bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Jamming Risk Warning Model for TBM tunnelling Based on Bayesian Statistical Methods
Authors: Wang Shuang-jing , Wang Le-chen , Wu Lei-jie , Li Xu
Published: September 2024

This study presents a comprehensive jamming risk assessment framework for Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) jamming accidents during excavation. Using real-time boring data and Bayesian conditional probability, a novel risk warning model is proposed to enhance safety and efficiency of tunneling projects. Through statistical analysis of excavation parameters, distinct patterns between jamming and normal excavation states are identified. A comprehensive jamming perception index (η) is introduced that synthesizes multiple parameters to accurately identify jamming states with a recognition rate of 95%. This integrated approach overcomes the limitations of single-parameter analysis and provides improved accuracy in jamming risk assessment. Additionally, a quantitative model for calculating jamming probability is developed, accounting for differences in sample size between jamming and normal excavation sections. The refined model yields realistic estimates of jamming probability, with an average of 94% in jamming sections and 7% in normal excavation sections. Furthermore, geological analysis shows that the Class Ⅲ surrounding rock is the most suitable for excavation and has the lowest jamming probability. This finding emphasizes the importance of considering geological conditions in excavation planning to effectively mitigate jamming risks. In conclusion, this research provides a practical framework for the prediction and management of TBM jamming accidents, contributing to enhanced safety and efficiency in tunneling projects.
Global Burden of Parkinson’s Disease from 1990 to 2021: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Mimi  , Xiaofang  , Hua Zhengping , Lichao  , Chen Chunnuan
Published: September 2024

Background
Parkinson’s disease (PD) has become a public health concern with global aging.With a focus on PD, this study sought to project its burden and trends at the national, regional, and worldwide levels between 1990 and 2021.
Methods
The Global Burden of Disease 2021 provided the PD burden data. The age-standardized rate (ASR) and annual percentage change (EAPC) were used to estimate trends in the incidence, prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of PD from 1990 to 2021. ASR was used to calculate the EAPCs using a linear regression model.A Bayesian age-period-cohort (BAPC) model was used to predict future trends up to 2046.
Results
Globally, the overall ASR of the incidence, prevalence,DALYs and mortality of PD increased from 1990 to 2021, and their EAPCs were 1.09 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07–1.11), 1.52(95CI:1.49–1.54),0.32 (95% CI: 0.28–0.36) and 0.18(95% CI: 0.13–0.23).The incidence, prevalence, mortality, DALYs, of PD in 2021 were all higher in men than in women.From 1990 to 2021, the burden in males consistently surpassed that in females, with the gender difference widening as age.The prevalence,incidence,DALYs and mortality rates of PD increased with age before declining, peaking in the 80–84 age group for prevalence and incidence ,while in the 90–94 age group for mortality. peaked in the 85–89 age group for DALY rates. The ASR of incidence and prevalence both increased pronouncedly in Norway (EAPC = 3.39,95% CI: 3.15–3.64),(EAPC = 5.04,95%CI: 4.65–5.43).Lesotho was the nation with the most rise in age-standardized DALYs for PD (EAPC = 1.67, 95%CI༚1.41–1.93).United Arab Emirates had the fastest increase in age-standardized mortality for PD (EAPC = 1.98,95%:1.24–2.71).The global ASPR of PD was projected to show a continuous upward trend.
Conclusions
From 1990 to 2019, there were rising trends in the prevalence and burden of PD in most areas and nations worldwide. Our research indicated that PD control and management needed to be improved, particularly in light of the population's propensity to age.
Attending lectures in person, hybrid or online at a technical university - how do students choose after the pandemic, and what about the outcome?
Authors: Kortemeyer Gerd , Dittmann-Domenichini Nora , Merki Claudia
Published: September 2024

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, students have more choice of how to attend courses than ever before; for a large number of courses at a technical university, they are still able to watch the lectures live online or in recorded format later. We found that interactivity may bring back students into the classroom almost as effectively as withholding alternatives. However, we also found that these attendance modes by themselves have little influence on exam grades. Instead, exam outcomes are more strongly associated with students attitudes and interest. We also found indicators that focussing on live lectures during the running semester (on-campus or online) may be associated with better exam outcomes than intensive preparation phases before exams.
A Plug-and-Play Fuzzy Mask Extraction Module for Single Image Deraining
Authors: Hu Mingdi , Wang Chenrui , Song Yao , Yu Jianxun , Jing Bingyi
Published: September 2024

The learning of rain masks is important for finely extracting the rain streaks and helping the recovery of rain-removed images.However, the rain mask attention blocks involved in exisiting methods cannot be directly applied to other deraining frameworks, resulting in weak universality. In this paper, we propose a fuzzy mask extraction module with better flexibility, which can be easily embedded into the current rain-attention-based single image deraining approaches. Specifically, we first propose to optimize a convex combination of several grouping functions to extract the corresponding fuzzy mask maps which are taken as ground-truth. Then, under the supervision of the extracted fuzzy mask maps, we design the corresponding fuzzy rain mask extraction network module. Finally, we integrate the fuzzy mask extraction module into several state-of-the-art single image deraining methods. Extensive experimentsshow that the proposed approach can improve the performance of the existing single image deraining methods further boost their generalization ability.
Fabrication of a new "Epoxy-Gd 2 O 3 " neutron-shielding composite and its characterization by experimental and simulation methods
Authors: Safavi Seyed Mohammad Reza , Outokesh Mohammad , Vosoughi Naser , Yahyazadeh Amin , Mohammadi Aghil , Kiani Mohammad Amin , Jabalamelian Seyed Sajad
Published: September 2024

