bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Explicit and implicit effects of gaming content on social media on the behavior of young adults
Authors: Jitoku Daisuke , Kobayashi Nanase , Fujimoto Yuka , Qian Chenyu , Okuzumi Shoko , Tei Shisei , Matsuyoshi Daisuke , Tamura Takehiro , Takahashi Hidehiko , Ueno Takefumi , Yamada Makiko , Fujino Junya
Published: January 2024

Excessive gameplay can have negative effects on both mental and physical health, especially among young people. Nowadays, social media platforms are bombarding users with gaming-related content daily. Understanding the effect of this content on people’s behavior is essential to gain insight into problematic gaming habits. However, this issue is yet to be studied extensively. In this study, we examined how gaming-related content on social media affects young adults explicitly and implicitly. We studied 25 healthy young adults (average age 21.5 ± 2.2) who played online games casually and asked them to report their gaming desire. We also conducted an implicit association test (IAT) to measure their implicit attitudes toward gaming-related content. We also investigated the relationship between these measures and various psychological factors, such as personality traits, self-efficacy, impulsiveness, and cognitive flexibility. The results revealed that participants had a higher explicit gaming desire when exposed to gaming-related cues on social media than neutral cues. They also had a robust positive implicit attitude toward gaming-related content on social media. Explicit gaming desire was positively correlated with neuroticism levels. Furthermore, the IAT effect was negatively correlated with self-efficacy and cognitive flexibility levels. However, there were no significant correlations between explicit gaming desire/IAT effect and impulsiveness levels. These findings suggest that gaming-related content on social media can affect young adults’ behavior both explicitly and implicitly, highlighting the need for further research to prevent gaming addiction in vulnerable individuals.
Feasibility of delivering a randomized controlled trial of weighted blanket intervention to help agitation and disturbed sleep after brain injury
Authors: Edwards Laura
Published: January 2024

Sleep disturbance and agitation are common after acquired brain injury (ABI). Weighted blankets may help these symptoms in other conditions, but have not been trialed in ABI. We aimed to determine acceptability and feasibility of weighted blankets to aid sleep and agitation after ABI. We recruited participants into a non-blinded, randomized controlled study in an NHS inpatient neurorehabilitation unit. Participants were randomized 1:1 to weighted blanket or standard hospital linen. Participants underwent observation of sleep (including actigraphy) and behavior over 11 nights. Of 10 participants randomized, seven participants completed the study. Only 1 participant tolerated the weighted blanket throughout and only three wore the actigraph for all nights of the study. Participants found the weighted blanket hot, heavy and uncomfortable. The study was terminated early due to poor tolerance. Delivery of a definitive trial in this format would not be feasible.
Feasibility and effectiveness of second-line chemotherapy with mitomycin C in patients with advanced penile cancer
Authors: Draeger Desiree Louise , Hakenberg Oliver W.
Published: January 2024

Background

Triple-drug cisplatin- and taxane-based chemotherapy is the standard treatment for metastatic penile squamous cell cancer (PeSCC), with a moderate response rate of 30% to 38%. Relapse after first-line chemotherapy has a poor prognosis and there is no established second-line treatment. Mitomycin C (MMC) is used as an effective chemotherapy in squamous cell carcinoma of other localities. We therefore used MMC as a single agent for the second-line treatment for patients with advanced PeSCC.

Methods

Nine patients [median age 63 years (range 31 years–81 years)], who, after inguinal and pelvic lymphadenectomy and progression after first-line chemotherapy, received second-line treatment with 20 mg of MMC administered intravenously and weekly, were included in this study. The median number of cycles of MMC was 6 (range 2–12 cycles) and the median cumulative dose was 120 mg absolute (range 40 mg absolute–240 mg absolute). The patients’ toxicity and treatment responses were evaluated, with the latter evaluated using 18F-FDG-PET/CT.

Results

Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) grades 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia and grades 2 or 3 leukopenia occurred in all patients, as did anemia. In seven patients, the application interval had to be extended due to thrombocytopenia. Stable disease was achieved in two patients, and all others progressed under treatment. Seven patients died of the disease, with most patients dying 6 months after starting MMC therapy. Of the two patients who responded with disease stabilization, one died of progressive disease 14 months after MMC treatment. The other responding patient has been stable for over 1 year and is still receiving treatment, which he tolerates well, and has a good quality of life.

