bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Apoptotic vesicles rescue impaired mesenchymal stem cells and their therapeutic capacity for osteoporosis by restoring miR-145a-5p deficiency
Authors: Zhang Rong , Mu Xiaodan , Liu Dawei , Chen Chider , Meng Bowen , Qu Yan , Liu Jin , Wang Runci , Li Chuanjie , Mao Xueli , Wang Qintao , Zhang Qingbin
Published: June 2024

Apoptotic vesicles (apoVs) play a vital role in various pathological conditions; however, we have yet to fully understand their precise biological effects in rescuing impaired mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and regulating tissue homeostasis. Here, we proved that systemic infusion of bone marrow MSCs derived from wild-type (WT) mice effectively improved the osteopenia phenotype and hyperimmune state in ovariectomized (OVX) mice. Importantly, the WT MSCs rescued the impairment of OVX MSCs both in vivo and in vitro, whereas OVX MSCs did not show the same efficacy. Interestingly, treatment with apoVs derived from WT MSCs (WT apoVs) restored the impaired biological function of OVX MSCs and their ability to improve osteoporosis. This effect was not observed with OVX MSCs-derived apoVs (OVX apoVs) treatment. Mechanistically, the reduced miR-145a-5p expression hindered the osteogenic differentiation and immunomodulatory capacity of OVX MSCs by affecting the TGF-β/Smad 2/3-Wnt/β-catenin signaling axis, resulting in the development of osteoporosis. WT apoVs directly transferred miR-145a-5p to OVX MSCs, which were then reused to restore their impaired biological functions. Conversely, treatment with OVX apoVs did not produce significant effects due to their limited expression of miR-145a-5p. Overall, our findings unveil the remarkable potential of apoVs in rescuing the biological function and therapeutic capability of MSCs derived from individuals with diseases. This discovery offers a new avenue for exploring apoVs-based MSC engineering and expands the application scope of stem cell therapy, contributing to the maintenance of bone homeostasis through a previously unrecognized mechanism.
The psychoeducational interventions: a valuable communication tool to support the caregiver of people with dementia
Authors: Cintoli Simona , Tommasini Luca , Prete Eleonora Del , Cerri Matilde , Ceravolo Roberto , Tognoni Gloria
Published: June 2024

Background
informal caregivers of people with dementia are at greater risk of developing physical and mental health problems when compared to the general population: they often experience high levels of stress which can lead to a lowered sense of well-being, feelings of being burdened, depression and compromised physical health. The significant beneficial effects of Psychoeducational Interventions on the critical outcomes of caregiver burden and strain were considered sufficient to warrant a recommendation in favour of the intervention. The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly increased the use internet-based interventions: this study describes the effectiveness of support program for informal caregivers of people with dementia internet-based and on-site conditions.
Methods
A Psychoeducational Interventions program, consisting of 5 meetings every 2 weeks, has been structured. It aims to provide information and strategies for managing cognitive and psycho-behavioral symptoms in neurodegenerative diseases, as well as to develop effective communication skills and understanding of the caregiver's experience. Intervention formats include slides, video, group discussions and are always led by a psychologist. We assessed in 73 caregivers (33 internet-based and 40 on-site conditions) level of Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia management, dementia awareness, social support, find leisure time, harmony with relative, stress, with Visual-Analogue Scale at the beginning of PI and at the end. During the pandemic period the protocol was adapted to be available online and subsequently proposed to caregivers belonging to the Cognitive Disorders and Dementia Centre.
Results
in both modalities, internet-based and on-site condition, a statistically significant improvement was highlighted in all aspects (p < 0.05, for all p-value). Questionnaire on basic dementia knowledge was successfully completed at 100%. Also, participants reported a medium to high level of satisfaction with very limited dropouts (< 3%).
Conclusions
The evidence from this pilot study indicated that caregiver support interventions in both conditions significantly improved several and important outcomes: they showed a significant effect in reducing caregiver strain and improving ability and knowledge. Indeed, Psychoeducational Interventions contribute to effective coping strategies to mitigate caregiver burden so they can continue to provide care for loved ones.
Circulating pre- and postprandial extracellular vesicle proteomic profiles
Authors: Garza Alejandra P. , Wider-Eberspächer Elisa , Morton Lorena , Ham Marco van , Pállinger Éva , Buzás Edit I. , Jänsch Lothar , Dunay Ildiko Rita
Published: June 2024

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are key in intercellular communication, carrying biomolecules like nucleic acids, lipids, and proteins. This study investigated postprandial characteristics and proteomic profiles of circulating large extracellular vesicles (lEVs) in healthy individuals. Twelve participants fasted overnight before baseline assessments. After consuming a controlled isocaloric meal, lEVs were isolated for proteomic and flow cytometric analysis. Plasma triacylglyceride (TAG) levels confirmed fasting completion, while protein concentrations in plasma and lEVs were monitored for postprandial stability. Proteomic analysis identified upregulated proteins related to transport mechanisms and epithelial/endothelial functions postprandially, indicating potential roles in physiological responses to nutritional intake. Enrichment analyses revealed vesicle-related pathways and immune system processes. Flow cytometry showed increased expression of CD324 on medium-sized CD9+CD63+CD81+ EVs postprandially, suggesting an epithelial origin. These findings offer insights into postprandial lEV dynamics and their physiological significance, highlighting the need for stringent fasting guidelines in EV studies to account for postprandial effects on EV composition and function.
Introduction of nirsevimab in Catalonia, Spain: description of bronchiolitis and the Respiratory Syncytial Virus incidence in the 2023/24 season
Authors: Perramon-Malavez Aida , de Rioja Victor López , Coma Ermengol , Hermosilla Eduardo , Fina Francesc , Martínez Montserrat , Mendioroz Jacobo , Cabezas Carmen , Montañola-Sales Cristina , Prats Clara , Soriano-Arandes Antoni
Published: June 2024

