bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microbial strategies for lead remediation in agricultural soils and wastewater: mechanisms, applications, and future directions
Authors: Gul Isma , Adil Muhammad , Lv Fenglin , Li Tingting , Chen Yi , Lu Heli , Ahamad Muhammad Irfan , Lu Siqi , Feng Wanfu
Published: September 2024

High lead (Pb) levels in agricultural soil and wastewater threaten ecosystems and organism health. Microbial remediation is a cost-effective, efficient, and eco-friendly alternative to traditional physical or chemical methods for Pb remediation. Previous research indicates that micro-organisms employ various strategies to combat Pb pollution, including biosorption, bioprecipitation, biomineralization, and bioaccumulation. This study delves into recent advancements in Pb-remediation techniques utilizing bacteria, fungi, and microalgae, elucidating their detoxification pathways and the factors that influence Pb removal through specific case studies. It investigates how bacteria immobilize Pb by generating nanoparticles that convert dissolved lead (Pb-II) into less harmful forms to mitigate its adverse impacts. Furthermore, the current review explores the molecular-level mechanisms and genetic engineering techniques through which microbes develop resistance to Pb. We outline the challenges and potential avenues for research in microbial remediation of Pb-polluted habitats, exploring the interplay between Pb and micro-organisms and their potential in Pb removal.
Investigation of a linezolid-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis outbreak in a French hospital: phenotypic, genotypic, and clinical characterization
Authors: Lépine Nadège , Bras-Cachinho José , Couratin Eva , Lemaire Coralie , Chaufour Laura , Junchat Armelle , Lartigue Marie-Frédérique
Published: September 2024

Purpose

We aimed to retrospectively investigate an outbreak of linezolid-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis (LRSE), at Tours University Hospital between 2017 and 2021.

Methods

Twenty of the 34 LRSE isolates were included in the study. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the disk diffusion method and MICs of last-resort antibiotics were determined using broth microdilution or Etest®. Seventeen of the 20 resistant strains were sent to the French National Reference Centre for Staphylococci to determine the mechanism of resistance to linezolid. The clonal relationship between LRSE strains was assessed by PFGE and the sequence type determined by MLST. We retrospectively evaluated a new typing tool, IR-Biotyper®, and compared its results to PFGE to evaluate its relevance for S. epidermidis typing. Medical records were reviewed, and antibiotic consumption was determined. Search for a cross transmission was performed.

Results

All LRSE strains showed high levels of resistance to linezolid (MICs ≥ 256 mg/L) and were multi-drug resistant. Linezolid resistance was associated with the 23S rRNA G2576T mutation and none of the 17 strains analyzed carried the cfr gene. Ninety-five percent of the 20 LRSE studied strains were genetically related and belonged to sequence-type ST2. The dendrogram obtained from IR-Biotyper® showed 87% congruence with the PFGE analysis. Prior to isolation of the LRSE strain, 70% of patients received linezolid. No patients stayed successively in the same room.

Conclusion

Linezolid exposure may promote the survival and spread of LRSE strains. At Tours University Hospital, acquisition of the resistant clone may also have been triggered by hand-to-hand transmission by healthcare workers. In addition, IR-Biotyper® is a promising typing tool for the study of clonal outbreaks due to its low cost and short turnaround time, although further studies are needed to assess the optimal analytical parameters for routine use.
An efficient grasping shared control architecture for unpredictable and unspecified tasks
Authors: Cheng Shaowen , Jin Yongbin , Liang Yanhong , Jiang Lei , Wang Hongtao
Published: September 2024

Robot control in complex and unpredictable scenarios presents challenges such as adaptability, robustness, and human-robot interaction. These scenarios often require robots to perform tasks that involve unknown objects in unstructured environments with high levels of uncertainty. Traditional control methods, such as automatic control, may not be suitable due to their limited adaptability and reliance on prior knowledge. Human-in-the-loop method faces issues such as insufficient feedback, increased failure rates due to noise and delays, and lack of operator immersion, preventing the achievement of human-level performance. This study proposed a shared control framework to achieve a trade-off between efficiency and adaptability by combing the advantages of both teleoperation and automatic control method. The proposed approach combines the advantages of both human and automatic control methods to achieve a balance between performance and adaptability. We developed a linear model to compare three control methods and analyzed the impact of position noise and communication delays on performance. The real-world implementation of the shared control system demonstrates its effectiveness in object grasping and manipulation tasks. The results suggest that shared control can significantly improve grasping efficiency while maintaining adaptability in task execution for practical robotics applications.
A novel signal channel attention network for multi-modal emotion recognition
Authors: Du Ziang , Ye Xia , Zhao Pujie
Published: September 2024

