bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parallel Intelligent Monitoring System of Port Water Quality Based on the ACP Method
Authors: Guo Jianqun , Jiang Zhonglian , Chu Xiao , Wang Wenyuan
Published: January 2024

With the rapid development of port construction and the shipping industry, port water quality issues are of great concern. This is always a challenging task due to the frequent human activities and dynamic processes involved. A parallel intelligent water quality monitoring system is therefore proposed to ensure the effective monitoring and intelligent control of water pollutants. The real monitoring system and the artificial monitoring system of port water quality are established by applying artificial systems, computational experiments and parallel execution (ACP method). Both systems interact with each other and execute in parallel. The artificial monitoring system simulates complex scenarios, while the real monitoring system feeds the artificial monitoring system with actual monitoring data. By means of data-driven and model-driven approaches, the two systems can compute, observe and evaluate to control, manage and train models. Through the continuous optimization between the two systems, the efficiency and accuracy of the water quality monitoring system could be improved. Technical support can be further provided for the planning of water quality monitoring sites, implementation of monitoring tasks, allocation of emergency resources, etc. As in-situ monitoring data are obtained, computational experiments and parallel executions could be conducted to achieve the ultimate goal of port water quality management.
Longitudinal Changes of Cornea Volume Measured by Means of Anterior Segment-Optical Coherence Tomography in Patients with Stable and Progressive Keratoconus
Authors: Vaccaro Sabrina , Vivarelli Chiara , Yu Angeli Christy , Pecora Nicolò , Lionetti Giovanna , Gioia Raffaella , Scorcia Vincenzo , Giannaccare Giuseppe
Published: January 2024

Keratoconus is a corneal disease which results in progressive thinning and protrusion of the cornea leading to irregular astigmatism. The purpose of this study was to evaluate longitudinal changes in corneal volume (CV) occurring over time in keratoconus eyes. Consecutive patients affected by keratoconus were evaluated by means of anterior segment-optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) at two different time points: baseline (T0) and after 1 year (T1). Anterior and posterior refractive value; corneal thickness at the thinnest point (TP) and corneal volume (CV) calculated within discs of 3, 5 and 8 mm of diameter; anterior chamber depth (ACD); and anterior chamber volume (ACV) were obtained. Enrolled patients were divided into 3 groups (groups 1, 2, 3) according to the increasing disease severity and into 2 groups (groups A, B) according to the progression or stability of the disease. Overall, 116 eyes of 116 patients (76 males and 40 females, mean age 34.76 ± 13.99 years) were included. For the entire group of keratoconus patients, in comparison with T0, mean TP decreased at T1 from 458.7 ± 52.2 µm to 454.6 ± 51.6 µm (p = 0.0004); in parallel, mean value of CV calculated at 5 mm and 8 mm decreased significantly (from 10.78 ± 0.8 at T0 to 10.75 ± 0.79 at T1 (p = 0.02), and from 32.03 ± 2.01 mm3 at T0 to 31.95 ± 1.98 at T1 (p = 0.02), respectively). Conversely, there were no statistically significant differences in CV at 3 mm from T0 to T1 (p = 0.08), as well as for ACD and ACV. Regarding the course of the disease, patients belonging to group A showed statistically significant differences from T0 to T1 for TP, and for CV at 3 mm, 5 mm and 8 mm (p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, p < 0.001 and p = 0.0058 respectively). There were no statistically significant differences for ACD (p = 0.6916) and ACV calculated at 3, 5 and 8 mm (p = 0.7709, p = 0.3765, p = 0.2475, respectively) in group A. At the same time, no statistically significant differences for ACD (p = 0.2897) and ACV calculated at 3, 5 and 8 mm (p = 0.9849, p = 0.6420, p = 0.8338, respectively) were found in group B. There were statistically significant positive correlations between changes of TP and CV at 3 mm (r = 0.6324, p < 0.0001), 5 mm (r = 0.7622, p < 0.0001) and 8 mm (r = 0.5987 p < 0.0001). In conclusion, given the strong correlation with TP, CV might be considered an additional AS-OCT parameter to be used in association with conventional parameters when detecting longitudinal changes in keratoconic eyes.
Assessing the Reliability of Miller’s Classification and Cairo’s Classification in Classifying Gingival Recession Defects: A Comparison Study
Authors: Fageeh Hammam I. , Fageeh Hytham N. , Bhati Ashok Kumar , Thubab Abdulaziz Yahay , Sharrahi Haitham Mohammed Hassan , Aljabri Yahya Sulaiman , Alotaibi Faisal Ibrahim
Published: January 2024

