bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A retrospective analysis of the influencing factors of nucleic acid CT value fluctuation in COVID-19 patients infected with Omicron variant virus in Changchun city
Authors: Cao Zhenghua , Sun Feng , Ding Huan , Tian Zhiyu , Cui Yingzi , Yang Wei , Hu Shaodan , Shi Li
Published: June 2024

Objective

This study aimed to determine the risk factors associated with fluctuations in nucleic acid CT values in patients infected with the Omicron variant during an outbreak at a hospital in Changchun city.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on general information, medical history, vaccination history, and laboratory test data of COVID-19 patients infected with the Omicron variant and admitted to the hospital in Changchun from March 2022 to April 2022. The study aimed to explore the factors influencing nucleic acid CT value fluctuations in COVID-19 patients infected with the Omicron variant in Changchun city.

Results

Fluctuations in nucleic acid CT values were significantly correlated with occupation composition (p = 0.030), hospital stay duration (p = 0.000), heart rate (p = 0.026), creatinine (p = 0.011), platelet count (p = 0.000), glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (p = 0.045), and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (p = 0.017). Binary logistic regression analysis revealed significant correlations between hospital stay duration (p = 0.000), platelet count (p = 0.019), heart rate (p = 0.036), and nucleic acid CT value fluctuations (p < 0.05), indicating that they were independent risk factors. Red blood cell count was identified as a factor influencing nucleic acid CT value fluctuations in Group A patients. Occupation composition, direct bilirubin, and platelet count were identified as factors influencing nucleic acid CT value fluctuations in Group B patients. Further binary logistic regression analysis indicated that occupational composition and direct bilirubin are significant independent factors for nucleic acid CT value fluctuations in Group B patients, positively correlated with occupational risk and negatively correlated with direct bilirubin.

Conclusion

Therefore, enhancing patients’ immunity, increasing physical exercise to improve myocardial oxygen consumption, reducing the length of hospital stays, and closely monitoring liver function at the onset of hospitalization to prevent liver function abnormalities are effective measures to control fluctuations in nucleic acid CT values.
Bayes-xG: player and position correction on expected goals (xG) using Bayesian hierarchical approach
Authors: Scholtes Alexander , Karakuş Oktay
Published: June 2024

This study employs Bayesian methodologies to explore the influence of player or positional factors in predicting the probability of a shot resulting in a goal, measured by the expected goals (xG) metric. Utilising publicly available data from StatsBomb, Bayesian hierarchical logistic regressions are constructed, analysing approximately 10,000 shots from the English Premier League (for the years of 2003 and 2015) to ascertain whether positional or player-level effects impact xG. The findings reveal positional effects in a basic model that includes only distance to goal and shot angle as predictors, highlighting that strikers and attacking midfielders exhibit a higher likelihood of scoring. However, these effects diminish when more informative predictors are introduced. Nevertheless, even with additional predictors, player-level effects persist, indicating that certain players possess notable positive or negative xG adjustments, influencing their likelihood of scoring a given chance. The study extends its analysis to data from Spain’s La Liga (≈20 K shots from 1973 and 2004 to 2020) and Germany’s Bundesliga (≈7.5 K shots from 2015), yielding comparable results. Additionally, the paper assesses the impact of prior distribution choices on outcomes, concluding that the priors employed in the models provide sound results but could be refined to enhance sampling efficiency for constructing more complex and extensive models feasibly.
Psychological risk factors for a first hamstring strain injury in soccer: a qualitative study
Authors: Baize Diane , d’Arripe-Longueville Fabienne , Piponnier Enzo , Scoffier-Meriaux Stéphanie
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Hamstring strain injuries (HSIs) remain one of the most burdensome injuries in soccer. Current recommendations to prevent sports injuries suggest the importance for coaches and medical staff to consider psychological and contextual risk factors and to specify them according to the injury type and context. HSI risk factors in soccer have been widely investigated, mainly from physiological and biomechanical perspectives. However, psychological and health-related risk factors are still unexplored. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the psychological and health-related risk factors for a first HSI in male competitive soccer.

Method

Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten male competitive soccer players, who had recently sustained a HSI. Based on multifactorial models of sports injury causation, soccer players' individual, contextual, and situational risk factors at the time of their first HSI were investigated. Interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis with deductive and inductive approaches.

Results

Individual psychological risk factors included common at-risk personality traits, obsessive passion for soccer with competitive motivational goals, strong athletic identity, and poor health literacy. The injured players were exposed to a controlling coaching style, with a fear of negative staff evaluations, and had recently experienced life stressors. They were injured during matches or overload periods and were highly engaged in the activity.

