bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Telerehabilitation System Based on OpenPose and 3D Reconstruction with Monocular Camera
Authors: Osawa Keisuke , You Yu , Sun Yi , Wang Tai-Qi , Zhang Shun , Shimodozono Megumi , Tanaka Eiichiro
Published: June 2023

Owing to aging populations, the number of elderly people with limb dysfunction affecting their daily lives will continue to increase. These populations have a great need for rehabilitation training to restore limb functions. However, the current numbers of rehabilitation hospitals and doctors are limited. Moreover, people often cannot go to a hospital owing to external conditions (e.g., the impacts of COVID-19). Thus, an urgent need exists for telerehabilitation system for allowing patients to have training at home. The purpose of this study is to develop an easy-to-use system for allowing target users to experience rehabilitation training at home and to remotely receive real-time guidance from doctors. The proposed system only needs a monocular camera to capture 3D motions. First, the 2D key joints of the human body are detected; then, a simple baseline network is used to reconstruct 3D key joints from the 2D key joints. The 2D detection only has an average angle error of 1.7% compared to that of a professional motion capture system. In addition, the 3D reconstruction has a mean per-joint position error of only 67.9 mm compared to the real coordinates. After acquiring the user’s 3D motions, the system synchronizes the 3D motions to a virtual human model in Unity, providing the user with a more intuitive and interactive experience. Generally, many telerehabilitation systems require professional motion capture cameras and wearable equipment, and the training target is a single body part. In contrast, the proposed system is low-cost and easier to use and only requires a monocular camera and computer to achieve real-time and intuitive telerehabilitation (even though the training target is the entire body). Furthermore, the system provides a similarity evaluation of the motions based on the dynamic time warping; this can provide more accurate and direct feedback to users. In addition, a series of evaluation experiments verify the system’s usability, convenience, feasibility, and accuracy, with the ultimate conclusion that the system can be used in practical rehabilitation applications.
Estimation Model for Emotions Based on Pulse
Authors: Morimoto Jiro , Murakawa Akihiro , Fujita Hiroki , Horio Makoto , Kawata Junji , Kaji Yoshio , Higuchi Mineo , Fujisawa Shoichiro
Published: June 2023

The progressive aging of society has increased expectations for the spread of nursing care robots to support long-term care and welfare services. This research had the goal of developing a communication system as one of the elemental technologies of nursing care robots, along with a method that allows care robots to consider a user’s emotions. The estimation of emotions based on a user’s electroencephalogram and heartbeat has attracted attention. However, users may experience stress when wearing the sensors needed for such measurements. To prevent this system from causing stress in users, we had the goal of developing an estimation model for emotions based on the pulse, which is relatively easy to measure. Various autonomic nervous activity indices (pNN50, RMSSD, LF, HF, LF/HF) were adopted for the estimation model, and transfer functions were established. These indices were considered in time domain and frequency domain analyses of the heart rate variability. The pulse was measured while the user was watching a video and converted into an accelerated plethysmogram using second order differentiation. Then, the autonomic nervous activity indices were calculated. The transfer function from the input to output was identified using these autonomic nervous activity indices as inputs and the responses to a questionnaire that was administered after watching the video as outputs.
Excretion Detection Systems with Gas Sensors - Development of Excretion Detection Device with Non-Suction Utilizing Floor Cushion –
Authors: Sugano Shohei , Tanimoto Kazushiro , Kobayashi Toshiki , Ui Yoshimi
Published: June 2023

In this paper, we report the development and evaluation of an excretion detection device which is to be used with a cushion. Remarkably, the device does not require air suction and can be used during the daytime. The device can be placed on a chair or wheelchair and used whenever a cared person sits. Reflecting on the views of caregivers and the observations of the cared persons, the device was designed to be as thin and flexible as possible. In experiments to evaluate the response, it was confirmed to respond not only to simulated urine but also to actual excrement. From the results of the clinical experiments, the excretion detection model achieved an accuracy rate of 76%. Although this figure is close to the approximately 80% accuracy rate of an existing product H, it must be kept in mind that this accuracy rate is limited to urination owing to the limited training data in this study. These findings suggest that the device used with a cushion provides a valid means of excretion detection during daytime hours in a non-wearing and non-invasive manner, although its use is currently limited to urination.
Investigation of the Development of Robots for Training Dialect Communication Listening in Nursing Care Situations: A Case Study of Mikawa Dialects
Authors: Ozeki Tomoe , Mouri Tetsuya , Fukui Hayate
Published: June 2023

