bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphology and Composition of the Third Body on the Friction Surface of an Organic Composite Railway Brake Shoe
Authors: He Chunjiang , Ji Yuan , Pei Dingfeng , Gao Ming , Chen Chuanzhi , Zhao Jingcun , Wang Wei
Published: May 2023

Friction properties are significantly affected by third bodies (films formed on friction surfaces). However, the study of their composition and structure remains incomplete. For this reason, an organic composite railway brake shoe was tested at an initial braking speed of 125 km/h using a full-scale dynamometer. A third body with a thickness of ~120 μm was obtained, and its morphology and composition were analyzed using a multiple techniques. The results indicated that the third body had a layered structure. The upper surface was smoother than the lower surface. The carbon content on the upper surface decreased by 68.01%, and the iron content increased by 11.85 times in relation to that on the lower surface. Compared to the brake shoe, the iron content of the third body increased by 272.81%, and most of the iron was oxidized. Furthermore, the content of barium, calcium, and silicon decreased by more than 33%, and the crystalline structures of the inorganic filler materials, such as graphite and barium sulfate, were destroyed, with new crystalline structures appearing. Finally, the residual weight at 650 °C increased from 90.35% to 96.59%. This research could provide a reference for exploring the friction and wear mechanisms of organic composite railway brake shoes.
Τhe Behavior of Hybrid Reinforced Concrete-Steel Buildings under Sequential Ground Excitations
Authors: Askouni Paraskevi K.
Published: May 2023

In common construction practice, various examples can be found involving a building type consisting of a lower, older, reinforced concrete structure and a more recent upper steel part, forming a so-called “hybrid” building. Conventional seismic design rules give full guidelines for the earthquake design of buildings constructed with the same material throughout. The current seismic codes neglect to provide specific design and detailing guidelines for vertical hybrid buildings and limited existing research is available in the literature, thus leaving a scientific gap that needs to be investigated. In the present work, an effort is made to fill this gap in the knowledge about the behavior of this hybrid building type in sequential earthquakes, which are found in the literature to burden the seismic structural response. Three-dimensional models of hybrid reinforced concrete–steel frames are exposed to sequential ground excitations in horizontal and vertical directions while considering the elastoplastic behavior of these structural elements in the time domain. The lower reinforced concrete parts of the hybrid buildings are detailed here as corresponding to a former structure by a simple approximation. In addition, two boundary connections of the structural steel part upon the r/c part are distinguished for examination in the elastoplastic analyses. Comparisons of the arithmetical analysis results of the hybrid frames for the examined connections are carried out. The seismic response plots of the current non-linear dynamic time-domain analyses of the 3D hybrid frames subjected to sequential ground excitations yield useful conclusions to provide guidelines for a safer seismic design of the hybrid building type, which is not covered by the current codes despite being a common practice.
The Crystal Structure of Mg–Al–CO3 Layered Double Hydroxide
Authors: Zhitova Elena S. , Sheveleva Rezeda M. , Zolotarev Andrey A. , Krivovichev Sergey V.
Published: May 2023

The crystal structure of quintinite, Mg4Al2(OH)12(CO3)·3H2O, from the Jacupiranga alkaline complex (Cajati, São Paulo, Brazil), was refined for two samples (91002 and C7029) using single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. The mineral crystallizes in the P-3c1 space group, a = 5.246/5.298, c = 15.110/15.199 Å for samples 91002/C7029. The crystal structure consists of octahedral sheets with Mg and Al ordering according to a 3 × 3 superstructure. The Mg and Al atoms are coordinated by six hydroxylated oxygen atoms; the average  and  bond distances are in the ranges 2.022–2.053 Å and 1.974–1.978 Å, respectively. The interlayer structures are identical (in contradiction to the previous assumptions), and consist of disordered (CO3)2− groups and (H2O)0 molecules. The samples from Jacupiranga can be identified as quintinite-2T, which is the second finding of this polytype after the Kovdor alkaline complex (Kola peninsula, Russia). The powder X-ray diffraction pattern of quintinite-2T contains weak superstructure reflection at 4.57 Å (010), indicative of Mg and Al ordering. An important crystal-chemical criterion of quintinite is the interlayer distance (d00n-value) of ~7.56 Å, which is steady among natural specimens from various findings worldwide.
Hetero-Deformation Induced Hardening in a CoCrFeNiMn High-Entropy Alloy
Authors: Shahmir Hamed , Saeedpour Parham , Mehranpour Mohammad Sajad , Shams Seyed Amir Arsalan , Lee Chong Soo
Published: May 2023