Discussion

Previously injured soccer players exhibit a lack of perspective concerning the repercussions of their actions on their health. From a preventive viewpoint, these results suggest enhancing the players' health literacy, supporting their autonomy, and moderating the controlling coaching style.
Navigating through novelties concerning mCRC treatment—the role of immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy in mCRC
Authors: Zheng Edward , Włodarczyk Marcin , Węgiel Andrzej , Osielczak Aleksandra , Możdżan Maria , Biskup Laura , Grochowska Agata , Wołyniak Maria , Gajewski Dominik , Porc Mateusz , Maryńczak Kasper , Dziki Łukasz
Published: June 2024

Over the course of nearly six decades since the inception of initial trials involving 5-FU in the treatment of mCRC (metastatic colorectal cancer), our progressive comprehension of the pathophysiology, genetics, and surgical techniques related to mCRC has paved the way for the introduction of novel therapeutic modalities. These advancements not only have augmented the overall survival but have also positively impacted the quality of life (QoL) for affected individuals. Despite the remarkable progress made in the last two decades in the development of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and target therapies, mCRC remains an incurable disease, with a 5-year survival rate of 14%. In this comprehensive review, our primary goal is to present an overview of mCRC treatment methods following the latest guidelines provided by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), and the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS). Emphasis has been placed on outlining treatment approaches encompassing chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and surgery's role in managing mCRC. Furthermore, our review delves into prospective avenues for developing new therapies, offering a glimpse into the future of alternative pathways that hold potential for advancing the field.
Vestibular approach for thyroid surgery: a comprehensive review
Authors: La Via Luigi , Zanghì Antonio , Cavallaro Andrea , Di Vita Maria , Maniaci Antonino , Cocuzza Salvatore , Cappellani Alessandro , Di Majo Simone
Published: June 2024

The transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA) is an innovative technique in thyroid surgery. This review compiles current research on TOETVA, covering its development, anatomical challenges, techniques, selection of suitable patients, results, complications, and future advancements. We performed a comprehensive literature review on PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases for articles published up to 15th March 2024. The search strategy included a combination of terms focused on “vestibular approach” and “thyroidectomy”. The review underscores the necessity for preoperative planning and careful patient selection to reduce risks and enhance outcomes. It discusses the unique anatomical challenges of TOETVA, such as avoiding mental nerve damage and the complexities involved in creating a subplatysmal space. Outcomes of TOETVA, including surgical duration, complication rates, and recovery times, are compared favorably to traditional methods. The approach is particularly noted for high patient satisfaction and superior cosmetic results. Complications specific to TOETVA, like infection, bleeding, and potential harm to the recurrent laryngeal nerve, are recognized. Future research directions are discussed as well. In summary, TOETVA is a promising alternative for thyroidectomy with excellent cosmetic outcomes and patient satisfaction. Success relies on selective patient criteria, surgical expertise, and continuous research to refine the approach.
Quantitative bile acid profiling in healthy adult dogs and pups from serum, plasma, urine, and feces using LC-MS/MS
Authors: Karakus Emre , Proksch Anna-Lena , Moritz Andreas , Geyer Joachim
Published: June 2024

Synthesis and secretion of bile acids (BA) is a key physiological function of the liver. In pathological conditions like portosystemic shunt, hepatic insufficiency, hepatitis, or cirrhosis BA metabolism and secretion are disturbed. Quantification of total serum BA is an established diagnostic method to assess the general liver function and allows early detection of abnormalities, liver disease progression and guidance of treatment decisions. To date, data on comparative BA profiles in dogs are limited. However, BA profiles might be even better diagnostic parameters than total BA concentrations. On this background, the present study analyzed and compared individual BA profiles in serum, plasma, urine, and feces of 10 healthy pups and 40 adult healthy dogs using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Sample preparation was performed by solid-phase extraction for serum, plasma, and urine samples or by protein precipitation with methanol for the feces samples. For each dog, 22 different BA, including unconjugated BA and their glycine and taurine conjugates, were analyzed. In general, there was a great interindividual variation for the concentrations of single BA, mostly exemplified by the fact that cholic acid (CA) was by far the most prominent BA in blood and urine samples of some of the dogs (adults and pups), while in others, CA was under the detection limit. There were no significant age-related differences in the BA profiles, but pups showed generally lower absolute BA concentrations in serum, plasma, and urine. Taurine-conjugated BA were predominant in the serum and plasma of both pups (68%) and adults (74–75%), while unconjugated BA were predominant in the urine and feces of pups (64 and 95%, respectively) and adults (68 and 99%, respectively). The primary BA chenodeoxycholic acid and taurocholic acid and the secondary BA deoxycholic acid and lithocholic acid were the most robust analytes for potential diagnostic purpose. In conclusion, this study reports simultaneous BA profiling in dog serum, plasma, urine, and feces and provides valuable diagnostic data for subsequent clinical studies in dogs with different kinds of liver diseases.
Making the most of life: environmental choice during rearing enhances the ability of laying hens to take opportunities
Authors: Skånberg Lena , Holt Regine V. , Newberry Ruth C. , Estevez Inma , McCrea Kirste , Keeling Linda J.
Published: June 2024

Introduction

The potential of aviary housing for improving laying hen (Gallus gallus domesticus) welfare will be constrained if rearing conditions limit the hens’ behavioral ability to take opportunities. Incorporating theories on developmental plasticity and animal agency, this study aimed to determine: (1) whether a choice of litter and perch types during rearing would promote long-lasting changes in use of novel locations and resources, and (2) the influence of timing of choice provision.