Physiological signal recognition is crucial in emotion recognition, and recent advancements in multi-modal fusion have enabled the integration of various physiological signals for improved recognition tasks. However, current models for emotion recognition with hyper complex multi-modal signals face limitations due to fusion methods and insufficient attention mechanisms, preventing further enhancement in classification performance. To address these challenges, we propose a new model framework named Signal Channel Attention Network (SCA-Net), which comprises three main components: an encoder, an attention fusion module, and a decoder. In the attention fusion module, we developed five types of attention mechanisms inspired by existing research and performed comparative experiments using the public dataset MAHNOB-HCI. All of these experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of the attention module we addressed for our baseline model in improving both accuracy and F1 score metrics. We also conducted ablation experiments within the most effective attention fusion module to verify the benefits of multi-modal fusion. Additionally, we adjusted the training process for different attention fusion modules by employing varying early stopping parameters to prevent model overfitting.
Identification of circulating metabolites linked to the risk of breast cancer: a mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhu Xiaosheng , Huang Huai , Zou Mengjie , Luo Honglin , Liu Tianqi , Zhu Shaoliang , Ye Bin
Published: September 2024

Objective

This study aimed to investigate potential causal relationships between circulating metabolites and breast cancer risk using Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.

Materials and Methods

Summary-level genome-wide association study (GWAS) datasets for 249 circulating metabolites were obtained from the UK Biobank. GWAS datasets for estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) and estrogen receptor-negative (ER-) breast cancer were acquired from previous studies based on the Combined Oncoarray. Instrumental variables (IVs) were selected from single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with circulating metabolites, and MR analyses were conducted using the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method as the primary analysis, with additional sensitivity analyses using other MR methods. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to estimate the association of circulating metabolites with breast cancer risk.

Results

The IVW analysis revealed significant causal relationships between 79 circulating metabolites and ER + breast cancer risk, and 10 metabolites were significantly associated with ER-breast cancer risk. Notably, acetate (OR = 1.12, P = 0.03), HDL cholesterol (OR = 1.09, P < 0.001), ration of omega-6 fatty acids to total fatty acids ratio (OR = 1.09, P = 0.01), and phospholipids in large LDL (OR = 1.09, P < 0.001) were linked to an increased risk of ER + breast cancer, while linoleic acid (OR = 0.91, P < 0.001) monounsaturated fatty acids (OR = 0.91, P < 0.001), and total lipids in LDL (OR = 0.91, P < 0.001) were associated with a decreased risk. In ER-breast cancer, glycine, citrate, HDL cholesterol, cholesteryl esters in HDL, cholesterol to total lipids ratio in very large HDL, and cholesterol in large LDL were associated with an increased risk, while the free cholesterol to total lipids in very large HDL was linked to a decreased risk.

Conclusion

This MR approach underscores aberrant lipid metabolism as a key process in breast tumorigenesis, and may inform future prevention and treatment strategies. To further elucidate the underlying mechanisms and explore the potential clinical implications, additional research is warranted to validate the observed associations in this study.
Elucidating the role of 4-hydroxy-2(3H)-benzoxazolone in chronic alcoholic liver disease via transcriptomics and metabolomics
Authors: Lu Jun-Fei , Xing Shang-Ping , Wei Xia , Yang Chun-Xia , Zhao Gen-Shi , Ma Xiao-Lin , Sun Xue-Mei , Guo Hong-Wei , Su Zhi-Heng , Fang Bin , Lin Jun , Liu Yan-Ying , Zhu Dan
Published: September 2024

Background

Chronic alcoholic liver disease (CALD) is a global health problem which includes multiple pathological processes such as immune inflammation and oxidative stress. 4-hydroxy-2(3H)-benzoxazolone (HBOA), an alkaloid isolated from Acanthus ilicifolius L, has been shown to exert hepatoprotective and immunomodulatory effects. However, its effects on CALD remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of HBOA on CALD.

Methods

Rats were administered alcohol by gavage continuously for 12 weeks to establish the CALD model, and then treated with HBOA by gavage for 4 weeks. Transcriptomics and metabolomics were used to predict the potential mechanisms of the effects of HBOA on CALD. Liver histology and function, oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokines, and the TLR4/NF-κB pathway components were evaluated.

Results

HBOA significantly improved alcohol-induced liver injury and steatosis. It decreased the expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumour necrosis factor-α [TNF-α], interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6), and increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase [SOD], glutathione [GSH], and glutathione peroxidase [GSH-Px]). Western blotting confirmed that HBOA treatment largely diminished NF-κBp65 nuclear translocation. Comprehensive transcriptomics and metabolomics analyses indicated that HBOA regulated the glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway to achieve therapeutic effects in rats with CALD.

Conclusion

HBOA has a therapeutic effect on rats with CALD. Its mechanism of action mainly affects the glycerophospholipid metabolic pathway to promote lipid metabolism homeostasis by regulating the expression of Etnppl, Gpcpd1, and Pla2g4c. In addition, it may also inhibit the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby reducing the immune-inflammatory response.
Effects of occlusion pressure on hemodynamic responses recorded by near-infrared spectroscopy across two visits
Authors: Desanlis Julien , Gordon Dan , French Chloe , Calveyrac Camille , Cottin François , Gernigon Marie
Published: September 2024

