bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Water Extract of Capsella bursa-pastoris Mitigates Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity by Upregulating Antioxidant Enzymes
Authors: Jeong Yuhui , Lee Sun-Ho , Lee Jangho , Kim Min-Sun , Lee Yu-Geon , Hwang Jin-Taek , Choi Sang-Yoon , Yoon Ho-Geun , Lim Tae-Gyu , Lee Seung-Hyun , Choi Hyo-Kyoung
Published: November 2023

Doxorubicin (DOX), an effective chemotherapeutic drug, causes cardiotoxicity in a cumulative and dose-dependent manner. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of hot-water extract of Capsella bursa-pastoris (CBW) on DOX-induced cardiotoxicity (DICT). We utilized H9c2 rat cardiomyocytes and MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells to evaluate the effects of CBW on DOX-induced cell death. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and oxygen consumption rate were measured in H9c2 cells. C57BL/6 mice were treated with DOX and CBW to assess their impact on various cardiac parameters. Human-induced pluripotent stem-cell-derived cardiomyocytes were also used to investigate DOX-induced electrophysiological changes and the potential ameliorative effects of CBW. UPLC-TQ/MS analysis identified seven flavonoids in CBW, with luteolin-7-O-glucoside and isoorientin as the major compounds. CBW inhibited DOX-induced death of H9c2 rat cardiomyocytes but did not affect DOX-induced death of MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells. CBW increased SOD levels in a dose-dependent manner, reducing ROS production and increasing the oxygen consumption rate in H9c2 cells. The heart rate, RR interval, QT, and ST prolongation remarkably recovered in C57BL/6 mice treated with the combination of DOX and CBW compared to those in mice treated with DOX alone. Administration of CBW with DOX effectively alleviated collagen accumulation, cell death in mouse heart tissues, and reduced the levels of creatinine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in serum. Furthermore, DOX-induced pathological electrophysiological features in human-induced pluripotent stem-cell-derived cardiomyocytes were ameliorated by CBW. CBW may prevent DICT by stabilizing SOD and scavenging ROS. The presence of flavonoids, particularly luteolin-7-O-glucoside and isoorientin, in CBW may contribute to its protective effects. These results suggest the potential of CBW as a traditional therapeutic option to mitigate DOX-induced cardiotoxicity.
Applications of Probiotics and Their Potential Health Benefits
Authors: Fuochi Virginia , Furneri Pio Maria
Published: November 2023

Probiotics have garnered significant attention in recent years due to their potential health benefits and their role in promoting a balanced gut microbiome [...]
Unravelling the Threads: A Brief Insight into Vascular Dementia
Authors: Omar Syed Haris
Published: November 2023

Vascular dementia (VaD), characterized by cognitive decline attributable to cerebrovascular disease, is the second most common type of dementia after Alzheimer’s disease. This review aims to explore the prevalent risk factors, pharmacological interventions, and non-pharmacotherapeutic strategies associated with the condition. Recognized risk factors include advanced age, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and hyperlipidemia with emerging evidence implicating additional lifestyle and genetic factors. Pharmacotherapy for VaD mainly focuses on managing these underlying risk factors, coupled with symptomatic treatments. Therapeutic agents commonly used include antihypertensives, statins, antiplatelet drugs, antidiabetic agents, and specific cognitive enhancers like cholinesterase inhibitors. However, the effectiveness of these treatments remains under continuous study, underscoring the need for comprehensive, individualized treatment plans. Non-pharmacotherapeutic strategies, encompassing lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise have gained considerable attention. They have shown promise in improving cognitive function and enhancing the quality of life in patients with VaD. The application of a multi-domain intervention approach may provide a more holistic management strategy for VaD. Further research is needed to define the best practices in both pharmacotherapy and non-pharmacotherapy treatments, considering the multifactorial and heterogeneous nature of this condition.
The Effect of Selective Laser Melting Fabrication Parameters on the Tensile Strength of an Aged New Maraging Steel Alloy with 8% Cr, Reduced Ni Content (7%), and No Co or Mo
Authors: Pérez-Gonzalo Inés , González-Pociño Alejandro , Alvarez-Antolin Florentino , del Rio-Fernández Laura
Published: November 2023

The aim of this paper was to optimise the manufacturing parameters of a new maraging steel alloy with 8% Cr, reduced Ni content (7%), and no Co or Mo. This alloy was developed by ArcelorMittal and its trade name is LeanSi. The alloy was produced using the selective laser melting (SLM) process. In the as-built state, the microstructure of the alloy was fully martensitic. The optimisation of the manufacturing parameters was determined via a multivariate factorial design of experiments including 12 experiments and three factors. The factors (i.e., the fabrication parameters) analysed were laser power, scanning speed, and hatch distance. The objective was to eliminate porosity and maximise density. It was concluded that, to achieve this, the laser power should be set at 250 W, the scanning speed at 1000 mm/s, and the hatch distance at 80 microns. The porosity obtained under these manufacturing parameters was 0.06 ± 0.03% with a confidence level of 95%. If these manufacturing parameters were modified, the material exhibited a defective interlayer bond with the formation of “balling” and high porosity. The tensile specimens tested in the as-built state showed plastic deformation. However, all the aged specimens showed brittle fracture behaviour, evidenced by the presence of very small micro-cavities (where the fracture energy consumed was very small) and small cleavage planes. The specimens produced with the manufacturing parameters at their optimum levels and aged at 480 °C for 2 h achieved tensile strength values that averaged 1430 MPa. The porosity of these specimens was reduced by more than 85%. Reverse austenite was detected at ageing temperatures of 540 °C upwards.
Higher Risk of Reoperation after Total Knee Arthroplasty in Young and Elderly Patients
Authors: Anastasio Albert T. , Kim Billy I. , Cochrane Niall H. , Belay Elshaday , Bolognesi Michael P. , Talaski Grayson M. , Ryan Sean P.
Published: November 2023

