bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pockels Effect of Interfacial Water on a Mono-Electrode Induced by Current Parallel to the Electrode Surface
Authors: Morozumi Kairi , Kanemaru Hironori , Okada Akihiro , Ichimiya Tomonari , Kobayashi Takayoshi , Tokunaga Eiji
Published: March 2024

When an electric field is applied between two electrodes facing each other immersed in a liquid, the interfacial Pockels effect, a refractive index change proportional to the electric field, occurs in the electric double layer at the liquid–electrode interface. Here, we report that the Pockels effect of interfacial water can be observed even when an electric field is applied parallel to the surface of a “single” electrode in an electrolyte solution. This is a non-trivial result since the electric field parallel to the interface should not cause a broken spatial inversion symmetry, which is required for the Pockels effect. The Pockels signal was detected as a change in the transmitted light intensity due to the field-induced spectral shift of the interference fringes of the transparent conductive oxide electrode layer on a glass substrate. The magnitude of the signal increased as it approached the ends of the electrode, and the sign reversed across the center of the electrode. The electric field distribution calculated from the interfacial potential difference due to the in-plane parallel current showed that an electric field perpendicular to the interface was induced, whose distribution was consistent with the position dependence of the Pockels signal. A similar phenomenon was also observed for a single copper electrode, confirming that this is a universal effect.
Progression of Sprint Interval Training Set Performance and Physiological Responses during a Six-Week Training Period
Authors: Arsoniadis Gavriil G. , Toubekis Argyris G.
Published: March 2024

The aim of this study was to examine the progression and the effect of sprint interval training (SIT) on swimmers’ performance and physiological responses during and after a 6-week period. Eight swimmers (age: 16.7 ± 4.2 years) performed maximum efforts for (a) 200 and 400 m front crawl for the determination of critical speed (CS), (b) four 50 m repetitions (4 × 50 m) and a 100 m test before (Pre) and after (Post) the 6-week training period. SIT was applied three times per week including two sets of 4 × 50 m sprints starting every 2 min. Pre and Post swimming time (T), blood lactate (BL), heart rate (HR), and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were evaluated. CS increased by 4.4 ± 5.2% (p = 0.01) after 6 weeks. The Pre vs. Post values of T in 4 × 50 and 100 m and BL were unchanged (T: d = 0.05, 0.09, p = 0.14, 0.47, respectively; BL: d = 0.12, p = 0.42), while HR was decreased (d = 0.24, p = 0.04). The progression of T in 4 × 50 m training sprints was unchanged (p = 0.25) while BL increased in weeks 3 (9.4 ± 5.9%) and 5 (13.9 ± 7.8%) compared to week 1 (p = 0.01). SIT improved the swimmers’ aerobic endurance. The lactate response progressively increased despite similar SIT performance during the 6-week period.
Approximation of Cognitive Performance Using an Elastic Net Regression Model Trained on Gait, Visual, Auditory, Postural, and Olfactory Function Features
Authors: Kostic Emilija , Kwak Kiyoung , Lee Shinyoung , Kim Dongwook
Published: March 2024

When dementia is diagnosed, it is most often already past the point of irreversible neuronal deterioration. Neuropsychological tests are frequently used in clinical settings; however, they must be administered properly and are oftentimes conducted after cognitive impairment becomes apparent or is raised as a concern by the patient or a family member. It would be beneficial to develop a non-invasive system for approximating cognitive scores which can be utilized by a general practitioner without the need for cognitive testing. To this end, gait, visual, auditory, postural, and olfactory function parameters, reported history of illness, and personal habits were used to train an elastic-net regression model in predicting the cognitive score. Community-dwelling men (N = 104) above the age of sixty-five participated in the current study. Both individual variables and principal components of the motor and sensory functions were included in the elastic-net regression model, which was trained on 70% of the dataset. The years of education, limits of stability testing time, regular ophthalmological exams, postural testing time principal component, better ear score on the sentence recognition test, and olfactory discrimination score largely contributed to explaining over 40% of the variance in the cognitive score.
Abandoned Farmland Extraction and Feature Analysis Based on Multi-Sensor Fused Normalized Difference Vegetation Index Time Series—A Case Study in Western Mianchi County
Authors: Deng Jiqiu , Guo Yiwei , Chen Xiaoyan , Liu Liang , Liu Wenyi
Published: March 2024