Ischemic Preconditioning (IPC) has emerged as a promising approach to mitigate the impact of hypoxia on physiological functions. However, the heterogeneity of occlusion pressures for inducing arterial occlusion has led to inconsistent hemodynamic outcomes across studies. This study aims to evaluate the peripheral hemodynamic responses to partial and total blood-flow occlusions on the left arm at rest, using absolute or individualized pressures, on two occasions. Thirty-five young males volunteered to participate in this study. IPC procedure (3 × 7-min) was performed on the left upper arm with cuff pressures at 50 mmHg (G1), 50 mmHg over the systolic blood pressure (SBP + 50 mmHg) (G2) or 250 mmHg (G3). NIRS-derived parameters were assessed for each occlusion and reperfusion phase in the brachioradialis. Results showed a significantly lower magnitude of deoxygenation (TSIAUC) for G1 compared to G2 (−1959.2 ± 1417.4 vs. −10908.1 ± 1607.5, P < 0.001) and G3 -1959.2 ± 1417.4 vs. −11079.3 ± 1828.1, P < 0.001), without differences between G2 and G3. However, G3 showed a significantly faster reoxygenation only for tissue saturation index (TSIslope) compared to G2 (1.3 ± 0.1 vs. 1.0 ± 0.2, P = 0.010), but without differences in the speed of recovery of deoxyhemoglobin [(HHb) slope], or in the magnitude of post-occlusive hyperemia (PORH). Besides TSI reoxygenation speed, G2 and G3 elicit comparable resting hemodynamic responses measured by NIRS. Thus, this study highlights the practicality and effectiveness of using relative occlusion pressures based on systolic blood pressure (SBP) rather than relying on excessively high absolute pressures.
Is personality reflected in the gestures of second language speakers?
Authors: Lopez-Ozieblo Renia
Published: September 2024

Previous studies on gestures and personality suggest an ambiguous picture of the effects of the various personality dimensions on the different types of speech-gestures and adaptors. In foreign language learning an additional variable to take into account is proficiency, which some studies have shown to affect gestures. In this study, we explore how various intrinsic variables, including personality, proficiency, gender and age affect the gestures of 61 Cantonese speakers of English as a second language. Participants were asked to narrate a video cartoon. Their proficiency and the frequency of gestures produced was based on those narrations. A functional categorization of gestures was followed, dividing them into semantic and discursive, and that also noted adaptors and micro-gestures, referred to as “flutters.” Personality was self-reported using the 44 question Big-Five inventory. Correlations and a series of generalized linear models were developed to explore the interplay between variables. Agreeableness was found to be positively correlated with semantic gestures; and neuroticism and age were negatively correlated with flutter duration. Contrary to the findings from previous studies, no significant relationships were found between neuroticism and adaptors or semantic gestures, nor between extraversion or openness and semantic gestures. Proficiency and gender had little effect on gestures. As personality has been shown to be an important factor in gesture production in mother tongue speakers, we expected to also see a similar result with foreign language speakers, this not being so suggests that other variables, aside from those tested, should be considered. In particular, the results suggest that emotion and emotional constructs, such as anxiety, self-confidence or empathy, might have a greater impact on gesture production than proficiency or personality, a point which should be taken into account especially in language evaluation contexts or professional contexts with second language speakers.
Knowledge, attitude, and practices of adolescents and peer educators in relation to the components of the National Adolescent Health Program in India: findings from a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Nayak Gayatri , Bahl Deepika , Bassi Shalini , Maity Heeya , Mason-Jones Amanda J. , Arora Monika , Dutta Ambarish
Published: September 2024

Background

Adolescence is a critical period of growth and development. Many adverse health outcomes in adulthood begin during adolescence, often due to insufficient knowledge and attitudes resulting from a lack of education. Therefore, appropriate knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding various aspects of health are essential for holistic adolescent and lifelong health. In India, the Rashtriya Kishore Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK or National Adolescent Health Strategy) has utilized an innovative peer-education approach to engage with adolescents and improve their KAPs. Amid limited evidence, we aimed to assess the KAP of adolescents regarding the six themes of the RKSK, with a particular focus on the status of peer educators (PEs). Our objective was to evaluate these aspects disaggregated by sex and to examine how engagement with the RKSK peer-education program influenced their KAP.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey of 238 peer educators and 2885 adolescents enrolled under peer educators was conducted in two localities; Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra states. KAPs were estimated using descriptive statistics then disaggregated by gender. Practice scores of nutrition and non-communicable disease (NCD) were modelled upon engagement with RKSK (graded as 0, 1, 2, 3).

Results

Knowledge was highest regarding substance misuse and lowest in the domains of sexual and reproductive health, and violence and injury. PEs possessed greater knowledge in most domains as compared to adolescents enrolled under them. Attitudes toward abstention from substance misuse were positive, whereas attitudes toward injury and violence, and sexual health, were suboptimal. Boys exhibited better practices related to NCDs, while their nutritional practices were comparatively worse than girls. The RKSK engagement was associated with better nutritional practices: adjusted relative risks (RRs) being 1.04 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.94–1.15), 1.12 (1.04–1.21), and 1.21 (1.13–1.31), respectively, for engagement scores 1, 2, and 3 with reference to score 0. The relationship between RKSK engagement and NCD-related practices was restricted to the top engagement group.

