bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Game theory based maritime area detection for cloud-edge collaboration satellite network
Authors: Li Yuan , Wang Bingqian , Xu Yueqiang , Xu Haitao
Published: May 2024

Maritime area detection technology applies equipment such as high-orbit satellites, gateway ships and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles to detection. In this scenario, real-time uploading and analysis of maritime data is crucial. In the existing scenario, UAV data are gathered to the gateway ship and uploaded to the shore-based cloud via the high-orbit satellite, because the communication distance of the high-orbit satellite is far, and when the uploaded data volume is large or the access to the equipment increases, the propagation delay of the uploading of the data from the gateway ship to the satellite and the forwarding of the data from the satellite to the shore-based cloud is longer, and the processing delay of the shore-based cloud is increased, and the efficiency of the data transmission and communication will be affected as well. Aiming at the problem of increasing delay caused by communication limitations in maritime area detection, this paper proposes a maritime area detection scheme based on cloud-side collaboration. The scheme solves the problem of communication limitation from the following two aspects. First, the edge computing nodes are deployed on the ship side of the gateway, and the optimal offloading ratio is sought through game theory to offload a part of the tasks from the center cloud to the edge cloud for processing, which improves the efficiency of processing data and thus reduces the data transmission latency and data processing delay. Secondly, low-orbit (LEO) satellites are introduced to provide communication services, because low-orbit satellites have low orbital altitude and short propagation delay, which can transmit the data at the gateway ship to the shore-based cloud more quickly and improve the data transmission efficiency. Finally, it is also verified by designing experiments that the proposed scheme adopts the optimal offloading ratio and has a lower total delay than the original scheme, thus proving the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
How Mandarin–English bilinguals interpret qián/forward: impact of language proficiencies on retrieval of temporal concepts
Authors: Yang Tengji , Yang Ying
Published: May 2024

Mandarin qián and English forward are semantically equivalent in the domain of Space, but could be semantically opposite in the domain of Time. In other words, equivalent spatial lexical items could convey opposite temporal concepts. What temporal concepts conveyed by qián and forward would be retrieved by Mandarin–English (M–E) bilinguals with different language proficiencies? Drawing a sample from college students in Mainland China, this study examines how L1 and L2 proficiencies would affect M–E bilinguals' retrieval of temporal concepts by examining their interpretation of the Mandarin temporal metaphor of qián and the English temporal metaphors of forward. The results show that L1 temporal concepts would be retrieved more frequently than L2 temporal concepts regardless of the testing languages, that L1 and L2 proficiencies were not predictors for the way of interpretation, and that the higher L2 proficiency group could retrieve temporal concepts in line with the testing languages with higher accuracy than the lower L2 proficiency group. The findings suggest that bilinguals with higher L2 proficiency may be able to represent temporal concepts with language tags or may have an attentional and/or inhibitory control advantage.
The coupling coordination between health service supply and regional economy in China: spatio-temporal evolution and convergence
Authors: Deng Jing , Song Qianwen , Liu Huan , Jiang Zicheng , Ge Chengzhi , Li Dexun
Published: May 2024

Background

The coordination of health service supply and regional economy is an integral path to promote China’s prosperity.

Methods

Based on the coupling mechanism of health service supply and regional economy, we sampled the data from 30 provinces in China from 2009 to 2021 in this study and constructed the evaluation index system. Additionally, we calculated the coupling coordination degree (HED) of the two through the coupling coordination degree model. We further used the kernel density estimation, Moran’s I index, and spatial β convergence model to assess the dynamic evolution trends, spatial aggregation effect, and spatial convergence characteristics of coupling coordination.

Conclusion

(1) HED in China showed a rising trend during the study period but with large regional differences, forming a gradient distribution pattern of “high in the east and low in the west.” (2) The results of Kernel density estimation show that HED has formed a gradient differentiation phenomenon within each region in China. (3) HED has modeled spatial clustering characteristics during the study period, with high-value clusters mainly appearing in the eastern region and low-value clusters appearing in the northwestern region. (4) There are absolute β-convergence and conditional β-convergence trends in HED in China and the three major regions during the study period, but there is an obvious regional heterogeneity in the control factors. The research provides a reference for accurately implementing policies according to different levels of health service supply and economic development, in addition to narrowing the regional differences of the coupling coordination between the regional economy and health service supply.
A longitudinal study on self-rated health changes in disabled older people
Authors: Yi Eunsil , Choi Bogcheon
Published: May 2024

There is a growing demand for quality healthcare for senior citizens among the disabled older population, considering their rising numbers. This study examines the longitudinal change in the health status of disabled older people and determines its effects on social exclusion and differences based on age at disability onset. The analysis was performed using a multilevel growth model on the health data for disabled older people (≥60 years) derived from the Korea Welfare Panel Study (KWePS). The following findings were observed based on the stated model: (1) The Self-Rated Health (SRH) of disabled older people increased over time, with significant individual differences in the initial status and growth rate; (2) The domains of economic and social network exclusion were associated with changes in the health status of disabled older people; and (3) The longitudinal effects of social exclusion on SRH changes in disabled older people varied according to the age at disability onset. Based on these results, strategies and implications for the development of health-promoting interventions for disabled older people were presented.
Chaperone regulation of biomolecular condensates
Authors: Bard Jared A. M. , Drummond D. Allan
Published: May 2024

