bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Robot Task-Constrained Optimization and Adaptation with Probabilistic Movement Primitives
Authors: Ding Guanwen , Zang Xizhe , Zhang Xuehe , Li Changle , Zhu Yanhe , Zhao Jie
Published: December 2024

Enabling a robot to learn skills from a human and adapt to different task scenarios will enable the use of robots in manufacturing to improve efficiency. Movement Primitives (MPs) are prominent tools for encoding skills. This paper investigates how to learn MPs from a small number of human demonstrations and adapt to different task constraints, including waypoints, joint limits, virtual walls, and obstacles. Probabilistic Movement Primitives (ProMPs) model movements with distributions, thus providing the robot with additional freedom for task execution. We provide the robot with three modes to move, with only one human demonstration required for each mode. We propose an improved via-point generalization method to generalize smooth trajectories with encoded ProMPs. In addition, we present an effective task-constrained optimization method that incorporates all task constraints analytically into a probabilistic framework. We separate ProMPs as Gaussians at each timestep and minimize Kullback–Leibler (KL) divergence, with a gradient ascent–descent algorithm performed to obtain optimized ProMPs. Given optimized ProMPs, we outline a unified robot movement adaptation method for extending from a single obstacle to multiple obstacles. We validated our approach with a 7-DOF Xarm robot using a series of movement adaptation experiments.
Middle and Long Latency Cutaneous Reflexes During the Stance Phase of Gait in Individuals with and Without Chronic Ankle Instability
Authors: Madsen Leif P. , Friedman Annalee M. H. , Docherty Carrie L. , Kitano Koichi , Koceja David M.
Published: December 2024

Background/objectives: Lower limb cutaneous reflex amplitudes can modulate across gait, which helps humans adjust rhythmic motor outputs to maintain balance in an ever-changing environment. Preliminary evidence suggests people who suffer from repetitive ankle sprains and residual feelings of giving way demonstrate altered cutaneous reflex patterns in the gastrocnemius. However, before cutaneous reflex assessment can be implemented as a clinical outcome measure, there is a need to substantiate these early findings by measuring reflex amplitudes across longer latency periods and exploring the variability of reflexes within each subject. Methods: Forty-eight subjects with and without chronic ankle instability (CAI) walked on a treadmill at 4 km/h while activity of the lateral gastrocnemius (LG) was measured via surface electromyography. Non-noxious stimulations were elicited randomly to the ipsilateral sural nerve at the mid-stance phase of gait, and reflex amplitudes were calculated offline by comparing muscle activity during unstimulated and stimulated gait cycles. Two primary outcome measures were compared between groups at the middle latency (MLR: 80–120 ms) and late latency (LLR: 120–150 ms) time windows: (1) average reflex amplitudes and (2) standard deviation of reflex amplitudes for each subject across 10 trials. Results: Both groups demonstrated an equal amount of LG inhibition at the MLR and LG facilitation at the LLR. However, subjects with CAI showed significantly higher variability in LLR amplitude across trials than healthy controls. Conclusions: Increased variability of cutaneous reflex amplitudes may relate to symptoms associated with CAI. These findings suggest that reflex variability following sural nerve stimulation could serve as an objective measure to track treatment progress in patients with CAI, offering clinicians a new tool for conducting rehabilitation assessments in a controlled environment.
Carbon and Related Composites for Sensors and Energy Storage: Synthesis, Properties, and Application
Authors: Okhay Olena , Goncalves Gil
Published: December 2024

In recent years, mankind’s energy needs have been increasing; therefore, current research is focused on the collection and storage of energy [...]
Improving the Security of the LCB Block Cipher Against Deep Learning-Based Attacks
Authors: Aishwarya Indrakanti , Koduvayur Viswanathan Lakshmy , Srinivasan Chungath , Mishra Girish , Pal Saibal K. , Sethumadhavan M.
Published: December 2024