Conclusion

The knowledge regarding sexual health, and injury and violence, was grossly deficient in adolescents. These components must be prioritized in the program because they are critical for health not only across the life course of individuals but also across generations. However, the RKSK engagement was associated with better practices in a variety of domains, which should be leveraged in the future.
Health equity in COVID-19 testing among patients of a large national pharmacy chain
Authors: Singh Tanya , Smith-Ray Renae L. , Ogunkoya Elijah , Shah Amy , Harris Daniel A. , Hayes Kaleen N. , Mor Vincent
Published: September 2024

Background

Several social determinants of health and other structural factors drive racial and ethnic disparities in COVID-19 risk, morbidity, and mortality. Public-private collaborations with community pharmacies have been successful in expanding access to COVID-19 testing and reaching historically underserved communities. The objectives of this study were to describe individuals who sought testing for COVID-19 at a national community pharmacy chain and to understand potential racial and ethnic inequities in testing access, positivity, and infection with emerging variants of concern.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study of individuals aged ≥18 who were tested for COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) at a Walgreens pharmacy or Walgreen-affiliated mass testing site between May 1, 2021 and February 28, 2022. Positivity was defined as the proportion of positive tests among all administered tests. A geographically balanced random subset of positive tests underwent whole genome sequencing to identify specific viral variants (alpha, delta, and omicron). Logistic regression estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to compare the likelihood of testing positive and testing positive with an emerging variant of concern across race and ethnicity groups.

Results

A total of 18,576,360 tests were analyzed (16.0% tests were positive for COVID-19; 59.5% of tests were from White individuals and 13.1% were from Black individuals). American Indian or Alaska Native (OR = 1.12; 95%CI = 1.10–1.13), Hispanic or Latino (1.20; 95%CI = 1.120, 1.21), and Black (1.12; 95%CI = 1.12, 1.13) individuals were more likely to test positive for COVID-19 compared to White individuals. Non-White individuals were also more likely to test positive for emerging variants of concern (e.g., Black individuals were 3.34 (95%CI = 3.14–3.56) times more likely to test positive for omicron compared to White individuals during the transition period from delta to omicron).

Discussion

Using a national database of testing data, we found racial and ethnic differences in the likelihood of testing positive for COVID-19 and testing positive for emerging viral strains. These results demonstrate the feasibility of public-private collaborations with local pharmacies and pharmacy chains to support pandemic response and reach harder to reach populations with important health services.
Impact of reduced group size on patient adherence and functional outcomes in cardiac rehabilitation: insights from a COVID-19 pandemic natural experiment
Authors: Chait Rachael M. , Ossi Julia , Colbert Brett M. , Huang Eric , Gilchrist Juliann , Garcia Thais , Andrade-Bucknor Sharon , Seixas Azizi
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) adherence and functional outcomes were measured after COVID-19 regulations reduced group sizes to one-on-one, modeling a natural experiment.

Methods

A retrospective analysis using a natural experiment model measured participants in 12 weeks of CR during the 17 months before and after a COVID-19-related closure was conducted. The age, sex, race, ethnicity, and referral diagnoses of the pre-COVID-19 closure and post-COVID-19 closure groups were analyzed using a student's unpaired T-test. Adherence (completion rate of CR) and functional outcomes [change in six-minute walk test (6MWT)] were assessed between the two groups using unpaired two-tailed student T tests in GraphPad Prism and confidence intervals were calculated with the Baptista-Pike method.

Results

There were 204 patients in the pre-COVID-19 group and 51 patients in the post-COVID-19 group, due to the smaller group sizes in the post-COVID-19 group, with no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the groups. The pre-COVID-19 group had a higher patient-to-provider ratio [2.8 patients/provider (SD 0.74)] relative to the post-COVID-19 group [0.4 patients/provider (SD 0.12); p < 0.0001]. The post-COVID-19 group had a higher completion rate than pre-COVID-19 group [75% vs. 21%; OR 10.9 (95% CI, 5.3–21.3, p < 0.0001)]. Among those that completed CR, there was no significant difference between groups in 6MWT improvement [+377.9 ft. (n = 47; SD 275.67 ft.) vs. +346.9 ft. (n = 38; SD 196.27 ft.); p = 0.59].

Discussion

The reduction in group size to one-on-one was associated with 10 times higher odds of CR completion. Among those that completed CR, functional outcomes were not influenced by group size. Thus, pursuit of one-on-one sessions may improve CR adherence.
Downscaling, projection, and analysis of expected future climate change in a watershed of Omo-Gibe basin of Ethiopia
Authors: Toma Meseret Bekele , Ulsido Mihret Dananto , Bitew Alemayehu Muluneh , Meja Merihun Fikiru
Published: September 2024