Biomolecular condensation allows for the dynamic organization of molecules in time and space. Condensate formation is regulated through many mechanisms including the action of molecular chaperones. While molecular chaperones have long been viewed through the lens of their roles in protein folding, misfolding, and quality control, their ability to manipulate protein-protein interactions is increasingly recognized to play a major role in the precise control of condensate biology. In this review we highlight recent studies investigating the roles of canonical and non-canonical chaperones in regulating condensate formation, material state, and dispersal. We discuss the broadening of longstanding conceptions of chaperone functions to include condensate regulation, and the discovery of previously unappreciated chaperone activities in well-known proteins. We close by considering the biological activities being uncovered during the ongoing upheaval at the boundary between chaperone biology and biomolecular condensation.
Priorities for contraceptive method and service delivery attributes among adolescent girls and young women in Kenya: a qualitative study
Authors: Harrington Elizabeth K. , Hauber Brett , Ouma Dismas Congo , Kimanthi Syovata , Dollah Annabell , Onono Maricianah , Bukusi Elizabeth A.
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Despite increasing global commitment to meeting the family planning needs of adolescent girls and young women (AGYW), there is limited research on how they prioritize contraceptive method and service delivery characteristics. In this qualitative study, we examine the specific elements that drive the contraceptive choices of Kenyan AGYW, and apply our findings to the development of attributes and levels for a discrete choice experiment (DCE).

Methods

Our four-stage approach included data collection, data reduction, removing inappropriate attributes, and optimizing wording. Between June-October 2021, we conducted in-depth interviews with 30 sexually-active 15–24 year-old AGYW in Kisumu county, Kenya who were non-pregnant and desired to delay pregnancy. Interviews focused on priorities for contraceptive attributes, how AGYW make trade-offs between among these attributes, and the influences of preferences on contraceptive choice. Translated transcripts were qualitatively coded and analyzed with a constant comparative approach to identify key concepts. We developed and iteratively revised a list of attributes and levels, and pre-tested draft DCE choice tasks using cognitive interviews with an additional 15 AGYW to optimize comprehension and relevance.

Results

In-depth interview participants' median age was 18, 70% were current students, and 93% had a primary sexual partner. AGYW named a variety of priorities and preferences related to choosing and accessing contraceptive methods, which we distilled into six key themes: side effects; effectiveness; user control; privacy; source of services; and cost. Bleeding pattern was top of mind for participants; amenorrhea was generally considered an intolerable side effect. Many participants felt more strongly about privacy than effectiveness, though some prioritized duration of use and minimizing chance of pregnancy above other contraceptive characteristics. Most AGYW preferred a clinic setting for access, as they desired contraceptive counseling from a provider, but pharmacies were considered preferable for reasons of privacy. We selected, refined, and pre-tested 7 DCE attributes, each with 2–4 levels.

Conclusions

Identifying AGYW preferences for contraceptive method and service delivery characteristics is essential to developing innovative strategies to meet their unique SRH needs. DCE methods may provide valuable quantitative perspectives to guide and tailor contraceptive counseling and service delivery interventions for AGYW who want to use contraception.
INSCYD physiological performance software is valid to determine the maximal lactate steady state in male and female cyclists
Authors: Poffé Chiel , Van Dael Kaat , Van Schuylenbergh Reinout
Published: May 2024

Introduction

The maximal lactate steady state (MLSS) is defined as the highest workload that can be maintained without blood lactate accumulation over time. The power output at MLSS (PMLSS) is regularly implemented to define training zones, quantify training progress, or predict race performance. The gold standard methodology for MLSS determination requires two to five trials of constant-load exercise, which limits the practical application in training. The INSCYD software can calculate the PMLSS (PMLSSINSCYD) based on physiological data that can be obtained during a ∼1 h laboratory visit. However, to the best of our knowledge, the validity of the most recent software version has not yet been investigated. This study aimed to assess the validity of the software's calculations on PMLSS in cycling.

Methods

The data for this study were retrieved from two published scientific sources. Thirty-one cyclists (19 males, 12 females) performed a 15 s sprint to estimate the VLamax, a ramp test for the V˙O2max assessment, and two to five constant-load tests to determine the PMLSS. The INSCYD software was used to calculate the PMLSS based on the V˙O2max, VLamax, sex, body mass, and body composition.

Results

The PMLSSINSCYD was higher than the PMLSS in the entire sample (mean difference: 4.6 W, p < 0.05, 95% CI 0.8–8.3 W) and in men (mean difference: 6.6 W, p < 0.05, 95% CI 1.3–11.8 W), but not in women (mean difference: 0.8 W, n.s., 95% CI −3.7 to 5.3 W), which was within the typical error of the PMLSS estimations (∼3%). In 12 subjects (nine males, three females), the PMLSSINSCYD differed by 3.1–7.3% compared to the MLSS. The Pearson correlations between the measured PMLSS and the calculated PMLSS (PMLSSINSCYD) were very strong in men (r = 0.974, p < 0.001, 95% CI 0.933–0.99), women (r = 0.984, p < 0.001, 95% CI 0.931–0.996), and for the entire sample (r = 0.992, p < 0.001, 95% CI 0.982–0.996).

