bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blockchain-Based Crop Recommendation System for Precision Farming in IoT Environment
Authors: Patel Devangi Hitenkumar , Shah Kamya Premal , Gupta Rajesh , Jadav Nilesh Kumar , Tanwar Sudeep , Neagu Bogdan Constantin , Attila Simo , Alqahtani Fayez , Tolba Amr
Published: October 2023

In agriculture, soil is a vital element that decides the quality and yield of agricultural produce. Soil consists of various nutrients such as nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), potassium (K), the potential of hydrogen (pH), and water content. Nitrogen is responsible for building chlorophyll, which helps produce proteins and thus directly contributes to plant growth and development. Phosphorous is needed to develop root systems and flowers, whereas potassium helps increase disease resistance. Each of these play a role in crop cultivation. Thus, in this research paper, considering the fact that soil health will provide farmers with the best selection of crops that are compatible with their farm’s soil nutrients, we propose an algorithm for recommending a set of suitable crops based on various soil attributes. These soil nutrients can be collected in real-time using soil sensors, such as N, P, K, and pH, and humidity sensors. They can be deployed in farms where the cultivation takes place. These sensor readings would then be transferred to the blockchain layer, thereby validating the data and ensuring it is tamper-proof and evident. The crop recommendation model uses data from these sensors in real-time, increasing the results’ accuracy. The last stage leads us to display these results via a user dashboard, which helps the farmers to keep in check with their farm’s practices, and their sensor states from remote locations.
The Protective Effects of Astaxanthin (AST) in the Liver of Weaned Piglets
Authors: Szczepanik Kinga , Oczkowicz Maria , Dobrowolski Piotr , Świątkiewicz Małgorzata
Published: October 2023

During the weaning period, piglets are exposed to high levels of stress, which often causes problems with the digestive system. This stress also promotes the production of free radicals, resulting in oxidative stress. Astaxanthin (AST) stands out as one of the most potent antioxidants. Its resistance to light and heat makes it particularly valuable in compound feed production. This study was to determine the effect of AST impact on liver histology and gene expression in piglets. For our experiment, we used 16 weaned piglets of the PL breed, which we divided into two groups: Group I (control group with no AST supplementation) and Group II (supplemented with AST at 0.025 g/kg). Both feed mixtures were iso-proteins and iso-energetic, meeting the nutritional requirements of the piglets. The experiment lasted from day 35 to day 70 of the piglets’ age, during which they had ad libitum access. The results indicate that the addition of AST prevents liver fibrosis due to reduced collagen deposition in the tissue. Analysis of gene expression supported these results. In the AST-supplemented group, we noted a decrease in NR1H3 expression, an increase in CYP7A1 expression, and reductions in the expression of NOTCH1 and CREB genes.
Itraconazole Loaded Biosurfactin Micelles with Enhanced Antifungal Activity: Fabrication, Evaluation and Molecular Simulation
Authors: Usman Faisal , Farooq Mudassir , Wani Tanveer A. , Ahmad Hassan , Javed Ibrahim , Iqbal Mazhar , Sheikh Fatima Akbar , Siddique Farhan , Zargar Seema , Sheikh Saleh
Published: October 2023

Itraconazole (ITZ) is a broad-spectrum antifungal for superficial subcutaneous and systemic fungal infections. This study aimed to enhance the antifungal activity of ITZ using surfactin A (SA), a cyclic lipopeptide produced by the SA-producing Bacillus strain NH-100, possessing strong antifungal activity. SA was extracted, and ITZ-loaded SA micelles formulations were prepared via a single-pot rinsing method and characterized by particle size, zeta potential, and infrared spectroscopy. In vitro dissolution at pH 1.2, as well as hemolysis studies, was also carried out. The fabricated formulations were stable and non-spherical in shape, with an average size of about 179 nm, and FTIR spectra depicted no chemical interaction among formulation components. ITZ-loaded micelles showed decreased hemolysis activity in comparison to pure ITZ. The drug released followed the Korsmeyer–Peppas model, having R2 0.98 with the diffusion release mechanism. In an acidic buffer, drug release of all prepared formulations was in the range of 73–89% in 2 h. The molecular simulation showed the outstanding binding and stability profile of the ITZ-SA complex. The aromatic ring of the ITZ mediates a π-alkyl contact with a side chain in the SA. It can be concluded that ITZ-loaded micelles, owing to significant enhanced antifungal activity up to 6-fold due to the synergistic effect of SA, can be a promising drug delivery platform for delivery of poorly soluble ITZ.
Tea Tree Oil Improves Energy Metabolism, Non-Specific Immunity, and Microbiota Diversity via the Intestine–Hepatopancreas Axis in Macrobrachium rosenbergii under Low Fish Meal Diet Administration
Authors: Liu Mingyang , Xu Xiaodi , Sun Cunxin , Zheng Xiaochuan , Zhou Qunlan , Song Changyou , Xu Pao , Gao Qiang , Liu Bo
Published: October 2023