Farmland abandonment monitoring is one of the key aspects of land use and land cover research, as well as being an important prerequisite for ecological environmental protection and food security. A Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) time series analysis is a common method used for farmland abandonment data extraction; however, extracting this information using high-resolution data is still difficult due to the limitations caused by cloud influence and data of low temporal resolution. To address this problem, this study used STARFM for GF-6 and Landsat 8 data fusion to enhance the continuity of high-resolution and cloudless images. A dataset was constructed by combining the phenological cycle of crops in the study area and then extracting abandoned farmland data based on an NDVI time series analysis. The overall accuracy of the results based on the NDVI time series analysis using the STARFM-fused dataset was 93.42%, which was 15.5% higher than the accuracy of the results obtained using only GF-6 data and 28.52% higher than those obtained using only Landsat data. Improvements in accuracy were also achieved when using SVM for time series analysis based on the fused dataset, indicating that the method used in this study can effectively improve the accuracy of the results. Then, we analyzed the spatial distribution pattern of abandoned farmland by extracting the results and concluded that the abandonment rate increased with the increase in the road network density and decreased with the increase in the distance to residential areas. This study can provide decision-making guidance and scientific and technological support for the monitoring of farmland abandonment and can facilitate the analysis of abandonment mechanisms in the study area, which is conducive to the sustainable development of farmland.
Positional Isomeric Effects on the Physicochemical Properties of Polymeric Matrix and Polymer@TiO2 Nanocomposites
Authors: Al-Shehri Badria M. , Bekhoukh Amina , Benkhatou Soumia , Moulefera Imane , Khormi Afaf Y. , Hakami Rabab A. , Alelyani Magbool , Abdelkader Jinan , Benyoucef Abdelghani , Bakkour Youssef
Published: March 2024

This study investigates the influence of positional isomerism on the physicochemical characteristics of polymeric matrices by examining polyo-anisidine (POA) and polyp-anisidine (PPA) in conjunction with TiO2 nanoparticles. The synthesis of POA@TiO2 and PPA@TiO2 involved chemical oxidative polymerization. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the anatase structure of TiO2 nanoparticles. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed the successful integration of TiO2 nanoparticles within the polymer matrix. Moreover, FTIR and UV–Vis spectroscopy confirmed the effective interaction between the nanoparticle and the polymer. TGA indicated that POA@TiO2 exhibited a lower weight loss than PPA@TiO2, suggesting an enhancement in thermal stability. Although the incorporation of TiO2 nanoparticles led to a reduction in the electrical conductivity of the pristine polymers (PPA and POA), the resultant nanocomposites retained high conductivities within the range of 0.08 to 0.34 S.cm−1. Furthermore, the POA-based polymer matrix displayed promising electrochemical properties. Significantly, the adherence of the POA layer to TiO2 nanoparticles suggests potential practical applications.
Erosion Monitoring in Benggang Based on Control-Free Images and Nap-of-the-Object Photogrammetry Techniques
Authors: Zhong Linting , Lai Jianfeng , Lai Guangxi , Ji Xiang , Zhang Yue , Jiang Fangshi , Huang Yanhe , Lin Jinshi
Published: March 2024

Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based nap-of-the-object photogrammetry techniques can be utilized to periodically monitor the erosion of nearly vertical cliffs. However, the broader applicability of such techniques is hindered by the necessity of deploying multiple ground control points around collapsing walls. This study aims to accurately assess Benggang erosion before and after the rainy season by analyzing the optimal flight proximity distance using close-range photogrammetric techniques. The assessment centers on positioning accuracy, point cloud data, and digital surface model (DSM) data. Nap-of-the-object photogrammetry techniques are integrated with control-free image methods to conduct aerial surveys of Benggang, generating high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) DSMs. The feasibility of this control-free-image-based nap-of-the-object photogrammetry technique is evaluated based on positioning accuracy and measurement errors, comparing the generated DSMs with real-time kinematic (RTK) measured coordinate data. The results indicate that a flight proximity distance of 20 m is optimal for obtaining data in the Benggang area using control-free-image-based nap-of-the-object photogrammetry. This scheme yields an average reprojection error of approximately 0.01 pixels in data processing before and after rainfall, showing strong consistency in the spatial distribution of the two-stage 3D models. The mean absolute error in planar accuracy is between 0.01 m and 0.02 m, and that in elevation accuracy is approximately 0.03 m, with the lowest errors reaching the millimeter level. Therefore, control-free images combined with nap-of-the-object photogrammetry techniques can meet relevant demands for monitoring landslide erosional areas, providing technical support for extensive, safe, and efficient Benggang erosion monitoring.
An Approach to Incorporating Implicit Knowledge in Object Detection Models
Authors: Peng Wenbo , Huang Jinjie
Published: March 2024

Current object detection methods typically focus on addressing the distribution discrepancies between source and target domains. However, solely concentrating on this aspect may lead to overlooking the inherent limitations of the samples themselves. This study proposes a method to integrate implicit knowledge into object detection models, aiming to enhance the models’ effectiveness in identifying target features within images. We analyze the sources of information loss in object detection models, treating this loss as a form of implicit knowledge and modeling it in the form of dictionaries. We explore potentially effective ways of integrating latent knowledge into the models and then apply it to object detection models. The models demonstrate a 1% and 0.8% improvement in mean average precision(mAP) in the UA-DETRAC and KITTI datasets, respectively. The results indicate that the proposed method can effectively enhance the relevant metrics of object detection models without significantly increasing the parameter or computational overhead. By excavating and utilizing implicit knowledge, we enhance the performance and efficiency of the models, offering new perspectives and methods for addressing challenges in practical applications.
Effects of Polyurethane Absorber for Improving the Contrast between Fascia and Muscle in Diagnostic Ultrasound Images
Authors: Park Chan-Sol , Ahn Soo-Jin , Lee Yeong-Bae , Kang Chang-Ki
Published: March 2024