As outcomes and survivorship improve, total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has expanded into broader age groups. The purpose of this study is to analyze the impact of age on TKA outcomes using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database from 2015 to 2020. Patients were categorized into young (40–49 years), middle (50–79 years), and elderly (80–89 years) groups. Findings reveal notable differences across age groups. The young cohort had the highest BMI, smoking incidence, and steroid use, while the elderly group exhibited a higher prevalence of comorbidities. Young patients experienced shorter hospital stays (p < 0.001) but longer operative times (p < 0.001), and outpatient surgery was most common in the middle age group. Multivariable regression demonstrated that the elderly group faced increased risks of pneumonia (p < 0.001), acute renal failure (p < 0.001), stroke (p < 0.001), cardiac arrest (p < 0.001), and transfusions (p < 0.001), while both young and elderly patients had higher 30-day reoperation risks (youngest cohort, 1.4% and elderly cohort 1.3% (p < 0.001)). In summary, elderly patients undergoing TKA are at the highest risk for medical complications, while young patients are more likely to undergo inpatient surgery, experience reoperations, and have longer operative times. This study underscores the importance of age-specific counseling for TKA patients and contributes valuable insights into the evolving landscape of knee replacement surgery.
Preparation of Melamine Formaldehyde Foam and a Melamine-Formaldehyde-Organo-Clay Nanocomposite and Hybrid Composites
Authors: Gürses Ahmet , Şahin Elif
Published: November 2023

Mineral fillers can be added to thermoset polymers to improve thermal conductivity and deformation behavior, shrinkage, impact strength, dimensional stability and molding cycle time. This study aims to prepare various hybrid composites (MFHCs) using melamine formaldehyde foam (MF), a melamine formaldehyde organo-clay nanocomposite (MFNC) and also pumice as primary filler, and gypsum, kaolinite and a hollow glass sphere as secondary filler. It also focuses on the study of some mechanical properties and thermal conductivities, as well as their microscopic and spectroscopic characterization. For this, firstly, organo-clay was prepared with the solution intercalation method using montmorillonite, a cationic surfactant and long-chain hydrocarbon material, and then was produced using a melamine formaldehyde nanocomposite with in situ synthesis using a melamine formaldehyde pre-polymer and organo-clay. Finally, hybrid composites were prepared by blending various minerals and the produced nanocomposite. For morphological and textural characterization, both FTIR spectroscopy and XRD spectra, as well as SEM and HRTEM images of the raw montmorillonite (MMT), organo-montmorillonite (OMMT), pure polymer (MF) and prepared hybrid composites, were used. Spectroscopic and microscopic analyses have shown that materials with different textural arrangements and properties are obtained depending on effective adhesion interactions between polymer–clay nanocomposite particles and filler grains. Mechanical and thermal conductivity test results showed that melamine-formaldehyde-organo-clay nanocomposite foam (MFCNC) exhibited a very good thermal insulation performance despite its weak mechanical strength (λ: 0.0640 W/m K). On the other hand, among hybrid composites, it has been determined that the hybrid composite containing hollow glass beads (MFCPHHC) is a material with superior properties in terms of thermal insulation and mechanical strength (λ: 0.642 W/m K, bulk density: 0.36 g/cm3, bending strength: 228.41 Mpa, modulus of elasticity: 2.22 Mpa and screw holding resistance: 3.59 N/mm2).
β-Cyclodextrin Nanophotosensitizers for Redox-Sensitive Delivery of Chlorin e6
Authors: Jo Jaewon , Kim Ji Yoon , Yun Je-Jung , Lee Young Ju , Jeong Young-IL
Published: November 2023

