bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Medical-Grade Honey as a Potential New Therapy for Bacterial Vaginosis
Authors: Lardenoije Céline M. J. G. , van Riel Senna J. J. M. , Peters Linsey J. F. , Wassen Martine M. L. H. , Cremers Niels A. J.
Published: April 2024

The prevalence of bacterial vaginosis (BV) among women of reproductive age is 29%. BV arises from a vaginal imbalance marked by reduced levels of lactic acid-producing lactobacilli and an overgrowth of pathogenic anaerobes. The multifactorial nature of BV’s pathogenesis complicates its treatment. Current antibiotic therapy exhibits a recurrence rate of about 60% within a year. Recurrence can be caused by antibiotic treatment failure (e.g., due to antimicrobial resistance), the persistence of residual infections (e.g., due to biofilm formation), and re-infection. Because of the high recurrence rates, alternative therapies are required. Medical-grade honey (MGH), known for its antimicrobial and wound healing properties in wound care, emerges as a potential novel therapy for BV. MGH exerts broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, employing multiple mechanisms to eliminate the risk of resistance. For example, the low pH of MGH and the production of hydrogen peroxide benefit the microbiota and helps restore the natural vaginal balance. This is supported by in vitro studies demonstrating that MGH has an antibacterial effect on several pathogenic bacteria involved in the pathophysiology of BV, while lactobacilli and the vaginal microenvironment can be positively affected. In contrast to antibiotics, MGH exerts anti-biofilm activity, affects the microbiome as pre- and probiotic, and modulates the vaginal microenvironment through its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, physicochemical, and immunomodulatory properties. More clinical research is required to confirm the positive effect of MGH on BV and to investigate the long-term cure rate.
Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review of Phenotypic and Genotypic Antimicrobial Resistance and Virulence Factors in Vibrio parahaemolyticus Isolated from Shrimp
Authors: Thaotumpitak Varangkana , Odoi Justice Opare , Anuntawirun Saran , Jeamsripong Saharuetai
Published: April 2024

This systematic review and meta-analysis investigates the prevalence of Vibrio parahaemolyticus, its virulence factors, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and its resistance determinants in shrimp. This study was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, to identify and select relevant peer-reviewed articles published between January 2020 and December 2022. The search strategy involved multiple online databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus. The inclusion criteria focused on studies that examined V. parahaemolyticus prevalence, virulence factors, and AMR in shrimp from farms to retail outlets. A total of 32 studies were analyzed, revealing a pooled estimate prevalence of V. parahaemolyticus in shrimp at 46.0%, with significant heterogeneity observed. Subgroup analysis highlighted varying prevalence rates across continents, emphasizing the need for further investigation. Virulence factor analysis identified thermostable direct hemolysin (tdh) and tdh-related hemolysin (trh) as the most common. Phenotypic AMR analysis indicated notable resistance to glycopeptides, nitrofurans, and beta-lactams. However, the correlation between antimicrobial usage in shrimp farming and observed resistance patterns was inconclusive. Funnel plots suggested potential publication bias, indicating a need for cautious interpretation of findings. This study underscores the urgency of coordinated efforts to address AMR in V. parahaemolyticus to safeguard public health and to ensure sustainable aquaculture practices.
Inflammatory Cytokines and Chemokines Are Synergistically Induced in a ROS-Dependent Manner by a Co-Culture of Corneal Epithelial Cells and Neutrophil-like Cells in the Presence of Particulate Matter
Authors: Zeng Zirui , Yoshida Yasuhiro , Wang Duo , Fujii Yuri , Shen Mengyue , Mimura Tatsuya , Tanaka Yoshiya
Published: April 2024

Ocular exposure to particulate matter (PM) causes local inflammation; however, the influence of neutrophils on PM-induced ocular inflammation is still not fully understood. In this study, we constructed a system to investigate the role of PM in ocular inflammation using a co-culture of human corneal epithelial cells (HCE-T) and differentiation-induced neutrophils (dHL-60). To investigate whether HCE-T directly endocytosed PM, we performed a holographic analysis, which showed the endocytosis of PM in HCE-T. The cytokines and chemokines produced by HCE-T were measured using an ELISA. HCE-T treated with PM produced IL-6 and IL-8, which were inhibited by N-Acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), suggesting the involvement of ROS. Their co-culture with dHL-60 enhanced their production of IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-1. This suggests an inflammatory loop involving intraocular corneal epithelial cells and neutrophils. These cytokines and chemokines are mainly regulated by NF-κB. Therefore, this co-culture system was examined in the presence of an IKK inhibitor known to downregulate NF-κB activity. The IKK inhibitor dramatically suppressed the production of these factors in co-culture supernatants. The results suggest that the inflammatory loop observed in the co-culture is mediated through ROS and the transcription factor NF-κB. Thus, the co-culture system is considered a valuable tool for analyzing complex inflammations.
Antioxidant Activity and Mechanism of Action of Amwaprin: A Protein in Honeybee (Apis mellifera) Venom
Authors: Kim Bo-Yeon , Lee Kwang-Sik , Jin Byung-Rae
Published: April 2024

