bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between skeletal muscle index at the third lumbar vertebra with infection risk and long-term prognosis in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure
Authors: Wang Juan , Bai Jinjia , Wang Huimin , Xu Guofen , Yao Ruoyu , Li Jing , Zhang Wenrui , Wang Han , Yao Jia , Ren Xiaojing
Published: January 2024

Objective

Infection is a major cause of increased mortality in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). This study aims to examine the potential correlation of the skeletal muscle index at the third lumbar vertebra (L3-SMI) with infections among ACLF patients and to evaluate its impact on the long-term survival.

Methods

This retrospective study included 126 patients who underwent abdominal computed tomography (CT) and were diagnosed with ACLF at our center between December 2017 and December 2021. L3-SMI was calculated using CT, and the clinical and biochemical data as well as MELD scores were also collected, so as to analyze the relationship between L3-SMI and infections in ACLF patients and the impact on long-term prognosis.

Results

Of the 126 ACLF patients enrolled, 50 had infections. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, both L3-SMI [odds ratio (OR) = 0.89, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.81 – 0.97, P = 0.011] and hepatic encephalopathy (OR = 8.20, 95% CI = 1.70 – 39.59, P = 0.009) were independently associated with the risk of infection development. The overall survival (OS) estimates were obtained using Kaplan-Meier curves, and it was found that patients in the lowest tertile of L3-SMI had significantly lower 3-month, 6-month, 1-year, and 2-year survival rates than those in the highest tertile (P = 0.014; log-rank test).

Conclusion

Low L3-SMI is an independent risk factor for the development of infections and significantly influences the long-term survival in ACLF patients.
Comparing [18F]FET PET and [18F]FDOPA PET for glioma recurrence diagnosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yu Pengbo , Wang Yinan , Su Fengbo , Chen Yan
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The purpose of our meta-analysis and systematic review was to evaluate and compare the diagnostic effectiveness of [18F]FET PET and [18F]FDOPA PET in detecting glioma recurrence.

Methods

Sensitivities and specificities were assessed using the DerSimonian and Laird methodology, and subsequently transformed using the Freeman-Tukey double inverse sine transformation. Confidence intervals were computed employing the Jackson method, while heterogeneity within and between groups was evaluated through the Cochrane Q and I² statistics. If substantial heterogeneity among the studies was observed (P < 0.10 or I² > 50%), we conducted meta-regression and sensitivity analyses. Publication bias was assessed through the test of a funnel plot and the application of Egger’s test. For all statistical tests, except for assessing heterogeneity (P < 0.10), statistical significance was determined when the two-tailed P value fell below 0.05.

Results

Initially, 579 publications were identified, and ultimately, 22 studies, involving 1514 patients(1226 patients for [18F]FET PET and 288 patients for [18F]FDOPA PET), were included in the analysis. The sensitivity and specificity of [18F]FET PET were 0.84 (95% CI, 0.75-0.90) and 0.86 (95% CI, 0.80-0.91), respectively, while for [18F]FDOPA PET, the values were 0.95 (95% CI, 0.86-1.00) for sensitivity and 0.90 (95% CI, 0.77-0.98) for specificity. A statistically significant difference in sensitivity existed between these two radiotracers (P=0.04), while no significant difference was observed in specificity (P=0.58).

Conclusion

It seems that [18F]FDOPA PET demonstrates superior sensitivity and similar specificity to [18F] FET PET. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to emphasize that [18F]FDOPA PET results were obtained from studies with limited sample sizes. Further larger prospective studies, especially head-to-head comparisons, are needed in this issue.

Systematic Review Registration

identifier CRD42023463476
Probiotic Weizmannia coagulans MTCC 5856 as adjunct therapy in children's acute diarrhea—a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
Authors: Majeed Muhammed , Nagabhushanam Kalyanam , Arumugam Sivakumar , Chadalavada Nagarjuna , Seepana Jyotsna , Annamalai Thumjaa , Murali Avinash , Prakasan Priji , Mundkur Lakshmi
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Acute diarrhea in children is generally managed by replacing the lost fluid with oral rehydration solution (ORS). Probiotic supplementation has been reported to reduce the severity of diarrhea. In the present study, we investigated the effect of Weizmannia coagulans (Bacillus coagulans) MTCC 5856, along with ORS on acute diarrhea of all causes in non-hospitalized children.

Methods

A total of 110 children of ages between 1 and 10 were enrolled in a double-blind placebo-controlled study and were randomly allocated to receive W. coagulans MTCC 5856 (4 × 108 spores, N = 54) + ORS and zinc (Zn) or a placebo (N = 56) + ORS and (Zn) for 5 days. The consistency of the stool, mean duration of diarrhea in hours, mean diarrhea frequency per day, and the dehydration status were collected as efficacy endpoints. Safety was evaluated by the occurrence of adverse events.

