bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The feasibility and effectiveness of remote cognitive training on cognitive function and work performance in workers
Authors: Shibaoka Michi , Masuda Masashi , Iwasawa Satoko , Ikezawa Satoru , Eguchi Hisashi , Nakagome Kazuyuki
Published: July 2024

Objectives

We aimed to determine whether remote cognitive training (CT) is feasible and has the potential to improve cognitive function and work performance in Japanese workers.

Methods

From June to September 2020, this intervention time series study enrolled workers aged 18–65 years from 10 companies located in a metropolitan area of Japan. Cognitive function tests and self-administered questionnaires were completed by the participants three times: at baseline, after 12 weeks of CT, and after a further 12 weeks following cessation. We measured work performance with the question: “How would you rate your performance (compared with your optimum performance) over the past 4 weeks?” Responses were made via a visual analog scale (0–100). Cognitive function was assessed using the THINC-integrated tool, which is a brief, objective computerized cognitive assessment battery. For our computerized remote CT intervention, BrainHQ was used on the basis of our scientific rationale and the empirical literature. We recommended three 20-min sessions of BrainHQ per week and sent participants three reminders.

Results

In total, 119 participants were recruited to this study. Only 22.7% of the subjects achieved the recommended training time of 720 min over 12 weeks. The median training time was used to divide participants into long and short- training groups. The long-training group showed a greater improvement in attention and executive function than the short-training group but there was no significant improvement in work performance after CT compared to baseline.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that although remote CT was not feasible enough, the effects on cognitive function can be expected by increasing training time and motivation.
The relationship between peer support and sleep quality among Chinese college students: the mediating role of physical exercise atmosphere and the moderating effect of eHealth literacy
Authors: Li Jin
Published: July 2024

Background

Poor sleep quality has emerged as a prevalent health issue among college students. This study aims to explore the mechanism of sleep quality among college students by constructing a moderated mediation model.

Methods

The Peer Support Scale, Physical Exercise Atmosphere Scale, eHealth Literacy Scale and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were used to conduct a survey and analysis on 1,085 questionnaires, which were distributed among students from four universities in the northwest, northeast and central regions of China.

Results

(1) A significant pairwise correlation exists between peer support, physical exercise atmosphere, eHealth literacy and sleep quality (P < 0.001); (2) Physical exercise atmosphere plays a mediating role between peer support and sleep quality, with a mediating effect accounting for 28.08%; (3) eHealth literacy can significantly moderate the strength of the relationships between peer support and exercise atmosphere, between peer support and sleep quality, and between physical exercise atmosphere and sleep quality. This study revealed the relationship between peer support and sleep quality among college students and its influencing mechanism, and provided theoretical and practical basis for improving college students' sleep quality from the perspectives of peer support, physical exercise atmosphere, and eHealth literacy.
Exploring social media determinants in fostering pro-environmental behavior: insights from social impact theory and the theory of planned behavior
Authors: Liao Chi-Horng
Published: July 2024

Introduction

This study investigates the impact of social media on pro-environmental behavior (PEB) through the lenses of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and Social Impact Theory. The research aims to elucidate how social media influences Environmental Attitude (EA) and Subjective Norms (SN), and how these factors contribute to Behavioral Intentions (BI) that ultimately affect PEB. Additionally, it examines the moderating effect of Perceived Behavioral Control (PBC) on the relationship between BI and PEB.

Methods

To explore these relationships, the study employs a dual methodological approach using Variance-Based Structural Equation Modeling (VBSEM) and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN). Data were collected from two distinct samples: 1200 participants from Taiwan for the SEM analysis and 602 respondents for the ANN study. SEM was utilized to explore causal relationships, while ANN was employed to enhance predictive accuracy.

Results

The SEM analysis reveals that social media significantly affects both EA and SN, except for Social Networking Site Involvement (SNSI), which does not significantly impact EA. Additionally, the findings indicate that BI mediates the relationship between EA and PEB. However, BI does not mediate the SN-PEB relationship, and the link between SN and BI is found to be non-significant. Empirical evidence also suggests that PBC moderates the BI-PEB relationship, with a stronger influence observed under higher levels of PBC and a weaker influence under lower levels.

Discussion

These results underscore the complex dynamics between social media factors and pro-environmental behavior. The study concludes that while social media plays a significant role in shaping EA and SN, its impact on EA is not mediated by SNSI. Furthermore, PBC significantly moderates the BI-PEB relationship, highlighting its critical role in PEB. The discussion addresses the implications of these findings, acknowledges the limitations encountered, and suggests potential avenues for future research.
Association between complete blood count-derived inflammatory markers and the risk of frailty and mortality in middle-aged and older adults
Authors: Tang Yu , Zhai Ying , Song Wenjing , Zhu Tengxiao , Xu Zichen , Jiang Luqing , Li Lei , Liu Daoqin , Wu Qiwen
Published: July 2024

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the association between six complete blood count (CBC)-derived inflammatory markers [neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), systemic immune-inflammatory index (SII), systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI), and pan-immune inflammation value (PIV)] and the risk of frailty and mortality.

