bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hypoxic conditioning induced by CoCl2 enhanced the therapeutic effects of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes on oxazolone-induced atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions
Authors: Kim Jin-Woo , Lee Hyunji , Lee Jung Min , Kim Jin-Chul
Published: March 2024

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic skin disease characterized by inflammation and disruption of the skin barrier. It is normally treated using moisturizers and steroids; however, these are palliatives and do not serve as a therapy. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are tissue stem cells with immunomodulatory activities, and exosomes are extracellular vesicles that reflect the physiologies of producer cells. Therefore, the use of MSCs and exosomes with their immunomodulatory activities is emerging as a new method to treat AD. Here, we used cobalt chloride (CoCl2) to induce hypoxic conditioning, and tested the therapeutic efficacy of exosomes derived from CoCl2-treated MSCs in treating AD. In vitro, the exosomes derived from CoCl2-treated MSCs increased the proliferation of HaCaT cells and decreased inflammatory cytokine levels. In the oxazolone-induced chronic AD mouse model, the exosomes derived from CoCl2-treated MSCs reduced ear thickness, restored the skin barrier, and reduced immune cell infiltration and inflammatory markers. These data indicated that hypoxic conditioning induced by the CoCl2 treatment enhanced the therapeutic efficacy of exosomes derived from MSCs, suggesting that these exosomes can be used to alleviate the symptoms of AD.
Influence of Different Sample Preparation Approaches on Proteoform Identification by Top-Down Proteomics
Authors: Tholey Andreas , Kaulich Phillip , Jeong Kyowon , Kohlbacher Oliver
Published: March 2024

Top-down proteomics (TDP) has seen significant advances in the past, and a plethora of sample preparation workflows have been developed. Here, we systematically investigated the influence of different sample preparation steps on proteoform and protein identifications, including cell lysis, reduction and alkylation, proteoform enrichment, purification, and fractionation. We found that all steps in sample preparation influence the subset of proteoforms identified (e.g., their number, confidence, physicochemical properties, and artificially generated modifications). The various sample preparation strategies resulted in complementary identifications, significantly increasing the proteome coverage. Overall, 13,975 proteoforms from 2,720 proteins of human Caco-2 cells were identified. The results presented can serve as suggestions for designing and adapting TDP sample preparation strategies to particular research questions. Moreover, the sampling bias and modifications identified at the intact protein level will also be useful in improving bottom-up proteomics approaches.
Design, characterization and shelf life of plant-based supplement
Authors: Martínez-Arellano I. , Ascanio G. , Córdova-Aguilar M. S.
Published: March 2024

A plant-based supplement type porridge was developed with the primary goal of maximizing its protein content. The characterization of such a supplement has been made in terms of physicochemical, sensory, and textural attributes, stability, and shelf life. Seven experimental formulations were made with different levels of oatmeal, lentil and bean flour using skim milk as liquid matrix. Sweeteners, a gum, and cocoa were added to adjust its flavor and stability. Sensory, rheological, and microbiological analyses were carried out. The Weibull distribution and log-logistic were used to describe the rejection function for shelf life. There were significant differences between the porridges in color, brightness, granularity and mealy texture, sweetness, bitterness, and chocolate flavor (p < 0.05). High levels of sweeteners in the porridges were described by the pour point and viscosity, rheology and sensory. None of the porridge was on a "like slightly" scale. Sucralose at 14.4 mg/kg had the lowest liking score, as well as negative emotions. Sweetness and chocolate flavor have an impact on taste, emotional behavior, and consistency. The estimated useful shelf life was 42 and 27 days at 25 and 37°C, respectively.
Constraining the yields and pathways of long-lived photo-oxidants: Suggestion of a formation process not involving organic matter triplet states
Authors: Vione Davide Vittorio , Brigante Marcello
Published: March 2024

Long-lived photo-oxidants (LLPOs) are reactive transients photoproduced by chromophoric dissolved organic matter in sunlit surface waters, and play important roles in the photodegradation of contaminants such as phenols and anilines. Previous works identified LLPOs with phenoxy radicals, tentatively assuming they are formed upon oxidation of organic-matter phenols by the excited triplet states of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (3CDOM*). In this work we generated reactive (electron-poor) phenoxy radicals by direct UVA photolysis of 2-nitrophenol and 4-nitrophenol, and determined their reactivity with 2,4,6-trimethylphenol in water. Our main findings are: (i) LLPOs are unlikely to derive only from 3CDOM* because, to explain 2,4,6-trimethylphenol degradation, one should assume quite long LLPO lifetimes (equal to the proposed upper limits), very elevated reactivity (comparable to the most unstable/reactive phenoxy radicals), and the involvement in LLPO generation of most 3CDOM* that escape quenching by O2; (ii) results are more easily explained by assuming that LLPOs are also formed by direct photolysis of organic-matter phenols that absorb environmental UV radiation.
Assessment of genetic diversity based on morphological, biochemical and physiological traits of black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) cultivars from Kerala
Authors: Reshma P. , Sree G. S. , Nair Deepa S.
Published: March 2024