The purpose of this study was to investigate the rainfall and temperature changes for the projected periods of (2021–2050) and (2051–2080) under two Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) at selected stations in the Ajora-Woybo watershed of Omo-Gibe basin, Ethiopia. CORDEX-Africa with the Coupled Models Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) has been used to downscale the future climate change (2021–2050 and 2051–2080). The RCPs scenarios RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 were considered for this study. The climate model data for hydrological modeling (CMhyd) were used for extraction of CORDEX-NetCDF and the rainfall and temperature bias correction. The monthly observational and reanalysis rainfall and temperature data were validated with ground observations using statistical measures such as the mean relative error (MRE), the correlation coefficient (CORR), and the Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency coefficient (NSE). The simulation performance evaluation revealed that all of the chosen global circulation models (GCMs) have good simulation capacity over the Ajora-Woybo watershed. The predicted mean annual RF shows a non-significant decline in the ensemble GCMs’ for the two time periods 2021–2050 and 2051–2080. In comparison to the RCP 8.5 emissions scenario, rainfall is expected to decline less under the RCP 4.5 climate change scenario. For ensemble GCMs, it is anticipated that mean annual Tmax and Tmin would both rise in comparison to the baseline at all stations. The Tmax and Tmin trends at the end of the 2040s and 2070s changed more in the highest emission scenario, RCP8.5, than in the RCP4.5 scenario. In order to reduce ongoing effects of climate change and create long-term water resource management plans for the Ajora-Woybo watershed, it will be helpful to consider projected changes in temperature and rainfall.
Towards SDG 16: Safe and Secure Use of Digital Technologies
Authors: Madi Taous , Konstantinou Charalambos , Esteves-Verissimo Paulo
Published: September 2024

The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16—Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions—aims to ensure that we all live in societies that are safe, fair, and shield us from danger. Information and communication technology (ICT) refers to the digital devices that we use. ICT involves using digital services to achieve tasks. For example, we use computers and tablets to work, shop, or learn. However, multiple threats might affect our safety in ICT. Stolen private information is one type of threat. To be safe in the digital world, it is important to be aware of those dangers and be a responsible user of ICT. In this article, we aim to raise awareness about the security risks of ICT. You will learn how scientists are keeping our digital world secure and how everyone can be protected from those risks.
Surgical management of anastomotic leakage related to ovarian cancer surgery: a narrative review
Authors: Restaino Stefano , Schierano Sofia , Arcieri Martina , Costantini Barbara , Poli Alice , Pregnolato Sara , Terrosu Giovanni , Calandra Sergio , Petrillo Marco , Pellecchia Giulia , Lucidi Alessandro , Klarić Marko , Driul Lorenza , Chiantera Vito , Ercoli Alfredo , Taliento Cristina , Fanfani Francesco , Fagotti Anna , Scambia Giovanni , Vizzielli Giuseppe
Published: September 2024

This narrative review describes the state of the art in the management of anastomotic leakage in ovarian cancer. Multiple surgical procedures, including bowel resection, are often required to achieve “optimal” cytoreduction in locally advanced ovarian cancer. Intestinal anastomosis is currently the most common way to restore bowel continuity. However, in some patients, a temporary protective stoma is indicated to prevent anastomotic leakage. This is an important issue to improve surgical outcomes and until recently there has been a lack of objective data to clarify the risk factors for anastomotic leakage. This review describes the risk factors for AL associated with surgery and compares the results of recent studies. We also review the current indications for placement of a protective ileostomy and treatment options for conservative management of AL. We present two examples of practical clinical AL risk calculators, in addition to the most assessed AL risk factor. To date, the decision-making processes that lead surgeons to perform a protective ileostomy are quite heterogeneous and based on the personal experience of the surgeon, mainly depending on individual training. Three different management options after colorectal anastomosis in OC are described: conservative management, diversion ileostomy and ghost ileostomy.
A Novel Design of Soft Corrugated Actuator for Creating Precise Head and Neck Positioning System
Authors: Erel Veysel , Suresh Sanjana , Singh Inderjeet , Palomino Allison , Tafannum Faiza , Hosseini Nami Seyedehhelya , Jiang Steve , Peng Hao , Gans Nicholas , Wijesundara Muthu
Published: September 2024

Soft robots are increasingly gaining popularity as a preferred choice for designing medical devices due to their inherently compliant and adaptable nature. As research continues to advance in this field, soft robots are poised to revolutionize healthcare by providing safer, more patient-centric solutions. This paper presents the design of a novel soft corrugated actuator to create a system for positioning the head during head and neck cancer radiation therapy. Simulation and experimental data show that the presented actuator design can achieve linear expansion with respect to pressure in both free and under loading conditions. A machine learning model of the single actuator is created using experimental data (pressure, expansion, and weight) to predict the required pressure. The single actuator model’s validity is confirmed by using four actuators to achieve head flexion at a specific angle, illustrating its potential for implementation in a multi-actuator system. The preliminary design of the multi-actuator head and neck positioning system demonstrates its capability to achieve four degrees of freedom.
Valorization of Mediterranean Species of Thyme for the Formulation of Bio-Herbicides
Authors: Boukhalfa Rym , Ruta Claudia , Messgo-Moumene Saida , Calabrese Generosa J. , Argentieri Maria Pia , De Mastro Giuseppe
Published: September 2024

