bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential Cytoprotective and Anti-Apoptotic Effect of Metamizole Alone and in Combination with Cytostatic Drugs Observed In Vitro in Canine (D-17) and Human (U-2 OS) Osteosarcoma Cell Lines
Authors: Poradowski Dominik , Chrószcz Aleksander , Spychaj Radosław , Onar Vedat
Published: March 2024

Metamizole (dipyrone) is still a frequently used drug in human and veterinary medicine, especially for pain relief, sometimes also in osteosarcoma treatment. It has a very strong analgesic and antipyretic effect and weaker anti-inflammatory activity. Additionally, it has spasmolytic properties. It is used in many species, including dogs, cats, pigs, cattle, horses, and humans, in Europe, Canada, and South America. The aim of this study was to assess a potential synergism of metamizole as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug with routinely used cytostatics (cisplatin, carboplatin, doxorubicin, and etoposide). In vitro studies were performed on a canine osteosarcoma D-17 cell line and a human U-2 OS cell line. We used the MTT method to assess cell viability, TUNEL staining to assess proapoptotic effects, and propidium iodide to analyse the cell cycle (potential arrest). The obtained results showed that metamizole at 50 μg/mL has potential cytoprotective and anti-apoptotic effects. Metamizole administered simultaneously with cytostatic drugs reduced their cytotoxic effect, which may suggest that such a combination of drugs used in the treatment of osteosarcoma may significantly reduce therapy effectiveness.
Using Electroencephalogram-Extracted Nonlinear Complexity and Wavelet-Extracted Power Rhythm Features during the Performance of Demanding Cognitive Tasks (Aristotle’s Syllogisms) in Optimally Classifying Patients with Anorexia Nervosa
Authors: Karavia Anna , Papaioannou Anastasia , Michopoulos Ioannis , Papageorgiou Panos C. , Papaioannou George , Gonidakis Fragiskos , Papageorgiou Charalabos C.
Published: March 2024

Anorexia nervosa is associated with impaired cognitive flexibility and central coherence, i.e., the ability to provide an overview of complex information. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate EEG features elicited from patients with anorexia nervosa and healthy controls during mental tasks (valid and invalid Aristotelian syllogisms and paradoxes). Particularly, we examined the combination of the most significant syllogisms with selected features (relative power of the time–frequency domain and wavelet-estimated EEG-specific waves, Higuchi fractal dimension (HFD), and information-oriented approximate entropy (AppEn)). We found that alpha, beta, gamma, theta waves, and AppEn are the most suitable measures, which, when combined with specific syllogisms, form a powerful tool for efficiently classifying healthy subjects and patients with AN. We assessed the performance of triadic combinations of “feature–classifier–syllogism” via machine learning techniques in correctly classifying new subjects in these two groups. The following triads attain the best classifications: (a) “AppEn-invalid-ensemble BT classifier” (accuracy 83.3%), (b) “Higuchi FD-valid-linear discriminant” (accuracy 75%), (c) “alpha amplitude-valid-SVM” (accuracy 83.3%), (d) “alpha RP-paradox-ensemble BT” (accuracy 85%), (e) “beta RP-valid-ensemble” (accuracy 85%), (f) “gamma RP-valid-SVM” (accuracy 85%), and (g) “theta RP-valid-KNN” (accuracy 80%). Our findings suggest that anorexia nervosa has a specific information-processing style across reasoning tasks in the brain as measured via EEG activity. Our findings also contribute to further supporting the view that entropy-oriented, i.e., information-based features (the AppEn measure used in this study) are promising diagnostic tools (biomarkers) in clinical applications related to medical classification problems. Furthermore, the main EEG-specific frequency waves are extremely enhanced and become powerful classification tools when combined with Aristotle’s syllogisms.
Effects of Myofascial Release Technique along with Cognitive Behavior Therapy in University Students with Chronic Neck Pain and Forward Head Posture: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Anwar Sahreen , Zahid Junaid , Alexe Cristina Ioana , Ghazi Abdullah , Mareș Gabriel , Sheraz Zainab , Sanchez-Gomez Rubén , Perveen Wajida , Alexe Dan Iulian , Gasibat Qais
Published: March 2024

The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Myofascial Release Technique (MRT) along with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) on pain, craniovertebral angle (CVA), and neck disability in university students with chronic neck pain and forward head posture. A total of sixty-six eligible participants with chronic neck pain and forward head posture were randomized into the Myofascial Release Therapy (MRT) group (n = 33) and MRT and Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) group (n = 33). Clinical outcomes included neck pain measured using the numerical pain rating scale, neck disability measured through the neck disability index, and forward head posture measured through the cranial vertebral angle. The outcomes were assessed at baseline and the four and eight weeks after the intervention. Both groups showed significant improvement in pain intensity, CVA, and neck disability after the intervention. However, the CBT group demonstrated greater improvements than the MRT group. The difference in outcomes between the groups was statistically significant. Myofascial Release Therapy combined with CBT is an effective treatment method for patients with chronic neck pain and forward head posture.
Optimization of Double-Closed-Loop Control of Variable-Air-Volume Air-Conditioning System Based on Dynamic Response Model
Authors: Li Duanzheng , Ahmat Mutellip , Cao Hongqing , Di Fankai
Published: March 2024

