bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Robust AI-Driven Segmentation of Glioblastoma T1c and FLAIR MRI Series and the Low Variability of the MRIMath© Smart Manual Contouring Platform
Authors: Barhoumi Yassine , Fattah Abdul Hamid , Bouaynaya Nidhal , Moron Fanny , Kim Jinsuh , Fathallah-Shaykh Hassan M. , Chahine Rouba A. , Sotoudeh Houman
Published: May 2024

Patients diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) continue to face a dire prognosis. Developing accurate and efficient contouring methods is crucial, as they can significantly advance both clinical practice and research. This study evaluates the AI models developed by MRIMath© for GBM T1c and fluid attenuation inversion recovery (FLAIR) images by comparing their contours to those of three neuro-radiologists using a smart manual contouring platform. The mean overall Sørensen–Dice Similarity Coefficient metric score (DSC) for the post-contrast T1 (T1c) AI was 95%, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 93% to 96%, closely aligning with the radiologists’ scores. For true positive T1c images, AI segmentation achieved a mean DSC of 81% compared to radiologists’ ranging from 80% to 86%. Sensitivity and specificity for T1c AI were 91.6% and 97.5%, respectively. The FLAIR AI exhibited a mean DSC of 90% with a 95% CI interval of 87% to 92%, comparable to the radiologists’ scores. It also achieved a mean DSC of 78% for true positive FLAIR slices versus radiologists’ scores of 75% to 83% and recorded a median sensitivity and specificity of 92.1% and 96.1%, respectively. The T1C and FLAIR AI models produced mean Hausdorff distances (<5 mm), volume measurements, kappa scores, and Bland–Altman differences that align closely with those measured by radiologists. Moreover, the inter-user variability between radiologists using the smart manual contouring platform was under 5% for T1c and under 10% for FLAIR images. These results underscore the MRIMath© platform’s low inter-user variability and the high accuracy of its T1c and FLAIR AI models.
A New Quantitative Tool for the Ultrasonographic Assessment of Tendons: A Reliability and Validity Study on the Patellar Tendon
Authors: Albarova-Corral Isabel , Segovia-Burillo José , Malo-Urriés Miguel , Ríos-Asín Izarbe , Asín Jesús , Castillo-Mateo Jorge , Gracia-Tabuenca Zeus , Morales-Hernández Mario
Published: May 2024

Ultrasound is widely used for tendon assessment due to its safety, affordability, and portability, but its subjective nature poses challenges. This study aimed to develop a new quantitative analysis tool based on artificial intelligence to identify statistical patterns of healthy and pathological tendons. Furthermore, we aimed to validate this new tool by comparing it to experts’ subjective assessments. A pilot database including healthy controls and patients with patellar tendinopathy was constructed, involving 14 participants with asymptomatic (n = 7) and symptomatic (n = 7) patellar tendons. Ultrasonographic images were assessed twice, utilizing both the new quantitative tool and the subjective scoring method applied by an expert across five regions of interest. The database contained 61 variables per image. The robustness of the clinical and quantitative assessments was tested via reliability analyses. Lastly, the prediction accuracy of the quantitative features was tested via cross-validated generalized linear mixed-effects logistic regressions. These analyses showed high reliability for quantitative variables related to “Bone” and “Quality”, with ICCs above 0.75. The ICCs for “Edges” and “Thickness” varied but mostly exceeded 0.75. The results of this study show that certain quantitative variables are capable of predicting an expert’s subjective assessment with generally high cross-validated AUC scores. A new quantitative tool for the ultrasonographic assessment of the tendon was designed. This system is shown to be a reliable and valid method for evaluating the patellar tendon structure.
Clinical Study on the Implications of Immunological Markers in the Diagnosis of Periodontitis in People with Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Dinu Andreea , Antonescu Oana Raluca
Published: May 2024

The basic idea from which the working hypothesis for this study started is the fact that the only systemic disease today that is clearly linked to periodontal disease by biochemical mechanisms is diabetes mellitus, as well as the clinical finding that diabetes causes a number of specific periodontal changes. Highlighting the biochemical markers of inflammation during periodontal disease in patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes is the main aim of the study. To achieve this objective, we used the human ELISA kit from Boster Biological Technology Co., Ltd. (Pleasanton, CA, USA), for the detection of IL-1β, IL-4, IL-8 and TNF-α. The data analysis shows that plasma levels of these cytokines are associated with the progression of periodontitis. In conclusion, we can state that the involvement of immunological markers is evident in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease.
Impact of Affective and Cognitive Variables on University Student Reading Comprehension
Authors: Urrutia Mabel , Mariángel Sandra , Pino Esteban J. , Guevara Pamela , Torres-Ocampo Karina , Troncoso-Seguel Maria , Bustos Claudio , Marrero Hipólito
Published: May 2024