This study aims to provide listening training and comprehension support using a communication robot for young and overseas staffs who have problems understanding dialects in medical and nursing care settings. In this study, we conducted an impression survey of university students in a region where dialects are used using a robot and a person who speaks standard Japanese and a dialect (Mikawa dialect). Moreover, a nationwide impression survey using only a robot was also performed. In the dialect-using region, the robot speaking the dialect gave the impression of being cute but difficult to understand, whereas no difference in impression was observed in the nationwide survey. However, the analysis of the free text showed that the dialect and motion of the robot gave a positive impression. Based on the factors contributing to the positive impression of the dialect, we aim to construct a training program that motivates young and foreign personnel.
Development of a Human-Centric System Using an IoT-Based Socially Embedded Robot Partner
Authors: Woo Jinseok , Sato Taiki , Ohyama Yasuhiro
Published: June 2023

Recently, the increasing social isolation of the elderly has caused major social problems, such as loneliness and the progression of dementia. A human-centric system could be a solution to these problems and promote coexistence with humans. Therefore, we aimed to develop a robot system using smart devices, which are essential for the Internet of things (IoT) technology, to provide services, such as information support and monitoring. As the development and application of smart devices become more sophisticated, a hyperconnected society will finally be realized through the development of smart-device-centered robots and their connection to peripheral devices. A hyperconnected society is one in which people, things, and data are connected. Personal mobility is developing and converging with robotic technology to the point where a large mobile robot can board a person. These robot technologies can be connected to wireless networks to provide organically connected services. In the era of Society 5.0, the connection among smart devices, robot systems, and mobility technology is still developing and will be a new paradigm in the development of human-centric systems in the future. Therefore, this study introduces the creation of a human-centric system using a robot system and a mobility system based on the IoT. Finally, we present several examples of the effectiveness of the proposed system and discuss its applicability.
Multiphysics calculation of fuses of medium voltage measuring transformers
Authors: Bajda Yevgen , Grechko Oleksandr
Published: June 2023

Introduction. In the medium voltage power grid of 6-35 kV, there is a problem of protecting voltage instrument transformers. This is due to the insufficiently effective level of their protection with fuses. Recently, there have been more and more reports of accidents associated with the failure of voltage instrument transformers not only in Ukraine, but also abroad. The issue of conducting an analytical study of the problem of protection of medium voltage instrument transformers by fuses is relevant. Goal. Investigation of designs and characteristics of fuses for medium voltage instrument transformers to improve the efficiency of their protection. Results. The article shows that protection of medium voltage instrument transformers with epoxy insulation is often provided by fuses, in which the nominal current of the combustion insert is significantly higher than the maximum permissible long-term current of the primary winding of the instrument transformer. A comparative analysis of the current values of the primary winding of medium voltage instrument transformers with the values of the nominal currents of the fusing inserts of fuses of various manufacturers presented on the Ukrainian market is carried out. The design features and technical characteristics of fuses for medium voltage instrument transformers have been investigated in order to increase the efficiency of their protection. The advantages and disadvantages of the designs of fuses from various manufacturers have been investigated and it has been established that the design of fuses requires further improvement in order to increase the efficiency of protection of medium voltage instrument transformers. Discussion and prospects for further development. Since in Ukraine, the need for fuses to protect medium voltage instrument transformers is provided mainly by supplies abroad, a promising direction for further development in this direction is the creation of a domestic competitive design of a fuse and its introduction into production.
Software for computer simulation of multiphysics processes in electromagnets and actuators of vacuum switching devices taking into account contact interaction of structural elements. Part 2: features of commercial software and open access codes
Authors: Panteliat Mykhailo , Kuzmin Artem
Published: June 2023

The first part of the work presented a general overview and classification of software tools for the numerical solution of multiphysics problems of computer modelling of coupled electromagnetic, thermal and mechanical processes in modern complex technical objects, including actuators and electromagnets of vacuum switching devices taking into account contact phenomena when their stress-strain state changes. Criteria for choosing the appropriate software were also proposed and the features of in-house codes for mathematical modelling of technical objects and processes under consideration were analyzed. This paper is the second part of the work and is devoted to a detailed review of commercial codes present on the market and available, as well as open access tools for possible use in performing relevant computational studies, namely, numerical analysis of multiphysics processes in electromagnets and actuators of vacuum switching devices, taking into account contact phenomena by the Finite Element Method. On this basis, taking into account the conclusions regarding in-house codes made in the first part of the work, a selection of specific software for use in the performance of relevant calculation studies is made.
Mathematical modeling of a hybrid magnetic gear for an autonomous low-power wind turbine
Authors: Chumak Vadim , Kovalenko Mykhaylo , Kovalenko Iryna , Tkachuk Ihor
Published: June 2023