Discussion

In conclusion, the PMLSS can be accurately calculated using the INSCYD software, but it still requires advanced testing equipment to collect valid V˙O2max and VLamax data.
Metabolomics revealed that toxic cyanobacteria stress reduced the flavor quality of Bellamya aeruginosa
Authors: Huang Yuqi , Zhang Jinjie , Xu Dalun , Ren Xiaohui , Yang Wen , Lu Kaihong , Zhu Jinyong
Published: May 2024

The environmental impact of increased eutrophication and frequent cyanobacterial blooms on the growth and reproduction of aquatic organisms has become increasingly prominent in recent years. Bellamya aeruginosa is a nutrient-rich aquatic snail consumed by humans, and environmental changes may decrease its meat quality. However, the specific characteristics of muscle metabolism and flavor quality in freshwater snails and their response patterns to bloom-forming cyanobacterial stress have not been reported. Therefore, in this study, alterations in metabolites in the snail muscle after following feeding on toxic Microcystis aeruginosa were investigated using untargeted metabolomics. A total of 1,128 metabolites were identified, and the metabolic pathways of unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis and purine, glutathione, and glycerophospholipid metabolism in snails fed toxic cyanobacteria differed from those in snails fed Chlorella vulgaris. Quantitative analysis showed increased levels of bitter-free amino acids, such as tyrosine, phenylalanine, and histidine, after consuming toxic cyanobacteria for 42 d, whereas a relative decrease was observed in the levels of umami- and sweet-free amino acids, such as glutamic acid, aspartic acid, serine, threonine, and glicine. The muscles of snails fed toxic cyanobacteria exhibited higher hypoxanthine and hypoxanthine nucleoside and lower adenosine triphosphate, adenine nucleotide, adenine nucleoside diphosphate, and hypoxanthine nucleotide contents than those of snails fed C. vulgaris. Furthermore, increased metabolites, such as stearic acid, palmitic acid, and cytidine diphosphate choline, and decreased metabolites, such as docosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, adrenoic acid, and L-glutamic acid, reflect the harmful effects of toxic cyanobacteria on the nutritional value and flesh quality of B. aeruginosa. This study comprehensively evaluated the effects of cyanobacterial blooms on freshwater gastropods, providing an important theoretical basis for the quality, safety, and sustainable development of snails as food and related processing industries.
RSV infection of humanized lung-only mice induces pathological changes resembling severe bronchiolitis and bronchopneumonia
Authors: De Chandrav , Pickles Raymond J. , Yao Wenbo , Liao Baolin , Boone Allison , Cleary Rachel A. , Garcia J. Victor , Wahl Angela
Published: May 2024

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a substantial cause of severe lower respiratory tract infections in infants, young children, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals. There is a vital need for effective therapeutics to prevent and/or treat severe RSV infection in these high-risk individuals. The development and pre-clinical testing of candidate RSV therapeutics could be accelerated by their evaluation in animal models that recapitulate bronchiolitis and bronchopneumonia, both hallmark features of severe RSV infection in humans. Previously, we demonstrated that implanted human lung tissue in humanized lung-only mice (LoM) can be infected with RSV, resulting in sustained virus replication. Here we analyzed RSV-associated human lung pathology in the human lung implants of RSV-infected LoM. RSV-infected epithelial cells lining the airway and the alveolar regions of human lung implants result in hallmark histological features of RSV bronchiolitis and bronchopneumonia, including distal airway and alveolar lumens clogged with (1) sloughed and necrotic RSV-infected epithelial cells, (2) neutrophil-containing inflammatory infiltrates, and (3) MUC5B-dominated mucus secretions. We also show that treatment of LoM with a small molecule antiviral (ribavirin) or a neutralizing antibody (palivizumab) significantly suppressed and/or prevented RSV infection in vivo. Our data together show that RSV infection of human lung implants in vivo exhibits appropriate cellular tropism and results in the hallmark pathological characteristics of severe bronchiolitis and bronchopneumonia in humans. They also offer proof-of-principle of the utility of this model to evaluate novel approaches for the prevention/treatment of RSV infection.
How Long Is Long? A Bibliographic Review of What Is Meant by the Long-Term Effects of Fire on Soil Properties
Authors: Garcia-Braga Eduardo , Peñalver-Alcalá Antonio , Farguell Joaquim , Francos Marcos , Úbeda Xavier
Published: May 2024

