bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revolutionizing Breast Cancer Diagnosis: A Concatenated Precision through Transfer Learning in Histopathological Data Analysis
Authors: Jaganathan Dhayanithi , Balasubramaniam Sathiyabhama , Sureshkumar Vidhushavarshini , Dhanasekaran Seshathiri
Published: February 2024

Breast cancer remains a significant global public health concern, emphasizing the critical role of accurate histopathological analysis in diagnosis and treatment planning. In recent years, the advent of deep learning techniques has showcased notable potential in elevating the precision and efficiency of histopathological data analysis. The proposed work introduces a novel approach that harnesses the power of Transfer Learning to capitalize on knowledge gleaned from pre-trained models, adapting it to the nuanced landscape of breast cancer histopathology. Our proposed model, a Transfer Learning-based concatenated model, exhibits substantial performance enhancements compared to traditional methodologies. Leveraging well-established pretrained models such as VGG-16, MobileNetV2, ResNet50, and DenseNet121—each Convolutional Neural Network architecture designed for classification tasks—this study meticulously tunes hyperparameters to optimize model performance. The implementation of a concatenated classification model is systematically benchmarked against individual classifiers on histopathological data. Remarkably, our concatenated model achieves an impressive training accuracy of 98%. The outcomes of our experiments underscore the efficacy of this four-level concatenated model in advancing the accuracy of breast cancer histopathological data analysis. By synergizing the strengths of deep learning and transfer learning, our approach holds the potential to augment the diagnostic capabilities of pathologists, thereby contributing to more informed and personalized treatment planning for individuals diagnosed with breast cancer. This research heralds a promising stride toward leveraging cutting-edge technology to refine the understanding and management of breast cancer, marking a significant advancement in the intersection of artificial intelligence and healthcare.
Entropic Dynamics of Mutations in SARS-CoV-2 Genomic Sequences
Authors: Favretti Marco
Published: February 2024

In this paper, we investigate a certain class of mutations in genomic sequences by studying the evolution of the entropy and relative entropy associated with the base frequencies of a given genomic sequence. Even if the method is, in principle, applicable to every sequence which varies randomly, the case of SARS-CoV-2 RNA genome is particularly interesting to analyze, due to the richness of the available sequence database containing more than a million sequences. Our model is able to track known features of the mutation dynamics like the Cytosine–Thymine bias, but also to reveal new features of the virus mutation dynamics. We show that these new findings can be studied using an approach that combines the mean field approximation of a Markov dynamics within a stochastic thermodynamics framework.
Active Fault-Tolerant Control of a Four-Wheel Independent Steering System Based on the Multi-Agent Approach
Authors: Li Haolin , Zhang Niaona , Wu Guangyi , Li Zonghao , Ding Haitao , Jiang Changhong
Published: February 2024

In this paper, we present an active fault-tolerant, vehicle motion control, based on the multi-agent approach for a four-wheel independent steering system. This improves handling stability and active safety of the vehicle in the case of actuator faults. Firstly, an eight-degree-of-freedom four-input vehicle model is established by using the vector transformation method, which takes the four-wheel angle as the input and the yaw rate and the sideslip angle, obtained by the lateral force of a single wheel, as the outputs. Then, we established the topological structure of the four-wheel independent steering subsystems based on graph theory. Aiming at the known fault conditions, an adaptive sliding mode active fault-tolerant control based on the multi-agent four-wheel independent steering system is proposed, in which the unmodeled part of the system is estimated using adaptive methods. For unknown fault conditions, an active fault-tolerant control of the four-wheel independent steering system based on state observer is proposed. An extended state observer with sliding mode surface function as a state variable is designed to estimate actuator faults. Finally, it was demonstrated that the designed state observer and distributed active fault-tolerant control method reduced the impact of actuator failures on vehicle steering and improved the stability of the steering process based on the Lyapunov theory. The hardware in the loop experimental results validate the effectiveness of the proposed novel method.
A Reactive Deep Learning-Based Model for Quality Assessment in Airport Video Surveillance Systems
Authors: Liu Wanting , Pan Ya , Fan Yong
Published: February 2024

Monitoring the correct operation of airport video surveillance systems is of great importance in terms of the image quality provided by the cameras. Performing this task using human resources is time-consuming and usually associated with a delay in diagnosis. For this reason, in this article, an automatic system for image quality assessment (IQA) in airport surveillance systems using deep learning techniques is presented. The proposed method monitors the video surveillance system based on the two goals of “quality assessment” and “anomaly detection in images”. This model uses a 3D convolutional neural network (CNN) for detecting anomalies such as jitter, occlusion, and malfunction in frame sequences. Also, the feature maps of this 3D CNN are concatenated with feature maps of a separate 2D CNN for image quality assessment. This combination can be useful in improving the concurrence of correlation coefficients for IQA. The performance of the proposed model was evaluated both in terms of quality assessment and anomaly detection. The results show that the proposed 3D CNN model could correctly detect anomalies in surveillance videos with an average accuracy of 96.48% which is at least 3.39% higher than the compared methods. Also, the proposed hybrid CNN model could assess image quality with an average correlation of 0.9014, which proves the efficiency of the proposed method.
Forester: Approximate Processing of an Imperative Procedure for Query-Time Exploratory Data Analysis in a Relational Database
Authors: Rahman Md Arif , Lee Young-Koo
Published: February 2024