One of the most important issues in materials science is to overcome the strength–ductility trade-off in engineering alloys. The formation of heterogeneous and complex microstructures is a useful approach to achieving this purpose. In this investigation, a CoCrFeNiMn high-entropy alloy was processed via cold rolling followed by post-deformation annealing over a temperature range of 650–750 °C, which led to a wide range of grain sizes. Annealing at 650 °C led to the formation of a heterogeneous structure containing recrystallized areas with ultrafine and fine grains and non-recrystallized areas with an average size of ~75 μm. The processed material showed strength–ductility synergy with very high strengths of over ~1 GPa and uniform elongations of over 12%. Different deformation mechanisms such as dislocation slip, deformation twinning and hetero-deformation-induced hardening were responsible for achieving this mechanical property. Increasing the annealing temperature up to 700 °C facilitated the acquisition of bimodal grain size distributions of ~1.5 and ~6 μm, and the heterogeneous structure was eliminated via annealing at higher temperatures, which led to a significant decrease in strength.
Artificial Intelligence-Based Opportunities in Liver Pathology—A Systematic Review
Authors: Allaume Pierre , Rabilloud Noémie , Turlin Bruno , Bardou-Jacquet Edouard , Loréal Olivier , Calderaro Julien , Khene Zine-Eddine , Acosta Oscar , De Crevoisier Renaud , Rioux-Leclercq Nathalie , Pecot Thierry , Kammerer-Jacquet Solène-Florence
Published: May 2023

Background: Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based Deep Neural Networks (DNNs) can handle a wide range of applications in image analysis, ranging from automated segmentation to diagnostic and prediction. As such, they have revolutionized healthcare, including in the liver pathology field. Objective: The present study aims to provide a systematic review of applications and performances provided by DNN algorithms in liver pathology throughout the Pubmed and Embase databases up to December 2022, for tumoral, metabolic and inflammatory fields. Results: 42 articles were selected and fully reviewed. Each article was evaluated through the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) tool, highlighting their risks of bias. Conclusions: DNN-based models are well represented in the field of liver pathology, and their applications are diverse. Most studies, however, presented at least one domain with a high risk of bias according to the QUADAS-2 tool. Hence, DNN models in liver pathology present future opportunities and persistent limitations. To our knowledge, this review is the first one solely focused on DNN-based applications in liver pathology, and to evaluate their bias through the lens of the QUADAS2 tool.
Primary Osseous Malignancies of the Spine
Authors: Ariyaratne Sisith , Jenko Nathan , Iyengar Karthikeyan P. , James Steven , Mehta Jwalant , Botchu Rajesh
Published: May 2023

Malignant primary vertebral tumours comprise an uncommon group of primary bone malignancies that can pose a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. The most frequently encountered malignant primary vertebral tumours include chordoma, chondrosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma and osteosarcoma. These tumours often present with nonspecific symptoms, such as back pain, neurologic deficits and spinal instability, which can be confused for the more commonly encountered mechanical back pain and may delay their diagnosis and treatment. Imaging, including radiography, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is crucial for diagnosis, staging, treatment planning and follow-up. Surgical resection remains the mainstay of treatment for malignant primary vertebral tumours, but adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy may be necessary for achieving complete tumour control depending on the type of tumour. In recent years, advances in imaging techniques and surgical approaches, such as en-bloc resection and spinal reconstruction, have improved the outcomes for patients with malignant primary vertebral tumours. However, the management can be complex due to the anatomy involved and the high morbidity and mortality associated with surgery. The different types of malignant primary vertebral lesions will be discussed in this article with an emphasis on the imaging features.
A Weak Reverse Coupling Cascaded Injection-Locked VCO Array for Beam Scanning in Phased Arrays
Authors: Jiang Longkai , Liu Changjun , Wang Shaoyue , Sun Xueman , Wu Jie
Published: May 2023

We propose a novel phase shifter for beam scanning in phased arrays using a cascaded injection-locked voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) array with weak reverse coupling. We analyze the phase noise performance of a multi-signal injection-locked oscillator and establish a phase output model for the array, studying the effects of forward and reverse injection ratios on phase and phase noise at each stage. By decoupling and cascade locking VCO array elements through controlled injection ratios, we design a 2.45 GHz one-dimensional linear array of four VCOs that achieves a continuous fixed phase difference between adjacent oscillators from −180∘ to 180∘, enabling electronic tuning of phase shift and beam scanning. Finally, the beam scanning of the antenna array is realized by using the VCO array. Our theoretical and experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed approach.
The Current Research Status of AI-Based Network Security Situational Awareness
Authors: Wang Maoli , Song Guangxue , Yu Yang , Zhang Bowen
Published: May 2023

Network security situational awareness is based on the extraction and analysis of big data, and by understanding these data to evaluate the current network security status and predict future development trends, provide feedback to decision-makers to make corresponding countermeasures, and achieve security protection for the network environment. This article focuses on artificial intelligence, summarizes the related definitions and classic models of network security situational awareness, and provides an overview of artificial intelligence. Starting from the method of machine learning, it specifically introduces the research status of neural-network-based network security situational awareness and summarizes the research work in recent years. Finally, the future development trends of network security situational awareness are summarized, and its prospects.
Deep Reinforcement Learning-Based Video Offloading and Resource Allocation in NOMA-Enabled Networks
Authors: Gao Siyu , Wang Yuchen , Feng Nan , Wei Zhongcheng , Zhao Jijun
Published: May 2023