Background and Objectives: Gingival recession results in adverse aesthetics and root sensitivity, and there is a need to treat and prevent its further progression. To overcome these problems, various advances have been made by clinicians in treating gingival recession based on the type of gingival recession. Miller’s classification has been used for a long time to classify the type of recession. However, certain limitations have been found with use of Miller’s classification such as a lack of clarity in the method for measuring soft and hard tissue loss in the interproximal area. Cairo classification was proposed to overcome limitations of Miller’s classification to classify gingival recession. Cairo’s classification is a treatment-oriented classification based on buccal and interproximal attachment loss. Therefore, the study was conducted to assess and compare the reliability of Miller’s and Cairo’s classifications in determining gingival recession. Material and methods: A total of 220 buccal gingival recession defects were included in the study based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Four examiners were included in the study. Two examiners classified the recession defects according to Miller’s classification and the other two examiners classified recession defects according to Cairo’s classification at baseline and at a 1-week interval. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS software version 25.0 using Cohen’s kappa correlation coefficient and Chi-square test statistics to determine the intra- and inter-rater agreement among the examiners for the two gingival recession classification systems. A p value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The intra-rater agreement for Cairo’s classification was 0.86 and 0.82, whereas for Miller’s classification, it was found to be 0.68. The inter-rater reliability agreement for Cairo’s classification was 0.82 and 0.8, whereas for the Miller’s classification, it was 0.56 and 0.67. Conclusions: Within the limitations of the study, it was found that Cairo’s classification is clearer and more reliable than Miller’s classification in the assessment of gingival recession.
The Basal or Sphenopetrosal Superficial Middle Cerebral Vein Type
Authors: Jianu Adelina Maria , Vaida Monica Adriana , Rusu Mugurel Constantin , Vrapciu Alexandra Diana
Published: January 2024

Background and Objectives: The adult superficial middle cerebral vein (SMCV) commonly drains into the middle cranial fossa. However, different embryonic types persist, in which the SMCV drains into the lateral sinus. The basal type of SMCV coursing on the middle fossa floor is a scarce variant. Materials and Methods: During a retrospective study of archived computed tomography angiography (CTA) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) files, three rare adult cases of the basal or sphenopetrosal type of SMCV were found and further documented. Results: In the first case, which was evaluated via CTA, the basal type of SMCV formed a sagittal loop. It continued on the middle fossa floor, over a dehiscent tegmen tympani, to drain into the lateral sinus. In the second case, documented via MRA, the basal type of SMCV’s anterior loop was in the coronal plane and closely related to the internal carotid artery and the cavernous sinus. It continued with the basal segment over a dehiscent glenoid fossa of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). In the third case, documented via CTA, the initial cerebral part of the SMCV had a large fenestration. The middle fossa floor coursed within a well-configured sulcus of the SMCV and received a tributary through the tympanic roof. Its terminal had a tentorial course. Conclusions: Beyond the fact that such rare variants of the SMCV can unexpectedly interfere with specific approaches via the middle fossa, dehiscences of the middle fossa floor beneath such variants can determine otic or TMJ symptoms. Possible loops and fenestrations of the SMCV should be considered and documented preoperatively.
Sialyllactose Enhances the Short-Chain Fatty Acid Production and Barrier Function of Gut Epithelial Cells via Nonbifidogenic Modification of the Fecal Microbiome in Human Adults
Authors: Sato Yohei , Kanayama Masaya , Nakajima Shiori , Hishida Yukihiro , Watanabe Yuta
Published: January 2024

Although various benefits of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) have been reported, such as promoting Bifidobacterium growth in the infant gut, their effects on adults have not been fully studied. This study investigated the effects of two types of sialyllactose, 3′-sialyllactose (3′-SL) and 6′-sialyllactose (6′-SL), on the adult intestinal microbiome using the simulator of human intestinal microbial ecosystem (SHIME®), which can simulate human gastrointestinal conditions. HPLC metabolite analysis showed that sialyllactose (SL) supplementation increased the short-chain fatty acid content of SHIME culture broth. Moreover, 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis revealed that SL promoted the growth of Phascolarctobacterium and Lachnospiraceae, short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria, but not the growth of Bifidobacterium. Altogether, both types of SL stimulated an increase in short-chain fatty acids, including propionate and butyrate. Additionally, SHIME culture supernatant supplemented with SL improved the intestinal barrier function in Caco-2 cell monolayers. These results suggest that SL could act as a unique prebiotic among other HMOs with a nonbifidogenic effect, resulting in intestinal barrier protection.
Identification and Validation of Magnolol Biosynthesis Genes in Magnolia officinalis
Authors: Yang Yue , Li Zihe , Zong Hang , Liu Shimeng , Du Qiuhui , Wu Hao , Li Zhenzhu , Wang Xiao , Huang Lihui , Lai Changlong , Zhang Meide , Wang Wen , Chen Xianqing
Published: January 2024

Bacterial infections pose a significant risk to human health. Magnolol, derived from Magnolia officinalis, exhibits potent antibacterial properties. Synthetic biology offers a promising approach to manufacture such natural compounds. However, the plant-based biosynthesis of magnolol remains obscure, and the lack of identification of critical genes hampers its synthetic production. In this study, we have proposed a one-step conversion of magnolol from chavicol using laccase. After leveraging 20 transcriptomes from diverse parts of M. officinalis, transcripts were assembled, enriching genome annotation. Upon integrating this dataset with current genomic information, we could identify 30 laccase enzymes. From two potential gene clusters associated with magnolol production, highly expressed genes were subjected to functional analysis. In vitro experiments confirmed MoLAC14 as a pivotal enzyme in magnolol synthesis. Improvements in the thermal stability of MoLAC14 were achieved through selective mutations, where E345P, G377P, H347F, E346C, and E346F notably enhanced stability. By conducting alanine scanning, the essential residues in MoLAC14 were identified, and the L532A mutation further boosted magnolol production to an unprecedented level of 148.83 mg/L. Our findings not only elucidated the key enzymes for chavicol to magnolol conversion, but also laid the groundwork for synthetic biology-driven magnolol production, thereby providing valuable insights into M. officinalis biology and comparative plant science.
HPLC and LC–MS/MS-Based Quantitative Characterization of Related Substances Associated with Sotalol Hydrochloride
Authors: Zhu Pengyan , Shen Xiaojing , Wang Xinting , Liu Xinlan , Zhang Yingshuang , Wang Ke , Gao Wenfen , Wang Xuanjun , Yuan Wenjuan
Published: January 2024