Query-time Exploratory Data Analysis (qEDA) is an increasingly demanding aspect of the data analysis process that entails visually and quantitatively summarizing, comprehending, and interpreting the primary characteristics of a dataset. Nowadays, an imperative procedure is popular in relational databases for EDA because it enables us to write multiple dependent declarative queries with imperative logic. As online analytical processing (OLAP) systems contain extremely large datasets, data scientists often need quick visualizations of data, using approximate processing of imperative procedures, before analyzing them in their entirety. We identify gaps in the existing techniques, in that they are unable to sample both declarative-dependent statements and control logic at the same time and perform multi-dependent sampling-based approximate processing within the permitted time in qEDA. Traditional approximate query processing (AQP) involves tuple sampling for a single query approximation and enables queries to be executed over arbitrary random samples of tables. However, available AQP methods cannot produce a further representative sample of the data distribution for the dependent statements to estimate accurately and quickly for multiple dependent statements. On the other hand, sampling control structures, like loops and conditional statements, are discussed separately, without regard to the imperative structure of statements in a procedure. In this study, we propose Forester, a novel agile approximate processing method for imperative procedures that performs imperative program-aware sampling, which includes both statements with control regions (i.e., branch and loop) and processes them approximately within the permitted time in qEDA. Our method produces more targeted samples for each relation, while maintaining the data and control flow of dependent queries and imperative logic and determining all the conditions for a relation across all the statements in the sample that guarantee the existence of relevant data for dependent data distribution. Utilizing a workload of multi-statement imperative procedures from the Transaction Processing Performance Council Decision Support (TPC-DS) database, our experiment demonstrates that Forester outperforms the existing system in sampling, producing minimum error, and improving response time.
Synergism of Fuzzy Leaky Bucket with Virtual Buffer for Large Scale Social Driven Energy Allocation in Emergencies in Smart City Zones
Authors: Alamaniotis Miltiadis , Alexiou Michail
Published: February 2024

Smart cities can be viewed as expansive systems that optimize operational quality and deliver a range of services, particularly in the realm of energy management. Identifying energy zones within smart cities marks an initial step towards ensuring equitable energy distribution driven by factors beyond energy considerations. This study introduces a socially oriented methodology for energy allocation during emergencies, implemented at the zone level to address justice concerns. The proposed method integrates a fuzzy leaky bucket model with an energy virtual buffer, leveraging extensive data from diverse city zones to allocate energy resources during emergent situations. By employing fuzzy sets and rules, the leaky bucket mechanism distributes buffered energy to zones, aiming to maximize energy utilization while promoting social justice principles. Evaluation of the approach utilizes consumption data from simulated smart city zones during energy-constrained emergencies, comparing it against a uniform allocation method. Results demonstrate the socially equitable allocation facilitated by the proposed methodology.
Multivariable Algorithm Using Signal-Processing Techniques to Identify Islanding Events in Utility Grid with Renewable Energy Penetration
Authors: Li Ming , Chen Anqing , Liu Peixiong , Ren Wenbo , Zheng Chenghao
Published: February 2024

This paper designs a multi-variable hybrid islanding-detection method (HIDM) using signal-processing techniques. The signals of current captured on a test system where the renewable energy (RE) penetration level is between 50% and 100% are processed by the application of the Stockwell transform (ST) to compute the Stockwell islanding-detection factor (SIDF) and the co-variance islanding-detection factor (CIDF). The signals of current are processed by the application of the Hilbert transform (HT), and the Hilbert islanding-detection factor (HIDF) is computed. The signals of current are also processed by the application of the Alienation Coefficient (ALC), and the Alienation Islanding Detection Factor (AIDF) is computed. A hybrid islanding-detection indicator (HIDI) is derived by multiplying the SIDF, CIDF, AIDF, and an islanding weight factor (IWF) element by element. Two thresholds, designated as the hybrid islanding-detection indicator threshold (HIDIT) and the hybrid islanding-detection indicator fault threshold (HIDIFT), are selected to detect events of islanding and also to discriminate such events from fault events and operational events. The HIDM is effectively tested using an IEEE-13 bus power network, where solar generation plants (SGPs) and wind generation plants (WGPs) are integrated. The HIDM effectively identified and discriminated against events such as islanding, faults, and operational. The HIDM is also effective at identifying islanding events on a real-time distribution feeder. The HIDM is also effective at detecting islanding events in the scenario of a 20 dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). It is established that the HIDM has a small non-detection zone (NDZ). The effectiveness of the HIDM is better relative to the islanding-detection method (IDM) supported by the discrete wavelet transform (DWT), an IDM using a hybridization of the slantlet transform, and the Ridgelet probabilistic neural network (RPNN). An IDM using wavelet transform multi-resolution (WT-MRA)-based image data and an IDM based on the use of a deep neural network (DNN) were used. The study was performed using the MATLAB software (2017a) and validated in real-time using the data collected from a practical distribution power system network.
A Dual-Layer MPC of Coordinated Control of Battery Load Demand and Grid-Side Supply Matching at Electric Vehicle Swapping Stations
Authors: Tang Minan , Zhang Chenchen , Zhang Yaqi , Yan Yaguang , Wang Wenjuan , An Bo
Published: February 2024

