bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Albinism and Blood Cell Profile: The Peculiar Case of Asinara Donkeys
Authors: Cappai Maria Grazia , Senes Alice , Pilo Giovannantonio
Published: September 2024

The complete blood cell count (CBC) was screened in a group of 15 donkeys, of which 8 were of Asinara breed (oculocutaneous albinism type 1, OCA1) and 7 of Sardo breed (gray coat). All donkeys were kept under same management and dietary conditions and underwent periodic health monitoring in the month of June 2024, at the peak of the positive photoperiod, at Mediterranean latitudes. One aliquot of whole blood, drawn from each individual into K2-EDTA containing tubes, was analyzed for the complete blood cell count through an automatic analyzer, within two hours of sampling. Data were analyzed and compared by one-way ANOVA, where the breed was an independent variable. All animals appeared clinically healthy, though mild eosinophilia was observed in Sardo donkeys. The red blood cell line showed peculiar traits for Asinara donkeys, which displayed significantly higher circulating red blood cell numbers than gray coat Sardo donkeys (RBC, 5.19 vs. 3.80 1012/mL ± 0.98 pooled-St. Dev, respectively; p = 0.017). RBCs also exhibited a smaller diameter and higher degree of anisocytosis in Asinara donkeys, along with lower hematocrit value, albeit within physiological ranges. Taken all together, such hematological profile depicts a peculiar trait of the red blood cell line in albino donkeys during the positive photoperiod.
Effects of Caffeine, Zinc, and Their Combined Treatments on the Growth, Yield, Mineral Elements, and Polyphenols of Solanum lycopersicum L.
Authors: Vichi Elena , Francini Alessandra , Raffaelli Andrea , Sebastiani Luca
Published: September 2024

(1) Background: The effects of Zn and caffeine as promoters of fruit quality in the Solanum lycopersicum L. cultivar ‘Panarea’ were tested. (2) Methods: During the 56 days of the experiment, plants were treated weekly with 100 mL of 1 mM Zn (Zn), 1 mg L−1 caffeine trimethyl-13C (caffeine), and 1 mM Zn + 1 mg L−1 caffeine trimethyl-13C (Zn + caffeine) and compared to plants that were given tap water (control). (3) Results: Caffeine was taken up by the roots and translocated to the leaves, which positively influenced the number of fruits per plant. After 56 days of treatment, Zn induced a positive increase in tomato dry weight, reducing shoot length (−16.7%) compared to the other treatments. Zn + caffeine had a positive effect on the phenylpropanoid pathway of fruits, and 4-coumaric acid, caffeic acid, and t-ferulic acid were significantly increased, as well as the total antioxidant capacity of the tomatoes. In the flavonoid pathway, only apigenin and luteolin contents were reduced by treatments. The tomatoes showed similar concentrations of the mineral elements Cu, Mn, Fe, Na, Ca, Mg, and K. The Zn and caffeine target hazard quotients were <1, indicating that health risks via the consumption of these tomatoes did not occur. (4) Conclusions: Tomato plants could be irrigated with water containing lower values of Zn, caffeine, and a combination of the two. The treated fruits are rich in antioxidant compounds, such as coumaric acid, caffeic acid, and t-ferulic acid, which are beneficial for human health. No considerable health risks associated with human consumption have been detected.
Effects of Treadmill Inclination and Load Position on Gait Parameters while Carrying a Backpack Asymmetrically
Authors: Zawadka Magdalena , Koncerewicz Monika Maria , Gawda Piotr
Published: September 2024

Incline walking with an external load is a common activity in everyday life. Asymmetrical load carriage can lead to abnormal posture and back pain. Thus, this study aimed to examine the effect of walking uphill with an asymmetrical load in two positions on the spatiotemporal parameters of gait in young adults. Forty-one asymptomatic human volunteers were enrolled in this study. They were asked to walk at a self-selected pace on level and uphill (+5° incline) surfaces carrying a backpack in two asymmetrical positions (hand and shoulder). Spatiotemporal gait parameters were recorded using a photocell device. We observed a significant effect of incline and load position on gait parameters (p < 0.05). Although adaptation to walking on inclines was similar with and without a backpack, adaptation to load position was different when the load was hand-held and shoulder-held. Asymmetric loading with different load locations should be considered an important factor influencing daily gait patterns. In the future, this relationship should be further investigated in terms of pain disorders and postural abnormalities.
A Fast Prediction Framework for Multi-Variable Nonlinear Dynamic Modeling of Fiber Pulse Propagation Using DeepONet
Authors: Zhu Yifei , Kitajima Shotaro , Nishizawa Norihiko
Published: September 2024

