacity overflow, the costs of production setup time and unused available production time. The main idea of the VNS/LP model is to solve the scheduling segment of P2SMM (the production sequence) via a VNS heuristic, and the lot-sizing segment of P2SMM via the linear programming (LP) model. Based on the results from five variants of the problem setup, a potential decision maker can have an overview of the impact of different important input parameters (production time costs, warehouse capacity and costs, inventory related costs and production demand) on the total cost of a production process and improve its efficiency in changing conditions.