In traditional wind turbines, a mechanical gearbox is used to transmit the torque. This device converts the low rotation speed of the wind turbine blades into the high rotation speed of the generator shaft. Mechanical gearboxes are characterized by low reliability. They consist of rotating gears, all the torque between which is transmitted through the contact of the teeth at one point, which is accompanied by friction. Magnetic multipliers are more efficient than gear reducers. They contain no wearing parts and have a relatively high torque density. The modulator transforms the magnetic field between the inner and outer rotor, due to which the speed of rotation changes. This device has a number of advantages over a mechanical gearbox - the interaction between rotating elements (torque transmission) occurs over their entire area, while the gears of mechanical gearboxes perceive all the transmitted force at one point of contact between them. Research of autonomous wind turbines built on the basis of magnetic gearboxes is a relevant direction. This will reduce operating costs, increase the efficiency of converting wind energy into electricity, and increase the reliability of the wind turbine as a whole. The purpose of the work is the development of a two-dimensional field mathematical model of a hybrid magnetic gearbox for the evaluation of its parameters and characteristics and the optimization of its geometric dimensions. A generator with a built-in magnetic multiplier is the object of this study. The magnetic multiplier during operation creates a rotating magnetic field that can be used to induce emf in the generator winding. Such a generator is more compact than a gear drive, so this option was chosen as a prototype in this study. Geometrical models of a hybrid generator with a magnetic gearbox were developed and numerical field mathematical models were developed for the analysis of its parameters and characteristics. An analysis of the electromagnetic field and characteristics of the basic generator was carried out in the COMSOL Multiphysics software complex, on the basis of which optimization of its geometric dimensions was carried out to optimize mass and dimensional indicators
Generalized model of adaptive forecasting of electricity consumption modes of production facilities
Authors: Kalinchyk Vasyl , Meita Aleksandr , Pobigaylo Vitaliy , Kalinchyk Vitaliy , Borychenko Olena , Kopchikov Olexandr
Published: June 2023

The article examines the methods of forecasting the electrical load of production facilities. It is shown that it is best to focus on the methods of power consumption management, which are based on the study of forecast estimates, which are the initial information for making management decisions. It is shown that the main requirements for forecasting models are fairly high accuracy of forecasting and simplicity of algorithms. It is shown that in automated power consumption management systems, due to the lack of study of the nature of the forecasted process, insufficient reliability of the source information, the most appropriate is an adaptive approach to the construction of forecasting models. Adaptive forecasting methods and, first of all, the method of exponential smoothing should be put first in terms of ease of implementation and calculation time. In the work, a generalized model of operational forecasting of electricity consumption was obtained, which is easily transformed into an exponential smoothing model and can be extended to use other (except polynomial) functions. It is shown that in relation to processes with deterministic polynomial bases, the generalized model of operational forecasting gives the same result as exponential smoothing.
Characteristics of the Audit Committee on Delay in Audit Reporting
Authors: Jesni Jesni , Yopie Santi
Published: June 2023

The occurrence of audit delay is related to the characteristics of the audit committee which is reflected in various indicators. This study aims to analyze the effect of the characteristics of the audit committee consisting of the Audit Committee Chair with accounting expertise, the Audit Committee with accounting expertise, the Audit Committee with non-accounting expertise, the Independence of the Audit Committee, the Size of the Audit Committee, and the Audit Committee Meetings on late reporting of reports. audited financial statements for companies listed on the IDX for 2017-2021. The sampling technique used purposive sampling with a total of 1,211 data processed from 243 companies. Data processing was performed using panel data regression assisted by the e-views application version 10. The results showed that the five independent variables and three control variables used had no significant effect on audit delay, while the audit committee meeting variable had a significant positive effect on audit delay. The implication of this finding is that it is necessary to organize more effective and efficient audit committee meetings so as not to hinder the audit report process which can extend the audit delay that occurs.
Unlocking Work Engagement: How Leadership and Total Rewards Impact Employee Work Engagement Through the Mediating Role of Service Climate in Supply Chain and Logistic Company in Indonesia
Authors: Fahrizal Indra , Santoso Budi , Budiono Aris
Published: June 2023

Although the supply chain and logistics sector in Indonesia is developing very well and contributes very significantly to the Indonesian economy, which is about 25% of Indonesia's total GDP (World Bank 2018), the industry is very competitive. To survive in this sector, companies must be able to compete through price, service quality, and product innovation. Work engagement can help employees remain focused, motivated, and productive in such a fast-paced and complex environment. The focus of this research is to confirm the effect of leadership, rewards, and service climate on work engagement and the mediating effect of service climate on work engagement. The sample of this study consists of 287 respondents who work in various divisions and branches of a logistics company in Jakarta, metropolitan Indonesia. The data is analyzed using the Smart PLS version 3.0 application. All of the research hypotheses were accepted, there for Leadership practices have a positive and significant effect on work engagement and service climate, Total Rewards have a positive and significant effect on service climate and work engagement, and Service Climate mediates the effect of Leadership practices and Total Reward on work engagement. It is expected the research findings can be used by the company to understand and improve their service delivery processes, enhance employee engagement and satisfaction, and ultimately increase customer satisfaction and loyalty, which are critical factors to survive in a competitive market.
FACTORS OF JOB TRANSFORMATION IN BELARUS IN THE CONDITIONS OF DIGITALIZATION
Authors: Kuzmitskaya. Т.
Published: June 2023