Purpose
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) causes most of the bronchiolitis and thousands of deaths annually, particularly in infants less than 6 months. In Catalonia (Spain), infants born between April 2023 and March 2024 aged 0–6 months during their first RSV season have been candidates to receive nirsevimab, the novel monoclonal antibody against RSV, since October 2023. We aimed to analyse the dynamics of all-causes bronchiolitis diagnoses and RSV community infections in the current season and compare them to pre-nirsevimab epidemics.
Methods
We collected epidemiological data from the Information System for Surveillance of Infections (SIVIC) in Catalonia on daily all-causes bronchiolitis clinical diagnoses and RSV-confirmed cases provided by rapid antigen tests in Primary Care Practices. We calculated the rate ratio (RR) for the incidence of all-causes bronchiolitis for children aged 0-11m-old concerning 12-35m-old between September 2014 and January 2024. We analysed the RR of the incidence of RSV-confirmed infection for 0-11m-old and 12-35m-old concerning the > 35m-old, from January 2021 to January 2024. We then computed the relative difference of the RR, named percentage of reduction of risk, between season 2023/24 and former epidemics.
Results
With a global coverage rate for nirsevimab of 82.2% in January 2024, the age-specific 0-11m-old RR (95%CI) of RSV infection incidence regarding > 35m-old was 1.7 (1.5-2.0) in last season 2023/24. The RR (95%CI) had been 7.4 (5.6–9.9), 8.8 (6.9–11.3), and 7.1 (5.7–8.9) in 2020/21, 2021/22 and 2022/23 seasons. Regarding the incidence of all-causes bronchiolitis for 0-11m-old group compared to the 12-35m-old, the pre-pandemic (2014/15-2019/20) and 2022/23 RR (95%CI) were 9.4 (9.2–9.6) and 6.0 (5.7–6.2) respectively, significantly higher than the RR of 3.6 (3.4–3.8) for the last season 2023/24.
Conclusions
Coinciding with the introduction of nirsevimab, the risk of RSV infection for infants aged 0-11m-old regarding > 35m-old has been reduced by 75.6% (73.4–77.5) from last season, and the risk for all-cause bronchiolitis regarding 12-35m-old by 61.9% (60.9–62.9) from the pre-pandemic period and by 39.8% (39.3–40.2) from 2022/23 epidemic, despite a high RSV community transmission, especially in older infants.
The Impact of Childhood Psychological Abuse on Internet Altruistic Behavior: The Chain Mediating Role of Dark Triad and Negative Cognitive Emotional Regulation
Authors: Zheng Xianliang , Song Zijia , Zhou Xiangsen , Xie Jiawen
Published: June 2024

Under the Chinese culture of filial piety, parents have absolute authority, and many of their behaviors are actually psychological abuse of their children, but the parents themselves are not aware of it. A questionnaire survey was conducted on 567 Chinese college students (Mage = 19.56, SD = 0.49, 40.21% males) to explore the relationship between childhood psychological abuse (CPA) and Internet altruistic behavior (IAB), as well as the role of dark triad and negative cognitive emotion regulation (NCER). Results indicated that: (1) There was a significant negative correlation between CPA and IAB; (2) NCER played a partially mediating role between CPA and IAB, whereas the mediating role of dark triad between CPA and IAB was insignificant; (3) Dark triad and NCER played a chain mediating role between CPA and IAB. The present study provides a new perspective on IAB from the perspective of family functioning and positive psychological interventions.
All Together Now: Activity Synchrony and Social Cohesion in Group-Living Animals
Authors: Schaposnik Laura P. , Hsu Sheryl , Dunbar Robin I.M.
Published: June 2024

A central problem all group-living animals face is how to maintain group cohesion during the course of the day in the face of forces that drive animals apart. When activity schedules become desynchronised, groups will inevitably fragment as animals drift apart. To explore the impact that individual differences in activity scheduling might have for group cohesion, we here explore the consequences having different activity schedules has for social cohesion. By modeling a group as a set of semi-coupled oscillators, we show that, all else equal, the members of the group will become less and less coupled across the active day until the group devolves and breaks apart, setting an upper limit on the size of group that can be maintained as a coherent entity given a particular level of correlation in members' activity schedules. We then show that when social bonding creates a stickiness, or gravitational pull, between pairs of individuals, fragmentation is reduced. We argue that large, stable social groups are only possible when some form of social bonding has evolved.
Students’ Self-Efficacy in Senior Secondary School Mathematics: Academic Engagement as Predictor Variable
Authors: Asanre Akorede Ayoola , Chinaka T. W
Published: June 2024