In ultrasound diagnostics, acoustic absorbers block unwanted acoustic energy or prevent the reception of echo signals from structures outside the target area. Non-metallic absorbers provide a low-echoic signal that is suitable for observing the anatomy of the area to which the absorber is attached. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of a polyurethane film absorber (PU) on ultrasound diagnostic imaging and investigate its effectiveness in improving the image contrast between the fascia and muscle structures. Twenty-six healthy men in their twenties participated in this study. The experiment was performed with the participant in the supine position and with an ultrasound transducer probe placed at the center of the measurement area on the abdomen. Images of the rectus abdominis (RA; muscle) and rectus sheath, e.g., fascia including superficial fascia (SF) and deep fascia (DF), obtained after attaching a PU, were compared with those obtained without the absorber (No_PU). The thickness was measured using brightness mode ultrasound imaging. To analyze the quantitative differences in the fascia and muscle images depending on the presence of the absorber, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were derived from the signal intensities measured in the target areas. The thickness of the fascia and muscle was similar in all regions of interest, regardless of the absorber; therefore, the existing diagnostic value was maintained. Overall, the signal intensity decreased; however, the SNRs of the RA, SF, and DF differed significantly. The SNR of the RA decreased in the PU but increased for the SF and DF. The CNRs for SF-RA and DF-RA significantly increased with the PU. In this study, we demonstrated that the PU behaved similarly to previously used metallic absorbers, reducing the signal from the attachment site while accurately indicating the attachment site in the ultrasound images. Furthermore, the results showed that the PU efficiently distinguished fascia from surrounding tissues, which could support studies requiring increased signal contrast between fascia and muscle tissue and aid the clinical diagnosis of fascial diseases.
Performance Analysis and Optimization of Coupled Cooling System for Auxiliary Ventilation and Partial Thermal Insulation in High Geothermal Tunnels
Authors: Li Zijun , Jia Qian , Li Gang , Xu Yu , Wang Junjian , Zhai Xiaowei
Published: March 2024

A high temperature is the key factor limiting the safe development of deep mine tunnels. By confronting the phenomenon of serious heat exchange between airflow and the surrounding rocks in the tunnel excavation area, a conceptual model of coupled cooling of auxiliary ventilation and partial thermal insulation is proposed. The performance of a coupled cooling system was investigated and optimized by using the scale model test with a 1:10 geometric scale and the orthogonal test. The results suggest that the average temperatures of the work zone and its central point decrease by 1.5 °C and 3.3 °C, respectively, while partial insulation layers are used. According to the sensitivity analysis for a single factor, as the ventilation duct outlet (VDO) moves away from the working face (WF), the temperature gradually increases, leading to a local high temperature area. When the ventilation duct height is arranged in the middle of the insulation layer, the cooling effect is optimal and the highest average temperature difference is 4.4 °C. The thermal equilibrium temperature can be further decreased by lengthening and thickening the insulation layer. In addition, the range analysis shows that the ventilation velocity has a greater impact on the thermal environment of the tunnel working area than the ventilation duct location and insulation layer length. The coupled cooling method can save on cooling capacity and effectively alleviate the high-temperature problems of the tunnel excavation area.
Fostering Sustainable Aquaculture: Mitigating Fish Mortality Risks Using Decision Trees Classifiers
Authors: Gkikas Dimitris C. , Gkikas Marios C. , Theodorou John A.
Published: March 2024

A proposal has been put forward advocating a data-driven strategy that employs classifiers from data mining to foresee and categorize instances of fish mortality. This addresses the increasing concerns regarding the death rates in caged fish environments because of the unsustainable fish farming techniques employed and environmental variables involved. The aim of this research is to enhance the competitiveness of Greek fish farming through the development of an intelligent system that is able to diagnose fish diseases in farms. This system concurrently addresses medication and dosage issues. To achieve this, a comprehensive dataset derived from various aquaculture sources was used, including various factors such as the geographic locations, farming techniques, and indicative parameters such as the water quality, climatic conditions, and fish biological characteristics. The main objective of the research was to categorize fish mortality cases through predictive models. Advanced data mining classification methods, specifically decision trees (DTs), were used for the comparison, aiming to recognize the most appropriate method with high precision and recall rates in predicting fish death rates. To ensure the reliability of the results, a methodical evaluation process was adopted, including cross-validation and a classification performance assessment. In addition, a statistical analysis was performed to gain insights into the factors that identify the correlations between the various factors affecting fish mortality. This analysis contributes to the development of targeted conservation and restoration action strategies. The research results have important implications for sustainable management actions, enabling stakeholders to proactively address issues and monitor aquaculture practices. This proactive approach ensures the protection of farmed fish quantities while meeting global seafood requirements. The data mining using a classification approach coincides with the general context of the UN sustainability goals, reducing the losses in seafood management and production when dealing with the consequences of climate change.
Online Street View-Based Approach for Sky View Factor Estimation: A Case Study of Nanjing, China
Authors: Xu Haiyang , Lu Huaxing , Liu Shichen
Published: March 2024