Wildfires pose one of the greatest threats to the world’s forests soils. After exposure to fire, forests lose many of their ecological functions; moreover, the repercussions can extend well beyond the forest itself, as the erosive processes attributable to the combustion of vegetation and the soil’s lack of protection against rainfall are likely to impact any areas of a catchment, contaminating reservoirs, estuaries and aquifers. A forest fire is not solely, therefore, an environmental issue, but also a social and economic problem. The recovery of a forest is heavily dependent on just how the soil has been affected and how rapidly the latter can be restored. Fire intensity is critical in understanding the temporal evolution of the forest, while its location—a clear determinant of its climate and the ecosystem it occupies—can undermine the functionality of the forest system and is critical in determining the duration of the effects of the fire episode. This paper undertakes a review of the literature with the aim of understanding what might be understood when studies speak of the long-term effects of fire on the soil and when a soil might be considered to have recovered from these effects. What is evident is that many variables have a role to play and that not all soil properties recover at the same rate; indeed, some may never be restored to pre-fire levels.
The Effect of Fertilizers on Soil Total and Available Cadmium in China: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhao Xiaoning , Li Li , Xue Lihua , Hu Yi , Han Jiangang
Published: May 2024

The unreasonable use of fertilizers is a significant cause of cultivated soil cadmium (Cd) accumulation. Although there is research about the effect of fertilizers on soil cadmium (Cd) accumulation under different crops, soils, and cultivation durations locally and specifically, its relative and determinant factors are seldom comprehensively and comparatively researched and evaluated. We used meta-analysis to analyze the effects of fertilizers (mineral fertilizer N, P, K (NPK) with manure (NPKM), NPK with straw (NPKS), and the mineral fertilizer N (N), NK (NK)), crops, duration, climate, and soil texture on the Chinese soil total and available Cd change during 1987–2022. The results showed that the order of the increased soil total and available Cd change was NPKM (total: 62%–104%, available: 61%–143%) > NPKS (50%–86%, 48%–116%) > NPK (25%–50%, 35%–75%) > NK (5%–19%, 19%–33%) > N (2%–6%, 7%–31%). NPKM and NPKS significantly increased the total Cd under maize (104%, 86%) and available Cd under rice (136%, 116%). Cd changed the fastest with the NPKM cultivation duration for total Cd under maize (slope: 5.9) and available Cd under rice (6.6). The change of the soil total and available Cd had the higher value in the semiarid region, clay soils, lower pH, and long cultivations. The change of the soil total and available Cd were highest (398%, 375%) in the semiarid region for clay loam after 20–25 years of NPKM fertilization, when the pH decreased to the lowest (−1.9). According to the aggregated boosted tree analysis, the fertilizers and duration were the best explanatory variable (>53%) for the soil total and available Cd. In conclusion, the soil Cd could be mitigated through reducing the long–term manure, straw, and P fertilizer content with Cd, and field managements such as liming, wetting, and drying according to the crops, climate, and soil texture.
Genotypic and Phenotypic Characteristics of Lactic Acid Bacteria Associated with Forage Plants in the Native Grassland of Western Inner Mongolia and Their Application for Alfalfa Silage Fermentation
Authors: Li Wenlong , Li Feng , Zhang Chen , Gao Jie , Tao Ya
Published: May 2024

This study was conducted to investigate the genotypic and phenotypic characteristics of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) associated with forage plants in the native grassland of western Inner Mongolia and to evaluate their effects on alfalfa silage fermentation. Forage plants and their spontaneous fermentation silages were analysed using culture-based techniques for LAB isolation; the phenotypic properties and 16S rDNA and pheS or rpoA gene sequences of the isolates were evaluated; alfalfa was ensiled with four additive combinations: Lactiplantibacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum (GI19), Lact. plantarum subsp. plantarum and Pediococcus pentosaceus (GI19+GI51), GI19 and 20 g/kg fresh matter of sucrose (GI19+S), and GI19+GI51+S, for 60 d. A total of 73 strains belonging to 16 species were isolated. All isolates grew at 5–45 °C and in 3.0% NaCl, and most of them grew in 6.5% NaCl. Enterococcus faecalis and Lact. plantarum were 26.03% and 17.81% of the total isolates, respectively. All additives improved the silage quality, while GI19+S was more effective for alfalfa ensiling with a higher lactic acid content and lower pH, undesirable microorganism counts, and acetic acid and NH3-N contents than remnant additives. In conclusion, the LAB species were diverse, and most of them possessed good cryotolerance and osmotolerance; GI19+S was the optimal inoculant for alfalfa fermentation improvement.
Perceptions of Animal Welfare on Livestock: Evidence from College Agronomy Students in Costa Rica
Authors: Valverde Anthony , González-Miranda José Andrés , Sevilla Francisco , Mora Sara , Roldan Eduardo R. S. , Vargas Celso , González Rodolfo
Published: May 2024

