bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of change in knowledge, attitude, and practice of medical students towards early childhood oral health following educational intervention
Authors: Babu KL Girish , Jayalakshmi C , George Rosamma
Published: July 2024

Medical health professionals have the opportunity to influence the oral health of children, as they are the first health professionals to come in contact with expectant mothers and parents of infants and toddlers. Aim: To evaluate and compare undergraduate medical students’ knowledge, attitude, and practice about early childhood oral health care before and after educational intervention. Methods: A cohort study was conducted among undergraduate medical students during their course. The baseline knowledge and attitude of 80 medical students were evaluated using a validated questionnaire (Phase I). Following, they completed 8 hours of educational intervention and their change in the knowledge and attitude was reassessed (Phase II). The intervention continued through web-based learning till they reached their residency. The students’ knowledge, attitude, and practice were again reassessed at the end of their residency (Phase III). Results: Knowledge: There was a significant increase in the knowledge about the term gum pads, from 70% in Phase I to 90% in Phase III. Only 30% of medical students knew that the oral cavity of a newborn was devoid of microorganisms during Phase I, but this knowledge improved to 86% in Phase III. Almost 58 to 90% of the medical students had a basic knowledge of the influence of high caries on mothers, the importance and benefit of antenatal counselling, and the effect of poor maternal health. In Phase I, although 92% were aware of the multifactorial pattern of dental caries, only 42% and 53% knew the causative organism and transmissibility of it from mother to child, respectively. Around 77% and 62% agreed that antenatal counselling and counselling on feeding and weaning, respectively, will prevent ECC. Attitude: The attitude towards treating primary teeth was less (66%) in Phase I, subsequently increasing to 100% at the end of Phase III. Practice: Following Phase III, most of them (88%) examined the child’s oral cavity during routine medical checkups in the Knee-to-Knee position (93%) and counted the number of teeth present (91%), and they were able to identify the dental carious teeth (88%). Conclusion: The medical curriculum should include a module on early childhood oral health.
Prospective primary mathematics teachers’ attitude towards statistics
Authors: Dahlan Taufiqulloh , Lumbantoruan Jitu Halomoan
Published: July 2024

[English]: This study aimed to assess attitudes of prospective primary mathematics teachers (PPTs) toward statistics and how these attitudes are influenced by gender. It adopted Attitudes Towards Statistics Survey (SATS-36) and involved 455 PPTs from 9 Teachers Training Institutions (TTI).  Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed because the model fit for confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) failed to yield good indices of reliability and validity. The validated model only contains 27 items in four factors that assess attitudes including competence, values, difficulties, and interests. The prospective teachers’ attitudes toward statistics and the impact of gender were then evaluated using a modified four-factor model. The finding shows that PPTs have a positive attitude toward statistics. In specific, the female participants tend to have a more positive attitude toward statistics than the male.
[Bahasa]: Penelitian ini bertujuan menilai sikap calon guru matematika sekolah dasar terhadap statistika dan bagaimana sikap tersebut dipengaruhi oleh jenis kelamin. Penelitian ini mengadopsi Survei Sikap terhadap Statistik (SATS-36) dan melibatkan 455 calon guru dari 9 Lembaga Pendidik Tenaga Kependidikan. Analisis faktor eksploratori (EFA) dilakukan karena model yang cocok untuk analisis faktor konfirmatori (CFA) gagal menghasilkan indeks yang baik untuk reliabilitas dan validitas. Model yang telah divalidasi hanya memuat 27 item dalam empat faktor untuk menilai sikap yang meliputi kompetensi, nilai, kesulitan, dan minat. Sikap calon guru terhadap statistik dan dampak gender kemudian dievaluasi menggunakan model empat faktor yang dimodifikasi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa calon guru mempunyai sikap positif terhadap statistik. Secara spesifik, calon guru perempuan lebih mempunyai sikap positif terhadap statistik daripada calon guru laki-laki.
Extracellular vesicles in tumor-adipose tissue crosstalk: key drivers and therapeutic targets in cancer cachexia
Authors: Ramos Cátia C. , Pires José , Gonzalez Esperanza , Garcia-Vallicrosa Clara , Reis Celso A. , Falcon-Perez Juan M. , Freitas Daniela
Published: July 2024

Cancer cachexia is a complex metabolic syndrome characterized by unintentional loss of skeletal muscle and body fat. This syndrome is frequently associated with different types of cancer and negatively affects the prognosis and outcome of these patients. It involves a dynamic interplay between tumor cells and adipose tissue, where tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a crucial role in mediating intercellular communication. Tumor cells release EVs containing bioactive molecules such as hormones (adrenomedullin, PTHrP), pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6), and miRNAs (miR-1304-3p, miR-204-5p, miR-155, miR-425-3p, miR-146b-5p, miR-92a-3p), which can trigger lipolysis and induce the browning of white adipocytes contributing to a cancer cachexia phenotype. On the other hand, adipocyte-derived EVs can reprogram the metabolism of tumor cells by transporting fatty acids and enzymes involved in fatty acid oxidation, resulting in tumor growth and progression. These vesicles also carry leptin and key miRNAs (miR-155-5p, miR-10a-3p, miR-30a-3p, miR-32a/b, miR-21), thereby supporting tumor cell proliferation, metastasis formation, and therapy resistance. Understanding the intricate network underlying EV-mediated communication between tumor cells and adipocytes can provide critical insights into the mechanisms driving cancer cachexia. This review consolidates current knowledge on the crosstalk between tumor cells and adipose tissue mediated by EVs and offers valuable insights for future research. It also addresses controversial topics in the field and possible therapeutic approaches to manage cancer cachexia and ultimately improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
A Note on Fermat’s Last Theorem
Authors: Vega Frank
Published: July 2024