With the proliferation of video surveillance system deployment and related applications, real-time video analysis is very critical to achieving intelligent monitoring, autonomous driving, etc. Analyzing video stream with high accuracy and low latency through the traditional cloud computing represents a non-trivial problem. In this paper, we propose a non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA)-based edge real-time video analysis framework with one edge server (ES) and multiple user equipments (UEs). A cost minimization problem composed of delay, energy and accuracy is formulated to improve the quality of experience (QoE) of the UEs. In order to efficiently solve this problem, we propose the joint video frame resolution scaling, task offloading, and resource allocation algorithm based on the Deep Q-Learning Network (JVFRS-TO-RA-DQN), which effectively overcomes the sparsity of the single-layer reward function and accelerates the training convergence speed. JVFRS-TO-RA-DQN consists of two DQN networks to reduce the curse of dimensionality, which, respectively, select the offloading and resource allocation action, as well as the resolution scaling action. The experimental results show that JVFRS-TO-RA-DQN can effectively reduce the cost of edge computing and has better performance in terms of convergence compared to other baseline schemes.
Communication-Traffic-Assisted Mining and Exploitation of Buffer Overflow Vulnerabilities in ADASs
Authors: Li Yufeng , Liu Mengxiao , Cao Chenhong , Li Jiangtao
Published: May 2023

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADASs) are crucial components of intelligent vehicles, equipped with a vast code base. To enhance the security of ADASs, it is essential to mine their vulnerabilities and corresponding exploitation methods. However, mining buffer overflow (BOF) vulnerabilities in ADASs can be challenging since their code and data are not publicly available. In this study, we observed that ADAS devices commonly utilize unencrypted protocols for module communication, providing us with an opportunity to locate input stream and buffer data operations more efficiently. Based on the above observation, we proposed a communication-traffic-assisted ADAS BOF vulnerability mining and exploitation method. Our method includes firmware extraction, a firmware and system analysis, the locating of risk points with communication traffic, validation, and exploitation. To demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed method, we applied our method to several commercial ADAS devices and successfully mined BOF vulnerabilities. By exploiting these vulnerabilities, we executed the corresponding commands and mapped the attack to the physical world, showing the severity of these vulnerabilities.
Effects of Cantharidin on Fish Erythrocytes, Tumor Cell Lines, and Marine Pathogenic Bacteria
Authors: Campos-Sánchez Jose Carlos , Guardiola Francisco A. , Esteban María Ángeles
Published: May 2023

Cantharidin, a toxic monoterpene secreted by blister beetles, has long been used in traditional Chinese and modern medicine for its unique properties. However, despite its widespread use, its effects on fish have not been studied. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential therapeutic applications of cantharidin in fish by examining its antioxidant, hemagglutinating, hemolytic, and cytotoxic activities at different concentrations (0, 0.625, 1.25, 2.5, 5, and 10 μg mL−1) in three different cell lines. In addition, the study explored the bactericidal and bacteriostatic properties of cantharidin against various fish pathogenic bacteria. The results revealed that there were no significant differences in antioxidant, hemagglutinating, or hemolytic activities between the different concentrations of cantharidin tested. However, the study found that cantharidin exhibited dose- and time-dependent cytotoxicity in seabream (Sparus aurata) erythrocytes and in SAF-1, PLHC-1, and Hela cell lines, resulting in morphological changes indicative of apoptosis. Interestingly, the highest dose of cantharidin tested demonstrated potent bactericidal activity against four marine fish opportunistic bacteria, including Vibrio harveyi, V. anguillarum, Photobacterium damselae, and Tenacibaculum maritimum, but no statistically significant changes in bacteriostatic activity were observed against any of the bacteria tested. Overall, these results provide valuable information on the potential therapeutic applications of cantharidin in fish aquaculture. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of action and to explore possible preventive uses of cantharidin in fish.
Decoding the Transcriptome of Sharks, Rays, and Chimaeras: Insights into Their Physiology, Morphology, Evolution, and Biomedical Applications
Authors: Seixas Manuel J. , Domingues Rodrigo R. , Antunes Agostinho
Published: May 2023

Chondrichthyes (including sharks, rays, and chimaeras) are a class of jawed cartilaginous fishes (with skeletons composed primarily of cartilage), with major relevance to the marine ecosystems and to humanity. However, cartilaginous fishes are facing various threatens, inflicting abrupt declines in their populations. Thus, critical assessment of available molecular genetic variation, particularly retrieved from Chondrichthyans’ transcriptomic analyses, represents a major resource to foster genomics research in this ancient group of vertebrate species. Briefly, RNA-Seq involves the sequencing of RNA strands present on a target tissue, which can assist genome annotation and elucidate genetic features on species without a sequenced genome. The resulting information can unravel responses of an individual to environmental changes, evolutionary processes, and support the development of biomarkers. We scrutinized more than 800 RNA-Seq entries publicly available, and reviewed more than one decade of available transcriptomic knowledge in chondrichthyans. We conclude that chondrichthyans’ transcriptomics is a subject in early development, since not all the potential of this technology has been fully explored, namely their use to prospectively preserve these endangered species. Yet, the transcriptomic database provided findings on the vertebrates’ evolution, chondrichthyans’ physiology, morphology, and their biomedical potential, a trend likely to expand further in the future.
Structural Properties of Lotus Seed Starch Nanocrystals Prepared Using Ultrasonic-Assisted Acid Hydrolysis
Authors: Jia Ru , Huang Minli , Zeng Muhua , Liu Sidi , Chen Wenjing , Guo Zebin
Published: May 2023