Methods

Laying hen chicks were assigned to either a “Single-choice” (one litter and perch type) or “Multi-choice” environment (four litter and perch types) during “Early” (day 1-week 4) and “Late” rearing (week 5–15). The environments were switched in half of the 16 pens in week 5, resulting in a 2 × 2 factorial design with four choice environment by period combinations. The allocation of perch and litter space was the same across all treatment combinations. In week 16, all groups were moved to standard aviary laying pens (Laying period, week 16–27).

Results

When first moved to the laying pens, hens with Multi-choice in either or both rearing periods were quicker to spread out in their pen than hens with Single-choice throughout rearing. Multi-choice in Early rearing also reduced the latency to use novel elevated structures (perches and nests) in the laying pens. Multi-choice during Late rearing increased success in finding and consuming hidden mealworms (tested in weeks 9–17) and increased the proportion of eggs laid on elevated nesting trays. Numerically, hens switched from Multi-choice to Single-choice in week 5 used the outdoor range less than hens switched from Single-choice to Multi-choice.

Discussion

These results support the hypothesis that offering multiple resource choices during rearing improves hens’ ability to make the most of new opportunities by being more proactive in exploring and exploiting newly available resources. In different opportunity challenges, hens showed positive outcomes in response to choice during Early, Late or both stages of rearing, suggesting that best results can be obtained by offering environmental choice throughout rearing.
Univariate Outlier Detection: Precision-Driven Algorithm for Single-Cluster Scenarios
Authors: El hairach Mohamed Limam , Tmiri Amal , Bellamine Insaf
Published: June 2024

This study introduces a novel algorithm tailored for the precise detection of lower outliers (i.e., data points at the lower tail) in univariate datasets, which is particularly suited for scenarios with a single cluster and similar data distribution. The approach leverages a combination of transformative techniques and advanced filtration methods to efficiently segregate anomalies from normal values. Notably, the algorithm emphasizes high-precision outlier detection, ensuring minimal false positives, and requires only a few parameters for configuration. Its unsupervised nature enables robust outlier filtering without the need for extensive manual intervention. To validate its efficacy, the algorithm is rigorously tested using real-world data obtained from photovoltaic (PV) module strings with similar DC capacities, containing various outliers. The results demonstrate the algorithm’s capability to accurately identify lower outliers while maintaining computational efficiency and reliability in practical applications.
Formation of Interdependence among Individuals in the Initial Phase of Intercompany Collaboration: The Role of Leaders and Members of AI Consortiums in Japan
Authors: Sakai Masashi , Kimura Yuto
Published: June 2024

Japanese firms are accelerating their engagement in horizontal collaboration through unprecedented inter-firm combinations that allow organizations to respond flexibly and quickly to changes in the external environment. However, existing research has not sufficiently examined trust formation and individual interaction processes in the initial stages of such inter-organizational collaboration. This study examines a newly established value-creation consortium led by the private sector that uses state-of-the-art artificial intelligence (AI) technology to solve social issues. We interviewed consortium members in different positions; the steps for coding and theorization (SCAT) were used to analyze individuals’ interactions in the initial stage of forming inter-organizational collaboration. The results showed that the members’ willingness to collaborate increased due to the leader exhibiting trustworthy behavior. Furthermore, uncertainty caused by AI’s technological specificity led to insecurity, creating role ambiguity and role conflicts, which leaders and members overcame to form interdependent relationships among individuals. The indication of such a process is a new finding, the practical implications of which are discussed.
Design and Experiment of a Film-Drilling Potato Seeder with Eccentric Coupling
Authors: Pei Liangqi , Sun Wei , Wang Juanling , Simionescu Petru A.
Published: June 2024