Black pepper landraces and local cultivars maintained by farmers over centuries in different agroclimatic conditions in Kerala are useful for utilizing valuable allelic diversity in breeding programs. A survey conducted in the black pepper growing regions of Kerala identified 21 genotypes with superior yield and distinct characters. Observation of qualitative morphological traits revealed moderate variability among the black pepper genotypes. The dendrogram constructed using the Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA) method grouped 21 genotypes into 15 clusters at 73% genetic similarity and the similarity coefficient ranged between 0.47 and 0.81. Biochemical evaluation revealed considerable variations in their piperine (3.0–5.6%), essential oil (3.0–5.6%) and oleoresin (6.3–13.2%) contents. The principal component analysis could describe the evaluated traits as nine main and independent components, which were able to justify 86.59% of the total variance. Eigenvalues indicated that a majority of yield-related traits, viz., leaf petiole length, leaf length, leaf width, fresh spike yield, fresh berry yield and dry yield and physiological traits such as leaf thickness, relative water content and epicuticular wax, contributed to the total diversity of the black pepper germplasms. Based on the present investigation, genotypes such as G16, G15, G21, G1, G5 and G4 with considerable genetic divergence and desired qualities can be employed as good candidates in breeding programs.
Conditions and pathways for a climate club to reach a more ambitious global treaty
Authors: Yebra Pablo Núñez , Bergh Jeroen van den , Savin Ivan , Zsiros Jozsef
Published: March 2024

Despite the Paris Agreement, countries worldwide persist in non-harmonized and weak climate policies, triggered by concerns about competitiveness and trade effects. In view of this, the concept of a “climate club” of countries appears to be a promising complement to the Paris Agreement. This study sheds light on the potential of such a club through the use of an agent-based model that explores its dynamics and convergence to a stable coalition. The model describes 31 heterogeneous (blocks of) countries calibrated on empirical data concerning carbon emissions, abatement costs, domestic carbon prices, and the relative change in export volume upon the introduction of a border carbon tariff. In each period, non-members evaluate the possibility to join the club, while club members consider the option of leaving it, based on trading-off costs and benefits. The iterative process of joining and leaving is repeated until a stable coalition emerges in which no country wants to change its membership status. We run the model for 117 scenarios that capture a variation in the values of four key parameters: the initial coalition, the uniform carbon price of the club, the stringency of the border tariff, and the allocation of tariff revenues. An additional scenario is developed to capture the implications of WTO rules. The results indicate that achieving global coverage by a club created by the European Union alone or together with the United States has a high likelihood under a sufficiently stringent border tariff, equal to or higher than the club’s carbon price. Moreover, a partial return of the tariff revenues to non-members helping them cover abatement costs serves both to mitigate the risk of trade retaliation and to further motivate outsiders to join the club.
Sod Production in Composts
Authors: Barker Allen V. , O'Brien Tara A.
Published: March 2024

Composts of agricultural by-products (chicken manure and cranberry pomace), biosolids and woodchips, biosolids mixed municipal solid wastes, and autumn leaves were evaluated for production of turfgrass or wildflower sods. The best sods measured by establishment and growth of stands were in the agricultural compost, which was rich in N (avg. 1.7%) and low in NH4+ (avg. 135 mg N/kg). High NH4+ limited stand establishment with immature biosolids-based composts. Some of these immature composts had total N concentrations >2%. Leaf compost was too low in total N (<0.7%) to support sod production without supplemental fertilization. Aging of each compost improved its capacity to support sod production, apparently as a result of changes in the N status of the media. Growth of soilborne weeds was promoted by incorporation of composts into soil or by application of composts as mulches. A barrier mulch of paper or other materials that impeded weed emergence effected weed control. Use of a mature compost with adequate N and control of weeds are essential practices for sod establishment with composts. E-mail barker@pssci.umass.edu
An Evaluation of Peach and Nectarine Cultivars for Massachusetts Orchards
Authors: Hauschild Karen I.
Published: March 2024

As Massachusetts apple growers look for additional sources of income from their farming operations, interest in and potential for increasing acreage of peaches and nectarines is spreading. Growers had been relying on information from researchers in other states or from nurserymen to choose cultivars to plant. In 1990, we planted our first block of peach and nectarine cultivars to determine their suitability for our growing conditions, and to assist our growers with their choices of cultivars. Three additional plantings have been added since 1990. Fourteen yellow-fleshed and five white-fleshed peaches and eight nectarines were evaluated during the 1997 harvest period. Criteria evaluated included weight, diameter, fuzziness, split pitting, freeness of pit, color, flavor, texture, and overall quality. Average fruit size of all of the cultivars evaluated was >2.5 inches, with 13 samples reaching 3.0 inches or larger. Since the majority of the Massachusetts peach crop is sold at the retail level, our growers are looking for 3-inch or larger fruit. Of the yellow-fleshed peaches evaluated, `Sentry', `Flavorcrest', `Bounty', `Salem', `Jim Dandee', `Madison', `Encore', and `Fayette' averaged >3 inches in diameter and had acceptable fruit appearance and quality. `Earliscarlet' and `Fantasia' continue to be the more impressive of the nectarines, having good size, excellent color, and exceptional fruit quality. Of the white-fleshed peach cultivars evaluated, `Summer Pearl' has been the most impressive in terms of fruit quality. It also has fruited longer. E-mail hauschild@umext.umass.edu; phone (413) 545-5304.
Broadleaf Weed Control in Field-grown Herbaceous Perennials
Authors: Pennuci Annamarie
Published: March 2024