The problem of reading comprehension at the university level has not been sufficiently explored in the field of education research. Understanding written texts is an essential prerequisite for academic success during university. Consequently, reading comprehension challenges can influence the dropout rate at the university level. On the other hand, research has been conducted from a cognitive perspective, without considering affective variables such as reading motivation and its relationship with linguistic and psychological variables. In this study, five questionnaires were administered to a sample of 65 teaching students from different disciplines. The questionnaires dealt with linguistic dimensions such as reading comprehension, at lexical, textual, and discursive levels; psychological aspects such as reading motivation; and cognitive aspects such as working memory. The results obtained through bivariate and mediation analyses show the mediating role of vocabulary in reading comprehension and other cognitive and affective variables. In this context, working memory has a positive indirect effect on more explicit processing tasks in reading comprehension of long texts associated with discourse comprehension. Finally, intrinsic motivation has a positive indirect effect on reading fluency and also on the comprehension of short texts. It also correlates positively with vocabulary tasks. These results are relevant in order to establish a reading profile of university students who have reading comprehension problems, as found in this study.
Design of a Millimeter-Wave Broadband Linearizer Based on an Extended Design Space
Authors: Hao Peng , Song Minxian , Wang Peng , Shen Ce
Published: May 2024

In this study, a broadband linearizer design method based on an extended design space is proposed to optimize the design complexity and linearization performance of conventional linearizers for broadband operation. The gain characteristics of the power amplifier (PA) and linearizer are fitted to simplify the analyses and to quickly derive the ideal objective function of the linearizer design. Then, the 1 dB compression point of a nonlinear system is redefined and used to further extend the design space of the linearizer. To verify the proposed design method, a millimeter-wave linearizer prototype based on the extended design space was designed and fabricated. The linearizer was tested with continuous-wave and 100 MHz two-tone signals from 40 GHz to 43 GHz. The measurement results of the linearized PA showed that the output 1 dB power point (OP1dB) was improved by more than 1.7 dB, the phase error was reduced by more than 15°, and the third-order intermodulation distortion (IMD3) was suppressed by 8.6 dB–13.1 dB over the working frequencies. The proposed linearizer achieved good linearization performance, low power consumption, and simple design implementation, and it was not necessary to tune the bias during broadband operation, making it applicable in complex communication scenarios.
Generative Modeling of Semiconductor Devices for Statistical Circuit Simulation
Authors: Kasprowicz Dominik , Kasprowicz Grzegorz
Published: May 2024

Statistical simulation is a necessary step in integrated circuit design since it provides a realistic picture of the circuit’s behavior in the presence of manufacturing process variations. When some of the circuit components lack an accurate analytical model, as is often the case for emerging semiconductor devices or ones working at cryogenic temperatures, an approximation model is necessary. Such models are usually based on a lookup table or artificial neural network individually fitted to measurement data. If the number of devices available for measurement is limited, so is the number of approximation model instances, which renders impossible a reliable statistical circuit simulation. Approximation models using the device’s physical parameters as inputs have been reported in the literature but are only useful if the end user knows the statistical distributions of those parameters, which is not always the case. The solution proposed in this work uses a type of artificial neural network called the variational autoencoder that, when exposed to a small sample of I-V curves under process variations, captures their essential features and subsequently generates an arbitrary number of similarly disturbed curves. No knowledge of the underlying physical sources of these variations is required. The proposed generative model trained on as few as 20 instances of a MOSFET is shown to precisely reproduce the period and power consumption distributions of a ring oscillator built with these MOSFETs.
Vulnerability Analysis of UAV Swarm Network with Emergency Tasks
Authors: Li Jinglei , Yue Qingfeng , Huang Zijia , Xie Xiaoyu , Yang Qinghai
Published: May 2024

With the rapid development of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) technology, UAV swarms are used for emergency tasks in various scenarios such as area detection, fire rescue, logistics, and transportation. However, for complex scenarios, UAV swarms are prone to environmental interference that damages their equipment or disrupts their communication links, affecting the normal execution of tasks. In this paper, an information–communication interdependent network model is designed for the vulnerability analysis of UAV swarm networks with emergency tasks. Firstly, from the perspective of network functions of a UAV swarm, we introduce the theory of interdependent networks to abstract the relationship between the UAV swarm’s communication network and its information network, where the communication network represents its communication topology and the information network is related to the function of each UAV individual in the UAV swarm. Then, the vulnerability of the UAV swarm is analyzed according to the relationship between network construction costs and network connectivity under environmental interference. Finally, the effectiveness of the vulnerability analysis method is verified through simulation.
Saudi Arabia’s Journey toward a Renewable Future
Authors: Al-Gahtani Saad F.
Published: May 2024