Control strategies for variable-air-volume (VAV) air conditioning significantly affect both the air quality within buildings and the consumption of building energy. Current control techniques effectively regulate room temperature using feedback on temperature discrepancies, yet they also elevate the wear on terminal devices and boost the energy usage of the supply fan. In this paper, the hysteresis and inertia parameters of end air valves and supply fans under two seasonal conditions are derived from experimental data. Aiming at the problems of frequent switching of the end air valve, long total switching stroke, and high energy consumption of the air supply fan, a fuzzy PI regulation method is proposed based on the original pressure-independent series PI regulation, which effectively solves the above problems. Initially, data on how room temperature reacts to changes in air supply fan speed and the position of end air valves during winter and summer were gathered. Following model identification, parameters for various seasonal conditions were determined. Secondly, the roles of different components in the variable-air-volume regulation process were investigated. Investigations revealed that within pressure-independent variable-air-volume control, the supply fan and end air valve emerged as the primary subjects of the study. A double-closed-loop control with the speed control of the supply fan as the outer loop and the opening control of the end air valve as the inner loop was adopted. Compared with the traditional serial PI regulation, the room temperature error of this method was increased, but it reduced the total stroke of the valve by more than 43%, which greatly reduced the valve’s loss and noise and saved more than 2.7% of the energy consumption of the air supply fan.
Current Status and Future Directions of Image-Guided Adaptive Brachytherapy for Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer
Authors: Eustace Nicholas , Liu Jason , Ladbury Colton , Tam Andrew , Glaser Scott , Liu An , Chen Yi-Jen
Published: March 2024

Purpose: The standard of care for patients with locally advanced cervical cancer is definitive chemoradiation followed by a brachytherapy boost. This review describes the current status and future directions of image-guided adaptive brachytherapy for locally advanced cervical cancer. Methods: A systematic search of the PubMed and Clinicaltrials.gov databases was performed, focusing on studies published within the last 10 years. The search queried “cervical cancer [AND] image-guided brachytherapy [OR] magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) [OR] adaptive brachytherapy”. Discussion: The retroEMBRACE and EMBRACE-I trials have established the use of MRI as the standard imaging modality for brachytherapy application and planning. Quantitative imaging and radiomics have the potential to improve outcomes, with three ongoing prospective studies examining the use of radiomics to further risk-stratify patients and personalize brachytherapy. Another active area of investigation includes utilizing the superior soft tissue contrast provided by MRI to increase the dose per fraction and decrease the number of fractions needed for brachytherapy, with several retrospective studies demonstrating the safety and feasibility of three-fraction courses. For developing countries with limited access to MRI, trans-rectal ultrasound (TRUS) appears to be an effective alternative, with several retrospective studies demonstrating improved target delineation with the use of TRUS in conjunction with CT guidance. Conclusions: Further investigation is needed to continue improving outcomes for patients with locally advanced cervical cancer treated with image-guided brachytherapy.
The Way Ahead: Lessons Learned from Decades of Cancer Research on Thymomas and Thymic Carcinomas
Authors: Ströbel Philipp , Marx Alexander
Published: March 2024

The history of thymoma (TH) research begins in the early 20th century, when Bell first recognized the epithelial nature of these tumors and their association with myasthenia gravis (MG) [...]
Environmental Catalysis for Water Remediation—Preface to the Special Issue
Authors: Álvarez Torrellas Silvia , García Rodríguez Juan
Published: March 2024

Water is a basic resource and is required by all living beings on our planet [...]
Advanced Alkaline Water Electrolysis Stack with Non-Noble Catalysts and Hybrid Electrical Connections of the Single Cells
Authors: Borisov Galin , Bachvarov Vasil , Rashkov Rashko , Slavcheva Evelina
Published: March 2024

In this research, a thin layer of multi-metallic non-precious catalyst is prepared by electroplating from an electrolyte bath containing Ni, Co, and Fe sulfates over pressed commercial nickel foam electrode. The composition of the deposited catalytic film and its morphology are characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersion X-ray (EDX) techniques. The efficiency of the prepared binder-free electrodes for electrochemical water splitting is investigated in a self-designed short water electrolysis stack with zero-gap configuration of the integrated single cells and hybrid electrical connections. The separator used is a commercial Zirfon Perl 500 membrane, doped with 25% KOH. The performance of the catalyst, the single cells, and the developed electrolyzer stack are examined by steady state polarization curves and stationery galvanostatic stability tests in the temperature range 20 °C to 80 °C. The NiFeCoP multi-metallic alloy demonstrates superior catalytic efficiency compared to the pure nickel foam electrodes and reliable stability with time. The single cells in the stack show identical performance and the cumulative stack parameters strictly follow the theoretical considerations. The applied hybrid electrical connections enable scaling of both the stack voltage and the passing current, which in turn ensures flexibility with regard to the input power and the hydrogen production capacity.
Alcohol Exposure Induces Nucleolar Stress and Apoptosis in Mouse Neural Stem Cells and Late-Term Fetal Brain
Authors: Huang Yanping , Flentke George R. , Rivera Olivia C. , Saini Nipun , Mooney Sandra M. , Smith Susan M.
Published: March 2024

Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) is a leading cause of neurodevelopmental disability through its induction of neuronal growth dysfunction through incompletely understood mechanisms. Ribosome biogenesis regulates cell cycle progression through p53 and the nucleolar cell stress response. Whether those processes are targeted by alcohol is unknown. Pregnant C57BL/6J mice received 3 g alcohol/kg daily at E8.5–E17.5. Transcriptome sequencing was performed on the E17.5 fetal cortex. Additionally, primary neural stem cells (NSCs) were isolated from the E14.5 cerebral cortex and exposed to alcohol to evaluate nucleolar stress and p53/MDM2 signaling. Alcohol suppressed KEGG pathways involving ribosome biogenesis (rRNA synthesis/processing and ribosomal proteins) and genes that are mechanistic in ribosomopathies (Polr1d, Rpl11; Rpl35; Nhp2); this was accompanied by nucleolar dissolution and p53 stabilization. In primary NSCs, alcohol reduced rRNA synthesis, caused nucleolar loss, suppressed proliferation, stabilized nuclear p53, and caused apoptosis that was prevented by dominant-negative p53 and MDM2 overexpression. Alcohol’s actions were dose-dependent and rapid, and rRNA synthesis was suppressed between 30 and 60 min following alcohol exposure. The alcohol-mediated deficits in ribosomal protein expression were correlated with fetal brain weight reductions. This is the first report describing that pharmacologically relevant alcohol levels suppress ribosome biogenesis, induce nucleolar stress in neuronal populations, and involve the ribosomal/MDM2/p53 pathway to cause growth arrest and apoptosis. This represents a novel mechanism of alcohol-mediated neuronal damage.
Scarring and Skin Fibrosis Reversal with Regenerative Surgery and Stem Cell Therapy
Authors: Almadori Aurora , Butler Peter EM
Published: March 2024

Skin scarring and fibrosis affect millions of people worldwide, representing a serious clinical problem causing physical and psychological challenges for patients. Stem cell therapy and regenerative surgery represent a new area of treatment focused on promoting the body’s natural ability to repair damaged tissue. Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) represent an optimal choice for practical regenerative medicine due to their abundance, autologous tissue origin, non-immunogenicity, and ease of access with minimal morbidity for patients. This review of the literature explores the current body of evidence around the use of ASCs-based regenerative strategies for the treatment of scarring and skin fibrosis, exploring the different surgical approaches and their application in multiple fibrotic skin conditions. Human, animal, and in vitro studies demonstrate that ASCs present potentialities in modifying scar tissue and fibrosis by suppressing extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis and promoting the degradation of their constituents. Through softening skin fibrosis, function and overall quality of life may be considerably enhanced in different patient cohorts presenting with scar-related symptoms. The use of stem cell therapies for skin scar repair and regeneration represents a paradigm shift, offering potential alternative therapeutic avenues for fibrosis, a condition that currently lacks a cure.
Exploiting Leishmania—Primed Dendritic Cells as Potential Immunomodulators of Canine Immune Response
Authors: Valério-Bolas Ana , Meunier Mafalda , Palma-Marques Joana , Rodrigues Armanda , Santos Ana Margarida , Nunes Telmo , Ferreira Rui , Armada Ana , Alves João Carlos , Antunes Wilson , Cardoso Inês , Mesquita-Gabriel Sofia , Lobo Lis , Alexandre-Pires Graça , Marques Luís , Pereira da Fonseca Isabel , Santos-Gomes Gabriela
Published: March 2024

Dendritic cells (DCs) capture pathogens and process antigens, playing a crucial role in activating naïve T cells, bridging the gap between innate and acquired immunity. However, little is known about DC activation when facing Leishmania parasites. Thus, this study investigates in vitro activity of canine peripheral blood-derived DCs (moDCs) exposed to L. infantum and L. amazonensis parasites and their extracellular vesicles (EVs). L. infantum increased toll-like receptor 4 gene expression in synergy with nuclear factor κB activation and the generation of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This parasite also induced the expression of class II molecules of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and upregulated co-stimulatory molecule CD86, which, together with the release of chemokine CXCL16, can attract and help in T lymphocyte activation. In contrast, L. amazonensis induced moDCs to generate a mix of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, indicating that this parasite can establish a different immune relationship with DCs. EVs promoted moDCs to express class I MHC associated with the upregulation of co-stimulatory molecules and the release of CXCL16, suggesting that EVs can modulate moDCs to attract cytotoxic CD8+ T cells. Thus, these parasites and their EVs can shape DC activation. A detailed understanding of DC activation may open new avenues for the development of advanced leishmaniasis control strategies.
Emerging Role of Autophagy in Governing Cellular Dormancy, Metabolic Functions, and Therapeutic Responses of Cancer Stem Cells
Authors: Tiwari Meenakshi , Srivastava Pransu , Abbas Sabiya , Jegatheesan Janani , Ranjan Ashish , Sharma Sadhana , Maurya Ved Prakash , Saxena Ajit Kumar , Sharma Lokendra Kumar
Published: March 2024