The aim of this study is to prepare redox-sensitive nanophotosensitizers for the targeted delivery of chlorin e6 (Ce6) against cervical cancer. For this purpose, Ce6 was conjugated with β-cyclodextrin (bCD) via a disulfide bond, creating nanophotosensitizers that were fabricated for the redox-sensitive delivery of Ce6 against cancer cells. bCD was treated with succinic anhydride to synthesize succinylated bCD (bCDsu). After that, cystamine was attached to the carboxylic end of bCDsu (bCDsu-ss), and the amine end group of bCDsu-ss was conjugated with Ce6 (bCDsu-ss-Ce6). The chemical composition of bCDsu-ss-Ce6 was confirmed with 1H and 13C NMR spectra. bCDsu-ss-Ce6 nanophotosensitizers were fabricated by a dialysis procedure. They formed small particles with an average particle size of 152.0 ± 23.2 nm. The Ce6 release rate from the bCDsu-ss-Ce6 nanophotosensitizers was accelerated by the addition of glutathione (GSH), indicating that the bCDsu-ss-Ce6 nanophotosensitizers have a redox-sensitive photosensitizer delivery capacity. The bCDsu-ss-Ce6 nanophotosensitizers have a low intrinsic cytotoxicity against CCD986Sk human skin fibroblast cells as well as Ce6 alone. However, the bCDsu-ss-Ce6 nanophotosensitizers showed an improved Ce6 uptake ratio, higher reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and phototoxicity compared to those of Ce6 alone. GSH addition resulted in a higher Ce6 uptake ratio, ROS generation, and phototoxicity than Ce6 alone, indicating that the bCDsu-ss-Ce6 nanophotosensitizers have a redox-sensitive biological activity in vitro against HeLa human cervical cancer cells. In a tumor xenograft model using HeLa cells, the bCDsu-ss-Ce6 nanophotosensitizers efficiently accumulated in the tumor rather than in normal organs. In other words, the fluorescence intensity in tumor tissues was significantly higher than that of other organs, while Ce6 alone did not specifically target tumor tissue. These results indicated a higher anticancer activity of bCDsu-ss-Ce6 nanophotosensitizers, as demonstrated by their efficient inhibition of the growth of tumors in an in vivo animal tumor xenograft study.
Preventing Gestational Diabetes with a Healthy Gut Diet: Protocol for a Pilot, Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Meloncelli Nina , O’Connor Hannah , Wilkinson Shelley A. , Nitert Marloes Dekker , Kearney Lauren , de Jersey Susan
Published: November 2023

Around 14% of pregnancies globally are affected by gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), making it one of the most common disorders experienced by women in pregnancy. While dietary, physical activity and supplement interventions have been implemented to prevent GDM, with varying levels of success, altering the gut microbiota through diet is a promising strategy for prevention. Several studies have demonstrated that women with GDM likely have a different gut microbiota to pregnant women without GDM, demonstrating that the gut microbiota may play a part in glycemic control and the development of GDM. To date, there have been no randomized controlled trials using diet to alter the gut microbiota in pregnancy with the aim of preventing GDM. Here, we present the study protocol for a single-blind randomized controlled trial which aims to determine the effectiveness of the Healthy Gut Diet on reducing the diagnosis of GDM in pregnant women with one or more risk factors. Consenting women will be randomized into either the Healthy Gut Diet intervention group or the usual care (control) group after 11 weeks gestation. The women in the intervention group will receive three telehealth counseling appointments with an Accredited Practicing Dietitian with the aim of educating and empowering these women to build a healthy gut microbiota through their diet. The intervention was co-designed with women who have lived experience of GDM and incorporates published behavior change techniques. The control group will receive the usual care and will also be shown a brief (3 min) video on general healthy eating in pregnancy. The primary outcome is the diagnosis of GDM at any stage of the pregnancy. Secondary outcomes include changes to gut microbiota composition and diversity; gestational weight gain; maternal and infant outcomes; management of GDM (where relevant); dietary quality and intake; physical activity; and depression scoring. We aim to recruit 120 women over 16 months. Recruitment commenced in January 2023. The trial has been registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12622001285741).
Review of Validated Methods to Evaluate Diet History in Diet Therapy and Counselling: An Overview and Analysis of Screeners Based on Food-Based Dietary Guidelines
Authors: Hoffmann Laura , Egert Sarah , Allgaier Joachim , Kohlenberg-Müller Kathrin
Published: November 2023

Evidence-based dietetic practice calls for systematically developed assessment methods for nutritional assessment in dietetic counselling and therapy (DCT). Screeners can provide a quick and easy way to determine a client’s diet quality and contribute to quality assurance in DCT. The aim of this systematic review was to give a comparative overview of screeners based on national food-based dietary guidelines (FBDGs) and to derive recommendations for developing an FBDG-based screener for DCT. The literature search in PubMed (MEDLINE), embase and Web of Science was conducted between May and July 2022, and updated in March 2023, in accordance with the consensus-based standards for the selection of health measurement instruments (COSMIN). The analysis focused on characteristics of screener design and measurement properties for screener testing. In total, 13 studies on 11 screeners based on FBDGs were included; 7 screeners were targeted to DCT. The content and scoring of screeners were based on the corresponding national FBDGs. The validity and/or reliability of screeners were investigated in 11 studies; responsiveness was not tested for any screener and practicality was considered in all studies. Based on the screeners reviewed, a systematic rationale to develop, enhance and test screeners based on national FBDGs was established.
New Perspectives about Drug Candidates Targeting HTLV-1 and Related Diseases
Authors: Silva Milena Cristina Martins da , Pereira Renan Stefferson Barradas , Araujo Antonia Cherlly Aparecida , Filho Ednilson Gregorio da Silva , Dias Anderson de Lima , Cavalcante Kassio Silva , Sousa Maísa Silva de
Published: November 2023