Tea tree oil (TTO) is an essential plant oil with diverse antibacterial and antioxidant properties; however, whether the role played by TTO in low fish meal (LF) diets induced the observed effects in the farmed crustaceans remains unclear. Therefore, this study used Macrobrachium rosenbergii as the model crustacean, and an 8-week feeding experiment with NF (normal fish meal), LF (soybean meal replacing 40% fish meal), and LFT (LF with 200 mg/kg TTO) diets was conducted to evaluate the positive effects of TTO under the LF diet. Compared to the NF diet, the LF diet reduced hemolymph antioxidant capacity and non-specific immunity, and induced hepatopancreas apoptosis and damage. However, in comparison with LF, LTF significantly ameliorated morphological impairment in the hepatopancreas, improved hepatopancreas energy metabolism by upregulating the Bcl-2/Bax and Akt/mTOR pathways, and enhanced antioxidant and non-specific immune capacity by activating the NF-κB/NO pathway. In addition, LFT repaired intestinal barrier injury and the imbalance of intestinal microbiota induced by the LF diet. Moreover, the Pearson correlation revealed the variations of the above indicators, which were related to the abundance changes of Klebsiella, Clostridium sensu stricto 12, Thermobifida, Bifidobacterium, and Alistipes, indicating that these microbes might serve as prospective targets for the intestine–hepatopancreas axis to affect hepatopancreas apoptosis, metabolism, and non-specific immunity. In summary, 200 mg/kg TTO supplementation mediated gut microbiota and positively improved energy metabolism and non-specific immunity, thereby alleviating hepatopancreas dysplasia and damage induced by the LF diet in M. rosenbergii.
Melatonin-Mediated Suppression of mtROS-JNK-FOXO1 Pathway Alleviates Hypoxia-Induced Apoptosis in Porcine Granulosa Cells
Authors: Zhang Xuan , Zhang Dingding , Li Hongmin , Liu Zhaojun , Yang Yatong , Li Jiameng , Tang Lishiyuan , Tao Jingli , Liu Honglin , Shen Ming
Published: October 2023

Numerous studies have established that the hypoxic conditions within ovarian follicles induce apoptosis in granulosa cells (GCs), a pivotal hallmark of follicular atresia. Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine, MT), a versatile antioxidant naturally present in follicular fluid, acts as a safeguard for maintaining GCs’ survival during stress exposure. In this study, we unveil an innovative protective mechanism of melatonin against hypoxia-triggered GC apoptosis by selectively inhibiting mitochondrial ROS (mtROS) generation. Specifically, under hypoxic conditions, a gradual accumulation of mitochondrial ROS occurred, consequently activating the JNK-FOXO1 pathway, and driving GCs toward apoptosis. The blocking of JNK or FOXO1 diminished hypoxia-induced GC apoptosis, but this effect was nullified in the presence of GSH, indicating that mtROS instigates apoptosis through the JNK-FOXO1 pathway. Consistent with this, hypoxic GCs treated with melatonin exhibited decreased levels of mtROS, reduced JNK-FOXO1 activation, and mitigated apoptosis. However, the protective capabilities of melatonin were attenuated upon inhibiting its receptor MTNR1B, accompanied by the decreased expression of antioxidant genes. Notably, SOD2, a key mitochondrial antioxidant gene modulated by the melatonin–MTNR1B axis, effectively inhibited the activation of mtROS-JNK-FOXO1 and subsequent apoptosis, whereas SOD2 knockdown abrogated the protective role of melatonin in hypoxic GCs. In conclusion, our study elucidates that melatonin, through MTNR1B activation, fosters SOD2 expression, effectively quelling mtROS-JNK-FOXO1-mediated apoptosis in follicular GCs under hypoxic stress.
The Evaluation of the Temperature Reduction Effects of Cool Roofs and Cool Pavements as Urban Heatwave Mitigation Strategies
Authors: Lee Sunmin , Cho Young-Il , Lee Moung-Jin , Lim Young-Shin
Published: October 2023

Various types of damage, including health risks, caused by abnormal climate conditions have gradually increased in recent years, particularly in cities with a high degree of complexity. In particular, it is important to address heatwave damage risk from both technical and policy perspectives because it poses risks to older adults and/or disadvantaged individuals. This study was performed to assess the quantitative effects of two heatwave mitigation measures, cool roofs and cool pavements, in the Jangyumugye district of Gimhae, Republic of Korea. Thermal imaging cameras were used to measure surface temperatures after the installation of these measures; after the installation of cool roofs, indoor temperatures were also measured using temperature measurement data loggers. Then, a survey was conducted to obtain feedback from users of the associated facilities. From August to October 2019, surface temperatures were significantly reduced following the installation of cool roofs and cool pavements. Cool roofs constructed using slabs and panels provided average temperature reductions of 15.5 °C and 11.6 °C, respectively. Cool pavements showed a temperature reduction of ≥4 °C in both parking lot and alley sites. More than 30% of users noticed a reduction in temperature as a result of heatwave measure installation. These results may be used by the city to make informed policy decisions regarding the implementation of heatwave mitigation measures.
The Use of Modern Measuring Devices in the Evaluation of Movement in the Block in Volleyball Depending on the Difficulty of the Task Determined by Light Signals
Authors: Cieśluk Kacper , Sadowska Dorota , Krzepota Justyna
Published: October 2023

