bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Review on multi-scale mechanics fundamentals and numerical methods for electronics packaging interconnect materials
Authors: Zhou Zhenrui , Lang Fengyong , Farlim Vincentius , Zhang Zhongqing , Li Shiyang , Dong Ruipeng
Published: December 2024

This paper examines multiscale theories and numerical methods for interconnect materials in electronic packaging, focusing on the interplay among micro-scale morphology, meso-scale structure, and macro-scale behavior to improve material reliability and performance prediction. It reviews advanced materials, such as sintered silver and lead-free solder, alongside methodologies like Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations, cohesive modeling, crystal plasticity modeling, and phase-field modeling, to evaluate mechanical and thermal properties across scales and their long-term reliability. At the microscopic scale, MD simulations reveal the influence of atomic arrangements, grain orientations, and dislocation evolution on mechanical behavior. At the mesoscopic scale, phase-field and crystal plasticity models are combined to analyze pore evolution, grain sliding, and stress concentration under thermal cycling. Macroscopically, models like Anand and Unified Creep Plasticity (UCP) describe viscoplasticity, creep, and fatigue life, offering insights into performance under complex conditions. By systematically integrating diverse research methods and theoretical models, this review highlights the applicability of a multiscale coupling framework, providing a comprehensive understanding of the correlations between morphology, structure, and behavior. This framework serves as theoretical guidance for developing innovative packaging solutions and optimizing materials for high-density, low-power electronic devices.
Alterations in the gut microbiome and metabolism with doxorubicin-induced heart failure severity
Authors: Wang Qian , Liu Meihua , Liu Tianpei , Li Long , Wang Chenyang , Wang Xiaolin , Rong Shuling , Zhou Xuedong
Published: December 2024

Objective

This study aimed to explore the changes in gut microbiota and its metabolites in different pathophysiological stages of doxorubicin (DOX)-induced heart failure (DIHF) and the relationship between gut microbiota and metabolites in various degrees of DIHF.

Materials and methods

C57BL/6 J mice were injected intraperitoneally with 5 mg/kg of DOX once a week for 5 consecutive weeks. At different times after injection, the cardiac function and histopathological analysis was conducted, the serum levels of creatine kinase (CK), CK-MB, lactic dehydrogenase, and cardiac troponin T were determined. 16S rRNA gene sequencing of feces and the nontargeted metabolomics analysis of serum were performed. Multi-omics analyses were used to explore the correlation between gut microbiota and serum metabolites.

Results

The results showed that DOX caused cardiac contractile dysfunction and left ventricular (LV) dilation. The levels of myocardial enzymes significantly increase in 3 and 5 weeks after DOX injection. DOX-treated mice showed significant differences in the composition and abundance of gut microorganisms, and the levels of serum metabolites at different times of treatment. Multi-omics analyses showed that intestinal bacteria were significantly correlated with the differential metabolites. Some bacteria and metabolites can be used as biomarkers of DIHF (AUC > 0.8). KEGG analyses showed the involvement of different metabolic pathways in various degrees of DIHF.

Conclusion

Marked differences were found in the composition and abundance of gut microorganisms, the levels of serum metabolites and metabolic pathways in different degrees of DIHF. The intestinal bacteria were significantly correlated with differential metabolites in different degrees of DIHF. The gut microbiota may serve as new targets for the treatment of DIHF.
Organohalide respiration: retrospective and perspective through bibliometrics
Authors: Liao Hengyi , Wang Xuhao , Wang Xin , Zhang Manman , Zhang Yiji , Huang Siqi , Wang Hongyan , Jin Huijuan , Wang Jingjing , Li Xiuying , Yan Jun , Schubert Torsten , Löffler Frank E. , Yang Yi
Published: December 2024

Organohalide-respiring bacteria (OHRB) play a pivotal role in the transformation of organohalogens in diverse environments. This bibliometric analysis provides a timely overview of OHRB research trends and identifies knowledge gaps. Publication numbers have steadily increased since the process was discovered in 1982, with fluctuations in total citations and average citations per publication. The past decade witnessed a peak in publications, underscoring heightened research activity and extensive collaboration. Thematic analysis identified two primary research foci: mechanistic exploration of OHRB and their interplay with environmental factors. Future research should prioritize elucidating the roles OHRB’s play in biogeochemical cycling, utilizing synthetic biology tools for enhanced biotransformation, deciphering OHRB’s ecological interactions, unraveling their evolutionary pathways, and investigating dehalogenation capabilities in other microorganisms, including archaea. These research directions promise to advance our understanding of microbially-driven organohalide transformations, microbial ecology, and genetic engineering potential, ultimately informing natural organohalide cycling and environmental management strategies.
Gut microbiota in post-acute COVID-19 syndrome: not the end of the story
Authors: An Yaping , He Linlin , Xu Xin , Piao Meiyu , Wang Bangmao , Liu Tianyu , Cao Hailong
Published: December 2024