Tumors are composed of heterogeneous populations of dysregulated cells that grow in specialized niches that support their growth and maintain their properties. Tumor heterogeneity and metastasis are among the major hindrances that exist while treating cancer patients, leading to poor clinical outcomes. Although the factors that determine tumor complexity remain largely unknown, several genotypic and phenotypic changes, including DNA mutations and metabolic reprograming provide cancer cells with a survival advantage over host cells and resistance to therapeutics. Furthermore, the presence of a specific population of cells within the tumor mass, commonly known as cancer stem cells (CSCs), is thought to initiate tumor formation, maintenance, resistance, and recurrence. Therefore, these CSCs have been investigated in detail recently as potential targets to treat cancer and prevent recurrence. Understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in CSC proliferation, self-renewal, and dormancy may provide important clues for developing effective therapeutic strategies. Autophagy, a catabolic process, has long been recognized to regulate various physiological and pathological processes. In addition to regulating cancer cells, recent studies have identified a critical role for autophagy in regulating CSC functions. Autophagy is activated under various adverse conditions and promotes cellular maintenance, survival, and even cell death. Thus, it is intriguing to address whether autophagy promotes or inhibits CSC functions and whether autophagy modulation can be used to regulate CSC functions, either alone or in combination. This review describes the roles of autophagy in the regulation of metabolic functions, proliferation and quiescence of CSCs, and its role during therapeutic stress. The review further highlights the autophagy-associated pathways that could be used to regulate CSCs. Overall, the present review will help to rationalize various translational approaches that involve autophagy-mediated modulation of CSCs in controlling cancer progression, metastasis, and recurrence.
GRAF1 Acts as a Downstream Mediator of Parkin to Regulate Mitophagy in Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Zhu Qiang , Combs Matthew E. , Bowles Dawn E. , Gross Ryan T. , Mendiola Pla Michelle , Mack Christopher P. , Taylor Joan M.
Published: March 2024

Cardiomyocytes rely on proper mitochondrial homeostasis to maintain contractility and achieve optimal cardiac performance. Mitochondrial homeostasis is controlled by mitochondrial fission, fusion, and mitochondrial autophagy (mitophagy). Mitophagy plays a particularly important role in promoting the degradation of dysfunctional mitochondria in terminally differentiated cells. However, the precise mechanisms by which this is achieved in cardiomyocytes remain opaque. Our study identifies GRAF1 as an important mediator in PINK1-Parkin pathway-dependent mitophagy. Depletion of GRAF1 (Arhgap26) in cardiomyocytes results in actin remodeling defects, suboptimal mitochondria clustering, and clearance. Mechanistically, GRAF1 promotes Parkin-LC3 complex formation and directs autophagosomes to damaged mitochondria. Herein, we found that these functions are regulated, at least in part, by the direct binding of GRAF1 to phosphoinositides (PI(3)P, PI(4)P, and PI(5)P) on autophagosomes. In addition, PINK1-dependent phosphorylation of Parkin promotes Parkin-GRAF1-LC3 complex formation, and PINK1-dependent phosphorylation of GRAF1 (on S668 and S671) facilitates the clustering and clearance of mitochondria. Herein, we developed new phosphor-specific antibodies to these sites and showed that these post-translational modifications are differentially modified in human hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and dilated cardiomyopathy. Furthermore, our metabolic studies using serum collected from isoproterenol-treated WT and GRAF1CKO mice revealed defects in mitophagy-dependent cardiomyocyte fuel flexibility that have widespread impacts on systemic metabolism. In summary, our study reveals that GRAF1 co-regulates actin and membrane dynamics to promote cardiomyocyte mitophagy and that dysregulation of GRAF1 post-translational modifications may underlie cardiac disease pathogenesis.
Continuous Hydrothermal Liquefaction of Mexican Sargassum Seaweed—An Analysis of Hydrocarbon Fractions and Elemental Composition
Authors: Allen Michael J. , Pearce Matthew
Published: March 2024

Hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) is often mooted as a promising and sustainable processing methodology for converting biomass into usable products, including bio-oils, which can potentially alleviate humanity’s reliance on fossil fuels. To date, most HTL development work with novel biomasses has been undertaken at the laboratory scale in batch processes, and the results have been extrapolated to the theoretical continuous flow processes required for industrial uptake. Here, we assess the use of a novel continuous flow HTL system, applying it to Sargassum (seaweed) material and generating a bio-oil, which is assessed against typical crude oil fractions.
Pyrene-Derived Covalent Organic Framework Films: Advancements in Acid Vapor Detection
Authors: AlNeyadi Shaikha S. , Alhassani Mohammed T. , Aleissaee Ali S. , AlMujaini Ibrahim
Published: March 2024