Traditional femtosecond laser modeling relies on the iterative solution of the Nonlinear Schrödinger Equation (NLSE) using the Split-Step Fourier Method (SSFM). However, SSFM’s high computational complexity leads to significant time consumption, particularly in automatic control and system optimization, thus limiting control model responsiveness. Recent studies have suggested using neural networks to simulate fiber dynamics, offering faster computation and lower costs. In this study, we introduce a novel fiber propagation method utilizing the DeepONet architecture for the first time. By separately managing fiber parameters and input–output pulses in the branch and trunk networks, this method can simulate various fiber configurations with high accuracy and without altering the architecture. Additionally, while SSFM generation time increases linearly with fiber length, the GPU-accelerated AI generation time remains consistent at around 0.0014 s, regardless of length. Notably, in high-order soliton (HOS) compression over a 12 m distance, the AI method is approximately 56,865 times faster than SSFM.
Sparse Temporal Data-Driven SSA-CNN-LSTM-Based Fault Prediction of Electromechanical Equipment in Rail Transit Stations
Authors: Xiong Jing , Sun Youchao , Sun Junzhou , Wan Yongbing , Yu Gang
Published: September 2024

Mechanical and electrical equipment is an important component of urban rail transit stations, and the service capacity of stations is affected by its reliability. To solve the problem of predicting faults in station mechanical and electrical equipment with sparse data, this study proposes a fault prediction framework based on SSA-CNN-LSTM. Firstly, this article proposes a fault enhancement method for station electromechanical equipment based on TimeGAN, which expands and generates data that conform to the temporal characteristics of the original dataset, to solve the problem of sparse data in the original fault dataset. An SSA-CNN-LSTM model is then established to extract effective data features from low-dimensional data with insufficient feature depth through structures such as convolutional layers and pooling layers in a CNN, determine the optimal hyperparameters, automatically optimize the model network size, solve the problem of the difficult determination of the neural network model size, and achieve accurate prediction of the fault rate of station electromechanical equipment. Finally, an engineering verification was conducted on the platform screen door (PSD) systems in stations on Shanghai Metro Lines 1, 5, 9, and 10. The experiments showed that the proposed prediction method improved the RMSE by 0.000699, the MAE by 0.00042, and the R2 index by 0.109779 when predicting the fault rate data of platform screen doors on all of the lines. When predicting the fault rate data of the screen doors on a single line, the performance of the model was better than that of the CNN-LSTM model optimized with the PSO algorithm.
Layout Optimisation of Frame Structures with Multiple Constraints and Geometric Complexity Control
Authors: He Yongpeng , Shepherd Paul , Wang Jie
Published: September 2024

A comprehensive framework for the layout optimisation of rigid-jointed frame structures is proposed, addressing multiple mechanical constraints while effectively managing geometric complexity. The constraints considered include displacement, stress, and both local and global stability. Geometric complexity is controlled by minimising low-stiffness elements and reducing the number of elements in the resulting layouts. Numerical examples demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, showcasing its ability to generate optimal structural layouts with desirable mechanical performance and varying levels of geometric complexity in member connectivity. This innovative optimisation framework offers significant advantages over conventional layout optimisation approaches by ensuring both the optimality and manufacturability of frame structures, thereby facilitating their practical application.
Three-Dimensional Convolutional Vehicle Black Smoke Detection Model with Fused Temporal Features
Authors: Liu Jiafeng , Yang Lijian , Cheng Hongxu , Niu Lianqiang , Xu Jian
Published: September 2024

The growing concern over pollution from vehicle exhausts has underscored the need for effective detection of black smoke emissions from motor vehicles. We believe that the optimal approach for the detection of black smoke is to leverage existing roadway CCTV cameras. To facilitate this, we have collected and publicly released a black smoke detection dataset sourced from roadway CCTV cameras in China. After analyzing the existing detection methods on this dataset, we found that they have subpar performance. As a result, we decided to develop a novel detection model that focuses on temporal information. This model utilizes the continuous nature of CCTV video feeds rather than treating footage as isolated images. Specifically, our model incorporates a 3D convolution module to capture short-term dynamic and semantic features in consecutive black smoke video frames. Additionally, a cross-scale feature fusion module is employed to integrate features across different scales, and a self-attention mechanism is used to enhance the detection of black smoke while minimizing the impact of noise, such as occlusions and shadows. The validation of our dataset demonstrated that our model achieves a detection accuracy of 89.42%,showing around 3% improvement over existing methods. This offers a novel and effective solution for black smoke detection in real-world applications.
Compressible Diagnosis of Membrane Fouling Based on Transfer Entropy
Authors: Wu Xiaolong , Hou Dongyang , Yang Hongyan , Han Honggui
Published: September 2024

Membrane fouling caused by many direct and indirect triggering factors has become an obstacle to the application of membrane bioreactors (MBRs). The nonlinear relationship between those factors is subject to complex causality or affiliation, which is difficult to clarify for the diagnosis of membrane fouling. To solve this problem, this paper proposes a compressible diagnosis model (CDM) based on transfer entropy to facilitate the fault diagnosis of the root cause for membrane fouling. The novelty of this model includes the following points: Firstly, a framework of a CDM between membrane fouling and causal variables is built based on a feature extraction algorithm and mechanism analysis. The framework can identify fault transfer scenarios following the changes in operating conditions. Secondly, the fault transfer topology of a CDM based on transfer entropy is constructed to describe the causal relationship between variables dynamically. Thirdly, an information compressible strategy is designed to simplify the fault transfer topology. This strategy can eliminate the repetitious affiliation relationship, which contributes to diagnosing the root causal variables speedily and accurately. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed CDM is verified by the measured data from an actual MBR. The results of experiments demonstrate that the proposed CDM fulfills the diagnosis of membrane fouling.
A Multi-Customer Vehicle Scheduling Optimization Method for Coal Intelligent Loading System
Authors: Wang Yunrui , Li Rui , Wang Haoning , Wang Le , He Xi
Published: September 2024