The Sky View Factor (SVF) stands as a critical metric for quantitatively assessing urban spatial morphology and its estimation method based on Street View Imagery (SVI) has gained significant attention in recent years. However, most existing Street View-based methods prove inefficient and constrained in SVI dataset collection. These approaches often fall short in capturing detailed visual areas of the sky, and do not meet the requirements for handling large areas. Therefore, an online method for the rapid estimation of a large area SVF using SVI is presented in this study. The approach has been integrated into a WebGIS tool called BMapSVF, which refines the extent of the visible sky and allows for instant estimation of the SVF at observation points. In this paper, an empirical case study is carried out in the street canyons of the Qinhuai District of Nanjing to illustrate the effectiveness of the method. To validate the accuracy of the refined SVF extraction method, we employ both the SVI method based on BMapSVF and the simulation method founded on 3D urban building models. The results demonstrate an acceptable level of refinement accuracy in the test area.
Effect of Gas Flow Rate and Ratio on Structure and Properties of Nitrogen-Doped Diamond-like Carbon Films
Authors: Ma Huizhong , Wang Liandi , Li Na , Li Junpu , Zhang Lan
Published: March 2024

Diamond-like carbon (DLC) has attracted much attention due to its unique properties such as high chemical inertness, optical transparency, and high biocompatibility. In this study, the total gas flow rate was kept constant, while the ratio of reactive gases was varied to deposit nitrogen-doped diamond-like carbon thin films on glass substrates using radiofrequency plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition. The effects of the gas flow ratio on the composition, microstructure, surface morphology, and optical properties of the thin films were investigated through extended deposition times. It was found that with an increase in the nitrogen-to-methane gas flow ratio, the film surface became smoother and more compact. The maximum transmittance in the visible range reached 90%, and the highest and lowest transmittance in the same ultraviolet wavelength region differed by up to 25.62% among several sample groups. The optical bandgap decreased from 3.58 eV to 3.46 eV, contrary to the trend of the sp2 fraction variation. Compared with other studies, this study considered the preparation of nitrogen-doped diamondoids using a chemical vapor deposition method with a lesser total gas flow rate passed into it, which provides practical data reference value for the preparation of N-DLC.
3D Ultrasound Mosaic of the Whole Shoulder: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Sewify Ahmed , Antico Maria , Steffens Marian , Roots Jacqueline , Gupta Ashish , Cutbush Kenneth , Pivonka Peter , Fontanarosa Davide
Published: March 2024

A protocol is proposed to acquire a tomographic ultrasound (US) scan of the musculoskeletal (MSK) anatomy in the rotator cuff region. Current clinical US imaging techniques are hindered by occlusions and a narrow field of view and require expert acquisition and interpretation. There is limited literature on 3D US image registration of the shoulder or volumetric reconstruction of the full shoulder complex. We believe that a clinically accurate US volume reconstruction of the entire shoulder can aid in pre-operative surgical planning and reduce the complexity of US interpretation. The protocol was used in generating data for deep learning model training to automatically register US mosaics in real-time. An in vivo 3D US tomographic reconstruction of the entire rotator cuff region was produced by registering 53 sequential 3D US volumes acquired by an MSK sonographer. Anatomical surface thicknesses and distances in the US mosaic were compared to their corresponding MRI measurements as the ground truth. The humeral head surface was marginally thicker in the reconstructed US mosaic than its original thickness observed in a single US volume by 0.65 mm. The humeral head diameter and acromiohumeral distance (ACHD) matched with their measured MRI distances with a reconstruction error of 0 mm and 1.2 mm, respectively. Furthermore, the demonstration of 20 relevant MSK structures was independently graded between 1 and 5 by two sonographers, with higher grades indicating poorer demonstration. The average demonstration grade for each anatomy was as follows: bones = 2, muscles = 3, tendons = 3, ligaments = 4–5 and labrum = 4–5. There was a substantial agreement between sonographers (Cohen’s Weighted kappa of 0.71) on the demonstration of the structures, and they both independently deemed the mosaic clinically acceptable for the visualisation of the bony anatomy. Ligaments and the labrum were poorly observed due to anatomy size, location and inaccessibility in a static scan, and artefact build-up from the registration and compounding approaches.
A Block Hybrid Method with Equally Spaced Grid Points for Third-Order Initial Value Problems
Authors: Ahmedai Abd Allah Salma A. A. , Sibanda Precious , Goqo Sicelo P. , Rufai Uthman O. , Sithole Mthethwa Hloniphile , Noreldin Osman A. I.
Published: March 2024