In total, three related substances (RS) associated with sotalol hydrochloride (STHCl) were herein identified with a novel gradient high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) protocol. Further characterization of these substances was then performed via liquid chromatography–mass spectroscopy (LC–MS/MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) approaches. For these analyses, commercial STHCl samples were used for quantitative HPLC studies and the degradation of STHCl under acidic (1M HCl), alkaline (1M NaOH), oxidative (30% H2O2), photolytic (4500 Lx), and thermal stress conditions (100 °C) was assessed. This approach revealed this drug to be resistant to acidic, alkaline, and high-temperature conditions, whereas it was susceptible to light and oxidation as confirmed through long-term experiments. The putative mechanisms governing RS formation were also explored, revealing that RS3 was derived from the manufacturing process, whereas RS2 was generated via oxidation and RS1 was generated in response to light exposure. The cytotoxicity of these RS compounds was then assessed using MTT assays and acute toxicity test. Overall, this study provides details regarding the characterization, isolation, quantification, and toxicological evaluation of STHCl and associated RS compounds together with details regarding the precise, specific, and reliable novel HPLC technique, thus providing the requisite information necessary to ensure STHCl purity and safety.
Structure Revision of Formyl Phloroglucinol Meroterpenoids: A Unified Approach Using NMR Fingerprinting and DFT NMR and ECD Analyses
Authors: Holland Darren C. , Carroll Anthony R.
Published: January 2024

NMR fingerprints are valuable tools for analyzing complex natural product mixtures and identifying incorrectly assigned structures in the literature. Our diagnostic NMR fingerprints for formyl phloroglucinol meroterpenoids revealed discrepancies in the structures reported for eucalyprobusal C (1a) and eucalypcamal K (2a). NMR fingerprinting PCA analyses identified 1a as an oxepine-diformyl phloroglucinol and 2a as an oxepine 3-acyl-1-formyl phloroglucinol, contrary to their initial assignments as pyrano-diformyl and pyrano 3-acyl-1-formyl phloroglucinols, respectively. Extensive reinterpretation of their reported one- and two-dimensional NMR data, coupled with GIAO DFT-calculated 1H and 13C NMR chemical shift and DP4+ analyses, supported the unequivocal reassignment of eucalyprobusal C to 1b and eucalypcamal K to 2b. The absolute configurations of the revised oxepine-containing phloroglucinol meroterpenoids were confirmed via the reinterpretation of their reported ROESY and NOESY NMR data, along with comparative TDDFT-calculated and experimental ECD spectra.
Electrical Muscle Stimulation for Kinesthetic Feedback in AR/VR: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Vrontos Apostolos , Nitsch Verena , Brandl Christopher
Published: January 2024

This paper presents a thorough review of electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) in the context of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), specifically focusing on its application in providing kinesthetic feedback. Our systematic review of 17 studies reveals the growing interest and potential of EMS in this domain, as evidenced by the growing body of literature and citations. The key elements presented in our review encompass a catalog of the applications developed to date, the specifics of the stimulation parameters used, the participant demographics of the studies, and the types of measures used in these research efforts. We discovered that EMS offers a versatile range of applications in AR/VR, from simulating physical interactions like touching virtual walls or objects to replicating the sensation of weight and impact. Notably, EMS has shown effectiveness in areas such as object handling and musical rhythm learning, indicating its broader potential beyond conventional haptic feedback mechanisms. However, our review also highlights major challenges in the research, such as inconsistent reporting of EMS parameters and a lack of diversity in study participants. These issues underscore the need for improved reporting standards and more inclusive research approaches to ensure wider applicability and reproducibility of results.
Searching for the Virulence-contributing Genes of the Magnaporthe oryzae by Transcriptome Analysis
Authors: Hu Jitao , Li Linying , He Yuqing , Hong Gaojie , Zhang Chi
Published: January 2024

Magnaporthe oryzae is a fungal pathogen that causes rice blast. Plant metabolites such as plant hormones and phytoalexin can promote or inhibit the rice blast infection. To study the effect of plant metabolites on M. oryzae, we selected salicylic acid (SA), abscisic acid (ABA), and a phytoalexin sakuranetin to treat M. oryzae grown on the medium. Through the analysis of transcriptome data, 185 and 38 genes, 803 and 156 genes, and 1525 and 428 genes were up- or down-regulated after SA, ABA, or sakuranetin treatment. Among these differentially expressed genes (DEGs), most of them were annotated to the cellular process and metabolic process in the biological process category and binding and catalytic activity in the molecular function category by GO analysis. According to KEGG pathway analysis, metabolism is the pathway with the highest number of DEGs, and the main enriched pathway is carbohydrate, lipid, and amino acid metabolism. In addition, we also found two ABA-induced up-regulated genes that may contribute to M. oryzae infection from the transcriptome data. We verified their expressions in M. oryzae that infected rice.
Feminist Re-Engineering of Religion-Based AI Chatbots
Authors: Biana Hazel T.
Published: January 2024