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), has led to major global health concern. However, the focus on immediate effects was assumed as the tip of iceberg due to the symptoms following acute infection, which was defined as post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS). Gut microbiota alterations even after disease resolution and the gastrointestinal symptoms are the key features of PACS. Gut microbiota and derived metabolites disorders may play a crucial role in inflammatory and immune response after SARS-CoV-2 infection through the gut-lung axis. Diet is one of the modifiable factors closely related to gut microbiota and COVID-19. In this review, we described the reciprocal crosstalk between gut and lung, highlighting the participation of diet and gut microbiota in and after COVID-19 by destroying the gut barrier, perturbing the metabolism and regulating the immune system. Therefore, bolstering beneficial species by dietary supplements, probiotics or prebiotics and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) may be a novel avenue for COVID-19 and PACS prevention. This review provides a better understanding of the association between gut microbiota and the long-term consequences of COVID-19, which indicates modulating gut dysbiosis may be a potentiality for addressing this multifaceted condition.
Effects of different exercise types on balance function in healthy older adults and Parkinson’s patients: a systematic review
Authors: Guo Xu Bin , Tang Lu
Published: December 2024

Objective

This study aims to compare the effects of Tai Chi, yoga, and resistance training on balance function in healthy elderly individuals and patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Given the well-documented benefits of these three exercise types in enhancing balance and motor function, it is crucial to assess their differential impacts.

Methods

A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases through December 2023. Articles were selected based on predefined criteria, screened, and evaluated by two independent researchers who also extracted study characteristics. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. The primary outcome measures were the Berg Balance Scale and the Timed Up and Go test, while the secondary measure was the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale Part III. A random effects model was employed, and heterogeneity was measured using the I2 statistic.

Results

Of the 21 studies reviewed, 9 focused on healthy older adults and 12 targeted individuals with PD. The meta-analysis showed that Tai Chi, yoga, and resistance training significantly improved balance in patients with PD compared to control groups (p < 0.00001). Resistance training was most effective in enhancing dynamic balance in healthy older adults (p = 0.003), while Tai Chi had the most significant impact on balance improvement in PD patients (p < 0.00001). Notably, interventions conducted three to four times per week, each lasting 50–60 min and continued over 12 weeks, yielded the most substantial balance improvements.

Conclusion

Comparative analyses demonstrate that Tai Chi, yoga, and resistance training significantly enhance balance and motor function. Specifically, resistance training markedly improves dynamic balance in healthy elderly individuals, while Tai Chi shows pronounced improvements in motor function and balance for PD patients. Optimal balance improvements are achieved by performing interventions three to four times per week, with each session lasting 50–60 min, over 12 weeks.

Systematic review registration

https://inplasy.com/, identifier INPLASY202470042.
Paired nerve stimulation with selective compensation effect
Authors: Leukhin Alexey , Mikhailova Yuliya , Masaev Dinar , Belov Grigorii , Toschev Alexander , Fatykhova Elsa , Vallverdú Jordi , Talanov Max
Published: December 2024

Background

In this study we investigate the selective compensation of paired peripheral nerves in healthy humans, focusing on distinct axonal conduction velocities in different fibre types. Using paired associative stimulation (PAS) with adjustable parameters, we aimed to modulate and compensate for neuronal activity along the median nerve.

Methods

Six healthy volunteers (3 male, 3 female, aged: 22–49) participated in the current study. We conducted 30 experiments with the following protocol. A pair of pulses with the following parameters were applied to each volunteer: amplitude, pulse width and inter-pulse delay was generated by the dual-core programmed microcontroller STM32H745xI/G while values were set by one-board computer Jetson Nano. The microcontroller provided a pair of pulses to the DAC that applied it to nerve stimulation sites via a stimulator. During experiments, we used the following ranges: (a) current amplitudes [0–20mA], (b) pulse width [250–500 μs] and (c) delays [50–250 μs]. As the measurement of the stimulation effectiveness, we used the finger's contraction angles.

Results

Our findings reveal a significant selective compensation (inhibitory) effect over the motor responses, demonstrated through variations in finger displacement angles. By optimizing individual parameters-pulse width, inter-pulse delay, and compensatory currents—we successfully induced motor response compensation effects. Notably, consistent compensatory effects were observed across all volunteers using a pulse width of (250 μs) and an inter-pulse delay of (50 μs).

Discussion

These results highlight PAS's potential for developing non-invasive neuromodulation devices. However, further research is required to evaluate its efficacy in individuals with spasticity and upper motor neuron deficits.
Computational modeling of fear and stress responses: validation using consolidated fear and stress protocols
Authors: Furriel Brunna Carolinne Rocha Silva , Furriel Geovanne Pereira , Cunha Xavier Pinto Mauro , Lemos Rodrigo Pinto
Published: December 2024

