bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Study of the Peculiarities of the Formation of a Hybrid Interface Based on Polydopamine between Dental Tissues and Dental Composites, Using IR and Raman Microspectroscopy, at the Submicron Level
Authors: Seredin Pavel , Goloshchapov Dmitry , Buylov Nikita , Kashkarov Vladimir , Shikhaliev Khidmet , Potapov Andrey , Ippolitov Yuri , Kartsev Viktor , Kuyumchyan Sergey , de Oliveira Freitas Raul
Published: July 2023

The creation of buffer (hybrid) layers that provide improved adhesion to two heterogeneous materials is a promising and high-priority research area in the field of dental materials science. In our work, using FTIR and Raman microspectroscopy at the submicron level in a system of dental composites/intact dental enamel, we assessed the molecular features of formation and chemically visualized the hybrid interface formed on the basis of a nature-like adhesive, polydopamine (PDA). It is shown that a homogeneous bioinspired PDA–hybrid interface with an increased content of O-Ca-O bonds can be created using traditional methods of dental tissue pretreatment (diamond micro drilling, acid etching), as well as the subsequent alkalinization procedure and the developed synthesis technology. The development of the proposed technology for accelerated deposition of PDA–hybrid layers, as well as the creation of self-assembled biomimetic nanocomposites with antibacterial properties, may in the future find clinical application for minimally invasive dental restoration procedures.
Antibiotic Resistance/Susceptibility Profiles of Staphylococcus equorum Strains from Cheese, and Genome Analysis for Antibiotic Resistance Genes
Authors: Vázquez Lucía , Srednik Mariela E. , Rodríguez Javier , Flórez Ana Belén , Mayo Baltasar
Published: July 2023

In food, bacteria carrying antibiotic resistance genes could play a prominent role in the spread of resistance. Staphylococcus equorum populations can become large in a number of fermented foods, yet the antibiotic resistance properties of this species have been little studied. In this work, the resistance/susceptibility (R/S) profile of S. equorum strains (n = 30) from cheese to 16 antibiotics was determined by broth microdilution. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for all antibiotics was low in most strains, although higher MICs compatible with acquired genes were also noted. Genome analysis of 13 strains showed the S. equorum resistome to be composed of intrinsic mechanisms, acquired mutations, and acquired genes. As such, a plasmidic cat gene providing resistance to chloramphenicol was found in one strain; this was able to provide resistance to Staphylococcus aureus after electroporation. An msr(A) polymorphic gene was identified in five strains. The Mrs(A) variants were associated with variable resistance to erythromycin. However, the genetic data did not always correlate with the phenotype. As such, all strains harbored a polymorphic fosB/fosD gene, although only one acquired copy was associated with strong resistance to fosfomycin. Similarly, a plasmid-associated blaR1-blaZI operon encoding a penicillinase system was identified in five ampicillin- and penicillin G-susceptible strains. Identified genes not associated with phenotypic resistance further included mph(C) in two strains and norA in all strains. The antibiotic R/S status and gene content of S. equorum strains intended to be employed in food systems should be carefully determined.
Biomedical Applications of the Biopolymer Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV): Drug Encapsulation and Scaffold Fabrication
Authors: Rodríguez-Cendal Ana Isabel , Gómez-Seoane Iván , de Toro-Santos Francisco Javier , Fuentes-Boquete Isaac Manuel , Señarís-Rodríguez José , Díaz-Prado Silvia María
Published: July 2023

Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) is a biodegradable and biocompatible biopolymer that has gained popularity in the field of biomedicine. This review provides an overview of recent advances and potential applications of PHBV, with special emphasis on drug encapsulation and scaffold construction. PHBV has shown to be a versatile platform for drug delivery, offering controlled release, enhanced therapeutic efficacy, and reduced side effects. The encapsulation of various drugs, such as anticancer agents, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory drugs, in PHBV nanoparticles or microspheres has been extensively investigated, demonstrating enhanced drug stability, prolonged release kinetics, and increased bioavailability. Additionally, PHBV has been used as a scaffold material for tissue engineering applications, such as bone, cartilage, and skin regeneration. The incorporation of PHBV into scaffolds has been shown to improve mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and cellular interactions, making them suitable for tissue engineering constructs. This review highlights the potential of PHBV in drug encapsulation and scaffold fabrication, showing its promising role in advancing biomedical applications.
Neurotrophin Analog ENT-A044 Activates the p75 Neurotrophin Receptor, Regulating Neuronal Survival in a Cell Context-Dependent Manner
Authors: Papadopoulou Maria Anna , Rogdakis Thanasis , Charou Despoina , Peteinareli Maria , Ntarntani Katerina , Gravanis Achille , Chanoumidou Konstantina , Charalampopoulos Ioannis
Published: July 2023