Religion-based AI chatbots serve religious practitioners by bringing them godly wisdom through technology. These bots reply to spiritual and worldly questions by drawing insights or citing verses from the Quran, the Bible, the Bhagavad Gita, the Torah, or other holy books. They answer religious and theological queries by claiming to offer historical contexts and providing guidance and counseling to their users. A criticism of these bots is that they may give inaccurate answers and proliferate bias by propagating homogenized versions of the religions they represent. These “embodied spiritual machines” may likewise bear bias against women, their gender, and their societal roles. This paper crafts a concept intended to address this GPT issue by reimagining, modifying, and implementing a feminist approach to these chatbots. It examines the concepts and designs of these bots and how they address women-related questions. Along with the challenge of bringing gender and diversity-sensitive religious wisdom closer to the people through technology, the paper proposes a re-engineered model of a fair religion-based AI chatbot.
Soil–Plant–Water Systems and Interactions
Authors: Horel Ágota
Published: January 2024

To comprehend the soil–plant–water system and how its constituents interact with each other, it is essential to better understand its effect on ecosystems [...]
Aesthetics in Removable Partial Dentures: Modification of the Proximal Plate and Retentive Lamellae in Kennedy Class II Scenarios
Authors: Ceraulo Saverio
Published: January 2024

The removable partial denture, despite new technologies and new materials, continues to play a significant role in clinical dental practice. The purpose of the following study was to evaluate the design of new retention devices in Kennedy class II scenarios. For the study of “lamellar” retentive devices, four prosthetists were chosen. According to inclusion and exclusion criteria, prosthetists selected 16 patients (8 women and 8 men) whose upper arches had to be rehabilitated using a removable partial prosthesis. The results showed that the parameters taken into consideration, such as satisfaction, stability, aesthetics, and retention, had an average score that was higher than 3.30 (range 1–4), with an average standard deviation of 0.6225 in the four parameters, indicative that the data were relatively homogeneous and coherent. In conclusion, we can state that the skeletonized prosthesis with lamellar retentions, designed for Kennedy class II scenarios, has shown high acceptance in selected patients.
A Case Study on Two Differential Reflectivity Columns in a Convective Cell: Phased-Array Radar Observation and Cloud Model Simulation
Authors: Ren Gang , Sun Yue , Sun Hongping , Dong Yaning , Yang Yonglong , Xiao Hui
Published: January 2024

A convective cell storm containing two differential reflectivity (ZDR) columns was observed with a dual-polarization phased-array radar (X-PAR) in Xixian County. Since a ZDR column is believed to correspond to a strong updraft and a single convective cell is considered to have a simple dynamic structure with one updraft core, how these two ZDR columns form and coexist is the focus of this study. The dynamic and microphysical structures around the two ZDR columns are studied under the mutual confirmation of the X-PAR observations and a cloud model simulation. The main ZDR column forms and maintains in an updraft whose bottom corresponds to a convergence of low-level and mid-level flow; it lasts from the early stages to the later stages. The secondary ZDR column emerges at the rear of the horizontal reflectivity (ZH) core relative to the moving direction of the cell; it forms in the middle stages and lasts for a shorter period, and its formation is under an air lifting forced by the divergent outflow of precipitation. Therefore, the secondary ZDR column is only a by-product in the middle stages of the convection rather than an indicator of a new or enhanced convection.
High-Resolution Gravity Measurements on Board an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle: Data Reduction and Accuracy Assessment
Authors: Vu Dinh Toan , Verdun Jérôme , Cali José , Maia Marcia , Poitou Charles , Ammann Jérôme , Roussel Clément , D’Eu Jean-François , Bouhier Marie-Édith
Published: January 2024

Gravity on Earth is of great interest in geodesy, geophysics, and natural resource exploration. Ship-based gravimeters are a widely used instrument for the collection of surface gravity field data in marine regions. However, due to the considerable distance from the sea surface to the seafloor, the spatial resolution of surface gravity data collected from ships is often insufficient to image the detail of seafloor geological structures and to explore offshore natural minerals. Therefore, the development of a mobile underwater gravimetry system is necessary. The GraviMob gravimeter, developed for a moving underwater platform by Geo-Ocean (UMR 6538 CNRS-Ifremer-UBO-UBS), GeF (UR4630, Cnam) and MAPPEM Geophysics, has been tested over the last few years. In this study, we report on the high-resolution gravity measurements from the GraviMob system mounted on an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle, which can measure at depths of up to several kilometres. The dedicated GraviMob underwater gravity measurements were conducted in the Mediterranean Sea in March 2016, with a total of 26 underwater measurement profiles. All these measurement profiles were processed and validated. In a first step, the GraviMob gravity measurements were corrected for temperature based on a linear relationship between temperature and gravity differences. Through repeated profiles, we acquired GraviMob gravity measurements with an estimated error varying from 0.8 to 2.6 mGal with standard deviation after applying the proposed temperature correction. In a second step, the shipborne gravity data were downward continued to the measurement depth to validate the GraviMob measurements. Comparisons between the corrected GraviMob gravity anomalies and downward continued surface shipborne gravity data revealed a standard deviation varying from 0.8 to 3.2 mGal and a mean bias value varying from −0.6 to 0.6 mGal. These results highlight the great potential of the GraviMob system in measuring underwater gravity.
A Parallel Sequential SBAS Processing Framework Based on Hadoop Distributed Computing
Authors: Wu Zhenning , Lv Xiaolei , Yun Ye , Duan Wei
Published: January 2024