The new technique of filming in autumn and planting directly through the plastic film in spring is an effective method for water-saving and drought-resistant commercial potato production. However, there are currently no supporting film-drilling seeders available. To address this, a new potato seeder machine has been specifically designed for planting potatoes in the dryland, hilly, and mountainous areas of northwest China. This machine can perform top mulching and hole planting in both the autumn and spring seasons. This innovative potato seeder accomplishes several tasks simultaneously: seeding, inoculation (if desired), hole punching through the mulch film, seed placement, and soil covering. The machine features an optimized spoon-chain seeder with an eccentric coupling mechanism that ensures the hole-punching device stays perpendicular to the ground throughout planting, minimizing damage to the mulch film. Additionally, a dedicated seeding valve opening and closing mechanism was designed to extend the opening time of the hole-forming device’s movable mouth beyond the potato’s falling time, guaranteeing successful seed placement. Furthermore, a soil-covering device specifically designed for use with mulch film ensures proper soil retention after seeding. Through computer-aided design (RecurDyn V9R5 software) analysis, the hole-punching device’s penetrating angle was optimized to minimize the tearing of the mulch film during entry into and exit from the soil. Rigorous field testing demonstrated the machine’s effectiveness. The seeder achieved a 92% success rate for proper planting depth, an 88% success rate for accurate seed potato spacing, a 98% success rate for avoiding overplanting, and a 99% success rate for eliminating missed planting spots. These field test results meet or exceed national and industry standards, validating the machine’s design goals. In essence, this innovative potato seeder, with its eccentric coupling mechanism, offers a one-pass solution for potato seeding, inoculation (optional), planting, and soil covering, significantly improving efficiency.
Use of Detached Leaf Inoculation Method for the Early Selection of Coffea arabica L. for Resistance to Hemileia vastatrix Berk and Broome
Authors: Quiroga-Cardona Julio , López-Monsalve Luisa Fernanda , Várzea Vítor Manuel Pinto , Flórez-Ramos Claudia Patricia
Published: June 2024

Three hybrid populations (F1) of Coffea arabica were evaluated under field and laboratory conditions, derived from sources carrying the SH1 coffee leaf rust (CLR) resistance gene and the CX.2385 line, obtained from the Caturra × Timor Hybrid CIFC-1343. The results obtained under controlled conditions and analyzed using survival curves allowed to estimate the probable times (p < 0.05) for the development of symptoms associated with CLR in the plants of populations evaluated. Phenotypic variation was observed as a defense response to Hemileia vastatrix infection, and plants with incomplete resistance to CLR were identified via an evaluation using the increasing lesions scale. The plants with incomplete resistance exhibited a delay in the development of the incubation period and an absence of the development of the dormancy period. Data suggest that when resistance genes in the sources are defeated by compatible strains, their recombination can give rise to new levels of resistance in the progeny. Additionally, the detached leaf methodology is recommended as an alternative to preselect genotypes with resistance to CLR, thus reducing the number of plants that are finally planted for field evaluations.
Morphological, Histological and Genetic Evaluation of Gamma Radiation-Induced Mutation and Its Potential Application in Rudbeckia hirta (L.)
Authors: Kisvarga Szilvia , Horotán Katalin , Hamar-Farkas Dóra , Kovács Zsófia , Szőke Antal , Wani Muneeb Ahmad , Orlóci László
Published: June 2024

Many cultivars of annual ornamental horticulture have great phenotypic qualities but are less tolerant to the effects of current climate change and urbanization. A good example of this in Hungarian ornamental breeding is the Rudbeckia hirta cultivar “Őszifény”. The objective of this study was to determine whether gamma mutation breeding (using 5 Gy, 10 Gy, 30 Gy doses) can be employed to enhance genetic variability and create mutants with novel trait values. Furthermore, it is important to ascertain whether the altered genetic traits are proportionate to the observed changes in phenotype. As an original and innovative aspect of the research, this will assist in establishing appropriate dose rates for the species. Changes induced by gamma radiation have been mapped using morphological, histological, and genetic methods. The radiation dose of 5 Gy resulted in plants with the most favorable characteristics, including significant increases in branching and flower number. Additionally, the phenomenon of hormesis was observed. Beyond these, the dose of 30 Gy also had a significant effect because it resulted in plants with many flowers and bushy habits, making them suitable for use as ornamental potted plants. The 10 Gy dose resulted in a heterogeneous stand but showed the greatest genetic variation. These results may contribute to future breeding work and may pave the way for further urban application of R. hirta in the light of urbanization.
Genetic Analysis in Crops
Authors: Bai Fang , Begcy Kevin
Published: June 2024

Crops contribute to global food production, energy, and medicine [...]
Intensively Reared Nelore Steers with Levels of Concentrate and Protein Sources during the Dry Season
Authors: Faria Artur C. de , Bolson Dheyme C. , Pina Douglas dos S. , Prado Thiago A. , Roecker Adriano N. , Chaves Carla S. , Pereira Dalton H.
Published: June 2024

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different nutritional strategies on the intensification of beef cattle farming on pastures during the dry period of the year. Eighty male cattle (testers) were randomly allocated to 16 paddocks formed with Mombaça grass (Megathyrsus maximus), totaling five animals (testers) per paddock. The strategies consisted of two LCs [10 and 16.7 g·kg−1 body weight (BW)] and two PSs with DDGS and SBM in a completely randomized design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. The chemical, structural, and productive characteristics of the forage were evaluated, as well as the performance, productivity, and serum parameters of the supplemented animals. The forage presented a greater L:C (p = 0.033) and CP content (p = 0.007) when the lowest LC was used. Animals that received the highest LC had the highest supplement intake (p < 0.001) and the lowest pasture intake (p < 0.001). The nutritional strategy with an LC of 16.7 g·kg−1 of body weight (BW) resulted in a greater increase in total BW, i.e., 200 kg·BW ha−1 more. Therefore, higher levels of concentrate ensure greater productivity for beef cattle grazing, and DDGS can replace SBM in supplements used in the intensive raising of beef cattle on pasture without compromising the performance and productivity of the animals.
Monitoring Cattle Ruminating Behavior Based on an Improved Keypoint Detection Model
Authors: Li Jinxing , Liu Yanhong , Zheng Wenxin , Chen Xinwen , Ma Yabin , Guo Leifeng
Published: June 2024