Results

The mean age of the children was 5.55 ± 2.57 years (61 boys and 49 girls). The mean duration of diarrhea was 51.31 ± 20.99 h in the W. coagulans MTCC 5856 group and 62.74 ± 24.51 h in the placebo (p = 0.011) group. The frequency of diarrhea was lower in children supplemented with the probiotic, but the difference was not statistically significant. The perceived efficacy score and dehydration status improved significantly in the W. coagulans MTCC 5856 group compared with the placebo group. No adverse events were recorded.

Conclusion

The results of the study suggest that W. coagulans MTCC 5856 could be supplemented along with ORS and zinc to reduce the duration of diarrhea in non-hospitalized children.

Clinical Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier CTRI/2022/06/043239.
Role of ATG7-dependent non-autophagic pathway in angiogenesis
Authors: Chen Jinxiang , Liang Yu , Hu Shaorun , Jiang Jun , Zeng Min , Luo Mao
Published: January 2024

ATG7, one of the core proteins of autophagy, plays an important role in various biological processes, including the regulation of autophagy. While clear that autophagy drives angiogenesis, the role of ATG7 in angiogenesis remains less defined. Several studies have linked ATG7 with angiogenesis, which has long been underappreciated. The knockdown of ATG7 gene in cerebrovascular development leads to angiogenesis defects. In addition, specific knockout of ATG7 in endothelial cells results in abnormal development of neovascularization. Notably, the autophagy pathway is not necessary for ATG7 regulation of angiogenesis, while the ATG7-dependent non-autophagic pathway plays a critical role in the regulation of neovascularization. In order to gain a better understanding of the non-autophagic pathway-mediated biological functions of the autophagy-associated protein ATG7 and to bring attention to this expanding but understudied research area, this article reviews recent developments in the ATG7-dependent non-autophagic pathways regulating angiogenesis.
Exploring the natural products chemical space to abrogate the F3L-dsRNA interface of monkeypox virus to enhance the immune responses using molecular screening and free energy calculations
Authors: Suleman Muhammad , Ahmad Tanveer , shah Khadim , Albekairi Norah A. , Alshammari Abdulrahman , Khan Abbas , Wei Dong-Qing , Yassine Hadi M. , Crovella Sergio
Published: January 2024

Amid the ongoing monkeypox outbreak, there is an urgent need for the rapid development of effective therapeutic interventions capable of countering the immune evasion mechanisms employed by the monkeypox virus (MPXV). The evasion strategy involves the binding of the F3L protein to dsRNA, resulting in diminished interferon (IFN) production. Consequently, our current research focuses on utilizing virtual drug screening techniques to target the RNA binding domain of the F3L protein. Out of the 954 compounds within the South African natural compound database, only four demonstrated notable docking scores: −6.55, −6.47, −6.37, and −6.35 kcal/mol. The dissociation constant (KD) analysis revealed a stronger binding affinity of the top hits 1-4 (−5.34, −5.32, −5.29, and −5.36 kcal/mol) with the F3L in the MPXV. All-atom simulations of the top-ranked hits 1 to 4 consistently exhibited stable dynamics, suggesting their potential to interact effectively with interface residues. This was further substantiated through analyses of parameters such as radius of gyration (Rg), Root Mean Square Fluctuation, and hydrogen bonding. Cumulative assessments of binding free energy confirmed the top-performing candidates among all the compounds, with values of −35.90, −52.74, −28.17, and −32.11 kcal/mol for top hits 1-4, respectively. These results indicate that compounds top hit 1-4 could hold significant promise for advancing innovative drug therapies, suggesting their suitability for both in vivo and in vitro experiments.
Utilizing NMR fecal metabolomics as a novel technique for detecting the physiological effects of food shortages in waterfowl
Authors: Murray Breanne A. , Machin Karen L.
Published: January 2024

Metabolomics is the study of small, endogenous metabolites that participate in metabolic reactions, including responses to stressors. Anthropogenic and environmental changes that alter habitat and food supply can act as stressors in wild waterfowl. These alterations invoke a series of physiological processes to provide energy to restore homeostasis and increase survival. In this study, we utilized fecal metabolomics to measure metabolites and identify pathways related to a 6-day feed restriction in captive mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos, n = 9). Fecal samples were collected before (baseline) and during feed restriction (treatment). H1 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was performed to identify metabolites. We found that fecal metabolite profiles could be used to distinguish between the feed-restricted and baseline samples. We identified metabolites related to pathways for energy production and metabolism endpoints, and metabolites indicative of gut microbiota changes. We also demonstrated that mallard ducks could utilize endogenous reserves in times of limited caloric intake. Fecal metabolomics shows promise as a non-invasive novel tool in identifying and characterizing physiological responses associated with stressors in a captive wild bird species.
SREBPs as the potential target for solving the polypharmacy dilemma
Authors: Wang Xue , Chen Yanqiu , Meng Heyu , Meng Fanbo
Published: January 2024