Neuronal cell fate is predominantly controlled based on the effects of growth factors, such as neurotrophins, and the activation of a variety of signaling pathways acting through neurotrophin receptors, namely Trk and p75 (p75NTR). Despite their beneficial effects on brain function, their therapeutic use is compromised due to their polypeptidic nature and blood–brain-barrier impermeability. To overcome these limitations, our previous studies have proven that DHEA-derived synthetic analogs can act like neurotrophins, as they lack endocrine side effects. The present study focuses on the biological characterization of a newly synthesized analog, ENT-A044, and its role in inducing cell-specific functions of p75NTR. We show that ENT-A044 can induce cell death and phosphorylation of JNK protein by activating p75NTR. Additionally, ENT-A044 can induce the phosphorylation of TrkB receptor, indicating that our molecule can activate both neurotrophin receptors, enabling the protection of neuronal populations that express both receptors. Furthermore, the present study demonstrates, for the first time, the expression of p75NTR in human-induced Pluripotent Stem Cells-derived Neural Progenitor Cells (hiPSC-derived NPCs) and receptor-dependent cell death induced via ENT-A044 treatment. In conclusion, ENT-A044 is proposed as a lead molecule for the development of novel pharmacological agents, providing new therapeutic approaches and research tools, by controlling p75NTR actions.
Novel Cellular Functions of ATR for Therapeutic Targeting: Embryogenesis to Tumorigenesis
Authors: Biswas Himadri , Makinwa Yetunde , Zou Yue
Published: July 2023

The DNA damage response (DDR) is recognized as having an important role in cancer growth and treatment. ATR (ataxia telangiectasia mutated and Rad3-related) kinase, a major regulator of DDR, has shown significant therapeutic potential in cancer treatment. ATR inhibitors have shown anti-tumor effectiveness, not just as monotherapies but also in enhancing the effects of standard chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy. The biological basis of ATR is examined in this review, as well as its functional significance in the development and therapy of cancer, and the justification for inhibiting this target as a therapeutic approach, including an assessment of the progress and status of previous decades’ development of effective and selective ATR inhibitors. The current applications of these inhibitors in preclinical and clinical investigations as single medicines or in combination with chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy are also fully reviewed. This review concludes with some insights into the many concerns highlighted or identified with ATR inhibitors in both the preclinical and clinical contexts, as well as potential remedies proposed.
From Design to Study of Liposome-Driven Drug Release Part 1: Impact of Temperature and pH on Environment
Authors: Kozik Violetta , Pentak Danuta , Paździor Marlena , Zięba Andrzej , Bąk Andrzej
Published: July 2023

The marketed drug Doxorubicin (DOX) and the promising anti-cancer agent 9-(N-piperazinyl)-5-methyl-12(H)-quino[3,4-b][1,4]benzothiazinium chloride (9-PBThACl) were used to prepare and compare a range of liposomal delivery systems based on dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC). Liposome-assisted drug release was examined using the spectrophotometric method. In order to provide in vitro release characteristics of liposomal conjugates (LDPPC/drug vs. LDPPC/drug/drug) as well as to evaluate the impact of temperature and pH buffering on the conformation/polarity of the phospholipid bilayer, the encapsulation efficiency of the liposomes entrapping 9-PBThACl and DOX was calculated. In fact, some competition between the investigated molecules was noticed during the entrapment process because relatively high values of the encapsulation efficiency were observed only for the liposomal complexes containing one trapped drug molecule. An averaged absorbance value enabled us to indicate the pH value of the environment (pH ≈ 6.8), at which the physicochemical property profiles of the liposomal complexes were noticeably changed. Moreover, the operational factors limiting the drug release kinetics from the produced liposomes were mathematically modeled. First-order and Bhaskas models ensured satisfactory compliance with the experimental data for the liposomal complexes buffered at pH values of 5.50, 6.00, and 7.40, respectively.
Delineating Zinc Influx Mechanisms during Platelet Activation
Authors: Kuravi Sahithi J. , Ahmed Niaz S. , Taylor Kirk A. , Capes Emily M. , Bye Alex , Unsworth Amanda J. , Gibbins Jonathan M. , Pugh Nicholas
Published: July 2023

Zinc (Zn2+) is released by platelets during a hemostatic response to injury. Extracellular zinc ([Zn2+]o) initiates platelet activation following influx into the platelet cytosol. However, the mechanisms that permit Zn2+ influx are unknown. Fluctuations in intracellular zinc ([Zn2+]i) were measured in fluozin-3-loaded platelets using fluorometry and flow cytometry. Platelet activation was assessed using light transmission aggregometry. The detection of phosphoproteins was performed by Western blotting. [Zn2+]o influx and subsequent platelet activation were abrogated by blocking the sodium/calcium exchanged, TRP channels, and ZIP7. Cation store depletion regulated Zn2+ influx. [Zn2+]o stimulation resulted in the phosphorylation of PKC substates, MLC, and β3 integrin. Platelet activation via GPVI or Zn2+ resulted in ZIP7 phosphorylation in a casein kinase 2-dependent manner and initiated elevations of [Zn2+]i that were sensitive to the inhibition of Orai1, ZIP7, or IP3R-mediated pathways. These data indicate that platelets detect and respond to changes in [Zn2+]o via influx into the cytosol through TRP channels and the NCX exchanger. Platelet activation results in the externalization of ZIP7, which further regulates Zn2+ influx. Increases in [Zn2+]i contribute to the activation of cation-dependent enzymes. Sensitivity of Zn2+ influx to thapsigargin indicates a store-operated pathway that we term store-operated Zn2+ entry (SOZE). These mechanisms may affect platelet behavior during thrombosis and hemostasis.
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors, Small-Molecule Immunotherapies and the Emerging Role of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in Therapeutic Strategies for Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: O’Meara Connor H. , Jafri Zuhayr , Khachigian Levon M.
Published: July 2023

Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy has revolutionized the treatment of many cancer types, including head and neck cancers (HNC). When checkpoint and partner proteins bind, these send an “off” signal to T cells, which prevents the immune system from destroying tumor cells. However, in HNC, and indeed many other cancers, more people do not respond and/or suffer from toxic effects than those who do respond. Hence, newer, more effective approaches are needed. The challenge to durable therapy lies in a deeper understanding of the complex interactions between immune cells, tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment. This will help develop therapies that promote lasting tumorlysis by overcoming T-cell exhaustion. Here we explore the strengths and limitations of current ICI therapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). We also review emerging small-molecule immunotherapies and the growing promise of neutrophil extracellular traps in controlling tumor progression and metastasis.
The Synergistic Effect of Electrical Stimulation and Dermal Fibroblast Cells-Laden 3D Conductive Hydrogel for Full-Thickness Wound Healing
Authors: Lin Yen-Hong , Liu En-Wei , Lin Yun-Jhen , Ng Hooi Yee , Lee Jian-Jr , Hsu Tuan-Ti
Published: July 2023

Clinically, most patients with poor wound healing suffer from generalized skin damage, usually accompanied by other complications, so developing therapeutic strategies for difficult wound healing has remained extremely challenging until now. Current studies have indicated that electrical stimulation (ES) to cutaneous lesions enhances skin regeneration by activating intracellular signaling cascades and secreting skin regeneration-related cytokine. In this study, we designed different concentrations of graphene in gelatin-methacrylate (GelMa) to form the conductive composite commonly used in wound healing because of its efficiency compared to other conductive thermo-elastic materials. The results demonstrated the successful addition of graphene to GelMa while retaining the original physicochemical properties of the GelMa bioink. In addition, the incorporation of graphene increased the interactions between these two biomaterials, leading to an increase in mechanical properties, improvement in the swelling ratio, and the regulation of degradation characteristics of the biocomposite scaffolds. Moreover, the scaffolds exhibited excellent electrical conductivity, increasing proliferation and wound healing-related growth factor secretion from human dermal fibroblasts. Overall, the HDF-laden 3D electroconductive GelMa/graphene-based hydrogels developed in this study are ideal biomaterials for skin regeneration applications in the future.
Pars Distalis and Pars Tuberalis Thyroid-Stimulating Hormones and Their Roles in Macro-Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Formation
Authors: Fröhlich Eleonore , Wahl Richard
Published: July 2023

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid hormone levels are standard parameters in blood analysis. However, the immunoassays employed may lead to false-positive or false-negative results when the sample contains certain materials that interfere with the assay. Macro-TSH, a complex of TSH with immunoglobulin or albumin, may cause apparently increased TSH concentrations. TSH is produced in the pars tuberalis (PT) of the pituitary gland and by thyrotrophs of the pars distalis (PD). It was found that variable glycosylation can render the molecule more strongly bound to antibodies or albumin in the blood, leading to the hypothesis that macro-TSH consists mainly of PT-TSH. Although less known than PD-TSH, PT-TSH plays an important role in the central regulation of thyroid metabolism. The present review summarizes the physiological function of human PT-TSH and its role in macro-TSH formation. The prevalence of macro-hyperthyrotropinemia, the structure of PT-TSH and macro-TSH, problems in the measurement of TSH, and the action of PT-TSH in animals with seasonal breeding are discussed. Despite the absence of a specific function of macro-TSH in the organism, the identification of macro-TSH is important for avoiding unnecessary treatment based on a falsified readout of increased TSH concentrations as numerous individual case reports describe.
Enhanced Thermal Pad Composites Using Densely Aligned MgO Nanowires
Authors: Song Kiho , Choi Junhyeok , Cho Donghwi , Lee In-Hwan , Ahn Changui
Published: July 2023

Owing to the increasing demand for the miniaturization and integration of electronic devices, thermal interface materials (TIMs) are crucial components for removing heat and improving the lifetime and safety of electronic devices. Among these, thermal pads are reusable alternatives to thermal paste-type TIMs; however, conventional thermal pads comprise a homogeneous polymer with low thermal conductivity. Composite materials of thermally conducting fillers and polymer matrices are considered suitable alternatives to high-performance pad materials owing to their controllable thermal properties. However, they degrade the thermal performance of the filler materials at high loading ratios via aggregation. In this study, we propose novel nanocomposites using densely aligned MgO nanowire fillers and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrices. The developed nanocomposites ensured the enhanced thermal conducting properties, while maintaining mechanical flexibility. The three-step preparation process involves the (i) fabrication of the MgO structure using a freeze dryer; (ii) compression of the MgO structure; and (iii) the infiltration of PDMS in the structure. The resulting aligned composites exhibited a superior thermal conductivity (approximately 1.18 W m−1K−1) to that of pure PDMS and composites with the same filler ratios of randomly distributed MgO fillers. Additionally, the MgO/PDMS composites exhibited adequate electrical insulating properties, with a room-temperature resistivity of 7.92 × 1015 Ω∙cm.
The Composite Material of (PEDOT-Polystyrene Sulfonate)/Chitosan-AuNPS-Glutaraldehyde/as the Base to a Sensor with Laccase for the Determination of Polyphenols
Authors: Krzyczmonik Paweł , Klisowska Marta , Leniart Andrzej , Ranoszek-Soliwoda Katarzyna , Surmacki Jakub , Beton-Mysur Karolina , Brożek-Płuska Beata
Published: July 2023