The basic technical element that is a direct response to the opponent’s attack is the block. Blocking is related to setting the starting position of the player and choosing the most effective way to move. The aim of this study was to evaluate the time of movement in the block depending on the difficulty of the task determined by a response to light signals. The study included 14 players (17.36 ± 1.18 years). Eight discs of the FITLIGHT TrainerTM device placed at different heights near the center of the volleyball court were used for the measurements. The player’s task was to move as quickly as possible in a block after recognizing a light signal to take a specific action. Three types of tasks with different levels of difficulty were defined: reaction to the light signal on the player’s side (S1), reaction to the light signal of the upper or lower discs placed vertically over the net (S2), and reaction to the color of the light signal of the upper or lower discs placed vertically over the net (S3). The following time measurements were analyzed: indirect time (TI), time of movement to the jumping point (TJP), and total time (TT) on the right and left sides. In all measurements (TI, TJP, TT), the differences in the times obtained in tasks S1 and S2 and tasks S1 and S3 were statistically significant (p ≤ 0.001) for both the right and left sides. The comparison of the task performance times for S2 and S3 showed a difference only in the TJP measurement for the left side. An analysis of the results indicates a significant role of signal recognition and decision-making process in the player’s movement during blocking. The FITLIGHT TrainerTM device can be a useful tool for this purpose in coaching.
An Enhanced YOLOv5-Based Algorithm for Metal Surface Defect Detection
Authors: Zhao Yaling , Wang Hai , Xie Xiaoming , Xie Yongzheng , Yang Chunlai
Published: October 2023

The detection of surface defects in metal materials has been a challenging issue in the industrial domain. The existing algorithms for metal surface defect detection are limited to a few specific types of defects and exhibit low performance with detection of defects of varying scales. A novel detection method based on the Information Enhancement YOLOv5 Network (IE-YOLOv5) for surface defects in metal parts is proposed, to realize efficient detection, which introduces a lightweight Federated Fusion Slim Neck module (FF-Slim-Neck) and a Parameter-free Spatial Attention mechanism (PSA) in YOLOv5 network. Comparative experiments were conducted using the NEU-DET dataset. The experimental results indicate that the proposed algorithm for detecting defects on metal surfaces achieves an average precision of 96.7% when identifying six different types of surface imperfections: crazing, inclusions, patches, pitting, scaling, and scratches. This represents a 2.4% enhancement in precision compared to the YOLOv5 algorithm. The measured processing velocity of this approach stands at 46.17 frames per second (FPS), highlighting its remarkable qualities of resilience, precision, and real-time capability.
Verifying the Stability of the Working Fronts of Lignite Open Pits Developed in Hilly Areas—A Case Study of Jilț North Open Pit (Romania)
Authors: Faur Florin , Lazar Maria , Apostu Izabela-Maria , Brujan (Predoiu) Mioara
Published: October 2023

Regardless of the period for which the lignite open pits from Romania will be kept in function, operational safety is an objective of utmost importance. In this context, the present paper aims to analyze the stability of the working fronts of a lignite open pit from Romania (Jilț North open pit). The development of Jilț North open pit involves excavations in a hilly area, with a level difference between the base of the open pit and the top of the hill of approx. 195 m (151 m by the end of 2023). Thus, based on the technical documentation provided by the mining operator (situation plan, cross-sections, stratigraphic columns, etc.) and laboratory tests (on the physical–mechanical characteristics of the rocks), a stability analysis model was created with the help of a specialized software. Following the analyses, it was found that two of these slopes (T1 and T3 steps) do not present a sufficient stability reserve (in fact they are unstable, Fs ˂ 1), to allow continuing extractive activities under safe conditions. Considering these results and using a well-known slope dimensioning method, two technical solutions were proposed to increase the stability reserve: a simple one, for the T3 step, which involves reducing the slope angle from 52° to 45°, and the second one, for the T1 step, a bit more complex, involving the inclusion in the general continuous flux of the open pit of a discontinuous sub-flux that aims to achieve three sub-steps, and the reduction in the general slope angle.
Internal Flow Prediction in Arbitrary Shaped Channel Using Stream-Wise Bidirectional LSTM
Authors: Ko Jaekyun , Choi Wanuk , Lee Sanghwan
Published: October 2023

Deep learning (DL) methods have become the trend in predicting feasible solutions in a shorter time compared with traditional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approaches. Recent studies have stacked numerous convolutional layers to extract high-level feature maps, which are then used for the analysis of various shapes under differing conditions. However, these applications only deal with predicting the flow around the objects located near the center of the domain, whereas most fluid-transport-related phenomena are associated with internal flows, such as pipe flows or air flows inside transportation vehicle engines. Hence, to broaden the scope of the DL approach in CFD, we introduced a stream-wise bidirectional (SB)-LSTM module that generates a better latent space from the internal fluid region by additionally extracting lateral connection features. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed method, we compared the results obtained using SB-LSTM to those of the encoder–decoder(ED) model and the U-Net model, as well as with the results when not using it. When SB-LSTM was applied, in the qualitative comparison, it effectively addressed the issue of erratic fluctuations in the predicted field values. Furthermore, in terms of quantitative evaluation, the mean relative error (MRE) for the x-component of velocity, y-component of velocity, and pressure was reduced by at least 2.7%, 4.7%, and 15%, respectively, compared to the absence of the SB-LSTM module. Furthermore, through a comparison of the calculation time, it was found that our approach did not undermine the superiority of the neural network’s computational acceleration effect.
The Detection of Bacterial Pathogens, including Emerging Klebsiella pneumoniae, Associated with Mastitis in the Milk of Ruminant Species
Authors: Tsakali Efstathia , Tsantes Andreas G. , Houhoula Dimitra , Laliotis George P. , Batrinou Anthimia , Halvatsiotis Panagiotis , Tsantes Argyrios E.
Published: October 2023