The phenomenon of polypharmacy is a common occurrence among older people with multiple health conditions due to the rapid increase in population aging and the popularization of clinical guidelines. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome is growing quickly, representing a serious threat to both the public and the worldwide healthcare systems. In addition, it enhances the risk of cardiovascular disease as well as mortality and morbidity. Sterol regulatory element binding proteins (SREBPs) are basic helix-loop-helix leucine zipper transcription factors that transcriptionally modulate genes that regulate lipid biosynthesis and uptake, thereby serving an essential role in biological systems regulation. In this article, we have described the structure of SREBPs and explored their activation and regulation of signals. We also reveal that SREBPs are intricately involved in the modulation of metabolic diseases and thus have tremendous potential as the novel target for single-drug therapy for multiple diseases.
Optical sensing and control of T cell signaling pathways
Authors: Lee Hae Nim , Lee Seung Eun , Inn Kyung-Soo , Seong Jihye
Published: January 2024

T cells regulate adaptive immune responses through complex signaling pathways mediated by T cell receptor (TCR). The functional domains of the TCR are combined with specific antibodies for the development of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy. In this review, we first overview current understanding on the T cell signaling pathways as well as traditional methods that have been widely used for the T cell study. These methods, however, are still limited to investigating dynamic molecular events with spatiotemporal resolutions. Therefore, genetically encoded biosensors and optogenetic tools have been developed to study dynamic T cell signaling pathways in live cells. We review these cutting-edge technologies that revealed dynamic and complex molecular mechanisms at each stage of T cell signaling pathways. They have been primarily applied to the study of dynamic molecular events in TCR signaling, and they will further aid in understanding the mechanisms of CAR activation and function. Therefore, genetically encoded biosensors and optogenetic tools offer powerful tools for enhancing our understanding of signaling mechanisms in T cells and CAR-T cells.
Timing of systemic resistance induced by local exogenous ABA application within clonal network of stoloniferous herb Centella asiatica subjected to low water availability
Authors: Duan Su-Juan , Sun Gui-Jia , Dan Yi , Deng Jie , Yu Dong-Wei , Wei Qin , Chen Chang-Fan , Jiang Jie , Wang Xue-Mei , Ren Ting-Ju , Liao Yong-Mei , Chen Jin-Song
Published: January 2024

Resistance traits of plants can be activated both at the damaged site and undamaged parts. Systemic resistance induced by local exogenous abscisic acid (ABA) application alleviated negative effect of low water availability on growth performance of clonal plant. However, timing of systemic resistance was poorly understood. Timing of systemic resistance refers to its activation and decay time within clonal network. Clonal fragment of Centella asiatica with four successive ramets (including first-oldest, second-older, third-old and fourth-young ramets) subjected to low water availability (20% soil moisture content) was used to explore effects of local exogenous ABA application on the timing of resistance activation and decay. Systemic resistance activated by local exogenous ABA application after 4 days remained at least 28 days. Compared with control, biomass accumulation of whole clonal fragment, root biomass and ratio of belowground to aboveground biomass significantly increased by local exogenous ABA application after 28 days. It is suggested that rapid activation and delay of resistance response induced by local exogenous ABA application within clonal network may improve fitness of clonal plant subjected to abiotic stress.
Factors influencing college teachers’ adoption of live online teaching: a conditional process model of technology acceptance, user satisfaction and privacy concerns
Authors: Xiao Wan , Wang Meiqin , Mo Jiaqian
Published: January 2024

Purpose

In recent times, live online teaching has emerged as a prominent trend in online education. However, teachers are confronted with the challenge of not only acquainting themselves with the associated technologies but also effectively integrating them into their teaching practices. This dual challenge exerts pressure on teachers to adopt live online teaching. This study aims to explore the factors and mechanisms influencing teachers’ attitudes and continuance intention toward live online teaching. It covers both intrinsic and extrinsic motivations, as well as both enabling and inhibiting factors, thus providing valuable suggestions for encouraging teachers to engage in live online teaching actively.

Method

This study proposed a conceptual model based on the Technology Acceptance Model, Uses and Gratifications Theory, and Communication Privacy Management Theory. A simple random sampling method was employed to recruit participants from a university in eastern China. With 224 college teachers participating in the study, various analyses, including descriptive analysis, regression analysis, and simple slope analysis, were conducted to explore the factors and mechanisms influencing college teachers’ adoption of live online teaching.

Results

The study revealed the following key findings: (a) perceived easy of use had a positive impact on perceived usefulness and user satisfaction; (b) perceived usefulness had a positive effect on user satisfaction; (c) both perceived usefulness and user satisfaction positively influenced teachers’ adoption of live online teaching; (d) perceived easy of use did not directly affect teachers’ adoption of live online teaching; (e) privacy concerns exhibited a moderated effect on the relationship between perceived easy of use and perceived usefulness, as well as the relationship between perceived easy of use and user satisfaction.