The expansion of global industry results in the release of harmful volatile acid vapors into the environment, posing a threat to various lifeforms. Hence, it is crucial to prioritize the development of swift sensing systems capable of monitoring these volatile acid vapors. This initiative holds great importance in safeguarding a clean and safe environment. This paper presents the synthesis and characterization of pyrene-based covalent organic frameworks (COFs) that exhibit exceptional crystallinity, thermal stability, and intense fluorescence. Three COFs—PP–COF, PT–COF, and PE–COF—were synthesized, demonstrating large surface areas and robust thermal stability up to 400 °C. The fluorescence properties and intramolecular charge transfer within these COFs were significantly influenced by their Schiff base bonding types and π-stacking degrees between COF layers. Notably, PE-COF emerged as the most fluorescent of the three COFs and exhibited exceptional sensitivity and rapid response as a fluorescent chemosensor for detecting HCl in solution. The reversible protonation of imine bonds in these COFs allowed for the creation of highly sensitive acid vapor sensors, showcasing a shift in spectral absorption while maintaining structural integrity. This study highlights the potential of COFs as reliable and reusable sensors for detecting harmful acid vapors and addressing environmental concerns arising from industrial activities.
Bipyridyl Ruthenium-Decorated Ni-MOFs on Carbon Nanotubes for Electrocatalytic Oxidation and Sensing of Glucose
Authors: Zhang Yu , Liu Chang , Yan Rongqiu , Lei Chenghong
Published: March 2024

Bipyridyl Ruthenium-decorated Ni-MOFs on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT-RuBpy@Ni-MOF) were synthesized. In an alkaline solution, the glucose was electrocatalytically oxidized at +0.5 V vs. Ag/AgCl at the composite interface of MWCNT-RuBpy@Ni-MOF on a glassy carbon electrode. The Ni3+/Ni2+ redox couples in Ni-MOFs played a key role as the active center for the catalytic oxidation of glucose at the electrode, where both RuBpy and MWCNTs enhanced the current responses to glucose. The resulting enzymeless glucose sensor from MWCNT-RuBpy@Ni-MOF exhibited a wide range of linear responses, high sensitivity and selectivity for the determination of glucose.
Associations among Maternal Trauma History, Postnatal Maternal Sensitivity, and Infant Temperament
Authors: Hambleton Jennifer Lynn , Aubuchon-Endsley Nicki Lynn , Kurien Jasmin
Published: March 2024

Women are at increased risk of trauma exposure and of experiencing prolonged posttraumatic stress. Maternal trauma exposure and associated impairment may adversely impact mother–infant interaction quality, which may in turn be associated with infant temperament difficulties. More research is needed to identify which maternal trauma predictors are most robustly related to infant temperament outcomes. The present study aimed to address this gap by examining maternal sensitivity as a mediator of relations between maternal trauma and infant temperament in a longitudinal study of a rural cohort of mother–infant dyads. Mediation via maternal sensitivity was not supported in any of the primary analyses. Greater maternal trauma exposure was found to predict greater infant regulation behavior, a finding that was in opposition to expected results and which may be explained by protective factors found within the sample. The present sample was skewed toward married, educated women who reported high social support satisfaction and low trauma-associated impairment. The findings elucidate protective factors that may mitigate adverse outcomes for both mothers and infants. Future research models should include additional maternal trauma variables (e.g., recency, type, revictimization/polyvictimization), in utero maternal cortisol exposure, maternal insensitivity/ambiguous response patterns during caregiver tasks, and analysis of the IBQ-R subscales.
Predictors of Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice Regarding Heat Waves: An Exploratory Cross-Sectional Study in Greece
Authors: Moisoglou Ioannis , Katsiroumpa Aglaia , Kolisiati Antigoni , Meimeti Evangelia , Prasini Ioanna , Tsiachri Maria , Konstantakopoulou Olympia , Gallos Parisis , Galanis Petros
Published: March 2024

Heat waves are a significant consequence of climate change, threatening public health by increasing morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to estimate individuals’ knowledge, attitudes and practice related to heat waves. We conducted an exploratory cross-sectional study in Greece during September 2023. We employed a convenience sample of 1055 participants. We used the heat wave knowledge, awareness, practice and behavior scale (HWKAPBS) to measure our outcome. We measured several socio-demographic variables, such as gender, age and educational level, as potential determinants. Mean scores for the knowledge, awareness, practice and behavior factors were 12.5, 22.7, 22.2 and 12.1, respectively. Females had higher scores for the four factors compared with males. We found a positive relationship between self-perceived health status and awareness, practice and behavior concerning heat waves. Similarly, we identified a positive relationship between self-perceived financial status, and awareness and behavior concerning heat waves. Increased age was associated with an increased practice score, while increased educational level was associated with an increased knowledge score. Additionally, the behavior score was higher among participants in urban areas than those in rural areas. We found statistically significant positive correlations between the four factors. Levels of knowledge, awareness, practice and behavior concerning heat waves were high in our sample. Several socio-demographic variables affect participants’ knowledge, awareness, practice and behavior concerning heat waves.
Bus Driver Head Position Detection Using Capsule Networks under Dynamic Driving Conditions
Authors: Hollósi János , Ballagi Áron , Kovács Gábor , Fischer Szabolcs , Nagy Viktor
Published: March 2024