Novel and standard herbicides were applied alone, sequentially, or tank-mixed to determine weed control efficacies and tolerances in 15 species of field-grown herbaceous perennials. Autumn applications provided excellent but short-term broadleaf (BL) and annual grass (AG) weed control. Early spring applications were equally effective and of longer duration. Mid- and late spring treatments provided moderate to poor control of AG and poor control of winter perennial BL. Single applications of prodiamine provided season-long control of AG and of spring germinating BL. Greatest number of weed species were controlled by DCPA. Increased duration occurred with tank-mixes of DCPA + pendlimethalin, DCPA + quinclorac. Quinclorac provided excellent pre/post control of AG and some BL. Crop injury was minimized with directed applications. Isoxaben provided excellent preemergent control of BL. Tank-mixes improved AG control. Treatments applied prior to, or at the same time as mulch applications increased weed control and lessened drought stress. Treatments applied over mulch were less effective, suppressed fewer weed species, were of shortened duration, and increased the likelihood of crop injury.
Production of Bedding and Greenhouse Snapdragons in Growing Media Containing Coal Bottom Ash
Authors: Sherratt Mark D. , Gore Curtis P. , Bearce Bradford C.
Published: March 2024

Five cultivars of greenhouse snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus L.) were grown in media containing 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100% coal bottom ash (CBA). Stem length of 'Winter Yellow' was reduced at 100% CBA. Spike length, number of open florets, and number of buds were reduced at 25% CBA for 'Maryland White and Yellow Bicolor'; at 50% CBA for 'Monaco White', 'Winter Yellow' and 'Maryland Plumblossom'; and at 75% CBA for 'Maryland Red'. Fresh weight was reduced at 25% CBA for 'Maryland Red' and 'Maryland White and Yellow Bicolor'; and at 50% CBA for 'Maryland White', 'Winter Yellow', and 'Maryland Plumblossom'. Number of days to harvest was increased for all cultivars at 100% CBA. L*, a*, b* color values were not affected by CBA level. Performance of all cultivars in 0% to 75% CBA fell within height and flower per spike grade standards for snapdragons, while weight per spike was within grade standards in 0% to 50% CBA. 'Apricot Floral Showers' snapdragons grown in 10-cm pots were reduced in flower bud number, height, and plant diameter at 50% to 100% CBA.
ReTain Effects on Fruit Size, Maturity, and Storage Quality of' Jonagold' Apples
Authors: Watkins Chris B. , Beaudry Randolph M. , Robinson Terence L. , Lakso Alan N.
Published: March 2024

ReTain™, a commercial plant growth regulator containing aminoethoxyvinylglycine, an inhibitor of ethylene production, was applied 4 weeks before normal harvest to `Jonagold' trees and the effects on fruit maturity and quality at harvest, and quality after air and controlled atmosphere storage was investigated. When fruit were harvested from 3 to 6 weeks after treatment, fruit ripening was inhibited as indicated by lower internal ethylene concentrations, delayed starch hydrolysis, and lower levels of skin greasiness. A number of factors indicated that other aspects of fruit metabolism were affected by the compound. Treated fruit were softer than nontreated fruit at the first harvest, and the benefits of ReTain on firmness appeared only at the later harvests. Also, at each harvest date, average fruit weight of ReTain-treated fruit was lower than nontreated fruit. We have investigated the possibility the ReTain and/or the accompanying surfactant, Silwet, inhibited leaf photosynthesis, thereby leading to altered carbon metabolism. Trees were unsprayed, or sprayed with surfactant, and ReTain plus surfactant. No treatment effects on photosynthesis were detected. However, leaf photosynthesis rates were generally low and quite variable. Measurements of fruit diameter confirmed that the increase in fruit volume following treatment was ≈2% less on the ReTain plus surfactant-treated fruit than nontreated fruit. The increase in fruit volume for the Silwet treatment was ≈1.5% less than in untreated fruit. The data indicates a rapid change in fruit volume as fruit changed in color. Inhibition of ethylene by ReTain may be an important factor influencing fruit size.
Calcium, Iron, Potassium, Phosphorus, and Vitamin C Content of Organic and Hydroponic Tomatoes
Authors: Premuzic Zdenka , Bargiela Martha , Garcia Ana , Rendina Alicia , Iorio Alicia
Published: March 2024