A new neutron shielding composite was fabricated by homogenous dispersion of gadolinium oxide in the epoxy resin. It was found that the addition of Gd2O3, up to 2% has a positive effect on the tensile strength of the epoxy matrix so that its strength reached 44.5 MP with 3.1% elongation rate. This is despite the fact that according to the FTIR and XRD results, Gd2O3 and epoxy preserved their chemical natures in the matrix. The addition of Gd2O3 also enhanced the thermal resistance of the epoxy matrix, as it was evidenced by the TGA analysis. The neutronic shielding performance of the fabricated composite was evaluated by both experiments and simulation. The new composite offers appreciable neutronic absorption so that its sample with 4 cm thickness and 10% Gd2O3 content captures 70% of the incident neutrons. The accuracy of the MCNP code in the simulation of neutronic data of our sample was noticeable, and it was around 13.5% on average.
A statistical mechanics investigation of Unfolded Protein Response across organisms
Authors: Luchetti Nicole , Smith Keith , Matarrese Margherita , Loppini Alessandro , Filippi Simonetta , Chiodo Letizia
Published: September 2024

Living systems rely on coordinated molecular interactions, especially those related to gene expression and protein activity. The Unfolded Protein Response is a crucial mechanism in eukaryotic cells, activated when unfolded proteins exceed a critical threshold. It maintains cell homeostasis by enhancing protein folding, initiating quality control, and activating degradation pathways when damage is irreversible. This response functions as a dynamic signaling network, with proteins as nodes and their interactions as edges. We analyze these protein-protein networks across different organisms to understand their intricate intra-cellular interactions and behaviors. In this work, analyzing twelve organisms, we assess how fundamental measures in network theory can individuate seed-proteins and specific pathways across organisms. We employ network robustness to evaluate and compare the strength of the investigated PPI networks, and the structural controllability of complex networks to find and compare the sets of driver nodes necessary to control the overall networks. We find that network measures are related to phylogenetics, and advanced network methods can identify main pathways of significance in the complete Unfolded Protein Response mechanism.
Survival of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in soils along a natural pH gradient
Authors: Lyu Guangze , Li Huiru , Hu Jiayang , Ma Jincai
Published: September 2024

Persistence of E. coli O157:H7 (EcO157) in soils from different places was widely reported, while its survival behavior in soils over a pH gradient was yet to be investigated. In the current study, a total of 24 soil samples were collected along a natural pH gradient, and the soils were classified into weak acidic soil (pH < 6.5), neutral soil (6.5 < pH < 7.5), weak basic soil (7.5 < pH < 8.5), and strong basic soil (8.5 < pH < 10). Soil physical and chemical properties were determined using standard methods, and bacterial communities were characterized by next generation high throughput sequencing protocol. EcO157 cells were inoculated into those soils and the survival profiles were investigated. The influencing factors affecting the survival behavior of EcO157 were analyzed by multivariate statistical analysis. The results showed that the average survival time of EcO157 in weak acidic, neutral, weak basic and strong basic soils was 61.08, 72.05, 76.85 and 18.54 days, respectively. The survival time in strong basic soils was significantly less than those in the other three soil groups. Results of both stepwise multiple regression and Mental tests revealed that soil physicochemical properties such as NO3--N, clay content, and NH4+-N negatively linked to the survival of EcO157, while TP was positively correlated to the survival of EcO157 (P<0.05). Stepwise multiple regression showed that microbial community diversity was negatively correlated with the survival of EcO157, while relative abundances of Proteobacteria and Acidobacteria were positively and negatively correlated to the survival of EcO157, respectively. Our study highlighted the role of pH in the survival of EcO157 in soils. Both co-occurrence networks analysis and structural equation model results showed that pH was a key factor that could directly and indirectly via bacterial community influence the survival of EcO157. Our data coupled with the findings of others might be of great helpful in evaluation, control, and reduction of the potential health risk associated with EcO157 in soils along a natural pH gradient.
Integrated Fusion Approach for Multi-Class HeartDisease Classification through ECG and PCG Signalswith Deep Hybrid Neural Networks
Authors: Hangaragi shivalila , N Neelima , Jegdic Katarina , Nagarwal Amritesh
Published: September 2024

