bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of public environmental concern on the rural living environment in China
Authors: Zhang Wenguang , Jing Qinlei , Lu Ji
Published: November 2024

Background

Despite China's economic growth, rural living environments have often lagged behind. While public participation is gaining importance in environmental governance, the magnitude and mechanism of its impact remain understudied.

Purpose

This research investigates the relationship between public environmental concerns and the rural living environment in China and explores how public concerns impact living conditions.

Methodology

Using panel data from 245 prefecture-level cities (2012–2021), we employed the entropy method to measure rural living environment scores and used fixed-effect models to analyze the relationship between public concern and the living environment.

Results

The findings demonstrate a positive relationship between strong public environmental concerns and improved rural living environments. Further analysis suggests that local government environmental attention acts as a partial mediator in this relationship.

Conclusion

This study reveals that public participation can influence government policies, ultimately leading to positive environmental outcomes. Promoting public participation in environmental governance is crucial for improving the rural living environment.
Case report: A follow-up report of omental packing and drug therapy for canine prostate adenocarcinoma
Authors: Li Yanan , Li Dapeng , Ma Tianwen , Wei Chengwei
Published: November 2024

Canine prostate is susceptible to diseases such as cysts, abscesses, and tumors. A 15-year-old male castrated Chinese rural dog underwent staged treatment. Preliminary diagnosis is based on examination results, including clinical symptoms (tenesmus, dysuria, frequent urination, and hematuria); hematology (elevated neutrophil count); X-rays (swelling of the prostate); ultrasound examination (less uniform echo in the prostate region, no echo effect in parenchyma); biopsy smear of prostate tissue (large number of neutrophils and rod-shaped bacteria). Therefore, the dog was preliminarily diagnosed with a prostate abscess. Antibiotic therapy was used for treatment. Three days later, the symptoms of hematuria and frequent urination did not improve, and the state was poor. The owner was advised to undergo surgical treatment-omental packing. Meanwhile, bacterial culture identification, drug sensitivity test and histopathological examination were performed. Pathological diagnosis was prostate adenocarcinoma. Subsequently, antibiotic therapy with enrofloxacin and antineoplastic maintenance therapy with mitoxantrone were administered. Six months later, the dogs were followed up, and the results showed no disease in the prostate tissue and no metastatic lesions. This is the report describing the use of omental packing for the treatment of prostate adenocarcinoma in dogs. In order to provide an important theoretical basis for the treatment of prostate cancer - omental packing into veterinary routine.
Numerical Modeling, Trim, and Linearization of a Side-by-Side Helicopter in Hovering Conditions
Authors: Mazzeo Francesco , Pavel Marilena D. , Fattizzo Daniele , de Angelis Emanuele L. , Giulietti Fabrizio
Published: November 2024

In the present paper, a flight dynamics model is adopted to represent the trim and stability characteristics of a side-by-side helicopter in hovering conditions. This paper develops a numerical representation of the rotorcraft behavior and proposes a set of guidelines for trimming and linearizing the highly coupled rotor dynamics derived by the modeling approach. The trim algorithm presents two nested loops to compute a solution of the steady-state conditions averaged around one blade’s revolution. On the other hand, a 38-state-space linear representation of the helicopter and rotor dynamics is obtained to study the effects of flap, lead–lag, and inflow on the overall stability. The results are compared with an analytical framework developed to validate the rotorcraft stability and compare different modeling approaches. The analysis showed that non-uniform inflow modeling led to a coupled longitudinal inflow–phugoid mode which made the vehicle prone to dangerous instabilities. The flap and lead–lag dynamics introduced damping in the system and can be considered beneficial for rotor dynamics.
Effects of Noise and Vibration Changes from Agricultural Machinery on Brain Stress Using EEG Measurement
Authors: Hwang Seok-Joon , Nam Ju-Seok
Published: November 2024

In this study, the agricultural work stress induced by the noise and vibration of some agricultural machinery was analyzed through electroencephalogram (EEG) measurements. The values of spectral edge frequency (SEF) 95%, relative gamma power (RGP), and EEG-based working index (EWI), utilized as stress indicators, were derived by analyzing the EEG data collected. The EEG analysis revealed that agricultural work stress manifested when participants engaged in agricultural tasks following a period of rest. Additionally, the right prefrontal cortex was identified where the values of SEF95% and RGP increased concurrently with the rise in noise (61.42–88.39 dBA) and vibration (0.332–1.598 m/s2). This study’s results are expected to be utilized as foundational data to determine the agricultural work stress felt by farmers during work through EEG analysis in response to changes in noise and vibration.
Comparison of CNN-Based Architectures for Detection of Different Object Classes
Authors: Bilous Nataliya , Malko Vladyslav , Frohme Marcus , Nechyporenko Alina
Published: November 2024