Methods

Data were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999–2018. Mortality was identified using the National Death Index until December 31, 2019. Multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the association between six CBC-derived inflammatory markers and frailty. The Cox regression model assessed the association between six CBC-derived inflammatory markers and mortality in frail populations. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) was used to visualize the association of the six CBC-derived inflammatory markers with mortality risk. The predictive value of CBC-derived inflammatory markers for mortality was further assessed using a random survival forest (RSF) approach.

Results

This study analyzed data from a total of 16,705 middle-aged and older participants. Among them, 6,503 participants were frail, with a mortality rate of 41.47%. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that NLR, MLR, PLR, SII, SIRI, and PIV were positively associated with frailty risk. The Cox regression model revealed that participants in the highest quartile had a significantly increased risk of death compared to those in the lowest quartile: NLR (HR = 1.73, 95% CI:1.54, 1.94), MLR (HR = 1.71, 95% CI:1.51, 1.93), PLR (HR = 1.28, 95%CI: 1.15, 1.43), SII (HR = 1.50, 95%CI:1.34, 1.68), SIRI (HR = 1.88, CI 95%:1.67, 2.12), PIV (HR = 1.55, 95%CI:1.38, 1.73). Random survival forest (RSF) analyses demonstrated that MLR had the highest predictive value for mortality risk middle-aged and older adult frail participants.

Conclusion

The results suggest that CBC-derived inflammatory markers are associated with a higher risk of frailty as well as mortality in the middle and old-aged population of the United States.
Subcellular one carbon metabolism in cancer, aging and epigenetics
Authors: Bernasocchi Tiziano , Mostoslavsky Raul
Published: July 2024

The crosstalk between metabolism and epigenetics is an emerging field that is gaining importance in different areas such as cancer and aging, where changes in metabolism significantly impacts the cellular epigenome, in turn dictating changes in chromatin as an adaptive mechanism to bring back metabolic homeostasis. A key metabolic pathway influencing an organism’s epigenetic state is one-carbon metabolism (OCM), which includes the folate and methionine cycles. Together, these cycles generate S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), the universal methyl donor essential for DNA and histone methylation. SAM serves as the sole methyl group donor for DNA and histone methyltransferases, making it a crucial metabolite for chromatin modifications. In this review, we will discuss how SAM and its byproduct, S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH), along with the enzymes and cofactors involved in OCM, may function in the different cellular compartments, particularly in the nucleus, to directly regulate the epigenome in aging and cancer.
Planning in the age of acceleration: a perspective on digital inclusion in online urban planning meetings
Authors: Mualam Nir
Published: July 2024

In the age of technological acceleration, new digital shifts and the increased use of ICT have changed the ways we work, live, sleep, and shop. Remarkable transformations have left footprints in the planning world as well, with many urban planners harnessing technology to improve and expedite planning processes. This process accelerated further during the COVID pandemic, which forced many planning committees and local governments to conduct public meetings, hearings, and participatory processes remotely in order to allow the planning machine to continue rolling while abiding by social distancing rules. Developments such as this have been part of a broader shift toward the increasing reliance of planning on video-conferencing and other technological innovations. While this new policy has proved advantageous to many, it has also had regressive impacts and severely affected social inclusion in the planning process. This paper reviews these outcomes by focusing on the Israeli planning system post-COVID, which continues to embrace videoconferencing as a tool in planning. The findings illustrate the vulnerability of certain groups to the accelerated digitalization of urban planning. Despite planners’ awareness of these outcomes and adaptations made to existing means of e-participation, online planning meetings are not geared toward using tools and platforms to improve practice; instead, remote participation remains largely a ‘pro-developers’ process and could marginalize other participants.
Planning nodes, places, and pedestrian experiences in mountainous cities: an empirical transit station assessment tool
Authors: Yang Yuanxiang , Yan Shuiyu , Cong Cong , Tian Yu , Liu Wen
Published: July 2024

Introduction

In the context of ongoing discussions in Chongqing (China) about urban development strategies for the city’s transit system, this paper introduces an empirical framework for assessing the development of urban transit stations in mountainous cities. Cities in mountainous areas possess unique natural topography, development patterns, cultures, and natural resources, leading to distinct urban development characteristics compared to cities built on plains.

Methods

Drawing on the node-place modelling literature, we develop a multidimensional station assessment methodology adapted for mountainous cities. By adding the dimension of pedestrian experience, we propose indicators that represent the unique challenges of accessing stations in such terrains that are not typically reflected in conventional node-place analysis.

Results

Our findings reveal station-specific development opportunities in greater detail and can guide more targeted planning for land use around stations.