Detection and classification of cardiovascular diseases are crucial for early diagnosis and prediction of heart-related conditions. Existing methods rely on either Electrocardiogram or phonocardiogram signals, resulting in higher False Positive Rates. SolelyECG misses the murmurs associated with the narrowing of the blood vessels caused due to abnormalities in the heart. Similarly, considering only PCG will miss the subtle changes in the electrical activity of the heart that leads to incomplete evaluation. The implementation of a multi-class heart disease classification model utilizing both ECG and PCG signals is the objective of the proposed study. The approach involves preprocessing, fusion, waveform detection utilizing the Pan-Tompkins Algorithm, and signal localization using Algebraic Integer-quantized Stationary Wavelet Transform. Low-rank Kernelized Density-Based Spatial Clustering of Applications with noise is employed to cluster signals into normal and abnormal categories. Features election is performed with Heming Wayed Polar Bear Optimization, and classification is done using C squared Pool SignBI-power-activated Deep Convolutional Neural Network. The proposed model achieves a classification accuracy of 97% with 0.03 error rate. The multi-class classifier effectively identifies and classifies the heart diseases into Aortic stenosis Valvulardisorder, Tricuspid Valvular disorder, Mitralstenosis Valvular disorder, Pulmonary Valvular disorder, Atrial Fibrillation, and Ischemic heart disorder.
The impact of 8-week re-training following a 14-week period of detraining on Greco-Roman Wrestlers
Authors: DEMİRKIRAN Burhan , IŞIN Ali , SUNGUR Yılmaz , MELEKOĞLU Tuba
Published: September 2024

Background
The elite athletes are highly capable of regain their athletic performance and body composition after a period of lack of training. Heart rate variability is an useful indicator to evaluate the physical state of athletes. The objective of this study is to analyze the alterations in the physical, physiological, and performance characteristics of the elite Greco-Roman wrestlers who experienced a prolonged period of detraining (14 weeks) as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Methods
Twenty male elite wrestlers from the National Greco-Roman Wrestling Team participated in the research. Heart Rate Variability values were measured during the detraining period and for 8 weeks of subsequent training, and then interpreted for training periods with different workloads. Body fat percentage values, initially measured during detraining, were recorded at 2-week intervals during the training period. To determine the fitness status of wrestlers, the Specific Wrestling Fitness Test was used before and following the 8 weeks of training period.
Results
A gradual decrease in both body fat percentage and weight observed throughout the course of the training period. The SWFT scores showed significant improvements (31.40 ± 2.91 vs. 37.40 ± 3.22) following the training period. Our study indicate that heart rate variables are significantly influenced during different loads of training and competitions, with similar values observed between the competition and non-training periods.
Conclusions
Our results suggests that athletes undergo identical reactions in their autonomous nervous system during both competition and detraining. Obtaining a comprehensive understanding of these changes can enable coaches and athletes to make accurate decisions in order to optimize training adaptations and attain overall athletic success. Furthermore, over a period of eight weeks following a long non-training period, significant improvements in athletes' body fat, muscle mass and wrestling performance can be achieved along with training.
Transgenerational metabolomic signatures of bleaching resistance in corals
Authors: Quinn Robert , Roach Ty , Drury Crawford , Caruso Carlo , Hancock Joshua , Martin Christian , Neugebauer Kerri , Majerova Eva , Matsuda Shayle , McClintock Rayna , Santoro Erika , Geer Anneke van der
Published: September 2024

Coral bleaching is one of the greatest climate-driven threats to the persistence of tropical reef ecosystems. This necessitates the identification of attributes associated with coral resistance and resilience to thermal stress both within and between generations. Here, we used metabolomics to demonstrate that biochemical signatures associated with heat-induced bleaching of Montipora capitata are passed between generations. There were metabolomic signatures of parental bleaching phenotype in sperm, eggs, embryos, larvae, and subsequent juvenile corals formed by selectively breeding bleaching resistant or susceptible parents. Metabolome source mapping showed that these thermal tolerance signatures were from both the coral host and the algal symbiont and spanned a variety of molecular families. One of the strongest markers of transgenerational heat tolerance was the saturation state of DGCC betaine lipids, a molecular family previously associated with thermal tolerance in dinoflagellate symbionts of corals. Though the saturation state of the DGCC lipids was strongly linked to algal genotypes, which are known to be vertically transmitted in M. capitata, even coral progeny that contained the more thermally susceptible Cladocopium algae showed increased saturation of this lipid group if their parents had resisted recent bleaching events. This work provides evidence for biochemical inheritance as a potential mechanism for transgenerational acclimatization to warming oceans, which has implications for reef restoration and resilience in the face of climate change.
Physico-chemical and Thermal behavior of Barind Red Clay from Naogaon, Bangladesh: Implications for Ceramic Industries as a Raw Material
Authors: Mostafa Md. Golam , . Hayatullah , Biswas Pradip Kumar , Rahman Md. Aminur , Rana Md. Shohel , Alam Md. Sha , Nuruzzaman Md. , Uddin Md. Ripaj , Zaman Mohammad Nazim , Shahriar Md. Shams
Published: September 2024