Intelligent loading systems are extensively employed in coal enterprises. Nevertheless, pre-loading customer vehicle scheduling predominantly depends on manual expertise. This frequently results in extended vehicle waiting periods, elevated carbon emissions, and reduced customer satisfaction, particularly in multi-customer scenarios. Therefore, this study introduces a multi-customer vehicle scheduling optimization approach for an intelligent coal loading system. Customer priorities are first identified to enhance satisfaction. Considering various customers and enterprise factors, the multi-customer vehicle scheduling model is established to minimize the total cost. The optimal vehicle scheduling scheme is obtained by using the enhanced sparrow search algorithm. The validity of the proposed approach is demonstrated through a case study of a coal mining enterprise. The results show that the total cost of the optimized plan was 79% lower than the traditional plan, which means a significant reduction in vehicle waiting time, and an improvement in customer satisfaction.
Sheng Xue Ning as a Novel Agent that Promotes SCF-Driven Hematopoietic Stem/Progenitor Cell Proliferation to Promote Erythropoiesis
Authors: Zeng Yueying , Li Chunlu , Yang Fei , Zhang Ling , Xu Wanqi , Wang Long , Wu Anguo , Zou Wenjun , Wu Jianming , Huang Feihong
Published: September 2024

Stimulating erythropoiesis is essential in the treatment of various types of anemia. Sheng Xue Ning (SXN) is commonly used in China as an iron supplement to treat iron deficiency anemia, renal anemia, and anemia in pregnancy. This research reports a novel effect of SXN in enhancing the proliferation of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell (HSPC) to promote erythropoiesis in the bone marrow, which is distinct from conventional iron supplements that primarily aid in the maturation of red blood cells. Employing a model of hematopoietic dysfunction induced by X-ray exposure, we evaluated the efficacy of SXN in restoring hematopoietic function. SXN significantly promoted the recovery of peripheral erythroid cells and enhanced the proliferation and differentiation of Lin−/c-KIT+/Sca-1+ HSPC in mice exposed to X-ray irradiation. Our results showed that SXN elevated the expression of stem cell factor (SCF) and activated the SCF/c-KIT/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, facilitating the proliferation and differentiation of HSPC. In vitro, SXN markedly enhanced the proliferation of bone marrow nucleated cell (BMNC) and the colony-forming capacity of BFU-E, CFU-E, and CFU-GM, while also elevating the expression of proteins involved in the SCF/c-KIT/PI3K/AKT pathway in BMNC. Additionally, SXN enhanced the proliferation and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) and increased SCF secretion. In conclusion, SXN demonstrates the capacity to enhance erythropoiesis by upregulating SCF expression, thereby promoting HSPC proliferation and differentiation via the SCF/c-KIT/PI3K/AKT pathway. SXN may offer a new strategy for improving the activity of HSPC and promoting erythropoiesis in the treatment of hematopoiesis disorders.
The ABA/LANCL1-2 Hormone/Receptors System Controls ROS Production in Cardiomyocytes through ERRα
Authors: Spinelli Sonia , Guida Lucrezia , Passalacqua Mario , Magnone Mirko , Caushi Bujar , Zocchi Elena , Sturla Laura
Published: September 2024

Rat H9c2 cardiomyocytes overexpressing the abscisic acid (ABA) hormone receptors LANCL1 and LANCL2 have an increased mitochondrial proton gradient, respiration, and vitality after hypoxia/reoxygenation. Our aim was to investigate the role of the ABA/LANCL1-2 system in ROS turnover in H9c2 cells. H9c2 cells were retrovirally infected to induce the overexpression or silencing of LANCL1 and LANCL2, without or with the concomitant silencing of the transcription factor ERRα. Enzymes involved in radical production or scavenging were studied by qRT-PCR and Western blot. The mitochondrial proton gradient and ROS were measured with specific fluorescent probes. ROS-generating enzymes decreased, ROS-scavenging enzymes increased, and mitochondrial ROS were reduced in LANCL1/2-overexpressing vs. control cells infected with the empty vector, while the opposite occurred in LANCL1/2-silenced cells. The knockdown of ERRα abrogated all beneficial effects on ROS turnover in LANCL1/2 overexpressing cells. Taken together, these results indicate that the ABA/LANCL1-2 system controls ROS turnover in H9c2 via ERRα. The ABA/LANCL system emerges as a promising target to improve cardiomyocyte mitochondrial function and resilience to oxidative stress.
Non-Coding RNAs and Innate Immune Responses in Cancer
Authors: Díaz Carlos Romero , Hernández-Huerta María Teresa , Mayoral Laura Pérez-Campos , Villegas Miriam Emily Avendaño , Zenteno Edgar , Cruz Margarito Martínez , Mayoral Eduardo Pérez-Campos , del Socorro Pina Canseco María , Andrade Gabriel Mayoral , Castellanos Manuel Ángeles , Matías Salvador José Manuel , Cruz Parada Eli , Martínez Barras Alexis , Cruz Fernández Jaydi Nora , Scott-Algara Daniel , Pérez-Campos Eduardo
Published: September 2024