Bee venom contains several bioactive components, including enzymatic and non-enzymatic proteins. There is increasing interest in the bioactive components of bee venom since they have exhibited various pharmacological effects. Recently, Apis mellifera waprin (Amwaprin) was identified as a novel protein in Apis mellifera (honeybee) venom and characterized as an antimicrobial agent. Herein, the novel biological function of Amwaprin as an antioxidant is described. In addition, the antioxidant effects of Amwaprin in mammalian cells were investigated. Amwaprin inhibited the growth of, oxidative stress-induced cytotoxicity, and inflammatory response in mammalian NIH-3T3 cells. Amwaprin decreased caspase-3 activity during oxidative stress and exhibited protective activity against oxidative stress-induced cell apoptosis in NIH-3T3 and insect Sf9 cells. The mechanism underlying the cell protective effect of Amwaprin against oxidative stress is due to its direct binding to the cell membrane. Furthermore, Amwaprin demonstrated radical-scavenging activity and protected against oxidative DNA damage. These results suggest that the antioxidant capacity of Amwaprin is attributed to the synergistic effects of its radical-scavenging action and cell shielding, indicating its novel role as an antioxidant agent.
Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle Regulation of Metabolic Program, Redox System, and Epigenetic Remodeling for Bone Health and Disease
Authors: Lian Wei-Shiung , Wu Re-Wen , Lin Yu-Han , Chen Yu-Shan , Jahr Holger , Wang Feng-Sheng
Published: April 2024

Imbalanced osteogenic cell-mediated bone gain and osteoclastic remodeling accelerates the development of osteoporosis, which is the leading risk factor of disability in the elderly. Harmonizing the metabolic actions of bone-making cells and bone resorbing cells to the mineralized matrix network is required to maintain bone mass homeostasis. The tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle in mitochondria is a crucial process for cellular energy production and redox homeostasis. The canonical actions of TCA cycle enzymes and intermediates are indispensable in oxidative phosphorylation and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) biosynthesis for osteogenic differentiation and osteoclast formation. Knockout mouse models identify these enzymes’ roles in bone mass and microarchitecture. In the noncanonical processes, the metabolites as a co-factor or a substrate involve epigenetic modification, including histone acetyltransferases, DNA demethylases, RNA m6A demethylases, and histone demethylases, which affect genomic stability or chromatin accessibility for cell metabolism and bone formation and resorption. The genetic manipulation of these epigenetic regulators or TCA cycle intermediate supplementation compromises age, estrogen deficiency, or inflammation-induced bone mass loss and microstructure deterioration. This review sheds light on the metabolic functions of the TCA cycle in terms of bone integrity and highlights the crosstalk of the TCA cycle and redox and epigenetic pathways in skeletal tissue metabolism and the intermediates as treatment options for delaying osteoporosis.
Correction: Abbas et al. Bioactive Compounds, Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Cancer, and Toxicity Assessment of Tribulus terrestris—In Vitro and In Vivo Studies. Antioxidants 2022, 11, 1160
Authors: Abbas Malik Waseem , Hussain Mazhar , Akhtar Saeed , Ismail Tariq , Qamar Muhammad , Shafiq Zahid , Esatbeyoglu Tuba
Published: April 2024

In the original publication [...]
Tributyrin Supplementation Rescues Chronic–Binge Ethanol-Induced Oxidative Stress in the Gut–Lung Axis in Mice
Authors: Santilli Anthony , Shapiro David , Han Yingchun , Sangwan Naseer , Cresci Gail A. M.
Published: April 2024

Excessive alcohol consumption increases the severity and worsens outcomes of pulmonary infections, often due to oxidative stress and tissue damage. While the mechanism behind this relationship is multifaceted, recent evidence suggests ethanol-induced changes to the gut microbiome impact the gut–lung axis. To assess this, a chronic–binge ethanol feeding mouse model was used to determine how ethanol altered the gut microbiome, small intestinal epithelial barrier, and immune responses, as well as neutrophil abundance and oxidative stress in the lungs, and how supporting gut health with tributyrin supplementation during chronic–binge ethanol exposure affected these responses. We found that ethanol consumption altered gut bacterial taxa and metabolic processes, distorted small intestinal immune responses, and induced both bacteria and endotoxin translocation into the lymphatic and circulatory systems. These changes were associated with increased neutrophil (Ly6G) presence and markers of oxidative stress, lipocalin-2 and myeloperoxidase, in the lungs. Importantly, tributyrin supplementation during ethanol exposure rescued gut bacterial function (p < 0.05), small intestinal barrier integrity, and immune responses, as well as reducing both Ly6G mRNA (p < 0.05) and lipocalin-2 mRNA (p < 0.01) in the lungs. These data suggest ethanol-associated disruption of gut homeostasis influenced the health of the lungs, and that therapeutics supporting gut health may also support lung health.
S-Allylmercapto-N-Acetylcysteine (ASSNAC) Attenuates Osteoporosis in Ovariectomized (OVX) Mice
Authors: Bleichman Itay , Hiram-Bab Sahar , Gabet Yankel , Savion Naphtali
Published: April 2024