Among the human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV) types, HTLV-1 is the most prevalent, and it has been linked to a spectrum of diseases, including HAM/TSP, ATLL, and hyperinfection syndrome or disseminated strongyloidiasis. There is currently no globally standard first-line treatment for HTLV-1 infection and its related diseases. To address this, a comprehensive review was conducted, analyzing 30 recent papers from databases PubMed, CAPES journals, and the Virtual Health Library (VHL). The studies encompassed a wide range of therapeutic approaches, including antiretrovirals, immunomodulators, antineoplastics, amino acids, antiparasitics, and even natural products and plant extracts. Notably, the category with the highest number of articles was related to drugs for the treatment of ATLL. Studies employing mogamulizumab as a new perspective for ATLL received greater attention in the last 5 years, demonstrating efficacy, safe use in the elderly, significant antitumor activity, and increased survival time for refractory patients. Concerning HAM/TSP, despite corticosteroid being recommended, a more randomized clinical trial is needed to support treatment other than corticoids. The study also included a comprehensive review of the drugs used to treat disseminated strongyloidiasis in co-infection with HTLV-1, including their administration form, in order to emphasize gaps and facilitate the development of other studies aiming at better-directed methodologies. Additionally, docking molecules and computer simulations show promise in identifying novel therapeutic targets and repurposing existing drugs. These advances are crucial in developing more effective and targeted treatments against HTLV-1 and its related diseases.
Development of Gefitinib-Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles for the Treatment of Breast Cancer: Physicochemical Evaluation, Stability, and Anticancer Activity in Breast Cancer (MCF-7) Cells
Authors: Aljuffali Ibrahim A. , Anwer Md. Khalid , Ahmed Mohammed Muqtader , Alalaiwe Ahmed , Aldawsari Mohammed F. , Fatima Farhat , Jamil Shahid
Published: November 2023

In the current study, the toxic effects of gefitinib-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (GFT-loaded SLNs) upon human breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7) were investigated. GFT-loaded SLNs were prepared through a single emulsification–evaporation technique using glyceryl tristearate (Dynasan™ 114) along with lipoid® 90H (lipid surfactant) and Kolliphore® 188 (water-soluble surfactant). Four formulae were developed by varying the weight of the lipoid™ 90H (100–250 mg), and the GFT-loaded SLN (F4) formulation was optimized in terms of particle size (472 ± 7.5 nm), PDI (0.249), ZP (−15.2 ± 2.3), and EE (83.18 ± 4.7%). The optimized formulation was further subjected for in vitro release, stability studies, and MTT assay against MCF-7 cell lines. GFT from SLNs exhibited sustained release of the drug for 48 h, and release kinetics followed the Korsmeyer–Peppas model, which indicates the mechanism of drug release by swelling and/or erosion from a lipid matrix. When pure GFT and GFT–SLNs were exposed to MCF-7 cells, the activities of p53 (3.4 and 3.7 times), caspase-3 (5.61 and 7.7 times), and caspase-9 (1.48 and 1.69 times) were enhanced, respectively, over those in control cells. The results suggest that GFT-loaded SLNs (F4) may represent a promising therapeutic alternative for breast cancer.
The Freeze-Drying of Pharmaceuticals in Vials Nested in a Rack System—Part II: Primary Drying Behaviour
Authors: Artusio Fiora , Adami Marco , Barresi Antonello A. , Fissore Davide , Frare Maria Chiara , Udrescu Claudia I. , Pisano Roberto
Published: November 2023

The freeze-drying of biopharmaceuticals is a common strategy to extend their shelf-life and facilitate the distribution of therapeutics. The drying phase is the most demanding one in terms of energy consumption and determines the overall process time. Our previous work showed how the loading configuration can impact freezing. This paper focuses on primary drying by comparing the thermal behaviour of vials loaded in direct contact with the shelf or nested in a rack system. The overall heat transfer coefficient from the apparatus to the product was evaluated at different chamber pressures (5–30 Pa) and shelf temperatures (from −10 °C to +30 °C), and in the case of various vial positions (central, semi-border, and border vials). Because of the suspended configuration, the heat transfer coefficient was less affected by chamber pressure in vials nested in a rack system. The two loading configurations displayed comparable heat transfer efficiency below 10 Pa. For higher chamber pressure, the heat transfer coefficients of nested vials were lower than those of vials in direct contact with the shelf. Nevertheless, the rack system was beneficial for reducing the inter-vial variability as it promoted higher uniformity in the heat transfer coefficients of central vials. Eventually, thermal image analyses highlighted limited temperature differences between the vials and the rack system.
Eucharist, Synodality, and Ethics: Making Connections
Authors: Montecel Xavier M.
Published: November 2023