The article is devoted to the study of labor markets and the transformation of jobs in Belarus in the context of digitalization. The social, political, technological, organizational, economic and environmental factors that affect the likely prospects for labor markets are considered.
Modeling of competitive interactions: basic regularities. Part 2.
Authors: Malkov S. Yu.
Published: June 2023

Objective: to analyze the general patterns of political dynamics (primarily in interstate relations) caused by the presence of competition between the key political actors.

Methods: methods of mathematical dynamic modeling are used to study competitive interactions.

Results: the work is the second part of the article devoted to the analysis of general patterns of socio-economic and political dynamics. This part of the study analyzes the issues of competition of social systems, general features of competitive interactions based on the study of the basic mathematical model describing competition in socio-economic and political spheres. It has been shown that the basic mathematical model of competition allows describing the features of geopolitical dynamics both in terms of competition and in terms of partnership.

Scientific novelty: the results of analysis and mathematical modeling allow identifying the patterns of geopolitical dynamics and determining the conditions under which the implementation of various options for global development is possible.

Practical significance: comprehension of the conditions of transition from one mode of geopolitical interaction to another increases the validity of the geopolitical dynamics forecast.
Intersectoral contagion effects in the Russian economy under the pandemic shock
Authors: Malkina M. Yu. , Balakin R. V.
Published: June 2023

Objective: to identify the presence/absence of transmission of financial contagion between sectors of the Russian economy during the 2020-2021 pandemic.

Methods: the study is based on data on the inter-sessional average daily profitability of six industry indices of the Russian trading system for the period from 01.01.2019 to 23.02.2022. Using the calculation of the sliding coefficient of variation for the average industry index of the Russian trading system and the sliding growth rate of coronavirus infection, three periods of pandemic shock were identified: short-term (acute phase of the pandemic), medium-term (covering the first and second waves of infection), and long-term (up to the announcement of the Russian special military operation in Ukraine). Intersectoral contamination was identified on the basis of strengthening the relationships between the profitability of industry assets by analyzing three distribution points: the correlation coefficient adjusted for heteroscedasticity (Forbes–Rigobon test), tests for co-asymmetry and co-kurtosis of the distribution.

Results: estimates of the scale and direction of financial contagion between the Russian economic sectors during the pandemic were obtained. Firstly, they indicate an increase in confirmed cases of intersectoral contagion in the medium and long term, which indicates a “long-term trace” of the pandemic. Secondly, the number of contagions increases closer to higher distribution points. Thirdly, the main branches of the Russian economy (metallurgy and oil industry), contrary to expectations, turned out to be the least connected with other branches of the Russian economy during the pandemic. The telecommunications sector demonstrated the greatest propensity to transmit contagion. The conclusion about the consumer sphere and trade being the most exposed to contagion is rather expected.

Scientific novelty: for the first time, estimates of intersectoral financial contagion for the Russian economy during the pandemic have been obtained, which indicate the presence of both short-term and long-term effects of the pandemic, as well as the strengthened role of certain industries (in particular, the telecommunications industry) in the transmission of contagion under the economy digitalization.

Practical significance: the data obtained can be useful in managing the financial stability of individual industries during pandemic-type crises.
Defi-crime: condition, trends and criminological models
Authors: Sidorenko E. L.
Published: June 2023

Objective: to develop a criminological concept of DeFi-crime and measures to deter it.

Methods: dialectical materialism and the general scientific methods of cognition based on it, used in the Russian criminology.

Results: a criminological concept of DeFi-crime as a type of digital crime was developed, i.e. a new specific criminological theory of DeFi-crime (DeFi-criminology) within the structure of digital criminology was proposed. The information factors influencing the DeFi-crime state, structure and trends were determined, and measures for its deterrence by criminological and technological means were proposed.

Scientific novelty: the presented work is the first and only study conducted within the framework of digital criminology, reflecting the state, trends and structure of DeFi-crime, revealing the main causes that form it, as well as describing options for deterring this type of digital crime by technological and criminological means.