The uncontrolled charging of electric vehicles may cause damage to the electrical system as the number of electric vehicles continues to rise. This paper aims to construct a new model of the power system and investigates the rational regulation and efficient control of electric vehicle battery charging at electric vehicle exchange battery stations in response to the real-time grid-side supply situation. Firstly, a multi-objective optimization strategy is established to meet the day-ahead forecasted swap demand and grid-side supply with the maximization of day-ahead electric vehicle battery swapping station (BSS) revenue in the core. Secondly, considering the variable tariff strategy, a two-layer Model Predictive Control (MPC) coordinated control system under real-time conditions is constructed with the objective function of maximizing the revenue of BSS and smoothing the load fluctuation of the power system. Then, the day-ahead optimization results are adopted as the reference value for in-day rolling optimization, and the reference value for in-day optimization is dynamically adjusted according to the real-time number of electric car changes and power system demand. Finally, verified by experimental simulation, the results show that the day-ahead-intraday optimization model can increase the economic benefits of BSS and reduce the pressure on the grid to a certain extent, and it can ensure the fast, accurate, and reasonable allocation of batteries in BSS, and realize the flexible, efficient, and reasonable distribution of batteries in BSS.
The Analysis of Operation Modes of Variable Speed Pump Units with Different Circuits of Turbomachine Connection
Authors: Zagirnyak Mykhaylo , Korenkova Tetyana , Kovalchuk Viktoriya , Szczęsny Artur , Korzeniewska Ewa
Published: February 2024

The scientific novelty of the proposed article lies in the development of the theory of analysis of the operation modes of group pump units operating on a long pipeline network with back pressure. This was achieved by creating electric equivalent circuits of group pump units based on the method of electrohydraulic analogy. Such equivalent circuits take into account pumps’ connection circuits, the configuration of the pipeline network, and the method of regulating technological parameters. A method for determining the characteristics of pump units with series and parallel connection is proposed. The dependences of the power consumed by the pump units on the change in the frequency of rotation of the adjustable pump are obtained for various parameters of the hydraulic network. This makes it possible to determine the limits of energy-efficient regulation of pump discharge. Analytical expressions for determining the lower limit of the pump rotation frequency for various circuits of turbo mechanism connection and various numbers of pumps operating simultaneously on a pipeline network with back pressure are proposed. The necessary range of adjustment of the pump rotation frequency with different circuits for turbo mechanism connection and different numbers of hydraulic machines operating at the same time is determined. The analysis of the obtained modes of pump units is performed and the possibility of expanding the controlled properties of the group electric drive systems of turbomachines when changing the direction of the rotation frequency and reversing the liquid in the event of an emergency situation is shown.
An Inductive Method for Comprehensive Estimation of Temperature-Dependent Electrical and Thermal Properties of Conductive Ferromagnetic Materials
Authors: Zgraja Jerzy
Published: February 2024

Reliable information about the properties of the processed materials has a significant impact on the effects of their processing. In induction heating processes, this also applies to information about the influence of temperature T on these properties. These are both thermal and electro-magnetic properties. Based on previous studies, a comprehensive experimental method is presented for estimating the temperature characteristics of thermal diffusivity, volumetric heat capacity and resistivity on one measurement station, with particular attention to ferromagnetic materials. The estimation process is carried out on an induction heating stand using forcing signals from an inverter generator. In a computer-controlled cycle that changes the base temperature level, basic measurements of thermal and electrical properties are carried out on a material sample in the form of a cylindrical disk. They are the results of the analysis of the temperature and electromagnetic responses of a material sample to short- and long-term step pulses of a sinusoidal excitation signal with a frequency of approximately 40 kHz. The presented estimation method can be treated as a final method or a preliminary procedure for radically narrowing the variability in decision variables inthe optimization process of simultaneous determination of the sought material characteristics.
Installation Cost and Heat Extraction Performance Analysis of H-Shaped PC Pile Ground Heat Exchangers for Small Buildings
Authors: Katsura Takao , Saito Katsuya , Oe Motoaki , Nagano Katsunori
Published: February 2024