With the rapid development of microwave remote sensing and SAR satellite systems, the use of InSAR techniques has been greatly encouraged due to the abundance of SAR data with unprecedented temporal and spatial coverage. Small Baseline Subset (SBAS) is a promising time-series InSAR method for applications involving deformation monitoring of the Earth’s crust, and the sequential SBAS method is an extension of SBAS that allows long-term and large-scale surface displacements to be obtained with continuously auto-updating measurement results. As the Chinese LuTan-1 SAR system has begun acquiring massive SAR image data, the need for an efficient and lightweight InSAR processing platform has become urgent in various research fields. However, traditional sequential algorithms are incapable of meeting the huge challenges of low efficiency and frequent human interaction in large-scale InSAR data processing. Therefore, this study proposes a distributed parallel sequential SBAS (P2SBAS) processing chain based on Hadoop by effectively parallelizing and improving the current sequential SBAS method. P2SBAS mainly consists of two components: (1) a distributed SAR data storage platform based on HDFS, which supports efficient inter-node data transfer and continuous online data acquisition, and (2) several parallel InSAR processing algorithms based on the MapReduce model, including image registration, filtering, phase unwrapping, sequential SBAS processing, and so on. By leveraging the capabilities associated with the distributed nature of the Hadoop platform, these algorithms are able to efficiently utilize the segmentation strategy and perform careful boundary processing. These parallelized InSAR algorithm modules can achieve their goals on different nodes in the Hadoop distributed environment, thereby maximizing computing resources and improving the overall performance while comprehensively considering performance and precision. In addition, P2SBAS provides better computing and storage capabilities for small- and medium-sized teams compared to popular InSAR processing approaches based on cloud computing or supercomputing platforms, and it can be easily deployed on clusters thanks to the integration of various existing computing components. Finally, to demonstrate and evaluate the efficiency and accuracy of P2SBAS, we conducted comparative experiments on a set of 32 TerraSAR images of Beijing, China. The results demonstrate that P2SBAS can fully utilize various computing nodes to improve InSAR processing and can be applied well in large-scale LuTan-1 InSAR applications in the future.
HPLC and SFC Enantioseparation of (±)-Trans-β-Lactam Ureas on Immobilized Polysaccharide-Based Chiral Stationary Phases—The Introduction of Dimethyl Carbonate as an Organic Modifier in SFC
Authors: Jurin Mladenka , Kontrec Darko , Roje Marin
Published: January 2024

A series of nine racemic trans-β-lactam ureas were analyzed for enantiomer separation by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC). The separations were performed on three immobilized polysaccharide-based chiral analytical columns (CHIRAL ART Amylose-SA, CHIRAL ART Cellulose-SB and CHIRAL ART Cellulose-SC). In HPLC mode, a normal-phase consisting of n-hexane/2-PrOH (90/10, v/v), a polar organic mobile phase consisting of 100% MeOH or 100% EtOH, and a non-standard mobile phase consisting of 100% dimethyl carbonate (DMC) were investigated. In SFC mode, the mobile phases CO2/alcohol (80/20, v/v) and CO2/DMC/alcohol (MeOH or EtOH; 70/24/6, v/v/v or 60/32/8, v/v/v) were investigated. The best achieved enantioseparation of trans-β-lactam ureas was obtained with an Amylose-SA column. We have shown that the green solvent dimethyl carbonate (DMC) can be efficiently used as a mobile phase in HPLC mode as well as in SFC mode along with the addition of polar organic modifiers (MeOH or EtOH).
Robust Immune Response and Protection against Lethal Pneumococcal Challenge with a Recombinant BCG-PspA-PdT Prime/Boost Scheme Administered to Neonatal Mice
Authors: Trentini Monalisa Martins , Rodriguez Dunia , Kanno Alex Issamu , Goulart Cibelly , Darrieux Michelle , de Cerqueira Leite Luciana Cezar
Published: January 2024

Pneumococcal diseases are an important public health problem, with high mortality rates in young children. Although conjugated pneumococcal vaccines offer high protection against invasive pneumococcal diseases, this is restricted to vaccine serotypes, leading to serotype replacement. Furthermore, the current vaccines do not protect neonates. Therefore, several protein-based pneumococcal vaccines have been studied over the last few decades. Our group established a recombinant BCG expressing rPspA-PdT as a prime/rPspA-PdT boost strategy, which protected adult mice against lethal intranasal pneumococcal challenge. Here, we immunized groups of neonate C57/Bl6 mice (6–10) (at 5 days) with rBCG PspA-PdT and a boost with rPspA-PdT (at 12 days). Controls were saline or each antigen alone. The prime/boost strategy promoted an IgG1 to IgG2c isotype shift compared to protein alone. Furthermore, there was an increase in specific memory cells (T and B lymphocytes) and higher cytokine production (IFN-γ, IL-17, TNF-α, IL-10, and IL-6). Immunization with rBCG PspA-PdT/rPspA-PdT showed 100% protection against pulmonary challenge with the WU2 pneumococcal strain; two doses of rPspA-PdT showed non-significant protection in the neonates. These results demonstrate that a prime/boost strategy using rBCG PspA-PdT/rPspA-PdT is effective in protecting neonates against lethal pneumococcal infection via the induction of strong antibody and cytokine responses.
Scrupulous SCGAN Framework for Recognition of Restored Images with Caffe based PCA Filtration
Authors: Agarwal Khushboo , Dixit Manish
Published: January 2024