Recent statistics indicate that as of 2023, the global renewable energy capacity has reached new heights, with Saudi Arabia significantly contributing to this growth through its strategic initiatives. The kingdom is particularly focusing on harnessing solar power, given its abundant sunlight, and is also exploring wind energy, leveraging its vast desert landscapes. These efforts are part of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to become a global leader in renewable energy. This paper provides a detailed exploration of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious journey from a fossil-fuel-dominated energy sector to a more sustainable, renewable-energy-driven future. Anchored in the broader context of global energy trends, the study emphasizes the critical shift toward renewable resources, with a particular focus on Saudi Arabia’s unique position in this global movement. Key to this transition is Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a strategic framework that guides the country’s renewable energy policies and initiatives. A comprehensive review of these policies, including other governmental and international collaborations that support renewable energy development, is offered. The current state of renewable energy in Saudi Arabia is assessed, including an overview of existing projects and production statistics. The paper also explores emerging technologies such as energy storage systems and smart grid solutions, emphasizing their role in Saudi Arabia’s energy transition. An impact assessment is conducted to understand the environmental, economic, and social effects of this energy shift. The paper also includes a comparative analysis of other countries’ renewable energy transitions, extracting lessons and best practices applicable to the Saudi context. Strategic recommendations and reflections on Saudi Arabia’s future role in the global energy landscape are provided for stakeholders in energy policy, environmental planning, and sustainable development.
Progress of Photovoltaic DC Fault Arc Detection Based on VOSviewer Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Song Lei , Lu Chunguang , Li Chen , Xu Yongjin , Liu Lin , Wang Xianbo
Published: May 2024

This paper presents a review of research progress on photovoltaic direct current arc detection based on VOSviewer bibliometric analysis. This study begins by introducing the basic concept and hazards of photovoltaic DC arcing faults, followed by a summary of commonly used arc detection techniques. Utilizing VOSviewer, the relevant literature is subjected to clustering and visualization analysis, offering insights into research hotspots, trends, and interconnections among different fields. Based on the bibliometric analysis method of VOSviewer software, this paper analyzes the articles published in the last 10 years (2014–2023) on photovoltaic DC fault diagnosis. We analyzed the specific characteristics of 2195 articles on arc failures, including year of publication, author, institution, country, references, and keywords. This study reveals the development trend, global cooperation model, basic knowledge, research hotspots, and emerging frontier of PV DC arc. Future research directions and development trends for photovoltaic DC arc detection are proposed which provides valuable references for further studies and applications in this domain. This comprehensive analysis indicates that photovoltaic DC arc detection technology is expected to find broader applications and greater promotion in the future.
Social Aspects of Smart Urban Mobility
Authors: Brzeziński Łukasz
Published: May 2024

There is a growing interest in sustainable urban transport solutions in cities around the world. These changes, known as “smart urban mobility”, aim to reduce the negative effects of transport on the natural environment and enhance the standard of living for urban dwellers. It should be noted that in addition to this transformation’s technological aspects, modifying the city’s structure and architecture also has a social dimension. The transformation of urban mobility has a significant impact on social relations. Introducing new modes of transport, such as city bikes and electric scooters, creates new ways of moving around the city and can impact social interactions. This can increase social integration and a community’s sense of belonging. At the same time, it is necessary to consider the differences between social groups to ensure equal access to the benefits of these changes in addition to deeper social elements, such as changing the habits and expectations of residents and adapting solutions to the specific needs of each city. This paper aims to look at the social aspects of smart urban mobility, including the impact of these changes on the lives and relationships of city residents.
Promoting Optimal Habitat Availability by Maintaining Fine-Grained Burn Mosaics: A Modelling Study in an Australian Semi-Arid Temperate Woodland
Authors: French Ben J. , Murphy Brett P. , Bowman David M. J. S.
Published: May 2024

The pyrodiversity–biodiversity (P–B) hypothesis posits that spatiotemporally variable fire regimes increase wildlife habitat diversity, and that the fine-grained mosaics resulting from small patchy fires enhance biodiversity. This logic underpins the patch mosaic burning (PMB) paradigm and reinforces the benefits of Indigenous fire management, which tends to promote pyrodiversity. However, tests of the P–B hypothesis and PMB paradigm are few. One of the most comprehensive field evaluations—a snapshot study of pre-existing fire mosaics in south-east Australian semi-arid mallee eucalypt woodlands—found little support. To explore the longer-term effects of fire mosaic grain size on habitat availability and biodiversity, we combined published data from the mallee study with a simple fire simulation. We simulated 500 years of landscape burning under different fire sizes. In the resulting mosaics, we assessed the proportional mixture and patch configuration of successional habitat states, then summarised habitat availability through time using a composite index based on the published fire history responses of 22 vertebrate taxa from the mallee study. Small fires formed fine-grained mosaics with a stable habitat mixture and with habitat diversity occurring at fine scales. Large fires formed coarse-grained mosaics with the opposite properties. The fine-grained mosaics maintained optimal habitat availability for vertebrate diversity over 500 years, while the fluctuating habitat mixture in the coarse-grained mosaics was unlikely to maintain maximum vertebrate diversity. Broadly, our results support the P–B hypothesis and justify further field-testing and evaluation of PMB programs to manage both pyrodiversity and biodiversity in the mallee and other flammable landscapes.
Replacing Fishmeal and Fish Oil with Complex Protein and Canola Oil: Effect on Organoleptic and Nutritional Quality of Triploid Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Song Yongna , Sun Guoliang , Wei Fulei , Wu Zezhong , Tian Haining , Meng Yuqiong , Ma Rui
Published: May 2024