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and the innate immune system are closely related, acting as defense mechanisms and regulating gene expression and innate immunity. Both are modulators in the initiation, development and progression of cancer. We aimed to review the major types of ncRNAs, including small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), with a focus on cancer, innate immunity, and inflammation. We found that ncRNAs are closely related to innate immunity, epigenetics, chronic inflammation, and cancer and share properties such as inducibility, specificity, memory, and transfer. These similarities and interrelationships suggest that ncRNAs and modulators of trained immunity, together with the control of chronic inflammation, can be combined to develop novel therapeutic approaches for personalized cancer treatment. In conclusion, the close relationship between ncRNAs, the innate immune system, and inflammation highlights their importance in cancer pathways and their potential as targets for novel therapeutic strategies.
Proton Therapy Adaptation of Perisinusoidal and Brain Areas in the Cyclotron Centre Bronowice in Krakow: A Dosimetric Analysis
Authors: Rydygier Marzena , Skóra Tomasz , Kisielewicz Kamil , Spaleniak Anna , Garbacz Magdalena , Lipa Monika , Foltyńska Gabriela , Góra Eleonora , Gajewski Jan , Krzempek Dawid , Kopeć Renata , Ruciński Antoni
Published: September 2024

Applying a proton beam in radiotherapy enables precise irradiation of the tumor volume, but only for continuous assessment of changes in patient anatomy. Proton beam range uncertainties in the treatment process may originate not only from physical beam properties but also from patient-specific factors such as tumor shrinkage, edema formation and sinus filling, which are not incorporated in tumor volume safety margins. In this paper, we evaluated variations in dose distribution in proton therapy resulting from the differences observed in the control tomographic images and the dosimetric influence of applied adaptive treatment. The data from weekly computed tomography (CT) control scans of 21 patients, which serve as the basis for adaptive radiotherapy, were used for this study. Dosimetric analysis of adaptive proton therapy (APT) was performed on patients with head and neck (H&N) area tumors who were divided into two groups: patients with tumors in the sinus/nasal area and patients with tumors in the brain area. For this analysis, the reference treatment plans were forward-calculated using weekly control CT scans. A comparative evaluation of organ at risk (OAR) dose-volume histogram (DVH) parameters, as well as conformity and homogeneity indices, was conducted between the initial and recalculated dose distributions to assess the necessity of the adaptation process in terms of dosimetric parameters. Changes in PTV volume after replanning were observed in seventeen patient cases, showing a discrepancy of over 1 cm3 in ten cases. In these cases, tumor progression occurred in 30% of patients, while regression was observed in 70%. The statistical analysis indicates that the use of the adaptive planning procedure results in a statistically significant improvement in dose distribution, particularly in the PTV area. The findings led to the conclusion that the adaptive procedure provides significant advantages in terms of dose distribution within the treated volume. However, when considering the entire patient group, APT did not result in a statistically significant dose reduction in OARs (α = 0.05).
Health Effect of Low-Dose-Rate Irradiation with Cumulative Threshold Dose: A Promising Area to Explore in Nuclear Emergency and Environmental Contamination
Authors: Tang Feng Ru
Published: September 2024

Humans live in an environment in which they are constantly exposed to meagre dose rates of radiation [...]
Effects of Immersive Virtual Reality with Treadmill in Subjects with Rett Syndrome: A Pilot Study
Authors: Panzeri Daniele , Perina Michela , Biffi Emilia , Semino Martina , Diella Eleonora , Caprì Tindara
Published: September 2024

Background/Objectives: Rett syndrome is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder that can severely affect motor functioning, particularly walking. Previous training programs proposed treadmills as tools to increase walking endurance of patients with Rett syndrome, but these trainings did not include virtual reality (VR). The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of a short treadmill training coupled to VR in girls with Rett syndrome. Methods: Nine patients with Rett syndrome underwent a 3-day treadmill walking program performed in semi-immersive VR. During the training, the happiness index and performance metrics were collected. At the end of the training parents filled out the Suitability Evaluation Questionnaire (SEQ) and, when feasible, patients underwent a gait assessment. Results: All the subjects recruited performed the three GRAIL sessions and parents showed a good satisfaction and considered the integration of treadmill and VR a good possibility for future rehabilitative programs. Participants showed greater satisfaction in environments requiring walking and their attention increased during training sessions, hypothesizing the feasibility of longer trainings with treadmill and VR. Data collected from gait analysis provided insights, although preliminary, concerning differences in gait pattern amongst the recruited subjects. Conclusions: Despite the small sample size and limited training duration, the paper suggests that a walking training with a treadmill combined with VR can represent a new strategy for Rett rehabilitation.
Study on the Multi-Physical Field Simulation of the Double-Glow Plasma Alloying Process Parameters
Authors: Yu Lu , Wen Yiming , Zhou Jindong , Qiu Yanzhao , Yang Danning , Dai Hao , Zhu Huilong , Hu Zhiyuan , Liu Gongtao , Khan Aqib Mashood , Wu Hongyan
Published: September 2024