Computer vision enables to detect many objects in any scenario which helps in various real time application but still face recognition and detection remains a tedious process due to the low resolution, blurriness, noise, diverse pose and expression and occlusions. This proposal develops a novel scrupulous Standardized Convolute Generative Adversarial Network (SCGAN) framework for performing accurate face recognition automatically by restoring the occluded region including blind face restoration. Initially, a scrupulous image refining technique is utilised to offer the appropriate input to the network in the subsequent process. Following the pre-processing stage, a Caffe based Principle Component Analysis (PCA) filtration is conducted which uses convolutional architecture for fast feature embedding that collects spatial information and significant differentiating characteristics to counteract the loss of information existing in pooling operations. Then a filtration method identifies the specific match of the face based on the extracted features, creating uncorrelated variables that optimise variance across time while minimising information loss. To handle all the diversification occurring in the image and accurately recognise the face with occlusion in any part of the face, a novel Standardized Convolute GAN network is used to restore the image and recognise the face using novel Generative Adversarial Network (GAN) networks are modelled. This GAN ensures the normal distribution along with parametric optimization contributing to the high performance with accuracy of 96.05% and Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR) of 18 and Structural Similarity Index Metric (SSIM) of 98% for restored face recognition. Thus, the performance of the framework based on properly recognizing the face from the generated images is evaluated and discussed.
An Anomaly Detection Method for Weighted Data Based on Feature Association Analysis
Authors: Li Jiayao , Wang Rui
Published: January 2024

In recent years, weighted data is appearing more and more frequent in many applications, but the existence of anomalies decreases the accuracy of data-based operations, thus, it is necessary to detect anomalies to improve the data quality. However, the existing anomaly detection methods for weighted data only consider the Weighted Frequent Itemsets (WFIs) or Weighted Rare Itemsets (WRIs) separately, which causes their detection accuracy is seriously dependent on the preset minimal weighted support (min_wsup) value. To address these issues, we propose an anomaly detection method for weighted data on the basis of feature association analysis, namely ADWD, it accurately detects the anomalies under different min_wsup values through fully considering both WFIs and WRIs. ADWD first deletes infrequent 1-itemses during constructing Weighted Frequent Itemset-based Tree (WFI-Tree), thus decreasing time overhead on the inquiry of extensible itemsets; And then, ADWD defines three deviation metrics through comprehensively considering possible influencing factors to calculate transaction’s abnormal score. Finally, the transactions whose abnormal score in top-rank are judged as anomalies. Extensive experiments on three datasets verify that the proposed ADWD method can more accurately detect anomalies from weighted data within less time usage, as well as has good scalability.
Deep Learning Based Feature Discriminability Boosted Concurrent Metal Surface Defect Detection System Using YOLOv-5s-FRN
Authors: Vengaloor Reshma , Muralidhar Roopa
Published: January 2024

Computer vision and deep learning techniques are the most emerging technologies in this era. Both of these can greatly raise the rate at which defects on metal surfaces are identified while performing industrial quality checks. The identification of faults over metal surfaces can be viewed as a significant challenge since they are easily impacted by ambient factors including illumination and light reflections. This paper proposes novel metal surface defect detection network called as YOLOv-5s-FRN in response to the problems of ineffective detection brought by the conventional manual inspection system. The proposed system is developed through the integration of a novel architectural module called as Feature Recalibration Network (FRN) to the You Only Look Once-version-5 small network )YOLOv-5s(. In order to extract the global feature information from the provided image, FRN is able to evaluate the interdependencies between the channels. This improves the feature discrimination capability and prediction accuracy of the defect detection system. The incorporation of FRN structure makes YOLOv-5s architecture to selectively enhance the necessary features and discard the unwanted ones. Therefore, the proposed novel method will efficiently detect and classify the metal surface defects such as crazing, patches, inclusions, scratches, pitted surfaces and rolled in scale. North Eastern University surface defect database (NEU-DET) has been used to train and test the proposed architectural model. The suggested system has been compared with alternative models based on several performance matrices such as precision, recall and Mean Average Precision (mAP). It is observed that the proposed YOLOv-5s-FRN architecture provides significant performance improvement than state-of-the-art methods. The proposed system has been provided satisfactory results by means of improvement in mAP and time consumption. The proposed model has delivered value of mAP_0.5 as 98.05% and that of mAP_0.5:0.95 as 89.03%.
Organisationsbezogener Patriotismus
Authors: Kehl Robin
Published: January 2024

Im Zeitalter der Digitalisierung und Globalisierung gewinnen Organisationen als Orte der Identifikation und emotionalen Bindung an Bedeutung. Dieser Beitrag beleuchtet den organisationsbezogenen Patriotismus, der die emotionale Bindung und Loyalität von Individuen zu ihrer Organisation meint. Während konstruktiver Patriotismus eine kritische Unterstützung der Organisation fordert, ist blinder Patriotismus durch eine uneingeschränkte Loyalität und Intoleranz gegenüber Kritik gekennzeichnet. Die Studie nutzt einen multimethodischen Ansatz, der qualitative Interviews und quantitative Forschung kombiniert, um die Auswirkungen und Potenziale beider Formen zu beleuchten. Der konstruktive organisationsbezogene Patriotismus ermutigt zur kritischen Auseinandersetzung und fordert eine nachhaltige Entwicklung, kann aber auch Entscheidungsprozesse verlangsamen. Der blinde organisationsbezogene Patriotismus verringert die Fluktuationsabsichten auf Kosten der persönlichen Initiativbereitschaft und kann zur Stagnation führen. Die Studie betont die Rolle von Führung, gezielter Kommunikation und Mitarbeiterbefähigung, um einen gesunden organisationsbezogenen Patriotismus aufzubauen.
Herausforderungen des geowirtschaftlichen Wandels für das Projektmanagement
Authors: Barth Martin , Sarstedt Margit
Published: January 2024