This study presents a robust version of Light Cipher Block (LCB) by addressing the vulnerabilities identified in previous versions. The vulnerabilities in LCB, including a linear S-Box, improper bit shuffling, and subkey reusability, were thoroughly examined. To overcome these weaknesses, a modified version called Secure LCB is introduced, incorporating changes to the P-Box and key generation algorithm. Motivated by Gohr’s work at CRYPTO’19, this paper investigates the use of a neural distinguisher built upon a 1-dimensional convolutional neural network (1-d CNN). The deep learning model is tasked with identifying ciphertexts that have a specific, controlled difference in their inputs, as opposed to those with random input differences. The evaluation of the proposed Secure LCB using the neural distinguisher suggests that the modifications made to LCB have effectively enhanced its resistance against the neural distinguisher’s classification. This highlights the importance of addressing vulnerabilities in cryptographic systems and showcases the potential of machine learning techniques in cryptanalysis.
Association Between Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction, Systemic Inflammation, and Gastrointestinal Symptoms in HIV-Positive Patients on Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Suba Madalina-Ianca , Hogea Bogdan , Abu-Awwad Ahmed , Lazureanu Voichita Elena , Rosca Ovidiu , Gurgus Daniela , Laitin Sorina Maria Denisa , Abu-Awwad Alina
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Despite advancements in antiretroviral therapy (ART), HIV-positive individuals face heightened risks of cardiovascular and gastrointestinal (GI) complications, often linked to persistent systemic inflammation. Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD), prevalent in HIV patients, exacerbates this inflammatory state and may contribute to worsened GI symptoms. This study aims to explore the association between LVDD, systemic inflammation, and gastrointestinal symptoms in HIV-positive patients undergoing ART. The primary objective is to analyze how LVDD contributes to the inflammatory burden and its impact on gastrointestinal health in this population. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 320 participants divided into three groups: HIV-positive with LVDD (n = 80), HIV-positive without LVDD (n = 120), and HIV-negative controls (n = 120). Levels of inflammatory biomarkers—CRP, IL-6, TNF-α, fibrinogen, IL-1β, IFN-γ, and D-dimer—were measured, and GI symptoms were assessed. Echocardiographic evaluations were performed to determine LVDD presence and severity, while multivariate logistic regression identified predictors of GI complications. Results: Patients in the HIV + LVDD group exhibited significantly elevated levels of TNF-α, CRP, and D-dimer compared to other groups, correlating with higher incidences of nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. TNF-α emerged as the strongest predictor of GI symptoms, underscoring its role in the pathophysiology linking cardiovascular and GI distress in this population. Persistent inflammation and coagulation abnormalities in the ART + LVDD group suggest that ART alone may not fully mitigate these complications. Conclusions: Our findings emphasize the compounded inflammatory burden in HIV patients with LVDD, highlighting the need for integrated approaches that address both cardiovascular and GI symptoms. Anti-inflammatory therapies targeting specific biomarkers like TNF-α could improve clinical outcomes, supporting a more comprehensive strategy to managing HIV-related comorbidities beyond viral suppression.
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Associated Celiac Disease: A Retrospective Analysis and Literature Review
Authors: Gupta Malvika , Graham Christopher , Gupta Supriya
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are used to treat various malignancies. They block the inhibitory signals of tumor cells and enhance the inflammatory cascade, which results in tumor killing. However, this can lead to unchecked inflammation throughout the body, leading to various adverse effects. A rare gastrointestinal adverse effect of ICI therapy is the development of immune-mediated celiac disease. This entity has a similar clinical presentation to the more common ICI-induced enterocolitis. Our study aims to determine the clinical characteristics and optimal treatment strategies for this rare ICI toxicity and differentiate it from ICI-induced enterocolitis. Methods and Material: We conducted a retrospective analysis of eight cases of ICI-induced celiac disease and 24 cases of ICI-induced enterocolitis from the literature. Data on patient demographics, clinical history, therapeutic interventions and outcomes were collected. A comparative analysis was performed to identify the key differences between the two groups. Results: Patients with ICI-induced celiac disease were more likely to have a pre-existing autoimmune condition and HLA-DQ2 positivity. Significant differences in clinical manifestations, histological findings, and treatment outcomes were observed. Notably, weight loss, nutritional deficiencies and electrolyte abnormalities were more commonly associated with ICI-induced celiac disease. Regarding pathology, duodenal villous blunting was noted more commonly with ICI-induced celiac disease. Initiating a gluten-free diet led to a rapid improvement in patients with ICI-induced celiac disease, while immunosuppressive therapy did not have an impact. Conclusion: ICI-induced celiac disease is a rare and underrecognized gastrointestinal adverse effect of ICI therapy, often misdiagnosed as ICI-induced enterocolitis. Early recognition and treatment with a gluten-free diet can lead to rapid symptom resolution, sparing patients from unnecessary systemic immunosuppression and the discontinuation of antineoplastic immunotherapy.
Extending Conflict-Based Search for Optimal and Efficient Quadrotor Swarm Motion Planning
Authors: Wang Zihao , Zhang Zhiwei , Dou Wenying , Hu Guangpeng , Zhang Lifu , Zhang Meng
Published: December 2024

Multi-agent pathfinding has been extensively studied by the robotics and artificial intelligence communities. The classical algorithm, conflict-based search (CBS), is widely used in various real-world applications due to its ability to solve large-scale conflict-free paths. However, classical CBS assumes discrete time–space planning and overlooks physical constraints in actual scenarios, making it unsuitable for direct application in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) swarm. Inspired by the decentralized planning and centralized conflict resolution ideas of CBS, we propose, for the first time, an optimal and efficient UAV swarm motion planner that integrates state lattice with CBS without any underlying assumption, named SL-CBS. SL-CBS is a two-layer search algorithm: (1) The low-level search utilizes an improved state lattice. We design emergency stop motion primitives to ensure complete UAV dynamics and handle spatio-temporal constraints from high-level conflicts. (2) The high-level algorithm defines comprehensive conflict types and proposes a motion primitive conflict detection method with linear time complexity based on Sturm’s theory. Additionally, our modified independence detection (ID) technique is applied to enable parallel conflict processing. We validate the planning capabilities of SL-CBS in classical scenarios and compare these with the latest state-of-the-art (SOTA) algorithms, showing great improvements in success rate, computation time, and flight time. Finally, we conduct large-scale tests to analyze the performance boundaries of SL-CBS+ID.
Fully Automatic Geometric Registration Framework of UAV Imagery Based on Online Map Services and POS
Authors: Li Pengfei , Zhang Yu , Chen Yepei , Bai Ting , Sun Kaimin , Sui Haigang , Wu Yang
Published: December 2024

Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) remote sensing has found extensive applications in various fields due to its ability to quickly provide remote sensing imagery, and the rapid, even automated, geometric registration of these images is an important component of their time efficiency. While current geometric registration methods based on image matching are well developed, there is still room for improvement in terms of time efficiency due to the presence of the following factors: (1) difficulty in accessing historical reference images and (2) inconsistencies in data sources, scales, and orientations between UAV imagery and reference images, which leads to unreliable matching. To further improve the time efficiency of UAV remote sensing, this study proposes a fully automatic geometric registration framework. The workflow features the following aspects: (1) automatic reference image acquisition by using online map services; (2) automatic ground range and resolution estimation using positional and orientation system (POS) data; (3) automatic orientation alignment using POS data. Experimental validation demonstrates that the proposed framework is able to carry out the fully automatic geometric registration of UAV imagery, thus improving the time efficiency of UAV remote sensing.
Static Map Construction Based on Dense Constraints and Graph Optimization
Authors: Lin Hu , Bai Wenjuan
Published: December 2024

The construction of scene point-cloud maps is an important prerequisite for the registration-based localization of autonomous vehicles. In order to address the issues of the large cumulative error and low utilization efficiency of sensing information in existing SLAM methods, this paper proposes an offline static point-cloud map construction method. The key frames are described in the form of local maps, and after removing dynamic objects from the local map, it is used for inter-frame registration in a parallelized manner. The poses generated through registration are then used to construct dense constraints for global graph optimization, ultimately resulting in a global point-cloud map. The proposed method is evaluated in both simulated and real-world environments, demonstrating its feasibility.
Non-Destructive Biomarkers in Non-Target Species Earthworm Lumbricus terrestris for Assessment of Different Agrochemicals
Authors: Calisi Antonio , Cappello Tiziana , Angelelli Mario , Maisano Maria , Rotondo Davide , Gualandris Davide , Semeraro Teodoro , Dondero Francesco
Published: December 2024

In many agroecosystems, agrochemicals are widely used to control crop pests, but often affect many non-target species of ecological and agronomic interest, such as earthworms. Earthworms are considered useful indicators of soil contamination. Exposure of these organisms to contaminants occurs mainly through the large amount of soil ingested, which passes through the digestive tract, which is closely associated with the coelom and its fluids. In this work, we used the coelomic fluids of earthworms exposed to copper sulfate and chlorpyrifos to standardize a set of non-destructive biomarkers useful for assessing the contamination in agroecosystems. Metallothionein concentrations, acetylcholinesterase inhibition, lysosomal membrane stability, micronucleus frequency, morphometric alterations, and granulocyte cytoskeleton polymerization were analyzed. The results showed that all the biomarkers used were detectable in the coelomic fluid. Furthermore, the data obtained showed highly significant variations for all biomarkers studied, thus demonstrating that the use of coelomic fluid for biomarker assessment in non-target species offers numerous advantages for field applications.
Optogenetic Fine-Tuning of Sus scrofa Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor Expression in Escherichia coli
Authors: Meng Fanqiang , Xu Zhimin , Fan Xia , Wang Zhisheng , Zhou Libang
Published: December 2024

Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is a crucial protein with diverse applications in biotechnology and medicine. This study aims to investigate the use of EL222-based optogenetic control systems to fine-tune the expression of porcine (Sus scrofa) bFGF in Escherichia coli. The bioactivity and the productivity of blue light-induced bFGF were demonstrated to be comparable to those achieved using a conventional T7-expression system. Secondly, through systematic optimization of regulatory elements, optimal expression of bFGF was achieved using a medium-strength promoter for EL222 expression, a strong RBS upstream of the bFGF gene, and an optimized C120 configuration within the blue light-inducible promoter. Moreover, various parameters of blue light illumination during fermentation were investigated, including initial cell density, light intensity, illumination duration, and pulsed illumination patterns. The results identified optimal conditions for maximizing bFGF yield in E. coli, specifically an initial OD600 of 0.6, 800 lux blue light intensity, and 8 h total illumination in a 2 h on/off pattern. Overall, this successful implementation of optogenetically controlled bFGF expression in E. coli serves as a proof-of-concept for light-responsive systems in industrial biotechnology, highlighting the potential of optogenetic control for biologically active protein production.
Deep Learning-Based Multistage Fire Detection System and Emerging Direction
Authors: Sultan Tofayet , Chowdhury Mohammad Sayem , Safran Mejdl , Mridha M. F. , Dey Nilanjan
Published: December 2024