This study evaluates the potential industrial suitability of red clay from Sapahar Upazila, Naogaon District, Bangladesh. Comprehensive laboratory tests were conducted, including Atterberg limits, grain size analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TG), to investigate the mineralogical, geological, ceramic, and plastic properties of the samples. The mineralogical analysis reveals that the red clay is composed of illite, kaolinite, albite, anorthite, smectite, mica, and quartz. Chemically, the red clay primarily consists of SiO₂ (55.06–57.73%), followed by Al₂O₃ (16.96–18.89%), Fe₂O₃ (8.29–10.15%), K₂O (2.98–3.42%), TiO2 (1.28–1.38%), trace amounts of other oxides (< 1%) and LOI (8.34%-9.99%). TG/DSC curve trends indicate the stability of red clay beyond 1000°C. Firing experiments conducted at 800°C, 900°C, 1000°C, and 1100°C show changes in firing shrinkage (0.05–1.15%), water absorption (7.66–4.31%), apparent porosity (13.58–9.53%), bulk density (1.7 g/cm³–2.21 g/cm³), and unconfined compressive strength (7.22–1.35 MPa). These findings suggest that the local red clay is suitable for manufacturing vitrified and semi-vitrified ceramic tiles, indicating its potential for industrial applications in the ceramics sector.
TiO2-ZnO rodlike nanocomposite as photoanode in DSSC yielding 7.38% PEC with N3 dye
Authors: Thate Anukh , Pakhare Keshav , Patil Satish , Bhuse Vijaykumar M , Dhodamani Ananta , Kamble Amit , Bhuse Darpan Vijaykumar
Published: September 2024

The agglomeration of TiO2-ZnO nanocomposite is a well-established strategy to apprehend various energy photons from the solar spectrum. This research article focuses on direct chemical precipitation protocol for rod-like TiO2-ZnO NPs of different TiO2:ZnO molar ratios for solar energy harvesting using N3 dye. The synthesized nanocomposites were evidenced with various analytical probing techniques. X-ray diffraction scrutiny corroborated rutile and hexagonal wurtzite crystal structure for TiO2 and ZnO respectively. Surface morphology depicted nanorod texture with varying diameters and widths whereas elemental analysis studies confirmed optimal stoichiometry for the presence of Ti, O, and Zn, respectively. The optical energy gap was evaluated using UV-visible spectroscopy was between 2.95 to 3.00 eV. A 2D electron diffraction pattern was captured with the SAED technique to reveal nanocrystalline TiO2-ZnO nanocomposite. Among the samples synthesized, composite having TiO2:ZnO having 3:1 ratio showcased good performance in solar energy conversion registering Jsc = 3.25 mA/cm2, Voc = 946.96 mV, FF of 48% with PEC of 7.38% in an unadulterated aqueous 0.1 M I⁻/ I3⁻ electrolyte under 100 mW/cm2 irradiation while EIS investigation resulted in Rs = 3.17 cm2, Rct = 20.14 cm2, Cdl (10-9) = 40.25 F/cm2 and Zw (10-5) = 3.27 mMho.
Comprehensive bioinformatics analysis reveals CLCA1 and ZG16 as predictive biomarkers of malignant progression in colorectal cancer
Authors: Zhang Jialin , Wang Xinyu , Wang Ziqiang , Hao Xiaona , Li Yuyun , Zhang Yingjie
Published: September 2024

Background
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignant tumors. CLCA1 and ZG16 are lowly expressed in CRC, and we wanted to investigate whether they could be prognostic biomarkers for the malignant progression of CRC.
Methods
12,195 DEGs and 12,071 DEGs were identified through the GSE39582 dataset and TCGA dataset, and then 50 coexisting genes were selected for further analysis using Venn diagrams. These 50 DEGs were then subjected to GO and KEGG functional enrichment analyses, along with genome-wide GSEA. the first 5 core genes were identified and visualized using Cytoscape through the PPI network. Then the expression of ZG16 and CLCA1 in normal and tumor tissues were analyzed using GSE39582 and TCGA datasets, and correlation analysis, and survival analysis were performed. The expression of ZG16 and CLCA1 in CRC cells was verified by qRT-PCR, and cell proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities were detected by CCK-8, scratch assay, clone formation assay, and Transwell assay.
Results
The expression levels of ZG16 and CLCA1 were significantly lower in tissues from CRC patients than in normal tissues. Survival analysis showed that low expression of ZG16 and CLCA1 was associated with poor survival outcomes. Multifactorial analysis showed that low expression of ZG16 and CLCA1 was an independent risk factor affecting tumor prognosis. Cellular experiments showed that cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were inhibited after overexpression of ZG16 and CLCA1. Correlation analysis showed that ZG16 and CLCA1 expression levels were positively correlated and the correlation was statistically significant. GSEA enrichment analysis based on CLCA1-related genes and ZG16-related genes (FDR < 0.25, P < 0.05) revealed that the related genes of both genes were closely related to the GNRH SINALINGPATHWAYES pathway.
Conclusion
CLCA1 and ZG16, which are lowly expressed in CRC tissues, are associated with poor prognosis of CRC and may be one of the markers for diagnostic screening and prediction of prognostic outcome in CRC. Meanwhile, CLCA1 and ZG16 may also be new targets for tumor immunotherapy.
Neglecting future sporadic volcanic eruptions underestimates climate uncertainty
Authors: Chim Man Mei , Aubry Thomas , Smith Christopher , Schmidt Anja
Published: September 2024