Das Projektmanagement hat die Aufgabe, ein Projekt zu planen, zu steuern und zu überwachen sowie auf Veränderungen angemessen zu reagieren. Letzteres ist in den vergangenen Jahren aufgrund der vielen disruptiven Veränderungen in der Welt zur Herkulesaufgabe geworden. Aufgrund der globalen Verschiebungen in Macht- und Finanzstrukturen hängt die erfolgreiche Steuerung größerer Projekte zunehmend von Art und Umfang ihrer Verflechtung mit dem Ausland ab. Dieser Artikel liefert einen Systematisierungsansatz für die Kategorisierung von Projekten in Abhängigkeit ihres jeweiligen Internationalisierungsumfangs. Basierend auf dem Ort der projektbezogenen Wertschöpfung einerseits und dem Ort der Ergebnisverwertung andererseits wird eine Vier-Felder-Matrix eingeführt (Local Projects, Outbound Projects, Inbound Projects und Global Projects). Auf Basis dieser Klassifikation werden Empfehlungen für zukünftige Projekte in Hinblick auf geopolitische Veränderungen abgeleitet.
In der Pharmaindustrie gilt es, die ganze Lieferkette global zu verschlanken
Authors: Raster Max
Published: January 2024

Mit Dr. Max Raster, Mitglied des Aufsichtsrats der DWK Life Sciences, sprach gfo-Präsident Dr. Rudolf Lütke Schwienhorst über die hohen Transportkosten und Lieferengpässe, mit denen die Pharmaindustrie derzeit zu kämpfen hat. Die Empfehlung: der Qualität die höchste Priorität einzuräumen und stärker auf Flexibilität zu setzen.
Sailing Strategy
Authors: Baur Marcus , Kornberger Martin
Published: January 2024

In diesem Beitrag stellen wir uns die Frage, wie Strategie in Zeiten radikaler Unsicherheit möglich ist. Wir heben uns von Ansätzen ab, die entweder auf Planung oder Emergenz setzen, und stellen stattdessen ein rekursives Strategiekonzept vor, das Zweckorientierung und Agilität miteinander verbindet. Didaktisch und methodisch orientieren wir uns am professionellen Segelsport, der eine spannende Metapher für unser Strategiekonzept darstellt.
Pricing als Führungsaufgabe
Authors: Stöger Roman
Published: January 2024

Ein zentrales Themenfeld gehört nach wie vor zum blinden Fleck zahlreicher Unternehmen und vor allem vieler Führungskräfte: professionelles Pricing. Gerade auch in Zeiten von Inflation steigt die Bedeutung eines kompetenten Preismanagements.
Digitale Geschäftsmodellinnovationen implementieren
Authors: Düsterbeck Johanne , Bahrami Kourosh , Reihlen Markus
Published: January 2024

Am Beispiel von Loctite Pulse, einer smarten Instandhaltungslösung des Henkel-Konzerns, zeigt diese Fallstudie, wie etablierte Unternehmen digitale Geschäftsmodellinnovationen fordern können. Im Rahmen einer empirischen Studie wurden 44 Interviews mit Henkel-Mitarbeitenden geführt und vier zentrale Erfolgsfaktoren abgeleitet. So gilt es, erstens ein kollektives Gefühl der Dringlichkeit von neuen Geschäftsmodellen in der Organisation zu schaffen. Zweitens war es zentral, die Graswurzelinitiative zu ermutigen. Drittens waren neuartige Kooperationsformate und damit der Aufbau eines digitalen Ökosystems wesentlich. Und viertens konnte das Ausbalancieren von interner Visibilität und gleichzeitigen Lernprozessen als zentrales Managementprinzip identifiziert werden. Anhand von vier Take-aways zeigt der Beitrag, wie Managerinnen und Manager in Unternehmen mit wenig Digitalerfahrung erste Schritte hin zur Digitalisierung ihres Geschäftsmodellportfolios gehen können.
The Institutional Dimension of Sustainable Development in Brazil
Authors: Brito Antunes Verônica Nascimento , da Vinha Valéria Gonçalves , Santos Silva Jacilene dos
Published: January 2024

This article aims to review the ‘state of the art’ of the institutional dimension of sustainable development, focusing on the portrayal of this dimension through indicators in Brazil. The research employs a theoretical-argumentative methodology for exploratory analysis of sustainable development in Brazil, from an institutional perspective. The procedures of bibliographic research and document analysis are used in the discussion. As a result, it is confirmed that the institutional dimension of sustainable development reveals a generic framework of institutional efforts and capacities. This dimension is poorly portrayed by sustainability indicators, due to its complexity and difficulty in collecting primary data. Accordingly, the strengthening of governance is suggested as a solution for the improvement of the institutional framework in the country.
Historical Heritage, Traditions, Continuity: to the 100th Anniversary of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the Belarusian State Medical University
Authors: Можейко Л.Ф.
Published: January 2024

В статье прослеживается история кафедры акушерства и гинекологии БГМУ начиная с момента ее основания в 1923 г. Раскрывается ее ведущая роль в охране здоровья матери и ребенка в Республике Беларусь.