Dysfunction in fear and stress responses is intrinsically linked to various neurological diseases, including anxiety disorders, depression, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Previous studies using in vivo models with Immediate-Extinction Deficit (IED) and Stress Enhanced Fear Learning (SEFL) protocols have provided valuable insights into these mechanisms and aided the development of new therapeutic approaches. However, assessing these dysfunctions in animal subjects using IED and SEFL protocols can cause significant pain and suffering. To advance the understanding of fear and stress, this study presents a biologically and behaviorally plausible computational architecture that integrates several subregions of key brain structures, such as the amygdala, hippocampus, and medial prefrontal cortex. Additionally, the model incorporates stress hormone curves and employs spiking neural networks with conductance-based integrate-and-fire neurons. The proposed approach was validated using the well-established Contextual Fear Conditioning paradigm and subsequently tested with IED and SEFL protocols. The results confirmed that higher intensity aversive stimuli result in more robust and persistent fear memories, making extinction more challenging. They also underscore the importance of the timing of extinction and the significant influence of stress. To our knowledge, this is the first instance of computational modeling being applied to IED and SEFL protocols. This study validates our computational model's complexity and biological realism in analyzing responses to fear and stress through fear conditioning, IED, and SEFL protocols. Rather than providing new biological insights, the primary contribution of this work lies in its methodological innovation, demonstrating that complex, biologically plausible neural architectures can effectively replicate established findings in fear and stress research. By simulating protocols typically conducted in vivo-often involving significant pain and suffering-in an insilico environment, our model offers a promising tool for studying fear-related mechanisms. These findings support the potential of computational models to reduce the reliance on animal testing while setting the stage for new therapeutic approaches.
Case Report: Utility of brain [18F]FDG PET/CT in the diagnosis of Sydenham's chorea
Authors: Dambrain Abel , Boursot Charles , Cohen Tannugi Kévin , Reichart Julien , Lacoeuille Franck
Published: December 2024

Sydenham's chorea is an autoimmune reaction against cerebral basal ganglia associated with rheumatic fever, caused by group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus infection. Diagnosis of this condition is difficult because of significant delay between infection onset and symptoms presentation, resulting in few positive biological tests or imaging exams. We report the case of a nine-year-old boy exhibiting hemicorporal abnormal movements with tics for whom [18F]FDG PET/CT exam allowed to make the diagnosis, associated with anti-DNase B elevation. Other biology, spinal tap, EEG and imaging modality like MRI or scanner, were non-contributory.
Complete remission after sintilimab combined with chemoradiotherapy in double primary head and neck carcinoma: case report
Authors: Lu Xiameng , Tan Bibo , Yang Liuting , Huang Suning
Published: December 2024

The simultaneous occurrence of head and neck squamous carcinoma in two anatomical sites is rare, posing challenges in treatment selection. This paper presents a clinical case of concurrent hypopharyngeal carcinoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma, successfully treated with a combination of chemoradiotherapy and an immune checkpoint inhibitor. The patient achieved complete remission and progression-free survival of nearly 3 years, with preserved organ function and minimal toxic side effects, leading to a good quality of life. This case highlights the potential of combined concurrent chemoradiotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors in managing double primary HNSCC, offering a promising treatment option for these patients.
The bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation of the carcinogenic role of EXO1 in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Sun Bohao , Zhang Jing , Wang Nan , Zhang Zhirong , Wu Yichen , Xie Mengzhen , Peng Yanmei , Ye Yifan , Jiang Zhaochang , Wei Shumei
Published: December 2024

Background

Exonuclease 1 (EXO1), a protein involved in mismatch repair and recombination processes, has been identified as a prognostic biomarker in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Nevertheless, its role in LUAD progression remains elusive. This study seeks to elucidate the functional significance of EXO1 in LUAD and evaluate its potential as a therapeutic target.

Materials and methods

Patient RNA-seq and clinical data were acquired from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. Subsequently, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using differentially expressed genes (DEGs) to identify pivotal genes. Validation of the expression of signature genes was carried out through quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Additionally, the association between EXO1 expression and clinical data was investigated. Immunohistochemistry was utilized to assess EXO1 expression in 93 cases of invasive pulmonary adenocarcinoma. Finally, cellular functional assays were conducted to investigate the impact of EXO1 on LUAD cells.

Results

Ten key molecules (PBK, ASPM, NCAPG, EXO1, MKI67, RRM2, AURKA, DLGAP5, UBE2C, and CDC6) exhibited significantly elevated expression levels in LUAD tissues. Moreover, elevated levels of EXO1 gene expression correlated strongly with advanced T, N, and M stages and were significantly associated with immune cell infiltration in LUAD. Furthermore, marked increases in EXO1 protein expression were observed in patients diagnosed with invasive pulmonary adenocarcinoma. Notably, patients diagnosed with invasive pulmonary adenocarcinoma who exhibited elevated EXO1 expression levels exhibited increased lymph node metastasis, pleural invasion, poor tumor differentiation, and advanced clinical stage. Additionally, this study employed wound healing assay and CCK-8 cell proliferation assays to investigate the significant role of EXO1 in promoting the growth and migration of lung adenocarcinoma cells.

Conclusions

This study identified ten hub genes associated with the initiation and progression of LUAD. Additionally, EXO1 may serve as a prognostic marker for LUAD patients, offering new perspectives for clinical treatments.
Superior 125-month outcome through cetuximab in the larynx organ preservation trial DeLOS-II: a single study center’s experience
Authors: Wichmann Gunnar , Wald Theresa , Zebralla Veit , Stoehr Matthaeus , Pirlich Markus , Wiegand Susanne , Kunz Viktor , Dietz Andreas
Published: December 2024

Introduction

The larynx organ preservation (LOP) trial DeLOS-II enrolled n = 173 patients with advanced laryngeal/hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LHSCC) amenable (only curatively resectable) through total laryngectomy (TL) to receive induction chemotherapy (IC) with TPF [docetaxel (T), cisplatin (P), and 5-fluorouracil (F)] (arm A, 85 patients) or additional cetuximab (E) weekly (arm B, 88 patients). Responders with endoscopic estimated tumor surface shrinkage (ETSS) ≥30% after 1 cycle IC (IC-1) received a further two cycles of IC followed by radiotherapy (RT), whereas TL was recommended for non-responders. Arm B failed to show superior 24-month laryngectomy-free survival (LFS) and overall survival (OS), the protocol-specified primary and secondary endpoints. Ten years after the last per-protocol visit, we are interested in the long-term outcome of our clinic’s DeLOS-II patients.