A twelve-week feeding experiment was undertaken to explore the impact of substituting dietary fish meal (FM) and fish oil (FO) with complex protein (CP) and canola oil (CO) in the diet of triploid rainbow trout on the quality of their fillets. The control diet (F100) contained FM (60%) and FO (18.6%) as the main protein and lipid sources. Based on this, 50% and 100% of FM and FO were substituted by CP and CO and they were named as F50 and F0, respectively. The results showed that there were no significant differences in the specific growth rates, condition factors, gutted yields, fillet yields and yellowness values as the substitution levels increased (p > 0.05). The F50 treatment obtained the highest values of fillet springiness and chewiness, improved the umami and bitter taste of the fillets by increasing the contents of inosine-5′-monophosphate and histidine, and increased lipid, protein, C18: 1n-9 and C18: 2n-6 contents (p < 0.05). The F0 treatment obtained the highest values of fillet hardness and pH, attenuated the sweet taste of the fillets by decreasing the content of glycine, and decreased the contents of EPA and DHA (p < 0.05). Both F50 and F0 treatments could increase the redness value, decrease the lightness and hue values of fillets, and increase the odor intensity, resulting in the typical fillet odors of green, fatty, orange and fishy (p < 0.05). In general, 50% and 100% of FM and FO substitution did not affect the growth of trout, but it did affect quality. Compared to the F100 treatment, the fillet quality of the F0 treatment was similar to the F50 treatment and could improve the appearance and odor intensity of the fillets. However, the difference was that the F50 treatment increased the springiness, umami, bitterness and lipid nutritional value of the fillets, but the F0 treatment increased the hardness, decreased the sweetness, and decreased the lipid, EPA and DHA contents of the fillets.
Plasma microRNA Signature as Companion Diagnostic for Abiraterone Acetate Treatment in Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer: A Pilot Study
Authors: Detassis Simone , Precazzini Francesca , Grasso Margherita , Del Vescovo Valerio , Maines Francesca , Caffo Orazio , Campomenosi Paola , Denti Michela A.
Published: May 2024

Abiraterone acetate (AA) serves as a medication for managing persistent testosterone production in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). However, its efficacy varies among individuals; thus, the identification of biomarkers to predict and follow treatment response is required. In this pilot study, we explored the potential of circulating microRNAs (c-miRNAs) to stratify patients based on their responsiveness to AA. We conducted an analysis of plasma samples obtained from a cohort of 33 mCRPC patients before and after three, six, and nine months of AA treatment. Using miRNA RT-qPCR panels for candidate discovery and TaqMan RT-qPCR for validation, we identified promising miRNA signatures. Our investigation indicated that a signature based on miR-103a-3p and miR-378a-5p effectively discriminates between non-responder and responder patients, while also following the drug’s efficacy over time. Additionally, through in silico analysis, we identified target genes and transcription factors of the two miRNAs, including PTEN and HOXB13, which are known to play roles in AA resistance in mCRPC. In summary, our study highlights two c-miRNAs as potential companion diagnostics of AA in mCRPC patients, offering novel insights for informed decision-making in the treatment of mCRPC.
Cancer: A Multifaceted Enemy and the Precision Oncology Response
Authors: Levantini Elena
Published: May 2024

Cancer heterogeneity presents a major obstacle in clinical practice that grants tumor cells remarkable levels of resilience, adaptability, and invasiveness [...]
The Role of Metabolic Reprogramming in the Tumor Immune Microenvironment: Mechanisms and Opportunities for Immunotherapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Hu Nan , Li Haiyang , Tao Changcheng , Xiao Ting , Rong Weiqi
Published: May 2024

As one of the emerging hallmarks of tumorigenesis and tumor progression, metabolic remodeling is common in the tumor microenvironment. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of global tumor-related mortality, causing a series of metabolic alterations in response to nutrient availability and consumption to fulfill the demands of biosynthesis and carcinogenesis. Despite the efficacy of immunotherapy in treating HCC, the response rate remains unsatisfactory. Recently, research has focused on metabolic reprogramming and its effects on the immune state of the tumor microenvironment, and immune response rate. In this review, we delineate the metabolic reprogramming observed in HCC and its influence on the tumor immune microenvironment. We discuss strategies aimed at enhancing response rates and overcoming immune resistance through metabolic interventions, focusing on targeting glucose, lipid, or amino acid metabolism, as well as systemic regulation.
Revisiting Glutamate Excitotoxicity in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Age-Related Neurodegeneration
Authors: Arnold Frederick J. , Putka Alexandra F. , Raychaudhuri Urmimala , Hsu Solomon , Bedlack Richard S. , Bennett Craig L. , La Spada Albert R.
Published: May 2024