In order to study the coupling mechanism of the process parameters during the double-glow discharge process, and thus to enhance the theoretical study of double-glow plasma surface metallurgical technology, in this paper, a two-dimensional fluid model is established using COMSOL simulation software. The effects of key processing factors on the distribution of electrons and excited argon ions, potential and electron temperature in the coupling process of double-glow discharge were investigated. The results indicated that the electron density between the two electrode plates increases as the voltage difference increases. The optimal working pressure was kept between 0.14 Torr and 0.29 Torr. The optimal electrode spacing was between 15 mm and 30 mm and decreased with the increase in pressure. Compared with the actual plasma surface alloying process experiment, the simulation results were consistent with the experiments. The research can guide experiments by combining simulation and theory, and the predictability and accuracy of double-glow surface metallurgy technology have been improved.
The State of the Art of Digital Twins in Health—A Quick Review of the Literature
Authors: El-Warrak Leonardo , de Farias Claudio M.
Published: September 2024

A digital twin can be understood as a representation of a real asset, in other words, a virtual replica of a physical object, process or even a system. Virtual models can integrate with all the latest technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, and artificial intelligence (AI). Digital twins have applications in a wide range of sectors, from manufacturing and engineering to healthcare. They have been used in managing healthcare facilities, streamlining care processes, personalizing treatments, and enhancing patient recovery. By analysing data from sensors and other sources, healthcare professionals can develop virtual models of patients, organs, and human systems, experimenting with various strategies to identify the most effective approach. This approach can lead to more targeted and efficient therapies while reducing the risk of collateral effects. Digital twin technology can also be used to generate a virtual replica of a hospital to review operational strategies, capabilities, personnel, and care models to identify areas for improvement, predict future challenges, and optimize organizational strategies. The potential impact of this tool on our society and its well-being is quite significant. This article explores how digital twins are being used in healthcare. This article also introduces some discussions on the impact of this use and future research and technology development projections for the use of digital twins in the healthcare sector.
Cardiovascular and Ocular Parameter Alterations in Response to Cold Pressor Test in Young Adults
Authors: Daradas Adithep , Kulthinee Supaporn , Promsrisuk Tichanon , Kesornwanichwattana Pemika , Thaingkrathok Phimchanok , Pongampai Sureeporn , Kongjaidee Pongnugoon , Seeja Nutthakan , Poomvanicha Montatip , Chotimol Phatiwat
Published: September 2024

The sympathetic nervous responses to cold stress are known; however, concurrent cardiovascular and ocular parameter alterations in the responses are poorly characterized. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of the cold pressor test (CPT) on cardiovascular and ocular parameters in young adult subjects. There was a total of 86 participants. The CPT was conducted by submerging each participant’s left hand in cold water (3–5 °C) for 3 min. During the CPT, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure (MAP), and heart rate were found to be significantly increased compared to the baseline and significantly decreased compared to recovery, including the mean of the standard deviations of all normal-to-normal intervals (SDNN). In the recovery phase, the SDNN continued to decrease statistically significantly compared to the baseline and the CPT. Furthermore, the findings of this study show that the CPT impacted intra-ocular pressure (IOP), ACD, and pupil size parameters. There was a positive correlation between the MAP and IOP in both eyes during the CPT. The cold stress stimulates a sympathetic response, leading to an increase in the MAP. The pupil size increased in response to the CPT in both eyes, indicating that ocular function was increased in response to the CPT in young adults compared to baseline. In conclusion, our results suggest that in young adults, cardiovascular and ocular parameters respond to the sympathetic nervous system during the CPT.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Renal Artery Stenosis in Patients Undergoing Simultaneous Coronary and Renal Artery Angiography: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 31,689 Patients from 31 Studies
Authors: Schwarz Konstantin , Straume Bah Ida , Will Maximilian , Kwok Chun Shing , Mascherbauer Julia , Kumric Marko , Bozic Josko , Borovac Josip A.
Published: September 2024

Background/Objectives: Renal artery stenosis (RAS) is associated with coronary artery disease (CAD), exacerbation of arterial hypertension, and progression to heart failure, but remains frequently unrecognized in clinical practice. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies by pooling data of patients undergoing CAG due to suspected or stable CAD that received a bilateral renal artery angiography. Results: A total of 31 studies with 31,689 patients were included (mean age 63.2 ± 8.7 years, 20.9% were female). Overall, 13.4% (95%CI 10.5–16.7%) of patients undergoing coronary angiography had significant RAS, with 6.5% (95% CI 4.5–8.9%) and 3.7% (95%CI 2.5–5.2%) having severe and bilateral RAS. The mean weighted proportion of patients with three-vessel coronary disease (3VD) was 25.1 (95%CI 19.6–30.9%) while 4.2% (95%CI 2.6–6.2%) had left main (LM) coronary disease. Patients with RAS compared to those without RAS were significantly older (mean difference, MD 4.2 years (95%CI 3.8–4.6)). The relative risk of RAS was greater for the female sex (risk ratio, 95%CI; RR 1.3, 1.03–1.57), presence of diabetes (RR 1.2, 1.10–1.36), arterial hypertension (RR 1.3, 1.21–1.46), dyslipidemia (RR 1.1, 1.06–1.14), peripheral artery disease (PAD) (RR 2.1, 1.40–3.16), chronic kidney disease (CKD) (RR 2.6, 2.04–3.37), 3VD (RR 1.6, 1.30–1.87), and LM disease (RR 1.8, 1.28–2.47). Smoking had a neutral effect on the risk of RAS occurrence (RR 1.0, 0.94–1.06). Conclusions: RAS is common in patients undergoing coronary angiography. CKD, PAD, older age, and severe CAD were among the strongest predictors for the presence of significant RAS.
Modified Prophylactic Donor Lymphocyte Infusion (DLI) in an Adult T Cell Lymphoma/Leukemia (ATLL) Patient—Modality of Relapse Prevention
Authors: Ionete Alexandra , Bardas Alexandru , Varady Zsofia , Vasilica Madalina , Szegedi Orsolya , Coriu Daniel
Published: September 2024