Discussion

Our assessment method is particularly useful for cities facing terrain challenges that impact pedestrian experience.
Can Nanoparticles Be Used to Boost Biogas Production?
Authors: Roopnarain Ashira , Rama Haripriya , Ndaba Busiswa
Published: July 2024

Biogas is a type of gas that can be burnt to produce energy. It causes less harm to the environment than burning coal or oil, which is why it is called “green energy”. Biogas is produced by breaking down a plant or animal resource such as cow dung (poop) in an oxygen-free environment. Biogas is produced by special microorganisms that can survive and multiply without oxygen. Recently, nanoparticles have been used to make more biogas. Nanoparticles have unique features such as their extremely small size and their ability to easily react with substances. During biogas production, microorganisms can get a lot of nutrients from nanoparticles, which helps them to produce more biogas. Nanoparticles may also improve the interactions between biogas-producing microbes, further boosting biogas production. Although nanoparticles help to produce more biogas, the correct type of nanoparticles and the right amounts must be used to ensure that more biogas is produced.
Outcome of a dedicated complex aortic surgery fellowship program
Authors: Arzola Luis H. , Asciutto Giuseppe , Shehab Maysam , Wanhainen Anders , Mani Kevin
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Advancements in endovascular therapy, especially in complex aortic procedures, underscore the need for additional post-certification training. Dedicated post-residency vascular fellowship programs offer exposure to diverse cases, research opportunities, and professional networking. The study aims to describe and present outcomes from the complex aortic fellowship program at the Vascular Surgery Department of the Uppsala University Hospital.

Methods

Nine former fellows who completed the aortic fellowship program at the Uppsala University Hospital from 2018 to 2023 were invited to take part in an anonymous 29-question survey through email. Demographic data, information about the existence of local aortic programs as well as on the types of aortic procedures performed were gained. The overall experience and impact of the fellowship were assessed using multiple interval scale questions, with a rating scale (1 excellent to 5 very poor). Finally, we provided the option to the participants to share additional feedback.

Results

Median age of participants was 34 years (IQR, 30.5–36), with 44.4% being women (4/9). There was a significant variation in the number of publications produced during the fellowship, with an overall mean of 4 papers (IQR, 2–10). Regarding the long-term impact of the fellowship, 5/9 (55.6%) of the fellows have contributed to the implementation of a complex aortic program after finishing the fellowship, providing a broad range of complex aortic procedures. All fellows (9/9, 100%) stated that the quality of the fellowship was excellent. The clinical experience 7/9 (77.8%), the academic environment 7/9 (77.8%) and the research opportunities 7/9 (77.8%) together with the mentorship 9/9 (100%) and the work environment 8/9 (88.9%), were considered of most value among the fellows. In general, the survey participants agreed that the fellowship atmosphere was suitable for learning, 9/9 (100%), and that it had a positive impact on their current practice, 7/9 (77.8%). Currently, 5/9 (55.5%) of the fellows hold a position including academic involvement.

Conclusions

There is a universal need for additional post-certification training. The current study showed that a balanced clinical and scientific exposure to complex aortic diseases is broadly welcomed among young vascular surgeons. The extension of the fellowship to cover other disciplines dealing with complex aortic procedures can be of value.
Salivary cortisol measurements in brachycephalic dog breeds as part of a standardized stress test
Authors: Kähler Elisa , Meyer-Lindenberg Andrea , Zablotski Yury , Schroers Maike
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) is a common condition in brachycephalic dogs, with Pugs (PG) and French Bulldogs (FB) appearing to be particularly typically affected. Objective and easy-to-perform tests are necessary to detect the disease at an early stage and to exclude dogs affected by BOAS from breeding.

Methods

The present study investigated the extent to which vital signs and salivary cortisol concentrations can be used to distinguish between healthy and BOAS-affected dogs in a standardized fitness test. A total of 57 PG, 56 FB and 27 meso- and dolichocephalic dogs were studied as control group (CG). In addition to vital signs, salivary cortisol concentrations were measured before and after the exercise test.

Results

It emerged that non-brachycephalic dogs showed a higher fitness level than brachycephalic dogs. The PG recovered significantly slower than the FB after the exercise test. In unaffected PG, cortisol levels rose significantly after the test and then fell again, in unaffected FB they fell significantly during the test. Unexpectedly, cortisol levels remained constant in BOAS affected dogs of both breeds.

Discussion

A possible explanation could be a disturbance of the pituitary–hypothalamic–adrenal axis, which could be due to the chronic stress of affected animals. This would have to be clarified in further studies. In conclusion, a submaximal fitness test may be a useful method to identify dogs suffering from BOAS as it is imperative to prevent the breeding and reproduction of affected dogs.
PF-05231023 reduces lipid deposition in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice by inhibiting the expression of lipid synthesis genes
Authors: Zhao Juan , Liu Xuelong , Yue Jingyu , Zhang Shouquan , Li Li , Wei Hengxi
Published: July 2024