Methods

Our cohort of 52 DeLOS-II patients accrued between 2007 and 2012 included 27 and 25 patients randomized to arms A and B, respectively. F was omitted because of severe toxicity with amendment 2 of the DeLOS-II protocol, leading to 21 and 31 patients receiving TPF and TP IC backbone, respectively. Follow-up data were collected using electronic health records and information from the German Centre for Cancer Registry Data to evaluate long-term LFS and OS in treatment groups.

Results

According to ETSS ≥ 30%, 42 patients (80.8%; 21 and 21 corresponding to 77.8% and 84.0% in arms A and B, respectively) were responders to IC-1 and underwent the LOP attempt. Recommending early TL to non-responders (ETSS < 30%), eight patients (five and three in A and B, respectively) underwent early TL. At 125 months, 22 (eight and 14) patients were alive: 17 (six and 11) with a functioning larynx and five (two and three) without a larynx. Arm B had superior OS (p = 0.023). Disease-specific survival (DSS) and tumor-specific survival were not different, whereas non-cancer-related survival (NCRS) was impaired in arm A (p = 0.018). Receiving TP or TPF IC did not significantly influence survival. Pairwise comparing OS of patients receiving TP, TPF, TPE, and TPFE revealed a benefit from cetuximab in TPE vs. TP (p = 0.020).

Conclusion

While the per-protocol DeLOS-II results earlier reported comparable 24-month LFS and OS in arms A and B, our subcohort’s long-term follow-up data demonstrate a superior 125-month outcome in arm B.
Global, regional, and national burden of cutaneous malignant melanoma from 1990 to 2021 and prediction to 2045
Authors: Liu Chengling , Liu Xingchen , Hu Li , Li Xin , Xin Haiming , Zhu Sailin
Published: December 2024

Background

Cutaneous Malignant Melanoma (CMM) is a significant global health challenge. Understanding regional differences in CMM prevalence and trends is crucial for developing targeted strategies. To address this, we analyzed epidemiological patterns and investigated risk factors for CMM-related mortality.

Methods

This study analyzed CMM using data from the 2021 Global Burden of Diseases survey, covering 204 countries and territories. We evaluated the number and age-standardized rates of prevalence (ASPR), mortality (ASMR), disability-adjusted life years (ASDR), and annual percentage changes (EAPCs). Trends were stratified by region, country, age, sex, and Sociodemographic Index (SDI). A Bayesian Age-Period-Cohort model projected future prevalence, mortality, and DALYs, while decomposition analysis identified key drivers of CMM burden. Frontier analysis further associated CMM outcomes with socio-demographic development.

Results

In 2021, the global prevalence of CMM reached 833,215 cases, a 161.3% increase since 1990. During this period, the ASPR rose from 19.13 to 25.37 per 100,000, while the ASMR declined from 0.84 to 0.73 per 100,000. DALYs increased by 60.5%, from 1,045,777 to 1,678,836. The high SDI region had the highest ASPR, ASMR, and ASDR. Decomposition analysis identified population growth, demographic aging, and epidemiological changes as equal drivers of CMM DALYs globally. Countries like New Zealand and Australia demonstrated the most significant effective differences, indicating potential for improvement in CMM management. By 2045, the global ASPR is projected to rise to 36.61, with ASMR and ASDR expected to decrease to 0.79 and 10.21 per 100,000.

Conclusion

CMM poses an increasing global health concern, with ASPR steadily rising. While this analysis shows a decline in global ASMR and ASDR overall, these rates are actually increasing in low SDI regions, and projections indicate that this trend will likely continue until 2045.
SGI-YOLOv9: an effective method for crucial components detection in the power distribution network
Authors: Yang Mianfang , Chen Bojian , Lin Chenxiang , Yao Wenxu , Li Yangdi
Published: December 2024

The detection of crucial components in the power distribution network is of great significance for ensuring the safe operation of the power grid. However, the challenges posed by complex environmental backgrounds and the difficulty of detecting small objects remain key obstacles for current technologies. Therefore, this paper proposes a detection method for crucial components in the power distribution network based on an improved YOLOv9 model, referred to as SGI-YOLOv9. This method effectively reduces the loss of fine-grained features and improves the accuracy of small objects detection by introducing the SPDConv++ downsampling module. Additionally, a global context fusion module is designed to model global information using a self-attention mechanism in both spatial and channel dimensions, significantly enhancing the detection robustness in complex backgrounds. Furthermore, this paper proposes the Inner-PIoU loss function, which combines the advantages of Powerful-IoU and Inner-IoU to improve the convergence speed and regression accuracy of bounding boxes. To verify the effectiveness of SGI-YOLOv9, extensive experiments are conducted on the CPDN dataset and the PASCAL VOC 2007 dataset. The experimental results demonstrate that SGI-YOLOv9 achieves a significant improvement in accuracy for small object detection tasks, with an mAP@50 of 79.1% on the CPDN dataset, representing an increase of 3.9% compared to the original YOLOv9. Furthermore, it achieves an mAP@50 of 63.3% on the PASCAL VOC 2007 dataset, outperforming the original YOLOv9 by 1.6%.
Classification of arteriovenous fistula sounds using a convolutional block attention module and long short-term memory neural network
Authors: Zhang Jun , Zhang Rongxi , Shu Xinming , Zhang Hongtao
Published: December 2024