Two tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) cultivars were grown in two organic and two inorganic media to evaluate the effects upon the levels of Ca, Fe, K, P, and vitamin C in the fruit. 'Platense' tomato was grown in a glasshouse, on sand or peat-perlite (hydroponic substrates) irrigated with a complete solution of macro and microelements, or on 100% vermicompost or 50% vermicompost-50% soil (organic substrates) irrigated with water. Fruit were harvested at physiological maturity, and levels of P, K, Ca, Fe, and vitamin C were determined. Fruit grown on organic substrates contained significantly more Ca and vitamin C and less Fe than did fruit grown on hydroponic media. Phosphorus and K content did not differ between fruit from organic and hydroponic substrates.
Drought Responses of Perennial Ryegrass Treated with Plant Growth Regulators
Authors: Jiang Hongfei , Fry Jack
Published: March 2024

Plant growth regulators (PGRs) are used on golf course fairways, and may have positive or negative effects on turfgrass response to drought. Greenhouse and field studies in 1995 and 1996 evaluated perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) response to drought stress after PGR application. Turf was maintained under golf course fairway conditions, and received adequate water until PGR application; thereafter, irrigation was withheld. Trinexapac-ethyl was the only PGR evaluated that enhanced turfgrass quality during dry down in the greenhouse, had no deleterious effects on rooting, and suppressed canopy height for up to 2 weeks in the field. Ethephon enhanced quality during drought in the greenhouse, reduced root length density (RLD) in the field from 0- to 10-cm and 10- to 20-cm depths, but had no effect on canopy height. Mefluidide caused unacceptable chlorosis, reduced rooting at 0 to 40 cm, and suppressed canopy height. Paclobutrazol had negligible effects on ryegrass quality, rooting, and canopy height. Chemical names used: (2-chloroethyl) phosphonic acid (ethephon); N-{2,4-dimethyl-5-[[(trifluoromethyl)-sulfonyl] amino]phenyl} acetamide (mefluidide); (2RS,3RS)-l-(4-chlorophenyl)-4,4-dimethyl-2-1,2,4,-triazol-l-yl) penta-n-3-ol (paclobutrazol); 4-(cyclopropyl--hydroxy-methylene)-3,5-dioxo-cyclohexanecarboxylic acid ethyl ester (trinexapac-ethyl).
Potassium Hydroxide Improves Seed Germination and Emergence in Five Native Plant Species
Authors: Gao Yong-Ping , Zheng Guo-Hua , Gusta Lawrence V.
Published: March 2024

The seeds of difficult-to-germinate native species of American licorice (Glycyrrhiza lepidota Pursh), angelica (Angelica atropurpurea L.), wild blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium Ait.), wild mint (Mentha arvensis L.), and purple coneflower (Echinacea angustifolia D.C.), were soaked in 0, 2.5, 5.3, or 7.6 m KOH solutions for 0, 1, 5, 10, 15, or 20 minutes. After these treatments, germination was determined at 10 °C with a 14-hour photoperiod in petri dishes and seedling emergence was conducted at 14/10 °C with a 14-hour photoperiod in a sandy loam soil. In general, KOH treatment for only 1 min enhanced germination and seedling emergence. The optimal KOH concentration and soaking time in improving seed germination and seedling emergence varied with species, being 5.3 m and 10 min for purple coneflower, 5.3 m and 5 minutes for wild blueberry, 7.6 m and 5 minutes for angelica, 7.6 m and 1 minute for wild mint, and 5.3-7.6 m and 10 minutes for American licorice, respectively. Prolonged soaking, particularly in high concentrations, reduced germination and emergence.
Development of Sequence-specific Primers that Amplify a 1.5-kb DNA Marker for Race 1 Fusarium Wilt Resistance in Cucumis melo L.
Authors: Wechter W. Patrick , Dean Ralph A. , Thomas Claude E.
Published: March 2024

Two 24-mer primers, MUSKFOM I and MUSKFOM II, were developed that amplify a 1.5-kb DNA fragment in race 1 Fusarium wilt resistant muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.), but not in race 1 susceptible germplasm tested. Three race 1 resistant cultivars and two race 1 resistant breeding lines as well as eight race 1 susceptible lines were analyzed using the two sequence-specific primers in the polymerase chain reaction. These primers should prove valuable for nondestructive determination of Fom 2 gene introgression in breeding programs.
Large-scale Screening for X-disease Phytoplasma Infection in Chokecherry
Authors: Guo Y.H. , Cheng Z.-M. , Walla J.A. , Zhang Z.
Published: March 2024

Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana L.) germplasm collected from North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota and established in Bismarck, N.Dak. was screened for infection by the X-disease phytoplasma and for putative X-disease-resistant plants. A total of 1792 chokecherry trees were first screened by observation of characteristic disease symptoms and were given a visual disease rating. In 1996, 97% of the trees were severely diseased, or rated 3 or lower on a 5-point scale. The remaining 3% (55 trees) showed vigorous growth and had few or no X-disease symptoms, and were rated 4 or 5. Of these trees, 44 (80%) were found to contain the X-disease phytoplasma as indicated by reactions with a monoclonal antibody that is specific for this phytoplasma. The other 11 trees (20%) were then found to contain the X-disease phytoplasma using the highly sensitive, but more expensive and time-consuming, nested-polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Employment of a combination of visual screening, monoclonal antibody assay, and nested-PCR provided an effective and efficient means for examining a large number of plant materials for infection by the phytoplasma. The chokecherry trees that were infected but had few or no X-disease symptoms were considered to be resistant/tolerant to X-disease.
Harvest Indices, Storability, and Poststorage Refrigeration Requirement of `Sunrise' Apple
Authors: Lau O.L. , Lane W.D.
Published: March 2024

Starch index and seed color are useful harvest indices for `Sunrise' apple (Malus ×domestica Borkh.). Increases in starch index value (≈1.4 units per week) and percent brown seed color (≈27% per week) were linearly correlated with harvest time and paralleled the increase in percent ripe fruit. `Sunrise' was best picked, within a 1-week harvest window, at starch index values between 2.5 and 3.5 on a 0-9 scale, percent brown seed color of 30% to 50%, and flesh firmness of 69 to 73 N. Firmness loss was comparable to other apple cultivars during harvest (≈5 N per week) and during air or CA storage. However, `Sunrise' fruit lost 18 to 27 N firmness during a 7-d 20 °C poststorage shelf-life test, resulting in fruit that was well below 49 N, the minimal firmness for consumer acceptance. Fruit previously stored at 0 °C had a shelf-life of 3 to 4 d at 20 °C, even though the fruit was picked at the correct maturity and had 70 to 74 N firmness at the end of storage. To ensure good eating quality, fruit must be held continuously at 0 °C until consumption. Firmness loss during shelf-life tests was higher for fruit harvested at starch index values between 1.3 and 2.4 and held in 0 °C air for 3 to 12 d (13 to 24 N firmness drop) than for fruit left on the tree and harvested at starch index 2.9 (10 N firmness drop). Fruit held in storage for 1 to 3 months were susceptible to flesh browning, flesh breakdown, core browning, stem-end browning, and storage rots. Early-picked (starch index <2.4) fruit held in CA for 1 month developed skin disorders resembling those of CO2 injury and scald.
Nondestructive Detection of Section Drying, an Internal Disorder in Tangerine
Authors: Peiris K.H.S. , Dull G.G. , Leffler R.G. , Burns J.K. , Thai C.N. , Kays S.J.
Published: March 2024

Near infrared (NIR) absorption spectrometry and X-ray computed tomography (CT) were used to nondestructively determine the presence of section drying, an internal disorder in tangerines (Citrus reticulata Blanco, cv. Dancy). X-ray CT scan images clearly differentiated areas with section drying from healthy sections of the fruit. Delineation was due to differences in X-ray absorption resulting from lower tissue density and water content in vesicles having the disorder. Second derivative NIR optical density values at 768 and 960 nm correlated strongly with the presence or absence of section drying, indicating that NIR optical properties of vesicles with section drying differed from those without the disorder. These results suggest that, compared with X-ray—based techniques, NIR absorption spectroscopy could be a less expensive, safe, and rapid method for the nondestructive sensing of section drying in citrus fruit.
Fertigation Research with Apple Trees
Authors: Stiles Warren C.
Published: March 2024

Studies initiated in 1986 indicated beneficial effects on growth and cropping of young apple trees from trickle irrigation plus soil application of nutrient elements or fertigation with a weekly multielement complement. In 1993, an orchard facility was established to evaluate responses to alternative sources, rates, and methods of application of K, Zn, or Cu. Results of two separate experiments with K indicate the following: 1) Application of K at 112 kg·ha-1 per year increased growth and yield of `Marshall McIntosh'/M.9 and `Royal Empire'/M.9 trees. Differences between soil surface and two fertigation regimes and between KCl and KNO3 were nonsignificant. 2) There were no differences among three sources of K (Cl-, , ) at three rates (37, 75, or 112 kg·ha-1 per year) applied in 16 weekly fertigations. All rates of K increased tree growth and yield in years 1 to 3. As cropping increased, rate effects tended to increase up to 75 kg K/ha per year. In the first 4 years, fertigation with EDTA chelates of Zn or Cu have been more effective than sulfates in increasing leaf Zn or Cu, but effects on tree growth and yield have not been significant. Results indicate no significant advantage of fertigation over conventional methods of application for K, Zn, or Cu as long as trees are irrigated adequately. E-mail wcs5@cornell.edu; phone (607) 255-1779.
Fault diagnosis and identification of rotating machinery based on one-dimensional convolutional neural network
Authors: Yu Feifei , Chen Guoyan , Du Canyi , Liu Liwu , Xing Xiaoting , Yang Xiaoqing
Published: March 2024