This study focused on the evaluation of the phytotoxic activity of four essential oils (EOs) from the Mediterranean species of Thymus sp. pl., namely Thymus algeriensis Boiss. et Reut., T. ciliatus Desf. subspecies coloratus (Boiss. et Reut.) Batt., T. vulgaris L. ecotype Fasano and T. vulgaris cultivar L. Varico 3, to identify new biomolecules with herbicide potential. The chemical characterization of EOs was performed by GC-MS. The evaluation of the phytotoxicity of the EOs was conducted under in vitro conditions, and the inhibition of germination and seedling growth of Lolium perenne L. and Amaranthus retroflexus L. were assessed. Five concentrations (100, 250, 500, 750 and 1000 µL/100 mL) were considered. Phytochemical analysis revealed a great diversity of compounds. T. algeriensis and T. ciliatus EOs were characterized by the absence of carvacrol and a low content of thymol in T. ciliatus. On the contrary, T. vulgaris ecotype Fasano and T. vulgaris cultivar Varico 3 were characterized by an important content of p-cymene, thymol and carvacrol. All the EOs expressed a potent phytotoxic activity against the tested species. The total inhibition of seed germination and seedling growth were recorded for the highest concentrations of all the EOs. T. vulgaris ecotype Fasano expressed the most effective activity.
Correction: Dong et al. Possible Shifts in the Genetic Diversity of Red-crowned Cranes (Grus japonensis) in Hokkaido, Japan: Indications of Continental Gene Flow. Animals 2024, 14, 1633
Authors: Dong Wenjing , Tomita Kai , Sawada Akira , Hasebe Makoto , Inoue Masako , Momose Kunikazu , Nakamura Tatsuro , Teraoka Hiroki
Published: September 2024

In the original publication [...]
Clinical Modalities for Enhancing Reproductive Efficiency in Buffaloes: A Review and Practical Aspects for Veterinary Practitioners
Authors: Coman Stefan , Berean Daniel Ionut , Cimpean Raluca , Ciupe Simona , Coman Ioan , Bogdan Liviu Marian
Published: September 2024

This review aimed to bring a comprehensive analysis of key clinical strategies for enhancing reproductive efficiency in buffaloes, a species that exhibit low reproductive performance under conventional reproductive management compared to that exhibited by cattle. It considers key ART techniques including estrus synchronization for artificial insemination, and ovulation induction, highlighting their role in improving fertility and overall herd productivity. However, it also addresses common postpartum inflammatory and functional reproductive disorders, discussing their diagnosis and treatment protocols, stressing their impact on the overall reproductive outcome in buffalo farming.
Role of Phytochemicals in Treatment of Aging and Cancer: Focus on Mechanism of FOXO3 Activation
Authors: Park See-Hyoung
Published: September 2024

There have been many studies reporting that the regular consumption of fruits and vegetables is associated with reduced risks of cancer and age-related chronic diseases. Recent studies have demonstrated that reducing reactive oxygen species and inflammation by phytochemicals derived from natural sources can extend lifespans in a range of model organisms. Phytochemicals derived from fruits and vegetables have been known to display both preventative and suppressive activities against various types of cancer via in vitro and in vivo research by interfering with cellular processes critical for tumor development. The current challenge lies in creating tailored supplements containing specific phytochemicals for individual needs. Achieving this goal requires a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms through which phytochemicals affect human health. In this review, we examine recently (from 2010 to 2024) reported plant extracts and phytochemicals with established anti-aging and anti-cancer effects via the activation of FOXO3 transcriptional factor. Additionally, we provide an overview of the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which these molecules exert their anti-aging and anti-cancer effects in specific model systems. Lastly, we discuss the limitations of the current research approach and outline for potential future directions in this field.
Innovative Approaches for Minimizing Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs) in Water Treatment: Challenges and Trends
Authors: Golfinopoulos Spyridon K. , Nikolaou Anastasia D. , Alexakis Dimitrios E.
Published: September 2024

Growing concerns over public health and environmental safety have intensified the focus on minimizing harmful disinfection byproducts (DBPs) in water treatment. Traditional methods like chlorination, while effective against pathogens, often lead to the formation of DBPs, which pose significant risks. This paper explores alternative strategies to reducing DBP formation while ensuring effective disinfection. The methodology involved a bibliographic study conducted through the Scopus platform, using appropriate keywords. The initial search yielded 9576 articles from the period 2020 to 2024. The key approaches identified include advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) such as UV/H2O2 and ozone, which mineralize natural organic matter (NOM) and minimize chemical use and sludge production; membrane-based filtration systems, like reverse osmosis, effectively removing contaminants without chemical disinfectants, reducing DBP risks. Furthermore, conventional processes, such as coagulation and filtration, serve as crucial pretreatment steps to lower NOM levels before disinfection. Additionally, optimizing chlorine dosing, using non-chlorine disinfectants, and employing post-disinfection methods like adsorption and biological filtration further mitigate DBP formation. Finally, the integration of artificial intelligence in process optimization is emerging as a promising tool for enhancing treatment efficiency and safety. This research contributes to the development of safer, more sustainable water treatment solutions, addressing regulatory demands and public health objectives.
V-Cockpit: A Platform for the Design, Testing, and Validation of Car Infotainment Systems through Virtual Reality
Authors: Papandrea Michela , Peternier Achille , Frei Diego , La Porta Nicolò , Gelsomini Mirko , Allegri Daniele , Leidi Tiziano
Published: September 2024