Ethical considerations regarding our treatment of animals have gained strength, leading to legislation and a societal focus across various disciplines. This is a subject of study within curricula related to agri-food sciences. The aim was to determine the perceptions of agronomy university students concerning animal welfare in livestock production systems. A survey was conducted to encompass various aspects, from participants’ sociodemographic attributes to their attitudes and behaviors regarding animal welfare and the consumption of animal products. Statistical analysis, performed using R software, delved into the associations between participants’ characteristics and their perspectives on the ethical, bioethical, and legal dimensions of animal welfare. Associations between demographic factors and ethical viewpoints among students were identified. Gender differences emerged in animal treatment perceptions, while rural and urban environments impacted perspectives on various animals. Bioethical considerations revealed distinctive disparities based on gender and education in concerns regarding animal welfare, value perceptions, evaluations of animal behaviors, and opinions on animal research. It is crucial to distinguish between animal welfare and the ethical considerations arising from coexisting with sentient beings capable of experiencing suffering. Ethical theories provide a lens through which we perceive our obligations toward animals. The responsibility to ensure animal welfare is firmly rooted in recognizing that animals, like humans, experience pain and physical suffering. Consequently, actions causing unjustified suffering or mistreatment, particularly for entertainment purposes, are considered morally unacceptable.
Serum Metabolomic Analysis of Synchronous Estrus in Yaks Based on UPLC-Q-TOF MS Technology
Authors: Feng Fen , Huang Chun , Luosang Dunzhu , Ma Xiaoming , La Yongfu , Wu Xiaoyun , Guo Xian , Pingcuo Zhandui , Liang Chunnian
Published: May 2024

The yak is a unique species of livestock found in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and its surrounding areas. Due to factors such as late sexual maturity and a low rate of estrus, its reproductive efficiency is relatively low. The process of estrus synchronization in yaks plays a crucial role in enhancing their reproductive success and ensuring the continuation of their species. In order to clarify the characteristics of the serum metabolites of yak estrus synchronization, the yaks with inactive ovaries were compared with the estrus synchronization yaks. In this study, yaks were divided into the inactive ovaries group (IO), gonarelin-induced yak estrus group (GnRH), and chloprostenol sodium-induced yak estrus group (PGF). After the completion of the estrus synchronization treatment, blood samples were collected from the jugular veins of the non-estrus yaks in the control group and the yaks with obvious estrus characteristics in the GnRH and PGF groups. Metabolites were detected by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and differential metabolites were screened by multivariate statistical analysis. The results showed that a total of 70 significant differential metabolites were screened and identified in the GnRH vs. IO group, and 77 significant differential metabolites were screened and identified in the PGF vs. IO group. Compared with non-estrus yaks, 36 common significant differential metabolites were screened out after the induction of yak estrus by gonarelin (GnRH) and cloprostenol sodium (PGF), which were significantly enriched in signaling pathways such as the beta oxidation of very long chain fatty acids, bile acid biosynthesis, oxidation of branched chain fatty acids, steroidogenesis, steroid biosynthesis, and arginine and proline metabolism. This study analyzed the effects of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) and prostaglandin F (PGF) on the reproductive performance of yaks treated with estrus synchronization, which provides a theoretical basis for the optimization and application of yak estrus synchronization technology and promotes the healthy development of the yak industry.
Optimization and Application of XGBoost Logging Prediction Model for Porosity and Permeability Based on K-means Method
Authors: Zhang Jianting , Wang Ruifei , Jia Ailin , Feng Naichao
Published: May 2024

The prediction and distribution of reservoir porosity and permeability are of paramount importance for the exploration and development of regional oil and gas resources. In order to optimize the prediction methods of porosity and permeability and better guide gas field development, it is necessary to identify the most effective approaches. Therefore, based on the extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) algorithm, laboratory test data of the porosity and permeability of cores from the southern margin of the Ordos Basin were selected as the target labels, conventional logging curves were used as the input feature variables, and the mean absolute error (MAE) and the coefficient of determination (R2) were used as the evaluation indicators. Following the selection of the optimal feature variables and optimization of the hyper-parameters, an XGBoost porosity and permeability prediction model was established. Subsequently, the innovative application of homogeneous clustering (K-means) data preprocessing was applied to enhance the XGBoost model’s performance. The results show that logarithmically preprocessed (LOG(PERM)) target labels enhanced the performance of the XGBoost permeability prediction model, with an increase of 0.26 in its test set R2. Furthermore, the application of K-means improved the performance of the XGBoost prediction model, with an increase of 0.15 in the R2 of the model and a decrease of 0.017 in the MAE. Finally, the POR_0/POR_1 grouped porosity model was selected as the final predictive model for porosity in the study area, and the Arctan(PERM)_0/Arctan(PER0M)_1 grouped model was selected as the final predictive model for permeability, which has better prediction accuracy than logging curves. The combination of K-means and the XGBoost modeling method provides a new approach and reference for the efficient and relatively accurate evaluation of porosity and permeability in the study area.
Friction and Wear Performances of Materials for Wind Turbine Sliding Bearing Bushes
Authors: Chen Jun , Min Jiahua , Li Linjie , Liang Xiaoyan
Published: May 2024

This study aimed to enhance the friction and wear characteristics of materials for wind turbine sliding-bearing bushes operating under low-speed and heavy-load conditions. To this end, a high-entropy CoCrFeNiMo alloy coating was applied to the surface of 9Cr18 bearing steel, and Ni-Cr-Mo-Si alloy coating was applied to MTCrMoCu30 wear-resistant cast iron using laser cladding. The effects of varying loads on the friction and wear properties of these coatings were investigated, and the friction and wear properties were compared. Furthermore, the overall priority indices for both groups of bearing bush coatings were assessed. The findings indicated that the friction coefficient, wear quality, and wear rate of CoCrFeNiMo high-entropy alloy coating initially decreased and then increased with the increase in applied load, dominated by abrasive wear. By contrast, the friction coefficient of the Ni-Cr-Mo-Si alloy coating increased, and wear quality and wear rate initially increased and then decreased, indicating the coexistence of adhesive wear and abrasive wear. Therefore, Ni-Cr-Mo-Si alloy coating exhibited a high overall priority index and favorable friction and wear properties.
A Lightweight Convolutional Neural Network Method for Two-Dimensional PhotoPlethysmoGraphy Signals
Authors: Zhao Feng , Zhang Xudong , He Zhenyu
Published: May 2024