Conclusion

The study reveals a conditional process model elucidating teachers’ adoption of live online learning. The model incorporates perceived ease of use as a predictor, perceived usefulness and user satisfaction as two mediators, and private concerns as a moderator. The findings suggest that stakeholders should collaborate closely to enhance the design and development of the live online teaching platforms. Additionally, efforts should be made to support and improve teachers’ information literacy, fostering their enthusiasm and facilitating their professional development in live online teaching practice.
Economic evaluation of preventive cognitive therapy versus care as usual in cognitive behavioral therapy responders
Authors: de Jonge Margo , Blankers Matthijs , Bockting Claudi L. H. , van Dijk Maarten K. , Kikkert Martijn J. , Dekker Jack J. M.
Published: January 2024

Background

The highly recurrent nature of Major Depressive Disorder is a major contributor to disability and health care costs. Several studies indicate that recurrence may be prevented with Preventive Cognitive Therapy (PCT). This study is the first to perform an economic evaluation of PCT in comparison with care as usual for recurrently depressed patients who experienced two or more depressive episodes and remitted after receiving Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

Methods

An economic evaluation from the societal perspective was performed alongside a randomized trial (N = 214). Health-related quality of life (QALYs), depression-free days, health care utilization, and productivity losses were measured between randomization and 15 months follow-up. The costs were indexed to the reference year 2014.

Results

QALY gains did not differ significantly between the groups (p = 0.69). Depression-free days were higher after PCT (p = 0.02). Societal costs of PCT were 10,417 euro and for care as usual 9,545 euro per person. We found a 47% likelihood that PCT led to additional QALYs at higher costs, and there was a 26% likelihood that PCT led to fewer QALYs at higher costs. When depression-free days was used as an outcome, we found PCT had a 72% likelihood of leading to more depression-free days at higher costs than care as usual and a 27% likelihood of leading to more depression-free days at lower societal costs.

Limitations

The 15-month follow-up might be too short to draw long-term conclusions about the cost-effectiveness of the PCT. The data collected for this study is part of an RCT to examine the effectiveness of adding PCT to care as usual. Therefore, the study was powered primarily to detect an effect in time to relapse/recurrences.

Conclusion

The economic evaluation is slightly in favour of the PCT condition when depression-free days is used as an outcome. PCT is not cost-effective given the high costs per additional QALYs from the societal perspective when QALYs are the effect measure.

Clinical trial registration

https://www.onderzoekmetmensen.nl/en, identifier NL2482.
Exercise or lie down? The impact of fitness app use on users' wellbeing
Authors: Cai Jie , Li Gang
Published: January 2024

Introduction

The use of fitness apps is becoming more and more widespread, and its impact on people's well-being has received more and more attention.

Methods

The relationship between fitness app use and users' well-being and the influence mechanism was explored using structural equation modeling with upward social comparison as the mediating variable and self-control as the moderating variable.

Results

The questionnaire survey of 1,452 fitness app users over 18 years old shows that: (1) fitness app use is associated with users' well-being; (2) upward social comparison plays a mediating role in the relationship between fitness app use and users' well-being; (3) self-control has a moderating effect on the relationship between fitness app use and users' well-being.

Discussion

Self-control plays a significant moderating role between social comparison and well-being, upward social comparison can improve the well-being of high self-control users but reduce the well-being of low self-control users.
The role of effective factors on suicidal tendency of women in Turkey
Authors: Kılıçarslan Şerife , Çelik Sefa , Güngör Abdullah Y. , Alkan Ömer
Published: January 2024

Background/Aim

This study aims to identify the variables that influence the suicidal tendency of women who are married, have had a relationship or are currently in a relationship in Turkey.

Methods

This study uses cross-sectional data from the 2014 Hacettepe University Institute of Population Studies National Research on Domestic Violence Against Women in Turkey. Data from 6,458 women between the ages of 15 and 49 were analyzed in this dataset. Binary logistic regression was used to determine the factors influencing women’s suicidal tendencies.

Results

Based on the analysis’s findings, age, education level, health status, number of children, the sector in which the spouse/partner works, the drinking status of the spouse/partner, the situation where the spouse/partner fights with another man in a way that involves physical violence, the cheating status of the spouse/partner, the controlling behaviour of the spouse/partner, exposure to various types of violence by both the spouse/partner and someone other than the partner, and the household income level variables were found to be associated with the suicidal tendency of women.

Conclusion

Prioritizing women who are, in particular, between the ages of 15 and 24, live in the south of Turkey, have a high school education, are in poor health, are childless, have low household incomes, live with an unemployed spouse or partner, and are exposed to various forms of violence from their partner or other sources can be achieved more effective results in reducing and preventing women’s suicidal behaviors.
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic in children using non-invasive ventilation: a thematic analysis of caregivers answers to a survey study
Authors: Dobson Lauren , Milne Ella , Halperin Heather , Olmstead Deborah , Scott Shannon D. , Castro-Codesal Maria L.
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in drastic changes in people's lives, more so in individuals with chronic conditions, such as children with chronic respiratory disorders requiring home non-invasive ventilation. Our research question was: How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected the daily lives of children using home NIV and their families and their NIV adherence?