In this paper, we extend the block hybrid method with equally spaced intra-step points to solve linear and nonlinear third-order initial value problems. The proposed block hybrid method uses a simple iteration scheme to linearize the equations. Numerical experimentation demonstrates that equally spaced grid points for the block hybrid method enhance its speed of convergence and accuracy compared to other conventional block hybrid methods in the literature. This improvement is attributed to the linearization process, which avoids the use of derivatives. Further, the block hybrid method is consistent, stable, and gives rapid convergence to the solutions. We show that the simple iteration method, when combined with the block hybrid method, exhibits impressive convergence characteristics while preserving computational efficiency. In this study, we also implement the proposed method to solve the nonlinear Jerk equation, producing comparable results with other methods used in the literature.
Thunderstorms near the North Pole
Authors: Popykina Alena , Ilin Nikolay , Shatalina Maria , Price Colin , Sarafanov Fedor , Terentev Andrey , Kurkin Andrey
Published: March 2024

In recent years, there has been a notable surge in lightning events within the Arctic region. This is possibly due to the ongoing trend of global warming that is particularly pronounced in the Arctic. This study focuses on instances of rare lightning activity in the proximity to the North Pole in the last decade. We hypothesize that these occurrences are linked to augmented land heating in Eurasia rather than solely due to the increasing temperatures in the Arctic region. This assertion is substantiated by model simulations using the Weather Research and Forecasting model.
Influence of Brainstem’s Area A5 on Sympathetic Outflow and Cardiorespiratory Dynamics
Authors: Rocha Isabel , González-García Marta , Carrillo-Franco Laura , Dawid-Milner Marc Stefan , López-González Manuel Victor
Published: March 2024

Area A5 is a noradrenergic cell group in the brain stem characterised by its important role in triggering sympathetic activity, exerting a profound influence on the sympathetic outflow, which is instrumental in the modulation of cardiovascular functions, stress responses and various other physiological processes that are crucial for adaptation and survival mechanisms. Understanding the role of area A5, therefore, not only provides insights into the basic functioning of the sympathetic nervous system but also sheds light on the neuronal basis of a number of autonomic responses. In this review, we look deeper into the specifics of area A5, exploring its anatomical connections, its neurochemical properties and the mechanisms by which it influences sympathetic nervous system activity and cardiorespiratory regulation and, thus, contributes to the overall dynamics of the autonomic function in regulating body homeostasis.
Molecular Evidence Reveals Taxonomic Uncertainties and Cryptic Diversity in the Neotropical Catfish of the Genus Pimelodus (Siluriformes: Pimelodidae)
Authors: Limeira Filho Daniel , França Elidy Rayane de Rezende , Costa Dalton Kaynnan de Prado , Lima Renato Correia , Nascimento Maria Histelle Sousa do , Batista Jacqueline da Silva , Barros Maria Claudene , Fraga Elmary da Costa
Published: March 2024

Pimelodus is the most speciose genus of the family Pimelodidae, and is amply distributed in the Neotropical region. The species-level taxonomy and phylogenetic relationships within this genus are still poorly resolved, however. These taxonomic problems and the general lack of data have generated major uncertainties with regard to the identification of specimens from different localities. In the present study, we applied a single-locus species delimitation approach to identify the MOTUs found within the genus Pimelodus and provide sound evidence for the evaluation of the species richness of this genus in the different river basins of the Neotropical region. The study was based on the analysis of sequences of the mitochondrial COI gene of 13 nominal species, which resulted in the identification of 24 consensus MOTUs. Only six nominal species were recovered as well-defined molecular entities by both the traditional barcoding analysis and the molecular delimitation methods, while the other seven presented cryptic diversity or persistent taxonomic uncertainties. The lineages identified from the Parnaíba ecoregions, Amazonas Estuary and Coastal Drainages may represent a much greater diversity of Pimelodus species than that recognized currently, although a more detailed study of this diversity will be necessary to provide a more definitive classification of the genus.
Rational Design of Key Enzymes to Efficiently Synthesize Phycocyanobilin in Escherichia coli
Authors: Wang Ziwei , Zhou Jingwen , Li Jianghua , Du Guocheng , Chen Jian , Zhao Xinrui
Published: March 2024