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a peptide hormone that is primarily expressed and secreted by the liver. The hormone is crucial for regulation of glucose homeostasis, lipid metabolism, and energy balance. Compared with natural FGF21, FGF21 analogs have become drug candidates for the treatment of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases owing to their long half-life and greater stability in vitro. Apolipoprotein E (Apoe)-knockout (Apoe−/−) mice exhibit progressive disruptions in lipid metabolism in vivo and develop further atherosclerosis pathological features owing to Apoe deletion. Therefore, this study used an Apoe−/− mouse model to investigate the effects of a long-acting FGF21 analog (PF-05231023) on lipid metabolism and related parameters. Eighteen Apoe−/− female mice were fed a Western diet equivalent for 12 weeks, and then randomly assigned to intraperitoneally receive either physiological saline (the control group) or 10 mg/kg PF-05231023 (the treatment group) three times a week for seven consecutive weeks. Body composition, glucose tolerance, blood and liver cholesterol, triglyceride levels, liver vacuolization levels, peri-ovarian white adipocyte hypertrophy, aortic atherosclerotic plaque formation, and the expression of genes related to lipid metabolism in adipose tissue were subsequently assessed before and after treatment. The aortic atherosclerotic plaque area was reduced in mice in the PF-05231023 treatment group compared with that in the saline group. Although the effect of PF-05231023 on the plasma biochemical indexes of mice was small, it significantly reduced lipid levels and lipid droplet accumulation in the liver, and reduced adipocyte hypertrophy in white adipose tissue. Transcriptome analysis of adipose tissue showed that PF-05231023 treatment downregulated the expression of lipid synthesis-related genes and inhibited the sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor 1 gene, thereby improving lipid deposition. PF-05231023 effectively improved the lipid metabolism of Apoe−/− mice, demonstrating an anti-atherosclerotic effect and providing a scientific basis and experimental foundation for the clinical treatment of cardiovascular diseases by using long-acting FGF21 analogs.
Molecular and serological investigations of Batai virus in cattle and goats in the border area of Yunnan, China (2021–2022)
Authors: Lu Zishuo , Yan Xingxiu , Fan Guiying , Li Lixia , Sun Xiutao , Lu Huijun , Jin Ningyi , Liu Hao , Sun Wenchao
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Batai virus (BATV), a zoonotic pathogen transmitted by mosquitoes, infects vertebrates, including livestock, birds, and humans. Although BATV has been detected and isolated in mosquitoes in Yunnan Province, China, there have been no reports of livestock infection. Thus, we conducted a molecular and serological investigation of BATV in cattle and goat sera collected in spring and autumn from 2021 to 2022 in Honghe Prefecture, Yunnan Province, on the China-Vietnam border.

Methods

We used indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and reverse transcription real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) to test 929 cattle and 973 goat serum samples.

Results

BATV antibodies were detected in 262/929 (28.2%) cattle and 263/973 (27.0%) goat serum samples. RT-qPCR did not detect BATV RNA.

Discussion

The positive rate of BATV serum antibodies in cattle and goats in Luxi County was higher compared with other areas, and it was also higher in autumn compared with spring, which may be related to climate, temperature, and mosquito density. Although our findings indicated the presence of BATV infection in livestock in the region, RT-qPCR did not detect BATV RNA. Therefore, BATV monitoring in cattle and goats should be heightened in autumn, and the scope of host monitoring should be expanded to clarify the hosts and vectors of BATV infection.
Post-Translational Modification of PTEN Protein: Quantity and Activity
Authors: Li Xiao , Yang Pu , Hou Xiaoli , Ji Shaoping
Published: July 2024

Post-translational modifications play crucial roles in regulating protein functions and stabilities. PTEN is a critical tumor suppressor involved in regulating cellular proliferation, survival, and migration processes. However, dysregulation of PTEN is common in various human cancers. PTEN stability and activation/suppression have been extensively studied in the context of tumorigenesis through inhibition of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. PTEN undergoes various post-translational modifications, primarily including phosphorylation, acetylation, ubiquitination, SUMOylation, neddylation, and oxidation, which finely tune its activity and stability. Generally, phosphorylation modulates PTEN activity through its lipid phosphatase function, leading to altered power of the signaling pathways. Acetylation influences PTEN protein stability and degradation rate. SUMOylation has been implicated in PTEN localization and interactions with other proteins, affecting its overall function. Neddylation, as a novel modification of PTEN, is a key regulatory mechanism in the loss of tumor suppressor function of PTEN. Although current therapeutic approaches focus primarily on inhibiting PI3 kinase, understanding the post-translational modifications of PTEN could help provide new therapeutic strategies that can restore PTEN’s role in PIP3-dependent tumors. The present review summarizes the major recent developments in the regulation of PTEN protein level and activity. We expect that these insights will contribute to better understanding of this critical tumor suppressor and its potential implications for cancer therapy in the future.
Aerodynamic Characteristics and Its Sensitivity Analysis of a Cylindrical Projectile at Different Incidences
Authors: Jiao Shenghai , Tao Ling , Wang Hao , Wang Xiao , Ruan Wenjun
Published: July 2024