The described research aimed to develop the properties of the conductive composite /poly(3,4-ethylenedioxy-thiophene-poly(4-lithium styrenesulfonic acid)/chitosan-AuNPs-glutaraldehyde/ (/PEDOT-PSSLi/chit-AuNPs-GA/) and to develop an electrochemical enzyme sensor based on this composite material and glassy carbon electrodes (GCEs). The composite was created via electrochemical production of an /EDOT-PSSLi/ layer on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE). This layer was covered with a glutaraldehyde cross-linked chitosan and doped with AuNPs. The influence of AuNPs on the increase in the electrical conductivity of the chitosan layers and on facilitating the oxidation of polyphenols in these layers was demonstrated. The enzymatic sensor was obtained via immobilization of the laccase on the surface of the composite, with glutaraldehyde as the linker. The investigation of the surface morphology of the GCE/PEDOT-PSSLi/chit-AuNPs-GA/Laccase sensor was carried out using SEM and AFM microscopy. Using EDS and Raman spectroscopy, AuNPs were detected in the chitosan layer and in the laccase on the surface of the sensor. Polyphenols were determined using differential pulse voltammetry. The biosensor exhibited catalytic activity toward the oxidation of polyphenols. It has been shown that laccase is regenerated through direct electron transfer between the sensor and the enzyme. The results of the DPV tests showed that the developed sensor can be used for the determination of polyphenols. The peak current was linearly proportional to the concentrations of catechol in the range of 2–90 μM, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 1.7 μM; to those of caffeic acid in the range of 2–90 μM, LOD = 1.9 μM; and to those of gallic acid in the range 2–18 μM, LOD = 1.7 μM. Finally, the research conducted in order to determine gallic acid in a natural sample, for which white wine was used, was described.
Advanced Analytical Methods of the Analysis of Friction Stir Welding Process (FSW) of Aluminum Sheets Used in the Automotive Industry
Authors: Chyła Krzysztof , Gaska Krzysztof , Gronba-Chyła Anna , Generowicz Agnieszka , Grąz Katarzyna , Ciuła Józef
Published: July 2023

The paper provides general information on selected methods of joining aluminum sheets. The main focus is on the strength of the friction stir welding connection and the energy consumption of the process. The practical part of the study used aluminum alloy 2024-T3, the most commonly used alloy in the automotive industry. The study consisted of the FSW welding of two pieces of overlapping sheet metal, using different process parameters. The thickness of the sheet used was 1 mm. After the welding was completed, the test specimens were broken on a testing machine. During the tests, the appropriate process parameters were selected at which the weld showed the highest strength. The effect of implementing the FSW process should be to increase the efficiency of sheet-metal joining. It should also result in a reduction in the energy intensity of the process, which will translate into the lower production cost of the final product. Strength tests were carried out on eighteen samples of joined sheets. The best results were obtained at a feed rate of 100 (mm/min) and a rotational speed of 900 (rpm). It can also be seen that friction welding is an efficient and low-emission way of joining metals. Through the analysis, it can be concluded that in order to perform one meter of satisfactory welding, CO2 emissions will be approximately 310 g. These are calculations based on data published by the National Balancing and Emissions Management Centre from 2019. Analyzing the 2019 data from the Society of Automobile Manufacturers, it is safe to say that the potential for implementing the FSW method in the automotive industry is huge.
Enhanced Piezo-Photocatalytic Performance of Na0.5Bi4.5Ti4O15 by High-Voltage Poling
Authors: Lan Shuang , Zheng Mupeng , Zhuo Fangping , Zhu Mankang , Hou Yudong
Published: July 2023

The internal electric field within a piezoelectric material can effectively inhibit the recombination of photogenerated electron–hole pairs, thus serving as a means to enhance photocatalytic efficiency. Herein, we synthesized a Na0.5Bi4.5Ti4O15 (NBT) catalyst by the hydrothermal method and optimized its catalytic performance by simple high-voltage poling. When applying light and mechanical stirring on a 2 kV mm−1 poled NBT sample, almost 100% of Rhodamine B solution could be degraded in 120 min, and the reaction rate constant reached as high as 28.36 × 10−3 min−1, which was 4.2 times higher than that of the unpoled NBT sample. The enhanced piezo-photocatalytic activity is attributed to the poling-enhanced internal electric field, which facilitates the efficient separation and transfer of photogenerated carriers. Our work provides a new option and idea for the development of piezo-photocatalysts for environmental remediation and pollutant treatment.
Dimeric (Poly)Hydroxynaphthazarins, Metabolites of Echinoderms and Lichens: The History of the Synthesis and Structure Elucidation
Authors: Pelageev Dmitry N. , Borisova Ksenia L. , Anufriev Victor Ph.
Published: July 2023

This review provides information on the synthesis and revision of the structures of natural dimeric (poly)hydroxynaphthazarins, metabolites of echinoderms and lichens, and on the refinement of the direction and mechanism of reactions in the synthesis of some of these compounds.
Potentiality Assessment of the Acetylcholinesterase-Inhibitory Activity of Olive Oil with an Additive Edible Insect Powder
Authors: Grzelczyk Joanna , Gałązka-Czarnecka Ilona , Oracz Joanna
Published: July 2023