The V-Cockpit platform aims to transform the design, testing, and validation of car infotainment systems from the physical realm to virtual reality. It uniquely integrates various aspects of the creative phases—from conceptualization to evaluation—streamlining the process and reducing time and costs compared to traditional methods that focus on individual activities and rely heavily on physical prototyping. This technical note provides a comprehensive overview of the main platform’s aspects, highlighting the integration of hardware and behavioral analysis algorithms to improve user experience and detect potential design flaws early on. The V-Cockpit platform, composed of six key components, leverages virtual reality and digital twins, promising significant cost savings and enhanced design efficiency. This work details the system architecture, implementation, and first benefits of this innovative approach through the analysis of three use cases.
Piezoelectrically and Capacitively Transduced Hybrid MEMS Resonator with Superior RF Performance and Enhanced Parasitic Mitigation by Low-Temperature Batch Fabrication
Authors: Zaman Adnan , Guneroglu Ugur , Alsolami Abdulrahman , Wang Jing
Published: September 2024

This study investigates a hybrid microelectromechanical system (MEMS) acoustic resonator through a hybrid approach to combine capacitive and piezoelectric transduction mechanisms, thus harnessing the advantages of both transducer technologies within a single device. By seamlessly integrating both piezoelectric and capacitive transducers, the newly designed hybrid resonators mitigate the limitations of capacitive and piezoelectric resonators. The unique hybrid configuration holds promise to significantly enhance overall device performance, particularly in terms of quality factor (Q-factor), insertion loss, and motional impedance. Moreover, the dual-transduction approach improves the signal-to-noise ratio and reduces feedthrough noise levels at higher frequencies. In this paper, the detailed design, complex fabrication processes, and thorough experimental validation are presented, demonstrating substantial performance enhancement potentials. A hybrid disk resonator with a single side-supporting anchor achieved an outstanding loaded Q-factor higher than 28,000 when operating under a capacitive drive and piezoelectric sense configuration. This is comparably higher than the measured Q-factor of 7600 for another disk resonator with two side-supporting anchors. The hybrid resonator exhibits a high Q-factor at its resonance frequency at 20 MHz, representing 2-fold improvement over the highest reported Q-factor for similar MEMS resonators in the literature. Also, the dual-transduction approach resulted in a more than 30 dB improvement in feedthrough suppression for devices with a 500 nm-thick ZnO layer, while hybrid resonators with a thicker piezoelectric layer of 1300 nm realized an even greater feedthrough suppression of more than 50 dB. The hybrid resonator integration strategy discussed offers an innovative solution for current and future advanced RF front-end applications, providing a versatile platform for future innovations in on-chip resonator technology. This work has the potential to lead to advancements in MEMS resonator technology, facilitating some significant improvements in multi-frequency and frequency agile RF applications through the original designs equipped with integrated capacitive and piezoelectric transduction mechanisms. The hybrid design also results in remarkable performance metrics, making it an ideal candidate for integrating next-generation wireless communication devices where size, cost, and energy efficiency are critical.
A Petri Net-Based Algorithm for Solving the One-Dimensional Cutting Stock Problem
Authors: Barragan-Vite Irving , Medina-Marin Joselito , Hernandez-Romero Norberto , Anaya-Fuentes Gustavo Erick
Published: September 2024

This paper addresses the one-dimensional cutting stock problem, focusing on minimizing total stock usage. Most procedures that deal with this problem reside on linear programming methods, heuristics, metaheuristics, and hybridizations. These methods face drawbacks like handling only low-complexity instances or requiring extensive parameter tuning. To address these limitations we develop a Petri-net model to construct cutting patterns. Using the filtered beam search algorithm, the reachability tree of the Petri net is constructed level by level from its root node to find the best solution, pruning the nodes that worsen the solution as the search progresses through the tree. Our algorithm is compared with the Least Lost Algorithm and the Generate and Solve algorithm over five datasets of instances. These algorithms share some characteristics with ours and have proven to be effective and efficient. Experimental results demonstrate that our algorithm effectively finds optimal and near-optimalsolutions for both low and high-complexity instances. These findings confirm that Petri nets are suitable for modeling and solving the one-dimensional cutting stock problem.
Virtual Teacher-Aided Learning System Based on Voice Operated Character Animation
Authors: Mu Xiaoqian , He Jialiang
Published: September 2024