Data information security on wearable devices has emerged as a significant concern among users, so it becomes urgent to explore authentication methods based on wearable devices. Using PhotoPlethysmoGraphy (PPG) signals for identity authentication has been proven effective in biometric authentication. This paper proposes a convolutional neural network authentication method based on 2D PPG signals applied to wearable devices. This method uses Markov Transition Field technology to convert one-dimensional PPG signal data into two-dimensional image data, which not only retains the characteristics of the signal but also enriches the spatial information. Afterward, considering that wearable devices usually have limited resources, a lightweight convolutional neural network model is also designed in this method, which reduces resource consumption and computational complexity while ensuring high performance. It is proved experimentally that this method achieves 98.62% and 96.17% accuracy on the training set and test set, respectively, an undeniable advantage compared to the traditional one-dimensional deep learning method and the classical two-dimensional deep learning method.
BDHE-Net: A Novel Building Damage Heterogeneity Enhancement Network for Accurate and Efficient Post-Earthquake Assessment Using Aerial and Remote Sensing Data
Authors: Liu Jun , Luo Yigang , Chen Sha , Wu Jidong , Wang Ying
Published: May 2024

Accurate and efficient post-earthquake building damage assessment methods enable key building damage information to be obtained more quickly after an earthquake, providing strong support for rescue and reconstruction efforts. Although many methods have been proposed, most have limited effect on accurately extracting severely damaged and collapsed buildings, and they cannot meet the needs of emergency response and rescue operations. Therefore, in this paper, we develop a novel building damage heterogeneity enhancement network for pixel-level building damage classification of post-earthquake unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and remote sensing data. The proposed BDHE-Net includes the following three modules: a data augmentation module (DAM), a building damage attention module (BDAM), and a multilevel feature adaptive fusion module (MFAF), which are used to alleviate the weight deviation of intact and slightly damaged categories during model training, pay attention to the heterogeneous characteristics of damaged buildings, and enhance the extraction of house integrity contour information at different resolutions of the image. In addition, a combined loss function is used to focus more attention on the small number of severely damaged and collapsed classes. The proposed model was tested on remote sensing and UAV images acquired from the Afghanistan and Baoxing earthquakes, and the combined loss function and the role of the three modules were studied. The results show that compared with the state-of-the-art methods, the proposed BDHE-Net achieves the best results, with an F1 score improvement of 6.19–8.22%. By integrating the DBA, BDAM, and MFAF modules and combining the loss functions, the model’s classification accuracy for severely damaged and collapsed categories can be improved.
Hierarchical Classification of Botnet Using Lightweight CNN
Authors: Negera Worku Gachena , Schwenker Friedhelm , Feyisa Degaga Wolde , Debelee Taye Girma , Melaku Henock Mulugeta
Published: May 2024

This paper addresses the persistent threat of botnet attacks on IoT devices, emphasizing their continued existence despite various conventional and deep learning methodologies developed for intrusion detection. Utilizing the Bot-IoT dataset, we propose a hierarchical CNN (HCNN) approach featuring three levels of classification. The HCNN approach, presented in this paper, consists of two networks: the non-hierarchical and the hierarchical network. The hierarchical network works by combining features obtained at a higher level with those of its descender. This combined information is subsequently fed into the following level to extract features for the descendant nodes. The overall network consists of 1790 parameters, with the hierarchical network introducing an additional 942 parameters to the existing backbone. The classification levels comprise a binary classification of normal vs attack in the first level, followed by 5 classes in the second level, and 11 classes in the third level. To assess the effectiveness of our proposed approach, we evaluate performance metrics such as Precision (P), Recall (R), F1 Score (F1), and Accuracy (Acc). Rigorous experiments are conducted to compare the performance of both the hierarchical and non-hierarchical models and existing state-of-the-art approaches, providing valuable insights into the efficiency of our proposed hierarchical CNN approach for addressing botnet attacks on IoT devices.
A Short-Term Forecasting Method for High-Frequency Broadcast MUF Based on LSTM
Authors: Ji Shengyun , He Guojin , Yu Qiao , Shi Yafei , Hu Jun , Zhao Lin
Published: May 2024