The accurate evaluation of aerodynamic characteristics is a prerequisite and foundation for the design of high-performance aerodynamic shapes, navigation guidance, and strength of projectiles. The nonlinearity of aerodynamic calculations for a projectile is high, and the modeling and simulation are difficult, especially under the high-angle of attack flight conditions. Small variations in flight conditions, and structural parameters, etc., may cause large deviations in aerodynamic responses. Taking a small cylindrical projectile as an example, and to realize its attitude control, it is necessary to conduct aerodynamic characteristics analysis on it and analyze the main influencing factors of its aerodynamic characteristics parameters. In this paper, the finite volume method is used to solve the three-dimensional unsteady N-S equation, combined with the SST k-ω turbulence model, the overlapping grid technology, and the forced pitching vibration method, and the aerodynamic characteristics analysis model of the projectile is established, which realizes the accurate simulation of the surrounding flow field, aerodynamic coefficients, and dynamic derivative of the projectile under different flight conditions. On this basis, the Sobol global sensitivity analysis method based on the augmented radial basis function surrogate model of aerodynamics characteristics and Latin hypercube sampling is used to efficiently analyze and obtain the main influence parameters of cylindrical projectile aerodynamic characteristics. This paper provides a basic theory and fast algorithm for subsequent engineering system design, which has important theoretical and engineering value.
Taking Advantage of Spare Battery Capacity in Cellular Networks to Provide Grid Frequency Regulation
Authors: Dias Leonardo , Jaumard Brigitte , Eleftheriadis Lackis
Published: July 2024

The increasing use of renewable energies places new challenges on the balance of the electricity system between demand and supply, due to the intermittent nature of renewable energy resources. However, through frequency regulation (FR) services, owners of battery storage systems can become an essential part of the future smart grids. We propose a thorough first study on the use of batteries associated with base stations (BSs) of a cellular network, to participate in ancillary services with respect to FR services, via an auction system. Trade-offs must be made among the number of participating BSs, the degradation of their batteries and the revenues generated by FR participation. We propose a large-scale mathematical programming model to identify the best participation periods from the perspective of a cellular network operator. The objective is to maximize profit while considering the aging of the batteries following their usage to stabilize the electrical grid. Experiments are conducted with data sets from different real data sources. They not only demonstrate the effectiveness of the optimization model in terms of the selection of BSs participating in ancillary services and providing extra revenues to cellular network operators, but also show the feasibility of ancillary services being provided to cellular network operators.
Functional Insights into the Sphingolipids C1P, S1P, and SPC in Human Fibroblast-like Synoviocytes by Proteomic Analysis
Authors: Timm Thomas , Hild Christiane , Liebisch Gerhard , Rickert Markus , Lochnit Guenter , Steinmeyer Juergen
Published: July 2024

The (patho)physiological function of the sphingolipids ceramide-1-phosphate (C1P), sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), and sphingosylphosphorylcholine (SPC) in articular joints during osteoarthritis (OA) is largely unknown. Therefore, we investigated the influence of these lipids on protein expression by fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) from OA knees. Cultured human FLSs (n = 7) were treated with 1 of 3 lipid species—C1P, S1P, or SPC—IL-1β, or with vehicle. The expression of individual proteins was determined by tandem mass tag peptide labeling followed by high-resolution electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry after liquid chromatographic separation (LC-MS/MS/MS). The mRNA levels of selected proteins were analyzed using RT-PCR. The 3sphingolipids were quantified in the SF of 18 OA patients using LC-MS/MS. A total of 4930 proteins were determined using multiplex MS, of which 136, 9, 1, and 0 were regulated both reproducibly and significantly by IL-1β, C1P, S1P, and SPC, respectively. In the presence of IL-1ß, all 3 sphingolipids exerted ancillary effects. Only low SF levels of C1P and SPC were found. In conclusion, the 3 lipid species regulated proteins that have not been described in OA. Our results indicate that charged multivesicular body protein 1b, metal cation symporter ZIP14, glutamine-fructose-6-P transaminase, metallothionein-1F and -2A, ferritin, and prosaposin are particularly interesting proteins due to their potential to affect inflammatory, anabolic, catabolic, and apoptotic mechanisms.
A Fair Contribution Measurement Method for Federated Learning
Authors: Guo Peng , Yang Yanqing , Guo Wei , Shen Yanping
Published: July 2024

Federated learning is an effective approach for preserving data privacy and security, enabling machine learning to occur in a distributed environment and promoting its development. However, an urgent problem that needs to be addressed is how to encourage active client participation in federated learning. The Shapley value, a classical concept in cooperative game theory, has been utilized for data valuation in machine learning services. Nevertheless, existing numerical evaluation schemes based on the Shapley value are impractical, as they necessitate additional model training, leading to increased communication overhead. Moreover, participants’ data may exhibit Non-IID characteristics, posing a significant challenge to evaluating participant contributions. Non-IID data have greatly affected the accuracy of the global model, weakened the marginal effect of the participants, and led to the underestimated contribution measurement results of the participants. Current work often overlooks the impact of heterogeneity on model aggregation. This paper presents a fair federated learning contribution measurement scheme that addresses the need for additional model computations. By introducing a novel aggregation weight, it enhances the accuracy of the contribution measurement. Experiments on the MNIST and Fashion MNIST dataset show that the proposed method can accurately compute the contributions of participants. Compared to existing baseline algorithms, the model accuracy is significantly improved, with a similar time cost.
Image Enhancement Thanks to Negative Grey Levels in the Logarithmic Image Processing Framework
Authors: Jourlin Michel
Published: July 2024