Fires constitute a significant risk to public safety and property, making early and accurate detection essential for an effective response and damage mitigation. Traditional fire detection methods have limitations in terms of accuracy and adaptability, particularly in complex environments in which various fire stages (such as smoke and active flames) need to be distinguished. This study addresses the critical need for a comprehensive fire detection system capable of multistage classification, differentiating between non-fire, smoke, apartment fires, and forest fires. We propose a deep learning-based model using a customized DenseNet201 architecture that integrates various preprocessing steps and explainable AI techniques, such as Grad-CAM++ and SmoothGrad, to enhance transparency and interpretability. Our model was trained and tested on a diverse, multisource dataset, achieving an accuracy of 97%, along with high precision and recall. The comparative results demonstrate the superiority of the proposed model over other baseline models for handling multistage fire detection. This research provides a significant advancement toward more reliable, interpretable, and effective fire detection systems capable of adapting to different environments and fire types, opening new possibilities for environmentally friendly fire type detection, ultimately enhancing public safety and enabling faster, targeted emergency responses.
Purification Effect of Fish–Algae Coupling on Nitrogen and Phosphorus in Shrimp Aquaculture Effluent
Authors: Sun Zhiwei , Hu Xiaojuan , Xu Yu , Wen Guoliang , Su Haochang , Pan Zhiheng , Cao Yucheng
Published: December 2024

As the scale of shrimp aquaculture continues to expand, the environmental impacts of shrimp effluents have become increasingly severe. The purification of aquaculture effluents can no longer be overlooked. Effectively reducing the discharge of aquaculture wastewater and mitigating its potential pollution risks to the surrounding aquatic ecological environment are key issues that need to be addressed to promote the industry’s development towards a greener, more environmentally friendly, and sustainable path. This study explored the purification effect of the integration of tilapia and Spirulina on tail water from a zero-water-exchange aquaculture of whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) in seawater, with the aim of assessing the growth performance of tilapia and the efficacy of the fish–algae integration in purifying tail water from the perspective of tail water resource utilisation. The study found that the removal rates of the biofloc sedimentation volume and total suspended particle concentration in the fish–algae group were 42.6% and 29.6%, respectively. The removal rates of phosphate and total phosphorus in the fish–algae group were 26.3% and 20.8%, respectively. Research indicates that tilapia effectively removes suspended organic matter from water. Introducing Spirulina into this water body aids in the removal of soluble nitrogen and phosphorus from the effluent, and tilapia exhibit a favourable feeding response to Spirulina.
Temporal and Spatial Distribution Characteristics of Fish Resources in a Typical River–Lake Confluence Ecosystem During the Initial Period of Fishing Ban
Authors: Li Huifeng , Yu Xujun , Wu Bingbing , Yu Lixiong , Wang Dengqiang , Wang Ke , Wang Sheng , Chen Daqing , Li Yuefei , Duan Xinbin , Li Jie
Published: December 2024

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the spatio-temporal dynamics of fish resources in the confluence waters of Poyang Lake and the Yangtze River, focusing on the initial phase of a 10-year fishing ban implemented in January 2020. Through hydroacoustic surveys conducted during both high-water (September 2020) and low-water (January 2021) periods, we identified significant variations in fish density and individual size across different sections. During the high water level period, fish concentrations were primarily observed in the confluence area between the Yangtze River and Poyang Lake, exhibiting higher densities compared to other regions. Conversely, fish congregated in the deep-water zones of the main river during the low water level period. The fish population was dominated by small to medium-sized individuals, with mean body lengths of 12.47 cm and 12.62 cm during the high and low water level periods, respectively. Notably, 42 and 33 fish species were recorded during the high-water and low-water surveys, respectively, emphasizing the region’s rich biodiversity. Importantly, the study demonstrates that the fishing ban has resulted in substantial increases in both fish density and mean body length, underscoring its effectiveness in fostering fish population recovery. These findings provide critical baseline data to inform scientific conservation and management strategies in this ecologically sensitive river–lake ecosystem.
Spawning Potential Ratio Can Provide Reference Points for Fishery Management That Are Robust to Environmental Variability
Authors: Shertzer Kyle W. , Damiano Matthew D. , Williams Erik H.
Published: December 2024

Biological reference points are key quantities provided by stock assessments and used in fishery management for evaluating fishery status and setting future catch levels. For many fisheries worldwide, biological reference points are based on the spawning potential ratio (SPR), which measures per-recruit reproductive output as a function of the fishing rate relative to that when fishing is absent. SPR depends on the biological characteristics of the stock, which in turn can be influenced by the environment. A fishing rate based on SPR is often used as a proxy for the fishing rate that provides maximum sustainable yield. Here, we evaluate variability in the fishing rate (F40) that provides an SPR of 40%, a commonly used limit reference point, given plausible variability in biological characteristics. Using eight case-study species from marine waters off the southeast United States, we consider both simple random variability and directional variability, both of which might result from climate change. We test the sensitivity of F40 to various life-history traits and compute distributions of F40, given the expected variability in those traits. Based on those distributions, we evaluate the probabilities of overfishing given a target fishing rate (here, 75%F40) that is based on prevailing conditions without considering future variability in F40, consistent with common, current practice. Analyses also considered an SPR of 30% and 50% to evaluate the generality of conclusions. Results support that SPR-reference points are generally robust to plausible levels of variability in life-history traits that might be induced by environmental nonstationarity and that associated target fishing rates can provide meaningful buffers to prevent overfishing.
Physiological Function Disturbances and Adaptive Responses in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Under Different Salinity Stresses
Authors: Li Ping , Li Tengzhou , Xing Shaoying , Liu Ling , Li Zhi-Hua
Published: December 2024