Ground source heat pump systems are one of the renewable energy heat utilization technologies that can reduce the energy for HVAC and hot water supplies and consequently mitigate the progression of global warming. On the other hand, the development of ground heat exchangers that can be installed in small buildings with low installation costs is an important challenge for increasing the installation number of ground source heat pump systems in Japan. This study proposes H-shaped PC pile ground heat exchangers to reduce installation costs. The installation test and installation cost estimation of H-shaped PC pile ground heat exchangers showed that installation costs could be reduced to less than half compared to the conventional borehole double U-tube ground heat exchanger. The coefficient of heat extraction/injection of H-shaped PC pile ground heat exchangers was evaluated as 2.2–2.4 W/(m K) from the results of actual measurements during the heating and cooling operation of the GSHP system, and this was slightly high compared to the borehole single U-tube ground heat exchanger. In addition, the GSHP system with an 8 by 8 m long H-shaped PC pile ground heat exchanger could supply adequate heating output for the heating load of the residential house and operate with an SCOP of more than 3.0. Finally, the authors have confirmed that the GSHP system with H-shaped PC pile ground heat exchangers can reduce installation costs by 40% or more while maintaining the same running cost compared to conventional GSHP systems.
China and Italy’s Energy Development Trajectories: Current Landscapes and Future Cooperation Potential
Authors: Liu Chunhong , Jiang Shisong , Zhang Hanfei , Lu Ziyi , Desideri Umberto
Published: February 2024

In order to achieve the ambitious goal of “carbon neutrality”, countries around the world are striving to develop clean energy. Against this background, this paper takes China and Italy as representatives of developing and developed countries to summarize the energy structure composition and development overview of the two countries. The paper analyzes the serious challenges facing the future energy development of both countries and investigates the possibilities of energy cooperation between the two countries, taking into account their respective advantages in energy development. By comparing the policies issued by the two governments to encourage clean energy development, this paper analyzes the severe challenges faced by the two countries’ energy development in the future and combines their respective energy development advantages to look forward to the possibility of energy cooperation between the two countries in the future. This lays the foundation for China and Italy to build an “Energy Road” after the “Silk Road”.
Bursting Sand Balloons
Authors: Gómez Gustavo , Higuera Francisco José , Sánchez-Silva Florencio , Medina Abraham
Published: February 2024

Using linear elasticity theory, we describe the mechanical response of dry non-cohesive granular masses of Ottawa sand contained by spherical rubber balloons subject to sudden bursting in the earliest instants of the event. Due to the compression imposed by the balloon, the rupture produces a fast radial expansion of the sand front that depends on the initial radius R0, the initial pressure p originated by the balloon, and the effective modulus of compression Ke. The hydrostatic compression approximation allows for the theoretical study of this problem. We found a linear decompression wave that travels into the sand and that induces a radial expansion of the granular front in the opposite direction with similar behavior to the wave but with a slightly lower speed.
In Vitro Digestibility Assessment of Whey from Goat and Camel Milk Fermented with Lactobacillus helveticus for Use as a Base in Formulating Follow-On Formula
Authors: Al-Nassir Noura S. M. , Sakr Sally S.
Published: February 2024

Follow-on formulas are necessary for newborns that are unable to breastfeed. Thus, the development of formulas more tailored to infants’ needs is highly important. Recently, using camel milk, goat milk, and sweet milk whey in the formulation of follow-on formulas has gained researchers’ attention. Moreover, developing postbiotic systems to create formulas that mimic human milk, are easy to digest, improve compatibility with an infant’s gut, and boost immunity is crucial. Thus, this study aimed to create and assess different formulations using fermented whey from camel and goat milks. The fermentation process involved the use of Lactobacillus helveticus as a probiotic and proteolytic lactic acid bacterium strain. The study monitored the proteolytic activity and antioxidant properties of sweet whey produced from cow, camel, and goat milks during the fermentation process with L. helveticus. Also, three different milk fat blends were recombined using edible vegetable oils (coconut oil, rice bran oil, and canola oil) and then they were used to formulate follow-on formulas with a similar fat composition to human milk. Finally, the prepared formulas were tested for their in vitro digestibility and antioxidant activity before and after digestion. The L. helveticus strain had high proteolytic activity towards whey proteins from all the types of milk used in the study. A fermentation time of 6 h produced a higher proteolytic degree and antioxidant activity than 2 and 4 h of fermentation. No significant differences were observed for proteolytic degree and antioxidant activity between 6 and 12 h of fermentation for the cow, camel, and goat whey samples. Regarding the fat blends, animal milk fat, rice bran oil, and canola oil in a fat combination were essential to provide the required amount of unsaturated fatty acids in the follow-on formulas, especially the linoleic acid–α-linolenic acid (LA:ALA) ratio. Adding coconut oil in small amounts to the follow-on formulas provided the required amounts of saturated fatty acids, especially lauric and meristic acids. The follow-on formula based on cow or goat milk whey fermented with L. helveticus released more free amino acids (mmol tyrosine equivalent mL−1) with high levels of antioxidants compared to unfermented ones. The release of free amino acids in the follow-on formula based on camel milk whey was not affected by fermentation. Our results recommend using L. helveticus in the fermentation of follow-on formulas based on camel and goat whey instead of formulas based on cow milk proteins.
The Relationship between Food Safety Culture Maturity and Cost of Quality: An Empirical Pilot Study in the Food Industry
Authors: Spagnoli Pauline , Defalchidu Lavinia , Vlerick Peter , Jacxsens Liesbeth
Published: February 2024