Conclusion

MMC has only moderate efficacy as a second-line treatment in patients with metastatic PeSCC. With MMC treatment, hematological toxicity is marked.
Saving Birds From Extinction by Discovering Their Habitats
Authors: Frigerio Didone , Kleindorfer Sonia , Krejci Julia , Schuster Richard , Kotrschal Kurt , Loretto Matthias-Claudio , Puehringer-Sturmayr Verena
Published: January 2024

With only 700 individuals left in the wild, the northern bald ibis is considered to have a moderate risk of going extinct. What does it take to prevent a species from going extinct? Aside from ensuring there is adequate habitat and making sure the species is safe, knowledge about an animal’s behavior is key for conservation management. Which sites do these birds use for foraging and roosting? Do they move alone or in groups, and are there recurring patterns to their movements? These are just some of the questions we tried to answer in our study. We monitored the movements of 32 free-flying northern bald ibises over 4 years, by equipping the birds with GPS transmitters. We found that our birds are pretty predictable in their habits and that they preferably fly along valleys. Being aware of such preferences is important when planning to reintroduce new colonies into the wild.
What is Alopecia?
Authors: Yildiz-Altay Ümmügülsüm , Pilson David S. , Richmond Jillian M. , Senna Maryanne Makredes
Published: January 2024

Alopecia is a medical term for hair-loss disorders. Hair is important for us because it impacts our appearance and how we feel about ourselves, and losing hair can be tough for our mental health. In this article, we will explain the different types of alopecia, what can cause them, and how they are treated.
APOBEC3D excludes APOBEC3F from HIV-1 virions by competitive binding of RNA
Authors: Bhattacharjee Shreoshri , Gaba Amit , Chelico Linda
Published: January 2024

The human family of APOBEC3 enzymes are primarily studied as single-stranded DNA deoxycytidine deaminases that act as host restriction factors for a number of viruses and retroelements. The deamination of deoxycytidine to deoxyuridine causes inactivating mutations in target DNA and the nucleic acid binding ability may also cause deamination independent restriction. There are seven APOBEC3 enzymes in humans, named A-H, excluding E, each of which has restriction activity against a subset of viruses or retroelements. There are primarily four, APOBEC3D, APOBEC3F, APOBEC3G, and APOBEC3H that have been found to restrict replication of HIV-1, however their restriction activity varies and they have primarily been studied individually despite co-expression in the cells that HIV-1 infects. It is known that APOBEC3F hetero-oligomerizes with APOBEC3G and APOBEC3H and that this influences host restriction outcomes during HIV-1 infection in tissue culture. Here, we examined if APOBEC3F interacts with APOBEC3D and the functional outcomes. We found that APOBEC3D mRNA expression was similar to or higher than APOBEC3F mRNA in multiple donors, suggesting that the proteins would be co-expressed, allowing for interactions to occur. We determined that APOBEC3F and APOBEC3D interacted primarily through an RNA intermediate; however, this interaction resulted in APOBEC3D competitively excluding APOBEC3F from virions. Although HIV-1 restriction still occurred when APOBEC3F and APOBEC3D were co-expressed, it was due to primarily APOBEC3D-mediated deamination-independent restriction. The APOBEC3D-mediated exclusion of APOBEC3F from HIV-1 encapsidation could be recapitulated in vitro through RNA capture experiments in which APOBEC3D decreased or abrogated the ability of APOBEC3F to bind to HIV-1 protease or 5’UTR RNA, respectively. Overall, the data suggest that there are mechanisms at the protein level that segregate APOBEC3s into different virus particles.
Głupi / idiotyczny / nieszczęsny długopis, czyli o nie tylko ekspresywnym znaczeniu pewnego typu przymiotników
Authors: Doboszyńska-Markiewicz Katarzyna
Published: January 2024

This article shows lexemes such as głupi (gwóźdź), debilne (zebranie), idiotyczny (ząb), nieszczęsne (dokumenty) (a stupid/foolish/ridiculous/wretched (nail/meeting/tooth/document)) as a subgroup of metapredicative adjectives with expressive and colloquial markedness. When they moved to the level of speaking about speaking, they lost some of the formal characteristics of typical adjecƟtives (they are non-contrastive, non-negatable, nod-gradable among other features) and the meanings associated with mental impairment, illness, and other misfortunes have changed into the carrier of the evaluation ‘it’s not worth talking about’. This process falls into the research on grammaticalisation. This article provides an overview of dictionary entries of the analysed expressions and the author’s preliminary hypothesis on their capability to reinforce assertion.
Wizualizacja treści jako sposób upraszczania tekstu prawnego. Legal design w praktyce
Authors: Ruta-Korytowska Karolina , Połomski Łukasz
Published: January 2024

The aim of this article is to present the possibility of using the plain language standard for communication in the field of law. So far, legal design as a model of communication between lawyers and citizens/clients has not been thoroughly developed in terms of both theory and practice. Therefore, the first part of the text presents the most important features of plain language in terms of legal design. It is one of the possible ways to apply the standard of plain Polish developed over a decade ago. The high degree of difficulty of texts in the field of law results in their recipients being excluded in terms of communication. Legal design is the simplification of the language of law in such a way that it is useful and understandable for every citizen. The second part of the article describes good practices of using this information design model in the field of law. The effectiveness and efficiency of activiƟ es aimed at visualising content has been tested among clients of one of Poznań law firms.
Jak by nie było, to gdzie nie spojrzeć, tak się mówi i pisze
Authors: Markowski Andrzej
Published: January 2024