The physiological functions of aquatic organisms are closely linked to changes in environmental salinity. High-salinity environments can disrupt energy metabolism, induce inflammation, and negatively impact normal growth and development. However, aquatic organisms possess self-regulatory mechanisms that can mitigate these impacts to some extent. This study aimed to investigate the adaptive regulatory processes in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus, Linnaeus, 1758) exposed to high-salinity environments by evaluating metabolic enzyme activities and levels of inflammatory markers. The increased levels of IL-1β and elevated ACP activity suggested that high-salinity conditions (15 and 30 ppt) induced intestinal inflammation. Concurrently, the elevated activities of SOD and GSH, along with decreased SDH activity, pointed to heightened oxidative stress in the brain and a reduced mitochondrial energy supply. Additionally, the adaptive features of intestinal energy metabolism under high-salinity conditions were evident, with adjustments in HK and PK activities mitigating the effects of suppressed PFK activity. Moreover, elevated lipase (LPS) activity in muscle tissue under salinity stress indicated that fat is mobilized to supply energy for muscle activity without affecting muscle protein. In conclusion, salinity stress triggered inflammatory and oxidative stress responses in Nile tilapia, yet the fish exhibited self-regulatory processes in energy metabolism. This study provides a theoretical basis for understanding the adaptive mechanisms of aquatic organisms in stressful environments.
Low Demineralized Caseins to Replace Sodium Caseinate for Application in Whipped Creams
Authors: Dabo Khadija Florence , Chèné Christine , Prevost Sylvain , Fameau Anne-Laure , Karoui Romdhane
Published: December 2024

Caseinate is commonly used in the dairy industry for its stabilizing properties. Its functionalities are largely due to its manufacturing process involving a high level of demineralization that induces casein precipitation. To address this, the researchers are looking for alternatives to respond to consumer demands for high-quality ingredients and increase efficiency. In the present study, we explored low demineralization (0–43%) that preserves the casein integrity to produce caseins that can substitute caseinate in whipping creams (WC). The physicochemical, structural, and functional properties of these caseins were evaluated to assess their viability as surface-active agents in blend-fat whipping cream. The results showed that a demineralization level over 43% significantly impacts the size, secondary structures (β-sheets, β-turns, and α-helices particularly), and surface hydrophobicity that favorably impact the emulsifying properties but diminish the foam stability. WC made with caseins demineralized at 0 and 13% provided stable foam, with the lowest emulsion stability at 0% of demineralization. Using demineralized caseins at 13% offers a sustainable alternative to caseinate in food products requiring stable foams as WCs without significantly altering other desired functionalities such as overrun and emulsion stability. Further research studies into optimizing the demineralization process and exploring applications in other food matrices are suggested.
Rich Dynamics Caused by a Fractional Diffusion Operator in Nonchaotic Rulkov Maps
Authors: Hu Huanqin , Peng Mingshu , Qi Yingfei
Published: December 2024

There are few works about Neimark–Sacker bifurcating analysis on discrete dynamical systems with linear diffusion and delayed coupling under periodic/Neumann-boundary conditions. In this paper, we build up the framework for Neimark–Sacker bifurcations caused by Turing instability on high-dimensional discrete-time dynamical systems with symmetrical property in the linearized system. The fractional diffusion operator in higher-dimensional discrete dynamical systems is introduced and regular/chaotic Turing patterns are discovered by the computation of the largest Lyapunov exponents.
Comparison of Seismic and Structural Parameters of Settlements in the East Anatolian Fault Zone in Light of the 6 February Kahramanmaraş Earthquakes
Authors: Işık Ercan , Hadzima-Nyarko Marijana , Avcil Fatih , Büyüksaraç Aydın , Arkan Enes , Alkan Hamdi , Harirchian Ehsan
Published: December 2024

On 6 February 2023, two very large destructive earthquakes occurred in the East Anatolian Fault Zone (EAFZ), one of Türkiye’s primary tectonic members. The fact that these earthquakes occurred on the same day and in the same region increased the extent of the destruction. Within the scope of this study, twenty different settlements affected by earthquakes and located directly on the EAFZ were taken into consideration. Significant destruction and structural failure at different levels were induced in reinforced concrete (RC) structures, the dominant urban building stock in these regions. To determine whether the earthquake hazard is adequately represented, the PGA values predicted in the last two earthquake hazard maps used in Türkiye for these settlements were compared with the measured PGAs from actual earthquakes. Subsequently, the damage to reinforced concrete structures in these settlements was evaluated within the scope of construction and earthquake engineering. In the final part of the study, static pushover analyses were performed on a selected example of a reinforced concrete building model, and target displacement values for different performance levels were determined separately for each earthquake. For the 20 different settlements considered, the displacements were also derived based on the values predicted in the last two earthquake hazard maps, and comparisons were made. While the target displacements were exceeded in some settlements, there was no exceedance in the other settlements. The realistic presentation of earthquake hazards will enable the mentioned displacements predicted for different performance levels of structures to be determined in a much more realistic manner. As a result, the performance grades predicted for the structures will be estimated more accurately.
Prognostic Value of Strain by Speckle Tracking Echocardiography in Patients with Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Aljehani Areej , Win Kyaw Zaw , Baig Shanat , Kalla Manish , Ensam Bode , Fabritz Larissa , Steeds Richard P.
Published: December 2024