Methods

An anonymous online survey was administered to caregivers of pediatric patients using home NIV followed at the Stollery's Pediatric NIV Program in Alberta, Canada, between September 2020 and September 2021. Thematic analysis was conducted for the identification of emerging themes.

Results/findings

Four themes were identified: (1) positive effects, (2) negative effects, (3) neutral effects, and (4) impact on NIV adherence. Effects of COVID-19 on children and families were reported by 55 respondents (57% response rate). Positive effects included a slower lifestyle, more family time, and less recurrent acute respiratory illness. Negative effects included increased parental anxiety, prolonged social isolation beyond imposed restrictions, and limited access to health supplies. Despite these negative effects, 90% of respondents reported adequate maintenance or even increases in their child's NIV use. A general sense of benefit in the virtual specialized care model was also highlighted.

Conclusion

COVID-19 resulted in varying levels of impact on the lives of children using NIV, not unlike the general population. Negative effects, however, appeared to intensify in these technology-dependent children. NIV adherence, however, was prioritized by families and even increased during COVID-19. Further research is needed to analyse the potential benefits of virtual models of specialized care.
Do food security indicators vary between male and female-headed households? Evidence from legume farmers in Western Kenya
Authors: Oburu Susan Atieno , Otieno David Jakinda , Chimoita Evans , Ojiem John
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Food security is an important aspect of sustainable development at global, national and local levels. However, differences in resource endowments and control thereof, may privilege some households and regions than others. As a result, households’ diets may be varied leading to differences in food security status. Various initiatives that seek to diversify diets through legume integration on farms have been promoted in developing countries; but, their effects on household food security remains undocumented. In order to address the above knowledge gap, this study compares the food security indicators of male and female-headed households that integrate legumes in their farms in Nandi County, Kenya.

Methods

Using cross-sectional data from 374 respondents, various food security scores were computed. Subsequently, the ordinary least squares regression model was applied to determine factors that influence the food security scores.

Results and discussion

The results revealed that the food security scores were in the normal range; acceptable food consumption score of 62.20 and medium household dietary diversity score of 5.24. In both the male- and female-headed households; land size, access to credit and distance to nearest open-air market from the household significantly affected food security scores positively, while number of meals per day had significant negative effect. Further, in the male-headed households, the food security score was positively affected by household size and years of farming experience, while the household head’s age negatively affected the food security score. These findings provide useful insights on the need to target specific interventions that support the attainment of desired levels of food security in male- and female-headed households based on their distinct levels of resource endowments and control.
Factors associated with farmers’ adoption of standardized planting methods: evidence from China
Authors: Hu Chenxia , Li Lingyu , Wright Alan L. , Zheng Qiaoqiao , Li Nanyang , He Shan
Published: January 2024

Introduction

The standardization of planting techniques has substantially enhanced production efficiency and agricultural output. Understanding farmers’ perceptions and adoption of standardized planting practices is essential.

Methods

In this study, the binary logistic model and the interpretive structural model was employed to analyze the factors influencing farmers’ adoption of standardized planting methods and the hierarchical structure and internal mechanisms of the influential factors.

Results

The questionnaire responses of 244 farmers from Zhejiang Province, China, revealed farmers’ predominantly positive perceptions of standardized planting methods. Farmers’ planting experience and participation in cooperatives significantly affected their perceptions. The results of the regression analysis revealed that significant influencing factors included farmers’ education level, planting experience, participation in cooperatives, awareness of standardized planting methods, the perceived effects of standardized planting methods on household income and on village ecological environment. The interpretive structural model results revealed that the surface level factors influencing farmers’ adoption of standardized planting methods were farmers’ village cadre status, participation in cooperatives, and awareness of standardized planting methods. Farmers’ education level and planting experience were the fundamental factors.

Discussion

In the future, the influence of farmers’ education level and characteristics of arable land on the adoption of standardized planting methods by farmers should be further explored, as well as the need for non-value studies on farmers’ willingness to accept standardized planting methods.
Personalized Advertising in E-Commerce: Using Clickstream Data to Target High-Value Customers
Authors: Sakalauskas Virgilijus , Kriksciuniene Dalia
Published: January 2024