This paper proposes a short-term forecasting method for high-frequency broadcast Maximum Usable Frequency (MUF) based on Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) to meet the demand for refined and precise high-frequency broadcast coverage. Based on the existing infrastructure of broadcast and television stations, we established an experimental verification system to collect data for approximately three years. Two links were selected based on data quality: Urumqi to Lhasa and Lanzhou to Lhasa. A short-term forecast of MUF was conducted using the data from these two links. Comparison and analysis were conducted between the forecasting results of our model and those of the REC533 model. Our proposed method outperforms the REC533 forecasting results overall, with a reduction in root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.66 MHz and an improvement in forecast accuracy of 14.77%. The comparison result demonstrates the feasibility and accuracy of our model.
An Overview of Approaches and Methods for the Cognitive Workload Estimation in Human–Machine Interaction Scenarios through Wearables Sensors
Authors: Iarlori Sabrina , Perpetuini David , Tritto Michele , Cardone Daniela , Tiberio Alessandro , Chinthakindi Manish , Filippini Chiara , Cavanini Luca , Freddi Alessandro , Ferracuti Francesco , Merla Arcangelo , Monteriù Andrea
Published: May 2024

Background: Human-Machine Interaction (HMI) has been an important field of research in recent years, since machines will continue to be embedded in many human actvities in several contexts, such as industry and healthcare. Monitoring in an ecological mannerthe cognitive workload (CW) of users, who interact with machines, is crucial to assess their level of engagement in activities and the required effort, with the goal of preventing stressful circumstances. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the assessment of CW using wearable sensors in HMI. Methods: this narrative review explores several techniques and procedures for collecting physiological data through wearable sensors with the possibility to integrate these multiple physiological signals, providing a multimodal monitoring of the individuals’CW. Finally, it focuses on the impact of artificial intelligence methods in the physiological signals data analysis to provide models of the CW to be exploited in HMI. Results: the review provided a comprehensive evaluation of the wearables, physiological signals, and methods of data analysis for CW evaluation in HMI. Conclusion: the literature highlighted the feasibility of employing wearable sensors to collect physiological signals for an ecological CW monitoring in HMI scenarios. However, challenges remain in standardizing these measures across different populations and contexts.
Rapid and Sensitive Detection of Inactivated SARS-CoV-2 Virus via Fiber-Optic and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy Based Aptasensors
Authors: Xiao Can , Wang Nan , Zhao Yuechao , Liu Xuemei , Li Hui , Huang Aixue , Wang Lin , Lou Xinhui , Gao Bo , Shao Ningsheng
Published: May 2024

The development of rapid detection tools for viruses is vital for the prevention of pandemics and biothreats. Aptamers that target inactivated viruses are attractive for sensors due to their improved biosafety. Here, we evaluated a DNA aptamer (named as 6.9) that specifically binds to the inactivated SARS-CoV-2 virus with a low dissociation constant (KD = 9.6 nM) for the first time. Based on aptamer 6.9, we developed a fiber-optic evanescent wave (FOEW) biosensor. Inactivated SARS-CoV-2 and the Cy5.5-tagged short complementary strand competitively bound with the aptamer immobilized on the surface of the sensor. The detection of the inactivated SARS-CoV-2 virus was realized within six minutes with a limit of detection (LOD, S/N = 3) of 740 fg/mL. We also developed an electrochemical impedance aptasensor which exhibited an LOD of 5.1 fg/mL and high specificity. We further demonstrated that the LODs of the FOEW and electrochemical impedance aptasensors were, respectively, more than 1000 and 100,000 times lower than those of commercial colloidal gold test strips. We foresee that the facile aptamer isolation process and sensor design can be easily extended for the detection of other inactivated viruses.
Osteosarcoma-Induced Pain Is Mediated by Glial Cell Activation in the Spinal Dorsal Horn, but Not Capsaicin-Sensitive Nociceptive Neurons: A Complex Functional and Morphological Characterization in Mice
Authors: Bencze Noémi , Scheich Bálint , Szőke Éva , Wilhelm Imola , Körmöndi Sándor , Botz Bálint , Helyes Zsuzsanna
Published: May 2024

Bone cancer and its related chronic pain are huge clinical problems since the available drugs are often ineffective or cannot be used long term due to a broad range of side effects. The mechanisms, mediators and targets need to be identified to determine potential novel therapies. Here, we characterize a mouse bone cancer model induced by intratibial injection of K7M2 osteosarcoma cells using an integrative approach and investigate the role of capsaicin-sensitive peptidergic sensory nerves. The mechanical pain threshold was assessed by dynamic plantar aesthesiometry, limb loading by dynamic weight bearing, spontaneous pain-related behaviors via observation, knee diameter with a digital caliper, and structural changes by micro-CT and glia cell activation by immunohistochemistry in BALB/c mice of both sexes. Capsaicin-sensitive peptidergic sensory neurons were defunctionalized by systemic pretreatment with a high dose of the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) agonist resiniferatoxin (RTX). During the 14- and 28-day experiments, weight bearing on the affected limb and the paw mechanonociceptive thresholds significantly decreased, demonstrating secondary mechanical hyperalgesia. Signs of spontaneous pain and osteoplastic bone remodeling were detected both in male and female mice without any sex differences. Microglia activation was shown by the increased ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1) immunopositivity on day 14 and astrocyte activation by the enhanced glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-positive cell density on day 28 in the ipsilateral spinal dorsal horn. Interestingly, defunctionalization of the capsaicin-sensitive afferents representing approximately 2/3 of the nociceptive fibers did not alter any functional parameters. Here, we provide the first complex functional and morphological characterization of the K7M2 mouse osteosarcoma model. Bone-cancer-related chronic pain and hyperalgesia are likely to be mediated by central sensitization involving neuroinflammation via glial cell activation in the spinal dorsal horn, but not the capsaicin-sensitive sensory neuronal system.
Hopping the Hurdle: Strategies to Enhance the Molecular Delivery to the Brain through the Blood–Brain Barrier
Authors: Cogill Sinnead Anne , Lee Jae-Hyeok , Jeon Min-Tae , Kim Do-Geun , Chang Yongmin
Published: May 2024