Throughout the development process of the education industry, the core competitiveness of education focuses on the output of high-quality content, and the emergence of a virtual human provides a more efficient carrier for the education industry, which can fundamentally help the education industry transform to improve efficiency. By combining virtual reality technology with artificial intelligence, this paper designs a virtual teacher based on the VOCA model for real-time interaction. The learned model, VOCA (voiceoperated character animation) takes any speech signal as input and realistically animates a wide range of adult faces. Compared with the traditional virtual teacher based on text or speech, the virtual teacher in this paper provides human-like interaction, which is a new teaching form for people involved in the field of artificial intelligence. According to the appearance, movement, and behavior characteristics of real teachers, the virtual teacher image is designed, and the interaction mode of virtual teachers is enriched from facial expression, body posture, voice, and speech. A virtual teacher with personalized, interactive, and intelligent characteristics is developed by combining voice, image and natural language-processing technology. It enables virtual teachers to interact with students in a more intuitive and personalized way, provide real-time feedback and personalized guidance, and provide better learning support and teaching experience for online education.
Cryptanalysis of Ateniese–Steiner–Tsudik-Authenticated Group Key Management Protocol
Authors: Camazón Portela Daniel , Otero Sánchez Álvaro , López-Ramos Juan Antonio
Published: September 2024

We present an active attack that targets Ateniese et al.’s authenticated group key agreement, which, as a particular case, includes the well-known multiparty key exchange protocol CLIQUES that allows a group of users to build a common secret using some private values in a collaborative and distributed way, naturally extending the foundational key exchange introduced by Diffie and Hellman between two communicating parties that motivated the birth of public key cryptography. Ateniese et al.’s protocol adds some authentication information, allowing the parties to trust the exchanged information, but we show that it is possible to surpass this as well. The attack allows a malicious party to agree on a secret with the rest of the legal members of the group without their knowledge, so all the distributed information can be accessed using this secret. In addition, this is shown under a well-known cryptographic model that, in principle, requires absolute control of group communications, but, in fact, it only requires malicious control of the communications of a single arbitrary user and only for the duration of the key exchange. This means that after the attack, the malicious party does not have to take any other actions that could reveal a clue that an attack occurred and that the distributed information is being illegally accessed, contrary to a typical man-in-the-middle attack where the attacker has to continue the activity, meaning this could be detected at some point.
The Kauffman Bracket Skein Module of S1 × S2 via Braids
Authors: Diamantis Ioannis
Published: September 2024

In this paper, we present two different ways for computing the Kauffman bracket skein module of S1×S2, KBSMS1×S2, via braids. We first extend the universal Kauffman bracket type invariant V for knots and links in the Solid Torus ST, which is obtained via a unique Markov trace constructed on the generalized Temperley–Lieb algebra of type B, to an invariant for knots and links in S1×S2. We do that by imposing on V relations coming from the braid band moves. These moves reflect isotopy in S1×S2 and they are similar to the second Kirby move. We obtain an infinite system of equations, a solution of which is equivalent to computing KBSMS1×S2. We show that KBSMS1×S2 is not torsion free and that its free part is generated by the unknot (or the empty knot). We then present a diagrammatic method for computing KBSMS1×S2 via braids. Using this diagrammatic method, we also obtain a closed formula for the torsion part of KBSMS1×S2.
Continuous Primary Beer Fermentation with Yeast Immobilized in Alginate–Chitosan Microcapsules with a Liquid Core
Authors: Shopska Vesela , Dzhivoderova-Zarcheva Mina , Kostov Georgi
Published: September 2024

The application of continuous fermentation with immobilized cells in brewing is a challenge because of problems with carrier selection and reactor design, which have economic impacts on the beer produced. Moreover, immobilization alters yeast physiology, which significantly affects beer flavor and aroma. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of a continuous fermentation system, consisting of a packed bed column bioreactor, containing lager brewing yeast, immobilized in alginate–chitosan microcapsules with a liquid core, in the primary beer fermentation. The results showed that the system entered in a stationary mode on the 3rd day and worked stably in this mode for 6 days. The “green” beer was taken at every 24 h at the output of the reactor and used for secondary fermentation with the yeast cells leaked from the capsules during the primary fermentation. The extract consumption, ethanol production, and pH change during primary and secondary fermentation were investigated. Some of the secondary yeast metabolites such as vicinal diketones, higher alcohols, esters, and aldehydes in “green” and final beers were determined and it was found that the flavor profile of the final beer was comparable to two industrially produced Bulgarian beers.
Exploring Extremotolerant and Extremophilic Microalgae: New Frontiers in Sustainable Biotechnological Applications
Authors: Rojas-Villalta Dorian , Rojas-Rodríguez David , Villanueva-Ilama Melany , Guillén-Watson Rossy , Murillo-Vega Francinie , Gómez-Espinoza Olman , Núñez-Montero Kattia
Published: September 2024

Exploring extremotolerant and extremophilic microalgae opens new frontiers in sustainable biotechnological applications. These microorganisms thrive in extreme environments and exhibit specialized metabolic pathways, making them valuable for various industries. The study focuses on the ecological adaptation and biotechnological potential of these microalgae, highlighting their ability to produce bioactive compounds under stress conditions. The literature reveals that extremophilic microalgae can significantly enhance biomass production, reduce contamination risks in large-scale systems, and produce valuable biomolecules such as carotenoids, lipids, and proteins. These insights suggest that extremophilic microalgae have promising applications in food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and biofuel industries, offering sustainable and efficient alternatives to traditional resources. The review concludes that further exploration and utilization of these unique microorganisms can lead to innovative and environmentally friendly solutions in biotechnology.