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common motor neuron disorder. While there are five FDA-approved drugs for treating this disease, each has only modest benefits. To design new and more effective therapies for ALS, particularly for sporadic ALS of unknown and diverse etiologies, we must identify key, convergent mechanisms of disease pathogenesis. This review focuses on the origin and effects of glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity in ALS (the cortical hyperexcitability hypothesis), in which increased glutamatergic signaling causes motor neurons to become hyperexcitable and eventually die. We characterize both primary and secondary contributions to excitotoxicity, referring to processes taking place at the synapse and within the cell, respectively. ‘Primary pathways’ include upregulation of calcium-permeable AMPA receptors, dysfunction of the EAAT2 astrocytic glutamate transporter, increased release of glutamate from the presynaptic terminal, and reduced inhibition by cortical interneurons—all of which have been observed in ALS patients and model systems. ‘Secondary pathways’ include changes to mitochondrial morphology and function, increased production of reactive oxygen species, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. By identifying key targets in the excitotoxicity cascade, we emphasize the importance of this pathway in the pathogenesis of ALS and suggest that intervening in this pathway could be effective for developing therapies for this disease.
Hydroxytyrosol Alleviates Intestinal Oxidative Stress by Regulating Bile Acid Metabolism in a Piglet Model
Authors: Wen Xiaobin , Wan Fan , Zhong Ruqing , Chen Liang , Zhang Hongfu
Published: May 2024

Infants and young animals often suffer from intestinal damage caused by oxidative stress, which may adversely affect their overall health. Hydroxytyrosol, a plant polyphenol, has shown potential in decreasing intestinal oxidative stress, but its application and mechanism of action in infants and young animals are still inadequately documented. This study selected piglets as a model to investigate the alleviating effects of hydroxytyrosol on intestinal oxidative stress induced by diquat and its potential mechanism. Hydroxytyrosol improved intestinal morphology, characterized by higher villus height and villus height/crypt depth. Meanwhile, hydroxytyrosol led to higher expression of Occludin, MUC2, Nrf2, and its downstream genes, and lower expression of cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. Both oxidative stress and hydroxytyrosol resulted in a higher abundance of Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1, and a lower abundance of Lactobacillus and Streptococcus, without a significant effect on short-chain fatty acids levels. Oxidative stress also led to disorders in bile acid (BA) metabolism, such as the lower levels of primary BAs, hyocholic acid, hyodeoxycholic acid, and tauroursodeoxycholic acid, which were partially restored by hydroxytyrosol. Correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between these BA levels and the expression of Nrf2 and its downstream genes. Collectively, hydroxytyrosol may reduce oxidative stress-induced intestinal damage by regulating BA metabolism.
In Pursuit of Transformational Clinical Solutions
Authors: Doi Kent
Published: May 2024

It gives me great pleasure to introduce myself as the new Co-Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Clinical Medicine (JCM) [...]
Anti-Th/To Antibodies in Scleroderma: Good Prognosis or Serious Concern?
Authors: Możdżan Maria , Węgiel Andrzej , Biskup Laura , Brzezińska Olga , Makowska Joanna
Published: May 2024

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) represents a rare and intricate autoimmune connective tissue disease, the pathophysiology of which has not been fully understood. Its key features include progressive fibrosis of the skin and internal organs, vasculopathy and aberrant immune activation. While various anti-nuclear antibodies can serve as biomarkers for the classification and prognosis of SSc, their direct role in organ dysfunction remains unclear. Anti-Th/To antibodies are present in approximately 5% of SSc patients, and are particularly prevalent among those with the limited subtype of the disease. Although the presence of these autoantibodies is associated with a mild course of the disease, there is a strong connection between them and severe clinical manifestations of SSc, including interstitial lung disease, pulmonary arterial hypertension and gastrointestinal involvement. Also, the additional clinical correlations, particularly with malignancies, need further research. Moreover, the disease’s course seems to be influenced by antibodies, specific serum cytokines and TLR signaling pathways. Understanding the relationships between presence of anti-Th/To, its molecular aspects and response to treatment options is crucial for the development of novel, personalized therapeutic techniques and should undergo profound analysis in future studies.
Comparative Analysis of High-Frequency and Low-Frequency Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation of the Right Median Nerve in the Regression of Clinical and Neurophysiological Manifestations of Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Authors: Al-Zamil Mustafa , Kulikova Natalia G. , Minenko Inessa A. , Shurygina Irina P. , Petrova Marina M. , Mansur Numman , Kuliev Rufat R. , Blinova Vasilissa V. , Khripunova Olga V. , Shnayder Natalia A.
Published: May 2024