Cattle rumination behavior is strongly correlated with its health. Current methods often rely on manual observation or wearable devices to monitor ruminating behavior. However, the manual monitoring of cattle rumination is labor-intensive, and wearable devices often harm animals. Therefore, this study proposes a non-contact method for monitoring cattle rumination behavior, utilizing an improved YOLOv8-pose keypoint detection algorithm combined with multi-condition threshold peak detection to automatically identify chewing counts. First, we tracked and recorded the cattle’s rumination behavior to build a dataset. Next, we used the improved model to capture keypoint information on the cattle. By constructing the rumination motion curve from the keypoint information and applying multi-condition threshold peak detection, we counted the chewing instances. Finally, we designed a comprehensive cattle rumination detection framework to track various rumination indicators, including chewing counts, rumination duration, and chewing frequency. In keypoint detection, our modified YOLOv8-pose achieved a 96% mAP, an improvement of 2.8%, with precision and recall increasing by 4.5% and 4.2%, enabling the more accurate capture of keypoint information. For rumination analysis, we tested ten video clips and compared the results with actual data. The experimental results showed an average chewing count error of 5.6% and a standard error of 2.23%, verifying the feasibility and effectiveness of using keypoint detection technology to analyze cattle rumination behavior. These physiological indicators of rumination behavior allow for the quicker detection of abnormalities in cattle’s rumination activities, helping managers make informed decisions. Ultimately, the proposed method not only accurately monitors cattle rumination behavior but also provides technical support for precision management in animal husbandry, promoting the development of modern livestock farming.
Numerical and Experimental Investigation on Performance of Thermal Energy Storage Integrated Micro-Cold Storage Unit
Authors: Arun Sreelekha , Boche Rushikesh J. , Nambiar Prahas , Ekka Prince , Panalkar Pratham , Kumar Vaibhav , Roy Anindita , Landini Stefano
Published: June 2024

Preservation of perishable food produce is a major concern in the cold chain supply system. Development of an energy-efficient on-farm cold storage facility, hence, becomes essential. Integration of thermal storage into a vapor compression refrigeration (VCR)-driven cold room is a promising technology that can reduce power consumption and act as a thermal backup. However, designing a latent heat energy storage heat exchanger encounters challenges, such as low thermal conductivity of phase change materials (PCMs) and poor heat exchanger efficiencies, leading to ineffective charging–discharging cycles. The current study investigates the effect of the integration of a Phase Change Material (PCM) in terms of the selection of the PCM, the optimal positioning of the PCM heat exchanger, and the selection of heat exchanger encapsulation material. Numerical analysis was undertaken using 3D Experience software (version: 2024x.D31.R426rel.202403212040) by creating a 3D model of a 3.4 m3 micro-cold storage unit to understand the inner temperature distribution profile. Further, the experimental setup was developed, and tests were conducted, during which the energy consumption of 1.1 kWh was recorded for the total compressor run time of 1 h. Results indicated that an improved cooling effect was achieved by positioning the PCM trays on the wall opposite the evaporator. It is seen that a temperature difference in the range of 5 to 7 °C exists between the phase change temperature of PCM and the optimal storage temperature depending on the encapsulation material. Hence, PCM selection for thermal storage applications would have an important bearing on the material and configuration of the PCM encapsulation.
Assessment of Cardio-Respiratory Relationship during and after Exercise in Healthy Recreative Male Subjects: A Pilot Study
Authors: Malović Igor , Zeković Milica M. , Zeković Janko , Mazić Sanja , Platiša Mirjana M.
Published: June 2024