This study provides a novel method of preparing lotus seed starch nanocrystals (LS-SNCs) using acid hydrolysis combined with ultrasonic-assisted acid hydrolysis (U-LS-SNCs) and evaluates the structural characteristics of starch nanocrystals using scanning electron microscopy; analysis of particle size, molecular weight, and X-ray diffraction patterns; and FT-IR spectroscopy. The results showed that the preparation time of U-LS-SNCs could be reduced to 2 days less than that for LS-SNCs. The smallest particle size and molecular weight were obtained after a 30 min treatment with 200 W of ultrasonic power and 5 days of acid hydrolysis. The particle size was 147 nm, the weight-average molecular weight was 3.42 × 104 Da, and the number-average molecular weight was 1.59 × 104 Da. When the applied ultrasonic power was 150 W for 30 min and acid hydrolysis was applied for 3 days, the highest relative crystallinity of the starch nanocrystals was 52.8%. The modified nanocrystals can be more widely used in various applications such as food-packaging materials, fillers, pharmaceuticals, etc.
Chemistry behind Quality—Emission of Volatile Enantiomers from Mentha spp. Plant Tissue in Relationship to Odor Sensory Quality
Authors: Łyczko Jacek , Kiełtyka-Dadasiewicz Anna , Issa-Issa Hanán , Skrzyński Mariusz , Galek Renata , Carbonell-Barrachina Ángel A. , Szumny Antoni
Published: May 2023

The quality of food, considering increasing consumer demands and competition among producers, is a highly important issue. Quality concerns are also applicable to the odor quality of herbs and spices (HSs). Meanwhile, HSs commonly are graded based on their essential oils (EOs) content and analysis; but does the instrumental analysis really provide general information about the HSs sensory quality? Three chemotypes of Mentha spp. were used in the present study. From samples diversified by convective drying at different temperatures, EOs were hydrodistillated and analyzed by enantioselective GC-MS; moreover, the source plant material’s volatile profile was analyzed by the HS-SPME technique. The instrumental analysis was confronted with the results of the sensory panel. Changes in enantiomeric composition were observed during the drying process, although no clear correlations or trends could be found for individual chiral components. Furthermore, even with significant differences in particular volatiles’ contribution to plants’ EOs and their volatile profiles, judges were not able to match the sample EOs and plant samples with sufficient effectiveness (~40%). Based on those results, we suggest that volatile enantiomeric distribution does not have an actual influence on odor quality and that the sensory analysis should not be replaced with instrumental analysis, which cannot predict general sensory quality.
Tracing the Volatilomic Fingerprint of the Most Popular Italian Fortified Wines
Authors: Jasmins Gonçalo , Perestrelo Rosa , Coïsson Jean Daniel , Sousa Patrícia , Teixeira José A. , Bordiga Matteo , Câmara José S.
Published: May 2023

The aim of the current study was to provide a useful platform to identify characteristic molecular markers related to the authenticity of Italian fortified wines. For this purpose, the volatilomic fingerprint of the most popular Italian fortified wines was established using headspace solid-phase microextraction combined with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC-MS). Several volatile organic compounds (VOCs), belonging with distinct chemical groups, were identified, ten of which are common to all the analyzed fortified Italian wines. Terpenoids were the most abundant chemical group in Campari bitter wines due to limonene’s high contribution to the total volatilomic fingerprint, whereas for Marsala wines, alcohols and esters were the most predominant chemical groups. The fortified Italian wines VOCs network demonstrated that the furanic compounds 2-furfural, ethyl furoate, and 5-methyl-2-furfural, constitute potential molecular markers of Marsala wines, while the terpenoids nerol, α-terpeniol, limonene, and menthone isomers, are characteristic of Vermouth wines. In addition, butanediol was detected only in Barolo wines, and β-phellandrene and β-myrcene only in Campari wines. The obtained data reveal an adequate tool to establish the authenticity and genuineness of Italian fortified wines, and at the same time constitute a valuable contribution to identify potential cases of fraud or adulteration to which they are subject, due to the high commercial value associated with these wines. In addition, they contribute to the deepening of scientific knowledge that supports its valorization and guarantee of quality and safety for consumers.
Control Design for Fractional Order Leader and Follower Systems with Mixed Time Delays: A Resilience-Based Approach
Authors: Khan Asad , Niazi Azmat Ullah Khan , Abbasi Waseem , Jamil Airish , Malik Jaleel Ahsan
Published: May 2023