Milk is an excellent medium for the growth of several bacteria and other microorganisms and thus, it has been extensively studied. An always current issue in the dairy industry is mastitis, which causes losses in milk volume and profits. In many cases, milk is used raw or treated at low temperatures for further dairy processes while there are quite a few cases in which foodborne-related outbreaks have occurred. Both culture-based methods and PCR were used to assess the presence of certain pathogens related to both contagious and environmental pathogens, especially the emerging pathogenic bacterium Klebsiella pneumoniae, as well as Staphyloccocus aureus and Enterobacter spp., which are associated with mastitis in milk samples from different lactating ruminant species (cows, goats, and sheep) and to further evaluate the significance of the isolated pathogens to public health. Even though significant mastitis contagious pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis were not detected, environmental pathogens related to poor hygiene conditions at the farm level (K. pneumoniae, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, and Enterococcus spp.) were detected. In particular, K. pneumoniae and Staphylococcus saprophyticus were present in ovine milk samples while bovine and caprine milk samples were contaminated with Enterococcus spp. The presence of these bacteria underlines the significant role of environmental hygiene especially since Staphylococcus saprophyticus and Enterococcus spp. are related to urinary tract infections and all of the tested pathogens may carry antibiotic resistance genes. More specifically, 20% of the isolated Klebsiella pneumoniae strains were found resistant to carbapenem antibiotics. The presence of emerging K. pneumoniae in ovine milk samples also indicates the need for new policies in terms of safety testing. Suggestions of monitoring processes carried out by the relevant authorities are discussed.
Cement Stabilization of Waste from Contaminated Soils in Terms of Its Installation into Engineered Landfill
Authors: Kwiecień Sławomir , Podgórska Alicja , Rybak Jarosław , Štefánik Martin , Cheben Vlastimil
Published: October 2023

Remediation and preparation for development is a crucial aspect of the valorization of post-mining areas. This study is focused on technologies devoted to the cement stabilization of post-industrial waste and petroleum contaminated soils. Two case studies are presented. Case 1 is based on the stabilization works of waste from a closed chemical plant in order to turn it into an engineered landfill. The results form the basis for numerical studies of slope stability. The shorter case 2 is based on the laboratory testing of a soil–cement composite with regard to petroleum contamination and the application of active carbon to neutralize it in the course of deep soil mixing. Both cases, due to the use of slag cement, are not considered to be sustainable (due to a relatively high carbon footprint), but they represent current geotechnical practice and form a reference for a wide range of applications. Both cases show the positive impact of stabilization by means of the addition of a hydraulic binder. The effect of soil improvement is measurable in terms of the stability factor of landfill slopes. The effect of active charcoal addition seems to be a valuable improvement to standard deep soil mixing technology in the case of contaminated soil. The presented results, despite their local importance related to the cases under scrutiny, have an important educational and scientific value for the energy sector, where contaminated sites need to be valorized.
Spatiotemporal Distribution Characteristics and Multi-Factor Analysis of Near-Surface PM2.5 Concentration in Local-Scale Urban Areas
Authors: Liu Lin , He Huiyu , Zhu Yushuang , Liu Jing , Wu Jiani , Tan Zhuang , Xie Hui
Published: October 2023

Near-surface PM2.5 concentrations have been greatly exacerbated by urban land expansion and dense urban traffic. This study aims to clarify the effects of multiple factors on near-surface PM2.5 concentrations from three perspectives of background climatic variables, urban morphology variables, and traffic-related emission intensity. First, two case areas covering multiple local blocks were selected to conduct mobile measurements under different climatic conditions. The observed meteorological parameters and PM2.5 concentration were obtained through GIS-based imaging. These interpolation results of air temperature and relative humidity reveal highly spatiotemporal diversity, which is greatly influenced by artificial heat emissions and spatial morphology characteristics in local areas. The PM2.5 concentration on measurement days also varies considerably from the lowest value of 44~56 μg/m3 in October to about 500 μg/m3 in December in Harbin winter and ranges between about 5 μg/m3 and 50 μg/m3 in Guangzhou summer. The correlation analysis reveals that both the climatic conditions and urban morphology characteristics are significantly correlated with local PM2.5 concentration. Especially for Guangzhou summer, the PM2.5 concentration was positively correlated with the street traffic emission source intensity with correlation coefficient reaching about 0.79. Multivariate nonlinear formulas were applied to fit the association between these factors and PM2.5 concentration with higher determined coefficients. And optimization strategies are thus suggested to improve the urban air quality in local-scale areas. This attribution analysis contributes to environmentally friendly urban construction.
Preliminary Survey of Exposure to Indoor Radon in al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Kazakhstan
Authors: Zaripova Yuliya , Dyachkov Vyacheslav , Bigeldiyeva Mirgul , Gladkikh Tatyana , Yushkov Alexandr
Published: October 2023