This article is an attempt to make a prescriptive evaluation of phraseological units such as jak było, co by nie zrobić, kto by nie przyszedł, gdzie by nie spojrzeć, gdzie nie spojrzę, gdzie się nie ruszysz, etc. They have been present in the Polish language for at least 150 years, but are still evaluated negatively, as unnecessary Russicisms and illogical constructs. The discussions carried out in this text, supported by numerous examples from various types of Polish texts, lead to the conclusion that we are dealing with a phraseological model containing the components by nie as a construcyional axis or nie, in sentences that are formally negated yet in fact containing the reinforcement of a judgment. The phraseologised units have demonstrated their functional usefulness and should be accepted in the usage norm of Polish.
Analysis of Multiangle Wheat Density Effects Based on Drill Single-Seed Seeding
Authors: Li Haikang , Korohou Tchalla , Liu Zhenyu , Geng Jing , Ding Qishuo
Published: January 2024

Explaining the physiological and ecological effects of wheat population density can provide new research methods for field crop production. A three-year field trial under drill single-seed seeding was conducted, which used three different intra-row seed-seedling spacings to quantitatively analyze the density effect from three perspectives—population, individual plant, and single-stem panicle—at the winter wheat harvest. The results showed that year and density had significant effects on both the population and individual plant yield (p < 0.05), as well as on some yield components and biomass indicators. The interaction between planting density and annual climate was found only in the number of grains for both the entire population and individual plants. With the increase in planting density, the CI gradually increased, inhibiting the growth of individual plants and leading to a negative impact on monoculture wheat yield. The drill single-seed seeding method can provide a basic experiment condition for analyzing the density effect. The density effect of wheat populations originates from intraspecific competition, which mainly affects the growth of individual plants. Research based on the analysis of density effects from the perspectives of population, individual plants, and single-stem panicles can provide a methodological reference for precision agriculture.
Life Cycle Assessment of Hydrothermal Carbonization: A Review of Product Valorization Pathways
Authors: Ogunleye Andrea , Flora Joseph , Berge Nicole
Published: January 2024

Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) has the potential to be a sustainable and environmentally beneficial approach for organic waste treatment. It is likely that HTC product use will dictate the viability of large-scale HTC facilities; therefore, understanding the viability and environmental implications associated with HTC product valorization pathways is critical. The overall goal of this review is to gain an understanding of how HTC product valorization is currently being modeled in life cycle assessment studies, and to use such information to assess current research and/or data needs associated with product valorization. To accomplish this, a review of existing HTC literature was conducted and used to assess the current state of knowledge surrounding the environmental implications of HTC product use. From this review of the literature, it is clear that potential exists for HTC product valorization. To realize this potential in a full-scale application, research gaps and data needs were identified that included a system-level integration to evaluate location-specific information as well as more extensive characterization of the impact of HTC product properties on valorization impacts.
Douro Vineyards: A Perspective for the Valorization and Conservation of Grapevine Genetic Resources
Authors: Sousa Beatriz , Araújo Susana de Sousa , Sales Hélia , Pontes Rita , Nunes João
Published: January 2024

The wine industry is one of the most important industries globally, particularly for Portugal, making a significant contribution to the Portuguese Bioeconomy. The Douro Demarcated Region (DDR) stands out as one of the largest wine-producing areas in the country. Its centuries-old culture has fostered a rich diversity, developed through vegetative and genetic breeding. Within the wine market, the highest prices for grapes are attained only under optimal edaphoclimatic conditions and when phenotypic characteristics, such as berry size and color, flowering and seed number, align favorably. Viticulture is influenced by environmental factors, diseases, and pests, impacting its economic value, profitability, and, ultimately, the employment and economic conditions of those dependent on the crops. Genetic improvement of phenotypic traits offers a faster and more cost-effective means of achieving desirable characteristics, translating into enhanced productivity and wine quality. This work focuses on presenting information about Douro grapes (region, varieties, diseases/pest, and economic value) and explores grapevine genetic diversity, along with approaches to identify genes associated with various desired traits.
Transcriptome Analysis and Genome-Wide Gene Family Identification Enhance Insights into Bacterial Wilt Resistance in Tobacco
Authors: Liu Zhengwen , Xiao Zhiliang , Geng Ruimei , Ren Min , Wu Xiuming , Xie He , Bai Ge , Zhang Huifen , Liu Dan , Jiang Caihong , Cheng Lirui , Yang Aiguo
Published: January 2024

Bacterial wilt, caused by the Ralstonia solanacearum species complex, is one of the most damaging bacterial diseases in tobacco and other Solanaceae crops. In this study, we conducted an analysis and comparison of transcriptome landscape changes in seedling roots of three tobacco BC4F5 lines, C244, C010, and C035, with different resistance to bacterial wilt at 3, 9, 24, and 48 h after R. solanacearum infection. A number of biological processes were highlighted for their differential enrichment between C244, C010, and C035, especially those associated with cell wall development, protein quality control, and stress response. Hence, we performed a genome-wide identification of seven cell wall development-related gene families and six heat shock protein (Hsp) families and proposed that genes induced by R. solanacearum and showing distinct expression patterns in C244, C010, and C035 could serve as a potential gene resource for enhancing bacterial wilt resistance. Additionally, a comparative transcriptome analysis of R. solanacearum-inoculated root samples from C244 and C035, as well as C010 and C035, resulted in the identification of a further 33 candidate genes, of which Nitab4.5_0007488g0040, a member of the pathogenesis-related protein 1 (PR-1) family, was found to positively regulate bacterial wilt resistance, supported by real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) and virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) assays. Our results contribute to a better understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying bacterial wilt resistance and provide novel alternative genes for resistance improvement.
Poly-Glutamic Acid Promotes the Growth and the Accumulation of Main Medicinal Components in Salvia miltiorrhiza
Authors: Shan Changjuan , Zhang Xiaoqing , Luo Yi , Yang Dongfeng
Published: January 2024

Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge is a traditional medicinal plant in China and poly-glutamic acid (PGA) is a valuable biopolymer. However, it is unclear whether PGA promotes growth and the accumulation of main medicinal components in S. miltiorrhiza. To elucidate this scientific question, the influences of PGA on the growth, physiological characteristics, and accumulation of main medicinal components in S. miltiorrhiza were explored through a pot experiment. The results revealed that PGA significantly promoted basal diameter, plant height, shoot and root biomass, as well as root volume, compared with control. PGA also increased SPAD value, net photosynthetic rate, actual and maximum photochemical efficiency of photosynthetic system II, photochemical quenching, and electronic transfer rate. Meanwhile, PGA increased transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, water use efficiency, leaf relative water content, and the contents of soluble protein, soluble sugar, and proline. Furthermore, PGA increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes and the contents of antioxidants. The above findings imply that PGA facilitated S. miltiorrhiza growth by enhancing photosynthetic performance, water metabolism, and antioxidant capacity. Additionally, PGA significantly improved the yield of rosmarinic acid, salvianolic acid B, dihydrotanshinone, cryptotanshinone, tanshinone I, and tanshinone ⅡA in roots by up-regulating the transcript levels of genes responsible for their biosynthesis. Our findings indicated that PGA promoted S. miltiorrhiza growth and the accumulation of main medicinal components in roots.
Anatomical View of the Internal Carotid Artery Occlusion in Japanese Black Cattle
Authors: Jadi Arvendi Rachma , Fujisaki Hinako , Ramah Amany , Baakhtari Mahmoud , Imatake Shoichiro , Wakitani Shoichi , Yasuda Masahiro
Published: January 2024

The internal carotid artery (ICA) is a branch of the common carotid artery (CCA), along with the external carotid artery (ECA), which together provide the blood supply for the brain. The description of the ICA in cattle is vague, including denial of its existence or degeneration at an early stage after birth. This anatomical study investigated the internal carotid artery in Japanese black cattle. Sixty-five heads of Japanese black cattle aged from newborn to 13 years were dissected and injected with colored latex from the CCA after separating the head and body. Diameter measurements of the artery branches from the CCA on its bifurcation were conducted. Furthermore, a histological examination of the ICA wall’s structures, which consist of the tunica intima, tunica media, and tunica externa, was performed. The ICA of Japanese black cattle is closed on the left side after age 3 years, except for a small lumen at 13 years, whereas the right ICA remains open at all ages. The location of occlusion of the left internal carotid artery (LICA) shows thickness of the tunica intima and an increased connective tissue layer area. The diameter of the ICA does not differ between the left and right sides, and there is no correlation with age. Therefore, further studies are needed, especially of ICA occlusion related to Japanese black cattle’s physiology or cerebrospinal disease.
Enhancing the Production Performance and Nutrient Utilization of Laying Hens by Augmenting Energy, Phosphorous and Calcium Deficient Diets with Fungal Phytase (Trichoderma reesei) Supplementation
Authors: Pirzado Shoaib Ahmed , Liu Guohua , Purba Muhammad Adanan , Cai Huiyi
Published: January 2024

A ten-week trial was conducted to evaluate the enhancement of production performance and nutrient utilization of laying hens through augmenting energy, phosphorous, and calcium deficient diets with fungal phytase (Trichoderma reesei) supplementation. 720 Hy-line Brown hens aged 28 weeks were randomly divided into 5 groups; each group had 8 replicates of 18 hens. Five experimental diets were prepared and fed to corresponding groups. A positive control (PC) diet contained 3.50% of calcium (Ca), 0.32% of non-phytate phosphorus (NPP), and apparent metabolic energy (AME) of 11.29MJ/kg, while a negative control (NC) diet contained 3.30% of Ca, 0.12% of NPP, and lower AME of 300 kJ/kg. The other three diets were supplemented with 250 FTU/kg phytase (PHY-250), 1000 FTU/kg phytase (PHY-1000), and 2000 FTU/kg phytase (PHY-2000) in addition to a regular NC diet. Results indicated that the positive control (PC) diet group had higher body weight gain, egg weight, and average daily feed intake. However, laying rate, egg mass, and FCR were most improved in the PHY-2000 group, followed by the PHY-1000 and PHY-250 groups (p < 0.05). Improved yolk color was most notable in laying hens fed the diet with PHY-1000 as opposed to the PC and NC groups (p < 0.05), but no overall difference was found among all of the phytase treated groups. The apparent availability of dry matter, energy, phosphorus, and phytate P was significantly higher in the PHY-2000 group than in the PC and NC groups (p < 0.05). Compared to the PC group, nitrogen retention was significantly higher in the PHY-1000 group, while calcium availability was higher in the PHY-250 group. The results suggested that the addition of phytase to diets with low P, Ca, and AME improved laying performance and apparent availability of dietary nutrients. Thus, it was concluded that the laying hen diet could be supplemented with 1000–2000 FTU/kg phytase for improving laying production and nutrient availability and mitigating the negative impact of reduced nutrient density in laying hen diets.
Stable Rules Definition for Fuzzy TS Speed Controller Implemented for BLDC Motor
Authors: Kaczmarczyk Grzegorz , Malarczyk Mateusz , Ferreira Danton Diego , Kaminski Marcin
Published: January 2024