In the food industry, a mature food safety culture (FSC) is linked to better food safety performance. However, the relationship between FSC maturity and key economical performance indicators, such as cost allocation, remains unexplored. This research is the first pilot study to empirically explore the association between FSC maturity and cost of quality (CoQ). A CoQ survey was developed and pretested. CoQ data were collected through collaboration with company management. FSC maturity was assessed through a validated mixed-method assessment (diagnostic instrument, questionnaires, and interviews). A convenience sample of five food processing companies was assembled and subjected to FSC and CoQ assessment. Results revealed that monitoring CoQ is not yet standard practice in the food industry: three out of five companies were unable to specify all failure costs. For prevention and appraisal costs, results showed descriptively and statistically that when these costs are higher, FSC is more mature. Considering the theoretical context of the research (CoQ models and available literature), these results present the first empirical evidence to substantiate that FSC could replace product/service quality in CoQ models. Findings justify the push for a shift in perception, from considering FSC as a task on the list of resource demanding activities toward a narrative in which FSC contributes to financial health.
Characterization of Autochthonous Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from a Traditional Ethiopian Beverage, Tella
Authors: Yehuala Gashaw Assefa , Shibeshi Nurelegne Tefera , Kim Su-Hyeon , Park Mi-Kyung
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to isolate lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from a traditional Ethiopian fermented product, Tella, and evaluate their functional properties. Of forty-three isolates, seven LAB were screened and identified as Pediococcus pentosaceus, Latilactobacillus curvatus, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum species. The isolates were tested for their alcohol tolerance, acid and bile resistance, auto-aggregation, co-aggregation, hydrophobicity, antibacterial activity, and antibiotic susceptibility. LAB isolates, specifically P. pentosaceus TAA01, L. mesenteroides TDB22, and L. plantarum TDM41, showed a higher degree of alcohol tolerance in 8% and 10% (w/v) ethanol concentrations. Additionally, these three isolates displayed survival rates >85% in both acidic pH and bile environments. Among the isolates, L. plantarum TDM41 demonstrated the highest auto-aggregation, co-aggregation, and hydrophobicity with (44.9 ± 1.7)%, (41.4 ± 0.2)%, and (52.1 ± 0.1)% values, respectively. The cell-free supernatant of the isolates exhibited antibacterial activity against foodborne pathogens of Escherichia coli, Salmonella Enteritidis, and Staphylococcus aureus. Each isolate exhibited various levels of resistance and susceptibility to seven antibiotics and resistance was observed against four of the antibiotics tested. After performing a principal component analysis, Pediococcus pentosaceus TAA01, L. mesenteroides TDB22, and L. plantarum TDM41 were selected as the most promising ethanol-tolerant probiotic isolates.
Protective Effect of the Naringin–Chitooligosaccharide Complex on Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Systematic Inflammatory Response Syndrome Model in Mice
Authors: Tang Sheng , Ouyang Zhu , Tan Xiang , Liu Xin , Bai Junying , Wang Hua , Huang Linhua
Published: February 2024

Naringin is one of the common flavonoids in grapefruit, which has anti-cancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. However, its poor solubility limits its wide application. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of naringin combined with chitooligosaccharides with good biocompatibility by constructing a mouse model of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). The results showed that the naringin–chitooligosaccharide (NG-COS) complex significantly inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced weight loss, reduced food intake, tissue inflammatory infiltration, and proinflammatory cytokines IL-6, TNF-α, INF-γ, and IL-1β levels. The complex also significantly affected the content of malondialdehyde and the activities of MPO, SOD, and GSH in the liver, spleen, lungs, and serum of mice with systemic inflammation. In addition, NG-COS significantly inhibited the mRNA expression of inflammatory factors in the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. Principal component analysis showed that the complexes could inhibit LPS-induced systemic inflammation in mice, and the effect was significantly better than that of naringin and chitooligosaccharides alone. This study explored the synergistic effects of chitosan and naringin in reducing inflammation and could contribute to the development of novel biomedical interventions.
Lipid-Induced Oxidative Modifications Decrease the Bioactivities of Collagen Hydrolysates from Fish Skin: The Underlying Mechanism Based on the Proteomic Strategy
Authors: Gou Fengjie , Gao Song , Li Bo
Published: February 2024

Collagen peptides exhibit various bioactivities, including antioxidation and ACE inhibition. However, the bioactivities of collagen peptides decrease gradually due to oxidation deterioration during storage, and this degradation of bioactive peptides is rarely studied. In this study, the oxidative levels and the bioactivities of collagen peptides were investigated during an oxidative-induced storage accelerated by lipids. The results suggested that the oxidation of collagen peptides was divided into three stages. At the early stage, the carbonyl content of collagen peptides increased rapidly (from 2.32 to 3.72 μmol/g peptide), showing a close correlation with their bioactivities (for antioxidation, r = −0.947; for ACE inhibition, r = −0.911). The oxidation level in the middle stage continued but was stable, and the bioactivities decreased. At the later stage, the Schiff base and dityrosine content increased significantly and showed a strong correlation with the bioactivities (antioxidation, r = −0.820, −0.801; ACE inhibition, r = −0.779, −0.865). The amino acid and proteomic analyses showed that Met, Lys, and Arg were susceptible to oxidation and revealed their oxidative modification types. This study provided an insight into the dynamic oxidative modifications of collagen peptides, which were shown to correlate well with the change in bioactivities.
A Temporal Second-Order Difference Scheme for Variable-Order-Time Fractional-Sub-Diffusion Equations of the Fourth Order
Authors: Zhang Xin , Bo Yu , Jin Yuanfeng
Published: February 2024