In this article, we consider the problem of resilient base containment control for fractional-order multi-agent systems (FOMASs) with mixed time delays using a reliable and simple approach, where the communication topology among followers is a weighted digraph. A disturbance term is introduced into the delayed and non-delayed controller part to make it more practical. Our method involves proposing algebraic criteria by utilizing non-delayed and delayed protocols, applying the Razumikhin technique and graph theory respectively. The presented method can well overcome the difficulty resulting from fractional calculus, time delays and fractional derivatives. To demonstrate the validity and effectiveness of our findings, we provide an example at the end of our study.
Gamma Radiation-Induced Advanced 2,3-Dimethylacrylic Acid-(2-Acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic Acid) Superabsorbent Hydrogel: Synthesis and Characterization
Authors: Bhuyan Md Murshed , Jeong Jae-Ho
Published: May 2023

Gamma radiation technique for the preparation of pure hydrogels is gaining popularity worldwide. Superabsorbent hydrogels play vital roles in different fields of application. The present work mainly focuses on the preparation and characterization of 2,3-Dimethylacrylic acid-(2-Acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propane sulfonic acid) (DMAA–AMPSA) superabsorbent hydrogel by applying gamma radiation and optimization of the proper dose. To prepare DMAA–AMPSA hydrogel, different doses ranging from 2 kGy to 30 kGy were imparted on the blend aqueous solution of the monomers. The equilibrium swelling increases with increasing radiation dose, followed by decreasing after reaching a certain level, and the highest result is found to be 26,324.9% at 10 kGy. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy confirmed the formation of co-polymer by showing the characteristic functional groups and proton environment of the gel. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) pattern indicates the crystalline/amorphous nature of the gel. The Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Thermogravimetry Analysis (TGA) revealed the thermal stability of the gel. The surface morphology and constitutional elements were analyzed and confirmed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) equipped with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS). Finally, it can be stated that hydrogels can be usable in metal adsorption, drug delivery, and other relevant fields.
Comparative Analysis of Codon Usage Patterns in Nuclear and Chloroplast Genome of Dalbergia (Fabaceae)
Authors: Wang Zu-Kai , Liu Yi , Zheng Hao-Yue , Tang Min-Qiang , Xie Shang-Qian
Published: May 2023

The Dalbergia plants are widely distributed across more than 130 tropical and subtropical countries and have significant economic and medicinal value. Codon usage bias (CUB) is a critical feature for studying gene function and evolution, which can provide a better understanding of biological gene regulation. In this study, we comprehensively analyzed the CUB patterns of the nuclear genome, chloroplast genome, and gene expression, as well as systematic evolution of Dalbergia species. Our results showed that the synonymous and optimal codons in the coding regions of both nuclear and chloroplast genome of Dalbergia preferred ending with A/U at the third codon base. Natural selection was the primary factor affecting the CUB features. Furthermore, in highly expressed genes of Dalbergia odorifera, we found that genes with stronger CUB exhibited higher expression levels, and these highly expressed genes tended to favor the use of G/C-ending codons. In addition, the branching patterns of the protein-coding sequences and the chloroplast genome sequences were very similar in the systematic tree, and different with the cluster from the CUB of the chloroplast genome. This study highlights the CUB patterns and features of Dalbergia species in different genomes, explores the correlation between CUB preferences and gene expression, and further investigates the systematic evolution of Dalbergia, providing new insights into codon biology and the evolution of Dalbergia plants.
Differential Regulation of POC5 by ERα in Human Normal and Scoliotic Cells
Authors: Hassan Amani , Bagu Edward T. , Patten Shunmoogum A. , Molidperee Sirinart , Parent Stefan , Barchi Soraya , Villemure Isabelle , Tremblay André , Moldovan Florina
Published: May 2023

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a complex three-dimensional spinal deformity. The incidence of AIS in females is 8.4 times higher than in males. Several hypotheses on the role of estrogen have been postulated for the progression of AIS. Recently, Centriolar protein gene POC5 (POC5) was identified as a causative gene of AIS. POC5 is a centriolar protein that is important for cell cycle progression and centriole elongation. However, the hormonal regulation of POC5 remains to be determined. Here, we identify POC5 as an estrogen-responsive gene under the regulation of estrogen receptor ERα in normal osteoblasts (NOBs) and other ERα-positive cells. Using promoter activity, gene, and protein expression assays, we found that the POC5 gene was upregulated by the treatment of osteoblasts with estradiol (E2) through direct genomic signaling. We observed different effects of E2 in NOBs and mutant POC5A429V AIS osteoblasts. Using promoter assays, we identified an estrogen response element (ERE) in the proximal promoter of POC5, which conferred estrogen responsiveness through ERα. The recruitment of ERα to the ERE of the POC5 promoter was also potentiated by estrogen. Collectively, these findings suggest that estrogen is an etiological factor in scoliosis through the deregulation of POC5.
Examining the Public Messaging on ‘Loneliness’ over Social Media: An Unsupervised Machine Learning Analysis of Twitter Posts over the Past Decade
Authors: Ng Qin Xiang , Lee Dawn Yi Xin , Yau Chun En , Lim Yu Liang , Ng Clara Xinyi , Liew Tau Ming
Published: May 2023