Around $1637$, Pierre de Fermat famously scribbled, and claimed to have a proof for, his statement that equation $a^{n} + b^{n} = c^{n}$ has no positive integer solutions for exponents $n>2$. The theorem stood unproven for centuries until Andrew Wiles' groundbreaking work in $1994$, with a notable caveat: Wiles' proof, while successful, relied on modern tools far beyond Fermat's claimed approach in terms of complexity. The present work potentially offers a solution which is closer in spirit to Fermat's original idea.
Generalizing the AUC-ROC for unbalanced data, early retrieval and link prediction evaluation
Authors: Chen Junda , Muscoloni Alessandro , Abdelhamid Ilyes , Wu Yue , Cannistraci Carlo Vittorio
Published: July 2024

The AUC-ROC is a widespread measure to assess the performance of a binary classification model across various discrimination thresholds. Yet, it is not apt for unbalanced class problems and is misleading for early retrieval. For instance, link prediction in complex networks is an unbalanced early retrieval problem, whose goal is to offer a ranking of the nonobserved network links, prioritizing a small cohort of positive links (for which we are sure the labels are reliable) on top of a list largely populated by unlabeled links (for which the labels are uncertain). Differently from binary classification, here the evaluation focuses on how the predictor prioritizes the positive class, because the negative class does not exist and is replaced by an unlabeled class. For decades, scholars have been investigating the necessity to correct and to generalize the AUC-ROC to work for both unbalanced classification and early retrieval evaluation, this is requested in many applied domains of computational science. Here we propose the area under the magnified ROC (AUC-mROC), a new measure that adjusts the standard AUC-ROC to work for unbalanced early retrieval problems such as link prediction. Finally, we introduce the area under the generalized ROC (AUC-gROC), which unifies both AUC-mROC and AUC-ROC to provide a universal and reliable evaluation measure that can work for both classification and early retrieval problems, regardless of class proportion.This discovery represents a critical achievement, culminating in success after decades of contentious research. Its solution promises to significantly impact various domains within applied computational science.
Descartes’ Error with Love
Authors: Durand Jean-Olivier
Published: July 2024

We are losing love. By studying porn movies to understand love, I discovered that love originally comes from the body, from positive emotions and vibrations of the wonderful body, from the heart and all other parts of the body, such as sexual organs. António Damásio made Descartes’ error by postulating that feelings increase their power from homeostasis (mechanisms of life regu-lation from bacteria to humans). He made this mistake unconsciously because many people un-consciously have a very bad opinion of sexual organs. We consider them ugly because they come from the prehistoric period. I have combined António and Hanna Damásio’s work (body emotions, thinking and language). I discovered that porn actors do not talk during sex, and this is striking. Porn actors mirror what happens in society. This means that people come from prehistory, do not talk during sex, and still unconsciously behave like primitive animals during sexual intercourse; we do not respect the body sufficiently during sex. Therefore, love, which comes from the body, is smothered and buried. We must very delicately talk to the wonderful, delicious and respectful body to wake up love feelings, body emotions and vibrations during sex. We must invent talking movies with porn films. Language of positive emotions associated with the language of wonderful and delicious body will warm love feelings and will give envy to love through sexual intercourse because António Damásio discovered that emotions are social.
The Fisher-Tully Law solely with 1915 General Relativity and Dark Energy
Authors: Cornwall Remi
Published: July 2024

Observation of the distribution of the velocity of galactic rotation curves differed from their expected centripetal form and lead to the notion of Dark Matter or modifications to Newtonian and General Relativity, such as MOND, TeVeS and the like and even Quantised Inertia. We aim to show that General Relativity with Dark Energy/the Cosmological Constant is all that is needed, with the proviso that the Cosmological Constant can increase in the presence of a gravitational field and become gravitating to account for the hypothesis of Dark Matter Haloes.
Methodologies Toward Optimization of Y2O3:Eu@SiO2 Nanoparticles as Photosensitizers for X-Ray Activated Photodynamic Therapy (XPDT) of Cancer
Authors: Zhang Hannah J. , Ide Tristan , Sivasubramanian Maharajan , Leoni Lara , Souris Jeffrey S. , Brahmbhatt Divya , Tanios Eve , Pan Ariel , Cheng Shih-Hsun , Chen Nai-Tzu , Lo Leu-Wei , Chen Chin-Tu
Published: July 2024