The paper focuses on two kinds of rotating machinery, miniature table drilling machine and automobile engine, as the research object. Traditional machine learning has the need for manual feature extraction, and is very dependent on expert diagnostic experience and expertise, but also has the disadvantages of low accuracy, low timeliness, low efficiency, etc. For the traditional rotating machinery fault diagnosis method is more based on the traditional machine learning model, this paper puts forward a one-dimensional convolutional neural network-based fault identification method. According to the characteristics of the miniature table drilling machine and the automobile engine which are not detachable, the corresponding faults are set up respectively, Vibration signals of the attitude sensor are obtained by using the signal collector, and the collected data are preprocessed, then the CNN model is built for fault identification, and the network structure is constantly optimized to obtain the optimal network model with high accuracy (up to 100 %) and robustness. The results show that the one-dimensional convolutional neural network model improves the fault recognition accuracy and reduces the cost compared with the traditional machine learning SVM model when the original signal is used as the input signal.
Stability analysis of civil air defense tunnel under blasting vibration
Authors: Li Yaoxin , Wang Zhibin , Luo Qiqi , Wu Tingyao
Published: March 2024

Based on a large section drilling and blasting excavation project, the dynamic response characteristics of civil air defense tunnels are analyzed by combining field monitoring and numerical simulation. The dynamic response features include particle vibration velocity, main frequency, displacement, and stress, and the stability criterion of the tunnel is analyzed. A safety criterion model based on the ultimate tensile strength of materials is established. The results show that the frequency of the X, Y, and Z directions is mainly distributed in 90-140 Hz. The effective stress increases first and then decreases along the axis of the roadway. The stress near the explosion source is large and the relative reduction is also large. By fitting the relationship between blasting vibration velocity and maximum principal stress, the safe vibration velocity criterion based on tensile strength is obtained, and the safe threshold of vibration velocity is 19.62 cm/s. It can be assumed that blasting does not affect the structure.
A simple criterion for the effectiveness of biased estimators
Authors: Mikhailov V. S.
Published: March 2024

Point estimation is one of the most common forms of statistical inference. This paper touches upon the concepts of unbiasedness and effectiveness of biased estimates. An attractive approximation for the true (quantitative) value of the estimated parameter t whose values belong to a certain numerical set t T is an estimate , for which the sum of the mathematical expectation of the square of the differences between the possible realization of and the estimated parameter t is minimal (least squares estimation). Another approach is to find the value of the parameter t based on the sum of the mathematical expectation of the difference between the possible realisation ϵ = xi and the estimated parameter t, provided that this sum is zero, so that the positive and negative differences are balanced ∑(xi – t) = 0. Implementations of N independent random values have a general distribution that depends on the estimated parameter t. There are other approaches, but at present there is no single convincing definition of the optimality of finding effective estimates. The well-known statistician Box wrote: “All models are wrong, some are useful.” It is not always easy to establish the adequacy of a model, so our choice is defined by its utility! The simple effectiveness criterion of biased estimates given below is too convenient, however this does not mean that the assumption of the effectiveness of biased estimates based on this criterion is true, yet the usefulness of this simple and convenient model is obvious. The Aim of the paper. The paper aims to construct a simple effectiveness criterion of biased estimates and obtain simple effective estimates of dependability indicators for a binomial test plan and a test plan with limited time and recovery using the constructed simple effectiveness criterion of biased estimates. Conclusions. A simple effectiveness criterion of biased estimates was obtained that compensates for the effect of unequal dispersion values and the square of the bias. New effective biased estimates of various dependability indicators were obtained for a binomial test plan and a plan with limited test time and recovery of failed items.
Technological limitations of the Markov method for dependability analysis
Authors: Shevchenko D. N.
Published: March 2024

Aim. To identify and classify the technical limitations of the Markov method of system dependability analysis, to define their boundaries taking into account the actual feasibility of the method, to show the opportunities of expanding the applicability of the Markov method. The paper examined the limitations associated with the automation of state graph construction and the mathematical solution of the corresponding systems of algebraic and differential equations using software. Methods. An approach is proposed to automatically constructing state graphs of technical systems defined by a structural diagram of dependability, as well as communication networks defined by a structural diagram. The paper examines approaches to reducing the dimension of a state graph that do not reduce the accuracy of dependability indicator calculation. The author also considers ways of reducing the dimensionality of a state graph by means of truncation or merging inoperative states that cause biased calculated dependability values. Results. The actual limits of applicability of the Markov method are shown along with their relevance in the context of modern information technologies. Approaches are shown that expand the applicability of the Markov method for analysing the dependability of large systems. The existing approach to state graph truncation were examined. Approaches to merging inoperative graph states were proposed and investigated (for bias). Conclusion. The approaches discussed in the paper allow extending the applicability of the Markov method of system dependability analysis to systems with a larger number of subsystems.
Methodology for detecting and removing outliers in statistical studies
Authors: Sidnyaev N. I. , Enkhzhargal B.
Published: March 2024