The growing popularity of e-commerce has prompted researchers to take a greater interest in deeper understanding online shopping behavior, consumer interest patterns, and the effectiveness of advertising campaigns. This paper presents a fresh approach for targeting high-value e-shop clients by utilizing clickstream data. We propose the new algorithm to measure customer engagement and recognizing high-value customers. Clickstream data is employed in the algorithm to compute a Customer Merit (CM) index that measures the customer’s level of engagement and anticipates their purchase intent. The CM index is evaluated dynamically by the algorithm, examining the customer’s activity level, efficiency in selecting items, and time spent in browsing. It combines tracking customers browsing and purchasing behaviors with other relevant factors: time spent on the website and frequency of visits to e-shops. This strategy proves highly beneficial for e-commerce enterprises, enabling them to pinpoint potential buyers and design targeted advertising campaigns exclusively for high-value customers of e-shops. It allows not only boosts e-shop sales but also minimizes advertising expenses effectively. The proposed method was tested on actual clickstream data from two e-commerce websites and showed that the personalized advertising campaign outperformed the non-personalized campaign in terms of click-through and conversion rate. In general, the findings suggest, that personalized advertising scenarios can be a useful tool for boosting e-commerce sales and reduce advertising cost. By utilizing clickstream data and adopting a targeted approach, e-commerce businesses can attract and retain high-value customers, leading to higher revenue and profitability.
Hierarchical Understanding in Robotic Manipulation: A Knowledge-Based Framework
Authors: Miao Runqing , Jia Qingxuan , Sun Fuchun , Chen Gang , Huang Haiming
Published: January 2024

In the quest for intelligent robots, it is essential to enable them to understand tasks beyond mere manipulation. Achieving this requires a robust parsing mode that can be used to understand human cognition and semantics. However, the existing methods for task and motion planning lack generalization and interpretability, while robotic knowledge bases primarily focus on static manipulation objects, neglecting the dynamic tasks and skills. To address these limitations, we present a knowledge-based framework for hierarchically understanding various factors and knowledge types in robotic manipulation. Using this framework as a foundation, we collect a knowledge graph dataset describing manipulation tasks from text datasets and an external knowledge base with the assistance of large language models and construct the knowledge base. The reasoning tasks of entity alignment and link prediction are accomplished using a graph embedding method. A robot in real-world environments can infer new task execution plans based on experience and knowledge, thereby achieving manipulation skill transfer.
Contribution of Different Parameters on Film Cooling Efficiency Based on the Improved Orthogonal Experiment Method
Authors: Duan Xinlei , Chang Jianlong , Chen Guangsong , Liu Taisu , Ma He
Published: January 2024

The use of film cooling technology is one of the most effective ways to minimize the damage to wall materials caused by the high-temperature environment in a ramjet. Optimization of the design to achieve the highest film cooling efficiency on the hot wall is the focus of current research. Due to the large number of parameters affecting the film cooling efficiency and the interactions between them, an improved orthogonal design-of-experiments method is chosen to investigate the contribution of different parameters. Flat plate film cooling and transverse groove film cooling are simulated numerically. The results indicated that the contribution of each parameter is ranked as hole spacing (S/D) > incidence angle > blowing ratio for flat plate film cooling; hole spacing > transverse groove depth > blowing ratio > incidence angle for transverse groove film cooling. The film cooling efficiency is inversely proportional to the size of the flow field area affected by the vortex ring and directly proportional to the size of the vortex intensity. Transverse groove film cooling forms a more complete film in most cases, which is better than flat plate film cooling. Within the scope of this study, a complete film at S/D > 2.0 cannot be generated on the flat plate, which should not be used in ramjet.
Improving Coffee Yield Interpolation in the Presence of Outliers Using Multivariate Geostatistics and Satellite Data
Authors: Silva César de Oliveira Ferreira , Grego Celia Regina , Manzione Rodrigo Lilla , Oliveira Stanley Robson de Medeiros
Published: January 2024

Precision agriculture for coffee production requires spatial knowledge of crop yield. However, difficulties in implementation lie in low-sampled areas. In addition, the asynchronicity of this crop adds complexity to the modeling. It results in a diversity of phenological stages within a field and also continuous production of coffee over time. Big Data retrieved from remote sensing can be tested to improve spatial modeling. This research proposes to apply the Sentinel-2 vegetation index (NDVI) and the Sentinel-1 dual-polarization C-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) dataset as auxiliary variables in the multivariate geostatistical modeling of coffee yield characterized by the presence of outliers and assess improvement. A total of 66 coffee yield points were sampled from a 4 ha area in a quasi-regular grid located in southeastern Brazil. Ordinary kriging (OK) and block cokriging (BCOK) were applied. Overall, coupling coffee yield with the NDVI and/or SAR in BCOK interpolation improved the accuracy of spatial interpolation of coffee yield even in the presence of outliers. Incorporating Big Data for improving the modeling for low-sampled fields requires taking into account the difference in supports between different datasets since this difference can increase uncontrolled uncertainty. In this manner, we will consider, for future research, new tests with other covariates. This research has the potential to support precision agriculture applications as site-specific plant nutrient management.
Identification and Functional Analysis of PR Genes in Leaves from Variegated Tea Plant (Camellia sinensis)
Authors: Xi Zuguo , Jia Huiyan , Li Yifan , Ma Jinqing , Lu Mengqian , Wang Zhihui , Kong Dexu , Deng Wei-Wei
Published: January 2024