The present study deals with image enhancement, which is a very common problem in image processing. This issue has been addressed in multiple works with different methods, most with the sole purpose of improving the perceived quality. Our goal is to propose an approach with a strong physical justification that can model the human visual system. This is why the Logarithmic Image Processing (LIP) framework was chosen. Within this model, initially dedicated to images acquired in transmission, it is possible to introduce the novel concept of negative grey levels, interpreted as light intensifiers. Such an approach permits the extension of the dynamic range of a low-light image to the full grey scale in “real-time”, which means at camera speed. In addition, this method is easily generalizable to colour images and is reversible, i.e., bijective in the mathematical sense, and can be applied to images acquired in reflection thanks to the consistency of the LIP framework with human vision. Various application examples are presented, as well as prospects for extending this work.
A Self-Supervised Few-Shot Semantic Segmentation Method Based on Multi-Task Learning and Dense Attention Computation
Authors: Yi  Kai , Wang  Weihang , Zhang  Yi
Published: July 2024

Nowadays, autonomous driving technology has become widely prevalent. The intelligent vehicles have been equipped with various sensors (e.g., vision sensors, LiDAR, depth cameras etc.). Among them, the vision systems with tailored semantic segmentation and perception algorithms play critical roles in scene understanding. However, the traditional supervised semantic segmentation needs a large number of pixel-level manual annotations to complete model training. Although few-shot methods reduce the annotation work to some extent, they are still labor intensive. In this paper, a self-supervised few-shot semantic segmentation method based on Multi-task Learning and Dense Attention Computation (dubbed MLDAC) is proposed. The salient part of an image is split into two parts; one of them serves as the support mask for few-shot segmentation, while cross-entropy losses are calculated between the other part and the entire region with the predicted results separately as multi-task learning so as to improve the model’s generalization ability. Swin Transformer is used as our backbone to extract feature maps at different scales. These feature maps are then input to multiple levels of dense attention computation blocks to enhance pixel-level correspondence. The final prediction results are obtained through inter-scale mixing and feature skip connection. The experimental results indicate that MLDAC obtains 55.1% and 26.8% one-shot mIoU self-supervised few-shot segmentation on the PASCAL-5i and COCO-20i datasets, respectively. In addition, it achieves 78.1% on the FSS-1000 few-shot dataset, proving its efficacy.
Antibacterial and Wound Healing Activity In Vitro of Individual and Combined Extracts of Tagetes nelsonii Greenm, Agave americana and Aloe vera
Authors: Olán-Jiménez Karen Alejandra , Cruz-Rodríguez Rosa Isela , Couder-García Beatriz del Carmen , Jacobo-Herrera Nadia , Ruiz-Lau Nancy , Hernández-Cruz Maritza del Carmen , Ruíz-Valdiviezo Víctor Manuel
Published: July 2024

Currently, there are various physical and mechanical agents that can cause skin wounds, which are still traditionally treated with plant extracts. It has been reported that the genus Tagetes has a wide range of biological properties, including antibacterial and wound healing activity. Likewise, Agave americana extract and Aloe vera gel have shown potential in the treatment of burn wounds and other skin conditions both in vitro and in vivo. In this study, the antibacterial and wound healing activities of each of these plants were investigated, as well as the possibility of enhancing these activities by combining them. First, the secondary metabolites of the extracts were quantified, the antibacterial activity was evaluated using the Kirby-Bauer method, and their cytotoxicity was measured in 3T3 and HaCaT cells using the sulforhodamine B assay. The results revealed that Tagetes nelsonii extract had a higher amount of secondary metabolites, which is why it exhibited antibacterial activity. Finally, the scratch assay showed that the individual extracts of T. nelsonii and A. americana demonstrated greater cell migration and proliferation starting from 12 h, as well as when using the combination of A. americana extract and A. vera gel, which almost completely closed the wound compared to the control.
CRITICAL ANALIYSIS OF THE CONCEPT OF «UNIVERSAL CONCRETENESS» IN VOLTAIRE’S PHILOSOPHY
Authors: Sheiko S. , Kravchenko P.
Published: July 2024

The article presents a critical analysis of the concept of «universal concreteness» in Voltaire’s philosophy. The content of the ontological and epistemological foundations of Voltaire’s worldview in his historical-philosophical searches is revealed. The abstract nature of the principles of deism and «universal unity» in the philosophy of the French enlightener is the result of the influence of the one-sidedness of representatives of empiricism and rationalism. Voltaire and his associates in their philosophical constructions, argued G. Hegel, proceeded from the principle of universality and the embodiment of the concept of «wit», while the Germans relied on the possibilities of criticism of pure reason. The potential possibilities of the concept of «universal concreteness» in Voltaire’s worldview form the basis of his theoretical and practical philosophy, in particular of human existence, morality and free will.
IMAGES OF ARISTOCRATES AND COMMON PEOPLE IN THE TRAGEDIES OF BENJAMIN JOHNSON
Authors: Pidpalyi R.
Published: July 2024