Traditional photodynamic therapy (PDT) is often limited in its efficacy by insufficient light penetration, inefficient photosensitizer energy transfer, and inadequate target tissue oxygenation. X-ray activated PDT (XPDT), using nanoparticle (NPs) photosensitizers comprised of europium-doped yttrium oxide cores encased within silica shells (Y2O3:Eu@SiO2), offers the potential of overcoming most of these limitations. Aimed at maximizing the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), this study reports methodologies for investigation of the effects of synthesis conditions on the characteristics of Y2O3:Eu@SiO2 NP. Transmission electronic microscope (TEM) revealed that the NP core diameter was linearly, positively correlated with condensation time (R2 = 0.7357, p < 0.05) and linearly, negatively correlated with urea concentration (R2 = 0.958, p < 0.05). The addition of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) during core synthesis demonstrated enhanced particle dispersion. Silica coating via APTES-1 and TEOS-3 conditions resulted in Y2O3:Eu@SiO2 NPs that generated the highest ROS, with 8.7-fold and 8.9-fold increase respectively in relative fluorescence intensity at 8 Gy irradiation compared to a 5.2-fold increase in PBS under the same condition. In vivo evaluation using 18F-fluorothymidine positron emission tomography (18F-FLT PET) of mouse xenografts of a human prototypical cancer (ovarian) revealed a 55% reduction in tumor proliferation of radiation-sensitive CAOV3 tumors treated with Y2O3:Eu@SiO2 NPs compared to a 19% reduction in tumor proliferation of radiation-resistant SKOV3 tumors on the fourth day post-treatment. Taken together, these findings suggest Y2O3:Eu@SiO2 NPs can serve as effective photosensitizers for XPDT and their performance characteristics can be optimized by selecting synthesis conditions and parameters to deliver the desirable therapeutic effects, offering novel approaches to circumventing many of the limitations of conventional PDT in the treatment of cancer.
Back to the Metrics: Exploration of Distance Metrics in Anomaly Detection
Authors: Lin Yujing , Li Xiaoqiang
Published: July 2024

With increasing research focus on industrial anomaly detection, numerous methods have emerged in this domain. Notably, memory bank-based approaches, coupled with kNN distance metrics, have demonstrated remarkable performance in anomaly detection (AD) and anomaly segmentation (AS). However, upon examination of the Back to the Feature (BTF) method applied to the Mvtec-3D AD dataset, it was observed that while it exhibited exceptional segmentation performance, its detection performance was lacking. To address this discrepancy, this study base improves the implementation of BTF, especially the improvement of the anomaly score metric. It posits that different "clusters" necessitate distinct k values in kNN distance metrics. For simplify, this assumption is distilled into the proposition that AD and AS tasks impose differing requirements on the k value in kNN distance metrics. Consequently, the paper introduces the BTM method, which utilizes distinct distance metrics for AD and AS tasks. This innovative approach yields superior AD and AS performance (I-AUROC 93.0%, AURPO 96.9%, P-AUROC 99.5%), representing a substantial enhancement over the BTF method (I-AUROC 5.7% ↑, AURPO 0.5% ↑, P-AUROC 0.2% ↑).
Innovative Thin PiG Plates Boost the Luminous Efficacy and Reliability of WLEDs for Vehicles
Authors: Huang Hong-Wei , Huang Chien-Wei , Chen Yi-Chian , Cheng Wei-Chih , Liu Chun-Nien , Chiang Chia-Chin
Published: July 2024

In this study, we demonstrate a high luminous efficacy of 118 lm/W and high reliability through 450°C thermal aging of white LEDs (WLEDs) utilizing four-inch YAG: Ce3+ phosphor-in-glass (PiG) plates designed for vehicle headlights. The sintering process of mixing glass and phosphor typically generates pores, which can scatter light and reduce the luminous efficacy of the fabricated PiG. In this study, we produced four-inch PiG plates under four different fabrication conditions to evaluate their luminous efficacy. Our results revealed that the PiG plate with a thin thickness of 0.08 mm exhibited a 16.83% increase in luminous efficacy compared to the 0.15 mm plate, attributed to reduced light interaction with the pores. Unlike silicone-based phosphor WLEDs, which offer high performance but lower reliability due to the silicone resin's low transition temperature (150°C), our novel thin PiG plate achieves high performance and reliability. This advancement suggests that the proposed thin PiG plate could replace traditional silicone-based phosphors, enabling the development of high-quality WLEDs for vehicle headlights in automotive applications.
Post-COVID Versus Non-COVID Myocarditis: Comparison of Morphological Activity, Toll-Like Receptor Expression and Response to the Immunosuppressive Therapy
Authors: Blagova Olga , Kogan Evgeniya , Novosadov Vladimir , Bryukhanov Valeriy , Zharkov Nikolay
Published: July 2024