The central premise of this article is that synodality ought to be grounded in the Eucharist. The author explores the implications of this claim in the areas of ecclesiology and ethics. On the side of ecclesiology, the author argues that the Eucharist is the ritual and theological center of a synodal church. In the context of its own life, considered not only at an abstract theological level but at a practical and political level as well, the church cannot be synodal if it is not attentive to its Eucharistic origins. Synodality is the key in which communion is realized. The author discusses this idea in the context of the Eucharist Revival in the United States and in connection to baptism and the ecclesiology of the People of God. On the side of ethics, the author develops an account of synodality as a virtue. Synodality is the virtue that shapes the church and its members in order to realize communion. Its object is the right use of power. An ethics of synodality, the author argues, entails both reform in the church itself and a commitment on the part of the church and its members to a politics of the universal common good and the building of a just social order.
A 3.06 μm Single-Photon Avalanche Diode Pixel with Embedded Metal Contact and Power Grid on Deep Trench Pixel Isolation for High-Resolution Photon Counting
Authors: Ogi Jun , Sano Fumiaki , Nakata Tatsuya , Kubo Yoshiki , Onishi Wataru , Koswaththage Charith , Mochizuki Takeya , Tashiro Yoshiaki , Hizu Kazuki , Takatsuka Takafumi , Watanabe Iori , Koga Fumihiko , Hirano Tomoyuki , Oike Yusuke
Published: November 2023

In this study, a 3.06 μm pitch single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) pixel with an embedded metal contact and power grid on two-step deep trench isolation in the pixel is presented. The embedded metal contact can suppress edge breakdown and reduce the dark count rate to 15.8 cps with the optimized potential design. The embedded metal for the contact is also used as an optical shield and a low crosstalk probability of 0.4% is achieved, while the photon detection efficiency is as high as 57%. In addition, the integration of a power grid and the polysilicon resistor on SPAD pixels can help to reduce the voltage drop in anode power supply and reduce the power consumption with SPAD multiplication, respectively, in a large SPAD pixel array for a high-resolution photon-counting image sensor.
Tamper Detection in Industrial Sensors: An Approach Based on Anomaly Detection
Authors: Villegas-Ch William , Govea Jaime , Jaramillo-Alcazar Angel
Published: November 2023

The Industrial Revolution 4.0 has catapulted the integration of advanced technologies in industrial operations, where interconnected systems rely heavily on sensor information. However, this dependency has revealed an essential vulnerability: Sabotaging these sensors can lead to costly and dangerous interruptions in the production chain. To address this threat, we introduce an innovative methodological approach focused on developing an anomaly detection algorithm specifically designed to track manipulations in industrial sensors. Through a series of meticulous tests in an industrial environment, we validate the robustness and accuracy of our proposal. What distinguishes this study is its unique adaptability to various sensor conditions, achieving high detection accuracy and prompt response. Our algorithm demonstrates superiority in accuracy and sensitivity compared to previously established methodologies. Beyond detection, we incorporate a proactive alert and response system, guaranteeing timely action against detected anomalies. This work offers a tangible solution to a growing challenge. It lays the foundation for strengthening security in industrial systems of the digital age, harmonizing efficiency with protection in the Industry 4.0 landscape.
A Spatial-Spectral Classification Method Based on Deep Learning for Controlling Pelagic Fish Landings in Chile
Authors: Pezoa Jorge E. , Ramírez Diego A. , Godoy Cristofher A. , Saavedra María F. , Restrepo Silvia E. , Coelho-Caro Pablo A. , Flores Christopher A. , Pérez Francisco G. , Torres Sergio N. , Urbina Mauricio A.
Published: November 2023

Fishing has provided mankind with a protein-rich source of food and labor, allowing for the development of an important industry, which has led to the overexploitation of most targeted fish species. The sustainable management of these natural resources requires effective control of fish landings and, therefore, an accurate calculation of fishing quotas. This work proposes a deep learning-based spatial-spectral method to classify five pelagic species of interest for the Chilean fishing industry, including the targeted Engraulis ringens, Merluccius gayi, and Strangomera bentincki and non-targeted Normanichthtys crockeri and Stromateus stellatus fish species. This proof-of-concept method is composed of two channels of a convolutional neural network (CNN) architecture that processes the Red–Green–Blue (RGB) images and the visible and near-infrared (VIS-NIR) reflectance spectra of each species. The classification results of the CNN model achieved over 94% in all performance metrics, outperforming other state-of-the-art techniques. These results support the potential use of the proposed method to automatically monitor fish landings and, therefore, ensure compliance with the established fishing quotas.
Improving Monocular Facial Presentation–Attack–Detection Robustness with Synthetic Noise Augmentations
Authors: Hassani Ali , Diedrich Jon , Malik Hafiz
Published: November 2023

We present a synthetic augmentation approach towards improving monocular face presentation–attack–detection (PAD) robustness to real-world noise additions. Face PAD algorithms secure authentication systems against spoofing attacks, such as pictures, videos, and 2D-inspired masks. Best-in-class PAD methods typically use 3D imagery, but these can be expensive. To reduce application cost, there is a growing field investigating monocular algorithms that detect facial artifacts. These approaches work well in laboratory conditions, but can be sensitive to the imaging environment (e.g., sensor noise, dynamic lighting, etc.). The ideal solution for noise robustness is training under all expected conditions; however, this is time consuming and expensive. Instead, we propose that physics-informed noise-augmentations can pragmatically achieve robustness. Our toolbox contains twelve sensor and lighting effect generators. We demonstrate that our toolbox generates more robust PAD features than popular augmentation methods in noisy test-evaluations. We also observe that the toolbox improves accuracy on clean test data, suggesting that it inherently helps discern spoof artifacts from imaging artifacts. We validate this hypothesis through an ablation study, where we remove liveliness pairs (e.g., live or spoof imagery only for participants) to identify how much real data can be replaced with synthetic augmentations. We demonstrate that using these noise augmentations allows us to achieve better test accuracy while only requiring 30% of participants to be fully imaged under all conditions. These findings indicate that synthetic noise augmentations are a great way to improve PAD, addressing noise robustness while simplifying data collection.
Restoration of Binocular Images Degraded by Optical Scattering through Estimation of Atmospheric Coefficients
Authors: Diaz-Ramirez Victor H. , Juarez-Salazar Rigoberto , Gonzalez-Ruiz Martin , Adeyemi Vincent Ademola
Published: November 2023