Background/Objectives: The anxiolytic effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is associated with the activation of endogenous inhibitory mechanisms in the central nervous system. Both low-frequency, high-amplitude TENS (LF-TENS) and high-frequency, low-amplitude TENS (HF-TENS) are capable of activating opioid, GABA, serotonin, muscarinic, and cannabinoid receptors. However, there has been no comparative analysis of the effectiveness of HF-TENS and LF-TENS in the treatment of GAD. The purpose of our research was to study the effectiveness of direct HF-TENS and LF-TENS of the right median nerve in the treatment of patients with GAD compared with sham TENS. Methods: The effectiveness of direct HF-TENS and LF-TENS of the right median nerve in the treatment of GAD was studied using Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7) and the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A). 40 patients underwent sham TENS, 40 patients passed HF-TENS (50 Hz—50 μs—sensory response) and 41 patients completed LF –TENS (1 Hz—200 μs—motor response) for 30 days daily. After completion of treatment, half of the patients received weekly maintenance therapy for 6 months. Electroencephalography was performed before and after treatment. Results: Our study showed that a significant reduction in the clinical symptoms of GAD as assessed by GAD-7 and HAM-A was observed after HF-TENS and LF-TENS by an average of 42.4%, and after sham stimulation only by 13.5% for at least 2 months after the end of treatment. However, LF-TENS turned out to be superior in effectiveness to HF-TENS by 51% and only on electroencephalography leads to an increase in PSD for the alpha rhythm in the occipital regions by 24% and a decrease in PSD for the beta I rhythm in the temporal and frontal regions by 28%. The prolonged effect of HF-TENS and LF-TENS was maintained without negative dynamics when TENS treatment was continued weekly throughout the entire six-month observation period. Conclusions: A prolonged anxiolytic effect of direct TENS of the right median nerve has been proven with greater regression of clinical and neurophysiological manifestations of GAD after LF-TENS compared to HF-TENS. Minimal side effects, low cost, safety, and simplicity of TENS procedures are appropriate as a home treatment modality.
Tactical Situations and Playing Styles as Key Performance Indicators in Soccer
Authors: Plakias Spyridon , Tsatalas Themistoklis , Armatas Vasileios , Tsaopoulos Dimitris , Giakas Giannis
Published: May 2024

The game of soccer is complex and unpredictable, demanding multifaceted strategies for success. Performance analysis has evolved, focusing on key performance indicators (KPIs) to determine the factors that most significantly influence a team’s success or failure during matches. Traditional performance analysis methods have emphasized quantifiable data like physical exertion and basic play events but often neglected the subtler tactical dimensions that could significantly impact game outcomes. This study aimed to fill the gap in the current literature by creating a comprehensive framework that incorporates tactical situations as KPIs. The objective was to examine whether specific playing styles adopted by teams in various tactical situations and phases of the game could predict the outcome of matches. A dataset comprising all First Division Championship matches from 11 different European countries for the 2021–2022 season was analyzed. Variables representing tactical situations were correlated with match outcomes using a Generalized Estimating Equation framework. The model was specified with a binomial distribution and a logit link function. Statistical significance was determined using Wald χ2 tests with a significance level set at p < 0.05. The study’s findings revealed that possession style, counterattacking during offensive transitions, and a balanced aggressive defensive strategy significantly increase a team’s chances of victory. It also showed that successful teams tend to focus on central attacks, minimize crossing, and execute strategic plays that lead to final attempts on goal with minimal ball possession. The above findings demonstrate that adopting certain tactical approaches significantly influences soccer match outcomes, highlighting the importance of considering tactical aspects as KPIs.
Relationship between Thinking Dispositions, Working Memory, and Critical Thinking Ability in Adolescents: A Longitudinal Cross-Lagged Analysis
Authors: Li Shuangshuang , Wang Ziyue , Sun Yijia
Published: May 2024

Previous studies have demonstrated that thinking dispositions and working memory are closely related to students’ critical thinking ability. However, little is known about whether bidirectionality between thinking dispositions, working memory, and critical thinking ability exists in adolescence. This study, therefore, explored this aspect across two time points. Participants were 509 Chinese adolescents (mean age at Time 1 = 14.09 years; 59.7% girls). At Time 1, adolescents were administered the measures of thinking dispositions, working memory, and critical thinking ability. They were reassessed using these measures at Time 2 one year later. The results revealed a bidirectional longitudinal relationship between adolescents’ thinking dispositions and critical thinking ability, suggesting that thinking dispositions at Time 1 predicted critical thinking ability at Time 2; critical thinking ability at Time 1 also predicted subsequent thinking dispositions in adolescents. Furthermore, working memory at Time 1 showed a larger predictive effect on critical thinking ability at Time 2 compared with thinking dispositions at Time 1. These findings underscore the role of early thinking dispositions and working memory in promoting adolescents’ critical thinking ability.
ADNet: A Real-Time Floating Algae Segmentation Using Distillation Network
Authors: Xu Jingjing , Wang Lei
Published: May 2024

The segmentation of floating algae is a hot topic in the field of marine environmental research. Given the vastness of coastal areas and complex environments, algae detection models must have both higher performance and lower deployment costs. However, relying solely on a single Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) or transformer structure fails to achieve this objective. In this paper, a novel real-time floating algae segmentation method using a distillation network (ADNet) is proposed, based on the RGB images. ADNet can effectively transfer the performance of the transformer-based teacher network to the CNN-based student model while preserving its lightweight design. Faced with complex marine environments, we introduce a novel Channel Purification Module (CPM) to simultaneously strengthen algae features and purify interference responses. Importantly, the CPM achieves this operation without increasing any learnable parameters. Moreover, considering the huge scale differences among algae targets in surveillance RGB images, we propose a lightweight multi-scale feature fusion network (L-MsFFN) to improve the student’s modeling ability across various scales. Additionally, to mitigate interference from low-level noises on higher-level semantics, a novel position purification module (PPM) is proposed. The PPM can achieve more accurate weight attention calculation between different pyramid levels, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of fusion. Compared to CNNs and transformers, our ADNet strikes an optimal balance between performance and speed. Extensive experimental results demonstrate that our ADNet achieves higher application performance in the field of floating algae monitoring tasks.
Evaluating Urban Green Space Inequity to Promote Distributional Justice in Portland, Oregon
Authors: Elderbrock Evan , Russel Kory , Ko Yekang , Budd Elizabeth , Gonen Lilah , Enright Chris
Published: May 2024