Edible insects (Alphitobius diaperinus Panzer, Gryllus campestris, Tenebrio molitor, Chorthippus biguttulus) are rich in nutrients that potentially inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE), but also improve cognition. The aim of this study was to evaluate four varied species of freeze-dried edible insects (purchased from a store); their nutrient composition, including fat, total phenolic compounds, vitamins, and antioxidant properties; and the potential inhibitory effect of AChE. An additional goal was to obtain olive oil with the addition of edible insects. Such oil was characterized by high oxidizing properties and showed high affinity to AChE. The results showed that mealworms and grasshoppers had the highest content of fats (PUFA/SFA) and phenolic compounds. These insects also showed a high content of vitamins, which correlated with the highest affinity for AChE. Therefore, they were added as a functional additive to olive oil. Olive oil with the addition of edible insects showed a higher affinity for AChE and enriched the olive oil with vitamin C and B vitamins.
Optimizing Forecasted Activity Notifications with Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Fikry Muhammad , Inoue Sozo
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we propose the notification optimization method by providing multiple alternative times as a reminder for a forecasted activity with and without probabilistic considerations for the activity that needs to be completed and needs notification. It is important to consider various factors when sending notifications to people after obtaining the results of the forecasted activity. We should not send notifications only when we have forecasted results because future daily activities are unpredictable. Therefore, it is important to strike a balance between providing useful reminders and avoiding excessive interruptions, especially for low probabilities of forecasted activity. Our study investigates the impact of the low probability of forecasted activity and optimizes the notification time with reinforcement learning. We also show the gaps between forecasted activities that are useful for self-improvement by people for the balance of important tasks, such as tasks completed as planned and additional tasks to be completed. For evaluation, we utilize two datasets: the existing dataset and data we collected in the field with the technology we have developed. In the data collection, we have 23 activities from six participants. To evaluate the effectiveness of these approaches, we assess the percentage of positive responses, user response rate, and response duration as performance criteria. Our proposed method provides a more effective way to optimize notifications. By incorporating the probability level of activity that needs to be done and needs notification into the state, we achieve a better response rate than the baseline, with the advantage of reaching 27.15%, as well as than the other criteria, which are also improved by using probability.
A Real-Time Semantic Segmentation Method Based on STDC-CT for Recognizing UAV Emergency Landing Zones
Authors: Jiang Bo , Chen Zhonghui , Tan Jintao , Qu Ruokun , Li Chenglong , Li Yandong
Published: July 2023

With the accelerated growth of the UAV industry, researchers are paying close attention to the flight safety of UAVs. When a UAV loses its GPS signal or encounters unusual conditions, it must perform an emergency landing. Therefore, real-time recognition of emergency landing zones on the ground is an important research topic. This paper employs a semantic segmentation approach for recognizing emergency landing zones. First, we created a dataset of UAV aerial images, denoted as UAV-City. A total of 600 UAV aerial images were densely annotated with 12 semantic categories. Given the complex backgrounds, diverse categories, and small UAV aerial image targets, we propose the STDC-CT real-time semantic segmentation network for UAV recognition of emergency landing zones. The STDC-CT network is composed of three branches: detail guidance, small object attention extractor, and multi-scale contextual information. The fusion of detailed and contextual information branches is guided by small object attention. We conducted extensive experiments on the UAV-City, Cityscapes, and UAVid datasets to demonstrate that the STDC-CT method is superior for attaining a balance between segmentation accuracy and inference speed. Our method improves the segmentation accuracy of small objects and achieves 76.5% mIoU on the Cityscapes test set at 122.6 FPS, 68.4% mIoU on the UAVid test set, and 67.3% mIoU on the UAV-City dataset at 196.8 FPS on an NVIDIA RTX 2080Ti GPU. Finally, we deployed the STDC-CT model on Jetson TX2 for testing in a real-world environment, attaining real-time semantic segmentation with an average inference speed of 58.32 ms per image.
Field Measurements of Wind-Induced Responses of the Shanghai World Financial Center during Super Typhoon Lekima
Authors: Wang Xu , Zhang Guoliang , Li Yongguang , Kong Hu , Liu Lang , Zhang Cheng
Published: July 2023

In this paper, the wind-induced responses of the Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC) under Super Typhoon Lekima are measured using the health monitoring system. Based on the measurements, the characteristics of vibration, including probability density distribution of accelerations, power spectra, and mode shapes are studied. The curve method and the standard deviation method are used to analyze the relationship of the first- and second-order natural frequencies and damping ratios with amplitudes and the mean wind speed. The results show the following: (1) The structural wind-induced responses in the X and Y directions have high consistencies, and the vibration signals exhibit a peak state; moreover, response amplitudes and acceleration signals disperse when the floor height increases. (2) The first- and second-order natural frequencies in the X and Y directions decrease with the increasing amplitudes and are negatively correlated with mean wind speed; the maximum decrease in natural frequency is 5.794%. The first- and second-order damping ratios in the X and Y directions increase with the increasing amplitudes and are positively correlated with the mean wind speed; the maximum increase in damping ratio is 95.7%. (3) The curve method and the standard deviation method are similar in identifying dynamic characteristic parameters, but the discreteness of the natural frequencies obtained by the curve method is lesser. (4) Under excitations of various typhoons, the mode shapes of SWFC are basically the same, and the mode shapes in the X and Y directions increase with the height and have nonlinearity.
Cross-Layer Design for Energy-Efficient Reliable Multi-Path Transmission in Event-Driven Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Xu Huihui , Yuan Xiaobing
Published: July 2023