The paper presents a calculation method for detecting and eliminating outlying values. It is shown that its effectiveness depends on the amount of a priori information on the examined process. The proposed method is used for cases whereas the process is stationary and has a Gaussian probability density law. When analysing non-stationary random processes, the existing methods and algorithms rely on the fact that the outlying component is additive and the characteristics of the outlying values are known a priori. The work used the statistical decisions theory that allows formalising the verification algorithms and selecting a criterion for detecting outlying values. Both parametric and non-parametric methods were proposed. In the first case, it is required to have a priori information both on the function of the useful component and on the distribution law of the outlying component of the process, as well as its parameters. It is postulated that the use of non-parametric processing methods requires significantly less a priori information, but their effectiveness is defined by the processing parameters that, in turn, depend on the function of the useful and the distribution law of the outlying components of the process. It is noted that an outlier may prove to be one of the extreme values of the probability distribution of a random variable. The authors outline the problems of ambiguity of input data in case of classical computing. The paper examines the way the external factors affect the dependability and the degree to which such factors are taken into consideration in the existing methods. Methods for assessing the life of the examined items are presented, among which control chart-based methods hold a prominent place. It is shown that the range proves to be a more convenient measure for data dispersion calculation than the standard deviation. Plotting the range of sample on a control chart along with the expectation makes it easier to notice an anomaly. The range is a rough measure of the rate of change of the monitored variable and its value may exceed the control limits on the range chart and inform of an anomaly much earlier than the change in the mean that may still be within the specified control limits.
Automated train driving: risk analysis validation
Authors: Schäbe H.
Published: March 2024

Aim. The paper is dedicated to describing the validation of risk analysis as part of an automated train control research project. Methods. Validation was performed using several different methods. The obtained results were compared with those obtained from other sources. Additionally, an independent risk analysis was performed using the alternative MEM (minimum endogenous mortality) method. Results. The validation showed that the project’s findings are reliable. Safety Integrity Levels (SIL) 1 or 2 were confirmed for train driver substitution systems. Conclusions. It was shown that various methods should be used for the purpose of risk analysis validation. It must be taken into account that comparable, but not identical results will be obtained.
Shifting Paradigms in eHealth: A 25-Year Bibliometric Analysis of Global Research Trends and Collaborations: Cluster and Thematic Analyses (Preprint)
Authors: WEI CHIEN , Chow Julie Chi , Chou Willy
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

To illuminate the evolving landscape of eHealth research, a thorough bibliometric study was undertaken, focusing on the significant contributions within Journal of medical Internet research(JMIR) over the last 25 years.

OBJECTIVE

This research aimed to compare two distinct periods, 1999-2019 and 2020-2024, by analyzing patterns in author collaborations and keyword frequencies.

METHODS

Analyzing 7,791 JMIR article abstracts sourced from the Web of Science Core Collection, this study pinpointed key works and authors, shedding light on the development of eHealth technologies, methods, and applications. Through the use of line trends, choropleth maps, radar plots, network diagrams, collaborative maps, thematic maps, and beam plots, both a comprehensive and a comparative view were obtained, facilitated by cluster analysis and sophisticated bibliometric techniques. The research also explored the interdisciplinary nature of eHealth, identifying contributions from diverse fields, including countries, institutions, departments, and authors (collectively referred to as CIDA), as well as referenced journals and keywords.

RESULTS

The analysis revealed (1) article counts of 4,938 and 2,853 for the two periods, respectively; (2) predominant contributions from the United States, the University of Sydney, medical schools, and David Mohr, as per the CJAL score; (3) a shift in author collaborations from the US and UK to the US and China, and from The University of California San Francisco to The Chinese University of Hong Kong, alongside a disciplinary shift from psychiatry to nursing; (4) a change in prevalent keywords from "internet, care" to "care, health"; (5) the American Journal of Preventive Medicine as the most frequently cited reference, besides JMIR; and (6) the most cited article, by the author Gunther Eysenbach in 2004, cited 2,651 times.

CONCLUSIONS

The field of eHealth research is moving towards wider international cooperation and a multidisciplinary approach, with notable changes in geographical, institutional, and thematic focus. The bibliometric techniques employed offer valuable insights for future studies across related domains.

CLINICALTRIAL

Nil
Usability testing of an electronic patient-reported outcome platform in the context of Traumatic Brain Injury: the PRiORiTy study (Preprint)
Authors: McMullan Christel , Turner Grace , Retzer Ameeta , Belli Antonio , Davies Elin Haf , Nice Laura , Flavell Luke , Flavell Jackie , Calvert Melanie
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Improvements in clinical management of TBI have resulted in improved survival rates, meaning that more people live with the effects of their TBI for longer. Electronic assessment of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) post-TBI may facilitate early identification of ongoing issues, facilitate shared-decision making, and help improve long-term outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to test the usability of using an electronic PRO (ePRO) system (Atom5TM) with individuals who had a TBI.