This paper deals with the application of a fuzzy-logic-based controller for a drive with a BLDC motor. Two main aspects of the work are presented in this paper. The first of them is focused on the design process of the fuzzy model. For this purpose, the rules of the applied fuzzy system are defined according to the Lyapunov function. The gain coefficients of the controller are optimized using the Chameleon Swarm Algorithm. Various issues and aspects were analyzed in the simulation tests (robustness against parameter changes, the influence of the controller parameters on the precision of control, stages of optimization, etc.). The presented work confirms the assumptions regarding precision and stable operation (also in the presence of changes in the object parameters—the mechanical time constants of the engine) in connection with the applied fuzzy speed controller. Moreover, the second part of the manuscript presents the low-cost power electronic device developed for laboratory tests. It uses STM32 ARM-based microcontrollers (state variable measurement, control algorithm calculation, control signal generation) and a Raspberry Pi 4B microcomputer (control application—reference value and parameter definition). The experiment performed for the control structure—an electric drive with a BLDC motor—verified the theoretical considerations.
Effects of the International Training Program for Enhancing Intelligent Capabilities through Blended Learning on Computational Thinking, Artificial Intelligence Competencies, and Core Competencies for the Future Society in Graduate Students
Authors: Ahn Yeong-Hwi , Oh Eun-Young
Published: January 2024

Background: The purpose of this study is to find the effects of the international training program for enhancing intelligent capabilities through blended learning on computational thinking, artificial intelligence (AI) competency, and core competencies for the future society in graduated students enrolled in the Smart Information Communication Technology (SMART ICT) course. The teaching model followed the ADDIE framework. Methods: This study is a quasi-experimental study based on nonequivalent control group design. Study subjects were assigned to an experimental (n = 20) or control group (n = 20). The experimental group participated in the international training program in the blended learning form, real-time online classes (60 min per session for a week, six sessions) and face-to-face classes (4–8 h per session for 9 days, six sessions). The variables were measured with a self-report questionnaire and were evaluated before, right after, and in the 12th week of the program. Results: The AI competency of the experimental group was observed to be significantly changed at the points of time (F = 6.76, p = 0.002), and in comparison with that of a different group (F = 9.77, p = 0.003). Conclusions: This study suggests applying an international training program based on blended learning to strengthen intelligence capabilities such as artificial intelligence capabilities.
Convective Drying of Apple Enhanced with Microwaves and Ultrasound—Process Kinetics, Energy Consumption, and Product Quality Approach
Authors: Musielak Grzegorz , Mieszczakowska-Frąc Monika , Mierzwa Dominik
Published: January 2024

This research explores the drying kinetics of apples, evaluating the impact of convective drying (CV), ultrasonically assisted convective drying (CVUS), and convective–microwave processes (CVMW1 and CVMW2) on energy consumption, drying time, temperature profiles, and product quality. Ultrasound-assisted convective drying (CVUS) exhibited a 10% reduction in drying time and a distinct “heating effect”. Convective–microwave processes (CVMW1 and CVMW2) significantly reduced drying times (47% and 66%, respectively, compared to CV), raising concerns about potential deteriorative processes due to elevated temperatures. Numerical analysis, using the Midilli–Kucuk model, highlighted its robust fit and emphasized the influence of microwave and ultrasound on the effective diffusion coefficient. Quality assessment indicated enhancements in polyphenolic compounds, particularly in convective–microwave processes. The convective–microwave process at higher power (CVMW2) emerged as a balanced option, displaying improved kinetics, energy efficiency, and product quality. The findings underscore the potential of judiciously applying microwave and ultrasound technologies for significant energy reduction and process enhancement, with a recommendation for further exploration of new parameters. This study emphasizes the importance of considering both drying kinetics and product quality in evaluating drying processes for fruits and vegetables, providing valuable insights for industrial applications.
The Vibro-Acoustic Characteristics Analysis of the Coupled System between Composite Laminated Rotationally Stiffened Plate and Acoustic Cavities
Authors: Zhang Hong , Ding Yiqun , He Lin , Shuai Changgeng , Jiang Chao
Published: January 2024