Background Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is a rare genetic disorder associated with an elevated risk of life-threatening arrhythmias and progressive ventricular impairment. Risk stratification is essential to prevent major adverse cardiac events (MACE). Our study aimed to investigate the incremental value of strain measured by two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography in predicting MACE in ARVC patients compared to conventional echocardiographic parameters. Methods and Results This was a retrospective, single-centre cohort study of 83 patients with ARVC (51% males, median age 37 years (IQR: 23, 53)) under the care of the Inherited Cardiac Conditions clinic at University Hospital Birmingham. MACE was defined as one of the following: sustained ventricular tachycardia (Sus VT), ventricular fibrillation (VF), appropriate implantable cardio-defibrillator (ICD) therapy [shock/anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP)], heart failure (defined as decompensated heart failure, cardiac index by heart catheter, HF medication, and symptoms), cardiac transplantation, or cardiac death. Echocardiography images were analysed by a single observer for right ventricle (RV) and left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS). Multivariable Cox regression was performed in combination with RV fractional area change and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion. During three years of follow-up, 12% of patients suffered a MACE. ARVC patients with MACE had significantly reduced RV GLS (−13 ± 6% vs. −23 ± 6%, p < 0.001) and RV free wall longitudinal strain (−15 ± 5% vs. −25 ± 7%, p < 0.001) compared to those without MACE. Conclusions Right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain (RVFWLS) may be a more sensitive predictor of MACE than conventional echocardiographic parameters of RV function. Moreover, RV-free wall longitudinal strain may have superior predictive value compared to RV GLS.
Information Requirements and Legal Framework for Multimodal Transport System Coordination
Authors: Wittenberg Dominik , Paschke Anne , Kukuk Andre , Pannek Jürgen
Published: December 2024

Background: In multimodal transport the interplay of coordination methods and legal requirements is a challenging task. To address the latter, a combined approach for the coordination of a multimodal passenger transport system in accordance with European data protection law is required. Method: As a first step the paper analyses coordination related delays and outlines a combined optimisation problem. The problem formulation spans the strategic, tactical and operational level, to identify information requirements depending on coordinationmechanisms. The European legal systemregularly sets a pioneering standard, often serving as a model for other countries. Additionally, European data regulations frequently influence international data flows, as references to European traffic standards are often indispensable. To ensure compliance with data protection legislation, in a second step, this paper analyses the European Union’s legal framework for the protection of personal and non-personal data. Result: A respective system architecture for the integration of selected methods is proposed and the resulting analysis outlines the legal requirements for data usage under the Data Governance Act (DGA) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Conclusions: Achieving a sustainable and efficient transportation system requires a balanced integration of advanced data-driven solutions and legal strategies, ensuring system efficiency and compliance with EU protection laws.
Effect of Ionic and Nonionic Compounds Structure on the Fluidity of Model Lipid Membranes: Computer Simulation and EPR Experiment
Authors: Man Dariusz , Pytel Barbara
Published: December 2024

This article investigates the influence of dopant molecules on the structural and dynamic properties of lipid bilayers in liposomes, with a focus on the effects of dopant concentration, size, and introduced electric charge. Experimental studies were performed using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy with spin probes, complemented by Monte Carlo simulations. Liposomes, formed via lecithin sonication, were doped with compounds of varying concentrations and analyzed using EPR spectroscopy to assess changes in membrane rigidity. Parallel simulations modeled the membrane’s surface layer as a system of electric dipoles on a 20 × 20 rectangular matrix. As in the EPR experiments, the simulation explored the effects of dopant molecules differing in size and charge, while gradually increasing their concentrations in the system. Minimum binding energy configurations were determined from the simulations. The results revealed a strong correlation between the EPR data and simulation outcomes, indicating a clear dependence of membrane stiffening on the concentration, size, and charge of dopant molecules. This effect was most pronounced at low dopant concentrations (~1–1.5% for q = 2 and 1.5–2% for q ≥ 3). No significant stiffening was observed for neutral molecules lacking charge. These findings offer valuable insights into the mechanisms of membrane modulation by dopants and provide a quantitative framework for understanding their impact on lipid bilayer properties.
Construction and Validation of Cardiovascular Disease Prediction Model for Dietary Macronutrients—Data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey
Authors: Guo Jia , Dai Yanyan , Peng Yating , Zhang Liangchuan , Jia Hong
Published: December 2024