The article describes the interpersonal relationships of various states of society of the «post-Shakespearean» era in the artistic work of the outstanding English playwright and actor Benjamin Johnson. Relying on sources and scientific literature, the author of the article tries to recreate the layer of everyday life in London at the turn of the 16th and 17th centuries, to reveal the problem of the «survival» of actors in the first stationary theater «Globus», their attempts to communicate with aristocrats, the attitude towards famous actors and directors in the English late Middle Ages society The central problem of the research is also the relationship between V. Shaksrip and A. Ferabosko, whose acting troupes shared the «stage» of the «Globus» theater. All these questions are most vividly revealed in Benjamin Johnson’s tragedy «Thrice Crossing the Thames», which was published after his death at the author’s request. The image of English society revealed through the thoughts and worldview of his contemporary is simply amazing. In the author’s opinion, it is also valuable that Benjamin Johnson personally knew V. Shakespeare and A. Ferabosko, the unforgettable young actress Catherine Loster. Research methodology. The content-comparative method, the method of modification of concepts and terms, generalizing and problem-searching methods to reproduce the realities of the era were used to write the article. Conclusion. we see that the place of man and the concept of «humanity» in the English dramaturgy of the «post-Shakespearean» era have changed significantly. In English art, more and more realistic «notes» are felt. Instead of “elevated” and “low” on the pages of books, «street life», «urban slums», relations between new states of society, new social morality come to the English stage. In order to fully feel the depth of these changes, it is worth discovering the realistic human images reproduced by contemporaries of the «post-Neckspearian» era, understanding the criteria of their morality and humanity from the point of view of the author of the dramatic work, who wrote at the crossroads of two great eras.
Primary healthcare professionals’ approach to clinical coding: a qualitative interview study in Wales
Authors: Davies Aled , Ahmed Haroon , Thomas-Wood Tracey , Wood Fiona
Published: July 2024

Background

Clinical coding allows for structured and standardised recording of patients’ electronic healthcare records. How clinical and non-clinical staff in general practice approach clinical coding is poorly understood.

Aim

To explore primary care staff’s experiences and views on clinical coding.

Design and setting

Qualitative, semi-structured interview study among primary care staff across Wales.

Method

All general practices within Wales were invited to participate via NHS health boards. Semi-structured questions guided interviews, conducted between February 2023 and June 2023. Audio-recorded data were transcribed and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

A total of 19 participants were interviewed and six themes were identified: coding challenges, motivation to code, making coding easier, daily task of coding, what and when to code, and coding through COVID.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the complexity of clinical coding in primary care. Clinical and non-clinical staff spoke of systems that lacked intuitiveness, and the challenges of multimorbidity and time pressures when coding in clinical situations. These challenges are likely to be exacerbated in socioeconomically deprived areas, leading to underreporting of disease in these areas. Challenges of clinical coding may lead to implications for data quality, particularly the validity of research findings generated from studies reliant on clinical coding from primary care. There are also consequences for patient care. Participants cared about coding quality and wanted a better way of using coding. There is a need to explore technological and non-technological solutions, such as artificial intelligence, training, and education to unburden people using clinical coding in primary care.
Underlying disease risk among patients with fatigue: a population-based cohort study in primary care
Authors: White Becky , Zakkak Nadine , Renzi Cristina , Rafiq Meena , Gonzalez-Izquierdo Arturo , Denaxas Spiros , Nicholson Brian D , Lyratzopoulos Georgios , Barclay Matthew E
Published: July 2024

Background

Presenting to primary care with fatigue is associated with a wide range of conditions, including cancer, although their relative likelihood is unknown.

Aim

To quantify associations between new-onset fatigue presentation and subsequent diagnosis of various diseases, including cancer.

Design and setting

A cohort study of patients presenting in English primary care with new-onset fatigue during 2007–2017 (the fatigue group) compared with patients who presented without fatigue (the non-fatigue group), using Clinical Practice Research Datalink data linked to hospital episodes and national cancer registration data.

Method

The excess short-term incidence of 237 diseases in patients who presented with fatigue compared with those who did not present with fatigue is described. Disease-specific 12-month risk by sex was modelled and the age-adjusted risk calculated.

Results

The study included 304 914 people in the fatigue group and 423 671 in the non-fatigue group. In total, 127 of 237 diseases studied were more common in men who presented with fatigue than in men who did not, and 151 were more common in women who presented with fatigue. Diseases that were most strongly associated with fatigue included: depression; respiratory tract infections; insomnia and sleep disturbances; and hypo/hyperthyroidism (women only). By age 80 years, cancer was the third most common disease and had the fourth highest absolute excess risk in men who presented with fatigue (fatigue group: 7.01%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 6.54 to 7.51; non-fatigue group: 3.36%, 95% CI = 3.08 to 3.67; absolute excess risk 3.65%). In women, cancer remained relatively infrequent; by age 80 years it had the thirteenth highest excess risk in patients who presented with fatigue.