Students who lack confidence believe that they cannot accomplish a work, view the activity as pointless, and as a consequence, don't want to put any time or effort into it but when properly engage brings about traits that are needed in a student, hence academic engagement is seen as a potential antidote to the issue of students’ self-efficacy in mathematics. Therefore, this paper investigated student’s self-efficacy in senior secondary school mathematics as being predicted using academic engagement. Ex-post facto correlational research design was used. 1680 students from Senior Secondary School II made up the study's sample from the twenty-one randomly selected schools in the three Local Government Areas of Remo division of Ogun State. Mathematics Student Academic Engagement Scale (MSAES) with and Mathematics Self Efficacy Scale (MSES) with . Findings showed that cognitive engagement significantly predicts self-efficacy of students in Mathematics (F = 527.320, p<0.05). Also, behavioural engagement significantly contributes to the variance in students’ self-efficacy in Mathematics (F = 759.251, p<0.05). Further more emotional engagement significantly contributes to the variance in students’ self-efficacy in Mathematics (F = 667.409, p<0.05). Result also revealed that the predictor variables cognitive, behavioural and emotional engagement when taken together significantly contribute to the variance in students’ self-efficacy in Mathematics (F = 380.151, p<0.05). This study concluded that cognitive, emotional and behavioural engagements are good predictors of senior secondary school students’ mathematics self-efficacy. To increase students' self-efficacy in mathematics, stakeholders in Nigerian education are advised to ensure that students are engaged cognitively, emotionally, and behaviourally.
Barriers, and predictors of seeking mental health care among adults in Oman,2023: Across sectional study
Authors: Badi Moza Al , Aamri Sumaiya Al , Dhuhli Khalid Al , Alghafri Asaad , Elsayed Eman
Published: June 2024

Mental Health problems are causing disability among adults globally. They can be managed and controlled effectively if patients seek help early. Therefore, studying help-seeking attitudes and barriers is essential to improve mental health in public. This study aims to determine help-seeking predictors and barriers and their associated factors that affect access to mental health services. It is a cross-sectional study, that involved willing Omani adults aged 18- 64 years old from the 18 primary health centers of Al Dahera governorate from August to September 2023. Data was collected using the Barriers to Access to Care Evaluation (BACE-III) questionnaire. The total participants were 357. It has been found that major stigma and attitudinal barriers were 42.9% and 41.5%, respectively. Participants with current mental health problems responded with 64% major stigma barriers and 69% major attitudinal barriers (P value= 0.001 & 0.023, respectively). The independent predictor for seeking mental health care was government workers (p-value = 0.014). In the Al Dahera governorate, seeking help attempts were found to be low. Stigma and attitudinal barriers affect seeking help significantly in the governorate. Increasing awareness to overcome these barriers will improve access to mental health services.
Comparing activation typicality and sparsity in a deep CNN to predict facial beauty
Authors: Tieo Sonia , Bardin Melvin , Bertin-Johannet Roland , Dibot Nicolas , Mendelson Tamra C. , Puech William , Renoult Julien P.
Published: June 2024

Processing fluency, which describes the subjective sensation of ease with which information is processed by the sensory systems and the brain, has become one of the most popular explanations of aesthetic appreciation and beauty. Two metrics have recently been proposed to model fluency: the sparsity of neuronal activation, characterizing the extent to which neurons in the brain are unequally activated by a stimulus, and the statistical typicality of activations, describing how well the encoding of a stimulus matches a reference representation of stimuli of the category to which it belongs. Using Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) as a model for the human visual system, this study compares the ability of these metrics to explain variation in facial attractiveness. Our findings show that the sparsity of neuronal activations is a more robust predictor of facial beauty than statistical typicality. Refining the reference representation to a single ethnicity or gender does not increase the explanatory power of statistical typicality. However, statistical typicality and sparsity predict facial beauty based on different layers of the CNNs, suggesting that they describe different neural mechanisms underlying fluency.
Investigation of the usability of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) cultivars for feed purpose in Hungary
Authors: LENGYEL-KÓNYA Éva , BERKI Mária , ZALÁN Zsolt , TAKÁCS Krisztina , SZERDAHELYI Emőke , TÖMÖSKÖZI-FARKAS Rita , ADÁNYI Nóra , BOROVICS Attila , RÁSÓ János , CSEKE Klára , MOLNÁR Tamás , KESERŰ Zsolt
Published: June 2024

Nowadays, one of the major challenges in the field of agricultural production is an increasing demand for protein in farm animal husbandry. The main source of protein today is still soybean meal, but there is an urgent need to involve alternative protein sources and assess areas of application. Leaf and fruit of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) could be a possible source of protein, therefore the main composition of different varieties was examined. Black locust is the most widespread tree species in Hungary occupying approximately 24% of the forested land (465,000 ha) and providing 25% of the annual timber output of the country. The mean wood volume of all black locust forests is 125 m3/ha, with a mean volume of 190 m3/ha at the final cutting age (31 years on average). Black locust foliage could be an important, complementary feed, as it plays the role of rumen filler and during grazing, animals can access other useful plants among the trees. Foliage samples were collected from individuals of black locust cultivars, and subsequent content analyses were carried out. With the help of satellite images, photosynthetic activity and health conditions were investigated in the experimental areas using vegetation and moisture indices on the basis of content values and digestibility studies.
HLA-G High-expressor 3’UTR Markers Are Linked to Gastric Cancer Development and Survival
Authors: Vaquero-Yuste Christian , Juarez Ignacio , Molina-Alejandre Marta , Molanes-López Elisa María , Gutiérrez-Calvo Alberto , López-García Adela , Lasa Inmaculada , Gómez Remedios , Arnaiz-Villena Antonio , Martin-Villa Jose Manuel
Published: June 2024