In this article, we develop a compact finite difference scheme for a variable-order-time fractional-sub-diffusion equation of a fourth-order derivative term via order reduction. The proposed scheme exhibits fourth-order convergence in space and second-order convergence in time. Additionally, we provide a detailed proof for the existence and uniqueness, as well as the stability of scheme, along with a priori error estimates. Finally, we validate our theoretical results through various numerical computations.
Oscillation Criteria for Nonlinear Third-Order Delay Dynamic Equations on Time Scales Involving a Super-Linear Neutral Term
Authors: Feng Qinghua , Zheng Bin
Published: February 2024

In the sense of an arbitrary time scale, some new sufficient conditions on oscillation are presented in this paper for a class of nonlinear third-order delay dynamic equations involving a local fractional derivative with a super-linear neutral term. The established oscillation results include known Kamenev and Philos-type oscillation criteria and are new oscillation results so far in the literature. Some inequalities, the Riccati transformation, the integral technique, and the theory of time scale are used in the establishment of these oscillation criteria. The proposed results unify continuous and discrete analysis, and the process of deduction is further extended to another class of nonlinear third-order delay dynamic equations involving a local fractional derivative with a super-linear neutral term and a damping term. As applications for the established oscillation criteria, some examples are given.
Efficient and Selective Removal of Heavy Metals and Dyes from Aqueous Solutions Using Guipi Residue-Based Hydrogel
Authors: Yin Xiaochun , Xu Pei , Wang Huiyao
Published: February 2024

The presence of organic dyes and heavy metal ions in water sources poses a significant threat to human health and the ecosystem. In this study, hydrogel adsorbents for water pollution remediation were synthesized using Guipi residue (GP), a cellulose material from Chinese herbal medicine, and chitosan (CTS) through radical polymerization with acrylamide (AM) and acrylic acid (AA). The characteristics of the hydrogels were analyzed from a physicochemical perspective, and their ability to adsorb was tested using model pollutants such as Pb2+, Cd2+, Rhodamine B (RhB), and methyl orange (MO). The outcomes revealed that GP/CTS/AA-co-AM, which has improved mechanical attributes, effectively eliminated these pollutants. At a pH of 4.0, a contact duration of 120 min, and an initial concentration of 600 mg/L for Pb2+ and 500 mg/L for Cd2+, the highest adsorption capabilities were 314.6 mg/g for Pb2+ and 289.1 mg/g for Cd2+. Regarding the dyes, the GP/CTS/AA-co-AM hydrogel displayed adsorption capacities of 106.4 mg/g for RhB and 94.8 mg/g for MO, maintaining a stable adsorption capacity at different pHs. Compared with other competitive pollutants, GP/CTS/AA-co-AM demonstrated a higher absorption capability, mainly targeted toward Pb2+. The adsorption processes for the pollutants conformed to pseudo-second-order kinetics models and adhered to the Langmuir models. Even after undergoing five consecutive adsorption and desorption cycles, the adsorption capacities for heavy metals and dyes remained above 70% and 80%. In summary, this study effectively suggested the potential of the innovative GP/CTS/AA-co-AM hydrogel as a practical and feasible approach for eliminating heavy metals and dyes from water solutions.
Polydopamine Blending Increases Human Cell Proliferation in Gelatin–Xanthan Gum 3D-Printed Hydrogel
Authors: Yerra Preetham , Migliario Mario , Gino Sarah , Sabbatini Maurizio , Bignotto Monica , Invernizzi Marco , Renò Filippo
Published: February 2024

Background: Gelatin–xanthan gum (Gel–Xnt) hydrogel has been previously modified to improve its printability; now, to increase its ability for use as cell-laden 3D scaffolds (bioink), polydopamine (PDA), a biocompatible, antibacterial, adhesive, and antioxidant mussel-inspired biopolymer, has been added (1–3% v/v) to hydrogel. Methods: Control (CT) and PDA-blended hydrogels were used to print 1 cm2 grids. The hydrogels’ printability, moisture, swelling, hydrolysis, and porosity were tested after glutaraldehyde (GTA) crosslinking, while biocompatibility was tested using primary human-derived skin fibroblasts and spontaneously immortalized human keratinocytes (HaCaT). Keratinocyte or fibroblast suspension (100 µL, 2.5 × 105 cells) was combined with an uncrosslinked CT and PDA blended hydrogel to fabricate cylinders (0.5 cm high, 1 cm wide). These cylinders were then cross-linked and incubated for 1, 3, 7, 14, and 21 days. The presence of cells within various hydrogels was assessed using optical microscopy. Results and discussion: PDA blending did not modify the hydrogel printability or physiochemical characteristics, suggesting that PDA did not interfere with GTA crosslinking. On the other hand, PDA presence strongly accelerated and increased both fibroblast and keratinocyte growth inside. This effect seemed to be linked to the adhesive abilities of PDA, which improve cell adhesion and, in turn, proliferation. Conclusions: The simple PDA blending method described could help in obtaining a new bioink for the development of innovative 3D-printed wound dressings.
Analysis of the Use of Korean Medicine Treatments among Children and Adolescents in South Korea: Analysis of Nationally Representative Sample
Authors: Kwon Chan-Young
Published: February 2024