The article traces the history of the department of obstetrics and gynecology of the BSMU, since its inception in 1923. It reveals its leading role in the protection of maternal and child health in the Republic of Belarus.
"Nebulous Diagnosis": Pelvic Congestive Syndrome in Young Women Through the Eyes of a Gynaecologist
Authors: Иванишкина-Кудина О.Л.
Published: January 2024

Обзор посвящен гинекологическим аспектам проблемы тазового конгестивного синдрома – патологического состояния, которое сопровождается венозным полнокровием органов малого таза и является одной из частых причин развития синдрома хронической тазовой боли. В статье представлены данные о патогенетических теориях развития синдрома, редких клинических проявлениях, влиянии на репродуктивную функцию, современных методах диагностики, возможностях медикаментозной терапии и особенностях выбора и применения препаратов гормональной контрацепции.

The review is devoted to the gynecological aspects of the problem of pelvic congestive syndrome – a pathological condition that is accompanied by venous plethora of the pelvic organs and is one of the common causes of the development of chronic pelvic pain syndrome. The article presents data on the pathogenetic theories of the development of the syndrome, rare clinical manifestations, the impact on reproductive function, modern diagnostic methods, the possibilities of drug therapy and the features of the choice and use of hormonal contraceptives.
Prenatal Yoga mempengaruhi Tingkat Kecemasan pada Ibu Hamil Primigravida
Authors: Farasari Poppy , Widyawati Evita , Oktaviana Friska
Published: January 2024

Kecemasan pada kehamilan adalah sesuatu yang sangat merugikan untuk ibu hamil, karena bisa mempengaruhi janin yang dikandungnya. Tujuan dari penelitian ini untuk mengetahui pengaruh  Prenatal yoga terhadap tingkat kecemasan pada ibu hamil primigravida. Desain penelitian ini adalah eksperimental dengan menggunakan pendekatan true post eksperimenfokus penelitian diarahkan untuk menganalisis pengaruh Prenatal yoga terhadap tingkat kecemasan Ibu Hamil primigravida. Jumlah sampel sebanyak 43 responden di ambil menggunakan teknik Accidental Sampling. Hasil dari penelitian, bahwa Tingkat dari kecemasan ibu hamil primigravida sebelum diberikan perlakuan prenatal yoga hampir separuh responden tingkat kecemasannya masuk kategori sedang sejumlah 21 responden (48,8%), dan setelah diberikan perlakuan prenatal yoga memiliki tingkat kecemasan berkurang. Responden kategori sedang jumlahnya meningkat sebanyak 26 responden (60,5%). Hasil dari analisis Uji Wilcoxon menunjukkan bahwa nilai dari p-value 0,000 < 0,05 maka H0 ditolak dan H1 diterima jadi bisa disimpulkan bahwa ada pengaruh dari prenatal yoga kepada tingkat kecemasan ibu hamil primigravida. Berdasarkan hasil dari penelitian tersebut bahwa ada pengaruh dari prenatal yoga terhadap tingkat kecemasan pada ibu hamil primigravida. Salah satu cara mengatasi kecemasan pada ibu hamil primigravida adalah memberikan terapi yaitu senam yoga. Prenatal yoga harus dilakukan dengan latihan yang rutin dan stabil untuk mendapatkan hasil yang efektif sehingga tubuh akan terbiasa melakukan kegiatan ini dan diharapkan bagi ibu hamil primigravida tingkat kecemasanya semakin menurun dan psikologis ibu primigavida menjadi lebih stabil
Socio-economic Benefits of the EPS Sterna constellation at high latitudes
Authors: Perrels Adriaan , Juhanko Kaisa
Published: January 2024

This report presents a combined meteorological and economic study commissioned by EUMETSAT as part of the planning trajectory for the EPS-Sterna polar-orbiting satellite constellation. The focus of the study is on the foreseeable effects of EPS Sterna on meteorological forecasts and the resulting socioeconomic benefits, particularly regarding application at high latitudes, with emphasis on the Nordic countries. The study has an explorative character, hence the quantified estimates of benefits only indicate orders of magnitude for selected sectors. A more comprehensive assessment of expected benefits would necessitate a larger study. The report focuses on sectors for which significant benefits were expected, being civil aviation in Nordic countries (excluding Iceland) and wind turbine-based electricity production in the Nordpool area. For civil aviation, increased precision in forecasting winterly precipitation enhances preparedness on airports, thereby reducing weather-related delays. The potential annual benefit for the aviation sector in the Nordic countries is estimated at approximately €5 million, with an additional €1 million in avoided travel time loss. The upscaled effect for aviation in Europe is estimated at around €15 million per year. In wind power production, timely identification of probable formation of ice and snow on turbine blades benefits the Nordic power market through smoother operations and cost savings. The expected annual benefits for society are approximately €15 million, growing to €27 million when considering growth in electricity use. Applying a satellite constellation lifetime of 12 years (2029–2040), the estimated cumulative benefits range from €240 million (using base year levels without expansion) to €495 million (using maximum values per sector). No discounting of benefits nor costs has been applied. Other sectors with potential benefits include construction, tourism, urban operational management, and more. A coarse assessment for the Finnish building sector suggests expected annual benefits of about €1 million. The study notes that EPS Sterna's forecast improvements may lead to the development of new smart services, influencing property management and generating economic effects. Realizing the benefit potential of EPS Sterna data requires dedicated weather service development and improved data integration with non-meteorological data. The report recommends establishing a repository of cost-benefit analysis (CBA) data and results to facilitate future evaluations of satellite constellations.