Loneliness is an issue of public health significance. Longitudinal studies indicate that feelings of loneliness are prevalent and were exacerbated by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. With the advent of new media, more people are turning to social media platforms such as Twitter and Reddit as well as online forums, e.g., loneliness forums, to seek advice and solace regarding their health and well-being. The present study therefore aimed to investigate the public messaging on loneliness via an unsupervised machine learning analysis of posts made by organisations on Twitter. We specifically examined tweets put out by organisations (companies, agencies or common interest groups) as the public may view them as more credible information as opposed to individual opinions. A total of 68,345 unique tweets in English were posted by organisations on Twitter from 1 January 2012 to 1 September 2022. These tweets were extracted and analysed using unsupervised machine learning approaches. BERTopic, a topic modelling technique that leverages state-of-the-art natural language processing, was applied to generate interpretable topics around the public messaging of loneliness and highlight the key words in the topic descriptions. The topics and topic labels were then reviewed independently by all study investigators for thematic analysis. Four key themes were uncovered, namely, the experience of loneliness, people who experience loneliness, what exacerbates loneliness and what could alleviate loneliness. Notably, a significant proportion of the tweets centred on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on loneliness. While current online interactions are largely descriptive of the complex and multifaceted problem of loneliness, more targeted prosocial messaging appears to be lacking to combat the causes of loneliness brought up in public messaging.
Systematic Review of the Apomorphine Challenge Test in the Assessment of Dopaminergic Activity in Schizophrenia
Authors: Duval Fabrice
Published: May 2023

So far, neuroendocrine studies conducted in schizophrenic patients have yielded conflicting results. Many of these discrepancies may be explained by the diversity of factors that influence the hormonal levels (at baseline and in response to pharmacological stimuli), the heterogeneity of the populations studied, the absence of standardization of test challenges and the confounding and long-lasting effects of previous treatments. Numerous studies have used apomorphine (APO) in the evaluation of dopaminergic (DA) function in schizophrenic patients. APO, a direct acting DA receptor agonist, decreases prolactin (PRL) and stimulates growth hormone (GH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol secretion. Therefore, the magnitude of hormonal responses to APO is an indirect assessment of the functionality of DA receptors at the hypothalamic–pituitary level. This review provides an update on the applications of the APO test in schizophrenia in clinical, pathophysiological and therapeutic fields.
Estimating the Ripeness of Hass Avocado Fruit Using Deep Learning with Hyperspectral Imaging
Authors: Davur Yazad Jamshed , Kämper Wiebke , Khoshelham Kourosh , Trueman Stephen J. , Bai Shahla Hosseini
Published: May 2023

Rapid ripeness assessment of fruit after harvest is important to reduce post-harvest losses by sorting fruit according to the duration until they become ready to eat. However, there has been little research on non-destructive estimation of the ripeness and ripening speed of avocado fruit. Unlike previous methods, which classify the ripeness of fruit into a few categories (e.g., unripe and ripe) or indirectly estimate ripeness from its firmness, we developed a method using hyperspectral imaging coupled with deep learning regression to directly estimate the duration until ripeness of Hass avocado fruit. A set of 44,096 sub-images of 551 Hass avocado fruit images was used to train, validate, and test a convolutional neural network (CNN) to predict the number of days until ripeness. Training, validation, and test samples were generated as sub-images of Hass fruit images and were used to train a spectral–spatial residual network to estimate the duration to ripeness. We achieved predictions of duration to ripeness with an average error of 1.17 days per fruit on the test set. A series of experiments demonstrated that our deep learning regression approach outperformed classification approaches that rely on dimensionality reduction techniques such as principal component analysis. Our results show the potential for combining hyperspectral imaging with deep learning to estimate the ripeness stage of fruit, which could help to fine-tune avocado fruit sorting and processing.
Analysis of Growth and Rhizosphere Soil Changes of Herbaceous Peony Treated with a Compound Microbial Agent under Contrasted Soil Conditions
Authors: Yang Lijin , Shi Yajie , Yang Xiao , Dong Lingling , Lei Fuling , Zheng Chengshu , Xie Anqi , Zhang Dongliang , Sun Limin , Sun Xia
Published: May 2023