Background: Understanding the responses of the cardio and respiratory systems during exercise, as well as their coupling in post-exercise recovery, is important for the prescription of exercise programs in physically recreative subjects. Aim: In this work, we aimed to set up an adjusted experiment to evaluate the relations and changes in parameters obtained from an analysis of cardiac and respiratory signals under three physiological conditions: relaxation, exercise, and post-exercise recovery. Material and Methods: Simultaneously recorded ECG (RR intervals) and respiratory signal during relaxation, bicycle ergometry exercise until submaximal heart rate (HR), and recovery in 10 healthy men were analyzed. The exercise included consecutive phases of 3 min in duration with a constant workload. Parasympathetic cardiac control (RMSSD), heart rate (HR), breathing frequency (BF), and respiratory cycle amplitude (RCA) were calculated. Anthropometric data were also collected. Results: Based on time series analysis, our results show that: (1) during exercise, an increase in HR was related to a reduction in HR variability and RMSSD, while an increase in BF was related to an increase in RCA, and (2) during recovery, HR and RCA significantly decreased, while RMSSD had a biphasic response. The results of multiple linear regressions showed that the averaged HR, RMSSD, and BF during 3 min segments of recovery were determined by several calculated and collected parameters. Conclusions: The parameters from the analysis of respiratory signals and RR interval time series under conditions of relaxation and exercise, along with anthropometric data, contributed to the complexity of the post-exercise recovery of cardiopulmonary parameters after submaximal HR exercise in healthy recreative males.
Natural Eggshell Membrane Attenuates Chondrocyte Inflammation and Surgically Induced Osteoarthritis in Rats
Authors: Kim Jun-Il , Choi Joo-Hee , Seo Min-Soo , Kim Jong-Kyu , Chun Yoon-Seok , Kwon Young-Sam , Ku Sae-Kwang
Published: June 2024

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that mainly occurs due to the cellular inflammatory response and the destruction of joint cartilage. Natural eggshell membrane (NEM), a byproduct of egg processing, might be a promising knee OA treatment because of its anti-inflammatory properties and resemblance to synovial membrane components. Therefore, we aimed to study the anti-inflammatory effects of NEM in OA, utilizing both in vitro experiments with primary chondrocytes and in vivo studies with a surgical rat model of knee OA. In vitro studies showed that NEM treatment improved cell viability in chondrocytes exposed to interleukin-1α by upregulating chondrogenic genes and inhibiting enzymes that degrade the extracellular matrix (ECM). Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory effects of NEM were observed in chondrocytes induced by lipopolysaccharide. Administering NEM orally for 56 days after OA surgery resulted in enhanced joint swelling reduction and improved mobility in animal models, as well as an increase in bone density and cartilage compressive strength in a concentration-dependent manner. It inhibited inflammatory markers (5-lipoxygenase and prostaglandin E2) and extracellular matrix (ECM)-degrading enzymes (MMP-2 and MMP-9) in both the cartilage and synovium. Simultaneously, there was an upregulation in the expression of chondrogenic genes (Sox9, aggrecan, and Col-2). The histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses demonstrated that NEM’s anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and chondrogenic properties contributed to the mitigation of joint degradation and synovial inflammation. Therefore, NEM is a potential alternative or functional food agent that addresses both anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective aspects in OA.
Ecological Wood Protection System against Fire, Fungi and Insect Damage Using Humic Acids and Fly Ash
Authors: Liiv Jüri , Rikmann Ergo , Shanskiy Merrit , Teppand Tõnis
Published: June 2024

Traditional wood protection methods involving fire retardants and preservative paints have limitations, requiring periodic renewal during a building’s lifecycle and generating hazardous waste post-use. This study aims to achieve a multifaceted solution, simultaneously enhancing wood’s resistance to fire, fungi, and insects using natural and/or recycled mineral waste components containing lime that react with pozzolanic additives. Additionally, organic humates provide protection against pests (fungi and insects). Following the crystallization processes within the wood’s structure, it exhibits increased resistance to fire, as demonstrated by tests involving seven species. The study also describes wood tolerance tests against termites (Reticulitermes flavipes) that yielded promising results, indicating that the treated wood is an unsuitable habitat for these pests. An additional advantage for the timber industry is that the crystallized composite filling the wood’s pores minimizes wood stitching and reduces internal stresses during the drying process. This property enhances the utility of timber in frame structures and carpentry joints, which are less susceptible to moisture-induced movements. The timber impregnated by our method can also be repurposed or disposed of as non-hazardous waste. This research thus offers an eco-friendly and effective approach to wood protection.
Measuring the Effect of Mental Health on Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Noh Mijin , Kim Yangsok
Published: June 2024

There are many putative risk factors for type 2 diabetes (T2D), and the causal relationship between these factors and diabetes has been established. Socio-environmental and biological approaches are increasingly used to infer causality, and research is needed to understand the causal role of these factors in diabetes risk. Therefore, this study investigated the extent to which the treatment factor of stress induces the risk of diabetes through socio-environmental and biological factors. We present machine learning-based causal inference results generated using DoWhy, a Python library that provides a four-step causal inference method consisting of modeling, identification, estimation, and refutation steps. This study used 253,680 examples collected by the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), created a causal model based on a socio-environmental model, and tested the statistical significance of the obtained estimates. We identified several causal relationships and attempted various refutations. The results show that mental health problems increase the incidence of diabetes by about 15% (mean value: 0.146). The causal effect was evaluated based on the causal model, and the reliability of causal inference was proved through three refutation tests.
A One-Class-Based Supervision System to Detect Unexpected Events in Wastewater Treatment Plants
Authors: Arcano-Bea Paula , Timiraos Míriam , Díaz-Longueira Antonio , Michelena Álvaro , Jove Esteban , Calvo-Rolle José Luis
Published: June 2024