Korean medicine (KM) is pivotal within South Korea’s healthcare system. This study aimed to investigate the current use and determinants associated with KM among children and adolescents through an analysis of the 2019 Korea Health Panel Annual Data. Subjects were divided into two groups: the integrative medicine (IM) group, utilizing both KM and conventional medicine (CM) (n = 163), and the CM-only group (n = 1843) for the year 2019. Differences in various factors between the IM and CM groups were investigated using the chi-square test or t-tests. Moreover, binomial logistic regression was employed to ascertain factors influencing the choice of KM over exclusive CM utilization. The IM group had a higher mean age (p = 0.011) and annual household income (p < 0.001) compared to the CM group. The regression analysis indicated a significant association between the use of both KM and CM and being an adolescent (p = 0.011), residing in Seoul/Gyeonggi/Incheon (p = 0.017), living in Daejeon/Chungcheong/Sejong (p = 0.001), and belonging to the first income percentile (p = 0.002). Significant differences were observed in the KM usage patterns between the groups of children and adolescents. These insights could contribute to the development of strategies for the optimal allocation of medical resources within South Korea’s distinctive medical framework.
Snack and Nutrient Intake Status of Top-Level Female University Athletes: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Inaba Hiromi , Hoshino Fumi , Edama Mutsuaki , Omori Go
Published: February 2024

Ensuring proper energy, nutrient intake, and sleep is vital for athlete health and competitiveness. Despite previous studies investigating the nutrient intake among top-level collegiate female athletes in Japan, the status of snack consumption remains unclear. This study addressed this gap by surveying 70 top-level female university athletes. The survey included a self-administered diet history questionnaire, a qualitative food intake frequency survey, and a survey on snack and dietary supplement use. The results revealed a low frequency of snack intake (2.1 ± 2.3 days/week), with 55.7% of athletes reporting snack consumption. The energy intake in the snack-intake group was significantly higher than that in the without-snack-intake group (31.5 ± 10.0 vs. 26.6 ± 9.92 kcal/kg of BM, p = 0.047). Similarly, carbohydrate intake was significantly higher in the snack-intake group than in the without-snack-intake group (4.84 ± 1.71 vs. 3.96 ± 1.65 g/kg of BM/day, p = 0.035). However, neither group reached the recommended value of 5–8 g/kg of BM/day during the medium training period. Overall, this study emphasizes inadequate energy intake even among athletes with a high snack intake frequency, highlighting the necessity to enhance overall food consumption and underscoring the importance of nutritional education for incorporating appropriate complementary meals to improve performance.
Health-Related Quality of Life and Behavioral Difficulties in Greek Preschool Children with Developmental Language Disorder
Authors: Kotsis Konstantinos , Boukouvala Maria , Tzotzi Alexandra , Koullourou Iouliani , Mitropoulou Andromachi , Serdari Aspasia , Siafaka Vassiliki , Hyphantis Thomas
Published: February 2024

Developmental language disorder (DLD) has a great impact on language skills as well as on a wide range of functioning areas, such as social and school functioning. In the present study, we aim to explore the Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) of preschool children with DLD, compared to children with no language difficulties, using a self and proxy report method. A total of 230 parents of preschool children with DLD and 146 parents of children without language difficulties completed the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQLTM) 4.0 Generic Core Module and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Additionally, 71 children with DLD and 55 peers without DLD completed the self-reported PedsQLTM module. The parents of kindergarten children (5–6 years old) with DLD reported that their kids experience worse social and school functioning compared to the control group. In addition, the children with DLD self-reported lower physical and social functioning. The parents of children with DLD reported that their children experience higher hyperactivity/inattention problems than the parents of the control group. Kindergarten children with DLD have a poorer HRQoL compared to their peers, as perceived by themselves and their parents. Moreover, children with DLD present with higher hyperactivity and inattention symptoms. Health professionals working with children who have DLD need to consider not only the language difficulties but also the children’s wellbeing and symptoms of hyperactivity and inattention.
Life beyond Loss: A Retrospective Analysis of the Impact of Meaning of Life Therapy on the Grieving Process of Cancer Patients’ Family Caregivers
Authors: Freitas Maria João , Remondes-Costa Sónia , Veiga Elisa , Macedo Gerly , Teixeira Ricardo João , Leite Manuela
Published: February 2024