Most climate projections represent volcanic eruptions as a constant forcing based on historical averages. This constant forcing approach ignores the sporadic nature of eruptions, preventing a full quantification of uncertainties in climate projections. Here we show that the contribution of volcanic forcing uncertainty to the overall uncertainty in global mean surface temperature projections reaches up to 49% and is comparable or greater than that from internal variability. Furthermore, compared to a constant volcanic forcing, employing a stochastic volcanic forcing i) reduces the probability to exceed 1.5 ºC warming above pre-industrial level by up to 10%, ii) enhances the probability of negative decadal temperature trends, and iii) increases the likelihood of short-term surface cooling and warming events. Consequently, using a stochastic volcanic forcing approach enables assessment of the associated climate risks and socio-economic impacts. We recommend improved volcanic forcing approaches for future climate model experiments.
Proxy, nurse, and physician needs regarding advance care planning by proxy for aged care residents lacking decision making capacity: an exploratory study
Authors: Jones Laura , Voumard Rachel Rutz , Rhyner Florent , Aguilar Fiorella Figari , Truchard Eve Rubli , Jox Ralf J
Published: September 2024

Background
Worldwide, populations are ageing. Together with improved home care and limited places in residential aged care facilities (RACF), this leads to people being admitted to RACF at more advanced ages and in increasingly fragile states of health, often with cognitive impairment. Advance directive completion rates are low, so many people are admitted to RACFs without having formally stated their wishes for care. Guidelines for advance care planning (ACP) in nursing homes exist, however they focus primarily on residents who maintain decision making capacity (DMC). Models are needed for people lacking DMC. We aimed to investigate the essential elements needed for ACP by proxy models (ACPbp) for RACF contexts.
Methods
We conducted a qualitative exploratory study into health care proxy, RACF nurse and physician needs for ACPbp models. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 19 health care proxies of 16 RACF residents lacking DMC, 3 focus groups with 23 RACF nurses and 3 focus groups with 13 physicians working in 9 RACFs.
Results
Health care proxies expressed the need for structured, accompanied communication about residents’ health state and potential future situations requiring decision-making. Nurses echoed this need, adding that they need specific training along with standardised processes and discussion guides for conducting ACPbp discussions, and standardised documentation. Physicians also mentioned the need for standardised processes and documentation to ensure efficient transfers between facilities and comprehensive documents in case of medical emergency. Such documents should be as short as possible, but also provide space to describe the resident’s values, life history and presumed will. Specifically trained personnel and time allocated specifically to ACPbp are key for implementation.
Conclusions
This study underscores the need for ACPbp in RACFs, gives broad guidelines and outlines the ethical frameworks for such a concept, by identifying the specific aspects necessary for the development of ACPbp models in this context.
Trial Registration
Not applicable
Local inflammation at the salmon louse (Lepeophtheirus salmonis) attachment site drives copepodid rejection in Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch)
Authors: Sveen Lene , Fast Mark D. , Tengs Torstein , Timmerhaus Gerrit , Vaadal Marianne , Houston Ross D. , Bron James E. , Monaghan Sean J. , Mohammed Haitham H. , Daniels Rose Ruiz , Salisbury Sarah , Robledo Diego , Braceland Mark , Hansen Miroslava , Robinson Nicholas
Published: September 2024

Salmon louse (Lepeophtheirus salmonis) poses significant risks to both wild and farmed salmon populations. Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) are highly susceptible to the parasite, while Pacific salmon species such as Pink (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha), Coho (Oncorhynchus kisutch), and Chum (Oncorhynchus keta) salmon exhibit varying levels of resistance. This study explored L. salmonis infestation dynamics in four salmonid species (Atlantic, Pink, Coho, and Chum Salmon) across three challenge trials using the same fish cohort. Infestation was only successful in the third trial, where sedation facilitated parasite attachment. Skin and fin samples were collected at 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, and 168 hours post-infestation (hpi) during the early infestation phase. Results showed low L. salmonis settlement on Chum and Pink Salmon, while Coho Salmon initially had the highest lice counts on fins, followed by Atlantic Salmon. A strong correlation was observed between mucous cell area and susceptibility, with Chum Salmon showing 30-40% mucous cell coverage compared to 10% in Atlantic Salmon. Coho Salmon successfully rejected copepodids after two days, which was linked to an influx of polymorphonuclear cells at attachment sites. This immune response, highlighted by spatial transcriptomics, showed upregulation of host immune markers at the louse-host interface, suggesting that macrophages and neutrophils are key to copepodid rejection. The findings suggest that Coho Salmon’s rapid inflammatory response is crucial in resisting lice and differs significantly from the response in Atlantic Salmon.
Host transcriptome profiling for resistance against Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD)
Authors: Banabazi Mohammad Hossein , Borm Steven , Klingström Tomas , Niazi Adnan , Clercq Kris , Mostin Laurent , Haegeman Andy , Koning Dirk Jan
Published: September 2024

Objective
Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is an acute or subacute systemic viral disease of cattle that shows variation in the response of cattle to LSD virus infection. To better understand the mechanisms underlying this response diversity in field studies and under carefully controlled artificial infections, we studied the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between two resilient versus three susceptible Holstein bulls before an infection challenge and three time points after that.
Results
The host transcriptome profiling revealed that IL1RAP gene expression could be a potential determinant in distinguishing between resilient and susceptible cattle (padj < 0.05). It was significantly shifted from up-regulated prior to infection to down-regulated three days post-infection in the LSD-resilient cattle. Its expression remained up-regulated among the susceptible cattle post-infection compared to pre-infection. The results showed that seven days post-infection may be a critical time point for LSD infection. The Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) pathway enrichment test showed a few enriched GO terms and pathways relevant to the LSD and the involvement of the IL1RAP gene. This pilot study, with limited statistical power, is the first to investigate bovine gene expression profiling in response to LSDV.
Research on the Recommendation Method of Urban Location Point of Interest Based on DTCN-EFFN-Transformer
Authors: Zhang Jing , Li Bing , Zhang Yao , Xu Yuguang , Li Hongan
Published: September 2024