Background. A direct clinical and morphological comparison of non-COVID myocarditis than was diagnosed before the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and post-COVID myocarditis has not been performed so far. Purpose: to compare morphological activity, toll-like receptors expression and response to the immunosuppressive therapy in patients with non-COVID and post-COVID myocarditis. Metodhs. Seventy-seven patients (52 male and 25 female, 48.7±11.7 y.o.) with biopsy proven myocarditis, NYHA class 2 or more heart failure, ejection fraction (EF) <45% were included. A history of myocardial infarction, verified cardiomyopathies, systemic autoimmune diseases, viral DNA in the myocardium, except parvovirus B19, were exclusion criteria. The right ventricular endomyocardial biopsy with hematoxylin and eosin, Van Gieson stains, PCR for virus (herpes viruses, parvovirus B19, adeno-, enteroviruses and SARS-CoV-2), immunohistochemical study for CD3, CD45, CD68, CD20, nucleocapsid / spike proteins of SARS-CoV-2 and in addition toll-like receptors (TLR) type 4 and 9 expression (in 38 patients) were performed. The steroids (methylprednisolone 24-40 mg per day), azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil were prescribed. The mean follow-up was 16 [6; 30] month. Results. In 45 patients, myocarditis was diagnosed before the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic (giant-cell in one case and lymphocytic in the others). Other 32 patients had post-COVID myocarditis positive for RNA or/and proteins of SARS-CoV-2 (giant-cell in one case, eosinophilic in three cases and lymphocytic in the others). There were no differences in age, NYHA class, CRP and anti-heart antibodies level, echocardiographic parameters (mean EF 30.2±7.8 vs 28.7±6.7%), parvovirus B19 positivity (22 vs 34%), doses of methylprednisolone (24-40 mg/day) and death / transplantation rate (11.1 vs 9.4%). Differences between non-COVID vs post-COVID myocarditis focused on higher CD3, CD 45*, TLR 4 (4+ vs 6+), TLR 9 (0 vs 2+) expression and better response to therapy [10% or more increase in EF in 53 vs 86%* of patients, mean EF (43.9±12.3 vs 49.8±7.6%*) by the end of follow-up], *p<0.05. Conclusion. Post-COVID myocarditis is characterised by different morphological types, higher morphological activity, tendency to higher TLR expression and the best response to the immunosupressive therapy in comparison with non-COVID myocarditis.
Optimization of Avocado Seed Starch Based Degradable Plastic Synthesis with Polylactic Acid (PLA) Blend using Response Surface Methodology (RSM)
Authors: Dewi Rozanna , Sylvia Novi , Zulnazri Zulnazri , Fithra Herman , Riza Medyan , Siregar Januar Parlaungan , Cionita Tezara
Published: July 2024

The research improves the strength of plastic using avocado seed starch and PLA. The effect of blending avocado seed starch and PLA was optimized using the RSM approach by using two variables: water absorption and biodegradability. Mixing them using RSM gave the best result: 1.8 g of starch and 3 g of PLA. Degradable plastic has a (tensile strength of 10.1 MPa; elongation at break of 85.8%; young modulus of 190 MPa). Infrared spectroscopy showed that the plastic had a -OH bond at 3273.20 cm-1, 3502.73 cm-1, 3647.39 cm-1, a CH2 bond at 2953.52 cm-1, 2945.30 cm-1, 2902.87 cm-1, a C=C bond at 1631.78 cm-1, and a C-O bond at 1741.72 cm-1. The plastic decomposed in soil. It was organic and hydrophilic. Thermal tests, the plastic can withstand heat well, losing weight at 356.86°C to 413.64°C, forming crystals and plastic melts at 159.10°C—the same as PLA. Melt flow test, sample melts before measurement, therefore not measurable—process conditions that affect. Water absorption of 5.763% and biodegradation rate of 37.988% decomposed for 12 days. In morphology analysis, the starch and PLA fused to form a smooth surface. RSM found value was close to 1. RSM gave the best process parameters.
Recent Advances in the Development 1,4-Cycloheanedimethanol (CHDM) and Cyclic Monomer-Based Advanced Amorphous and Semi-Crystalline Polyesters for Smart Film Applications
Authors: Irshad Farida , Khan Nayab , Al Bahir Areej , Tausif Muhammad Qamar , Awais Muhammad , Farooq Assad , Ayyoob Muhammad , Ali Azam , Hussain Dr. Fiaz
Published: July 2024

Polyesters based advanced thin films have versatile industrial applications, especially in the filed of textiles, packaging and electronics. Recent advances in polymer science and engineering resulted in development of advanced amorphous and semi-crystalline polyesters with exceptional performance compared to conventional polymeric films. Among these, 1,4-cycloheanedimethanol (CHDM) and cyclic monomer-based polyesters have gained considerable attention attention for their exceptional characteristics and potential applications in smart films. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the recent advances in the synthesis, characterization, and applications of CHDM and cyclic monomer based advanced polymers for smart film applications. It discussed the structure-property relationship of these innovative polyesters and highlights their unique characteristics including thermal, mechanical, and barrier characteristics. Furthermore, this article also emphases the solution, melt, and solid state polymerization of the polymers. Special emphasis is placed on the influence of the addition of 2nd diol or 2nd diacid on the performance characteristics of synthesized polyesters/copolyesters to explore their versatile industrial applications. Additionally, the impact of stereochemistry of the monomers is also explored to optimized the characterization of polyester, suitable for the industrial applications. Furthermore, this article explores the potential of these advanced polyesters to be considered as a potential materials for smart film applications, especially in the filed of flexible electronics. Finally, the article examines the challenges and future recommendations for the development CHDM and cyclic monomer-based polyesters for smart film applications. It discusses potential avenues for further research, including in-depth studies for the synthesis and characterization of polyesters, development of sustainable and biodegradable alternatives cyclic monomers, alternative green approaches for the synthesis of polymers etc. This review article provides a valuable insights for the researcher from academia and industry working in the field of polymer science and materials engineering.
Lactate-Induced HBEGF Shedding and EGFR Activation: Paving the Way to a New Anticancer Therapeutic Opportunity
Authors: Rossi Valentina , Hochkoeppler Alejandro , Govoni Marzia , Di Stefano Giuseppina
Published: July 2024