Gastric cancer ranks fifth in both world prevalence and lethality, with a 5-year survival of less than 30%. HLA-G, a non-classical class I HLA gene, has emerged as a potential marker for cancer susceptibility and prognosis due to its immunomodulatory properties. Its level of expression is regulated by polymorphisms in the 3’ untranslated region (3’UTR) polymorphisms, which form various combined haplotypes (UTR-1 to -9). In this study, we examined HLA-G 3’UTR polymorphisms in paired tissue samples from 111 patients with gastric adenocarcinoma and 119 healthy controls. Polymorphism analysis was performed using PCR and Sanger sequencing, followed by statistical analysis using SNPStats software. Survival analysis was conducted using Kaplan-Meier curves and multivariate Cox regression models. High-expressor HLA-G 3’UTR haplotypes (UTR-1 and UTR-6) were significantly associated with gastric cancer susceptibility, indicating a potential role in tumor immune evasion. Additionally, the 14 base pair insertion/deletion polymorphism (14bp I/D) emerged as a prognostic marker, with D/D genotype carriers showing lower survival rates compared to I/D and I/I genotype carriers. Our study highlights the clinical relevance of HLA-G polymorphisms in gastric cancer, suggesting their potential as prognostic markers and therapeutic targets. Further elucidation of HLA-G-related pathways could lead to personalized treatment strategies and improved patient outcomes in gastric cancer.
Comprehensive Genomic Dependency Landscape of Human Colon Cancer
Authors: Khalili Sana , Mohseninia Atefeh , Liu Changlong , Banister Carolyn E. , Morrison Sidney E. , Heine Paige , Gokare Prashanth , Cowley Glenn S. , Weir Barbara A. , Pocalyko David , Bachman Kurtis E. , Buckhaults Phillip J.
Published: June 2024

Identifying genetic dependencies in human colon cancer could help identify effective treatment strategies. Genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 dropout screens have the potential to reveal genetic dependencies, some of which could be exploited as therapeutic targets using existing drugs. In this study, we comprehensively characterized genetic dependencies present in a colon cancer organoid avatar, and validated tumor-specific selectivity of select pharmacologic agents. We conducted a genome-wide CRISPR dropout screen to elucidate the genetic dependencies that interacted with select driver somatic mutations. We found distinct genetic dependencies that interacted with WNT, MAPK, PI3K, TP53, and mismatch repair pathways and validated targets that could be exploited as treatments for this specific subtype of colon cancer. These findings demonstrate the utility of functional genomic screening in the context of personalized medicine.
Screening and identification of plant growth promoting bacteria and their influence on soil heavy metal forms
Authors: Deng Yi , Hu Nan , Gu Weihua , Chen Mengjun
Published: June 2024

The unregulated dismantling of electronic products has led to heavy metal contamination of soil at electronic waste (e-waste) dismantling sites, causing serious environmental problems and not conductive to environmentally sustainable development. Therefore, four bacterial strains from soil collected from a contaminated e-waste site were screened. The objectives of this study were: to identify plant growth-promoting strains with useful characteristics; to determine the behavior of the strains by various qualitative and quantitative tests; to determine the effect of each strain on the migration of different forms of heavy metals from the soil by shake flask tests; and to determine the mechanisms by which this migration occurs. This study investigated the nitrogen fixation, inorganic phosphorus solubilization, iron carrier production, indole-3-acetic acid secretion, and metal tolerance of each bacterial strain, and used 16S rDNA analysis to determine its taxonomic status and growth characteristics. The 16S rDNA analysis revealed that strains RH1 and RH3 belonged to the genus Rhizobium, and strains MO2 and MO4 belonged to the genus Microbacterium. MO4 had the highest indole-3-acetic acid production capacity of 26.98 mg/L; RH3 had the highest inorganic phosphorus solubilization capacity of 1.33; RH1, MO2, RH3, and MO4 were capable of fixing nitrogen; and MO2 and MO4 were capable of producing iron carriers (MO4 was the most efficient of the two, with an iron carrier activity of up to 35%). A series of shake flask tests showed that the strains affected the levels of different forms of heavy metals and played a mobilizing role. Therefore, they are potentially useful for the remediation of heavy metal contaminated soils. In conclusion, Rhizobium RH3 and Microbacterium MO4 are excellent plant growth-promoting bacteria and have considerable potential for the green remediation of soils contaminated with heavy metals.
Impact of papillary morphology and diverticular type on needle-knife precut sphincterotomy in patients with periampullary diverticulum with difficult biliary cannulation
Authors: Wang Sheng-Fu , Wu Chi-Huan , Lee Mu-Hsien , Tsou Yung-Kuan , Lin Cheng-Hui , Sung Kai-Feng , Liu Nai-Jen
Published: June 2024