Radon is a major source of naturally occurring radioactivity, and its measurement is considered extremely important in radiation protection, given its association with lung cancer. This pilot study aimed to estimate the annual effective dose received by students and staff based on monitoring data on the concentration of radon in the buildings of al-Farabi Kazakh National University (Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan), based on the distance to the tectonic fault. The measurements were recorded daily from February 2021 to September 2022 using a RAMON-02 radiometer (SOLO LLP, Almaty, Kazakhstan). All measurements were taken from the basement to the top floor under normal conditions of use. The average accumulated concentrations of radon in the studied buildings ranged from 16.34 to 78.33 Bq/m3, which is below the maximum level of 100 Bq/m3 established by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan (200 Bq/m3). Relatively high values were recorded in the basement of the Faculty of Physics and Technology building (282.0 Bq/m3 in winter, 1742.0 Bq/m3 in spring, 547.7 Bq/m3 in summer, and 550.7 Bq/m3 in autumn), which is located closest to the tectonic fault and poorly ventilated. In almost all rooms (94%), radon levels were within the WHO-recommended reference level. The averaged results show the influence of the distance to the fault on the average indoor radon levels. The annual effective dose of radon for university students and staff ranged from 1.09 mSv/year to 1.53 mSv/year. The excess lifetime risk of developing cancer ranged from 0.44% to 0.61%.
Practice of Monitoring Cisplatin-Induced Ototoxicity by Audiology, ENT, and Oncology Specialists: A Survey-Based Study in a Single Italian Medical Center
Authors: Gambacorta Valeria , Orzan Eva , Faralli Mario , Gullà Mario , Lapenna Ruggero , Baietta Irene , De Angelis Verena , Ricci Giampietro
Published: October 2023

Ototoxic drugs can result in hearing loss and tinnitus. Early detection of the ototoxic process can help minimize or prevent these consequences. The American Speech–Language–Hearing Association has provided guidelines for monitoring ototoxicity, whereas Italy has not yet implemented a national monitoring protocol. This study aims to assess the current state of ototoxicity monitoring in patients receiving cisplatin therapy. A self-administered survey has been used to gather information from oncologists, audiologists, and ENT specialists. The research was conducted at Santa Maria della Misericordia hospital in Perugia. Two questionnaires were administered, one to ENT/audiology specialists and another to oncology specialists. Both questionnaires were used to collect information on awareness of chemotherapy-induced ototoxicity. A comprehensive understanding of cisplatin-induced ototoxicity has been widely established (100%). The most commonly reported audiological symptoms by patients were hearing loss (100%) and tinnitus (87.5%). The majority of ENT and audiologists (93.8%) and oncologists (92.9%) expressed the need for a specific ototoxic monitoring program. However, they noted the absence of a well-defined ototoxicity monitoring protocol. A well-established and efficient ototoxic monitoring system facilitates early detection of ototoxic hearing loss and subsequent rehabilitation of inevitable hearing impairment.
Evaluation of the Photoplethysmogram-Based Deep Learning Model for Continuous Respiratory Rate Estimation in Surgical Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Hwang Chi Shin , Kim Yong Hwan , Hyun Jung Kyun , Kim Joon Hwang , Lee Seo Rak , Kim Choong Min , Nam Jung Woo , Kim Eun Young
Published: October 2023

The respiratory rate (RR) is a significant indicator to evaluate a patient’s prognosis and status; however, it requires specific instrumentation or estimates from other monitored signals. A photoplethysmogram (PPG) is extensively used in clinical environments as well as in intensive care units (ICUs) to primarily monitor peripheral circulation while capturing indirect information about intrathoracic pressure changes. This study aims to apply and evaluate several deep learning models using a PPG for the continuous and accurate estimation of the RRs of patients. The dataset was collected twice for 2 min each in 100 patients aged 18 years and older from the surgical intensive care unit of a tertiary referral hospital. The BIDMC and CapnoBase public datasets were also analyzed. The collected dataset was preprocessed and split according to the 5-fold cross-validation. We used seven deep learning models, including our own Dilated Residual Neural Network, to check how accurately the RR estimates match the ground truth using the mean absolute error (MAE). As a result, when validated using the collected dataset, our model showed the best results with a 1.2628 ± 0.2697 MAE on BIDMC and RespNet and with a 3.1268 ± 0.6363 MAE on our dataset, respectively. In conclusion, RR estimation using PPG-derived models is still challenging and has many limitations. However, if there is an equal amount of data from various breathing groups to train, we expect that various models, including our Dilated ResNet model, which showed good results, can achieve better results than the current ones.
Proton Conduction in Gly-X (X = Ser, Ser-Gly-Ser) and GS50
Authors: Semizo Hitoki , Yabu Ryusei , Ohgishi Yamato , Kai Haruka , Nishimura Hitoshi , Matsuo Yasumitsu
Published: October 2023