Cancer cells can release EGF-like peptides, acquiring the capacity of autocrine stimulation via EGFR-mediated signaling. One of these peptides (HBEGF) was found to be released from a membrane-bound precursor protein, and is critically implicated in the proliferative potential of cancer cells. We observed that the increased lactate levels characterizing neoplastic tissues can induce the release of uPA, a prote-ase promoting HBEGF shedding. This effect led to EGFR activation and increased ERK1/2 phosphoryla-tion. Since EGFR-mediated signaling potentiates glycolytic metabolism, this phenomenon can induce a self-sustaining deleterious loop, favoring tumor growth. A well characterized HBEGF inhibitor is CRM197, a single-site variant of diphtheria toxin. We observed that when administered individually, CRM197 did not trigger evident antineoplastic effects. However, its association with a uPA inhibitor caused dampening of EGFR-mediated signaling and apoptosis induction. Overall, our study highlights that the increased glycolytic metabolism and lactate production can foster the activated state of EGFR receptor, and suggests that the inhibition of EGFR-mediated signaling can be attempted by means of CRM197 administered with an appropriate protease inhibitor. This attempt could help in overcoming the problem of the acquired resistance to the conventionally used EGFR inhibitors.
Destination Therapy Strategies of Advanced Heart Failure in Elderly Non-Heart Transplant Candidates: A Propensity Matching Analysis from the LEVO-D and REGALAD Registries
Authors: Dobarro David , Raposeiras-Roubin Sergio , Almenar-Bonet Luis , Solé-González Eduard , Padilla-Lopez Mireia , Diez-Lopez Carles , Castrodeza Javier , García-Cosío Maria Dolores , Cobo-Marcos Marta , Tobar Javier , Codina Pau , Lopez-Fernandez Silvia , Pastor-Perez Francisco , Rangel-Sousa Diego , Barge-Caballero Eduardo , Diaz-Molina Beatriz , Barrio-Rodriguez Alfredo , Burgos-Palacios Virginia , Álvarez-García Jesús , Gonzalez-Fernandez Oscar , Grau-Sepulveda Andrés , Garcia-Pinilla José Manuel , Ruiz-Bustillo Sonia , Mendez-Fernández Ana B. , Vaqueriza-Cubillo David , Sagasti-Aboitiz Igor , Rodriguez-Santamarta Miguel , Lozano-Bahamonde Ainara , Abecia Ana , Gómez-Otero Inés , Marzoa Raquel , González-Babarro Eva , Gómez-Bueno Manuel , Gonzalez-Costello José
Published: July 2024

Heart transplantation (HT) is the gold standard therapy for advanced heart failure (AHF) and LVAD as destination therapy are an option in non-HT candidates. Most patients with AHF never receive a HT or a LVAD, so alternative strategies are needed. Intermittent levosimendan can reduce HF hospitalizations in AHF patients in the short term. It is uncertain whether the results of the comparison of inotropes with older generation LVAD would have the same outcomes in the current era of less sick but older, AHF treated with levosimendan patients. In this paper we compare the use of two therapeutic strategies for end-stage HF in patients not candidates for HT: Repetitive intermittent Levosimendan vs. LVAD as destination therapy. To do so we compare two multicentre cohorts of real-life patients from Spain: the LEVO-D Registry and the REGALAD registry. 715 patients coming from the 2 registries where found, 403 from the LEVO-D and 312 from the REGALAD. Non-adjusted median survival was shorter for LEVO-D patients; with the benefit for the LVAD seen only after the first year of therapy. The survival advantage for the LVAD cohort was also true after analysis of the matched cohort but, as in the non-matched analysis, the survival benefit was mainly shown after one year of follow up. We conclude that in elderly AHF non-HT-candidates, LVAD therapy offers significantly better long-term outcomes when compared to intermittent levosimendan; thus, it should be considered in carefully selected candidates. On the other hand, in poor LVAD candidates or highly comorbid patients, intermit-tent inotropic support with levosimendan could be a reasonable alternative to LVAD as 1-year outcomes are similar.
Control Group in Foot Plantar Pressure Studies – Does Chronic Low Back Pain Matter?
Authors: Jasiewicz Barbara , Klimiec Ewa , Guzdek Piotr , Kołaszczyński Grzegorz , Zaraska Krzysztof , Duda Slawomir , Lorkowski Jacek , Potaczek Tomasz
Published: July 2024

Many studies utilize sensors to measure foot plantar pressure and analyze gait patterns, often focusing on assessing weight-bearing symmetry or asymmetry compared to control groups. However, a critical question arises: does the selection of the control group significantly impact study outcomes? Does chronic low back pain affect foot plantar pressure measurements? This experimental study involved 23 participants, including healthy individuals and those without foot disorders but with chronic low back pain. Dynamic foot pressure measurements were conducted using the Ortopiezometr, and data were analyzed using the "Steps" program. Participants were divided into two groups: Group 1 comprised completely healthy individuals, while Group 2 consisted of individuals without foot problems but with moderate chronic low back pain. The findings highlight a prevalence of energy release in the forefoot sensors compared to the hindfoot for both the right and left legs in most cases. Even among healthy volunteers, achieving perfect symmetry in the maximum values on the sensors for the right and left feet was a challenge. Results showed no statistically significant differences in energy released on specific sensors or duration of gait phases between the groups. Essentially, this suggests that foot pressure patterns are comparable between healthy individuals and those with low back pain. The use of sensor-equipped inserts for pedobarographic examinations indicates that, in cases of degenerative changes in the lumbar and sacral spine without accompanying acute pain, gait patterns resemble those of the healthy population.
Integrated Method of Deep learning and Large Language Model in Speech Recognition
Authors: Guan Bo , Cao Jin , Huang Bingjie , Wang Zhuoyue , Wang Xingqi , Wang Zixiang
Published: July 2024