Background and Aims
Several studies have investigated the relationship between the technical success of ERCP and periampullary diverticulum (PAD), but only limited studies have specifically examined advanced cannulation techniques such as needle-knife precut sphincterotomy (NKPS). This study aimed to explore the outcomes of NKPS in patients with PAD.
Methods
This retrospective study was conducted on 122 patients with PAD who underwent NKPS due to difficult biliary cannulation. Patient characteristics, ERCP indications, CBD diameter, PAD classification, diverticular size, major duodenal papilla (MDP) morphology, and post-ERCP adverse events were assessed. We analyzed factors associated with the outcomes of NKPS in patients with PAD, with a specific focus on the type of PAD and the morphology of MDP.
Results
Among 122 patients, 82 (67.2%) belonged to the NKPS success group and 40 (32.8%) belonged to the NKPS failure group. Diverticular size was significantly larger in the NKPS failure group. For type I, type II, and type III PAD, the median dimeters of diverticula were 1.2 cm, 0.9 cm, and 0.5 cm, respectively (P<0.001), and the NKPS success rates were 50%, 66.3%, and 75%, respectively (P=0.391). Regarding MDP morphology, the NKPS success rates were 73.7%, 38.2%, 92.9%, and 82.4% for types I, II, III, and IV MDP, respectively (P =0.059). The overall adverse event rate was 16.4%, including pancreatitis (6.6%), delayed bleeding (5.7%), and cholangitis (4.1%). There were no significant differences in adverse event rates between the NKPS success and failure groups. Multivariate analysis showed that MDP morphology (type II vs. type I, OR: 0.256, 95% CI: 0.089-0.734, P=0.011) and bleeding during NKPS (OR: 0.117, 95% CI: 0.039-0.351, P< 0.001) were independent factors associated with NKPS outcome.
Conclusions
MDP morphology and bleeding during NKPS are independent predictors of NKPS failure in PAD patients with difficult biliary cannulation.
Advanced KPI Framework for IVF Pregnancy Prediction Models in IVF protocols
Authors: Sergeev Sergei , Diakova Iuliia
Published: June 2024

The utilization of neural networks in assisted reproductive technology is essential due to their capability to process complex and multidimensional data inherent in IVF procedures, offering opportunities for clinical outcome prediction, personalized treatment implementation, and overall advancement in fertility treatment. The aim of this study was to develop a novel approach to IVF laboratory data analysis, employing deep neural networks to predict the likelihood of clinical pregnancy occurrence within an individual protocol, integrating both key performance indicators and clinical data. We conducted a retrospective analysis spanning 11 years, encompassing 8732 protocols, to extract the most relevant features to our goal and train the model. Internal validation was performed on 1600 preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy embryo transfers, while external was conducted across two independent clinics (over 10,000 cases). Leveraging recurrent neural networks, our model demonstrates high accuracy in predicting the likelihood of clinical pregnancy within specific IVF protocols (AUC: 0.68–0.86; Test accuracy: 0.78, F1 Score: 0.71, Sensitivity: 0.62; Specificity: 0.86) comparable to time-lapse system but with a simpler approach. Our model facilitates both retrospective analysis of outcomes and prospective evaluation of clinical pregnancy chances, thus presenting a promising avenue for quality management programs and promotes their realization in medical centers.
Permeability Monitoring of Underground Concrete Structures using Elastic wave Characteristics with Biot’s Model
Authors: Lee Jong-Won , Kim Jin-Seop , Hong Chang-Ho , Oh Tae-Min
Published: June 2024

Underground environments are preferred for the construction of important infrastructures to overcome social problems, such as the tunnel or disposal of radioactive waste at deep depth. Concrete is primarily used as a structural material owing to its high strength and cost efficiency. To utilize these structures safely in the long term, the permeability of the concrete should be monitored. If the permeability is increased due to crack generation in a concrete medium, groundwater can flow into the underground structure. However, permeability monitoring is challenging at depths of 500 m–1 km under high-temperature, high-pressure, and limited space conditions. In this study, a theoretical model was developed to predict the permeability of concrete using compressive elastic waves. To derive the relationship between the permeability and elastic wave characteristics, Biot’s model, which can associate the characteristics of P-waves with the properties of porous media, was applied. The P-wave velocity and attenuation were investigated according to the permeability of the concrete based on Biot’s model. Subsequently, the concrete specimens were prepared to measure the permeability, P-wave velocity, and attenuation, and the permeability results from the experiment were compared to those obtained from the model for validation. Biot’s model is expected to be useful for permeability monitoring based on the characteristics of the elastic waves in underground structures.
Active integrated fabrication method and evaluation of polymer with microneedles LED light source integration
Authors: Zhang Xiaoning , Han Qingxin , Hu Xiaoqing , Zhang Lei , Kang Xiaoya , Li Ming , Gao Qiang , Liu Fengyi , Sun Jingyao , Zhu Jingxian , Zhuang Jian
Published: June 2024