In order to study vibro-acoustic characteristics between composite laminated rotationally stiffened plate and acoustic cavities in the coupled system, first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT) and modified Fourier series are used to construct a unified analysis model. The involved coupled systems primarily encompass three types: the coupled system between composite laminated rotationally stiffened plate and cylindrical-cylindrical cavities, spherical-cylindrical cavities, and conical-cylindrical cavities. First, the first-order shear deformation theory and the modified Fourier series are applied to construct the allowable displacement function of the composite laminated rotationally stiffened plate and the allowable sound pressure function of the acoustic cavities. Second, the energy functionals for the structural domain and the acoustic field domain are established, respectively. According to the continuity condition of the particle vibration velocity at the coupling boundary between the composite, laminated cylindrical shell and the enclosed cavity, the coupling potential energy between the stiffened plate and two acoustic cavities is introduced to obtain the energy functional of the coupled system. Third, the Rayleigh-Ritz method is utilized to solve the energy functional and, when combined with artificial virtual spring technology, the suggested theory may be used to study the vibro-acoustic characteristics of a coupled system with arbitrary elastic boundary conditions. Finally, based on validating the fast convergence and correctness of the model, this paper will analyze the impact of crucial parameters on vibro-acoustic characteristics. Furthermore, by incorporating internal point forces and point-sound source stimulation, a steady-state response analysis of the coupled system will be conducted. This research can give a theoretical foundation for the vibration and noise reduction of a vibro-acoustic coupling system.
Tibia-YOLO: An AssistedDetection System Combined with Industrial CT Equipment for Leg Diseases in Broilers
Authors: Sun Shulin , Yang Junyan , Chen Zeqiu , Li Jiayao , Sun Ruizhi
Published: January 2024

With the continuous improvement of broiler production performance, the frequent occurrence of leg problems has caused serious economic losses in many factories. In order to more efficiently detect and prevent broiler leg diseases, we propose an auxiliary detection system for broiler leg diseases based on deep learning. The system is divided into two parts. First, a digital radiography (DR) image of a broiler is taken through industrial computed tomography (CT), and then the improved deep-learning network Tibia-YOLO is used to detect the tibia; the detected results are then extracted and measured. Our improved Tibia-YOLO network uses the Content-Aware ReAssembly of Features (CARAFE) upsampling operator to avoid checkerboard artifacts and increase the generalization capabilities. Efficient multi-scale attention (EMA) and parallel network attention (ParNet) were added to the Tibia dataset at multiple scales (COCO2016), and there were improvements when testing on the three VOC2012 datasets. The mean average precision of tibia detection reached 90.8%, and the root mean square error (RMSE) for the tibia length was 3.37 mm.
State Strategy of International Art Exhibitions in Interwar Lithuania 1918–1940
Authors: Jankevičiūtė Giedrė
Published: January 2024

The Republic of Lithuania was one of several young nation-states that re-established or proclaimed their statehood in the aftermath of the First World War, following the dissolution of empires in Europe. The quest for cultural identity and attempts at its representation within the country, in the region, and on the international stage was the crucial element in the nation-building process, where cultural diplomacy played a pivotal role. For Lithuania, as for most European countries of that era, exhibitions, especially art exhibitions or art sections in the case of world shows (for instance, the Expo 1937 in Paris or the New York World’s Fair in 1939), served as a prominent means of expressing its identity. An overview of the Lithuanian state art exhibition strategy, the dynamics of its organizational process, the exhibition content, and their geographical reach are discussed in the article. To comprehensively grasp Lithuania’s cultural strategy and to reconstruct the network of its artistic connections, foreign art exhibitions organized at the state level and the acquisition of artifacts from these exhibitions for Lithuania’s national art collection, the M. K. Čiurlionis Art Gallery, are briefly reviewed as well.
The Influence of Terrain Smoothing on Simulated Convective Boundary-Layer Depths in Mountainous Terrain
Authors: Duine Gert-Jan , De Wekker Stephan F. J. , Knievel Jason C.
Published: January 2024

Many applications rely on a correct estimation of the convective boundary layer (CBL) depth over mountainous terrain, but often these applications use numerical model simulations. Although models inevitably smooth terrain, the amount of smoothing depends on grid spacing. We investigate the behavior of the CBL in coarse- and fine-grid models applied to mountainous terrain by using output from an operational mesoscale modeling system and by performing quasi-idealized simulations. We investigate different areas in different climate zones using different CBL top derivation methods, grid spacing ratios, planetary boundary layer (PBL) schemes, and terrain smoothing. We find that when compared to fine-grid simulations, CBL depths are systematically larger in coarse domains over mountaintops, and to a lesser extent in valleys. On average, differences between coarse- and fine-domains over mountaintops could reach around 10%. In certain locations, differences could be as high as 25%. We attribute the result to terrain smoothing. Similarly, when using a coarse-grid CBL height (relative to mean sea level) interpolated using fine-grid terrain information, there is good agreement with fine-grid CBL depths over mountaintops and less agreement in valleys. Our results have implications for applications that use output from coarse model grids in mountainous terrain. These include inverse modeling studies (e.g., greenhouse gas budget estimations or integrated water vapor transport), PBL evaluation studies, climate research, air quality applications, planning and executing prescribed burns, and studies associated with precipitation over mountainous terrain.
Exploring the Potential of Sentinel-1 Ocean Wind Field Product for Near-Surface Offshore Wind Assessment in the Norwegian Arctic
Authors: Khachatrian Eduard , Asemann Patricia , Zhou Lihong , Birkelund Yngve , Esau Igor , Ricaud Benjamin
Published: January 2024