When used for ornamental purposes, the herbaceous peony is usually propagated by root ramets, but the replanting of divided seedlings in the original planting area results in poor growth and development. No research has reported on a compound microbial agent used for herbaceous peony. The purpose of this experiment is to provide a reference for low–cost soil improvement in production, promote the growth and development of herbaceous peony, and solve the problem of planting back obstacles. In this study, 3–year–old seedlings of herbaceous peony ‘Zifengyu’ were selected and planted into an ordinary garden and replanted soils. Four root irrigation treatments were conducted using the compound microbial agent ‘Junzhongjun’ to determine the physicochemical properties of rhizosphere soil, root physiology, and growth and development of ‘Zifengyu’ under different soil conditions. The growth and development of the aboveground parts of herbaceous peony were promoted by the treatment of the compound microbial agent in the following order: garden soil > sieved–root soil > unsieved–root soil. Root vigour was enhanced in the following sequence: sieved–root soil > unsieved–root soil > garden soil. The organic matter and available potassium in the rhizosphere soil of herbaceous peony increased, and the promotional effect in the sieved–root soil was significantly better than that in the other two soils. The results show that the compound microbial agent is low in cost and has a stimulating effect on the growth and development of herbaceous peony. In the process of production, the residual broken roots in the soil can be sieved and combined with the application of the compound microbial agent to further alleviate the barriers of replanting. The concentration and frequency of agent application should be further optimized at a later stage.
Integrated Control of Scales on Highbush Blueberry in Poland
Authors: Tartanus Małgorzata , Sobieszek Barbara , Furmańczyk-Gnyp Agnieszka , Malusà Eligio
Published: May 2023

In the past decade, the development of highbush blueberry production in Poland has been followed by the occurrence of new pests in the plantations, including scales. Since both the assessment of the populations of natural enemies present in a territory and the knowledge of the scale species present in the crop are crucial for the correct application of IPM strategies, a study was carried out to address these aspects and evaluate the efficacy of several active substances in controlling Parthenolecanium spp. in several highbush blueberry plantations. Specimens of adult larvae collected on several plantations were phylogenetically closely linked to two species, P. corni and P. fletcheri. However, considering the ecology and behavior of these species, it was concluded that the pest population was more likely to belong to P. corni. Analyzing the scale parasitoids’ community present in the different locations, it emerged that it was quite diversified, including species affecting both the initial and adult biological phases of the scales, with differences also in the population size and diversity, including both general or specialized parasitoids and predators. The different active substances tested in the efficacy trials, which included both synthetic and bio-based compounds, were suitable for controlling the scale infestation. However, the different efficacy observed between them, depending on season and location, could be interpreted taking into consideration the initial level of infestation. It is concluded that applying an IPM strategy that combines agronomical practices with the application of insecticides with different mechanisms of action, attentive to the benefit of protecting natural enemies, can result in satisfactory control of P. corni in highbush blueberry plantations.
Microplastics and Antibiotic Resistance: The Magnitude of the Problem and the Emerging Role of Hospital Wastewater
Authors: Tuvo Benedetta , Scarpaci Michela , Bracaloni Sara , Esposito Enrica , Costa Anna Laura , Ioppolo Martina , Casini Beatrice
Published: May 2023

The role of microplastics (MPs) in the spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) is increasingly attracting global research attention due to their unique ecological and environmental effects. The ubiquitous use of plastics and their release into the environment by anthropic/industrial activities are the main sources for MP contamination, especially of water bodies. Because of their physical and chemical characteristics, MPs represent an ideal substrate for microbial colonization and formation of biofilm, where horizontal gene transfer is facilitated. In addition, the widespread and often injudicious use of antibiotics in various human activities leads to their release into the environment, mainly through wastewater. For these reasons, wastewater treatment plants, in particular hospital plants, are considered hotspots for the selection of ARGs and their diffusion in the environment. As a result, the interaction of MPs with drug-resistant bacteria and ARGs make them vectors for the transport and spread of ARGs and harmful microorganisms. Microplastic-associated antimicrobial resistance is an emerging threat to the environment and consequently for human health. More studies are required to better understand the interaction of these pollutants with the environment as well as to identify effective management systems to reduce the related risk.
Changes in and Predictors of HIV among People Who Inject Drugs in Mizoram, Northeast India, from 2007 to 2021
Authors: Pachuau Lucy Ngaihbanglovi , Tannous Caterina , Chawngthu Richard Lalramhluna , Agho Kingsley Emwinyore
Published: May 2023

This study aimed to examine the changes in and predictors of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Mizoram, Northeast India, over a period of 15 years (2007–2021). A sample of 14783 PWID was extracted from the Targeted Intervention (TI) services under the Mizoram State AIDS Control Society (MSACS). A chi-square test was used to compare the differences in HIV prevalence across the three 5-year periods, and a multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine predictors after adjusting for sociodemographic, injecting and sexual behaviours. The results showed that compared to 2007–2011, HIV prevalence was almost three times higher in 2012–2016 (AOR 2.35; 95% CI 2.07–2.66) and almost two times higher in 2017–2021 (AOR 1.41; 95% CI 1.24–1.59). The results suggest that participants who were females (AOR 2.35; 95% CI 2.07–2.66), married (AOR 1.13; 95% CI 1.00–1.27), separated/divorced/widowed (AOR 1.74; 95% CI 1.54–1.96), of middle school level education (AOR 1.24; 95% CI 1.06–1.44), sharing needles/syringes (AOR 1.78; 95% CI 1.61–1.98) and receiving a regular monthly income were positively associated with HIV infection. Condom use with a regular partner (AOR 0.77; 95% CI 0.70–0.85) was high among PWID. Despite targeted interventions under MSACS to reduce HIV in Mizoram, the prevalence of HIV/AIDS among PWID remained high between 2007 and 2021. Policymakers and stakeholders should tailor future interventions based on the factors identified in this study that are associated with HIV infection. Our findings highlight the importance of socio-cultural factors in HIV epidemiology among PWID in Mizoram.
Validating the Perceived Active School Travel Enablers and Barriers–Parent (PASTEB–P) Questionnaire to Support Intervention Programming and Research
Authors: Clark Andrew F. , Thomas Melissa , Buttazzoni Adrian , Adams Matthew , Coen Stephanie E. , Seabrook Jamie , Tobin Danielle , Tucker Trish , Gilliland Jason
Published: May 2023