Practical significance: the study results can be used in law enforcement activities when assessing potential threats from DeFicrime and developing measures to reduce them; in educational activities – in the process of teaching courses in criminology, cybercriminology, digital criminology; in research activities – when obtaining additional knowledge on certain types of DeFi–crime: DeFi-theft and DeFi-fraud during their further research in DeFi-criminology.
To the memory of Rustem Makhmutovich Nureev: review of works on economic theory, sectoral economy management and other directions
Authors: Manushin D. V. , Enikeev Sh. I.
Published: June 2023

Objective: to review the scientific contribution of Rustem Makhmutovich Nureyev to the Russian economics; to determine the best practices and life position of R. M. Nureyev which enabled him to leave a deep mark in economics.

Methods: retrospective scientific-bibliographic analysis, abstract-logical, monographic methods.

Results: the main results of Rustem Makhmutovich Nureyev’s scientific activity were listed; the most significant works were described that allowed him, in the authors’ opinion, to receive all-Russian and world recognition. The works are conditionally divided into two groups: popular works in the field of economic theory and modern significant works.

Scientific novelty: the main stages and achievements of Rustem Makhmutovich Nureyev’s scientific activity are noted, as well as the impressions of the authors formed in the process of working with him.

Practical significance: the review will help to get acquainted with the scientific contribution of R. M. Nureyev to the Russian science.
All rf-based tuning algorithm for quantum devices using machine learning
Authors: Ares Natalia , Straaten Barnaby van , Fedele Federico , Vigneau Florian , Hickie Joseph , Jirovec Daniel , Ballabio Andrea , Chrastina Daniel , Isella Giovanni , Katsaros Georgios
Published: June 2023

Radio-frequency measurements could satisfy DiVincenzo's readout criterion in future large-scale solid-state quantum processors, as they allow for high bandwidths and frequency multiplexing. However, the scalability potential of this readout technique can only be leveraged if quantum device tuning is performed using exclusively radio-frequency measurements, i.e. without resorting to current measurements. By exploiting their bandwidth and impedance matching, we demonstrate an algorithm that automatically tunes double quantum dots with only radio-frequency measurements. The tuning was completed within a few minutes without prior knowledge about the device architecture. Our results show that it is possible to eliminate the need for transport measurements for quantum dot tuning, paving the way for more scalable device architectures.
Using steady-state formula to estimate time-dependent parameters of stochastic gene transcription models
Authors: Zhang Congrun , Jiao Feng
Published: June 2023

When studying stochastic gene transcription, it is important to understand how system parameters are temporally modulated in response to varying environments. Experimentally, the dynamic distribution data of RNA copy numbers measured at multiple time points are often fitted to stochastic transcription models to estimate time-dependent parameters. However, current methods require determining which parameters are time-dependent, as well as their analytical formulas, before the optimal fit. In this study, we developed a method to estimate time-dependent parameters in a classical two-state model without prior assumptions regarding the system parameters. At each measured time point, the method fitted the dynamic distribution data using a steady-state distribution formula, in which the estimated constant parameters were approximated as time-dependent parameter values at the measured time point. The accuracy of this method can be guaranteed for RNA molecules with relatively high degradation rates and genes with relatively slow responses to induction. Furthermore, we implemented this method on two sets of dynamic distribution data from prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, and revealed the temporal modulation of transcription burst size in response to environmental changes.
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Patients with COVID-19 vs Non-COVID-19: Clinical characteristics and outcomes in a tertiary care setting in Mexico City.
Authors: Palacios-Moguel Paul , Esquivel-Pi Alejandra , Flores-Andrade Xavier A. , Aguirre-Sanchez Janet S. , Cruz-Arellanes Nancy N. , Sauza-Sosa Julio C. , Gonzalez Naybeth Garcia , Manzur-Sandoval Daniel , Toledo-Aleman Enma , Garcia-Cruz Edgar
Published: June 2023

Background
ARDS due to COVID-19 infection has a unique phenotype generating a growing need to determine the existing differences that can alter existing evidence-based management strategies for ARDS, particularly those related to ventilator management.
Research Question:
What differences does the clinical profile of patients with ARDS due to COVID 19 and Non-COVID 19 have?
Study Design and Methods:
We conducted a comparative, observational, retrospective study in the ICU of a third-level hospital in Mexico City, from March 2020 through March 2022. Clinical, echocardiographic, and laboratory variables were compared between patients with ARDS due to SARS-COV2 infection and those due to other etiologies. For qualitative variables, the chi-square test was used.
Results
We enrolled 140 patients with a diagnosis of ARDS. The study group of COVID-19 etiology were younger males, higher body mass index, progressed to organ dysfunction, required more frequently renal replacement therapy, and higher SOFA score. There was no difference in rates of right ventricular dysfunction.
Interpretation:
COVID-19 ARDS exhibit much greater severity that led to higher admission and mortality rates, whilst being younger and less comorbid.
Influences in the residual stress computation by the contour method when a partial part of the measured cross-section is applied as contour
Authors: Viotti Matias Roberto , Albertazzi Armando
Published: June 2023