The exploitation of offshore wind resources is a crucial step towards a clean energy future. It requires an advanced approach for high-resolution wind resource evaluations. We explored the suitability of the Sentinel-1 Level-2 OCN ocean wind field (OWI) product for offshore wind resource assessments. The SAR data were compared to in situ observations and three reanalysis products: the global reanalysis ERA5 and two regional reanalyses CARRA and NORA3. This case study matches 238 scenes from 2022 for the Goliat station, an oil platform located 85 km northwest of Hammerfest in the Barents Sea, where a new offshore wind park has been proposed. The analysis showed that despite their unique limitations in spatial and temporal resolutions, all data sources have similar statistical properties (RMSE, correlation coefficient, and standard deviation). The Weibull parameters characterizing the wind speed distributions showed strong similarities between the Sentinel-1 and all reanalysis data. The Weibull parameters of the in situ measurements showed an underestimation of wind speed compared to all other sources. Comparing the full reanalysis datasets with the subsets matching the SAR scenes, only slight changes in Weibull parameters were found, indicating that, despite its low temporal resolution, the Sentinel-1 Level 2 OWI product can compete with the more commonly used reanalysis products in the estimation of offshore wind resources. Its high spatial resolution, which is unmatched by other methods, renders it especially valuable in offshore areas close to complex coastlines and in resolving weather events at a smaller scale.
The Reexamination of the Moisture–Vortex and Baroclinic Instabilities in the South Asian Monsoon
Authors: Chen Hongyu , Li Tim , Cui Jing
Published: January 2024

Observational analyses reveal that a dominant mode in the South Asian Monsoon region in boreal summer is a westward-propagating synoptic-scale disturbance with a typical wavelength of 4000 km that is coupled with moistening and precipitation processes. The disturbances exhibit an eastward tilt during their development before reaching their maximum activity center. A 2.5-layer model that extends a classic 2-level quasi-geostrophic model by including a prognostic lower-tropospheric moisture tendency equation and an interactive planetary boundary layer was constructed. The eigenvalue analysis of this model shows that the most unstable mode has a preferred zonal wavelength of 4000 km, a westward phase speed of 6 m s−1, an eastward tilt vertical structure, and a westward shift of maximum moisture/precipitation center relative to the lower-tropospheric vorticity center, all of which agree with the observations. Sensitivity experiments show that the moisture–vortex instability determines, to a large extent, the growth rate, while the baroclinic instability helps set up the preferred zonal scale. Ekman-pumping-induced vertical moisture advection prompts an in-phase component of perturbation moisture relative to the low-level cyclonic center, allowing the generation of available potential energy and perturbation growth, regardless of whether or not a low-level mean westerly is presented. In contrast to a previous study, the growth rate is reversely proportional to the convective adjustment time. The current work sheds light on understanding the moisture–vortex and the baroclinic instability in a monsoonal environment with a pronounced easterly vertical shear.
Oscillatory Behavior of the Solutions for a Parkinson’s Disease Model with Discrete and Distributed Delays
Authors: Feng Chunhua
Published: January 2024

In this paper, the oscillatory behavior of the solutions for a Parkinson’s disease model with discrete and distributed delays is discussed. The distributed delay terms can be changed to new functions such that the original model is equivalent to a system in which it only has discrete delays. Using Taylor’s expansion, the system can be linearized at the equilibrium to obtain both the linearized part and the nonlinearized part. One can see that the nonlinearized part is a disturbed term of the system. Therefore, the instability of the linearized system implies the instability of the whole system. If a system is unstable for a small delay, then the instability of this system will be maintained as the delay increased. By analyzing the linearized system at the smallest delay, some sufficient conditions to guarantee the existence of oscillatory solutions for a delayed Parkinson’s disease system can be obtained. It is found that under suitable conditions on the parameters, time delay affects the stability of the system. The present method does not need to consider a bifurcating equation. Some numerical simulations are provided to illustrate the theoretical result.
Efficient Reprogramming of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells into Trophoblast Stem-like Cells via Lats Kinase Inhibition
Authors: Gao Yake , Han Wenrui , Dong Rui , Wei Shu , Chen Lu , Gu Zhaolei , Liu Yiming , Guo Wei , Yan Fang
Published: January 2024