Phycocyanobilin (PCB) is a natural blue tetrapyrrole chromophore that is found in phycocyanin and plays an essential role in photosynthesis. Due to PCB’s antioxidation, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, it has been utilized in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Currently, the extraction of PCB from Spirulina involves complex processes, which has led to increasing interest in the biosynthesis of PCB in Escherichia coli. However, the PCB titer remains low because of the poor activity of key enzymes and the insufficient precursor supply. Here, the synthesis of PCB was firstly improved by screening the optimal heme oxygenase (HO) from Thermosynechococcus elongatus BP-1(HOT) and PCB: ferredoxin oxidoreductase from Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 (PcyAS). In addition, based on a rational design and the infrared fluorescence method for high-throughput screening, the mutants of HOT(F29W/K166D) and PcyAS(D220G/H74M) with significantly higher activities were obtained. Furthermore, a DNA scaffold was applied in the assembly of HOT and PcyAS mutants to reduce the spatial barriers, and the heme supply was enhanced via the moderate overexpression of hemB and hemH, resulting in the highest PCB titer (184.20 mg/L) obtained in a 5 L fermenter. The strategies applied in this study lay the foundation for the industrial production of PCB and its heme derivatives.
Solute Transport through Mitochondrial Porins In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Benz Roland
Published: March 2024

Mitochondria are most likely descendants of strictly aerobic prokaryotes from the class Alphaproteobacteria. The mitochondrial matrix is surrounded by two membranes according to its relationship with Gram-negative bacteria. Similar to the bacterial outer membrane, the mitochondrial outer membrane acts as a molecular sieve because it also contains diffusion pores. However, it is more actively involved in mitochondrial metabolism because it plays a functional role, whereas the bacterial outer membrane has only passive sieving properties. Mitochondrial porins, also known as eukaryotic porins or voltage-dependent anion-selective channels (VDACs) control the permeability properties of the mitochondrial outer membrane. They contrast with most bacterial porins because they are voltage-dependent. They switch at relatively small transmembrane potentials of 20 to 30 mV in closed states that exhibit different permeability properties than the open state. Whereas the open state is preferentially permeable to anionic metabolites of mitochondrial metabolism, the closed states prefer cationic solutes, in particular, calcium ions. Mitochondrial porins are encoded in the nucleus, synthesized at cytoplasmatic ribosomes, and post-translationally imported through special transport systems into mitochondria. Nineteen beta strands form the beta-barrel cylinders of mitochondrial and related porins. The pores contain in addition an α-helical structure at the N-terminal end of the protein that serves as a gate for the voltage-dependence. Similarly, they bind peripheral proteins that are involved in mitochondrial function and compartment formation. This means that mitochondrial porins are localized in a strategic position to control mitochondrial metabolism. The special features of the role of mitochondrial porins in apoptosis and cancer will also be discussed in this article.
Classification and Explanation of Iron Deficiency Anemia from Complete Blood Count Data Using Machine Learning
Authors: Pullakhandam Siddartha , McRoy Susan
Published: March 2024

Background: Currently, discriminating Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) from other anemia requires an expensive test (serum ferritin). Complete Blood Count (CBC) tests are less costly and more widely available. Machine learning models have not yet been applied to discriminating IDA but do well for similar tasks. Methods: We constructed multiple machine learning methods to classify IDA from CBC data using a US NHANES dataset of over 19,000 instances, calculating accuracy, precision, recall, and precision AUC (PR AUC). We validated the results using an unseen dataset from Kenya, using the same model. We calculated ranked feature importance to explain the global behavior of the model. Results: Our model classifies IDA with a PR AUC of 0.87 and recall/sensitivity of 0.98 and 0.89 for the original dataset and an unseen Kenya dataset, respectively. The explanations indicate that low blood level of hemoglobin, higher age, and higher Red Blood Cell distribution width were most critical. We also found that optimization made only minor changes to the explanations and that the features used remained consistent with professional practice. Conclusions: The overall high performance and consistency of the results suggest that the approach would be acceptable to health professionals and would support enhancements to current automated CBC analyzers.
One-Step Detection of Vancomycin in Whole Blood Using the Lateral Flow Immunoassay
Authors: Jung Yugyung , Kim Seonjong , Kim Min-Gon , Lee Young-Eun , Shin Myung-Geun , Yang Sung
Published: March 2024

Vancomycin (VAN) is an effective antibiotic against Gram-positive bacteria and the first-line therapy to prevent and treat methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and severe infections. However, low concentrations of VAN can result in resistant strains. High doses of VAN can cause nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity; thus, VAN is a representative drug for which drug monitoring is recommended. Several methods have been proposed to detect VAN. Among them, lateral flow immunoassays (LFIAs) have advantages, such as simple and user-friendly operation, low sample volume requirement, and cost effectiveness. In this study, we developed an LFIA capable of rapid on-site detection such that the VAN concentration in plasma could be monitored within 20 min by a one-step detection process using whole blood without plasma separation. VAN can be detected in whole blood over a wide range of concentrations (20−10,000 ng/mL), and the LFIA reported here has a detection limit of 18 ng/mL. The applicability of the developed LFIA compared to the results of measuring VAN with a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit showed a satisfactory correlation (Spearman’s rho, ρ = 0.891). Therefore, the developed LFIA enables rapid and wide-range VAN detection in whole blood and can aid in drug monitoring to evaluate patients’ responses to treatment.
Real-Time Classification of Anxiety in Virtual Reality Therapy Using Biosensors and a Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Mevlevioğlu Deniz , Tabirca Sabin , Murphy David
Published: March 2024

Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy is a method of cognitive behavioural therapy that aids in the treatment of anxiety disorders by making therapy practical and cost-efficient. It also allows for the seamless tailoring of the therapy by using objective, continuous feedback. This feedback can be obtained using biosensors to collect physiological information such as heart rate, electrodermal activity and frontal brain activity. As part of developing our objective feedback framework, we developed a Virtual Reality adaptation of the well-established emotional Stroop Colour–Word Task. We used this adaptation to differentiate three distinct levels of anxiety: no anxiety, mild anxiety and severe anxiety. We tested our environment on twenty-nine participants between the ages of eighteen and sixty-five. After analysing and validating this environment, we used it to create a dataset for further machine-learning classification of the assigned anxiety levels. To apply this information in real-time, all of our information was processed within Virtual Reality. Our Convolutional Neural Network was able to differentiate the anxiety levels with a 75% accuracy using leave-one-out cross-validation. This shows that our system can accurately differentiate between different anxiety levels.
Values in Action: Unveiling the Impact of Self-Transcendence and Self-Enhancement on Domestic Consumption Choices
Authors: Zhao Zerui , Huang Lu
Published: March 2024

Against the backdrop of a global emphasis on supporting local businesses and fostering domestic consumption, this study aims to shed light on the influence of personal values on the intentions behind domestic-product consumption. Drawing from the Schwartz value theory, we explore how values of self-transcendence, which embody benevolence and universalism, versus self-enhancement, characterized by a focus on power and achievement, influence consumer behavior. Utilizing data from the Chinese Social Survey (CSS2021) and a survey of 316 participants, structural equation modeling and Dematel analysis are employed to reveal causal relationships between values and consumption intentions. We reveal a dichotomous impact of these value orientations. Self-transcendence values are found to positively affect domestic consumption intentions by enhancing awareness of consequence and ascription of responsibility, thereby strengthening personal norms. In contrast, self-enhancement values tend to impede these intentions. By integrating the Norm-Activation Model (NAM), this study comprehensively uncovers the unique mechanism through which values activate personal norms and subsequently encourage the consumption of domestic products. It enriches the body of research related to values and domestic consumption and offers pertinent recommendations for promoting local enterprises’ products.
Social Media’s Influence on Eco-Friendly Choices in Fitness Services: A Mediation Moderation Approach
Authors: Hafyana Samira , Alzubi Ahmad
Published: March 2024

In the evolving landscape of the building sector, the digital sphere is reshaping consumer engagement and purchase behaviors, especially in the sustainability-focused niche of fitness facilities. Utilizing the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and elaboration likelihood model (ELM), this study examines the impact of social media influence (SMI) on purchasing intentions for sustainable fitness services (PISFS) through the mediating role of green building consumption perceptions (GBCPs) and the moderating effect of environmental awareness (EA). To examine the proposed relationships and achieve the objectives of the study, 672 valid responses were collected from professionals and customers in fitness services in Turkey and analyzed using Smart PLS 4. The results of the data analysis revealed that SMI positively impacts PISFS, SMI positively impacts GBCP, GBCP positively impacts PISFS, GBCP plays an effective mediation role between SMI and PISFS, the influence of social media on purchasing intentions for sustainable fitness services is further enhanced at high levels of environmental awareness, and the impact of social media on green building consumption perceptions is further strengthened at higher levels of environmental awareness. This study’s insights call for the building sector, particularly in sustainable fitness facilities, to actively integrate social media strategies and environmental awareness into their marketing and design. Emphasizing green building attributes on digital platforms can significantly influence consumer choices, steering the industry toward a more environmentally conscious and digitally engaged future.
Modeling and Loading Effect of Wind on Long-Span Cross-Rope Suspended Overhead Line with Suspension Insulator
Authors: Qin Qixin , Tu Xi , Hu Yujing , Wang Zhisong , Yu Lin , Hou Shengli
Published: March 2024

The long-span Cross-Rope Suspended (CRS) system is composed of a transmission line (conductor), a long-span suspension cable, and an insulator. The previously introduced long-span CRS with a Tension Insulator (CRSTI) has shown applicability in mountainous areas. However, the tension insulator divided the suspension cable into several sections, which made the construction of a long-span CRS rather difficult. This paper introduces long-span CRS with a Suspension Insulator (CRSSI), in which the suspension cable was not disconnected, and the conductor was supported by a suspension insulator connected to the suspension cable. For the purposes of assessment, the initial shape of the suspension cable with concentrated loading from the self-gravity of the suspension insulator and the conductors was studied, and practical lengths in construction could be calculated exactly. Secondly, the structural performance of CRSSI, including its dynamic properties and the loading effect of wind, was discussed by means of numerical analysis. Vibration modes of the structure were obtained by FE analysis. Finally, structural deformation under static wind loading was studied. The result of the analysis showed that the stiffness of CRSSI was lower than CRSTI. The first frequency of CRSSI was 6% smaller than CRSTI. Regarding static wind loading, additional displacement of the insulator contributed to the maximum displacement of long-span CRSSI. Apparently, the displacement of the suspension insulator increased with wind speed. Moreover, the number of spans has an insignificant influence on tension force and deformation.
Promoting the Sustainable Development of Power Construction Projects through Stakeholder Participant Mechanisms: An Evolutionary Game Analysis
Authors: Li Lihong , Song Kun , Zhu Rui , Zhang Ou , Jiang Xue
Published: March 2024