Osteoporosis is a bone-debilitating disease, demonstrating a higher prevalence in post-menopausal women due to estrogen deprivation. One of the main mechanisms underlying menopause-related bone loss is oxidative stress. S-allylmercapto-N-acetylcysteine (ASSNAC) is a nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activator and cysteine supplier, previously shown to have anti-oxidation protective effects in cultured cells and animal models. Here, we studied the therapeutic potential of ASSNAC with and without Alendronate in ovariectomized (OVX) female mice. The experimental outcome included (i) femur and L3 lumbar vertebra morphometry via Micro-Computed Tomography (μCT); (ii) bone remodeling (formation vs. resorption); and (iii) oxidative stress markers in bone marrow (BM) cells. Four weeks after OVX, there was a significant bone loss that remained evident after 8 weeks, as demonstrated via µCT in the femur (cortical and trabecular bone compartments) and vertebra (trabecular bone). ASSNAC at a dose of 50 mg/Kg/day prevented bone loss after the four-week treatment but had no significant effect after 8 weeks, while ASSNAC at a dose of 20 mg/Kg/day significantly protected against bone loss after 8 weeks of treatment. Alendronate prevented ovariectomy-induced bone loss, and combining it with ASSNAC further augmented this effect. OVX mice demonstrated high serum levels of both C-terminal cross-linked telopeptides of type I collagen (CTX) (bone resorption) and procollagen I N-terminal propeptide (P1NP) (bone formation) after 2 weeks, and these returned to control levels after 8 weeks. Alendronate, ASSNAC and their combination decreased CTX and increased P1NP. Alendronate induced oxidative stress as reflected by decreased glutathione and increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and combining it with ASSNAC partially attenuated these changes. These results portray the therapeutic potential of ASSNAC for the management of post-menopausal osteoporosis. Furthermore, ASSNAC ameliorates the Alendronate-associated oxidative stress, suggesting its potential to prevent Alendronate side effects as well as improve its bone-protective effect.
Potential New Therapies “ROS-Based” in CLL: An Innovative Paradigm in the Induction of Tumor Cell Apoptosis
Authors: Sciaccotta Raffaele , Gangemi Sebastiano , Penna Giuseppa , Giordano Laura , Pioggia Giovanni , Allegra Alessandro
Published: April 2024

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia, in spite of recent advancements, is still an incurable disease; the majority of patients eventually acquire resistance to treatment through relapses. In all subtypes of chronic lymphocytic leukemia, the disruption of normal B-cell homeostasis is thought to be mostly caused by the absence of apoptosis. Consequently, apoptosis induction is crucial to the management of this illness. Damaged biological components can accumulate as a result of the oxidation of intracellular lipids, proteins, and DNA by reactive oxygen species. It is possible that cancer cells are more susceptible to apoptosis because of their increased production of reactive oxygen species. An excess of reactive oxygen species can lead to oxidative stress, which can harm biological elements like DNA and trigger apoptotic pathways that cause planned cell death. In order to upset the balance of oxidative stress in cells, recent therapeutic treatments in chronic lymphocytic leukemia have focused on either producing reactive oxygen species or inhibiting it. Examples include targets created in the field of nanomedicine, natural extracts and nutraceuticals, tailored therapy using biomarkers, and metabolic targets. Current developments in the complex connection between apoptosis, particularly ferroptosis and its involvement in epigenomics and alterations, have created a new paradigm.
Porcine Brain Enzyme Hydrolysate Enhances Immune Function and Antioxidant Defense via Modulation of Gut Microbiota in a Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunodeficiency Model
Authors: Yue Yu , Yang Hye Jeong , Zhang Ting , Li Chen , Kim Min Jung , Kim Keun-Nam , Park Sunmin
Published: April 2024

This study examined how consuming porcine brain enzyme hydrolysate (PBEH) affects the immune function and composition of the gut microbiota in an immunodeficient animal model. Male Wistar rats aged 6 weeks were fed casein (control), 100 mg/kg body weight (BW), red ginseng extract (positive-control), and 6, 13, and 26 mg PBEH per kg BW (PBEH-L, PBEH-M, and PBEH-H, respectively) daily for 4 weeks. At 30 min after consuming assigned compounds, they were orally administered cyclophosphamide (CTX; 5 mg/kg BW), an immunosuppressive agent, to suppress the immune system by inhibiting the proliferation of lymphocytes. The normal-control rats were fed casein and water instead of CTX. Natural killer cell activity and splenocyte proliferation induced by 1 μg/mL lipopolysaccharide were lower in the control group than the normal-control group, and they significantly increased with PBEH consumption, particularly at high doses. The PBEH consumption increased dose-dependently in the Th1/Th2 ratio compared to the control. The lipid peroxide contents were lower in the PBEH group than in the control group. Moreover, PBEH m and PBEH-H consumption mitigated white pulp cell damage, reduced red pulp congestion, and increased spleen mast cells in the histological analysis. Intestinal microbiota composition demonstrated differences between the groups at the genus levels, with Akkermansia being more abundant in the control group than the normal-control group and the PBEH-H group showing a decrease. However, Bifidobacterium decreased in the control group but increased in the PBEH-H group. The β-diversity revealed distinct microbial communities of PBEH and positive-control groups compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The metagenome predictions revealed that PBEH-H influenced amino acid metabolism, antioxidant defense, insulin sensitivity, and longevity pathways. In conclusion, PBEH-H intake boosted immune responses and reduced lipid peroxides by modulating gut microbiota composition. These findings suggest that PBEH-H has the potential as a dietary supplement for improving immune function and gut health in individuals with immunodeficiency.
Bipiperidinyl Derivatives of Cannabidiol Enhance Its Antiproliferative Effects in Melanoma Cells
Authors: Lyu Peihong , Li Huifang , Wan Junzhao , Chen Ying , Zhang Zhen , Wu Panpan , Wan Yinsheng , Seeram Navindra P. , Chamcheu Jean Christopher , Liu Chang , Ma Hang
Published: April 2024