Tea is a healthy beverage made from the leaves of the tea plant [Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze]. The tea plant is a perennial evergreen plant that is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. PR proteins (pathogenesis-related proteins, PRs) are defense-related proteins induced under pathogenesis-related conditions. Currently, there are a few studies on PRs in plants. Tea leaf color mutants have been of wide interest to scientists as special materials. A tea plant displaying variegated spontaneous albinism found in a local tea plantation in Huangshan City, Anhui Province, China, was used as the material sample in this study. An analysis of preexisting transcriptomic and proteomic data revealed the significant upregulation of three classes of PRs. In order to investigate the correlation between PRs and variegated tea plants, a series of studies were conducted on PR genes. The results revealed the identification of 17 CsPR1, 3 CsPR4 and 31 CsPR5 genes in tea plants using bioinformatics methods, and their structures and promoter sequences. The expression of three PR1, two PR4 and one PR5 genes was determined to be induced in stress treatment experiments involving mechanical damage, insect bites, low temperature treatment, and fungal infections. Additionally, the ribonuclease activity of CsPR4 was successfully verified. This is the first study to report the ribonuclease activity of CsPR4 in tea plants. The results can serve as a reference for future studies on PRs in tea plants, offering new insights into information on albinism in tea plants.
Identification of Clubroot-Resistant Germplasm in a Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) Core Collection
Authors: Ma Yang , Wang Haiping , Song Jiangping , Yang Wenlong , Jia Huixia , Agerbirk Niels , Chen Yinan , Li Chen , Piao Yinglan , Li Sen , Zhang Xiaohui
Published: January 2024

Clubroot disease, caused by Plasmodiophora brassicae, poses a significant global threat to cruciferous crops. The epidemic area of clubroot disease is expanding rapidly. In response to this pressing issue, there is a compelling need for the development of clubroot disease-resistant radish cultivars. China boasts an extensive array of radish varieties and germplasm resources. However, a comprehensive assessment of their resistance to clubroot has not yet been carried out, thereby impeding the effective utilization of germplasm and clubroot-resistant breeding. Therefore, it is urgent to systematically evaluate the clubroot resistance of the radish germplasm and identify resistant resources. In this study, clubroot resistance evaluations were conducted on 268 excellent radish varieties derived from 30 provinces in China, as well as seven accessions from Russia, North Korea, France, South Korea, and Germany. The resistance evaluation revealed a diverse range of resistance indices, with a mean disease index (DI) ranging from 0.6 to 58.5, showing significant disparities in clubroot resistance among these radish resources. A total of six accessions were characterized as highly resistant to clubroot, and a further 50 accessions were characterized as resistant. The disease-resistant radishes showed diversity in horticultural traits. Provinces in South China contributed significantly more resistance germplasm than those of North China. These materials are of great value for both genetic investigation and the crop breeding of clubroot resistance. Furthermore, we employed a previously established clubroot-resistance-linked SSR marker to analyze the clubroot-resistant resources. The accessions exhibited dissimilar genetic profiles from known clubroot-resistant germplasm, suggesting their potential status as novel sources of clubroot resistance. Conclusively, these newly identified accessions enriched the genetic diversity within the clubroot-resistant gene pool and may contribute to the future cloning of previously undiscovered clubroot-resistant genes.
Assessing Decision Support Tools for Mitigating Tail Biting in Pork Production: Current Progress and Future Directions
Authors: Ward Sophia A. , Pluske John R. , Plush Kate J. , Pluske Jo M. , Rikard-Bell Charles V.
Published: January 2024

Tail biting (TB) in pigs is a complex issue that can be caused by multiple factors, making it difficult to determine the exact etiology on a case-by-case basis. As such, it is often difficult to pinpoint the reason, or set of reasons, for TB events, Decision Support Tools (DSTs) can be used to identify possible risk factors of TB on farms and provide suitable courses of action. The aim of this review was to identify DSTs that could be used to predict the risk of TB behavior. Additionally, technologies that can be used to support DSTs, with monitoring and tracking the prevalence of TB behaviors, are reviewed. Using the PRISMA methodology to identify sources, the applied selection process found nine DSTs related to TB in pigs. All support tools relied on secondary information, either by way of the scientific literature or expert opinions, to determine risk factors for TB predictions. Only one DST was validated by external sources, seven were self-assessed by original developers, and one presented no evidence of validation. This analysis better understands the limitations of DSTs and highlights an opportunity for the development of DSTs that rely on objective data derived from the environment, animals, and humans simultaneously to predict TB risks. Moreover, an opportunity exists for the incorporation of monitoring technologies for TB detection into a DST.
Stress-Induced Immunosuppression Inhibits Regional Immune Responses in Chicken Adipose Tissue Partially through Suppressing T Cells by Up-Regulating Steroid Metabolism
Authors: Zhang Wei , Xu Xinxin , Zhang Rui , Tian Yufei , Ma Xiaoli , Wang Xiangnan , Jiang Yi , Man Chaolai
Published: January 2024