A binocular vision-based approach for the restoration of images captured in a scattering medium is presented. The scene depth is computed by triangulation using stereo matching. Next, the atmospheric parameters of the medium are determined with an introduced estimator based on the Monte Carlo method. Finally, image restoration is performed using an atmospheric optics model. The proposed approach effectively suppresses optical scattering effects without introducing noticeable artifacts in processed images. The accuracy of the proposed approach in the estimation of atmospheric parameters and image restoration is evaluated using synthetic hazy images constructed from a well-known database. The practical viability of our approach is also confirmed through a real experiment for depth estimation, atmospheric parameter estimation, and image restoration in a scattering medium. The results highlight the applicability of our approach in computer vision applications in challenging atmospheric conditions.
A Deep Reinforcement Learning Approach to Droplet Routing for Erroneous Digital Microfluidic Biochips
Authors: Kawakami Tomohisa , Shiro Chiharu , Nishikawa Hiroki , Kong Xiangbo , Tomiyama Hiroyuki , Yamashita Shigeru
Published: November 2023

Digital microfluidic biochips (DMFBs), which are used in various fields like DNA analysis, clinical diagnosis, and PCR testing, have made biochemical experiments more compact, efficient, and user-friendly than the previous methods. However, their reliability is often compromised by their inability to adapt to all kinds of errors. Errors in biochips can be categorized into two types: known errors, and unknown errors. Known errors are detectable before the start of the routing process using sensors or cameras. Unknown errors, in contrast, only become apparent during the routing process and remain undetected by sensors or cameras, which can unexpectedly stop the routing process and diminish the reliability of biochips. This paper introduces a deep reinforcement learning-based routing algorithm, designed to manage not only known errors but also unknown errors. Our experiments demonstrated that our algorithm outperformed the previous ones in terms of the success rate of the routing, in the scenarios including both known errors and unknown errors. Additionally, our algorithm contributed to detecting unknown errors during the routing process, identifying the most efficient routing path with a high probability.
Optimal Coverage of Full Frequency Reuse in FFR Networks in Relation to Power Scaling of a Base Station
Authors: Seo Minyoung , Chang Seok-Ho , Lee Jong-Man , Kim Ki-Hun , Park Hyun , Kim Sang-Hyo
Published: November 2023

As a strategy to coordinate inter-cell interference in cellular networks, a fractional frequency reuse (FFR) system is proposed, in which the frequency bandwidth is split into two orthogonal bands; users staying near the center of a FFR cell use the band with a frequency reuse (FR) factor of one (i.e., full FR), and users located close to the cell edge utilize the band with a FR factor greater than one (i.e., partial FR). Full FR coverage, which identifies full FR and partial FR regions (that is, near-center and near-edge regions) within a FFR cell, has a crucial effect on system performance. Some of the authors of this paper recently investigated the optimization of full FR coverage to maximize system throughput. They analytically showed that under the constraint of satisfying a specified target outage probability, the optimal full FR coverage is a non-increasing function of base station power when all base station powers in the cellular network are scaled at an equal rate. Interestingly, in this paper, it is proven that as the power of a single base station is scaled, the optimal full FR coverage in that cell is a non-decreasing function of base station power. Our results provide useful insight into the design of full FR coverage in relation to the transmit power of a base station. It gives a deeper understanding of the intricate relationship between important FFR system parameters of base station power and full FR coverage.
Multimodal Assessment of Cognitive Workload Using Neural, Subjective and Behavioural Measures in Smart Factory Settings
Authors: Zakeri Zohreh , Arif Arshia , Omurtag Ahmet , Breedon Philip , Khalid Azfar
Published: November 2023