Mouse zygotes undergo multiple rounds of cell division, resulting in the formation of preimplantation blastocysts comprising three lineages: trophectoderm (TE), epiblast (EPI), and primitive endoderm (PrE). Cell fate determination plays a crucial role in establishing a healthy pregnancy. The initial separation of lineages gives rise to TE and inner cell mass (ICM), from which trophoblast stem cells (TSC) and embryonic stem cells (ESC) can be derived in vitro. Studying lineage differentiation is greatly facilitated by the clear functional distinction between TSC and ESC. However, transitioning between these two types of cells naturally poses challenges. In this study, we demonstrate that inhibiting LATS kinase promotes the conversion of ICM to TE and also effectively reprograms ESC into stable, self-renewing TS-like cells (TSLC). Compared to TSC, TSLC exhibits similar molecular properties, including the high expression of marker genes such as Cdx2, Eomes, and Tfap2c, as well as hypomethylation of their promoters. Importantly, TSLC not only displays the ability to differentiate into mature trophoblast cells in vitro but also participates in placenta formation in vivo. These findings highlight the efficient reprogramming of ESCs into TSLCs using a small molecular inducer, which provides a new reference for understanding the regulatory network between ESCs and TSCs.
The Efficacy of Cognitive Remediation Therapy for Anorexia Nervosa: A Systematic Review of Systematic Reviews
Authors: Marchesi Gloria , Cammisuli Davide Maria , Semonella Michelle , Castelnuovo Gianluca , Pietrabissa Giada
Published: January 2024

Background: Cognitive remediation therapy (CRT) for anorexia nervosa (AN) is an intervention specifically focused on addressing cognitive difficulties associated with the eating disorder. This systematic review of systematic reviews and meta-analysis aimed to provide a summary of the existing literature examining the efficacy of CRT in improving the neuropsychological, psychological, and clinical parameters of patients with AN. Methods: Systematic reviews and meta-analyses were sought in electronic databases, encompassing studies that explored the impact of CRT on AN. Three eligible reviews were identified based on the inclusion criteria. The Revised Assessment of Multiple SysTemAtic Reviews (R-AMSTAR) was employed to evaluate the methodological quality of the reviews, and all included reviews demonstrated satisfactory methodological quality with an R-AMSTAR score of ≥22. Relevant information was extracted from each review and qualitatively compiled. Results: Findings suggest that CRT can help people increase their awareness of cognitive styles and information processing and have a positive effect on patients’ responses to treatment. Conclusions: Further research is required to better understand its impact on other relevant outcomes, including psychological variables, to optimize the treatment’s benefits.
PsycAssist: A Web-Based Artificial Intelligence System Designed for Adaptive Neuropsychological Assessment and Training
Authors: de Chiusole Debora , Spinoso Matilde , Anselmi Pasquale , Bacherini Alice , Balboni Giulia , Mazzoni Noemi , Brancaccio Andrea , Epifania Ottavia M. , Orsoni Matteo , Giovagnoli Sara , Garofalo Sara , Benassi Mariagrazia , Robusto Egidio , Stefanutti Luca , Pierluigi Irene
Published: January 2024

Assessing executive functions in individuals with disorders or clinical conditions can be challenging, as they may lack the abilities needed for conventional test formats. The use of more personalized test versions, such as adaptive assessments, might be helpful in evaluating individuals with specific needs. This paper introduces PsycAssist, a web-based artificial intelligence system designed for neuropsychological adaptive assessment and training. PsycAssist is a highly flexible and scalable system based on procedural knowledge space theory and may be used potentially with many types of tests. We present the architecture and adaptive assessment engine of PsycAssist and the two currently available tests: Adap-ToL, an adaptive version of the Tower of London-like test to assess planning skills, and MatriKS, a Raven-like test to evaluate fluid intelligence. Finally, we describe the results of an investigation of the usability of Adap-ToL and MatriKS: the evaluators perceived these tools as appropriate and well-suited for their intended purposes, and the test-takers perceived the assessment as a positive experience. To sum up, PsycAssist represents an innovative and promising tool to tailor evaluation and training to the specific characteristics of the individual, useful for clinical practice.
Retrofit Strategies for Alleviating Fuel Poverty and Improving Subjective Well-Being in the UK’s Social Housing
Authors: Shwashreh Leena , Taki Ahmad , Kagioglou Mike
Published: January 2024

This research delves into the intricate realm of social housing flat units within tower blocks in Leicester, as a microcosm that serves as a perfect reflection of the larger problem of fuel poverty among social housing systems within the UK. The multifaceted approach intertwines energy efficiency upgrades, indoor comfort, and resident satisfaction. Rooted in a comprehensive methodology, this research seeks to address pressing societal challenges within these architectural projects, from fuel poverty and well-being to environmental sustainability and social justice. Through surveys, interviews, audits, simulations, and detailed analyses of summer and winter thermal performance, this study navigates the complex interplay of factors that influence retrofit success. The findings underscore the transformative potential of comprehensive retrofit measures and the paramount importance of resident engagement while offering a potential holistic checklist for future projects. This research paves the way for future studies encompassing contextual diversity, interdisciplinary collaboration, and long-term impact assessment. As it advances, these findings guide the commitment to fostering positive change, enhancing lives, and contributing to a more sustainable and equitable future in social housing retrofit endeavours.