Background: There are currently many studies on predictive models for cardiovascular disease (CVD) that do not use dietary macronutrients for prediction. This study aims to provide a non-invasive model incorporating dietary information to predict the risk of CVD in adults. Methods: The data for this study were obtained from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) spanning the years 2004 to 2015. The dataset was divided into training and validation sets at ratio of 7:3. Variables were screened by LASSO, and the Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to construct the 10-year risk prediction model of CVD. The model’s performance was assessed using the concordance index (C-index), receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration plots, and decision curve analysis (DCA) for discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility. Results: This study included 5,186 individuals, with males accounting for 48.1% and a mean age of 46.39 ± 13.74 years, and females accounting for 51.9% and a mean age of 47.36 ± 13.29 years. The incidence density was 10.84/1000 person years. The model ultimately incorporates 11 non-invasive predictive factors, including dietary-related, demographic indicators, lifestyle behaviors, and disease history. Performance measures for this model were significant (AUC = 0.808 [(95%CI: 0.778–0.837], C-index = 0.797 [0.765–0.829]). After applying the model to internal validation cohorts, the AUC and C-index were 0.799 (0.749–0.838), and 0.788 (0.737–0.838), respectively. The calibration and DCA curves showed that the non-invasive model has relatively high stability, with a good net return. Conclusions: We developed a simple and rapid non-invasive model predictive of CVD for the next 10 years among Chinese adults.
Sorption and Phase Associations of Chromate and Vanadate with Two Contrasting North Carolina Saprolites
Authors: Balogun Fatai O. , Peel Hannah R. , Austin Robert E. , Okunlola Ibrahim G. , Vinson David S. , Duckworth Owen W. , Polizzotto Matthew L.
Published: December 2024

Geogenic chromium (Cr) and vanadium (V) contamination of groundwater in the Piedmont region of North Carolina poses threats to public health. These contaminants are naturally derived from saprolite and aquifer materials, but geochemical variability in these materials makes it difficult to predict specific risks of Cr and V in well water. The objectives of this study were to (1) determine host phases of Cr and V in representative subsurface materials; (2) characterize contaminant binding parameters of chemically variable saprolites; and (3) examine the influence of saprolite chemistry on contaminant sorption, speciation, and phase associations. Isotherm experiments revealed that saprolite samples sorbed roughly an order of magnitude more V than Cr. Chemical extractions and synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence showed that substantial Cr and V were bound with metal oxide/oxyhydroxides in native and Cr-and V-sorbed saprolites; however, electrostatically bound fractions were also present, representing potentially important sources of groundwater contamination. X-ray absorption-near-edge-structure spectroscopy indicated that sorbed Cr was found as reduced Cr(III), whereas sorbed V was dominated by the oxidized V(V) and intermediate V(IV) species. Results from this study could be used to help parameterize mechanistic models and improve prediction of the Cr and V contamination potential of shallow aquifers.
Comparison of Ketamine/Diazepam and Tiletamine/Zolazepam Combinations for Anaesthesia Induction in Horses Undergoing Partial Intravenous Anaesthesia (PIVA): A Retrospective Clinical Study
Authors: Lambertini Carlotta , Boanini Elena , Casalini Isabelle , Spaccini Francesca , Rinnovati Riccardo , Romagnoli Noemi
Published: December 2024

The aim of this retrospective clinical study was to compare the combinations of ketamine/diazepam (KD group) and tiletamine/zolazepam (TZ group) for the induction of general anaesthesia in horses undergoing elective surgery. The data from the clinical and the anaesthetic records of 138 horses from 2021 to 2023 were evaluated, and the horses were divided in two groups: KD (n = 60) and TZ (n = 72). The horses were premedicated with romifidine and methadone IV; anaesthesia was induced with ketamine/diazepam for the KD group and tiletamine/zolazepam for the TZ group and was maintained with isoflurane and a constant rate infusion of romifidine. The data encompassed sex and neuter status, age, breed, weight, American Society of Anaesthesiologists physical status, type of surgical procedure performed under anaesthesia, induction time, induction score, surgery time, recovery time, and the recovery score using a descriptive scale. Baseline heart rate (HR), intraoperative HR, baseline respiratory rate (fR), intraoperative fR, mean arterial pressure (MAP), oxygen saturation (SpO2), and fraction of expired isoflurane (FE’Iso) were also recorded. The induction time was significantly longer (p = 0.004) in the TZ group (60 (40–120)) as compared to the KD group (50 (30–120)). Recovery time was also significantly longer (p ≤ 0.001) in the TZ group (46.5 (15–125)) as compared to the KD group (30 (5–105)). These findings suggested that, in adult horses undergoing elective surgery, TZ could be considered a valid alternative to KD for the induction of general anaesthesia. Additional experimental studies comparing the two induction regimens and their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics are needed.
Effects of Perch on Productivity, Welfare, and Physiological Indicators of Broiler Chickens Reared in Animal Welfare-Certificated Farms
Authors: Kwon Byung-Yeon , Kim Seong-Taek , Kim Da-Hye , Park Jina , Lee Hyun-Gwan , Jeon Yong-Sung , Song Ju-Young , Kim Sang-Ho , Kim Dong-Wook , Kim Chan-Ho , Lee Kyung-Woo
Published: December 2024