Access and exposure to urban green space—the combination of parks and vegetative cover in cities—are associated with various health benefits. As urban green space is often unequally distributed throughout cities, understanding how it is allocated across socio-demographic populations can help city planners and policy makers identify and address urban environmental justice and health equity issues. To our knowledge, no studies have yet combined assessments of park quality, park availability, and green cover to inform equitable urban green space planning. To this end, we developed a comprehensive methodology to identify urban green space inequities at the city scale and applied it in Portland, OR, USA. After auditing all public parks in Portland and gathering green cover data from publicly accessible repositories, we used a suite of statistical tests to evaluate distribution of parks and green cover across Census block groups, comprising race, ethnicity, income, and educational attainment characteristics. Right-of-way tree canopy cover was the most significant urban green space inequity identified in bivariate analysis (rs = −0.73). Spatial autoregressive models identified that right-of-way, private, and overall tree canopy cover (Nagelkerke pseudo-R2 = 0.66, 0.77, and 0.67, respectively) significantly decreased with the proportion of minoritized racial population and increased with median income. The results were then used to identify priority locations for specific urban green space investments. This research establishes a process to assess intra-urban green space inequities, as well as identify data-informed and spatially explicit planning priorities to promote health equity and environmental justice.
Systemic Financial Risk Forecasting: A Novel Approach with IGSA-RBFNN
Authors: Tian Yishuai , Wu Yifan
Published: May 2024

Accurate measurement of systemic financial risk is crucial for maintaining the stability of financial markets. Taking China as the subject of investigation, the Chinese Financial Stress Index (CFSI) indicator system was constructed by integrating six dimensions and employing Gray Relation Analysis (GRA) to reduce the dimensionality of the indicators. The CFSI was derived using the Attribute Hierarchy Model (AHM) method with the Criteria Importance Through the Intercriteria Correlation (CRITIC) method, and an Improved Gravitational Search Algorithm (IGSA)-optimized Radial Basis Function Neural Network (RBFNN) was proposed for out-of-sample prediction of CFSI trends from 2024 to 2026. By analyzing the trends in financial pressure indicators, the intricate relationship between financial pressure and economic activity can be effectively discerned. The research findings indicate that (1) the CFSI is capable of accurately reflecting the current financial stress situation in China, and (2) the IGSA-RBFNN demonstrates strong robustness and generalization capabilities, predicting that the CFSI index will reach a peak value of 0.543 by the end of 2024, and there exists a regular pattern of stress rebound towards the end of each year. The novel methodology enables policymakers and regulatory authorities to proactively identify potential risks and vulnerabilities, facilitating the formulation of preventive measures.
Aluminothermic Reduction Kinetics of Calcium Silicate Slag for Silicon Alloy Production
Authors: Philipson Harald G. R. , Wallin Maria , Einarsrud Kristian Etienne
Published: May 2024

We investigated the reaction kinetics and initial chemical conditions in the production of silicon alloys, employing aluminum as the reductant for calcium silicate slag, to enhance process economics and scalability to industrial levels. The apparent kinetics and transient chemical conditions were studied by immersing solid aluminum into molten slag, allowing the reaction to proceed for varying durations without external agitation, before quenching the reaction for chemical and microscopic analyses of the resulting silicon alloy and slag. The majority of the conversion was observed within the first 15 s at 1650 °C, driven by significant chemical interactions and interfacial turbulence introduced upon aluminum immersion. For Al-SiO2 stoichiometries ranging from 0.5 to 1.2, the slag phase reaction conformed to first-order kinetics during the initial two minutes, when it approached equilibrium. The mass transfer coefficients for Al2O3 were estimated at 1–2 × 10−4 m/s, comparable to those for SiO2 and CaO. A constant mass transfer coefficient could not be established for stoichiometries of 1.6 and 2, as these deviated from the standard slag mass transfer relationship and did not adhere to established relationships. Despite near-complete reactions, alloy–slag mixing was extensive, decreasing with lower stoichiometry values.
Efficient Metal Extraction from Dilute Solutions: A Review of Novel Selective Separation Methods and Their Applications
Authors: Rahmati Soroush , Adavodi Roshanak , Hosseini Mohammad Raouf , Veglio’ Francesco
Published: May 2024