In recent years, user travel has generated massive mobile data. Recommending the next location of interest not only greatly facilitates user travel, but also provides a corresponding opportunity for merchants to mine potential customers. In view of the fact that the existing urban location POI recommendation does not integrate multiple context information, leading to a series of issues, such as the inability of the recommendation results to accurately meet user needs. This research introduces a method for urban location POI recommendation utilizing the DTCN-EFFN-Transformer. This method combines user preferences, geographic location and popularity of POIs. Firstly, the deep convolution in DTCN simplifies the complexity of input data, so that the dilated causal convolution in TCN can focus more on extracting local features in user check-in records. Secondly , an expansion factor is added to the linear layer of EFFN. By extending the dimension of the middle layer, the nonlinear representation ability of the model is enhanced, thereby the long-distance dependence ability of the model in capturing user check-in records is improved. Experimental results indicate that using the FourSquare-NYC and FourSquare-TKY datasets, this newly introduced method improves Acc@1 index by 10.42% and 6.13% respectively compared with similar representative methods.
General practitioners' management of occupational diseases: a qualitative study in French- speaking Switzerland
Authors: Coline Gaubicher , Staeger Philippe , Danuser Brigitta , Abderhalden-Zellweger Alessia , Peggy Krief , Mediouni Zakia
Published: September 2024

Background
Work-related health problems are a frequent reason for consultation with primary care physicians; however, few studies report on the way general practitioners’ (GPs) approach work-related health issues with their patients.
Aim
To investigate how GPs manage patients' occupational issues.
Methods
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 GPs, transcribed, and analyzed thematically.
Results
GPs do explore their patients' occupational field. However, the data collected are succinct, even though doctors recognize that a high proportion of mental disorders and musculoskeletal disorders may be work-related. Work-related disease insurance issues are very present in GPs everyday practice, with a discomfort regarding these issues. Exchanges with employers are not commonplace but examples show that they can be fruitful. Occupational risk prevention is confined to certain high-risk exposures. When asked to express their difficulties in dealing with patients work-related issues, GPs mention the lack of dedicated time, insurance issues, contact with employers or the lack of it and lack of training. As for resources, GPs mainly identify specialist doctors, but still, only few of them mention occupational physicians.
Conclusions
Some work-related pathologies, whether frequent or serious, are not systematically investigated by GPs. This raises the question of their detection and probable under-reporting. To improve anamnesis, identification, and referral practices in the event of occupational health problems, we suggest a targeted training for GPs, improved networking including stakeholders such as occupational physicians, employers and insurers and revising medical billing regarding work related diseases management both for GPs and occupational physicians.
Effect of electromagnetic transducer design parameters on round-window stimulation in otosclerosis: A nonlinear dynamic analysis
Authors: Liu Houguang , Liu Zhaohai , Liu Jianshu , Lenarz Thomas , Maier Hannes
Published: September 2024

This study presents a novel comprehensive human ear electromagnetic transducer model considering cochlear third windows and middle-ear nonlinear tissue properties, i.e., of the tympanic membrane, the tensor tympani, and the annular ligament, to investigate the effect of the floating mass transducer’s design parameters on round-window stimulation in treating otosclerosis. The model's reliability was confirmed by comparing its predictions of stapes velocity and middle ear transfer function with experimental data. The influences of the electromagnetic transducer’s main design parameters, i.e., excitation frequency, electromechanical coupling coefficient, case mass, magnet mass, support stiffness, and coupler layer stiffness, on the cochlear differential pressure in both normal middle ear and otosclerosis were examined. Additionally, the study explored chaotic motion conditions in relation to these design parameters. The results show that the stimulated cochlear differential pressure in otosclerosis is lower than that in the normal middle ear at different excitation frequencies. A higher electromechanical coupling coefficient contributes to the avoidance of chaotic motion, and the output of the transducer is positively correlated with this parameter. Increasing the case mass reduces the transducer’s output, while increasing the magnet mass slightly enhances it. Lowering the support stiffness can improve the transducer’s output and prevent chaotic motion, whereas reducing the coupler layer’s stiffness decreases the transducer’s output in otosclerosis. The results offer insights for optimizing the design of electromagnetic transducers for round-window stimulation.
Stress in the Geneva Basin
Authors: Mosar Jon , Borderie Sandra , Hauvette Louis , Marro Adeline
Published: September 2024