This study explored the impact of perches on the productivity and welfare of broilers raised on two animal welfare-certified farms (designated as Farm A and B) in South Korea. Broiler houses in each farm were provided with or without wooden square-shaped perches (2 × 2 cm) at a rate of 2 m per 1000 birds. The study aimed to assess whether perches could influence productivity measures, such as weight and uniformity, and animal welfare indicators, including corticosterone levels and physical health markers. The findings showed that the effects on productivity were inconsistent, varying by farm and period. Corticosterone levels, as an indicator of stress, were significantly lower in the perch group on farm B, but not on farm A. There were no significant differences in welfare indicators such as footpad dermatitis or feather cleanliness, although gait scores improved in farm B with perch provision. Litter moisture was higher in the perch group of farm A, but showed no difference in farm B. The study concluded that while perches did not consistently improve productivity or welfare, they did help reduce stress in broilers, as indicated by lower corticosterone levels.
Genomic Differences and Mutations in Epidemic Orf Virus and Vaccine Strains: Implications for Improving Orf Virus Vaccines
Authors: Zhao Dengshuai , Shi Yaoxu , Zhang Miaomiao , Li Ping , Zhang Yuanhang , Wang Tianyu , Yu Dixi , Zhang Keshan
Published: December 2024

Orf (ORF) is an acute disease caused by the Orf virus (ORFV), and poses a certain threat to animal and human health. Live attenuated vaccines play an important role in the prevention and control of ORF. The effectiveness of the live attenuated Orf virus vaccine is influenced by several factors, including the genomic match between the vaccine strain and circulating epidemic strains. Genomic differences between an ORFV epidemic strain (ORFV-2W) and a vaccine strain (ORFV-1V) were identified in this study via analysis of multiple sequence alignments, phylogenetic trees, and single nucleotide polymorphisms. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that ORFV-2W and ORFV-1V were closely related, with a whole genome homology of 99.8%. Furthermore, a deletion in the non-coding region at the end of the whole genome of ORFV-1V was detected. Such non-essential genes in the terminal regions are usually unnecessary for virus replication but may play important roles in pathogenicity, host and tissue tropism. Single nucleotide polymorphism analysis identified three missense mutations in ORF067, ORF072, and the terminal non-coding region of ORFV-1V. Moreover, a frameshift mutation in ORF102 of ORFV-1V was detected. Mutations in individual genes and deletion of terminal non-coding regions may be related to the attenuation of the vaccine strain. These results provide useful context for improving ORFV vaccines.
Effects of Trace Elements and Vitamins on the Synthesis of Steroid Hormones in Follicular Granulosa Cells of Yak
Authors: Lou Yanbing , Yang Tingting , Zhu Yanqiu , Xia Chenglong , Cui Hengmin , Deng Huidan , Huang Yixin , Fang Jing , Zuo Zhicai , Guo Hongrui
Published: December 2024

Yak (Bos grunniens), a special breed of cattle on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, has low fertility due to nutritional deficiency, especially the trace elements. The steroid hormones estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) synthesized by yak follicular granulosa cells (BGCs) are involved in the entire reproductive process. In the present study, we investigated the effects of trace elements and vitamins on yak follicular GCs, including the cellular activity, the synthesis of E2 and P4, and the expression of genes related to steroid hormone synthesis. The results showed that moderate supplementation of vitamin D3 (VD3), strontium (Sr), manganese (Mn), and selenium (Se) enhanced granulosa cell activity. Within the safe dose range, the addition of vitamin A (VA), VD3, cobalt (Co), Sr, copper (Cu), Mn, Se, and chromium (Cr) significantly increased the synthesis of E2 by GCs, while the addition of VA, vitamin C (VC), VE, zinc (Zn), Sr, Cu, and Cr enhanced the production of P4 in GCs. The changes in steroid synthesizing genes were consistent with the changes in hormone synthesis. This study provides an experimental basis for the addition of trace elements to improve the production performance of yaks.
Brucella Seropositivity and Associated Risk Factors in Pastoral Livestock System in Northeastern Ethiopia
Authors: Sibhat Berhanu , Adamu Haileeyesus , Benti Teferi , Tuli Getachew , Asmare Kassahun , Lindahl Johanna F. , Magnusson Ulf , Tessema Tesfaye Sisay
Published: December 2024

Brucellosis is a common zoonotic disease affecting livestock and humans globally. The disease is endemic in Ethiopian livestock. This study was conducted to estimate Brucella seropositivity and identify its risk factors in livestock, and practices that may expose pastoralists to the disease. Data were collected from 2133 animals across 149 households (HHs) in Dubti and Amibara districts, Afar region, Ethiopia. Blood samples from livestock and household data were collected, and interviews were conducted on husbandry and dairy consumption practices. Sera were serially tested using the Rose Bengal test and indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The overall seropositivity to anti-Brucella antibodies was 8% (95% CI, 6.6–9.2). The antibodies were found in 12.4%, 6.5%, 6%, and 3% of the goats, cattle, camels, and sheep, respectively. Among the HHs, 59.7% had at least one seropositive animal. A mixed-effects logistic regression analysis revealed species and the acquisition of new animals (in cattle and camels), and age and district (in sheep, goats, and cattle) as significant risk factors. Goats, cattle, and camels had significantly higher odds of Brucella seropositivity than sheep (p < 0.05). Seropositivity was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in adults than in young animals, in acquired than in homebred (cattle and camels), and in those with reproductive disorders than those without. Pastoralists lacked knowledge of brucellosis and its modes of transmission, while practices exposing humans and livestock to brucellosis were common. The findings underscore the need for public awareness campaigns and implementation of brucellosis control measures in pastoral systems.