Background
The contour method has been used for the residual stress analysis of whole cross-sections affected by the cutting process. In some cases, the evaluation in a localized region is mandatory and it requires the measurement of a partial part of the cross-section laying far from the traditional applications of the contour methodology.
Objective
This research is aimed to analyze the feasibility of computing residual stresses in a reduced area of the cross-section after the application of the traditional contour method but with a reduced area as loading.
Methods
The contours used for analysis were numerically simulated by 2D Legendre distributions. The contours related to the whole cross-section, after cutting, were used to create a set of contours associated to reduced regions of the complete cross-section. The whole as well as the partial regions were used in the contour simulations to evaluate the influence on the computed stress generated by the loading of only a part of the area.
Results
The comparative analysis of the results for all conditions showed that the stresses were computed with a relative error lower than 10% for 75% of the evaluated area.
Conclusions
The presented results showed that the feasibility to compute stresses in one portion of a cross-section examined by the contour method is possible having good concordance in the analyzed region. This a suitable solution in cases were local and specific features are present in the cross-section allowing to analyze the featured region with a detailed resolution.
Content without Borders (CwB) – an Efficient Approach to Handling Medical Information Inquiries
Authors: Zunaed Zahra , Vieira Patricia , Jan Duma , Ammar Slim , Foy Martina , Larab Lynda , Menon Roopa , Hubinger Gudrun
Published: June 2023

A “Content without Borders” (CwB) initiative was implemented to de-label Scientific Response Documents (SRDs) by removing specific product Prescribing Information (PI) text and creating “No PI SRDs”. This approach is used to respond to unsolicited medical inquiries from healthcare professionals (HCPs) across 136 countries in Africa, the Middle East, Asia Pacific (except China) and Latin America. Key performance indicators including turnaround times (TATs), escalation rates, volume of content, measures of efficiency and HCP insights were evaluated to understand the quantitative and qualitative effects of CwB. This pre-post study compares metrics from 2019, before CwB implementation, to 2022 in the Asia Pacific region. The CwB initiative ensured that more responses were handled by customer-facing colleagues and reduced escalations to content experts by 24.23%. The average TAT improved by 52.03%, and the number of available SRDs shared among ≥2 countries increased by nearly 700%. Majority of content experts from select countries that adopted CwB indicated that it was easy to create/maintain No PI SRDs and that adapting a global SRD to the CwB format took less time than localizing an SRD with PI. Overall, the CwB initiative simplified scientific content creation and management processes within the Medical Information (MI) department, thereby allowing customers to receive information promptly and more efficiently. As resources are shared across multiple regions, there is more consistency within response content, ensuring equity in the MI services provided to HCPs. The implementation of No PI SRDs enabled MI services to be easier to access and easier to use.
FIGNL1 AAA+ ATPase remodels RAD51 and DMC1 filaments in meiotic DNA replication and recombination
Authors: Ito Masru , Furukohri Asako , Fujita Yurika , Toyoda Atushi , Matsuzaki Kenichiro , Shinohara Akira
Published: June 2023

The formation of RAD51/DMC1 filaments on single-stranded (ss)DNAs, which is essential for homology search and strand exchange in DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair and for the protection of stalled DNA replication forks, is tightly regulated in time and space. FIGNL1 AAA+++ ATPase plays positive and negative roles in the RAD51-mediated recombination in human cells. However, the role of FIGNL1 in gametogenesis remains unsolved. Here, we characterized a germ-line-specific conditional knockout (cKO) mouse of FIGNL1. The Fignl1 cKO male mice showed defective chromosome synapsis and impaired meiotic DSB repair with the accumulation of RAD51/DMC1 on chromosomes in mid-meiotic prophase I, supporting a role of FIGNL1 in a post-assembly stage of RAD51/DMC1 filaments. Fignl1 cKO spermatocytes accumulate RAD51 and DMC1 ensembles on chromosomes not only in early meiotic prophase I but also in meiotic S-phase. These RAD51/DMC1 assemblies are independent of meiotic DSB formation. Finally, we showed that purified FIGNL1 dismantles RAD51 filament on double-stranded (ds)DNA as well as ssDNA. These results suggest a critical role of FIGNL1 to limit the non-productive assembly of RAD51 and DMC1 on native dsDNAs during the meiotic S-phase and meiotic prophase I.
Expression of Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein-3 in HELLP Syndrome
Authors: Li Wei , Kang Suya , Zhou Li Ping
Published: June 2023