In this paper we explore the stress orientation and magnitudes of the Greater Geneva Basin in the detached Alpine Foreland in Switzerland and France. The interpretation is based on shallow earthquake focal mechanisms from strike-slip faults. The area of investigation comprises the westernmost Molasse Basin, the Vuache mountain range formed by the Vuache Fault Zone and the meridional thrusts and folds of the Haute Chaine Jura (Internal Jura). All these domains are detached along a main décollement in the Triassic Keuper Group evaporites and transported by some 30 km to the NW. The whole foreland is presently in a state of critical stress, considering the ongoing seismic activity, with hydrostatic fluid pressure conditions and an Andersonian stress setting. It is thus possible to derive locally the full stress tensor and analyze the stress state of known individual faults. The Mohr circle analysis and the distance to criticality demonstrate that the hydrostatic fluid pressure conditions allow seismic activity on optimally oriented vertical faults. Less optimally oriented faults require an additional raise in fluid pressure conditions. Differential stress values are in the range of 100-150MPa, and max horizontal stress values range up to 200MPa. Similar values are derived from 2D numerical mechanical analysis using limit analysis theory of the basin applied to a very weak décollement and steep reverse faults. In this approach different friction states were explored. The fact that not all faults are hydraulically conductive, despite favorable orientation, suggest that a valve pressure system and repeated sealing of the faults is a likely process operation in the area. This has profound consequences on fluid circulation models in geothermal systems.
Feasibility Study of Vascular Pulsatile EIT Lung Perfusion Imaging for V/Q-matched Dynamic Non-invasive Monitoring
Authors: Li Junyao , Guo Yitong , Zhu Mingxu , Wang Yu , Wang Weice , Song Ruteng , Liu Benyuan , Ji Zhenyu , Shi Xuetao
Published: September 2024

OBJECTIVES
Ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) matching is an important indicator for assessing lung functional status. Existing techniques for assessing V/Q in the clinic are unable to meet the demand for continuous monitoring at the bedside, and are accompanied by invasive and infected risks. Therefore, the present study is based on our team's newly developed high-performance electrical impedance tomography (EIT) system, and explores the feasibility of its use for non-invasive assessment of V/Q at the bedside by acquiring and imaging pulmonary blood flow pulsation signals and combining them with pulmonary ventilatory impedance information.
METHODS
Domestic pigs under anaesthesia (N = 8, 17.50 ± 1.51 kg) were used as experimental subjects, and continuous lung EIT imaging data acquisition was performed at 40 fps through different positions and apnoea states in pigs. By analysing the vascular pulsation impedance information, lung perfusion-related information was extracted and combined with lung ventilation impedance information to establish a vascular pulsation V/Q assessment method. In addition, the method of monitoring pulmonary perfusion by hypertonic saline (5 ml of 10% NaCl) was used as a ‘standard’ for control experiments.
RESULTS
The V/Q results obtained by both methods changed significantly with changes in body position and respiratory status. When the body position changed from supine to prone, both methods showed a decrease in V/Q values (p < 0.05). When the respiratory pause status was changed from end-expiratory pause period to end-inspiratory pause period, both methods showed an increase in V/Q values (P < 0.05). The Kappa values for both methods were 0.492, p < 0.05, for postural and 0.586, p < 0.05, for during apnoea.This demonstrated the consistency of the results of the two methods in assessing V/Q.
CONCLUSIONS
Finally, the EIT imaging based on the vascular pacing method can effectively assess V/Q changes caused by alterations during different positions and apnoea, with results consistent with the hypertonic saline method. The vascular pulsatility method is expected to be a novel bedside monitoring and assessment method to guide and improve V/Q.
Virtual Reality in the Management of Hematophobia in Hospital Settings: Impact on Anxiety Reduction
Authors: Triviño-Martínez Ángeles , Carreño-Cutillas Cristina , Azorín-Maciá Irene , Soler-Climent Esther , Carlos Sola-Verdú José , Alejandro Mira
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Hematophobia, a specific phobia that triggers an irrational fear of blood and related procedures such as venipuncture, can lead to the avoidance of essential medical care. Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a promising tool to reduce anxiety associated with these procedures. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of hematophobia among patients who visit the hospital for venipuncture and to evaluate the impact of VR on reducing anxiety and fear during venipuncture, considering variables such as gender, age, number of annual hospital visits, and service.
Material and Method: An analytical and experimental study was conducted, randomized 1:1, with a sample of 185 patients of both sexes, aged between 18 and 70 years, divided into two groups: clinical analysis laboratory and hematology day hospital. Anxiety was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and the severity of hematophobia was measured with the Blood-Injection Phobia Inventory (BIPI).
Results: VR was more effective in reducing anxiety in patients with moderate hematophobia, with a significant reduction in pre- and post-puncture anxiety scores (p=0.012). VR was particularly effective in patients under 40 years of age (p=0.039), while no statistical significance was observed in patients over 65 years of age.
Conclusions: VR is effective in reducing anxiety during venipuncture, especially in patients with moderate hematophobia and those under 40 years of age. Its application needs to be personalized according to the clinical context.
Evaluation of Cellulolytic Gut Bacteria Isolated from White Grubs (Holotrichia serrata and Leucopholis coneophora) and Their Utilization in Lignocellulose Degradation
Authors: Vis Gatta , Prakash KV , Ramesh BN , Bhavani P , Gagandeep KR
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The gut microbiota of insects plays a crucial role in digesting food, providing nutrients, and synthesizing enzymes. This approach is particularly relevant for degrading lignocellulosic biomass and managing waste. In Karnataka, the larvae of Holotrichia serrata and Leucopholis canephora are major crop pests, but the role of their bacterial communities in lignocellulose degradation has not been well studied. This study aimed to isolate and evaluate bacteria from these larvae for their ability to degrade lignocellulose.Approximately seventeen cellulolytic bacterial strains were isolated from the fermentation chamber of white grubs, primarily from the Firmicutes and γ-proteobacteria classes. Notable species included Bacillus, Enterobacter, and Klebsiella. Bacillus toyonensis strain LC3B1 demonstrated significant cellulolytic activity, with a cellulolytic index of 1.93 ± 0.037. The degradation of corncob powder was the highest (28.15 ± 1.56%), followed by that of paddy straw powder (31.45 ± 0.608%) and groundnut husk powder (33.25 ± 0.823%), indicating the strong ability of these powders to degrade agricultural residues. FTIR analysis of the substrate carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) hydrolyzed by LC3B1 revealed decomposition products such as ketones, aldehydes, alcohols, and carboxylic acids. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed significant morphological changes and the formation of pores and tunnels in the treated biomass.The diverse cellulolytic capabilities of gut bacteria from white grubs, including those of the Bacillaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, and Pseudomonadaceae families, offer promising opportunities for lignocellulosic biomass degradation, biofuel production, and sustainable waste management.
RIS-aided Massive MIMO Performance-complexity Trade-off Optimization
Authors: Abrao Taufik , Itaborahy Marco , Souza Wilson , Polvani Gabriel , Flaiban Andre , Marinello José Carlos
Published: September 2024