The increasing importance of water quality has led to optimizing the operation of Wastewater Treatment Plants. This implies the monitoring of many parameters that measure aspects such as solid suspension, conductivity, or chemical components, among others. This paper proposes the use of one-class algorithms to learn the normal behavior of a Wastewater Treatment Plants and detect situations in which the crucial parameters of Chemical Oxygen Demand, Ammonia, and Kjeldahl Nitrogen present unexpected deviations. The classifiers are tested using different deviations, achieving successful results. The final supervision systems are capable of detecting critical situation, contributing to decision-making and maintenance effectiveness.
Application and Evaluation of a Blockchain-Centric Platform for Smart Badge Accreditation in Higher Education Institutions
Authors: Kontzinos Christos , Karakolis Evangelos , Kokkinakos Panagiotis , Skalidakis Stavros , Askounis Dimitris , Psarras John
Published: June 2024

Since its conceptualization in 2008, blockchain technology has advanced rapidly and been applied in multiple domains. In higher education, blockchain can be applied to develop ICT systems that can revolutionize student accreditation through certificate verification and micro-accreditations, which represent skills and other learning outcomes, in the form of digital/smart badges. While there are multiple studies that highlight the significance of blockchain in higher education and propose digital systems, few of those studies include the evaluation of such proposed systems by real users. As such, the research question of how useful a higher education blockchain system would be for its relevant stakeholders remains largely unanswered. In the research publication at hand, a blockchain-powered higher education platform was applied in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering of the National Technical University of Athens, where it was used and evaluated by students and professors at the school. The evaluation of the platform was positive, and participants found that the smart badge functionality was among the most useful. Finally, the execution and evaluation of the pilot led to several lessons learned and policy recommendations towards dealing with existing barriers and further promoting blockchain in higher education.
Zonons Are Solitons Produced by Rossby Wave Ringing
Authors: Cohen Nimrod , Galperin Boris , Sukoriansky Semion
Published: June 2024

Along with the familiar Rossby–Haurwitz waves, two-dimensional flows on the surface of a rotating sphere in the regime of zonostrophic turbulence harbor another class of waves known as zonons. Zonons are wave packets produced by energetic large-scale Rossby–Haurwitz wave modes ‘enslaving’ other wave modes. They propagate westward with the phase speed of the enslaving modes. Zonons can be visualized as enslaving modes’ ‘ringing’ in the enslaved ones with the frequencies of the former, the property that renders zonons non-dispersive. Zonons reside in high-shear regions confined between the opposing zonal jets yet they are mainly attached to westward jets and sustained by the ensuing barotropic instability. They exchange energy with the mean flow while preserving their identity in a fully turbulent environment, a feature characteristic of solitary waves. The goal of this study is to deepen our understanding of zonons’ physics using direct numerical simulations, a weakly non-linear theory, and asymptotic analysis, and ascertain that zonons are indeed isomorphic to solitary waves in the Korteweg–de Vries framework. Having this isomorphism established, the analysis is extended to eddies detected in the atmospheres of Jupiter and Saturn based upon the observed mean zonal velocity profiles and earlier findings that circulations on both planets obey the regime of zonostrophic macroturbulence. Not only the analysis confirms that many eddies and eddy trains on both giant planets indeed possess properties of zonons, but the theory also correctly predicts latitudinal bands that confine zonal trajectories of the eddies.
Analysis of Atmospheric Aerosol Changes in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Region during 2009–2019 Using a New Fusion Algorithm
Authors: Zhao Zhijian , Tonooka Hideyuki
Published: June 2024

The Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP) is the largest permafrost-covered area in the world, and it is critical to understand accurately and dynamically the cyclical changes in atmospheric aerosols in the region. However, due to the scarcity of researchers in this field and the complexity of analyzing the spatial and temporal dynamics of aerosols, there is a gap in research in this area, which we hope to fill. In this study, we constructed a new fusion algorithm based on the V5.2 algorithm and the second-generation deep blue algorithm through the introduced weight factor of light and dark image elements. We used the algorithm to analyze the spatial and temporal changes in aerosols from 2009–2019. Seasonal changes and the spatial distribution of aerosol optical depth (AOD) were analyzed in comparison with the trend of weight factor, which proved the stability of the fusion algorithm. Spatially, the AOD values in the northeastern bare lands and southeastern woodland decreased most significantly, and combined with the seasonal pattern of change, the AOD values in this region were higher in the spring and fall. In these 11 years, the AOD values in the spring and fall decreased the most, and the aerosol in which the AOD decreases occurred should be the cooling-type sulfate aerosol. In order to verify the accuracy of the algorithm, we compared the AOD values obtained by the algorithm at different time intervals with the measured AOD values of several AERONET stations, in which the MAE, RMSE, and R between the AOD values obtained by the algorithm and the measured averages of the 12 nearest AERONET stations in the QTP area were 0.309, 0.094, and 0.910, respectively. In addition, this study also compares the AOD results obtained from the fusion algorithm when dynamically weighted and mean-weighted, and the results show that the error value is smaller in the dynamic weighting approach in this study.
Three-Dimensional Computerized Ionospheric Tomography over Maritime Areas Based on Simulated Slant Total Electron Content along Small-Satellite Constellation–Automatic Identification System Signal Rays
Authors: Li Haiying , Xu Bin , Wang Cheng , Zhao Haisheng , Jin Ruimin , Zhang Hongbo , Wang Feifei
Published: June 2024