Notable increases in metal consumption and declining ore grades in recent decades have stressed the significance of dilute solutions as secondary sources of valuable metals. Moreover, environmental considerations and the imperative of sustainable development have further emphasized their treatment. Therefore, finding an efficient solution for separating metals from dilute solutions has attracted the attention of numerous researchers. This paper reviews the purification processes of dilute solutions and highlights key achievements of published research works. Although this study focuses on evaluating the efficiency of recently developed aqueous-phase purification methods, such as immobilized ligands, ionic liquids, and air-assisted solvent extraction, the application of conventional processes to treat these solutions, such as solvent extraction, ion exchange, membranes, chemical precipitation, and adsorption are also briefly outlined. To provide a comprehensive assessment, more than 200 research articles were reviewed, and their key findings are stated in this study. This research contributes to the advancement of knowledge of metal recovery from dilute solutions and sheds light on the dynamic evolution of this field.
Methane Production from Sugarcane Vinasse Biodigestion: An Efficient Bioenergy and Environmental Solution for the State of São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: de Melo Letícia Rodrigues , Demasi Bruna Zerlotti , de Araujo Matheus Neves , Rogeri Renan Coghi , Grangeiro Luana Cardoso , Fuess Lucas Tadeu
Published: May 2024

This study mapped the bioenergy production from sugarcane vinasse according to the mesoregions of the State of São Paulo (SP), Brazil, assessing the magnitude of biogas-derived electricity and biomethane production and estimating the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. SP holds 45% of the Brazilian ethanol-producing plants, in which 1.4 million m3 of carbon-rich vinasse are generated daily. The electricity generated from vinasse has the potential to fully supply the residential consumption (ca. 6.5 million inhabitants) in the main sugarcane-producing mesoregions of the state (Ribeirão Preto, São José do Rio Preto, Bauru, Araçatuba and Presidente Prudente). In another approach, biomethane could displace almost 3.5 billion liters of diesel, which represents a 26% abatement in the annual state diesel consumption. Energetically exploiting biogas is mandatory to prevent GHG-related drawbacks, as the eventual emission of methane produced under controlled conditions (261.2 × 106 kg-CO2eq d−1) is ca. 7-fold higher than the total emissions estimated for the entire ethanol production chain. Meanwhile, replacing diesel with biomethane can avoid the emission of 45.4 × 106 kg-CO2eq d−1. Implementing an efficient model of energy recovery from vinasse in SP has great potential to serve as a basis for expanding the utilization of this wastewater in Brazil.
A Study on the Heterogeneity and Anisotropy of the Porous Grout Body Created in the Stabilization of a Methane Hydrate Reservoir through Grouting
Authors: Liu Yuchen , Kurihara Masanori
Published: May 2024

To solve the sand problem during the depressurization of methane hydrate (MH), we proposed a method to build a porous grout body with sufficient permeability and strength around the wellbore through inhibitor pre-injection and grouting, and verified its effectiveness and potential in our previous research using artificial cores created with silica sand and alternative hydrates such as TBAB- hydrate and iso-butane hydrate. However, all of the artificial cores mentioned above were created with high homogeneity, injected, cured, and had their physical properties measured in the vertical direction, which differs from real reservoir conditions. To investigate the effects of grouting in a more realistic fluid flow, we conducted further experiments using horizontal 1D cores, 1D cubic models, and a 2D cross-sectional model mimicking the near wellbore. These experiments revealed that (1) the generated gas somewhat suppressed the effects of grouting as in the case of previous experiments, and (2) grouted reservoirs would be heterogenous and anisotropic due to the fluid densities and the distribution of grout particles and turbidite sediments, but sufficient permeability and satisfactory strength could still be attained. The above series of experiments demonstrated that our method has the potential to effectively produce actual MH, preventing sand problems even in heterogeneous and anisotropic grouted reservoirs.
Flow Cytometry Characterization and Analysis of Glial and Immune Cells from the Spinal Cord
Authors: Coser Lilian de Oliveira , Comelis Manuela Tosi , Matoso Débora Elisa da Costa , Cartarozzi Luciana Politti , Oliveira Alexandre Leite Rodrigues de
Published: May 2024

Several protocols have been developed with the aim of characterizing glial and immune cells from the central and peripheral nervous systems. However, a small number of these protocols have demonstrated the ability to yield satisfactory results following conventional isolation. Considering this necessity and the difficulties encountered in enzymatic and bead isolation, our work proposes a method for the isolation of glial and immune cells from the spinal cord utilizing a Percoll gradient. For this purpose, C57BL/6J spinal cords were dissected, and the lumbar intumescence was dissociated and subjected to a Percoll gradient centrifugation (70%, 50%, 37%, and 10%). Each layer was then separated and labeled for astrocytes (anti-GFAP, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-10, IL-4), microglia (anti-CD45, CD11b, CD206, CD68, TNF-α, IFN-γ), and lymphocytes (anti-CD3, CD4, IFN-γ, IL-4). The gate detections were mathematically performed by computational analysis utilizing the K-means clustering algorithm. The results demonstrated that astrocytes were concentrated at the Percoll 10/37 interface, microglia at the Percoll 37/50 layer, and lymphocytes at the Percoll 50/70 layer. Our findings indicate that astrocytes in healthy animals are putative of the A1 profile, while microglia and lymphocytes are more frequently labeled with M1 and Th1 markers, suggesting a propensity towards inflammatory responses. The computational method enabled the semi-autonomous gate detection of flow cytometry data, which might facilitate and expedite the processing of large amounts of data.