Conclusion

This study ranked the likelihood of possible diagnoses in patients who presented with fatigue, to inform diagnostic guidelines and doctors’ decisions. Age-specific findings support recommendations to prioritise cancer investigation in older men (aged ≥70 years) with fatigue, but not in women at any age, based solely on the presence of fatigue.
Percepción estudiantil sobre influencia del Núcleo de Apoyo Fiscal en su formación
Authors: Viteri Contreras Amy Karla , Maza Iñiguez José Vicente
Published: July 2024

Este estudio investigó la percepción de estudiantes de Contabilidad y Auditoría sobre la contribución del proyecto Núcleos de Apoyo Contable y Fiscal (NAF) en su formación académica. Para lo cual, se seleccionó una muestra de 15 estudiantes de quinto nivel de la carrera de Contabilidad y Auditoría de la Universidad Técnica de Machala (UTMACH). Se recopilaron datos de estudiantes que participaron la investigación a través de la técnica de la entrevista. Los hallazgos muestran que la participación en el NAF, una iniciativa gubernamental que brinda asesoría tributaria a emprendimientos locales, tuvo un impacto significativo al proporcionar a los estudiantes una experiencia práctica complementaria a la educación tradicional. La colaboración entre la universidad y el Servicio de Rentas Internas (SRI) fue fundamental para desarrollar conocimientos tributarios y contables en los estudiantes, quienes también mejoraron su cultura fiscal. Además, el proyecto demostró ser efectivo en la prestación de servicios fiscales a la comunidad.
Assessment of Innovation Readiness and Technology Acceptance Using Immersive Sci-Fi Prototyping
Authors: Brunner Fiona , Keller Thomas , Brucker-Kley Elke
Published: July 2024

Digital transformation is ubiquitous and is generating unprecedented forms of innovation. However, it brings new challenges due to its comprehensive nature and potentially profound impacts. Technology assessment examines the long-term impacts of technologies on society and the environment. One aspect of this is a broad societal discourse, which is considered indispensable in a functioning democracy. To this end, various perspectives are sought, especially from experts in science, business, and politics, but also the opinion of the public. In practice, however, this poses a challenge. How is the public supposed to be able to form an informed opinion about a technological change, an upcoming innovation, if this change is multi-layered and not easily transparent and comprehensible? In this paper, attitude formation and attitude change are examined in more detail using a science fiction prototype in the democratic field of action. The main focus lies on immersion. The effects of immersive scenarios on attitudes toward technological innovations have not yet been sufficiently studied. The authors believe that conventional methods appeal mainly to cognition, but people are often driven by emotions. The immersive sci-fi prototyping method is designed to allow technological innovations to be experienced with virtual reality and thus also appeals to emotions in the process of forming attitudes. The authors hypothesize that with the immersive sci-fi prototyping method, a better starting point is provided to evaluate technology acceptance and innovation readiness. For this purpose, a laboratory experiment is conducted with a pre- and post-survey. The results of the low-immersion group, who click through the sci-fi prototype as hypertext in the browser, are compared with the high-immersion group, who experience the sci-fi prototype in a VR environment. The results show that both sci-fi prototyping and immersive sci-fi prototyping are suitable for capturing attitude. In the immersive sci-fi prototyping method, subjects are better able to visualise the technology and, in general, VR has shown a stronger impact on attitude change. These results relate to the digital democratic assistant presented in the sci-fi prototype.
An Outlook of Digital Twins in Offensive Military Cyber Operations
Authors: Maathuis Clara
Published: July 2024

The outlook of military cyber operations is changing due to the prospects of data generation and accessibility, continuous technological advancements and their (public) availability, technological and human (inter)connections increase, plus the dynamism, needs, diverse nature, perspectives, and skills of experts involved in their planning, execution, and assessment phases respecting (inter)national aims, demands, and trends. Such operations are daily conducted and recently empowered by AI to reach or protect their targets and deal with the unintended effects produced through their engagement on them and/or collateral entities. However, these operations are governed and surrounded by different uncertainty levels e.g., intended effects prediction, consideration of effective alternatives, and understanding new dimensions of possible (strategic) future(s). Hence, the legality and ethicality of such operations should be assured; particularly, in Offensive Military Cyber Operations (OMCO), the agents involved in their design/deployment should consider, develop, and propose proper (intelligent) measures/methods. Such mechanisms can be built embedding intelligent techniques based on hardware, software, and communication data plus expert-knowledge through novel systems like digital twins. While digital twins find themselves in their infancy in military, cyber, and AI academic research and discourses, they started to show their modelling and simulation potential and effective real-time decision support in different industry applications. Nevertheless, this research aims to (i) understand what digital twins mean in OMCO context while embedding explainable AI and responsible AI perspectives, and (ii) capture challenges and benefits of their development. Accordingly, a multidisciplinary stance is considered through extensive review in the domains involved packaged in a design framework meant to assist the agents involved in their development and deployment.