The assessment of vascular accessibility in patients undergoing hemodialysis is predominantly reliant on manual inspection, a method that is associated with several limitations. In this study, we propose an alternative approach by recording the acoustic signals produced by the arteriovenous fistula (AVF) and employing deep learning techniques to analyze these sounds as an objective complement to traditional AVF evaluation methods. Auscultation sounds were collected from 800 patients, with each recording lasting between 24 and 30 s. Features were extracted by combining Mel-Frequency Cepstral Coefficients with Mel-Spectrogram data, generating a novel set of feature parameters. These parameters were subsequently used as input to a model that integrates the Convolutional Block Attention Module and a Long Short-Term Memory neural network, designed to classify the severity of AVF stenosis based on two sound categories (normal and abnormal). The experimental results demonstrate that the CBAM-LSTM model achieves an Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve of 99%, Precision of 99%, Recall of 97%, and F1 Score of 98%. Comparative analysis with other models, including VGG, Bi-LSTM, DenseNet121, and ResNet50, indicates that the proposed CBAM-LSTM model outperforms these alternatives in classifying AVF stenosis severity. These findings suggest the potential of the CBAM-LSTM model as a reliable tool for monitoring AVF maturation.
Comparative analysis of the JRL gene family in the whole-genome of five gramineous plants
Authors: Gong Luping , Lu Yitong , Wang Yujie , He Furu , Zhu Tao , Xue Baoping
Published: December 2024

The Jacalin-related lectins (JRLs) gene family play a crucial role in regulating plant development and responding to environmental stress. However, a systematic bioinformatics analysis of the JRL gene family in Gramineae plants has been lacking. In this study, we identified 101 JRL proteins from five Gramineae species and classified them into eight distinct clades. Most of the AtJRL proteins clustered in the same group and were differentiated from the Gramineae JRL proteins. The analysis of protein motifs, gene structures and protein domain revealed that the JRL genes play diverse functions in Gramineae plants. Duplication events indicated that tandem duplication significantly contributed to the expansion of the JRL family, with most JRL members underwent purifying selection. Tissue expression profile analysis showed that most OsJRL genes were highly expressed in the roots, while ZmJRL genes exhibited high expression in inflorescences. Furthermore, the expression level of OsJRL and ZmJRL genes were influenced by drought, cold, heat and salt stresses, respectively, implying that these genes play important roles in response to various abiotic stresses. RT-qPCR results demonstrated that OsJRL4 was up-regulated under PEG6000 and NaCl stresses, while OsJRL12 and OsJRL26 were down-regulated under PEG6000. These findings provide comprehensive insights into the JRL gene family in Gramineae plants and will facilitate further functional characterization of JRLs.
A novel lightweight YOLOv8-PSS model for obstacle detection on the path of unmanned agricultural vehicles
Authors: Chen Zhijian , Fang Yijun , Yin Jianjun , Lv Shiyu , Sheikh Muhammad Farhan , Liu Lu
Published: December 2024

Introduction

The rapid urbanization of rural regions, along with an aging population, has resulted in a substantial manpower scarcity for agricultural output, necessitating the urgent development of highly intelligent and accurate agricultural equipment technologies.

Methods

This research introduces YOLOv8-PSS, an enhanced lightweight obstacle detection model, to increase the effectiveness and safety of unmanned agricultural robots in intricate field situations. This YOLOv8-based model incorporates a depth camera to precisely identify and locate impediments in the way of autonomous agricultural equipment. Firstly, this work integrates partial convolution (PConv) into the C2f module of the backbone network to improve inference performance and minimize computing load. PConv significantly reduces processing load during convolution operations, enhancing the model's real-time detection performance. Second, a Slim-neck lightweight neck network is introduced, replacing the original neck network's conventional convolution with GSConv, to further improve detection efficiency and accuracy. This adjustment preserves accuracy while reducing the complexity of the model. After optimization, the bounding box loss function is finally upgraded to Shape-IoU (Shape Intersection over Union), which improves both model accuracy and generalization.

Results

The experimental results demonstrate that the improved YOLOv8_PSS model achieves a precision of 85.3%, a recall of 88.4%, and an average accuracy of 90.6%. Compared to the original base network, it reduces the number of parameters by 55.8%, decreases the model size by 59.5%, and lowers computational cost by 51.2%. When compared with other algorithms, such as Faster RCNN, SSD, YOLOv3-tiny, and YOLOv5, the improved model strikes an optimal balance between parameter count, computational efficiency, detection speed, and accuracy, yielding superior results. In positioning accuracy tests, the, average and maximum errors in the measured distances between the camera and typical obstacles (within a range of 2-15 meters) were 2.73% and 4.44%, respectively.