Monitoring bus driver behavior and posture in urban public transport’s dynamic and unpredictable environment requires robust real-time analytics systems. Traditional camera-based systems that use computer vision techniques for facial recognition are foundational. However, they often struggle with real-world challenges such as sudden driver movements, active driver–passenger interactions, variations in lighting, and physical obstructions. Our investigation covers four different neural network architectures, including two variations of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) that form the comparative baseline. The capsule network (CapsNet) developed by our team has been shown to be superior in terms of efficiency and speed in facial recognition tasks compared to traditional models. It offers a new approach for rapidly and accurately detecting a driver’s head position within the wide-angled view of the bus driver’s cabin. This research demonstrates the potential of CapsNets in driver head and face detection and lays the foundation for integrating CapsNet-based solutions into real-time monitoring systems to enhance public transportation safety protocols.
Design and Optimization of Potentially Low-Cost and Efficient MXene/InP Schottky Barrier Solar Cells via Numerical Modeling
Authors: Alnassar Mohammad Saleh N
Published: March 2024

This paper uses numerical modeling to describe the design and comprehensive analysis of cost-effective MXene/n-InP Schottky barrier solar cells. The proposed design utilizes Ti3C2Tx thin film, a 2D solution-processible MXene material, as a Schottky transparent conductive electrode (TCE). The simulation results suggest that these devices can achieve power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) exceeding 20% in metal–semiconductor (MS) and metal–interlayer–semiconductor (MIS) structures. Combining the proposed structures with low-cost InP growth methods can reduce the gap between InP and other terrestrial market technologies. This is useful for specific applications that require lightweight and radiation-hard solar photovoltaics.
The Vertebrobasilar Trunk and Its Anatomical Variants: A Microsurgical Anatomical Study
Authors: Reyes-Soto Gervith , Pérez-Cruz Julio C. , Delgado-Reyes Luis , Castillo-Rangel Carlos , Cacho Diaz Bernardo , Chmutin Gennady , Nurmukhametov Renat , Sufianova Galina , Sufianov Albert , Nikolenko Vladimir , Sufianov Rinat , Goncharov Evgeniy , Montemurro Nicola , Encarnacion Ramirez Manuel De Jesus
Published: March 2024

Background: The trunk of the basilar artery has not been included in microanatomy studies. Anatomical variants of the perforant branches of the vertebrobasilar trunk and their relationship with neural structures are very important in surgical approaches. Surgical dissection for the treatment of vascular lesions requires a perfect knowledge of the microsurgical anatomy. Methods: We conducted a descriptive analysis of 50 brains, which were fixed with formalin at 10% for 2 weeks, and the arterial system was injected with colored latex. After microsurgical dissection, it was divided into three segments: the lower portion went from the anterior spinal artery to the anteroinferior cerebellar artery, the middle segment was raised from the upper limit of the lower portion to the origin of the superior cerebellar artery, and the upper segment ranged from the previous portion until the origin of the posterior cerebral artery. Results: The basilar artery had an average length of 30 mm. The average diameter at its junction with the vertebral arteries was 4.05 mm. The average middle segment was 3.4 mm in diameter and 15.2 mm in length. The diameter of the upper segment was 4.2 mm, and its average length was 3.6 mm. The average number of bulbar arteries was three, and their average diameter was 0. 66 mm. The number of caudal perforator arteries were five on average, with a diameter of 0.32 mm. We found three rare cases of anatomical variants in the vertebra–basilar junction. Conclusions: The basilar artery emits penetrating branches in its lower, middle, and upper portions. The origin of penetrating branches was single or divided after forming a trunk. However, we observed long branches from perforant arteries.
Exploration of Preliminary Objective Triage by Menopause Score and CA 125 Result Prior to Accelerating Fast-Track Booking for Suspected Ovarian Cancer—A Role for the Pathway Navigator?
Authors: Woolas Robert , Young Lisa , Brinkmann Dirk , Gardner Francis , Hadwin Richard , Woolas Thomas , Povolotskaya Natalia
Published: March 2024

The 28-days-to-diagnosis pathway is the current expected standard of care for women with symptoms of ovarian cancer in the UK. However, the anticipated conversion rate of symptoms to cancer is only 3%, and use of the pathway is increasing. A rapid triage at the moment of receipt of the referral might allow resources to be allocated more appropriately. In secondary care, multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) use the risk of malignancy index (RMI) score, (multiply menopausal status pre = 1 or post = 3 × ultrasound score = 0 − 3 × the CA 125 level), using a score of >200, to triage urgency and management in possible ovarian cancer cases. The most powerful determinant of the RMI score variables is CA 125 level, an objective number. Could a simple modification of the RMI score retain a high sensitivity for cancer whilst improving specificity and, consequently, decrease the morbidity of false-positive classification? To test this hypothesis, a retrospective evaluation of an ovarian two-week-wait telephone clinic of one consultant gynaecological oncologist was undertaken. Enquiry re menopause status was scored as one for pre- and three for postmenopausal or uncertain. CA 125 levels of >67 u/mL for premenopausal and >23 u/mL for postmenopausal women were used to precipitate urgent cross-sectional imaging requests and MDT opinions. These CA 125 cut thresholds were calculated using an assumption that the RMI imaging score, regardless of whether the result was available, could be three. We contemplate that women who did not exceed a provisional RMI score of >200 might be informed they are extremely unlikely to have cancer, removed from the malignancy tracker and appropriate follow-up arranged. One hundred and forty consecutive cases were analysed; 43% were deemed premenopausal and 57% postmenopausal. Twenty of the women had cancer, eighteen (90%) of whom had an RMI > 200. One hundred and twenty were benign, and only twenty-three (19%) classified as urgent cases in need of accelerated referral to imaging. In contrast, CA 125 > 35 u/mL, whilst retaining the sensitivity of 90%, misclassified 36 (30%) of the benign cases. It is possible that a telephone triage via a questionnaire determining menopausal status and the CA 125 result could offer a sensitivity for cancer of 90% and urgent expert review of under 20% of benign cases. This rapid initial telephone assessment could be presented by a trained pathway navigator, physician associate or nurse specialist. Substantial savings in NHS cancer services resources, anxieties all around and reduced patient morbidity may occur as a result.
SEM Evaluation of the Marginal Gap of Zirconia-Reinforced Lithium Silicate Full Crowns and the Effect of Post Crystallization: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Shely Asaf , Lugassy Diva , Anufriev Maxim , Nissan Joseph , Rauchwerger Olisya , Ben-Izhack Gil
Published: March 2024