Collaborative robots (cobots) have largely replaced conventional industrial robots in today’s workplaces, particularly in manufacturing setups, due to their improved performance and intelligent design. In the framework of Industry 5.0, humans are working alongside cobots to accomplish the required level of automation. However, human–robot interaction has brought up concerns regarding human factors (HF) and ergonomics. A human worker may experience cognitive stress as a result of cobots’ irresponsive nature in unpredictably occurring situations, which adversely affects productivity. Therefore, there is a necessity to measure stress to enhance a human worker’s performance in a human–robot collaborative environment. In this study, factory workers’ mental workload was assessed using physiological, behavioural, and subjective measures. Electroencephalography (EEG) and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) signals were collected to acquire brain signals and track hemodynamic activity, respectively. The effect of task complexity, cobot movement speed, and cobot payload capacity on the mental stress of a human worker were observed for a task designed in the context of a smart factory. Task complexity and cobot speed proved to be more impactful. As physiological measures are unbiased and more authentic means to estimate stress, eventually they may replace the other conventional measures if they prove to correlate with the results of traditional ones. Here, regression and artificial neural networks (ANN) were utilised to determine the correlation between physiological data and subjective and behavioural measures. Regression performed better for most of the targets and the best correlation (rsq-adj = 0.654146) was achieved for predicting missed beeps, a behavioural measure, using a combination of multiple EEG and fNIRS predictors. The k-nearest neighbours (KNN) algorithm was used to evaluate the accuracy of correlation between traditional measures and physiological variables, with the highest accuracy of 77.8% achieved for missed beeps as the target. Results show that physiological measures can be more insightful and have the tendency to replace other biased parameters.
Social and Technological Interactions in e-Societies
Authors: Zaharia Rodica Milena , Edu Tudor , Zaharia Razvan
Published: November 2023

This Special Issue, Social and Technological Interactions in e-Societies, aims to attract the interest of academics and practitioners alike by identifying, exploring, and investigating the interactions inherent in the emergence of new technologies in our societies [...]
Pivot Clustering to Minimize Error in Forecasting Aggregated Demand Streams Each Following an Autoregressive Moving Average Model
Authors: Kovtun Vladimir , Giloni Avi , Hurvich Clifford , Seshadri Sridhar
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we compare the effects of forecasting demand using individual (disaggregated) components versus first aggregating the components either fully or into several clusters. Demand streams are assumed to follow autoregressive moving average (ARMA) processes. Using individual demand streams will always lead to a superior forecast compared to any aggregates; however, we show that if several aggregated clusters are formed in a structured manner, then these subaggregated clusters will lead to a forecast with minimal increase in mean-squared forecast error. We show this result based on theoretical MSFE obtained directly from the models generating the clusters as well as estimated MSFE obtained directly from simulated demand observations. We suggest a pivot algorithm, which we call Pivot Clustering, to create these clusters. We also provide theoretical results to investigate sub-aggregation, including for special cases, such as aggregating demand generated by MA(1) models and aggregating demand generated by ARMA models with similar or the same parameters.
Is There a Surplus of College Graduates in China? Exploring Strategies for Sustainable Employment of College Graduates
Authors: Xiang Beishan , Wang Huiying , Wang Huimin
Published: November 2023

In 2019, China achieved a milestone in higher education with a gross enrollment rate surpassing 50%, signifying the internationally recognized phase of “universalization”. In 2023, the escalating number of college graduates amounted to 11.58 million, an increase of 0.8 million over the last year, reaching a new high in scale. Despite this remarkable progress, the employment rate of college graduates has remained low and stagnant over the past two decades. This paradox highlights the pressing need to address the employment challenges faced by a growing number of college graduates in China. The existing supply structure of college graduates, including education levels, academic disciplines, spatial distribution, and core competencies, is inconsistent with the demand structure of the labor market. This mismatch emphasizes the necessity for both the supply and demand sides to collaborate in resolving the college graduate employment problem. By advancing the industrial structure, optimizing the configuration of higher education, and fostering a culture of innovation, a harmonious integration of the higher education system with economic development, market demands, and long-term planning can be achieved. The strategies proposed in this study offer practical solutions to promote sustainable employment for college graduates in China.
Evaluation of Flooding Disaster Risks for Subway Stations Based on the PSR Cloud Model
Authors: Liu Jingyan , Zheng Wenwen , Li Huimin , Chen Jia
Published: November 2023

This study aims to scientifically evaluate the risk of rainstorm waterlogging disasters in urban subway stations, improve the management of disaster prevention and control, and mitigate the impact of such disasters. To achieve this, a risk assessment analysis was conducted using the Pressure-State-Response (PSR) cloud model. The analysis involved examining the components of the subway station rainstorm waterlogging disaster system, including the disaster-prone environment, disaster-affected body, and disaster-causing factors. Based on the PSR framework, a risk assessment index system for rainstorm waterlogging disasters in subway stations was developed. The entropy weight method and cloud model algorithm were then combined to establish a risk assessment method. By utilizing a cloud generator, the digital characteristics of the risk cloud were calculated, and a risk cloud map was generated to determine the level of risk. Finally, an empirical analysis was carried out at Jin’anqiao Station of the Beijing Subway, providing valuable insights for the evaluation of rainstorm waterlogging disasters in subway stations.
Isothermal and Kinetic Studies for the Removal of Malachite Green and Congo Red Dyes Using Wastes from Mining and Processing Perlite in Different Particle Sizes as Sustainable Adsorbents
Authors: Filho Josenildo I. Santos , Silva Vanderlane C. , Silva Paulysendra F. , Cartaxo Juliana M. , Rodrigues Alisson M. , Menezes Romualdo R. , Neves Gelmires A.
Published: November 2023