Cannabis and its major cannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD) are reported to exhibit anticancer activity against skin tumors. However, the cytotoxic effects of other minor cannabinoids and synthetic CBD derivatives in melanoma are not fully elucidated. Herein, the antiproliferative activity of a panel of phytocannabinoids was screened against murine (B16F10) and human (A375) melanoma cells. CBD was the most cytotoxic natural cannabinoid with respective IC50 of 28.6 and 51.6 μM. Further assessment of the cytotoxicity of synthetic CBD derivatives in B16F10 cells identified two bipiperidinyl group-bearing derivatives (22 and 34) with enhanced cytotoxicity (IC50 = 3.1 and 8.5 μM, respectively). Furthermore, several cell death assays including flow cytometric (for apoptosis and ferroptosis) and lactate dehydrogenase (for pyroptosis) assays were used to characterize the antiproliferative activity of CBD and its bipiperidinyl derivatives. The augmented cytotoxicity of 22 and 34 in B16F10 cells was attributed to their capacity to promote apoptosis (as evidenced by increased apoptotic population). Taken together, this study supports the notion that CBD and its derivatives are promising lead compounds for cannabinoid-based interventions for melanoma management.
Advances in Research on the Activity Evaluation, Mechanism and Structure-Activity Relationships of Natural Antioxidant Peptides
Authors: Xu Baoting , Dong Qin , Yu Changxia , Chen Hongyu , Zhao Yan , Zhang Baosheng , Yu Panling , Chen Mingjie
Published: April 2024

Antioxidant peptides are a class of biologically active peptides with low molecular weights and stable antioxidant properties that are isolated from proteins. In this review, the progress in research on the activity evaluation, action mechanism, and structure-activity relationships of natural antioxidant peptides are summarized. The methods used to evaluate antioxidant activity are mainly classified into three categories: in vitro chemical, in vitro cellular, and in vivo animal methods. Also, the biological effects produced by these three methods are listed: the scavenging of free radicals, chelation of metal ions, inhibition of lipid peroxidation, inhibition of oxidative enzyme activities, and activation of antioxidant enzymes and non-enzymatic systems. The antioxidant effects of natural peptides primarily consist of the regulation of redox signaling pathways, which includes activation of the Nrf2 pathway and the inhibition of the NF-κB pathway. The structure-activity relationships of the antioxidant peptides are investigated, including the effects of peptide molecular weight, amino acid composition and sequence, and secondary structure on antioxidant activity. In addition, four computer-assisted methods (molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, quantum chemical calculations, and the determination of quantitative structure-activity relationships) for analyzing the structure-activity effects of natural peptides are summarized. Thus, this review lays a theoretical foundation for the development of new antioxidants, nutraceuticals, and cosmetics.
Novel GA-Based DNN Architecture for Identifying the Failure Mode with High Accuracy and Analyzing Its Effects on the System
Authors: Rezaeian Naeim , Gurina Regina , Saltykova Olga A. , Hezla Lokmane , Nohurov Mammetnazar , Reza Kashyzadeh Kazem
Published: April 2024

Symmetric data play an effective role in the risk assessment process, and, therefore, integrating symmetrical information using Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) is essential in implementing projects with big data. This proactive approach helps to quickly identify risks and take measures to address them. However, this task is always time-consuming and costly. On the other hand, there is an essential need for an expert in this field to carry out this process manually. Therefore, in the present study, the authors propose a new methodology to automatically manage this task through a deep-learning technique. Moreover, due to the different nature of the risk data, it is not possible to consider a single neural network architecture for all of them. To overcome this problem, a Genetic Algorithm (GA) was employed to find the best architecture and hyperparameters. Finally, the risks were processed and predicted using the new proposed methodology without sending data to other servers, i.e., external servers. The results of the analysis for the first risk, i.e., latency and real-time processing, showed that using the proposed methodology can improve the detection accuracy of the failure mode by 71.52%, 54.72%, 72.47%, and 75.73% compared to the unique algorithm with the activation function of Relu and number of neurons 32, respectively, related to the one, two, three, and four hidden layers.
Influence of DMSO Non-Toxic Solvent on the Mechanical and Chemical Properties of a PVDF Thin Film
Authors: André António Diogo , Teixeira Ana Margarida , Martins Pedro
Published: April 2024