In event-driven wireless sensor networks (WSNs), a reliable, efficient, and scalable routing solution is required for the reliable delivery of sensory data to the base station (BS). However, existing routing algorithms rarely address the issue of energy efficiency under multi-path conflicts for multi-event-driven scenarios. In order to maximize energy efficiency while maintaining a manageable conflict probability, this paper investigates a cross-layer design of routing and power control for multi-event-driven WSNs. We first develop a mathematical characterization of the conflict probability in multi-path routing, and we then formulate the energy efficiency maximization problem as a non-convex combinatorial fractional optimization problem subject to a maximum conflict probability constraint. By utilizing non-linear fractional programming and dual decomposition, an iterative search algorithm was used to obtain near-optimal power allocation and routing solutions. Extensive results demonstrate that our proposed algorithm achieved a gain of 9.09% to 35.05% in energy efficiency compared to other routing algorithms, thus indicating that our proposed algorithm can avoid unnecessary control overhead from multi-path conflicts with a lower conflict probability and can ensure maximum energy efficiency through routing and power control design.
Bearing Fault-Detection Method Based on Improved Grey Wolf Algorithm to Optimize Parameters of Multistable Stochastic Resonance
Authors: Huang Weichao , Zhang Ganggang
Published: July 2023

In an effort to overcome the problem that the traditional stochastic resonance system cannot adjust the structural parameters adaptively in bearing fault-signal detection, this article proposes an adaptive-parameter bearing fault-detection method. First of all, the four strategies of Sobol sequence initialization, exponential convergence factor, adaptive position update, and Cauchy–Gaussian hybrid variation are used to improve the basic grey wolf optimization algorithm, which effectively improves the optimization performance of the algorithm. Then, based on the multistable stochastic resonance model, the structure parameters of the multistable stochastic resonance are optimized through improving the grey wolf algorithm, so as to enhance the fault signal and realize the effective detection of the bearing fault signal. Finally, the proposed bearing fault-detection method is used to analyze and diagnose two open-source bearing data sets, and comparative experiments are conducted with the optimization results of other improved algorithms. Meanwhile, the method proposed in this paper is used to diagnose the fault of the bearing in the lifting device of a single-crystal furnace. The experimental results show that the fault frequency of the inner ring of the first bearing data set diagnosed using the proposed method was 158 Hz, and the fault frequency of the outer ring of the second bearing data set diagnosed using the proposed method was 162 Hz. The fault-diagnosis results of the two bearings were equal to the results derived from the theory. Compared with the optimization results of other improved algorithms, the proposed method has a faster convergence speed and a higher output signal-to-noise ratio. At the same time, the fault frequency of the bearing of the lifting device of the single-crystal furnace was effectively diagnosed as 35 Hz, and the bearing fault signal was effectively detected.
Integrated 3D Mapping and Diagnosis for the Structural Assessment of Architectural Heritage: Morano’s Parabolic Arch
Authors: Ceravolo Rosario , Invernizzi Stefano , Lenticchia Erica , Matteini Irene , Patrucco Giacomo , Spanò Antonia
Published: July 2023

The architectural heritage of the 20th century is affected by several conservation problems in terms of material preservation, structural analysis, and reuse. Among these, material degradation and durability issues are the ones that have the most effect on the health state and, consequently, the survival of the constructions of the period. In order to conduct a proper analysis for preservation purposes, an interdisciplinary approach is necessary. The parabolic arch in Morano sul Po (Italy) is a reinforced concrete landmark in the Casale Monferrato area and is related to the industrial vocation of the territory, which is indissolubly linked to the cement production chain. The present paper reports the results of a non-destructive test campaign by a Politecnico di Torino multidisciplinary group, which combined acquisitions using different methods. The paper highlights the importance of a structured procedure to integrate different information coming from different techniques. The aim was to assess the health state of the structure and define the best procedures for building an information system based on the as-built modeling strategy, which could serve as the basis to provide conservation guidelines.
Financial Coaching's Potential for Enhancing Family Financial Security
Authors: Collins Michael , Olive Peggy , O’Rourke Collin
Published: July 2023

Financial coaching is an emerging complement to financial education and counseling. As defined in this article, financial coaching is a process whereby participants set goals, commit to taking certain actions by specific dates, and are then held accountable by the coach. In this way, financial coaching is designed to help participants bridge the all-too-common gap between knowledge and intentions on the one hand and lasting behavior change on the other. After introducing the financial coaching process, this article highlights recent Extension coaching initiatives and overviews findings from survey data from coaching trainings and a coaching partnership with Head Start.
AYRILMA AKÇESİNİN HESAPLANMASI BAKIMINDAN GERÇEK DEĞER KAVRAMI
Authors: ÖZDAMAR Emine
Published: July 2023

Limited şirkette ortak şirketten ayrılmakla esas sermaye payının gerçek değerine uyan ayrılma akçesini talep etme hakkına sahip olur. Gerçek değerine uyan ibaresini kanun tanımlamamıştır. Doktrinde çoğunlukla gerçek değerin bilanço değeri olduğu kabul edilmektedir.