This research aims to explore the integration method of deep learning and large language models in speech recognition to improve the system’s recognition accuracy and ability to handle complex contexts. Deep neural network (DNN), convolutional neural network (CNN), long short-term memory network (LSTM) and Transformer-based large language model are used to build an integrated acoustic and language model framework. Experiments on TIMIT, LibriSpeech and Common Voice datasets show that the ensemble model shows significant improvements in both word error rate (WER) and real-time factor (RTF) compared to traditional models. Especially in terms of adaptability to multiple languages and accent changes, the model shows superior performance. The conclusion shows that through technology integration, the performance of the speech recognition system in complex environments can be effectively improved, providing a new direction for the future development of speech recognition technology.
Global Dynamics of Environmental Kuznets Curve: A Cross-Correlation Analysis of Income and CO2 Emissions
Authors: Almeida Dora , Carvalho Luísa , Ferreira Paulo , Dionísio Andreia , Haq Inzamam Ul
Published: July 2024

The environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis posits an inverted U-shaped relationship between economic growth and environmental degradation. However, there is no consensus regarding the EKC hypothesis among countries and regions of different income groups. In this study, we analyze the EKC hypothesis for 158 countries and 44 regions from 1990 to 2020, categorizing them into different income groups based on the World Bank's income classification (low, lower-middle, upper-middle, and high-income countries). Our findings reveal mixed patterns in the EKC across different income levels, highlighting the heterogeneous relationship between economic growth and carbon emissions and showing differentiated patterns among different income levels. While a rise in income for high-income countries should be reflected in a shift toward fewer carbon emissions, for lower-income countries, growth is still associated with rising emissions. This underscores the urgent need for policy interventions that decouple economic development from environmental degradation. A balanced approach to economic growth, which prioritizes carbon neutrality across all stages of development, by tailoring environmental and economic strategies to address CO2 emissions effectively, should be adopted, recognizing the different developmental stages and income levels of countries and regions.
Simulation and Optimisation of Utility-Scale PV-Wind Systems with Pumped Hydro Storage
Authors: Dufo-López Rodolfo , Lujano-Rojas Juan M.
Published: July 2024

Based on economic feasibility, renewable generators can use pumped hydro storage (PHS) to improve their profitability by performing energy arbitrage under real time pricing (RTP) schemes. In this paper, we present a new method to optimise the size and manage utility-scale wind-PV systems using PHS with energy arbitrage under RTP. The storage in the PHS is used to supply load consumption and/or energy arbitrage. Further, both load supply and power-generating systems are considered, and a genetic algorithm metaheuristic technique is used to perform the optimisation efficiently. Irradiance, wind speed, temperature, hourly electricity price, component characteristics, and financial data are used as data, and the system is simulated in 15 min time steps during the system lifetime for each combination of components and control variables. Uncertainty is considered for the meteorological data and electricity prices. The pump and turbine efficiencies and available head and penstock losses are considered as variables (not fixed values) to obtain accurate simulations. A sample application in Spain is demonstrated by performing a sensitivity analysis of different locations, electricity prices, and costs. The PHS is not worth considering with the present cost of components.
Evaluating the Technical and Economic Impact of 4.0 Technologies in Photovoltaic Installations: A Case Study in the Residential and Industrial Sectors of Murcia
Authors: García Martínez-Urrea Gonzalo , Guerrero-González Antonio , Alcaraz Aparicio Manuel , García Martínez Jose Carlos , Lloret Abrisqueta Francisco
Published: July 2024

The integration of Industry 4.0 technologies in photovoltaic (PV) installations offers significant potential to enhance efficiency, reliability, and economic viability. This study evaluates the technical and economic impacts of implementing the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced data analytics in PV systems within the residential and industrial sectors in the Region of Murcia. Real-time monitoring technologies based on IoT sensors were analyzed to collect data on the operational performance of pilot PV installations. Advanced data analysis techniques, including machine learning, were analyzed to process the collected data, enabling predictive maintenance, performance optimization, and future production estimation. The study also explored the use of drones and computer vision for automated inspection of solar panels, identifying issues such as hotspots and dirt accumulation. The results demonstrate significant improvements in energy efficiency, system availability, and reduction of failures and downtime. Economic analyses indicate cost savings in operation and maintenance and increased overall system reliability. This research identifies key barriers and opportunities for adopting 4.0 technologies in the PV sector and proposes strategies to overcome challenges and leverage benefits. The findings contribute to the advancement of knowledge and the promotion of sustainable and efficient energy systems in the solar industry.
Bacterial Diversity, Metabolic Profiling and Application Potential of Antarctic Soil Metagenomes
Authors: Fernandez Mario , Barahona Salvador , Gutiérrez Fernando , Alcaíno Jennifer , Cifuentes Víctor , Baeza and Marcelo
Published: July 2024