Piezoelectric materials such as PVDF and its copolymers have been widely studied in different areas and with promising applications, such as haptic feedback actuators or deformation sensors for aided-mobility scenarios. To develop PVDF-based solutions, different protocols are reported in the literature; however, a toxic and harmful solvent is commonly used (dymethilformamide (DMF)). In the present study, a non-toxic solvent (dymethilsulfoxide (DMSO)) is used to dissolve PVDF powder, while a specific ionic liquid (IL), [PMIM][TFSI], is used to enhance piezoelectric properties. A PVDF/IL thin film is characterized. The physical material characterization is based on optical analysis (to ensure the sample’s homogeneity) and on mechanical linear behaviour (Young’s modulus of 144 MPa and yield stress of 9 MPa). Meanwhile, a chemical analysis focuses on the phase modifications introduced by the addition of IL (β phase increase to 80% and a degree of crystallinity, χ, of 30%). All the results obtained are in good agreement with the literature, which indicates that the proposed experimental protocol is suitable for producing PVDF-based thin films for biomedical applications.
FeRHA: Fuzzy-Extractor-Based RF and Hardware Fingerprinting Two-Factor Authentication
Authors: Alkanhal Mona , Younis Mohamed , Alali Abdulaziz , Mehjabin Suhee Sanjana
Published: April 2024

The Internet of Things (IoT) reflects the internetworking of numerous devices with limited computational capabilities. Given the ad-hoc network formation and the dynamic nature of node membership, secure device authentication mechanisms are critical. This paper proposes a novel two-factor authentication protocol for IoT devices. The protocol integrates physical unclonable functions (PUFs) and radio frequency fingerprints (RFFs), providing a unique identification method for each device. Compared with existing PUF-based schemes, the proposed protocol facilitates the mutual authentication of two devices without the need for a trusted third party. Our design is resilient to the intrinsic noise associated with PUFs and RFFs, ensuring reliable authentication, even under various operational conditions. Furthermore, we have implemented an obfuscation technique to secure shared authentication data against eavesdropping attempts aimed at modeling the security primitive, i.e., the PUF, through machine learning algorithms. We have validated the performance of our protocol and demonstrated its efficacy against various security threats, including impersonation, message replay, and PUF modeling attacks. Notably, the validation results indicate that predicting any given PUF response bit’s accuracy does not exceed 56%, making it as unpredictable as a random guess.
Psychological Factors, Digital Health Technologies, and Best Asthma Management as Three Fundamental Components in Modern Care: A Narrative Review
Authors: Caponnetto Pasquale , Prezzavento Graziella Chiara , Casu Mirko , Polosa Riccardo , Quattropani Maria Catena
Published: April 2024

New digital interventions have shown potential in managing asthma and improving patients’ quality of life compared with conventional interventions. Our objective was to conduct an exhaustive survey of the application of digital health technologies in evaluating, treating, and self-managing psychological and psychopathological elements linked to asthma. We analyzed a compendium of research papers pertaining to asthma, encompassing themes such as outdoor air pollution, early life wheezing disorders, atopic dermatitis, digital strategies for asthma self-management, psychiatric conditions and asthma, familial impacts on pediatric asthma, and the utilization of mobile health apps for managing asthma. We scrutinized six chosen studies to evaluate the capacity of digital health technologies to enhance the management and treatment outcomes of psychological factors related to asthma. The studies under review indicate that eHealth interventions, mixed reality instruments, mHealth technology-augmented nurse-led interventions, and smartphone apps incorporating Bluetooth-enabled sensors for asthma inhalers can markedly enhance self-management of symptoms, quality of life, and mental health outcomes, particularly in children and adolescents with asthma. Nonetheless, additional research is required to ascertain their efficacy and practicability across diverse populations and environments. Customized interventions that cater to the unique needs and preferences of asthma patients and associated psychological elements are vital to ensure the persistent and equitable adoption of these technologies. We underscore the significance of addressing psychological elements in the management and treatment of asthma and advocate for ongoing research and development in this domain.
Using Natural Language Processing for a Computer-Aided Rapid Assessment of the Human Condition in Terms of Anorexia Nervosa
Authors: Maćkowska Stella , Koścień Bartosz , Wójcik Michał , Rojewska Katarzyna , Spinczyk Dominik
Published: April 2024

This paper demonstrates how natural language processing methods can support the computer-aided rapid assessment of young adults suffering from anorexia nervosa. We applied natural language processing and machine learning techniques to develop methods that classified body image notes into four categories (sick/healthy, past tense, irony, and sentiment) and analyzed personal vocabulary. The datasets consisted of notes from 115 anorexic patients, 85 healthy participants, and 50 participants with head and neck cancer. To evaluate the usefulness of the proposed approach, we interviewed ten professional psychologists who were experts in eating disorders, eight direct (first contact) staff, and fourteen school counselors and school psychologists. The developed tools correctly differentiated the individuals suffering from anorexia nervosa, which was reflected in the linguistic profile and the results of the machine learning classification of the body image notes. The developed tool also received a positive evaluation from the psychologists specializing in treating eating disorders, school psychologists, and nurses. The obtained results indicate the potential of using natural language processing techniques for the computer-aided rapid assessment of a person’s condition in terms of anorexia nervosa. This method could be applied as both a screening tool and for the regular monitoring of people at risk of eating disorders.
Latest Progress and Applications of Multiphase Flow and Heat Transfer
Authors: Li Liangxing
Published: April 2024

Multiphase flow and heat transfer are critical in both traditional and emerging area of engineering research [...]
Exploring the Contribution of Campylobacter jejuni to Post-Infectious Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Literature Review
Authors: Imbrea Ana-Maria , Balta Igori , Dumitrescu Gabi , McCleery David , Pet Ioan , Iancu Tiberiu , Stef Lavinia , Corcionivoschi Nicolae , Liliana Petculescu-Ciochina
Published: April 2024