The sustainable development of power construction projects (PCPs) is of great significance in solving the issue of high carbon emissions in the power industry. However, the profit-seeking nature of stakeholders’ strategic choices and other conflicts have seriously hindered this process. This study constructs a tripartite game evolution model for the government, grid companies and the public, and determines the factors and range of values that affect the behavioral and strategic choices of stakeholders based on the literature analysis method and case study method. Numerical simulations are conducted with the help of MATLAB R2021a software to explore the changes in decision-making behavior of stakeholders and system stabilization strategies in different stages of the industry life cycle and the influencing mechanisms. The results show that in the initial stage, the government lays the foundation for the development of PCPs through policy guidance under the government-led mechanism. As PCPs move into the development stage, stakeholders’ benefits increase, creating a collaborative participation situation. As PCPs mature, the role of market guidance comes to the fore, and the interventionist role of government diminishes to a guardian role. In terms of sensitivity analysis of relevant parameters, low government rewards and penalties are not conducive to the adoption of low-carbon sustainable construction programs by power grid companies. The public influences the sustainable behavior of the government and power grid companies through public opinion. In addition, reasonable cost inputs from all stakeholders are critical to effectively promote the steady growth of PCPs. Based on the results, a sustainable development promotion mechanism for PCPs is constructed based on multiple dimensions, with a view to providing decision-making services for stakeholders and thus contributing to the sustainable development of PCPs.
Adhesion Analysis of Adhesive Mortar Joints in Ceramic Tiles under Static Loading
Authors: Silva Janaina Salustio da , Torres Sandro M. , Silva Ângelo J. Costa e , Silva Fernando A. N. , Azevedo António C. , Delgado João M. P. Q.
Published: March 2024

Ceramic detachment is a serious problem that persists in modern building constructions despite technological advances and updated regulatory documents. Most of these detachments occur at the interface between the adhesive mortar and the ceramic tile, due to the action of simultaneous tensile and shearing efforts. However, despite this understanding, experimental studies that evaluate the integrity of the adhesion of façades covering materials subjected to simultaneous stress are scarce. In this sense, this study proposes to evaluate the integrity of adhesive mortar joints using the mixed-mode flexure (MMF) crack propagation test. Force and elastic and dissipated energy data were used in this analysis. Prismatic specimens, with a size of 160 × 40 mm2 and a thickness of 6 mm, were produced consisting of two ceramic plates joined by a layer of adhesive mortar at 5 ± 0.5 mm. An acetate film was inserted into one of the mortar–ceramic interfaces in order to simulate the presence of a previous crack, and different crack sizes were used. The results showed the high stress-concentrating effect that the existence of flaws in the interface region has on fracture resistance, as well as the importance of effective contact between the materials. The energy parameters confirmed the analyses carried out based on the load values. The elastic energy of the system fell in the cracked samples, showing that there is a close relationship between the interface energy and the adhesive strength of the material. An energy release of the order of 0.053 ± 0.031 J was required for a 15 mm crack to propagate, creating a fracture surface.
Association of Social Determinants with Patient-Reported Outcomes in Patients with Cancer
Authors: Hutchings Hollis , Behinaein Parnia , Enofe Nosayaba , Brue Kellie , Tam Samantha , Chang Steven , Movsas Benjamin , Poisson Laila , Wang Anqi , Okereke Ikenna
Published: March 2024

Patient-reported outcome (PRO) scores have been utilized more frequently, but the relationship of PRO scores to determinants of health and social inequities has not been widely studied. Our goal was to determine the association of PRO scores with social determinants. All patients with a new cancer diagnosis who completed a PRO survey from 2020 to 2022 were included. The PRO survey recorded scores for depression, fatigue, pain interference and physical function. Higher depression, fatigue and pain scores indicated more distress. Higher physical condition scores indicated improved functionality. A total of 1090 patients were included. Married patients had significantly better individual PRO scores for each domain. Patients who were able to use the online portal to complete their survey also had better individual scores. Male patients and non-White patients had worse pain scores than female and White patients, respectively. Patients with prostate cancer had the best scores while patients with head and neck and lung cancer had the worst scores. PRO scores varied by cancer disease site and stage. Social support may act in combination with specific patient/tumor factors to influence PRO scores. These findings present opportunities to address patient support at institutional levels.