Adult T-cell Leukemia/Lymphoma (ATLL) is a rare but aggressive malignancy associated with the human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1). ATLL is a challenging malignancy characterized by its aggressive nature and poor prognosis. Despite advancements in treatment, relapse rates remain high. Donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI) is a promising therapeutic option post-hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) to prevent relapse. However, the prophylactic use of DLI in ATLL patients remains underexplored. We report the case of a 45-year-old female diagnosed with ATLL. Following induction chemotherapy and successful HSCT, a modified prophylactic DLI regimen was administered, consisting of gradually increasing doses of donor lymphocytes. The patient demonstrated a favorable response with no significant graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and maintained remission over a 40-month follow-up period, suggesting a potential benefit of this approach. This case highlights the potential efficacy and safety of modified prophylactic DLI in ATLL patients, warranting further investigation. Our findings suggest that modified prophylactic DLI is a viable option for ATLL patients post-HSCT, offering a balance between efficacy and safety. Future research should focus on optimizing DLI protocols and exploring biomarkers for response prediction.
The Use of Kidney Biomarkers, Nephrin and KIM-1, for the Detection of Early Glomerular and Tubular Damage in Patients with Acromegaly: A Case–Control Pilot Study
Authors: Plotuna Iulia Stefania , Balas Melania , Golu Ioana , Amzar Daniela , Popescu Roxana , Petrica Ligia , Vlad Adrian , Luches Daniel , Vlad Daliborca Cristina , Vlad Mihaela
Published: September 2024

Background: Acromegaly is a rare disorder caused by excessive growth hormone (GH) secreted from a pituitary tumor. High levels of GH and insulin growth factor-1 can lead to renal hypertrophy, as well as to diabetes mellitus and hypertension, which negatively impact kidney function. It is believed that high GH may also be involved in the onset of diabetic nephropathy, the main cause of end-stage kidney disease in developed countries. Material and methods: This case–control study was conducted on 23 acromegalic patients and on a control group represented by 21 healthy subjects. The following parameters were determined for all the subjects: serum creatinine, serum urea, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (UACR), nephrin and kidney injury molecule 1 (KIM-1). Results: Patients with acromegaly showed higher levels of UACR and lower levels of eGFR as compared to healthy subjects. No significant correlations were found between clinical or biochemical parameters associated with acromegaly and nephrin or KIM-1. Conclusions: There was no glomerular or proximal tubular damage at the time of the study, as proven by the normal levels of the biomarkers nephrin and KIM-1. Studies including more patients with uncontrolled disease are needed to clarify the utility of nephrin and KIM-1 for the detection of early kidney involvement in acromegalic patients.
Health-Related Quality of Life among Elderly Patients in Urban Bangladesh: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Imran Joynal Abedin , Mitra Amal K. , Ria Marzana Afrooj , Mitra Tumpa , Konok Jannatul Ferdous , Shuchi Sadia Akter , Saha Pradip Kumar
Published: September 2024

Quality of life (QoL) focuses on a person’s ability to live a fulfilling life. It helps in determining successful aging in the elderly population. Because of a scarcity of information regarding predictors of QoL in the elderly population in developing countries, this study was undertaken to assess the overall QoL and its predictors in the elderly population in an urban setting of Bangladesh. In this cross-sectional study, 275 participants were enrolled by systematic sampling at the outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Data were collected by using a pretested semi-structured standard questionnaire for QoL (OPQOL-35). Pearson’s correlation was used to assess the association between QoL and sociodemographic factors. Multivariate linear regression was conducted to identify predictors of QoL, after controlling for potential confounders. The median age of the participants (n = 275) was 65 years (range, 60 to 85; 25th and 75th percentile, 60 and 68, respectively). The majority (78%) of them were married, and 20% were widowed or divorced. The median score of QoL was 113 (25th and 75th percentile, 101 and 124, respectively). Most of the participants had very poor (bad as can be) or poor (bad) QoL. Only 7.3% were observed to have “good” QoL (scores 140 or more). Females had significantly poorer QoL scores compared to males (p < 0.001). Age, gender, educational status, smoking, and sleep duration significantly predicted QoL in a multiple regression analysis. In conclusion, the QoL of the elderly individuals in Bangladesh was very poor or poor. Future research should focus on service-oriented interventions, especially targeting women. Counseling elderly people to enhance their quality of life may include improving sleep patterns, healthy diets, regular exercise, and caring for their mental health.
“Optimal Honesty” in the Context of Fiscal Crimes
Authors: Barile Lory , Cullis John , Jones Philip
Published: September 2024