Gerçek değer ilkesi şirket sermayesini, alacaklıları ve ayrılan ortağı korumayı amaçlamaktadır. Ayrılan ortağın ayrılma akçesine ilişkin hakkı, ortağın ayrılma sebebi ve kusurundan bağımsızdır. Ayrılma akçesinin esas sermaye payının gerçek değeri üzerinden ödenmesi bakımından da ortağın şirketten ayrılma sebebinin bir önemi yoktur.

Payın gerçek değerinin hesaplanmasında taahhüt edilen sermaye payı değil ödenmiş sermaye payı dikkate alınır. Gerçek değerin tam olarak belirlenebilmesi için payın değerine etki eden, paya bağlı hak ve imtiyazlar ile yükümlülüklerin de dikkate alınması gerekir. Payın gerçek değerinin belirlenmesinde esas alınacak tarihe ilişkin TTK md. 597 ve ayrılmaya ilişkin diğer hükümlerde herhangi bir özel düzenleme bulunmamaktadır. Kural olarak bu değerin belirlenmesinde, ortağın ayrıldığı tarih esas alınmalıdır.
DYNAMICS OF CEREBROVASCULAR DISEASES STATISTICAL INDICATORS IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
Authors:   Tyumen State Medical University, Tyumen, Russia, Курмангулов А. А. ,   Tyumen Cardiology Research Center – Branch of the Tomsk National Research Medical Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Tyumen, Russia, Бачурина М. Ю. ,   Tyumen State Medical University, Tyumen, Russia, Гаджиев Н. А. ,   Tyumen State Medical University, Tyumen, Russia
Published: July 2023

The study aims to evaluate the dynamics of primary morbidity, mortality, and disability indicators in the adult population affected by cerebrovascular diseases in the Tyumen region (without аutonomous districts) and in the Russian Federation. A continuous statistical observation was conducted using direct ranking method and time series evaluation. The study of key disease demographic data in the Tyumen region and the Russian Federation from 2011 to 2021 demonstrates that novel coronavirus infection impacted the primary morbidity, mortality,and disability indicators of cerebrovascular diseases in adult population. The year 2020 is acknowledged as challenging to assess due to considerable instability in the Russian healthcare system. First, there is intersection of patients, limitation and total absence of medical care, preventive check-ups, and the annual health examination at the beginning of COVID-19 spread. In terms of primary morbidity, mortality, and disability of cerebrovascular diseases, the Tyumen region demonstrates more stable indicators in comparison to the Russian Federation.
Ethical Review on the "Advanced Directives" in Medical Field
Authors: SOHN Myoung-Sei , YU Ho-Jong
Published: July 2023

It was the case of Boramae hospital in 1999 to initiate the deep concern about advanced directives in korean medical community. This medico-legal case is now in process at higher court.
Advanced directives are the statement that express what one want to happen to him when he lose the capacity for making decision. There are three basic forms of advanced directives, namely instruction directive, designation of a proxy decision maker, manifestation of values history, and combination forms of them.
our medical circumstance, the introduction of advanced directives would increase the autonomy and, hence, goods of patients. And it would not do much harm to their families, physicians, and other people at least. Therefore it can be justified on the bases of the principle of patient autonomy and the principle of beneficence.
We believe that the best process introducing advanced directives to korean society is as follows;
1. Pilot trial at one institution with careful concern
2. Advanced directives will revise forms and make improvement based in initial experience from pilot trial by Korean Medical Association level.
3. Law making process will be proceeded according to the result of pilot trial and KMA revision.
El automóvil como símbolo de desarrollo. Aspectos a considerar al construir un segundo piso en el bulevar de la ciudad de Zacatecas
Authors:   Universidad Autónoma de Zacatecas, González Hernández Guadalupe Margarita
Published: July 2023

El proyecto de construcción de un segundo piso en la principal vía vehicular de la ciudad de Zacatecas cubriría la parte más estrecha y vieja del bulevar Adolfo López Mateos, una distancia aproximada de 1.5 km con una inversión inicial de mil 600 millones de pesos. Este proyecto se presenta como una obra magnificente, moderna e innovadora, cuando en otras latitudes en Europa y Asia, quizá con mayor densidad urbana, se consideran obras obsoletas que han sido desplazadas por otro tipo de proyectos de desarrollo urbano, con transporte público de alta eficiencia, calidad y tecnología. En una ciudad subdesarrollada como Zacatecas-Guadalupe no se cuenta con los suficientes recursos para obras de vanguardia, aunque las innovaciones en desarrollo urbano-socioterritorial y los sistemas de transporte público ya están en otra etapa evolutiva. El debate en Zacatecas ya debería estar explorando y discutiendo colectivamente esas opciones.
Acapulco, polo de atracción para el capital criminal
Authors:   Universidad Autónoma de Zacatecas, Vázquez Valdez Jorge
Published: July 2023