This article proposes a new process for fabricating a polymer microneedles (MNs) patch integrated with an LED light source (LED-HEMA/MN, LH-MN) using ultraviolet (UV) curing technology. Hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) is used as the base material, with a focus on studying the active integrated fabrication process of the MNs patch. The study also investigates the morphology, size, mechanical properties, ex vivo skin penetration performance, operating temperature, and performance optimization of the LH-MN. The experimental results show that the LH-MN fabricated using the optimal process has a good appearance, high molding rate, short production cycle, and excellent mechanical properties. It can effectively penetrate the skin without the risk of thermal injury. In addition, the MNs patch (LED-HEMA/HEA-MN, LHH-MN) prepared by optimizing and modifying with hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA) possesses good flexibility and mechanical properties. It can adapt to different shapes and locations of the affected area, greatly enhancing the practicality of the MNs.
Temporal-Spatial Evolution Patterns and Driving Factors Analysis of China's Public Charging Infrastructure Development
Authors: Ma Zechao , Liu Xiaoming , Li Yishu , Wang Weiqiang , Zhao Yingjie , You Xiancheng
Published: June 2024

The development of public charging infrastructure has become an important component of smart city construction and energy conservation and emission reduction. As the country with the largest number of electric vehicles in the world, China's experience in the development of public charging infrastructure is of demonstrative significance globally. This article constructs a comprehensive evaluation index of the development level of public charging infrastructure based on provincial panel data from 2018 to 2023 and measures it using the entropy weight-TOPSIS method. By analyzing the coupling coordination degree between the development level of public charging infrastructure and regional resilience, spatial and temporal differences and evolutionary characteristics are explored. Finally, the factors influencing the development are analyzed using a spatial Durbin model with mixed fixed effects. The results show that: 1) The development level of public charging infrastructure in China has been increasing year by year, but regional disparities are gradually widening, with an increasing probability of downward transfer of coupling coordination status; 2) The coupling coordination degree in most regions of China has reached a primary coordination level or above, and there is a significant spatial agglomeration relationship, with high-value agglomeration areas in the eastern region showing a significant spillover effect in the east-west direction; 3) The development level of public charging infrastructure is influenced by various factors, among which economic development level, power supply capacity, government budget expenditure, urbanization process, pollutant emissions, and environmental temperature are key driving factors. This study analyzes the spatial and temporal pattern evolution of public charging infrastructure in China and its influencing factors, providing decision-making references for the development of global electrified transportation.
Performance Study of High-Precision Coal Composition and Carbon Emission Rapid Quantitative Analysis LIBS System
Authors: Wang Meng , Liu Shulin , Liu Xiaodong , Zhang Ying , Li An , Liu Ruibin
Published: June 2024

Rapid and high-precision quantitative analysis of coal composition and carbon emissions is an essential aspect of efficient energy utilization in factories. A rapid coal quality analysis system based on LIBS technology enables fast quantitative analysis of the elements, industrial parameters, and carbon emissions contained in coal. This article introduces the working principle of the CoalCam LIBS rapid coal quality analyzer, evaluates the measurement accuracy, robustness, equipment stability, and measurement precision technical parameters of the analysis equipment in industrial applications, and describes the method of using the equipment to assess coal quality carbon emissions. The final results indicate that the CoalCam rapid coal quality analyzer developed by our laboratory using LIBS technology has high accuracy and stability, with broad prospects for application in online coal quality monitoring, particularly in carbon emission assessment.
The quantitative anatomy of the hippocampus in homing pigeons and other pigeon breeds: implications for spatial cognition.
Authors: Iwaniuk Andrew N , Racicot Kelsey J , Guyonnet Audrey EM , Brinkman Ben
Published: June 2024

The artificial selection for specific behavioural and physical traits domesticated animals has resulted in a wide variety of breeds. One of the most widely recognized examples of behavioural selection is the homing pigeon (Columba livia), which has undergone intense selection for fast and efficient navigation, likely resulting in significant anatomical changes to the hippocampal formation. Previous neuroanatomical comparisons between homing and other pigeon breeds yielded mixed results, but only focused on volumes. We completed a more systematic test for differences in hippocampal formation anatomy between homing and other pigeon breeds by measuring volumes, neuron numbers and neuron densities in the hippocampal formation and septum across homing pigeons and seven other breeds. Overall, we found few differences in hippocampal formation volume across breeds, but large, significant differences in neuron numbers and densities. More specifically, homing pigeons have significantly more hippocampal neurons and at higher density than most other pigeon breeds, with nearly twice as many neurons as feral pigeons. These findings suggest that neuron numbers may be important component of homing behaviour in homing pigeons. Our data also provide the first evidence that neuronal density can be modified by artificial selection, which has significant implications for the study of domestication and interbreed variation in anatomy and behaviour.
Imitating the respiratory activity of the brain stem by using artificial neural networks: exploratory study on an animal model of lactic acidosis and proof of concept
Authors: Perchiazzi Gaetano , Kawati Rafael , Pellegrini Mariangela , Liangpansakul Jasmine , Colella Roberto , Bollella Paolo , Rangaiah Pramod , Cannone Annamaria , Venkataramana Deepthi Hulithala , Perez Mauricio , Stramaglia Sebastiano , Torsi Luisa , Bellotti Roberto , Augustine Robin
Published: June 2024