This paper begins by contrasting the caricatures ‘homo and femina economicus’ with ‘homo and femina realitus’. Against this backdrop, the paper considers three ‘apparently falsified’ empirical predictions of the standard expected utility model of individual decision-making concerning participation in fiscal crimes: that tax evasion and benefit fraud can be treated identically; fiscal crimes should be endemic; and that all individuals, depending on parameter values, should be either honest or dishonest. A utility function relating to decisions with a moral dimension is used to offer insight into the rationalization of the predictions and involves defining an individual’s ‘optimal honesty’ in the context of fiscal crimes. The policy implications of the approach are briefly explored.
Demand and Nutrient Elasticities of Egg Consumption: Evidence from Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alsaad Dana , Al-Mahish Mohammed
Published: September 2024

Chicken eggs are a staple food widely consumed directly or indirectly (as an ingredient in other food items) in Saudi Arabia. Due to the importance of eggs in Saudi consumers’ diet, this study aimed to determine the sociodemographic factors affecting Saudi consumer demand for eggs and how changes in egg prices and consumer income may influence dietary intake derived from eggs. This study analyzes survey data from 466 respondents. We used a double-log demand model to obtain the price and income elasticities of egg demand. The results show that the price elasticity of egg demand is negative and inelastic, indicating that changes in egg price have a small influence on egg demand. Additionally, income elasticity is positive and <1, implying that eggs are a necessary food item. Cross-price elasticities show that cheese and milk complement egg consumption. Meanwhile, cornflakes (a breakfast cereal) were found to be a good substitute for eggs. Furthermore, the results show that consumer demand for eggs is expected to increase as household size increases. Women exhibited a higher demand for eggs, compared with men. Nutrient income elasticity shows that an increase in consumer income increases protein, fat, and calorie intake from eggs. Nutrient price elasticity shows that an increase in egg price has the greatest negative influence on protein intake, resulting from a decrease in egg consumption. This study recommends that decision makers actively monitor egg prices and take all necessary actions to prevent spikes in egg prices, as this will improve nutritional and food security and help consumers maintain a stable protein intake from egg consumption.
Machine Learning-Based Intrusion Detection Methods in IoT Systems: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Kikissagbe Brunel Rolack , Adda Meddi
Published: September 2024

The rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) has transformed our daily lives by connecting objects to the Internet, thereby creating interactive, automated environments. However, this rapid expansion raises major security concerns, particularly regarding intrusion detection. Traditional intrusion detection systems (IDSs) are often ill-suited to the dynamic and varied networks characteristic of the IoT. Machine learning is emerging as a promising solution to these challenges, offering the intelligence and flexibility needed to counter complex and evolving threats. This comprehensive review explores different machine learning approaches for intrusion detection in IoT systems, covering supervised, unsupervised, and deep learning methods, as well as hybrid models. It assesses their effectiveness, limitations, and practical applications, highlighting the potential of machine learning to enhance the security of IoT systems. In addition, the study examines current industry issues and trends, highlighting the importance of ongoing research to keep pace with the rapidly evolving IoT security ecosystem.
Fundus Image Generation and Classification of Diabetic Retinopathy Based on Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Zhang Peiming , Zhao Jie , Liu Qiaohong , Liu Xiao , Li Xinyu , Gao Yimeng , Li Weiqi
Published: September 2024

To detect fundus diseases, for instance, diabetic retinopathy (DR) at an early stage, thereby providing timely intervention and treatment, a new diabetic retinopathy grading method based on a convolutional neural network is proposed. First, data cleaning and enhancement are conducted to improve the image quality and reduce unnecessary interference. Second, a new conditional generative adversarial network with a self-attention mechanism named SACGAN is proposed to augment the number of diabetic retinopathy fundus images, thereby addressing the problems of insufficient and imbalanced data samples. Next, an improved convolutional neural network named DRMC Net, which combines ResNeXt-50 with the channel attention mechanism and multi-branch convolutional residual module, is proposed to classify diabetic retinopathy. Finally, gradient-weighted class activation mapping (Grad-CAM) is utilized to prove the proposed model’s interpretability. The outcomes of the experiment illustrates that the proposed method has high accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity, with specific results of 92.3%, 92.5%, and 92.5%, respectively.
Neutral-Point Voltage Regulation and Control Strategy for Hybrid Grounding System Combining Power Module and Low Resistance in 10 kV Distribution Network
Authors: Zhou Yu , Liu Kangli , Ding Wanglong , Wang Zitong , Yao Yuchen , Wang Tinghuang , Zhou Yuhan
Published: September 2024