Background: This study compared the influence of crystallization on marginal gap adaptation by using computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD-CAM) for producing monolithic zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate (ZLS) ceramic crowns. Methods: A total of 25 plastic teeth were scanned using a Primescan intra-oral scanner (IOS), and ZLS crowns were ground. For each unit (abutment and crown), the marginal gap was evaluated pre crystallization and post crystallization at four regions of interest through the use of a scanning electron microscope (SEM). To compare the marginal gap between the two groups, a Kolmogorov–Smirnov test performed on the study variables indicated a normal distribution (p > 0.05) followed by paired samples T-tests (α = 0.0005). Results: After crystallization, there were significantly higher circumferential marginal gaps (CMGs) for all four surfaces (distal (p = 0.0005), mesial (p = 0.0005), palatal (p = 0.0005), and buccal (p = 0.0005)). The total mean marginal gap (MMG) revealed a significantly higher result for the post-crystallization group (79.82 ± 7.86 μm) compared to the pre-crystallization group (24.25 ± 5.49 μm). Conclusions: The post-crystallization group showed a significantly higher marginal gap compared to the pre-crystallization group in all parameters, but both groups were in the clinically accepted threshold (<120 microns). In terms of the marginal gap, it is arguable whether to carry out post-crystallization for CELTRA® DUO crowns and achieve better mechanical properties but significantly increase the marginal gap.
Feature Extraction Approach for Distributed Wind Power Generation Based on Power System Flexibility Planning Analysis
Authors: Hu Sile , Yang Jiaqiang , Wang Yuan , Chen Chao , Nan Jianan , Zhao Yucan , Bi Yue
Published: March 2024

This study addresses the integral role of typical wind power generation curves in the analysis of power system flexibility planning. A novel method is introduced for extracting these curves, integrating an enhanced K-means clustering algorithm with advanced optimization techniques. The process commences with thorough data cleaning, filtering, and smoothing. Subsequently, the refined K-means algorithm, augmented by the Pearson correlation coefficient and a greedy algorithm, clusters the wind power curves. The optimal number of clusters is ascertained through the silhouette coefficient. The final stage employs particle swarm and whale optimization algorithms for the extraction of quintessential wind power output curves, essential for flexibility planning in power systems. This methodology is validated through a case study involving wind power output data from a new energy-rich provincial power grid in North China, spanning from 1 January 2019, to 31 December 2022. The resultant curves proficiently mirror wind power fluctuations, thereby laying a foundational framework for power system flexibility planning analysis.
AiPE: A Novel Transformer-Based Pose Estimation Method
Authors: Lu Kai , Min Dugki
Published: March 2024

Human pose estimation is an important problem in computer vision because it is the foundation for many advanced semantic tasks and downstream applications. Although some convolutional neural network-based pose estimation methods have achieved good results, these networks are still limited for restricted receptive fields and weak robustness, leading to poor detection performance in scenarios with blur or low resolution. Additionally, their highly parallelized strategy is likely to cause significant computational demands, requiring high computing power. In comparison to the convolutional neural networks, the transformer-based methods offer advantages such as flexible stacking, global perspective, and parallel computation. Based on the great benefits, a novel transformer-based human pose estimation method is developed, which employees multi-head self-attention mechanisms and offset windows to effectively suppress the quick growth of the computational complexity near human keypoints. Experimental results under detailed visual comparison and quantitative analysis demonstrate that the proposed method can efficiently deal with the pose estimation problem in challenging scenarios, such as blurry or occluded scenes. Furthermore, the errors in human skeleton mapping caused by keypoint occlusion or omission can be effectively corrected, so the accuracy of pose estimation results is greatly improved.
Sum-Rate Maximization Scheme for Multi-RIS-Assisted NOMA Uplink Systems
Authors: Qiu Debao , Ji Jianbo
Published: March 2024

Reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) and non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) are both highly promising technologies for future communication. Compared with traditional single-RIS-assisted NOMA systems, this paper considered multi-RIS-assisted NOMA uplink communication systems and proposed a sum-rate maximization scheme. At present, most research on RIS-assisted NOMA systems has not considered the joint optimization of users’ power, multi-RIS deployment, and multi-RIS phase shifts. Firstly, this paper proposed a sum-rate problem with multiple variates, which are involved in users’ power, multi-RIS deployments, and multi-RIS phase shifts. This problem is usually very complex and non-convex, which makes it very difficult to obtain an optimal solution. Then, the original problem was decomposed into three sub-problems through several derivations, which are relatively simple and easy to solve. Finally, the optimal multi-RIS deployment locations were obtained by a simulated annealing particle-swarm optimization algorithm, and a suboptimal solution based on positive semidefinite relaxation was adopted to solve the joint optimization problem of users’ power and multi-RIS phase shifts, respectively. The research results indicate that the sum-rate for the considered systems with the multi-RIS optimization algorithm can be improved by about 1 bps/Hz, compared with that of non-optimization, and under the same total number of RIS reflection units as a single-RIS scheme, the performance of the proposed scheme in this paper is superior to the single-RIS scheme, which proves the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Real–Virtual 3D Scene-Fused Integral Imaging Based on Improved SuperPoint
Authors: Wu Wei , Wang Shigang , Chen Wanzhong , Wang Hao , Zhong Cheng
Published: March 2024

To enrich 3D scenes, a real–virtual fusion-based integral imaging method is proposed. It combines the Softargmax function with Gaussian weighting coefficients for sub-pixel feature point extraction from SuperPoint detection results. SIFT is also used for feature point detection and matching, along with the improved SuperPoint. Subsequently, based on the multi-view 3D reconstruction, the real object is reconstructed into a 3D model. A virtual model is then fused with the 3D reconstructed model of the real object to generate a real–virtual fusion elemental image array based on the display platform’s optical parameters. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method can optically reconstruct more realistic and vivid real–virtual fusion 3D images. This method can enrich a scene’s content, enhance visualization and interactivity, save costs and time, and provide flexibility and customization.
A UGV Path Planning Algorithm Based on Improved A* with Improved Artificial Potential Field
Authors: Meng Xianchen , Fang Xi
Published: March 2024

Aiming at the problem of difficult obstacle avoidance for unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) in complex dynamic environments, an improved A*-APF algorithm (BA*-MAPF algorithm) is proposed in this paper. Addressing the A* algorithm’s challenges of lengthy paths, excess nodes, and lack of smoothness, the BA*-MAPF algorithm integrates a bidirectional search strategy, applies interpolation to remove redundant nodes, and uses cubic B-spline curves for path smoothing. To rectify the traditional APF algorithm’s issues with local optimization and ineffective dynamic obstacle avoidance, the BA*-MAPF algorithm revises the gravitational field function by incorporating a distance factor, and fine-tunes the repulsive field function to vary with distance. This adjustment ensures a reduction in gravitational force as distance increases and moderates the repulsive force near obstacles, facilitating more effective local path planning and dynamic obstacle navigation. Through our experimental analysis, the BA*-MAPF algorithm has been validated to significantly outperform existing methods in achieving optimal path planning and dynamic obstacle avoidance, thereby markedly boosting path planning efficiency in varied scenarios.
Insider Threat Detection Model Enhancement Using Hybrid Algorithms between Unsupervised and Supervised Learning
Authors: Yi Junkai , Tian Yongbo
Published: March 2024

Insider threats are one of the most costly and difficult types of attacks to detect due to the fact that insiders have the right to access an organization’s network systems and understand its structure and security procedures, making it difficult to detect this type of behavior through traditional behavioral auditing. This paper proposes a method to leverage unsupervised outlier scores to enhance supervised insider threat detection by integrating the advantages of supervised and unsupervised learning methods and using multiple unsupervised outlier mining algorithms to extract from the underlying data useful representations, thereby enhancing the predictive power of supervised classifiers on the enhanced feature space. This novel approach provides superior performance, and our method provides better predictive power compared to other excellent abnormal detection methods. Using only 20% of the computing budget, our method achieved an accuracy of 86.12%. Compared with other anomaly detection methods, the accuracy increased by up to 12.5% under the same computing budget.
State-of-the-Art and New Challenges in 5G Networks with Blockchain Technology
Authors: Onopa Serhii , Kotulski Zbigniew
Published: March 2024

As mobile communications transform, 5G technology can potentially change many industries and businesses. The change will have a great influence across many fields, such as the automotive, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors. This paper aims to review the existing applications of blockchain technology in providing 5G network security and identify new possibilities for such security solutions. We consider different aspects of blockchain in 5G, particularly data transmission, access control, and applications including vertical industry-oriented applications and specific solutions supporting such sectors of economic activity. The paper briefly describes modern technologies in 5G networks and introduces blockchain’s properties and different aspects of using such technology in practical applications. It also presents access control management with blockchain applied in 5G and related problems, reviews other blockchain-enforced network technologies, and shows how blockchain can help in services dedicated to vertical industries. Finally, it presents our vision of new blockchain applications in modern 5G networks and beyond. The new-generation networks use two fundamental technologies, slicing and virtualization, and attackers attempt to execute new types of attacks on them. In the paper, we discuss one of the possible scenarios exhibiting the shortcomings of the slicing technology architecture. We propose using blockchain technology to create new slices and to connect new or existing subscribers to slices in the 5G core network. Blockchain technology should solve these architectural shortcomings.