Modern medicine has allowed for many advances in neurological and neurodegenerative disease (ND). However, the number of patients suffering from brain diseases is ever increasing and the treatment of brain diseases remains an issue, as drug efficacy is dramatically reduced due to the existence of the unique vascular structure, namely the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Several approaches to enhance drug delivery to the brain have been investigated but many have proven to be unsuccessful due to limited transport or damage induced in the BBB. Alternative approaches to enhance molecular delivery to the brain have been revealed in recent studies through the existence of molecular delivery pathways that regulate the passage of peripheral molecules. In this review, we present recent advancements of the basic research for these delivery pathways as well as examples of promising ventures to overcome the molecular hurdles that will enhance therapeutic interventions in the brain and potentially save the lives of millions of patients.
Single-Cell Analyses Offer Insights into the Different Remodeling Programs of Arteries and Veins
Authors: Rojas Miguel G. , Pereira-Simon Simone , Zigmond Zachary M. , Varona Santos Javier , Perla Mikael , Santos Falcon Nieves , Stoyell-Conti Filipe F. , Salama Alghidak , Yang Xiaofeng , Long Xiaochun , Duque Juan C. , Salman Loay H. , Tabbara Marwan , Martinez Laisel , Vazquez-Padron Roberto I.
Published: May 2024

Arteries and veins develop different types of occlusive diseases and respond differently to injury. The biological reasons for this discrepancy are not well understood, which is a limiting factor for the development of vein-targeted therapies. This study contrasts human peripheral arteries and veins at the single-cell level, with a focus on cell populations with remodeling potential. Upper arm arteries (brachial) and veins (basilic/cephalic) from 30 organ donors were compared using a combination of bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing, proteomics, flow cytometry, and histology. The cellular atlases of six arteries and veins demonstrated a 7.8× higher proportion of contractile smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in arteries and a trend toward more modulated SMCs. In contrast, veins showed a higher abundance of endothelial cells, pericytes, and macrophages, as well as an increasing trend in fibroblasts. Activated fibroblasts had similar proportions in both types of vessels but with significant differences in gene expression. Modulated SMCs and activated fibroblasts were characterized by the upregulation of MYH10, FN1, COL8A1, and ITGA10. Activated fibroblasts also expressed F2R, POSTN, and COMP and were confirmed by F2R/CD90 flow cytometry. Activated fibroblasts from veins were the top producers of collagens among all fibroblast populations from both types of vessels. Venous fibroblasts were also highly angiogenic, proinflammatory, and hyper-responders to reactive oxygen species. Differences in wall structure further explain the significant contribution of fibroblast populations to remodeling in veins. Fibroblasts are almost exclusively located outside the external elastic lamina in arteries, while widely distributed throughout the venous wall. In line with the above, ECM-targeted proteomics confirmed a higher abundance of fibrillar collagens in veins vs. more basement ECM components in arteries. The distinct cellular compositions and transcriptional programs of reparative populations in arteries and veins may explain differences in acute and chronic wall remodeling between vessels. This information may be relevant for the development of antistenotic therapies.
The Importance of HHLA2 in Solid Tumors—A Review of the Literature
Authors: Kula Agnieszka , Koszewska Dominika , Kot Anna , Dawidowicz Miriam , Mielcarska Sylwia , Waniczek Dariusz , Świętochowska Elżbieta
Published: May 2024

Cancer immunotherapy is a rapidly developing field of medicine that aims to use the host’s immune mechanisms to inhibit and eliminate cancer cells. Antibodies targeting CTLA-4, PD-1, and its ligand PD-L1 are used in various cancer therapies. However, the most thoroughly researched pathway targeting PD-1/PD-L1 has many limitations, and multiple malignancies resist its effects. Human endogenous retrovirus-H Long repeat-associating 2 (HHLA2, known as B7H5/B7H7/B7y) is the youngest known molecule from the B7 family. HHLA2/TMIGD2/KIRD3DL3 is one of the critical pathways in modulating the immune response. Recent studies have demonstrated that HHLA2 has a double effect in modulating the immune system. The connection of HHLA2 with TMIGD2 induces T cell growth and cytokine production via an AKT-dependent signaling cascade. On the other hand, the binding of HHLA2 and KIR3DL3 leads to the inhibition of T cells and mediates tumor resistance against NK cells. This review aimed to summarize novel information about HHLA2, focusing on immunological mechanisms and clinical features of the HHLA2/KIR3DL3/TMIGD2 pathway in the context of potential strategies for malignancy treatment.