This comprehensive review investigates the specific impact of the foodborne pathogen Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni) on gastrointestinal health, focusing on its connection to post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome (PI-IBS). This review examines the pathogen’s pathophysiology, clinical implications and epidemiological trends using recent research and data to highlight its prevalence and association with PI-IBS. A detailed literature analysis synthesizes current research to illuminate Campylobacter’s long-lasting effects on gut microbiota and intestinal function. It provides a detailed analysis of the literature to shed light on C. jejuni’s long-term impact on gut microbiota and intestinal function. The findings suggest the need for multifaceted prevention and treatment approaches considering individual, microbial and epidemiological factors, thus contributing to a more nuanced understanding of PI-IBS following C. jejuni infection.
The Effects of Printing Temperature on the Mechanical Properties of 3D-Printed Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
Authors: Ulkir Osman , Ertugrul Ishak , Ersoy Sezgin , Yağımlı Bülent
Published: April 2024

Temperature is very important in the fabrication of products developed for different applications, considering the widespread use of additive manufacturing (AM) technology. Thermal properties seriously affect the mechanical properties of products. In this study, the effect of printing nozzle temperature changes on the dimensional and mechanical properties of samples fabricated with acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) material was investigated. This material can be preferred over foam material for drone and model aircraft areas due to its low density. A total of thirty-six tensile test samples (ISO527–type1A) were fabricated with fused filament fabrication (FFF), one of the AM methods, and their dimensional properties (length, width, thickness, and mass) were determined. During the fabrication process, the nozzle temperature of the 3D (three-dimensional) printer was increased from 220 °C to 270 °C in 10 °C increments. All samples were subjected to tensile testing, and stress–strain values were measured. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to examine the effect of nozzle temperature change on the findings obtained as a result of the experimental study. The printing nozzle temperature significantly affected both the mechanical strength and dimensional properties of the samples. The samples showed lower viscosity and less hardness at higher nozzle temperatures. The mass and density of the samples decreased with increasing temperature. The tensile strength value decreased by 41.52%.
Adapting the Segment Anything Model for Volumetric X-ray Data-Sets of Arbitrary Sizes
Authors: Gruber Roland , Rüger Steffen , Wittenberg Thomas
Published: April 2024

We propose a new approach for volumetric instance segmentation in X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) data for Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) by combining the Segment Anything Model (SAM) with tile-based Flood Filling Networks (FFN). Our work evaluates the performance of SAM on volumetric NDT data-sets and demonstrates its effectiveness to segment instances in challenging imaging scenarios. We implemented and evaluated techniques to extend the image-based SAM algorithm for the use with volumetric data-sets, enabling the segmentation of three-dimensional objects using FFN’s spatial adaptability. The tile-based approach for SAM leverages FFN’s capabilities to segment objects of any size. We also explore the use of dense prompts to guide SAM in combining segmented tiles for improved segmentation accuracy. Our research indicates the potential of combining SAM with FFN for volumetric instance segmentation tasks, particularly in NDT scenarios and segmenting large entities and objects. While acknowledging remaining limitations, our study provides insights and establishes a foundation for advancements in instance segmentation in NDT scenarios.
Dynamic Phase Comparison Planar Direction-Finding Algorithm on Satellite Radio Receiver
Authors: Wu Zhongzhen , Mao Mingyang , Xiong Jiawei , Zhao Ziyang , Yuan Kai
Published: April 2024

This paper proposes a dynamic phase comparison algorithm for planar direction finding on a high-speed moving satellite radio receiver, treating the moving antenna as equivalent to single-baseline array antennas. Based on a phase interferometer algorithm, this algorithm adjusts the baseline length according to the frequency measurement module and the satellite’s high-speed motion to avoid phase ambiguity indirectly. By integrating the traditional amplitude comparison algorithm based on orthogonal dipole antennas, a dynamic fusion direction-finding method is proposed. Simulations demonstrate that this approach method not only covers a broader range of direction finding but also achieves higher accuracy, providing valuable insights for acquiring three-dimensional plasmagrams with space-borne plasma imagers.
Prediction of Railway Embankment Slope Hydromechanical Properties under Bidirectional Water Level Fluctuations
Authors: Aliyu Bamaiyi Usman , Xu Linrong , Bello Al-Amin Danladi , Shuaibu Abdulrahman , Kalin Robert M. , Ahmad Abdulaziz , Islam Nahidul , Raza Basit
Published: April 2024