This paper explores the performance-complexity trade-off for reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS)-aided mas- sive MIMO (mMIMO) systems, focusing on maximizing the sum spectral efficiency (SE) under Zero-Forcing (ZF) with instanta- neous channel state information (CSI). The study employs two distinct optimization approaches: manifold-based optimization and a metaheuristic evolutionary genetic algorithm (GA). The paper analyzes the effectiveness of these methods in optimizing the system sum SE under real-world passive RIS constraint. Key objectives include standardizing system models, validating the manifold-based approach and results, and evaluating the performance of both strategies. The paper highlights the pros and cons of each method and analyzes their performance for different scenarios, including various user configurations and system parameters. Numerical simulations are conducted to showcase the performance of both methods in terms of sum SE and compu- tational complexity. The study concludes by summarizing the key findings and highlighting the importance of optimizing RIS-aided mMIMO systems for enhanced communication performance and efficiency.
Shape-Recovering Liquids
Authors: Russell Thomas , Raykh Anthony , Paulsen Joseph , McGlasson Alex , Joshi Chaitanya , Atherton Timothy , Kandula Hima , Hoagland David
Published: September 2024

The segregation of particles to the interface between two immiscible liquids to reduce the interfacial energy is a fundamental principle that underpins emulsification and the phase behavior of a wealth of multicomponent composite systems. Breaking this textbook rule, we find that the strong binding and two-dimensional assembly of ferromagnetic particles at a liquid-liquid interface not only suppresses emulsification, but also increases the interfacial tension, as found when the interface between two immiscible liquids assumes the shape of a Grecian urn. This shape is rapidly and reproducibly recovered after being destroyed by vigorous agitation. The suppression of emulsification, the rapid formation of a stable, non-planar equilibrium shape of the interface, and the increase in interfacial tension have their origins in the attractive in-plane dipolar magnetic interactions between the particles.
Molecular bases of the interactions of ATG16L1 with FIP200 and ATG8 family proteins
Authors: Pan Lifeng , Gong Xinyu , Zhou Yuqian , Wang Yingli , Tang Yubin , Liu Haobo , Zhou Xindi , Zhang Yuchao , Guo Hanbo , Guo Zhenpeng
Published: September 2024

Macroautophagy maintains cellular and organismal homeostasis, and entails de novo synthesis of double-membrane autophagosome. The effective formation of autophagosome requires the recruitment of the ATG12~ATG5-ATG16L1complex to the pre-autophagosomal structure by relevant ATG16L1-binding autophagic factors including FIP200. However, the molecular mechanism governing the specific interaction of ATG16L1 with FIP200 remains elusive. Here, we uncover that ATG16L1 contains a FIP200-interacting region (FIR), which not only can directly bind to the Claw domain of FIP200, but also can serve as an atypical ATG8-interacting motif (AIM) to selectively recognize mammalian ATG8 family proteins. We determine the high-resolution crystal structures of ATG16L1 FIR in complex with FIP200 Claw and GABARAPL1, respectively, and elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying the interactions of ATG16L1 with FIP200 and ATG8 family proteins. To distinguish the precise contribution of FIP200 from ATG8 family proteins for binding to ATG16L1 FIR in autophagy, we develop a unique ATG16L1 mutant that can exclusively interact with ATG8 family proteins but not FIP200. Finally, using relevant cell-based functional assays, we demonstrate that the interaction of ATG16L1 with FIP200 is indispensable for the effective autophagic flux. In conclusion, our findings provide mechanistic insights into the interactions of ATG16L1 with FIP200 and ATG8 family proteins, and are valuable for further understanding the function of ATG16L1 in autophagy.