Purpose: Artificial neural networks (ANNs) are versatile tools capable of learning without prior knowledge. This study aims to evaluate whether ANN can calculate minute volume during spontaneous breathing after being trained using data from an animal model of metabolic acidosis.
Methods: Data was collected from ten anesthetized, spontaneously breathing pigs divided randomly into two groups, one without dead space and the other with dead space at the beginning of the experiment. Each group underwent two equal sequences of pH lowering with pre-defined targets by continuous infusion of lactic acid. The inputs to ANNs were pH, DPaCO2 (variation of the arterial partial pressure of CO2), PaO2, and blood temperature which were sampled from the animal model. The output was the delta minute volume (DVM), (the change of minute volume as compared to the minute volume the animal had at the beginning of the experiment). The ANN performance was analyzed using mean squared error (MSE), linear regression, and the Bland-Altman (B-A) method.
Results: The animal experiment provided the necessary data to train the ANN. The best architecture of ANN had 17 intermediate neurons; the best performance of the finally trained ANN had a linear regression with R2 of 0.99, an MSE of 0.001 [L/min], a B-A analysis with bias ± standard deviation of 0.006 ± 0.039 [L/min].
Conclusions: ANNs can accurately estimate DVM using the same information that arrives at the respiratory centers. This performance makes them a promising component for the future development of closed-loop artificial ventilators.
Flexible aerogel composites for the elimination of crystal violet and methyl orange
Authors: Nguyen Phuong X.T. , Pham Anh P.N. , Nguyen Hong T.T. , Do Tai C. , Le Phung K.
Published: June 2024

The application of porous aerogels for dye adsorption has proven to be an effective approach in wastewater treatment. In this study, bio-cellulose aerogels from coconut fibrils were successfully developed via the formation of physically cross-linking cellulose with non-toxic binders (polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and xanthan gum (XTG)) after a freeze-drying technique. The resulting cellulose aerogel demonstrated remarkably low density (27.59–47.76 g/cm3), high porosity (> 96.0%), a specific surface area of 518.01 m2/g, and a desorption average pore diameter distribution of 3.77 nm. These aerogels were tested for crystal violet (CV) and methyl orange (MO) adsorption to evaluate their effectiveness in treating dye-polluted water via various conditions such as contact time, pH values, initial concentrations, and temperature. The dye adsorption process reached equilibrium after approx. 30 mins and strictly followed pseudo-second-order and the Redlich-Peterson model. FT-IR and SEM-EDX analyses proved that the adsorption mechanism is primarily ascribed to the hydrogen bonding, electrostatic, π-π, and Vander Waals interactions between aerogel and dye molecules. The eco-friendly synthesis of recycled cellulose aerogels from coconut fibrils using green chemicals holds great promise for dye elimination.
GGC-SLAM: A VSLAM System Based on Predicted Static Probability of Feature Points in Dynamic Environments
Authors: Sun Qian , Liu Wa , Zou Junjing , Xu Ziqiang , Li Yibing
Published: June 2024

Most existing Visual Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (VSLAM) systems heavily rely on the assumption of a static world. However, in real-world scenarios, moving objects often reduce the accuracy and robustness of these systems. To mitigate the impact of moving objects on SLAM system performance, this paper introduces GGC-SLAM, a VSLAM system designed for dynamic environments based on the static probability of predictive feature points. Building on the foundation of ORB-SLAM2, this system incorporates a lightweight object detection thread for acquiring semantic information. It also integrates the Grid-based Motion Statistics (GMS) and Graph-Cut RANdom SAmple Consensus (GC-RANSAC) algorithms to enhance the speed and precision of fundamental matrix computation. The system preliminarily predicts the static probability of feature points by combining semantic information with epipolar constraints, then refines the differentiation between dynamic and static feature points using the initial probability information and a Conditional Random Field (CRF), ultimately excluding feature points deemed dynamic. We conducted evaluations using the TUM public dataset and in real-world environments, and the results show that GGC-SLAM can effectively handle dynamic feature points in dynamic scenes. While ensuring real-time operation, it demonstrates more accurate localization compared to other advanced dynamic SLAM systems. Particularly in high-dynamic scenes, our system's average absolute trajectory error is reduced by approximately 90% compared to ORB-SLAM2.
Nutritional and anti-nutritional potentials and variability among selected finger millet (Eleusine coracana subsp. coracana) landraces of Tigray, northern Ethiopia
Authors: Semere Tesfakiros , Tareke Lijalem , Teklay Ashenafi , Mesele Etsay , Kasegn Melaku Mekonen , Fisseha Haregot , Mekonen Girmay , Kahsay Birhanu , Embaye Lijalem Gebrewahid , Yigzaw Wendm , Gebremedhin Hailay Mehari , Weldekidan Negash Aregay , Tsehaye Yemane
Published: June 2024

Finger millet is one of the staple food crops used for different end-uses in Tigray, northern Ethiopia. However, limited research attention has been given to its nutritional and anti-nutritional profiling. Thus, this research was conducted to assess the potential and variability in protein, starch, minerals, flavonoid, tannin, and antioxidant activities among selected finger millet landraces. Protein and starch were analyzed using an infrared spectrophotometer, whereas mineral elements were estimated using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Antioxidant activity was analyzed using ferric-reducing antioxidant power and phosphomolybdenum assays. The result revealed significant variation among the landraces for all the evaluated nutritional and anti-nutritional components. Respectively, protein and starch contents ranged from 8.79 to 11.05% and 70.30 to 76.17%. Extensive variations were observed for Fe (93.56-742.59), Zn (14.76–30.13), Cu (8.29–13.11), Mn (88.40-201.303), and Cr (2.54–6.58) as measured in mg/100g. High variabilities for total flavonoid (4-33.88 mg CE/g) and tannin (0.76–2.70 mg CE/100 g) were also observed. Ferric reducing antioxidant power (15.55–57.06 mg AAE/g), and total antioxidant activity (7.78–20.59 mg BHTE/g) were also highly variable among the samples. Multivariate analysis revealed three distinct groups of the tested landraces. The rich genetic diversity in the nutritional and anti-nutritional attributes may be an opportunity for breeding for grain quality improvements of finger millet that, in turn, helps in addressing malnutrition.
Robotic Pauli repair of parastomal hernia
Authors: lambrecht jan roland
Published: June 2024