Railway embankment slopes are exposed to natural hazards such as excess rainfall, floods, earthquakes, and lake water/groundwater level variations. These are generally considered during the design, construction, and maintenance periods of the embankment. In this study, combined laboratory test methods and a computational approach were applied to assess the effect of groundwater level changes on the railway embankment. The Plackett–Burman (PBD), Box–Behnken design response surface methodology (BBD-RSM), and an artificial neural network (ANN) were used to predict the behavior of the embankment soil hydromechanical properties to determine the integrity of the embankment as water level fluctuates under varied seasonal conditions. The results show that the seepage line is concave during the rising water level (RWL) period, and the railway slope’s static stability factor surges and then stabilizes. Further analysis found that the slope’s stability is largely affected by some of the hydromechanical properties of the soil embankment material, such as the internal friction angle (ϕ), soil density (ρs), and cohesion (c). The second-order interaction factors c x s, x s, and s2 also affect the stability factor. It was observed that the four most sensitive parameters under both falling water level (FWL) and RWL conditions are ϕ, ρs, c, and rate of fall/rise in water level (H). The statistical evaluation of the RSM model produced R2 values of 0.99(99) and 0.99, with MREs of 0.01 and 0.24 under both RWL and FWL conditions, respectively, while for ANN, they produced R2 values of 0.99(99) and 0.99(98), with MRE values of 0.02 and 0.21, respectively. This study demonstrates that RSM and ANN performed well under these conditions and enhanced accuracy, efficiency, iterations, trial times, and cost-effectiveness compared to full laboratory experimental procedures.
Study of the Critical Speed of Ultra-High-Speed Diamond Drilling Technology in Marble
Authors: Li Yuxiao , Zhang Kai , Wang Yue
Published: April 2024

In order to effectively improve the drilling speed in deep hard rock and save drilling costs, this study explores the transformation mechanism and critical velocity range of ultra-high-speed diamond drilling technology on rock breaking effect, using marble as an example. The study establishes an ultra-high-speed single diamond fragmentation model using the finite element method (FEM) and solves for the unknown critical velocity of marble in this drilling technique. Additionally, small diameter bit drilling experiments were conducted on our self-developed ultra-high-speed diamond drilling test bench. Based on existing simulation results and experimental studies, we discuss the critical velocity problem and compare and analyze the change in the rock-breaking mechanism and mechanical specific energy (MSE) under conventional drilling versus ultra-high-speed rotary drilling conditions. Our results indicate that changes in rock breaking mechanisms under ultra-high-speed diamond drilling conditions are limited to a specific speed range and do not persist with increasing speeds. Furthermore, experimental verification confirms that ultra-high-speed diamond drilling can effectively reduce MSE and increase the rate of penetration (ROP) by altering the rock-breaking mode. It is hoped that these findings will provide valuable insights for applying this technology to various hard rocks.
Notes on Bus User Assignment Problem Using Section Network Representation Method
Authors: Almutairi Ahmed , Owais Mahmoud , Ahmed Abdou S.
Published: April 2024

A recurrent solution to consecutive transit assignment problems is typically required to help address the bus network design problem (BNDP). Intriguingly, the transit assignment issue is differentiated by a number of distinctive characteristics. In this article, a complete analysis of one of the well-known graphical representations of the problem is conducted. The presented design is founded on the representation of the transit network by De Cea and Fernandez (1993). They developed an innovative section-based graph augmentation of the real transit network to overcome many of the mathematical formulation complexities of the problem. This study is organized to thoroughly investigate and review the model to shed light on its capabilities for use in BNDP solution schemes. The review provides the needed information to give the reader a full assessment of the selected bus assignment model. The importance of this review is shown by the fact that the most widely utilized transit assignment models in the BNDP are inadequate in their fundamental assumptions when compared to the model under consideration. The model’s graphical representation and solution technique are described in depth in addition to the constraints that will be integrated into the BNDP solution approaches. We want to refocus emphasis on this approach for further BNDP research since it is infrequently used in BNDP solution frameworks.
Bioactive Compounds and Scavenging Capacity of Adansonia digitata L. (Baobab Fruit) Pulp Extracts against ROS and RNS of Physiological Relevance
Authors: Vinha Ana F. , Costa Anabela S. G. , Pimentel Filipa B. , Espírito Santo Liliana , Sousa Carla , Freitas Marisa , Fernandes Eduarda , Oliveira M. Beatriz P. P.
Published: April 2024

Background: Baobab fruit is valued for its nutritional and medicinal benefits. Although it is acknowledged that baobab pulp is beneficial for health, studies that link its nutraceutical properties to the ability to eliminate reactive species (ROS and RNS) are scarce. Methods: The nutritional profile and the antioxidant properties of baobab pulp extracts from Angola were evaluated. Thus, for the first time, the evaluation of in vitro scavenging capacity against the most physiologically relevant reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) were the focus of investigation. Results: Angolan fruit pulp presented high contents of ash (8.0%) and total dietary fiber (52%). Vitamin E content was reported for the first time in fruit pulp. Green solvents were used to quantify bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity. Hydroalcoholic extracts exhibited the highest contents of phenolics (1573.0 mg/100 g) and flavonoids (768.7 mg/100 g). Thus, hydroalcoholic extracts showed higher antioxidant activity, and higher scavenging capacity for ROS (O2•−, H2O2, HOCl, ROO•) and RNS (•NO, ONOO−), being most active for •NO and ONOO−. Conclusion: For the first time, Angolan baobab fruit was described in respect to its nutritional contribution as well as its positive antioxidant effects, both as a functional food and as a nutraceutical ingredient.
Identification of Actual Irrigated Areas in Tropical Regions Based on Remote Sensing Evapotranspiration
Authors: Xu Haowei , Duan Hao , Li Qiuju , Han Chengxin
Published: April 2024