Perlite waste materials with different particle sizes were evaluated as potential candidates for removing the malachite green (MG) and Congo red (CR) dyes from contaminated water. Two types of waste, referred to as coarse (CP) and fine (FP), with particle sizes of 0.075 mm, 0.045 mm, and 0.037 mm, were used. The samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and N2 adsorption/desorption. The adsorption efficiency of MG and CR was investigated by varying the parameters of pH, contact time, and initial concentration. The reduction in particle size significantly influenced the removal of the CR dye, leading to an increase in the adsorption rate of 23.9% and 45.5% for CP and FP, respectively. Conversely, the adsorption of the MG dye on the residues was not affected by different particle sizes. CP and FP exhibited a removal rate exceeding 70% for both dyes. The adsorption of MG and CR on the wastes was well-described by the Sips isotherm model. The results of adsorption kinetics were best fit by the Elovich model. Perlite waste materials have demonstrated significant potential for the adsorptive remove of cationic and anionic dyes from aqueous solutions.
Ammonia as a Marine Fuel towards Decarbonization: Emission Control Challenges
Authors: Voniati Georgia , Dimaratos Athanasios , Koltsakis Grigorios , Ntziachristos Leonidas
Published: November 2023

Decarbonization of the maritime sector to achieve ambitious IMO targets requires the combination of various technologies. Among alternative fuels, ammonia (NH3), a carbon-free fuel, is a good candidate; however, its combustion produces NOx, unburnt NH3 and N2O—a strong greenhouse gas (GHG). This work conducts a preliminary assessment of the emission control challenges of NH3 application as fuel in the maritime sector. Commercial catalytic technologies are applied in simulated NH3 engine exhaust to mitigate NH3 and NOx while monitoring N2O production during the reduction processes. Small-scale experiments on a synthetic gas bench (SGB) with a selective-catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst and an ammonia oxidation catalyst (AOC) provide reaction kinetics information, which are then integrated into physico-chemical models. The latter are used for the examination of two scenarios concerning the relative engine-out concentrations of NOx and NH3 in the exhaust gas: (a) shortage and (b) excess of NH3. The simulation results indicate that NOx conversion can be optimized to meet the IMO limits with minimal NH3 slip in both cases. Excess of NH3 promotes N2O formation, particularly at higher NH3 concentrations. Engine-out N2O emissions are expected to increase the total N2O emissions; hence, both sources need to be considered for their successful control.
Performance Evaluation of Oral Health Teams in Brazil: An Item Response Theory Approach
Authors: Scalzo Maria Tereza A. , Abreu Mauro Henrique N. G. , Mambrini Juliana V. M. , Pinheiro Letícia C. , Matta-Machado Antônio Thomaz G. , Martins Renata C.
Published: November 2023

Access to quality healthcare is an essential component of health policy. This cross-sectional study describes the actions performed by Brazilian Oral Health Teams (OHTs) analyzed in the National Program for Improving Access and Quality of Primary Care and the relationship of contextual aspects. A total of 22,993 OHTs that participated in the third cycle of the referred program were evaluated using a structured questionnaire. Thirteen procedures (items) related to spontaneous dental care and preventive, surgical, restorative, prosthetic, and oral cancer prevention or diagnosis were assessed. Item response theory was used to estimate the performance scores of OHTs, based on 13 items. The relationship between performance scores and contextual variables in Brazilian regions was analyzed by thematic maps and Spearman correlation (p < 0.05). The highest difficulty parameters were for questions related to prosthetics (b = 0.879) and actions for oral cancer (b = 2.922). The 13 items were more appropriate to discriminate the teams with lower performance and relatively ineffective in differentiating those with better performance. A direct relationship with the Human Development Index (rs = 0.249; p = 0.004) and an indirect relationship with the Gini Index (rs = −0.482; p < 0.001) were found. Contextual aspects presented a relationship with the performance of the Brazilian OHTs. The evaluated items showed some potential to discriminate the performance of OHTs since many of the evaluated dental procedures are performed by most of the teams.
The Integration and Application of Extended Reality (XR) Technologies within the General Practice Primary Medical Care Setting: A Systematic Review
Authors: Jones Donovan , Galvez Roberto , Evans Darrell , Hazelton Michael , Rossiter Rachel , Irwin Pauletta , Micalos Peter S. , Logan Patricia , Rose Lorraine , Fealy Shanna
Published: November 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic instigated a paradigm shift in healthcare delivery with a rapid adoption of technology-enabled models of care, particularly within the general practice primary care setting. The emergence of the Metaverse and its associated technology mediums, specifically extended reality (XR) technology, presents a promising opportunity for further industry transformation. Therefore, the objective of this study was to explore the current application and utilisation of XR technologies within the general practice primary care setting to establish a baseline for tracking its evolution and integration. A systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) was conducted and registered with the international database of prospectively registered systematic reviews as PROSPERO-CRD42022339905. Eleven articles met the inclusion criteria and were quality appraised and included for review. All databases searched, inclusive of search terms, are supplied to enhance the transparency and reproducibility of the findings. All study interventions used virtual reality technology exclusively. The application of virtual reality within the primary care setting was grouped under three domains: (1) childhood vaccinations, (2) mental health, and (3) health promotion. There is immense potential for the future application of XR technologies within the general practice primary care setting. As technology evolves, healthcare practitioners, XR technology specialists, and researchers should collaborate to harness the full potential of implementing XR mediums.