METHODS

An ePRO platform (Atom5TM) was configured to be used by individuals who had TBI to report their symptoms. One-to-one usability testing sessions were conducted with individuals living with the effects of a TBI, using cognitive interviews and the ‘Think Aloud’ method. Effectiveness of the platform was assessed and areas for further improvement were identified. User satisfaction was assessed using a brief satisfaction questionnaire, based on the System Usability Scale.

RESULTS

Nine individuals were recruited from Headway UK and took part in one usability testing session. Measures of anxiety (GAD-2), depression (PCL-2), post-traumatic stress disorder (PCL-2), and quality of life (TBI QOL SF) were included in the Atom5TM platform. Overall, participants were satisfied with the electronic platform and found it easy to use, despite some difficulties understanding some of the questions. No critical errors and three non-critical errors were recorded. Overall usability and satisfaction score was 3.9 (sd=0.49).

CONCLUSIONS

This usability study suggests individuals living with the impact of a TBI can report their symptoms on an electronic platform. ePRO developers, healthcare providers and researchers should ensure that electronic platforms are inclusive and can be adapted to people’s needs.
Development and Validation of Deep Learning–Based Infectivity Prediction in Pulmonary Tuberculosis Through Chest Radiography: Retrospective Study (Preprint)
Authors: Chung Wou young , Yoon Jinsik , Yoon Dukyong , Kim Songsoo , Kim Yujeong , Park Ji Eun , Kang Young Ae
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) poses a global health challenge owing to the time-intensive nature of traditional diagnostic tests such as smear and culture tests, which can require hours to weeks to yield results.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to use artificial intelligence (AI)–based chest radiography (CXR) to evaluate the infectivity of patients with PTB more quickly and accurately compared with traditional methods such as smear and culture tests.

METHODS

We used DenseNet121 and visualization techniques such as gradient-weighted class activation mapping and local interpretable model-agnostic explanations to demonstrate the decision-making process of the model. We analyzed 36,142 CXR images of 4492 patients with PTB obtained from Severance Hospital, focusing specifically on the lung region through segmentation and cropping with TransUNet. We used data from 2004 to 2020 to train the model, data from 2021 for testing, and data from 2022 to 2023 for internal validation. In addition, we used 1978 CXR images of 299 patients with PTB obtained from Yongin Severance Hospital for external validation.

RESULTS

In the internal validation, the model achieved an accuracy of 73.27%, an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.79, and an area under the precision-recall curve of 0.77. In the external validation, it exhibited an accuracy of 70.29%, an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.77, and an area under the precision-recall curve of 0.8. In addition, gradient-weighted class activation mapping and local interpretable model-agnostic explanations provided insights into the decision-making process of the AI model.

CONCLUSIONS

This proposed AI tool offers a rapid and accurate alternative for evaluating PTB infectivity through CXR, with significant implications for enhancing screening efficiency by evaluating infectivity before sputum test results in clinical settings, compared with traditional smear and culture tests.
State-of-the-Art Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR)–Based Data Model and Structure Implementations: Systematic Scoping Review (Preprint)
Authors: Tabari Parinaz , Costagliola Gennaro , De Rosa Mattia , Boeker Martin
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

Data models are crucial for clinical research as they enable researchers to fully use the vast amount of clinical data stored in medical systems. Standardized data and well-defined relationships between data points are necessary to guarantee semantic interoperability. Using the Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) standard for clinical data representation would be a practical methodology to enhance and accelerate interoperability and data availability for research.

OBJECTIVE

This research aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art and current landscape in FHIR-based data models and structures. In addition, we intend to identify and discuss the tools, resources, limitations, and other critical aspects mentioned in the selected research papers.

METHODS

To ensure the extraction of reliable results, we followed the instructions of the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) checklist. We analyzed the indexed articles in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, IEEE Xplore, the ACM Digital Library, and Google Scholar. After identifying, extracting, and assessing the quality and relevance of the articles, we synthesized the extracted data to identify common patterns, themes, and variations in the use of FHIR-based data models and structures across different studies.

RESULTS

On the basis of the reviewed articles, we could identify 2 main themes: dynamic (pipeline-based) and static data models. The articles were also categorized into health care use cases, including chronic diseases, COVID-19 and infectious diseases, cancer research, acute or intensive care, random and general medical notes, and other conditions. Furthermore, we summarized the important or common tools and approaches of the selected papers. These items included FHIR-based tools and frameworks, machine learning approaches, and data storage and security. The most common resource was “Observation” followed by “Condition” and “Patient.” The limitations and challenges of developing data models were categorized based on the issues of data integration, interoperability, standardization, performance, and scalability or generalizability.

CONCLUSIONS

FHIR serves as a highly promising interoperability standard for developing real-world health care apps. The implementation of FHIR modeling for electronic health record data facilitates the integration, transmission, and analysis of data while also advancing translational research and phenotyping. Generally, FHIR-based exports of local data repositories improve data interoperability for systems and data warehouses across different settings. However, ongoing efforts to address existing limitations and challenges are essential for the successful implementation and integration of FHIR data models.