A single-phase grounding fault often occurs in 10 kV distribution networks, seriously affecting the safety of equipment and personnel. With the popularization of urban cables, the low-resistance grounding system gradually replaced arc suppression coils in some large cities. Compared to arc suppression coils, the low-resistance grounding system features simplicity and reliability. However, when a high-resistance grounding fault occurs, a lower amount of fault characteristics cannot trigger the zero-sequence protection action, so this type of fault will exist for a long time, which poses a threat to the power grid. To address this kind of problem, in this paper, a hybrid grounding system combining the low-resistance protection device and fully controlled power module is proposed. During a low-resistance grounding fault, the fault isolation is achieved through the zero-sequence current protection with the low-resistance grounding system itself, while, during a high-resistance grounding fault, the reliable arc extinction is achieved by regulating the neutral-point voltage with a fully controlled power module. Firstly, this paper introduces the principles, topology, and coordination control of the hybrid grounding system for active voltage arc extinction. Subsequently, a dual-loop-based control method is proposed to suppress the fault phase voltage. Furthermore, a faulty feeder selection method based on the Kepler optimization algorithm and convolutional neural network is proposed for the timely removal of permanent faults. Lastly, the simulation and HIL-based emulated results verify the rationality and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Development of a High-Precision Deep-Sea Magnetic Survey System for Human-Occupied Vehicles
Authors: Zhang Qimao , Zhou Keyu , Deng Ming , Zhang Qisheng , Feng Yongqiang , Liu Leisong
Published: September 2024

The high-precision magnetic survey system is crucial for ocean exploration. However, most existing systems face challenges such as high noise levels, low sensitivity, and inadequate magnetic compensation effects. To address these issues, we developed a high-precision magnetic survey system based on the manned submersible “Deep Sea Warrior” for deep-ocean magnetic exploration. This system incorporates a compact optically pumped cesium (Cs) magnetometer sensor to measure the total strength of the external magnetic field. Additionally, a magnetic compensation sensor is included at the front end to measure real-time attitude changes of the platform. The measured data are then transmitted to a magnetic signal processor, where an algorithm compensates for the platform’s magnetic interference. We also designed a deep pressure chamber to allow for a maximum working depth of 4500 m. Experiments conducted in both indoor and field environments verified the performance of the proposed magnetic survey system. The results showed that the system’s sensitivity is ≤0.5 nT, the noise level of the magnetometer sensor is ≤1 pT/√Hz at 1 Hz, and the sampling rate is 10 Hz. The proposed system has potential applications in ocean and geophysical exploration.
Investigation of Sewage Sludge–Derived Biochar for Enhanced Pollutant Adsorption: Effect of Particle Size and Alkali Treatment
Authors: Agoe Andy Kofi , Poulopoulos Stavros G. , Sarbassov Yerbol , Shah Dhawal
Published: September 2024

Sewage sludge (SS) holds promise for environmental, agricultural, and energy applications. However, its direct use is limited due to contaminant concerns. Pyrolysis can turn SS into beneficial products like bio-oil and biochar. This study explores biochar production from SS pyrolysis and its potential for pollutant adsorption. The effects of pyrolysis temperature (500, 650, 850 °C) and SS particle size (800–1000 µm, 400–800 µm, 100–400 µm, ≤100 µm) on biochar yield and adsorption capacity for methylene blue and mercury were investigated. Regardless of particle size and temperature, SS-derived biochar exhibited second-order adsorption kinetics. Biochar with a particle size of 100–400 µm displayed the highest potential for methylene blue adsorption. Subsequent alkali treatment (biochar:NaOH = 3:4) of these particles significantly increased specific surface area from 27.5 m2/g to 144.27 m2/g and further enhanced adsorption capacities for both methylene blue (from 9 mg/g to 35 mg/g) and mercury (from 17 mg/g to 36 mg/g). These findings suggest that SS-derived biochar, particularly the 100–400 µm fraction with alkali treatment, presents a promising cost-effective adsorbent for water treatment, aligning with circular economy principles.
Adsorption of a Mixture of Daily Use Pharmaceuticals on Pristine and Aged Polypropylene Microplastics
Authors: Kalaronis Dimitrios , Evgenidou Eleni , Kyzas George Z. , Bikiaris Dimitrios N. , Lambropoulou Dimitra A.
Published: September 2024

The main goal of this study is the examination of polypropylene (PP) microplastics (MPs) as possible carriers of daily use pharmaceutical compounds. The selected compounds can be separated into three groups: (i) antibiotics (Trimethoprim, Metronidazole, Indomethacin, Isoniazid), (ii) anti-inflammatories (Ketoprofen, Diclofenac), and (iii) anti-hypertensive (Valsartan). Two types of PP MPs (virgin and UV-aged) were used in the experimental procedure, and the effect of time and the effect of the initial concentrations of the drugs were examined. The impact of various environmental factors such as pH, salinity, and natural organic matter were also explored. The last two factors were studied using real aqueous matrices such as wastewater and seawater. According to the obtained results, the highest uptake was observed in indomethacin (9.3 mg/g) and diclofenac (7.3 mg/g), owing to their physiochemical properties. Aged particles showed enhanced adsorption ability in accordance with the existing literature, as their adsorption capacity was between 0.5–1.5 times greater than that of the virgin ones. Regarding the desorption of compounds from the virgin and aged PP MPs at three different pH values, diclofenac and indomethacin exhibited the highest desorption capacity, while alkaline conditions favored the desorption ability of PP MPs for most of the target compounds.