Antarctica has attracted increasing interest in understanding its microbial communities, metabolic potential, and as a source of microbial hydrolytic enzymes with industrial applications, for which advances in next-generation sequencing technologies have greatly facilitated the study of unculturable microorganisms. In this work, soils from seven sub-Antarctic islands and Union Glacier were studied using a whole-genome shotgun metagenomic approach. The main findings were that the microbial community at all sites was predominantly composed of the bacterial phyla Actinobacteria and Cyanobacteria, and the families Streptomycetaceae and Pseudonocardiaceae. Regarding the xenobiotic biodegradation and metabolism pathway, genes associated with benzoate, chloroalkane, chloroalkene, and styrene degradation were predominant. In addition, putative genes encoding industrial enzymes with predicted structural properties associated with improved activity at low temperatures were found, with catalases and malto-oligosyltrehalose trehalohydrolase being the most abundant. Overall, our results show similarities between soils from different Antarctic sites with respect to more abundant bacteria and metabolic pathways, especially at higher classification levels, regardless of their geographic location. Furthermore, our results strengthen the potential of Antarctic soils as a source of industrially relevant enzymes.
Computational Study of the Kinetics and Mechanism of Gas-Phase Decomposition of N-diacetamides Using Density Functional Theory
Authors: Gabidia T Oswaldo , Loroño Marcos , Paz Rojas José Luis , Garrido Cecilio Julio Alberto , Linares Fuentes Thais Cleofe , Córdova Tania C
Published: July 2024

In this research work, we examined the decomposition mechanisms of N-substituted diacetamides. We focused on the substituent effect on the nitrogen lone pair electron delocalization, withdrawing and electron donor groups. DFT functionals used included: B1LYP, B3PW91, CAMB3LYP, LC-BLYP, and X3LYP. Dispersion functions gd3bj were applied when necessary to improve non-covalent interactions in the transition state. Pople with higher angular moments and def2-TZVP basis sets were also applied and were crucial for obtaining consistent thermodynamic parameters. The proposed mechanism involves a six-membered transition state with the extraction of an α hydrogen. Several conformers of N-diacetamides were used to account for the decrease in entropy in the transition state in the rate-determining state. All calculations, including Natural Bond Orbital (NBO) analyses, were performed using the Gaussian16 computational package and its GaussView 6.0 visualizer, along with VMD and GNUPLOT software. The isosurfaces and IBSI indexes were calculated using MultiWFN and IGMPlot, respectively.
Applications of HPLC-ICP-MS in the Analysis of Chemical Warfare Agents and Other Highly Toxic Compounds in Environmental Samples
Authors: Kuligowska Monika , Neffe Slawomir
Published: July 2024

The analysis of chemical warfare agents and their degradation products has become increasingly important for public and military safety in recent years. In the article, we drew attention to the possibilities of the HPLC-ICP-MS analytical technique, which has been relatively rarely used for identifying and quantitatively analyzing highly toxic and hazardous substances in environmental samples. This technique enables the identification and determination of minimal amounts (ppt range) of chemicals in various matrices. This fact is important for the analysis of chemical warfare agents and other highly harmful compounds, even small amounts of which can have serious consequences for living organisms. The article critically analyzes the results of scientific research on the identification and quantitative analysis of extremely toxic organophosphorus, organosulfur and organoarsenic substances, their derivatives and degradation products using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).
Nutritional and Sensory Optimization of Functional Crackers with the Incorporation of Arthrospira platensis
Authors: Gün Didem , Çelekli Abuzer , Bozkurt Hüseyin
Published: July 2024

Arthrospira platensis, which is known as the most important food supplement of the future due to its high nutritional value, was the focus of this study. The main objective of this study was to develop a functional cracker enriched with proteins, essential amino acids, and polyunsaturated fatty acids with the incorporation of A. platensis. Therefore, this research aimed to improve the texture (including moisture and firmness) and sensory properties (such as color, taste, and smell) of crackers by adding A. platensis at three different levels (0%, 2.5%, and 5.0%). The sensory attributes of crackers were evaluated by twenty taste testers and thirty consumers, assessing color, odor, taste, crispness, and overall preference. The highest hardness value among the studied trials was observed in trial 14, which contained 5% A. platensis with 577 N. According to the results of the panel test, among the crackers with 5% A. platensis addition, trial 14 had the highest color value. To obtain the optimum formula, dough with 50 mg/g A. platensis, 625 mg/g flour, and 220 mg/g water was recommended. The addition of A. platensis has great potential to improve the nutritional, textural, and sensory properties of crackers.
Effects of Ketogenic Diet on Increased Ethanol Consumption Induced by Social Stress in Female Mice
Authors: Torres-Rubio Laura , Reguilón Marina D , Mellado Susana , Pascual María , Rodriguez-Arias Marta
Published: July 2024

Stress is a critical factor in the development of mental disorders such as addiction, underscoring the importance of stress resilience strategies. While the ketogenic diet (KD) has shown efficacy in reducing alcohol consumption in male mice without cognitive impairment, its impact on the stress response and addiction development, especially in females, remains unclear. This study examined the KD's effect on increasing ethanol intake due to vicarious social defeat (VSD) in female mice. Sixty-four female OF1 mice were divided into two dietary groups: standard diet (n=32) and KD (n=32). These were further split based on exposure to four VSD or exploration sessions, creating four groups: EXP-STD (n=16), VSD-STD (n=16), EXP-KD (n=16), and VSD-KD (n=16). KD-fed mice maintained ketosis from adolescence until the fourth VSD/EXP session, after which they switched to a standard diet. The Social Interaction Test was performed 24 hours after the last VSD session. Three weeks post-VSD, the Drinking in the Dark test and Oral Ethanol Self-Administration assessed ethanol consumption. The results showed that KD blocked the increase in ethanol consumption induced by VSD in females. Moreover, among other changes, KD increased the expression of the ADORA1 and CNR1 genes, which are associated with mechanisms modulating neurotransmission. Our results pointed to KD as a useful tool to increase resilience to social stress in female mice.
Morphological Differentiation, Yield and Cutting Time of Lolium multiflorum L. under Acid Soil Conditions in Highlands
Authors: Carrasco-Chilón William , Cervantes Peralta Marieta , Mendoza Laura , Muñoz-Vílchez Yudith , Quilcate Carlos , Nuñez-Melgar David Casanova , Vásquez Héctor , Alvarez-García Wuesley Yusmein
Published: July 2024