Amidst global climate change and unsustainable human exploitation of water resources, water has emerged as a critical factor constraining global agricultural food production and ecological environments. Particularly in agricultural powerhouses like China, irrigation water accounts for a significant portion of freshwater resource utilization. However, the inefficiency of irrigation water usage has become a weak link in water resource management. To better assess irrigation water efficiency, an accurate estimation of regional irrigated areas is urgently needed. This study proposes a method for identifying actual irrigated areas based on remote sensing-derived evapotranspiration (ET) to address the challenge of accurately interpreting irrigated areas in tropical regions. Using Yunnan Province’s Yuanmou irrigation district as a case study, this research combined ground monitoring data and remote sensing data to identify actual irrigated areas through ET inversion and downscaling methods using the Penman–Monteith–Leuning (PML) model. In 2023, the total irrigated area interpreted from remote sensing in the study area was approximately 15,000 hm2, with a comparison against validation points revealing an extraction error of 16%. The small error indicates that this method can effectively enhance the reliability of monitoring actual irrigated areas, thus providing valuable data support for agricultural irrigation water management.
Characteristics of Atmospheric Pollutants in Paddy and Dry Field Regions: Analyzing the Oxidative Potential of Biomass Burning
Authors: Song Myoungki , Kim Minwook , Oh Sea-Ho , Yu Geun-Hye , Choe Seoyeong , Jeon Hajeong , Ko Dong-Hoon , Park Chaehyeong , Bae Min-Suk
Published: April 2024

This study aimed to identify the characteristics of atmospheric pollutants emitted by agricultural activities and to evaluate factors that may cause harm to human health. For the research, atmospheric pollutants were measured over the course of a year in representative rice farming and field crop farming areas in South Korea. The results confirmed that the characteristics of atmospheric pollutants in agricultural areas are influenced by the nature of agricultural activities. Specifically, when comparing rice paddies and field crop areas, during summer, the correlation between oxidative potential and levoglucosan—a marker for biomass burning—weakens due to less burning activity in the rice-growing season, leading to lower oxidative potential despite different PM2.5 across areas. The study also finds that methyl sulfonic acid, indicating marine influence, plays a big role in keeping oxidative potential low in summer. This suggests that the main causes of PM2.5-related health risks in the area are from biomass burning and external sources, with burning being a significant factor in increasing oxidative potential. Based on these results, it is hoped that measures can be taken in the future to reduce atmospheric pollutants in agricultural areas.
Research on a Rainfall Prediction Model in Guizhou Based on Raindrop Spectra
Authors: Wang Fuzeng , An Xuejiao , Wang Qiusong , Li Zixin , Han Lin , Su Debin
Published: April 2024

Our study and analysis of the distribution differences in raindrop spectra in a Guizhou precipitation prediction model were of great significance for understanding precipitation microphysical processes and improving radar quantitative precipitation prediction. This article selected the Dafang, Majiang, and Luodian stations at different altitudes in Guizhou and analyzed the distribution characteristics of precipitation particles at different altitudes. This article used precipitation data from the new-generation Doppler weather radar, OTT-Parsivel laser raindrop spectrometer, and automatic meteorological observation stations in Guiyang via M-P and GAMMA and established methods to fit the particle size of raindrop spectrum precipitation. Based on the LSTM neural network method, we constructed a precipitation prediction model for Guizhou and conducted performance testing. The results show that (1) the precipitation particles at the three stations are all concentrated in small particle size areas, with a peak value of 0.312 mm and a final falling velocity of 1–5 m/s, and the particle size increases with a decreasing altitude. The contribution rate to the density of particles with a precipitation particle size of less than 1 mm exceeds 80% and decreases with a decreasing altitude. The average volume diameter of precipitation particles has the highest correlation with the precipitation intensity. (2) In the fitting of the raindrop spectrum distribution, the GAMMA distribution fitted by the three stations has a better effect and the fitting effect gradually improves with an increasing altitude. (3) In precipitation prediction for convective clouds and stratiform clouds, the 60 min prediction results are the most consistent with the actual precipitation, with correlation coefficients of 0.9287 and 0.9257, respectively, indicating that the prediction has high reliability.
Atomic Models of Dense Plasmas, Applications, and Current Challenges
Authors: Piron Robin
Published: April 2024

Modeling plasmas in terms of atoms or ions is theoretically appealing for several reasons. When it is relevant, the notion of atom or ion in a plasma provides us with an interpretation scheme of the plasma’s internal functioning. From the standpoint of quantitative estimation of plasma properties, atomic models of plasma allow one to extend many theoretical tools of atomic physics to plasmas. This notably includes the statistical approaches to the detailed accounting for excited states, or the collisional-radiative modeling of non-equilibrium plasmas, which is based on the notion of atomic processes. This paper is focused on the theoretical challenges raised by the atomic modeling of dense, non-ideal plasmas. It is intended to give a synthetic and pedagogical view on the evolution of ideas in the field, with an accent on the theoretical consistency issues, rather than an exhaustive review of models and experimental benchmarks. First we make a brief, non-exhaustive review of atomic models of plasmas, from ideal plasmas to strongly-coupled and pressure-ionized plasmas. We discuss the limitations of these models and pinpoint some open problems in the field of atomic modeling of plasmas. We then address the peculiarities of atomic processes in dense plasmas and point out some specific issues relative to the calculation of their cross-sections. In particular, we discuss the modeling of fluctuations, the accounting for channel mixing and collective phenomena in the photoabsorption, or the impact of pressure ionization on collisional processes.