Discussion

The model performed effectively under real-world conditions, providing robust technical support for future research on autonomous obstacle avoidance in unmanned agricultural machinery.
The attraction of evil. An investigation of factors explaining women’s romantic parasocial relationships with bad guys in movies and series
Authors: Schramm Holger , Sartorius Annika
Published: December 2024

The attractiveness of bad boys can be seen as a cultural phenomenon that can be found in different areas of society and art. In the media, too, the bad boy fulfills social expectations in terms of masculinity and is often portrayed as dominant, violent, hard, unemotional and aggressive. Women may feel attracted to this male dominance under certain conditions. In order to investigate this phenomenon in the field of media psychology, this study examined women’s personality as predictor of romantic parasocial relationships (RPSR) with bad boys from movies or series, as well as feelings and experiences associated with such relationships. In an online questionnaire, 47 women were asked about specific personality traits, their RPSR with their favorite bad boy, and their perceived egocentric feelings and experiences associated with this RPSR. Both the love style ludus, which describes unattached playful love, and sensation seeking, which encompasses a woman’s inclination towards new experiences and adventures, emerge as predictors of an RPSR to a bad boy. Furthermore, it was found that a woman’s RPSR to a bad boy goes along with her retrospective imaginative involvement and sense of power. The findings show parallels to findings from social psychology that explain the attractiveness of bad boys in real relationships. Due to its correlative design, the study should be seen as a first step in the exploration of this media-psychological phenomenon, which will hopefully be followed by further studies with a stricter causality logic.
Leveraging big data and artificial intelligence for smarter trials in myeloproliferative neoplasms
Authors: Bliss Joshua W. , Krichevsky Spencer , Scandura Joseph , Abu-Zeinah Ghaith
Published: December 2024

The myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) – polycythemia vera, essential thrombocytosis, and primary myelofibrosis – are chronic blood cancers that originate from hematopoietic stem cells carrying driver mutations which activate cytokine signaling pathways in hematopoiesis. MPNs are associated with high symptom burden and potentially fatal events including thrombosis and progression to more aggressive myeloid neoplasms. Despite shared driver mutations and cell of origin, MPNs have an extremely heterogenous clinical course. Their phenotypic heterogeneity, coupled with their natural history spanning several years to decades, makes personalized risk assessment difficult. Risk assessment is necessary to identify patients with MPNs most likely to benefit from clinical trials aimed at improving thrombosis-free, progression-free and/or overall survival. For MPN trials to be powered for survival endpoints with a feasibly attained sample size and study duration, risk models with higher sensitivity and positive predictive value are required. Traditional MPN risk models, generally linear models comprised of binary variables, fall short in making such trials feasible for patients with heterogenous phenotypes. Accurate and personalized risk modeling to expedite survival-focused interventional MPN trials is potentially feasible using machine learning (ML) because models are trained to identify complex predictive patterns in large datasets. With automated retrievability of large, longitudinal data from electronic health records, there is tremendous potential in using these data to develop ML models for accurate and personalized risk assessment.
An Adverse Outcome Pathway for food nanomaterial-induced intestinal barrier disruption
Authors: Stanco Deborah , Lipsa Dorelia , Bogni Alessia , Bremer-Hoffmann Susanne , Clerbaux Laure-Alix
Published: December 2024

Introduction

The ingestion of nanomaterials (NMs) may impair the intestinal barrier, but the underlying mechanisms remain evasive, and evidence has not been systematically gathered or produced. A mechanistic-based approach would be instrumental in assessing whether relevant NMs disrupt the intestinal barrier, thereby supporting the NM risk assessment in the food sector.

Methods

In this study, we developed an adverse outcome pathway (AOP) based on biological plausibility and by leveraging information from an existing NM-relevant AOP that leads to hepatic outcomes. We then extracted the current evidence from the literature for a targeted selection of NMs with high relevance to the food sector, namely, ZnO, CuO, FeO, SiO2, and Ag NMs and nanocellulose.

Results

We propose a new AOP (AOP 530) that starts with endocytic lysosomal uptake, leading to lysosomal disruption inducing mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitochondrial impairments can lead to cell injury/death and disrupt the intestinal barrier. The evidence collected supports that these food-related NMs can be taken up by intestinal cells and indicates that intestinal barrier disruption may occur due to Ag, CuO, and SiO2 NMs, while only few studies support this outcome for FeO and ZnO. Lysosomal disruption and mitochondrial dysfunction are rarely evaluated. For nanocellulose, none of the studies report toxicity-related events.