Livestock production in the Cajamarca, La Libertad and Amazonas basins is based on pasture-based feeding with "Cajamarquino ecotype" ryegrass under monoculture or in association with white clover. The objective of this research work was the morphological characterization and evaluation of the productive yield and cutting time of annual ryegrass - Lolium multiflorum L. Six local genotypes of Lolium multiflorum in six locations were characterised, using the multiplicative interaction effect model and additive main effects for the analysis of interaction and variability of the genotypes and locations. Ryegrass “Cajamarquino ecotype” is semi-erect with intermediate growth, with a dark green colouring, 0.8 cm broadleaf, and can reach an average stem length of 46 cm, up to 1.6 cm.day, achieving the growth of the fourth leaf after 28 days under adequate management conditions. Despite the differentiated characteristics, according to the BLASTn evaluation, the ITS1 sequences showed an identification greater than 99.9% similar to Lolium multiflorum L. It was determined that the Cajamarquino ecotype produces from 3.52 to 4.98 Mg.ha.biomass cutting. Likewise, the pasture's quality is better when used at 30 days with 14.84% protein and at 45 days, it achieves 12.75% protein with a biomass of 4.05 Mg.ha.cut. With these morphological and yield characteristics, the "Cajamarca ecotype" ryegrass is a well-adapted species for local livestock farming. These species are adapted to the Sierra Norte area of Peru.
Avian and Mammalian Diversity and Abundance in Jhalana Reserve Forest, Jaipur, India
Authors: Kumbhojkar Swapnil , Mahabal Anil , Rakholia Shrey , Yosef Reuven
Published: July 2024

We utilized camera traps to assess animal diversity, relative abundance, and anthropogenic activities in the Jhalana Reserve Forest (JRF), located amidst Jaipur, with a population of 3.9 million people. Between November 2017 and November 2019, camera traps were strategically deployed in both the tourist zone and peripheral areas, capturing 16,328 photos. This study represents the first comprehensive baseline assessment of animal diversity in JRF, documenting a total of 39 species, including 18 bird species, 14 mammals, and six domestic species, alongside human activity. Among the 14 mammal species, seven were carnivores. Notably, we identified 25 individual Indian leopards (Panthera pardus fusca) during 2017-2018, comprising 8 males and 17 females, highlighting the leopard as the apex predator in JRF. Concurrently, domestic animals accompanied by humans were observed within JRF. However, rigorous conservation efforts and patrols by the Rajasthan Forest Department resulted in a notable decline in human intrusion, reducing from 28.0% in 2017-18 to 3.9% in 2018-2019, with domestic animal activity reaching zero in the latter period.
Consequently, the relative abundance of wildlife species increased during the study period of 2018-2019, underscoring the positive impact of conservation strategies implemented by authorities. Our findings affirm that camera traps effectively establish baseline data, assess animal diversity, and evaluate relative abundance in reserve forests situated within human-dominated landscapes. This study provides critical insights to inform the development and implementation of conservation strategies in similar protected areas.
Spatial and Temporal Analysis of Water Resources in the Olive-Growing Areas of Extremadura, Southwestern Spain
Authors: Moral Francisco J. , Rebollo Francisco J. , García-Martín Abelardo , Paniagua Luis L. , Honorio Fulgencio
Published: July 2024

The increasing variability of precipitation, higher temperatures and recurring droughts in the semi-arid regions due to climate change are leading to increased aridity, resulting in scarcer water resources for crops. The present study aimed to analyse the spatial distribution of climate variables related to water resources in the olive-growing areas throughout Extremadura, southwestern Spain. To perform this task, three climate variables were used: potential evapotranspiration of the crop, the FAO aridity index and the annual water requirement. Considering data from 58 weather stations located throughout Extremadura and 17 along boundaries with at least 30-year length (within the 1991-2021 period), each variable was computed at each station. After calculating some descriptive statistics, a multivariate geostatistical (regression-kriging) algorithm, incorporating secondary information on elevation and latitude, was used to accurately map each climate variable. Later, temporal trends and their magnitude were analysed using the Mann-Kendall test and the Sen’s estimator, respectively. The highest evapotranspiration and water requirements are located in the southern part of the region, which has large areas dedicated to olive cultivation. In the northern part of the region, there is greater spatial variability in evapotranspiration and, consequently, in water requirements for olive groves due to the more rugged topography. Similarly, the olive-growing areas with the highest aridity are also in the south of Extremadura. In most areas of Extremadura, olive cultivation requires appropriate irrigation for optimal productivity. According to evapotranspiration trends, the water requirements will become greater in the future. However, it is not guaranteed that the water supply will be sufficient in olive-growing areas where aridity is higher and water resources are scarce. The results of this study are very important for evaluating water deficit and water resources in vulnerable olive-growing areas throughout Extremadura.