Objective To investigate the expression of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3(IGFBP-3) in HELLP syndrome and its possible role in the pathogenesis of this disease.Methods 1) 87 subjects were enrolled, including 29 patients with HELLP syndrome, 29 patients with simple pre-eclampsia(PE), and 29 healthy gravidae as control. The expression of IGFBP-3, IGF-1, TGF-β1, and VEGF in maternal and umbilical blood of them were detected using ELISA. Correlation analysis was used to observe the correlation between IGFBP-3 and IGF-1/TGF-β1/VEGF in maternal andumbilical blood, as well as that between maternal serum IGFBP-3 and clinical diagnostic indicators of HELLP syndrome. 2)Human hepatic sinusoid endothelial cells (HLSEC) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were cultured with different concentrations of IGFBP-3. After 72 hours of culture, cell apoptosis and the normal living cells rate were detected and compared.Results 1)In both maternal and umbilical blood of HELLP group, levels of IGFBP-3 and TGF-β1 were higher than control and PE group, IGF-1was lower than control group, VEGF was lower than control and PE group.IGFBP-3 in maternal blood was correlated with IGF-1/TGF-β1/ VEGF, while IGFBP-3 inumbilical blood was linked to IGF-1/TGF-β1.In maternal blood, there was a negative correlation between PLT and IGFBP-3, and a positive correlation between ALT/AST/LDH and IGFBP-3. 2) After cultured with IGFBP-3, the total apoptosis rate of either HLSEC or HUVEC was considerablyelevated, while the normal living rate was decreased.Conclusion The expression of IGFBP-3 is elevated in HELLP syndrome, which may subsequently promote cell apoptosis by affecting the expression and function of IGF-1, VEGF, and TGFβ1 in the IGF/PI3K/Akt, TGF-β1/Smad3, and VEGF/eNOS/NO pathways.IGFBP-3aggravates inflammatory reactions of the vascular endothelium and liver under hypoxia, affects the normal function of cells, and plays a role in the pathogenesis of diseases.
Mental Health Problems and Coping Strategies of Medical Interns in Clinical Teaching Base During Epidemic Period - Data from China
Authors: Wan Jing , QI Mengsha , Liu Shuyun
Published: June 2023

Background
The COVID-19 pandemic has dealt a heavy blow to the mental health of tens of millions of people, with nearly 1 billion people living with a mental disorder worldwide and one person dying every 40 seconds from suicide [1]. On 5 May 2023, WHO declared the end of the global health emergency, but globally, more than 2.6 million new cases and more than 17 000 deaths have been reported in the past 28 days (10 April to 7 May 2023) [2]. There are new coronavirus positive cases around us from time to time, and many people are anxious about this. It shows that COVID-19 remains a global health threat. Therefore, we should pay attention to the mental health problems caused by the epidemic, especially the social vulnerable population who are in the front line of fighting the epidemic but have relatively weak self-prevention ability [3] -- medical interns. It's necessary to investigate their mental health status and explore coping strategies.
Methods
We administered the Symptom Checklist 90 (SCL-90) and Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire (SCSQ) to assess somatization symptoms and coping styles, respectively, and compared results to national norms for Chinese youth.
Results
The scores of somatization, obsessive-compulsive, interpersonal sensitivity, depression, anxiety, terror, paranoia and psychosis of the interns were higher than those of the national youth group norm. The scores of somatization and phobia in female students were higher than those in male students, and the scores of each factor in undergraduate students were higher than those in college students, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The score of negative coping style was positively correlated with the total score of negative factors of mental health (somatization, compulsion, depression, anxiety) (β=-0.569, P < 0.05). Positive coping style was negatively correlated (β = 0.899, P < 0.01).
Conclusion
During the epidemic period, the mental health level of interns in the base is lower than that of the national youth norm, and female and undergraduate interns are more serious. Positive coping style can reduce their mental health problems.
Getting a new shell, from whom? Free association in agonistic interactions can result in unexpected outcomes in hermit crabs
Authors: Burciaga Luis M. , Alcaraz Guillermina
Published: June 2023