Conclusion

The collection of existing scientific evidence supporting our AOP linking NM uptake to intestinal barrier impairments allowed us to highlight current evidence gaps and data inconsistencies. These inconsistencies could be associated with the variety of stressors, biological systems, and key event (KE)-related assays used in different studies. This underscores the need for further harmonized methodologies and the production of mechanistic evidence for the safety regulatory assessment of NMs in the food sector.
Orbital Transfers in a Binary Asteroid System Considering Flattening of the Bodies and Solar Radiation Pressure
Authors: Santos L. B. T. , Razoumny V. Y. , Gomes V. M. , Prado A. F. B. A.
Published: December 2024

This paper aims to investigate the effects of asteroid size and shape and solar radiation pressure in the trajectories of a spacecraft in transfers between the collinear equilibrium points of a binary non-spherical asteroid system. As an example, we consider the physical and orbital characteristics of the asteroid system 2001SN263. The goal is not to study this system in detail, but to use its parameters to search for transfers considering elongated bodies for the asteroids and compare the results with the solutions obtained when modeling the bodies as point masses. For the propulsion system, bi-impulsive transfers were investigated. In a system composed of asteroids, it is important to take into account the elongation of the asteroids, particularly the body with the most irregular shape, as this has been shown to change the optimal transfer trajectories. By incorporating solar radiation pressure and the size of the bodies into the dynamics, solutions with both lower and higher fuel consumption can be identified. Although the irregular shape and radiation pressure were not used as controls, their effects on the transfers are analyzed. For a system of small bodies, such as an asteroid system, it is very important to consider these perturbations to ensure that the spacecraft will reach the desired point.
Sensitivity Analysis of the Johnson-Cook Model for Ti-6Al-4V in Aeroengine Applications
Authors: Beecher Carlos , Sepúlveda Héctor , Oñate Angelo , Habraken Anne Marie , Duchêne Laurent , Pincheira Gonzalo , Tuninetti Víctor
Published: December 2024

Titanium alloys, such as Ti-6Al-4V, are crucial for aeroengine structural integrity, especially during high-energy events like turbine blade-out scenarios. However, accurately predicting their behavior under such conditions requires the precise calibration of constitutive models. This study presents a comprehensive sensitivity analysis of the Johnson-Cook plasticity and progressive damage model parameters for Ti-6Al-4V in blade containment simulations. Using finite element models, key plasticity parameters (yield strength (A), strain-hardening constant (B), strain-rate sensitivity (C), thermal softening coefficient (m), and strain-hardening exponent (n)) and damage-related parameters (d1, d2, d3, d4, and d5) were systematically varied by ±5% to assess their influence on stress distribution, plastic deformation, and damage indices. The results indicate that the thermal softening coefficient (m) and the strain rate hardening coefficient (C) exhibit the most significant influence on the predicted casing damage, highlighting the importance of accurately characterizing these parameters. Variations in yield strength (A) and strain hardening exponent (n) also notably affect stress distribution and plastic deformation. While the damage evolution parameters (d1–d5) influence the overall damage progression, their individual sensitivities vary, with d1 and d4 showing more pronounced effects compared to others. These findings provide crucial guidance for calibrating the Johnson-Cook model to enhance aeroengine structural integrity assessments.
Design and Experiment of a Low-Damage Threshing Drum for Corn with Stepless Taper Adjustment
Authors: Chen Linfeng , Zhang Lei , Li Le , Zhang Lihua
Published: December 2024

Aiming to improve the existing corn cylindrical drum threshing process, where the high-frequency impact of threshing elements and rubbing actions result in a high kernel breakage rate, a radial telescopic drum taper adjustment method was proposed, and a corn conical threshing drum was developed. The threshing process was analyzed by combining theory and simulation, and the conical drum enabled rapid threshing and timely penetration of the grains through the sieve, reduced the damage caused by high-frequency action on the grains, and improved the uniformity of the distribution of the discharged material. The response surface test was carried out with the drum speed, feeding quantity, and large end diameter of the drum as the influencing factors and the damage rate as the evaluation index. The results showed that when the rotating speed of the drum was 340 r/min, the feeding quantity was 2.277 kg/s, the diameter of the big end was 506.7 mm, and the breakage rate was 2.826%. The threshing effect was found to be better than when using a cylindrical drum. The research results can provide a reference for low-damage and high-efficiency harvesting of grain.
Impact of Drought, Heat, Excess Light, and Salinity on Coffee Production: Strategies for Mitigating Stress Through Plant Breeding and Nutrition
Authors: Borgo Lucélia , Rabêlo Flávio Henrique Silveira , Marchiori Paulo Eduardo Ribeiro , Guilherme Luiz Roberto Guimarães , Guerra-Guimarães Leonor , Resende Mário Lúcio Vilela de
Published: December 2024

Abiotic stresses significantly disrupt plant physiology at the molecular, biochemical, and morphological levels, often causing irreversible damage. To ensure sustainable coffee production, it is essential to understand how environmental stresses—such as drought, heat, excess light, and salinity—affect plant growth, and to develop strategies to mitigate their impact. Despite the limited number of studies on this topic, compiling existing knowledge can provide valuable insights into how coffee plants respond to such stresses. Specifically, understanding whether coffee plants can endure damage caused by these stresses and the mechanisms they employ to do so is critical. This review aims to (i) summarize key findings on the effects of drought, heat, excess light, and salinity on coffee plants and their coping mechanisms; and (ii) explore plant breeding and nutrition as potential strategies to mitigate these abiotic stresses and enhance coffee production.
Hyperspectral Remote Sensing Estimation of Rice Canopy LAI and LCC by UAV Coupled RTM and Machine Learning
Authors: Jin Zhongyu , Liu Hongze , Cao Huini , Li Shilong , Yu Fenghua , Xu Tongyu
Published: December 2024