In recent years, the use of biomaterials has been required from the viewpoint of biocompatibility of electronic devices. In this study, the proton conductivity of Glycyl-L-serine (Gly-Ser) was investigated to clarify the relationship between hydration and proton conduction in peptides. From the crystal and conductivity data, it was inferred that the proton conductivity in hydrated Gly-Ser crystals is caused by the cleavage and rearrangement of hydrogen bonds between hydration shells formed by hydrogen bonds between amino acids and water molecules. Moreover, a staircase-like change in proton conduction with hydration was observed at n = 0.3 and 0.5. These results indicate that proton transport in Gly-Ser is realized by hydration water. In addition, we also found that hydration of GSGS and GS50 can achieve proton conduction of Gly-Ser tetrameric GSGS and GS50 containing repeating sequences. The proton conductivity at n = 0.3 is due to percolation by the formation of proton-conducting pathways. In addition to these results, we found that proton conductivity at GS50 is realized by the diffusion constant of 3.21 × 10−8 cm2/s at GS50.
Multi-Stage Transcriptome Analysis Revealed the Growth Mechanism of Feathers and Hair Follicles during Induction Molting by Fasting in the Late Stage of Egg Laying
Authors: Zhang Lujie , Cai Chunxia , Liu Xinxin , Zhang Xiaoran , An Zhiyuan , Zhou Enyou , Li Jianzeng , Li Zhuanjian , Li Wenting , Sun Guirong , Li Guoxi , Kang Xiangtao , Han Ruili , Jiang Ruirui
Published: October 2023

Induced molting is a common method to obtain a new life in laying hens, in which periodic changes in feathers are the prominent feature. Nevertheless, its precise molecular mechanism remains unclear. In this study, feather and hair follicle samples were collected during fasting-induced physiological remodeling for hematoxylin–eosin staining, hormone changes and follicle traits, and transcriptome sequencing. Feather shedding was observed in F13 to R25, while newborns were observed in R3 to R32. Triiodothyronine and tetraiodothyronine were significantly elevated during feather shedding. The calcium content was significantly higher, and the ash content was significantly lower after the changeover. The determination of hair follicle traits revealed an increasing trend in pore density and a decrease in pore diameter after the resumption of feeding. According to RNA-seq results, several core genes were identified, including DSP, CDH1, PKP1, and PPCKB, which may have an impact on hair follicle growth. The focus was to discover that starvation may trigger changes in thyroid hormones, which in turn regulate feather molting through thyroid hormone synthesis, calcium signaling, and thyroid hormone signaling pathways. These data provide a valuable resource for the analysis of the molecular mechanisms underlying the cyclical growth of hair follicles in the skin during induced molting.
Interaction of Heavy Metal Lead with Gut Microbiota: Implications for Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Tizabi Yousef , Bennani Samia , El Kouhen Nacer , Getachew Bruk , Aschner Michael
Published: October 2023

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent deficits in social interaction and communication, manifests in early childhood and is followed by restricted and stereotyped behaviors, interests, or activities in adolescence and adulthood (DSM-V). Although genetics and environmental factors have been implicated, the exact causes of ASD have yet to be fully characterized. New evidence suggests that dysbiosis or perturbation in gut microbiota (GM) and exposure to lead (Pb) may play important roles in ASD etiology. Pb is a toxic heavy metal that has been linked to a wide range of negative health outcomes, including anemia, encephalopathy, gastroenteric diseases, and, more importantly, cognitive and behavioral problems inherent to ASD. Pb exposure can disrupt GM, which is essential for maintaining overall health. GM, consisting of trillions of microorganisms, has been shown to play a crucial role in the development of various physiological and psychological functions. GM interacts with the brain in a bidirectional manner referred to as the “Gut–Brain Axis (GBA)”. In this review, following a general overview of ASD and GM, the interaction of Pb with GM in the context of ASD is emphasized. The potential exploitation of this interaction for therapeutic purposes is also touched upon.
Potential Protective Role of Melatonin in Benign Mammary Cells Reprogrammed by Extracellular Vesicles from Malignant Cells
Authors: Procópio de Oliveira Caroline , Frigieri Barbara Maria , Fukumasu Heidge , Chuffa Luiz Gustavo de Almeida , Novais Adriana Alonso , Zuccari Debora Aparecida Pires de Campos
Published: October 2023

(1) Background: Mammary neoplasms in female dogs share many similarities with the same tumor class in humans, rendering these animals a valuable preclinical model for studying novel therapies against breast cancer. The intricate role of extracellular vesicles (EVs), particularly exosomes, in breast carcinogenesis, by transferring specific proteins to recipient cells within the tumor microenvironment, underscores their significance. Melatonin, a hormone recognized for its antitumor effects, adds another layer of intrigue. (2) Methods: EVs obtained from the plasma of dogs diagnosed with mammary tumors were co cultivated with the benign epithelial lineage E-20 using DMEM. The experiment comprised four 24 h treatment groups: control, EVs, melatonin, and EVs + melatonin. A series of assays were conducted, including colony formation, proliferation, and cellular migration assessments. Furthermore, we conducted colony formation, proliferation, and cellular migration assays. We performed immunohistochemistry for proteins of the mTOR pathway, including mTOR and AKT. (3) Results: Exosomes alone significantly increased proliferation, migration, and colony formation rates and, upregulated the expression of mTOR and AKT proteins. However, when melatonin was added, a protective effect was observed. (4) Conclusions: These findings contributed to the use of melatonin to modulate EV-mediated signaling in the clinical veterinary oncology of mammary tumors.
Influence of Different Types of β-Blockers on Mortality in Patients on Hemodialysis
Authors: Kang Seok-Hui , Kim Bo-Yeon , Son Eun-Jung , Kim Gui-Ok , Do Jun-Young
Published: October 2023