Background
Robotic retro-muscular mesh repair of parastomal hernia (PH) is possible with transversus abdominis release. The aim of this study is to report mid-term results with this method.
Methods
Patients who underwent surgery for PH were enrolled in a prospective study. Patients with concomitant midline hernia also underwent Rives repair. Polypropylene meshes with an absorbable buffer mesh were used in the retro-muscular pocket – except PTFE was chosen for inflammatory bowel disease patients.
Results
Of the 53 included ostomy patients, 43 had colostomies, 8 had ileostomies, and 2 had urostomies, all of which were of the end type. Forty percent had a concomitant hernia, and 26% had recurrent PH. The mean operating time without accessory repair was 156 minutes (SD 37), and that with accessory repairs was 220 minutes (SD 62). Postoperative complications ensued in 12 patients (23%). One bowel lesion and one vascular injury to the stoma occurred, prompting intraoperative revision of the stoma without postoperative morbidity. One patient had late stoma necrosis and was relocated after 3 weeks. One patient had a mesh infection, 3 patients suffered temporary ileus, one patient experienced hypovolemic renal failure, and one of two patients experienced a flare-up of their IBD. One parastomal abscess was removed with a percutaneous drain. The median postoperative stay was 3 days (1–21; mean 3.7 days), and the readmission rate was 7.5%. The recurrence rate at mean and median 24 months follow up is 3.8%, both in ileostomy patients.
Conclusions
Robotic Pauli repair has shown promising results. However, repair fails of PH at small bowel ostomies with short mesentery. ePauli/TAR is now the standard operation for all eligible patients at our site.
Fuzzy Bounded Separation Method for Solving Fully Fuzzy Interval Integer Transportation Problems
Authors: PATHAK GOVIND , Roy Haridas , Kumar Rakesh , Malik Zahid Amin
Published: June 2024

A novel method called the fuzzy bounded separation method, based on the maximum modulus zero suffix method, and is suggested to address fully fuzzy interval integer transportation problems. The provided problem is divided into fuzzy upper bounded interval transportation problem (FUBITP) and fuzzy lower bounded interval transportation problem (FLBITP), with the goal of finding the optimal solution using the maximum modulus zero suffix strategy. The suggested tactic works in a circumstance that is fairly similar to that without utilizing any ranking methods. A numerical example is provided to illustrate the solution procedure, and the results are contrasted with those obtained using the current techniques. Various types of logistic problems are handled with fully fuzzy integer interval concerns, and decision-makers may find the fuzzy bounded separation method to be quite helpful. This procedure is methodical, easy to utilize, and put into practice.
MSC 2020 No.: 49Q22, 90B06, 90C08, 90C70
Investigating Hallucination Tendencies of Large Language Models in Japanese and English
Authors: Tsuruta Hiromi , Sakaguchi Rio
Published: June 2024

The increasing reliance on artificial intelligence for natural language processing has brought to light the issue of hallucinations in language models, where models generate content that appears plausible but is factually incorrect. Exploring the comparative hallucination tendencies in Japanese and English reveals significant differences, highlighting the importance of understanding language-specific challenges in model performance. A rigorous methodology was employed to quantify the frequency and severity of hallucinations, with comprehensive data collection from diverse sources in both languages. Quantitative analysis indicated a higher propensity for hallucinations in Japanese responses, attributed to the complex syntactical and contextual structures of the language. Qualitative examples provided concrete illustrations of the errors encountered, demonstrating the impact of linguistic and cultural factors. The findings emphasize the necessity for more linguistically diverse and contextually rich training datasets, along with advanced fact-checking mechanisms, to improve the reliability of language models. The study's implications extend to the development of tailored strategies for enhancing model accuracy across different languages, contributing to the broader goal of creating more robust and trustworthy artificial intelligence systems for global applications.
Self-Talk: Musing on Distance Education. (2023)
Authors: Mandal Sayantan , Sareen Sheriya
Published: June 2024

Self-Talk: Musings on Distance Education is a compilation of blogs and a series of reflective writings written by the author on open and distance learning (ODL) and online learning, accounting for over three decades of his experience. The cornucopia of his ideas and anecdotes pertains to the key innovations that hallmarked developments in ODL and online learning. The book shares much-needed pathways to re-imagine compromised education in the post-pandemic world. At the time of writing this book, Dr. Sanjaya Mishra worked as the director of education at the Commonwealth of Learning (CoL) in British Columbia, Canada. The book is primarily based on his prior trove of experiences as a distance educator at the sole centrally-funded open university in India, the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). The goal of this book is to understand the developments in distance education, including the changing roles of teachers and students, with critical discourse centred around IGNOU, based on lessons learned globally and specifically from engagements at the CoL. The book comprises six sections, encompassing 45 chapters.