Leaf chlorophyll content (LCC) and leaf area index (LAI) are crucial for rice growth and development, serving as key parameters for assessing nutritional status, growth, water management, and yield prediction. This study introduces a novel canopy radiative transfer model (RTM) by coupling the radiation transfer model for rice leaves (RPIOSL) and unified BRDF model (UBM) models, comparing its simulated canopy hyperspectra with those from the PROSAIL model. Characteristic wavelengths were extracted using Sobol sensitivity analysis and competitive adaptive reweighted sampling methods. Using these wavelengths, rice phenotype estimation models were constructed with back propagation neural network (BPNN), extreme learning machine (ELM), and broad learning system (BLS) methods. The results indicate that the RPIOSL-UBM model’s hyperspectra closely match measured data in the 500–650 nm and 750–1000 nm ranges, reducing the root mean square error (RMSE) by 0.0359 compared to the PROSAIL model. The ELM-based models using the RPIOSL-UBM dataset proved most effective for estimating the LAI and LCC, with RMSE values of 0.6357 and 6.0101 μg · cm−2, respectively. These values show significant improvements over the PROSAIL dataset models, with RMSE reductions of 0.1076 and 6.3297 μg · cm−2, respectively. The findings demonstrate that the proposed model can effectively estimate rice phenotypic parameters from UAV-measured hyperspectral data, offering a new approach to assess rice nutritional status and enhance cultivation efficiency and yield. This study underscores the potential of advanced modeling techniques in precision agriculture.
Conservation Tillage Mitigates Soil Organic Carbon Losses While Maintaining Maize Yield Stability Under Future Climate Change Scenarios in Northeast China: A Simulation of the Agricultural Production Systems Simulator Model
Authors: Liu Hongrun , Su Baocai , Liu Rui , Wang Jiajie , Wang Ting , Lian Yijia , Lu Zhenzong , Yuan Xue , Song Zhenwei , Li Runzhi
Published: December 2024

Global warming may reduce maize yields and soil organic carbon (SOC), potentially threatening global food security and soil health. To address this concern in Northeast China, one of the world’s major maize production areas, the maize Agricultural Production Systems Simulator Model (APSIM) was used to evaluate how different tillage methods and straw return practices affect maize yields and SOC under future climate scenarios. The purpose of this study is to deal with the threat of global warming to the yield and SOC in the northeastern maize-producing areas, explore sustainable agricultural management strategies to stabilize the yield, enhance the soil carbon pool, counter the impact of climate change, and seek ways to ensure regional food and soil health. This study explored three tillage methods—plowing tillage (PT), rotary tillage (RT), and no-tillage (NT)—and two straw return methods—straw return (SR) and no straw return (SN)—under two Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) scenarios: RCP4.5 and RCP8.5. The results showed that under the climate change scenarios: (1) For different tillage methods, no-tillage (NT) management showed the greatest increase in crop yield at 6.2%. SOC is highest under NT in the 0–20 cm soil layer under both straw return methods and climate scenarios. (2) For different straw return methods, SOC decreases when the straw is removed (SN) but increases when the straw is returned (SR) in both scenarios. Soil organic carbon density (SOCD) declines but can be mitigated by straw return. (3) Overall, tillage and straw return practices can significantly impact SOC under RCP4.5 but not under RCP8.5. Tillage and straw return practices together explain more than 50% yield changes under climate change scenarios. Through the modeling approach, this study revealed the potential benefits of integrating tillage and straw management practices to sustain maize yields and SOC. These practices can mitigate long-term climate change impacts on crop yields and soil health.
Residual Effect of Silicate Agromineral Application on Soil Acidity, Mineral Availability, and Soybean Anatomy
Authors: de Carvalho Ribeiro Mariana , Ganga Antonio , Cattanio Isabella Silva , Martins Aline Redondo , Alves Rodrigo Silva , Lessa Luís Gustavo Frediani , Pereira Hamilton Seron , Galindo Fernando Shintate , Filho Marcelo Carvalho Minhoto Teixeira , Abreu-Junior Cassio Hamilton , Capra Gian Franco , Jani Arun Dilipkumar , Nogueira Thiago Assis Rodrigues
Published: December 2024

Silicate agrominerals (SA) may be sustainable soil amendments that can minimize dependence on conventional fertilizers (CF). We evaluated the residual effects of SA application as a source of Si and as a soil remineralizer, using soils with contrasting chemical-physical features cultivated with soybean. The experiment was conducted under greenhouse conditions and treatments were arranged in a 5 × 2 + 2 factorial scheme: five rates of SA, two soils in addition to CF. The soil was incubated before cultivation, followed by the sequential sowing of corn and soybean. At the R4 phenological stage, when the pods were fully developed, soybean plants were harvested for anatomical leaf tissue analysis and P, Ca, Mg, and Si accumulation. After harvest, the soil was analyzed. Application of SA rates reduced potential acidity (H + Al) and exchangeable acidity (Al3+) and increased soil pH, sum of bases (SB), cation-exchange capacity (CEC), and base saturation (BS), in addition to promoting the nutrient’s availability and Si. Stomatal density was higher on the adaxial face of plants cultivated in the medium-textured soil. Silicate agrominerals can be used as a soil acidity corrector and remineralizer, improving the root environment and increasing the availability of nutrients and silicon.