Previous results regarding the association between types of β-blockers and outcomes in patients on hemodialysis (HD) were inconsistent. Our study aimed to evaluate patient survival according to the type of β-blockers administered using a large sample of patients with maintenance HD. Our study included patients on maintenance HD patients from a national HD quality assessment program (n = 54,132). We divided included patients into four groups based on their use and type; Group 1 included patients without a prescription of β-blockers, Group 2 included patients with a prescription of dialyzable and cardioselective β-blockers, Group 3 included patients with a prescription of non-dialyzable and non-cardioselective β-blockers, and Group 4 included patients with prescription of non-dialyzable and cardioselective β-blockers. The number of patients in Groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 were 34,514, 2789, 15,808, and 1021, respectively. The 5-year survival rates in Groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 were 69.3%, 66.0%, 68.8%, and 69.2%, respectively. Univariate Cox regression analyses showed the hazard ratios to be 1.10 (95% CI, 1.04–1.17) in Group 2 and 1.05 (95% CI, 1.02–1.09) in Group 3 compared to Group 1. However, multivariate Cox regression analyses did not show statistical significance among the four groups. Our study showed that there was no significant difference in patient survival based on the use or types of β-blockers.
Tibia Valga Correction by Extraperiosteal Fibular Release in Multiple Exostosis Disease
Authors: Khal Adyb-Adrian , Peltier Emilie , Choufani Elie , Guillaume Jean-Marc , Launay Franck , Jouve Jean-Luc , Pesenti Sébastien
Published: October 2023

Genu valgum is a frequent deformity encountered in Multiple Hereditary Exostosis (MHE) patients. If left untreated, lower limb deformity leads to poor functional outcomes in adulthood. Our hypothesis was that in some cases, fibular shortening would lead to a lateral epiphysiodesis-like effect on the tibia. We herein report the case of a 6-year-old child with MHE who underwent extraperiosteal resection of the fibula for tibia valga correction. To obtain the lateral release of the calf skeleton, resection included inter-tibio-fibular exostosis along with proximal fibular metaphysis and diaphysis without any osseous procedure on the tibia. Gradual improvement of the valgus deformity occurred during follow-up (HKA from 165° preop to 178° at 27-month follow-up). Lateral release of the fibula led to an increase in the fibula/tibia index (from 93% preop to 96% at follow-up). Studying fibular growth in MHE patients could help understand how valgus deformity occurs in these patients. Even if encouraging, this result is just the report of a unique case. Further research and a larger series of patients are required to assess fibular release as a valuable option to treat valgus deformity in MHE.
Hebbian Control of Fixations in a Dyslexic Reader: A Case Report
Authors: Le Floch Albert , Ropars Guy
Published: October 2023

When reading, dyslexic readers exhibit more and longer fixations than normal readers. However, there is no significant difference when dyslexic and control readers perform only visual tasks on a string of letters, showing the importance of cognitive processes in reading. This linguistic and cognitive processing requirement in reading is often perturbed for dyslexic readers by perceived additional letters and word mirror images superposed on the primary images on the primary cortex, inducing internal visual crowding. Here, we show that while for a normal reader, the number and the duration of fixations remain invariant whatever the nature of the lighting, the excess of fixations and total duration of reading can be controlled for a dyslexic reader using the Hebbian mechanisms to erase extra images in optimized pulse-width lighting. In this case, the number of fixations can then be reduced by a factor of about 1.8, recovering the normal reading experiment.
The Dark Side of Empowering Leadership: How Empowering Leadership Affects Unethical Pro-Organizational Behavior in Construction Projects
Authors: Lin Sen , Chen Siyu , Liu Xun
Published: October 2023

The success of construction projects heavily depends on the compliance of parties with ethical codes of conduct. Unethical pro-organizational behavior (UPB) may serve as a barrier to close collaboration between parties. Although empowering leadership is generally considered to be beneficial to project management, this study argues that empowering leadership may unintentionally increase the tendency of employees to adopt UPB. The aim of this study is to uncover the influencing mechanism underlying empowering leadership and UPB by introducing the mediating role of role stress. It is hypothesized that empowering leadership can enhance employees’ role stress, thereby increasing the engagement of UPB. Moreover, organizational goal clarity can ease the negative effect of empowering leadership. With data collected from experienced construction professionals, the results of the covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM) supported the hypothesis. The findings help in understanding why employees may adopt unethical behaviors when they feel high levels of role stress that are caused by empowerment. Theoretically, the study enriches the literature on empowering leadership and UPB in the construction context. In practice, managers are reminded about the adverse effect of empowering leadership on employees’ unethical behaviors. Organizational management tools are suggested to assist in assigning work appropriate to employees’ roles. Regular checks and feedback about organizational goals are also necessary to confirm compliant behaviors and progress.
Integrating BIM Processes with LEED Certification: A Comprehensive Framework for Sustainable Building Design
Authors: Di Gaetano Federico , Cascone Stefano , Caponetto Rosa
Published: October 2023