Lipid metabolism plays an important role in maintaining lipid homeostasis and regulating immune functions. However, the regulations and mechanisms of lipid metabolism on the regional immune function of avian adipose tissue (AT) have not been reported. In this study, qRT-PCR was used to investigate the changes and relationships of different lipid metabolism pathways in chicken AT during stress-induced immunosuppression (SIIS) inhibiting immune response to Newcastle disease virus vaccine, then the miRNA regulation patterns of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGCR) gene and its potential applications were further identified. The results showed that AT actively responded to SIIS, and ATGL, CPT1A and HMGCR were all the key genes involved in the processes of SIIS inhibiting the immune responses. SIIS significantly inhibited the natural and specific immune phases of the primary immune response and the initiation phase of the secondary immune response in AT by suppressing T cells by up-regulating steroid anabolism. Moreover, steroid metabolism could play dual roles in regulating the regional immune functions of AT. The miR-29a/c-3p-HMGCR network was a potential regulation mechanism of steroid metabolism in AT, and serum circulating miR-29a/c-3p had the potential as molecular markers. The study can provide valuable references for an in-depth investigation of the regional immune functions regulated by lipid metabolism in AT.
Exploring the Impact of Ambient and Character Sounds on Player Experience in Video Games
Authors: Haehn Luise , Schlittmeier Sabine J. , Böffel Christian
Published: January 2024

Elaborate sound design, including background music, ambient sounds (sounds describing the game world), and character sounds (sounds generated by the character’s actions), plays a pivotal role in modern video games. However, the influence of these different types of sound on the player’s experience has not been extensively researched. This study examines the influence of these sound types on immersion, avatar identification, fun, and perceived competence. In two experiments, participants played League of Legends under four different sound conditions. The first experiment (N1 = 32) revealed a non-significant trend in the effect of character sounds on avatar identification. Ambient sounds, however, were limited because the task restricted participants’ movement across the game map. Consequently, we adapted the task to allow for a wider variety of ambient sounds in the second experiment (N2 = 32). Here, a significant impact of character sounds on immersion, avatar identification, and fun was observed, as well as an interaction effect of character sounds and ambient sounds on fun. Furthermore, we observed a trend, though not statistically significant, suggesting that ambient sounds may influence the player’s sense of flow. These findings underline the distinct effects of different sound types, and we discuss implications for the design of sound in video games.
An Approach to a Linked Corpus Creation for a Literary Heritage Based on the Extraction of Entities from Texts
Authors: Kassab Kenan , Teslya Nikolay
Published: January 2024

Working with the literary heritage of writers requires the studying of a large amount of materials. Finding them can take a considerable amount of time even when using search engines. The solution to this problem is to create a linked corpus of literary heritage. Texts in such a corpus will be united by common entities, which will make it possible to select texts not only by the occurrence of certain phrases in a query but also by common entities. To solve this problem, we propose the use of a Named Entity Recognition model trained on examples from a corpus of texts and a database structure for storing connections between texts. We propose to automate the process of creating a dataset for training a BERT-based NER model. Due to the specifics of the subject area, methods, techniques, and strategies are proposed to increase the accuracy of the model trained with a small set of examples. As a result, we created a dataset and a model trained on it which showed high accuracy in recognizing entities in the text (the average F1-score for all entity types is 0.8952). The database structure provides for the storage of unique entities and their relationships with texts and a selection of texts based on the entities. The method was tested for a corpus of texts from the literary heritage of Alexander Sergeevich Pushkin, which is also a difficult task due to the specifics of the Russian language.
Numerical Simulation of Droplet Dispersion and Passenger Infection Risk Assessment in a Subway Carriage
Authors: Wu Fan , Yu Chao , Xu Renze , Li Hengkui
Published: January 2024

Droplet transmission is a critical pathway for the spread of respiratory infectious viruses. A thorough understanding of the mechanisms of droplet dispersion within subway carriages is crucial to curb the widespread transmission of the virus. This study utilizes computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to establish a full-scale numerical model of a subway carriage. The numerical model and droplet evaporation behavior are validated using experimental data and literature. The impact of primary parameters such as the initial droplet size, release velocity, release position, relative humidity, and passenger density on the droplet diffusion and probability of infection for passengers is investigated. The results indicate that large droplets (100 μm) are deposited on the carriage floor before complete evaporation, while tiny droplets (10 μm) evaporate rapidly, leading to a longer suspension time in the air within the carriage. The infected passenger’s position influences the ventilation system’s efficiency in removing the droplets; removal takes significantly longer when the infected passenger is closer to the carriage end. Additionally, a low relative humidity (35%) and high passenger density (4 p/m2) result in more droplets being trapped by passengers’ bodies. The infection probability for passengers depends on the initial size and quantity of droplets trapped by their bodies. Maintaining higher relative humidity levels and limiting the passenger numbers within the subway carriage can reduce the number of droplets captured by passengers’ bodies, thus helping to reduce the infection probability of fellow passengers.