La crisis civilizatoria se perfila como un fenómeno de grandes proporciones articulado por diversos ejes y efectos negativos. A dichos ejes se suma en los últimos años el capital criminal de los grandes traficantes de droga, el cual encuentra nuevos espacios de valorización gracias a que esos agentes se han organizado en México en redes transnacionales de criminalidad (RTC). El caso de Acapulco durante los últimos años es muestra del impacto que esas redes llegan a tener en su búsqueda de maximización de ganancia, que se describe en este texto a partir de un modelo analítico que parte de un mirador teórico crítico. Además, se exponen los diversos tipos de violencia e inseguridades que se conjugan en el puerto y se complementa por observación no participante, entrevistas y recuento de datos oficiales.
Spear Watch: A Thorough Examination to Identify Spear Phishing Attacks
Authors:   Department of Information Technology, University of Mumbai, Mumbai (Maharashtra), India., Shukla Anjali Shrikant , Chavan Sameer Rajendra ,   Department of Information Technology, University of Mumbai, Mumbai (Maharashtra), India., R Srivaramangai ,   Department of Information Technology, University of Mumbai, Mumbai (Maharashtra), India.
Published: July 2023

A form of cybersecurity assault known as phishing involves hostile actors sending messages while posing as a reliable individual or organization. Spear-phishing assaults target a particular victim, and communications that pretend to be from someone they know and contain personal information are updated to directly address that victim. Spear-phishing takes more planning and effort to complete than phishing. Because these attacks are so skillfully customized, conventional security frequently cannot stop them. They are consequently getting harder to find. The spear phishing emails generally require a sophisticated security protocol, deploying threat detection and response tools. There are many research works with newer techniques applied for such systems. Most of them use AI, ML algorithms in identifying the threat and taking necessary actions. This paper emphasizes the importance of having much more enhanced techniques by means of research & development. To start with, the research this work focuses on exploring various detection techniques, where machine learning, natural language processing algorithms are used especially on behaviour analysis, and anomaly detection. This paper lays a foundation for future research in this area.
Product Review Classification using Machine Learning and Statistical Data Analysis
Authors:   Dartmouth College Hanover, NH, USA., Singh Kajal
Published: July 2023

The aim of the paper is to implement and analyze the machine learning models for product review dataset. The project focuses on binary classification, multi-class classification, and clustering approaches to analyze and categorize product reviews. The performance of the models over each of the five classification tasks is measured by the 5-fold cross-validation scores over the training data.
A Study of The Effectiveness of Code Review in Detecting Security Vulnerabilities
Authors:   Faculty of Computing, Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, Malabe, Sri Lanka., Anuththara G.H.N , Senadheera S.S.U ,   Faculty of Computing, Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, Malabe, Sri Lanka., Samarasekara S.M.T.V ,   Faculty of Computing, Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, Malabe, Sri Lanka., Herath K.M.G.T ,   Faculty of Computing, Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, Malabe, Sri Lanka., Godapitiya M. V. N. ,   Faculty of Computing, Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, Malabe, Sri Lanka., De Silva Dr. D. I. ,   Faculty of Computing, Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, Malabe, Sri Lanka.
Published: July 2023

Software flaws pose a severe danger to the security and privacy of computer systems and the people who use them [1]. For software systems to be reliable and available, vulnerabilities must be found and fixed before they may be used against the system [2]. Two popular methods for finding weaknesses in software systems are code review and penetration testing [3]. Which method is better for identifying vulnerabilities, nevertheless, is not widely agreed upon [4]. The usefulness of code reviews and penetration tests in locating vulnerabilities is reviewed in detail in this study. We evaluate much empirical research [5] and contrast the benefits and drawbacks of each method. According to our research, both code reviews and penetration tests are useful for uncovering vulnerabilities [6], despite the fact that their effectiveness varies based on the kind of vulnerability, the complexity of the code, and the testers' or reviewers' experience [7][8]. Additionally, we discovered that doing both penetration testing and code review together may be more efficient than using each approach alone [9]. These results may help software engineers, security experts, and researchers choose and use the right approach for locating weaknesses in software systems.
Decentralized Storage for Educational Resources
Authors:   Department Computer Science and Engineering, B.M.S College of Engineering, Bangalore (Karnataka), India., R Harsha , E Indra ,   Department Computer Science and Engineering, B.M.S College of Engineering, Bangalore (Karnataka), India., Sambandham Thirugnana ,   Department Computer Science and Engineering, B.M.S College of Engineering, Bangalore (Karnataka), India.,   Department Computer Science and Engineering, B.M.S College of Engineering, Bangalore (Karnataka), India., Panimozhi Dr. K.
Published: July 2023

The growth of blockchain over the last ten years has been astounding: from bitcoin to over 2,000 altcoins, and from decentralized electronic payments to programmable transactions, by complicated tokens and smart contracts controlled by autonomous entities. The technological aspects of blockchain are developing at the same time as the new generation of blockchain applications are also developing. This paper considers one such sphere, to develop a decentralized solution for accessing Educational Resources which will alleviate the issues due to the single point of failure of centralized systems, democratize access to educational content and provide a facile experience for users who are not exposed to web3 technologies. This platform was developed by implementing Smart Contracts using Solidity and deploying them on the Ethereum blockchain to store educational resource metadata and files on the Inter Planetary File System (IPFS). Interfacing of blockchain and the frontend is done using the web3.js. The platform is more tenacious and fault-tolerant than systems using a centralized architecture and provides a better user experience by incorporating a search mechanism for the files uploaded to the platform. This paper proposes a decentralized platform that allows users to upload educational resources that can be accessed by others and implemented a file meta-data-based search feature to remove the need for users to remember the IPFS hash of a file.