In response to the pressing demand for sustainable building practices within the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sector, this study investigates the integration of building information modeling (BIM) processes with the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification system, with a primary focus on enhancing sustainable design strategies. The objectives are twofold: firstly, to comprehensively understand the existing synergies between BIM and LEED, and secondly, to develop innovative methods that facilitate a seamless integration of these two crucial components. The study is structured into four distinct phases, each contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the synergistic relationship between BIM and LEED. In Phase 1, the “LEED-BIM Worksheets” is introduced, versatile tools designed to facilitate sustainable strategy formulation. These worksheets transparently identify roles, assess competencies, estimate certification levels, and enhance communication among stakeholders. Phase 2 highlights the “BIM Uses for Project Phase” diagram, emphasizing interdependencies between BIM uses and processes. This diagram provides insights into collaborative synergies among BIM uses and streamlines process mapping. Phase 3 introduces the “Liv1 Process Map”, a transformative visual representation of the building process. Integrated within building execution plans (BEPs), this map intricately weaves together responsible parties and BIM uses, fostering cohesive collaboration. Phase 4 extends the research with the introduction of the “Liv.2 Process Map”. This extension integrates selected BIM uses from the LEED Pilot Credits Library, emphasizing alignment between BIM processes and LEED credit criteria. Collectively, this research illuminates the potential for streamlining sustainable practices within the AEC sector. The findings offer valuable insights for both practitioners and researchers, empowering them to navigate the integration of BIM technology with LEED certification. By harmonizing digital transformation with ecological consciousness, this research significantly contributes to advancing sustainable building practices.
Risks Associated with Surgical Treatment for Appendicitis in Hematologic Patients
Authors: Lee Seung Hyun , Park Sung-Soo , Seo Ho Seok
Published: October 2023

Appendicitis is a prevalent surgical emergency. Although appendectomy has traditionally been the go-to treatment, recent studies suggest antibiotics can be equally effective for uncomplicated cases. However, evidence is scant regarding patients with hematologic disorders. This study delves into the surgical risks tied to appendicitis in patients with underlying hematologic conditions. A retrospective analysis was carried out on patients diagnosed with appendicitis and hematologic disorders from January 2000 to June 2021. Patients were pinpointed using ICD-10 diagnostic codes, and surgical procedures were identified based on the hospital’s surgical fee codes. Hematologic conditions were sorted into risk levels, and patient treatments were scrutinized. Among the 131 initially identified patients, 89 were included in the study. Out of these, 75 underwent surgical procedures, while 14 received non-surgical treatments. The surgical group displayed better preoperative laboratory outcomes. Clinical characteristics, hematologic disease risk, and severity of appendicitis appeared not to be related to surgical complications. Patients without surgical complications showed improvement in preoperative absolute neutrophil count (ANC) and platelet counts. Lower preoperative ANCs and platelet counts were associated with extended hospital stays. For patients with hematologic disorders diagnosed with appendicitis, thorough preoperative laboratory evaluations followed by minimally invasive appendectomy appear to be a safe route without heightening the risk of severe complications compared to non-surgical management.
Digital Spatial Profiling Identifies the Tumor Periphery as a Highly Active Biological Niche in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Schneider Felix , Kaczorowski Adam , Jurcic Christina , Kirchner Martina , Schwab Constantin , Schütz Viktoria , Görtz Magdalena , Zschäbitz Stefanie , Jäger Dirk , Stenzinger Albrecht , Hohenfellner Markus , Duensing Stefan , Duensing Anette
Published: October 2023

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is characterized by a high degree of intratumoral heterogeneity (ITH). Besides genomic ITH, there is considerable functional ITH, which encompasses spatial niches with distinct proliferative and signaling activities. The full extent of functional spatial heterogeneity in ccRCC is incompletely understood. In the present study, a total of 17 ccRCC tissue specimens from different sites (primary tumor, n = 11; local recurrence, n = 1; distant metastasis, n = 5) were analyzed using digital spatial profiling (DSP) of protein expression. A total of 128 regions of interest from the tumor periphery and tumor center were analyzed for the expression of 46 proteins, comprising three major signaling pathways as well as immune cell markers. Results were correlated to clinico-pathological variables. The differential expression of granzyme B was validated using conventional immunohistochemistry and was correlated to the cancer-specific patient survival. We found that a total of 37 proteins were differentially expressed between the tumor periphery and tumor center. Thirty-five of the proteins were upregulated in the tumor periphery compared to the center. These included proteins involved in cell proliferation, MAPK and PI3K/AKT signaling, apoptosis regulation, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, as well as immune cell markers. Among the most significantly upregulated proteins in the tumor periphery was granzyme B. Granzyme B upregulation in the tumor periphery correlated with a significantly reduced cancer-specific patient survival. In conclusion, this study highlights the unique cellular contexture of the tumor periphery in ccRCC. The correlation between granzyme B upregulation in the tumor periphery and patient survival suggests local selection pressure for aggressive tumor growth and disease progression. Our results underscore the potential of spatial biology for biomarker discovery in ccRCC and cancer in general.