Oncological disease in the palliative stage is a huge challenge for patients and their family caregivers (FCs) due to the fact that it confronts them with death, as well as physical, psychological, and existential suffering. Meaning of Life Therapy (MLT) is a brief structured psycho-existential intervention aiming to help patients in a meaning-making life review process, promoting end-of-life adaptation. The Life Letter (LL) resulting from MLT is an element that facilitates communication between the patient and their caregivers. The goal of this study was to understand the impact of MLT on the grieving processes of eight FCs and to study their perceptions of the role of the LL on grief through semi-structured interviews. The results of our qualitative analysis indicate that MLT was perceived by the FCs as a positive experience despite the conspiracy of silence being identified as a drawback. The LL was interpreted as a communicational element, promoting emotional closeness with the cancer patients and serving as a valuable tool in the FCs’ adaptation to loss. Our research findings show that the needs of FCs, especially after experiencing the loss of their relative, are dynamic and specific. This is why it is urgent to develop interventions that consider the idiosyncrasies of end-of-life cancer patients and their FCs in order to avoid frustrated farewells, lonely deaths, and maladaptive grieving processes. This is the direction in which MLT should evolve.
Impacts of Investor Attention and Accounting Information Comparability on Stock Returns: Empirical Evidence from Chinese Listed Companies
Authors: Zhao Li , Naktnasukanjn Nathee , Dawod Ahmad Yahya , Zhang Bin
Published: February 2024

The efficient capital markets hypothesis (EMH) posits that security prices incorporate all available information in capital markets. Nevertheless, real stock markets often exhibit speculative behavior due to information asymmetry and the limited rationality of investors. This paper employs statistical analysis, a multiple regression approach, and robustness tests to investigate the impact of investor attention and accounting information comparability on stock returns. We collected monthly data from all Chinese A-share stocks listed on the main board of the Shanghai Stock Exchange for the period 2017–2021. Our findings reveal a significant positive correlation between current investor attention and current monthly stock returns and a significant negative correlation between lagged investor attention and current monthly stock returns. Moreover, accounting information comparability serves as a substantial moderator, amplifying the positive effect of current investor attention on current stock returns and mitigating the negative impact of lagged investor attention. We investigate the indicator of accounting information comparability from the perspective of investor attention. Significantly, we use accounting information comparability as a moderating variable for the first time to assess its influence on stock returns. Our results demonstrate that accounting information comparability significantly contributes to mitigating excessive share price declines and stimulating share price increases. This discovery also acts as an internal driver for listed companies to proactively improve accounting information comparability.
Plasma Concentrations of Rosmarinic Acid in Patients on Antiretroviral Therapy: In Silico Exploration Based on Clinical Data
Authors: Hitl Maja , Pavlović Nebojša , Brkić Snežana , Dragović Gordana , Srđenović-Čonić Branislava , Kladar Nebojša
Published: February 2024

Rosmarinic acid (RA) is a phenolic compound with antiviral properties, often encountered in dietary supplements and herbal drugs. Data on the pharmacokinetics of RA are lacking in cases of the chronic use of supplements containing this compound, and only limited data on the metabolism and distribution of RA are available. The aim of the study was to investigate the plasma levels of RA after 12 weeks of use and determine potential interactions of RA and selected antiretroviral drugs. Patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus took a supplement containing RA for 12 weeks, after which the RA concentrations in the plasma samples were analyzed. A detailed in silico analysis was conducted in order to elucidate the potential interactions between RA and the drugs efavirenz, darunavir and raltegravir. It was found that RA can be detected in patients’ plasma samples, mainly in the form of sulphoglucuronide. The potential interactions are suggested on the level of liver metabolizing enzymes and efflux P-glycoprotein, with RA competing with antiretroviral drugs as a substrate in metabolism and distribution systems. The present study suggests that the simultaneous use of RA and antiretroviral therapy (containing efavirenz, darunavir or raltegravir) may affect the plasma levels of RA after prolonged supplementation.
Variants in Human ATP Synthase Mitochondrial Genes: Biochemical Dysfunctions, Associated Diseases, and Therapies
Authors: Del Dotto Valentina , Musiani Francesco , Baracca Alessandra , Solaini Giancarlo
Published: February 2024

Mitochondrial ATP synthase (Complex V) catalyzes the last step of oxidative phosphorylation and provides most of the energy (ATP) required by human cells. The mitochondrial genes MT-ATP6 and MT-ATP8 encode two subunits of the multi-subunit Complex V. Since the discovery of the first MT-ATP6 variant in the year 1990 as the cause of Neuropathy, Ataxia, and Retinitis Pigmentosa (NARP) syndrome, a large and continuously increasing number of inborn variants in the MT-ATP6 and MT-ATP8 genes have been identified as pathogenic. Variants in these genes correlate with various clinical phenotypes, which include several neurodegenerative and multisystemic disorders. In the present review, we report the pathogenic variants in mitochondrial ATP synthase genes and highlight the molecular mechanisms underlying ATP synthase deficiency that promote biochemical dysfunctions. We discuss the possible structural changes induced by the most common variants found in patients by considering the recent cryo-electron microscopy structure of human ATP synthase. Finally, we provide the state-of-the-art of all therapeutic proposals reported in the literature, including drug interventions targeting mitochondrial dysfunctions, allotopic gene expression- and nuclease-based strategies, and discuss their potential translation into clinical trials.