Ionospheres over sea areas have an inevitable impact on maritime–satellite communications; however, due to geographic constraints, ionospheric observation and analysis over sea areas are far from adequate. In our paper, slant total electron content (STEC) along small-satellite constellation–automatic identification system (AIS) signal rays is used for computerized ionospheric tomography (CIT) over sea areas, and small-satellite constellations can provide more effective signal rays than a single satellite. An adjustment factor δ is introduced to optimize the initial electron density for the multiplicative algebraic reconstruction technique (MART). The CIT results reconstructed by a traditional MART and our new method at 00:00 and 06:00, 15 March 2022, are compared, and our new method produces about a 15% and over 40% improvement in average deviation (AD) and root-mean-square error (RMSE). The results show that the bigger the difference between δ and 1, the better improvement will be in the 3D CIT process. The initial electron density is well selected during CIT when δ is approximate to 1, which is the case at 12:00, and the reconstructed 3D electron density, applying the initial ne and the adjusted initial ne, are both close to the true electron density. The small-satellite constellation–AIS signals are valuable resources for electron density reconstruction in sea areas.
A Conservative Difference Scheme for Solving the Coupled Fractional Schrödinger–Boussinesq System
Authors: Shi Yao , Yan Rian , Liu Tao
Published: June 2024

In this paper, a high-accuracy conservative implicit algorithm for computing the space fractional coupled Schrödinger–Boussinesq system is constructed. Meanwhile, the conservative nature, a priori boundedness, and solvability of the numerical solution are presented. Then, the proposed algorithm is proved to be second-order convergence in temporal and fourth-order spatial convergence using the discrete energy method. Finally, some numerical experiments validate the effectiveness of the conservative algorithm and confirm the accuracy of the theoretical results for different choices of the fractional-order α.
The Improved Antineoplastic Activity of Thermophilic L-Asparaginase Tli10209 via Site-Directed Mutagenesis
Authors: Zhang Lijuan , Ding Simeng , Tang Xiuhui , Gao Renjun , Huo Rui , Xie Guiqiu
Published: June 2024

Amino acid deprivation therapy (AADT) is a novel anticancer therapy, considered nontoxic and selective. Thermophilic L-asparaginase enzymes display high stability and activity at elevated temperatures. However, they are of limited use in clinical applications because of their low substrate affinity and reduced activity under physiological conditions, which may necessitate an improved dosage, leading to side effects and greater costs. Thus, in an attempt to improve the activity of L-Asn at 37 °C, with the use of a semi-rational design, eight active-site mutants of Thermococcus litoralis DSM 5473 L-asparaginase Tli10209 were developed. T70A exhibited a 5.11-fold increase compared with the wild enzyme in physiological conditions. Double-mutant enzymes were created by combining mutants with higher hydrolysis activity. T70A/F36Y, T70A/K48L, and T70A/D50G were enhanced by 5.59-, 6.38-, and 5.58-fold. The immobilized enzyme applied in MCF-7 breast cancer cells only required one-seventh of the dose of the free enzyme to achieve the same inhibition rate under near-infrared irradiation. This provides a proof of concept that it is possible to reduce the consumption of L-Asn by improving its activity, thus providing a method to manage side effects.
Advances in Integrated Multi-omics Analysis for Drug-Target Identification
Authors: Du Peiling , Fan Rui , Zhang Nana , Wu Chenyuan , Zhang Yingqian
Published: June 2024

As an essential component of modern drug discovery, the role of drug-target identification is growing increasingly prominent. Additionally, single-omics technologies have been widely utilized in the process of discovering drug targets. However, it is difficult for any single-omics level to clearly expound the causal connection between drugs and how they give rise to the emergence of complex phenotypes. With the progress of large-scale sequencing and the development of high-throughput technologies, the tendency in drug-target identification has shifted towards integrated multi-omics techniques, gradually replacing traditional single-omics techniques. Herein, this review centers on the recent advancements in the domain of integrated multi-omics techniques for target identification, highlights the common multi-omics analysis strategies, briefly summarizes the selection of multi-omics analysis tools, and explores the challenges of existing multi-omics analyses, as well as the applications of multi-omics technology in drug-target identification.