A child’s ability to participate in active school travel (AST) is complicated by several factors. Of particular note are parental controls, which are informed by their perceptions of the local built and social environments, assessments of their child’s skills, and convenience preferences, among other considerations. However, there is currently a lack of AST-specific scales that include validated parental perception measures related to such notable barriers and enablers, or those that tend to frame their AST decision-making processes. Framed within the social-ecological model of health behaviour, the aims of the present paper were thus threefold, specifically to (1) outline and test the construct validity of measures delineating parental perceptions of barriers and enablers to AST, (2) evaluate the reliability and consistency of the developed measures, and (3) connect these measures to develop broader constructs for use in the Perceived Active School Travel Enablers and Barriers–Parent (PASTEB–P) questionnaire. To achieve these aims, a mixed-methods approach featuring cognitive interviews and surveys, along with qualitative (thematic analysis) and quantitative (Cohen’s Kappa, McDonald’s Omega, and confirmatory factor analysis) analyses, was applied across two studies. The validation processes of the two studies resulted in the development of fifteen items comprising seven distinct constructs (barriers: AST Skills, Convenience, Road Safety, Social Safety, and Equipment Storage; enablers: Supportive Environment and Safe Environment) related to parental perceptions of AST. The developed PASTEB–P questionnaire can be used to inform and evaluate AST intervention programming and can be applied for AST research purposes.
Multiscale Geographically Weighted Regression in the Investigation of Local COVID-19 Anomalies Based on Population Age Structure in Poland
Authors: Ciski Mateusz , Rząsa Krzysztof
Published: May 2023

A growing number of various studies focusing on different aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic are emerging as the pandemic continues. Three variables that are most commonly used to describe the course of the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide are the number of confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases, the number of confirmed COVID-19 deaths, and the number of COVID-19 vaccine doses administered. In this paper, using the multiscale geographically weighted regression, an analysis of the interrelationships between the number of confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases, the number of confirmed COVID-19 deaths, and the number of COVID-19 vaccine doses administered were conducted. Furthermore, using maps of the local R2 estimates, it was possible to visualize how the relations between the explanatory variables and the dependent variables vary across the study area. Thus, analysis of the influence of demographic factors described by the age structure and gender breakdown of the population over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic was performed. This allowed the identification of local anomalies in the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. Analyses were carried out for the area of Poland. The results obtained may be useful for local authorities in developing strategies to further counter the pandemic.
Food Insecurity in Higher Education: A Contemporary Review of Impacts and Explorations of Solutions
Authors: Loofbourrow Brittany M. , Scherr Rachel E.
Published: May 2023

Food insecurity is a global phenomenon which impacts a variety of social, economic, and life-stage groups. One such group affected by food insecurity is college students, who tend to experience food insecurity at a prevalence which exceeds the average of their local communities. The impacts of food insecurity in this population are multifaceted and have implications for their college experience and beyond. Food insecurity has been observed to have negative effects on college student academic performance, physical health, and mental health. This review explores the impacts of and solutions for food insecurity in this population globally, with particular emphasis on the United States, and specifically California.
Active and Assisted Living, a Practice for the Ageing Population and People with Cognitive Disabilities: An Architectural Perspective
Authors: Quesada-García Santiago , Valero-Flores Pablo , Lozano-Gómez María
Published: May 2023

The current digital revolution is causing a paradigm shift encompassing all environments in which human beings conduct their daily activities. Technology is starting to govern the world, gradually modifying not only individual and social behaviour, but also ways of living. The necessary adaptation to new information and communication technologies forces societies to rethink both public and private spaces, in which evolution is slower than rapid social transformation. As part of this change, the concept of Active Assisted Living (AAL) has developed. Assisted spaces can be designed to provide older adults, carers, or people who have cognitive disabilities, such as Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias, with a healthier, safer, and more comfortable life, while also affording them greater personal autonomy. AAL aims to improve people’s quality of life and allow them to remain in their own homes for as long as possible, not in residences. This study conducted a critical review about AAL from an architectural point of view. The research adopted a qualitative approach in which we collected the studies during the last twenty years, then used descriptive, narrative and critical analysis methods. Based on these, this paper aims to explain this new technological paradigm, its characteristics, its main development trends, and its implementation limitations. The results obtained show how the development of AAL will be in the next ten years, and how this concept, and its application, can influence architecture and provide the bases for further research into the design of buildings and cities.