Animals often engage in contests over limited resources. The probability of winning a contest is primarily determined by the individual's fighting ability relative to its opponent and the perceived value of the disputed resource. The hermit crab Calcinus californiensis is frequently found fighting for gastropod shells. We conducted a free-choice experiment to assess the factors that determine the choice of opponent, contest initiation, and contest resolution. We placed hermit crabs occupying two shell species into a large container and monitored agonistic interactions between crabs. We assessed the asymmetries in fighting ability based on the differences in body mass between the opponents. The shell species and fit (i.e., shell size relative to crab body size) were used as measures of the objective and subjective resource value, respectively. Motivation influenced contest initiation; the crabs occupying too-tight shells were more likely to initiate a contest than the ones in looser-fitting shells. In most cases, the attackers fought for a shell with a looser fit, even if that meant losing a tighterfitting shell of the preferred shell species. The fighting success for attackers was positively associated with the number of bouts of rapping and the shell size improvement. However, success was negatively correlated with body size asymmetry; attackers that chose opponents larger than themselves were more likely to evict their opponent than the attackers that chose opponents that were smaller. Experimental designs allowing animals to select their own opponents, rather than assigning specific opponents, can strongly contribute to increase knowledge of agonistic interactions.
Measuring gas discharge in contact electrification
Authors: Tao Hongcheng , Gibert James
Published: June 2023

Contact electrification in a gas medium is usually followed by partial surface charge dissipation caused by gas breakdown triggered during separation. It is widely assumed that such discharge obeys the classical Paschen’s law, which describes the general dependence of breakdown voltage on the product of gas pressure and gap distance. However, quantification of this relationship in contact electrification involving insulators is impeded by challenges in nondestructive in situ measurement of the gap voltage. The present work proposes and implements an electrode-free strategy for capturing discrete discharge events by monitoring the gap voltage via Coulomb force, providing experimental evidence for a Paschen-type behavior for nitrogen breakdown between a silicone-acrylic contact pair. The method offers an alternative approach for characterizing either the ionization energies of gases or the secondary-electron-emission properties of surfaces without the requirement of an external voltage source, which can potentially benefit applications ranging from the design of insulative materials to the development of triboelectric sensors and generators.
The polyketide to fatty acid transition in the evolution of animal lipid metabolism
Authors: Lin Zhenjian , Li Feng , Krug Patrick , Schmidt Eric
Published: June 2023

Lipids are crucial to all life, but the biochemical origins of many animal lipids remain unclear. We unveil a previously uncharacterized class of enzymes that is widely occurring in animals, and responsible for producing elaborate lipid- and polyketide-like compounds. These enzymes, the animal FAS-like PKSs (AFPKs), share a common ancestor with the animal fatty acid synthase, which produces the fats needed for animal survival, providing a plausible evolutionary bridge between the drug-like polyketides and the fatty acids. Vertebrates lack AFPKs, but excepting the placental mammals contain PKSs. In contrast, molluscs and arthropods contain abundant AFPKs, correlated with their rich polyketide chemistry. Molluscan AFPKs are associated with a lack of other defenses, consistent with the hypothesis that AFPKs provide a chemical defense for some lineages. By contrast, shelled molluscs (physically defended) generally contain PKSs instead. Arthropods have few PKSs, likely originating in parasites or recent horizontal gene transfer, but their abundant AFPKs potentially contributed to their ecological and evolutionary success. Although animal metabolism is well studied, surprising new metabolic enzyme classes still await discovery and may be unrecognized drivers of hyperdiverse animal radiations including gastropods, beetles and spiders.
Hybrid quantum search with genetic algorithm optimization
Authors: Udrescu Mihai , Ardelean Sebastian
Published: June 2023

Quantum Genetic Algorithms (QGAs) integrate genetic programming and quantum computing to address search and optimization problems. Most QGA approaches add quantum features to genetic algorithm operators, such as selection, crossover, or mutation. Oppositely, the Reduced Quantum Genetic Algorithm (RQGA) is a fully quantum algorithm that encodes the entire search space (i.e., population) as a superposition of all possible solutions (chromosomes) using the individuals’ quantum register; the fitness function takes the individuals’ quantum register as input to generate corresponding fitness values within the chromosomes’ superposition. RQGA finds the best fitness value and its corresponding chromosome (i.e., the solution or one of the solutions) using Grover’s algorithm. The complexity of Grover’s algorithm is O(2N⁄2), where N is the number of superposed individual chromosomes. However, RQGA operates on an exponentially-big search space (N = 2n, where n is the number of qubits in the individuals’ quantum register), which entails an exponential runtime of O(2n⁄2). This paper introduces an optimization solution for RQGA that controls the algorithm complexity by selecting a limited number of qubits in the individuals’ register and fixing the remaining ones as classical values of ’0’ and ’1’ with a genetic algorithm. We also improve the performance of the RQGA by discarding unfit solutions and bounding the search only in the valid individuals’ area. Putting it all together, we introduce a novel quantum genetic algorithm—Hybrid Quantum Algorithm with Genetic Optimization (HQAGO)—that solves search problems in O(2(n-k)⁄2) oracle queries, where k is the number of fixed classical bits in the individuals’ register. We illustrate instantiations of HQAGO that solve the NP-hard knapsack and graph coloring problems, analyze the complexity of the new algorithm, and study the convergence of its heuristic part.