(1) Background: Detecting people and technical objects in various situations, such as natural disasters and warfare, is critical to search and rescue operations and the safety of civilians. A fast and accurate detection of people and equipment can significantly increase the effectiveness of search and rescue missions and provide timely assistance to people. Computer vision and deep learning technologies play a key role in detecting the required objects due to their ability to analyze big volumes of visual data in real-time. (2) Methods: The performance of the neural networks such as You Only Look Once (YOLO) v4-v8, Faster R-CNN, Single Shot MultiBox Detector (SSD), and EfficientDet has been analyzed using COCO2017, SARD, SeaDronesSee, and VisDrone2019 datasets. The main metrics for comparison were mAP, Precision, Recall, F1-Score, and the ability of the neural network to work in real-time. (3) Results: The most important metrics for evaluating the efficiency and performance of models for a given task are accuracy (mAP), F1-Score, and processing speed (FPS). These metrics allow us to evaluate both the accuracy of object recognition and the ability to use the models in real-world environments where high processing speed is important. (4) Conclusion: Although different neural networks perform better on certain types of metrics, YOLO outperforms them on all metrics, showing the best results of mAP-0.88, F1-0.88, and FPS-48, so the focus was on these models.
A Repair Technique for Internal Nasal Valve Collapse Using Lateral Nasal Suspension Sutures
Authors: Mills Morgan Davis , de Cos Víctor , Podury Archana , Watson Deborah
Published: November 2024

One of the most common reasons a patient would see an otolaryngologist is for nasal obstruction. This article provides an overview of the physical principles related to nasal airflow as well as the critical role that the internal nasal valve plays in regulating airflow resistance. Common treatment options for internal nasal valve obstruction are discussed as well as an in-depth tutorial on an alternate lateral nasal suspension suture technique for internal nasal valve collapse.
Viscosity Reduction and Drag Reduction Performance Analysis of Bionic Excavator Buckets Based on Discrete Element Method
Authors: Liu Guomin , Han Xuekai , Wang Ziyang , Wang Kun , Zhang Zhongsong , Duan Zenan
Published: November 2024

With the aiming of solving problems with the existing ordinary excavator buckets used in the process of operations (such as heavy digging resistance, ease of adhesion, and others), seven types of bionic buckets and a prototype bucket were designed, based on the contractile-state curve of the earthworm head and the contour curve of the pangolin claw toe. The digging processes of the buckets were simulated using the discrete element method. The results show that, compared with the prototype buckets, all seven types of bionic buckets have significant drag reduction effects at the same digging depth, and the drag reduction effects increase with the decrease of digging speed. Among them, the composite bionic bucket-3 has the highest drag reduction rate, of 14.469% when the digging speed is 2 rad/s. At the same digging speed, different buckets disturb the soil particles to different degrees, and the bionic buckets disturb the soil more significantly compared with the prototype buckets. By conducting contact force field analysis for the buckets, it was shown that the bionic corrugated structure brings the bucket surface into incomplete contact with the soil particles, where the contact is on small areas or even on points, so that the relative velocity between the soil and the shovel body increases under the same driving force, which reduces the excavation resistance. This study provides a theoretical and design basis.
Task Allocation and Sequence Planning for Human–Robot Collaborative Disassembly of End-of-Life Products Using the Bees Algorithm
Authors: Huang Jun , Yin Sheng , Tan Muyao , Liu Quan , Li Ruiya , Pham Duc
Published: November 2024

Remanufacturing, which benefits the environment and saves resources, is attracting increasing attention. Disassembly is arguably the most critical step in the remanufacturing of end-of-life (EoL) products. Human–robot collaborative disassembly as a flexible semi-automated approach can increase productivity and relieve people of tedious, laborious, and sometimes hazardous jobs. Task allocation in human–robot collaborative disassembly involves methodically assigning disassembly tasks to human operators or robots. However, the schemes for task allocation in recent studies have not been sufficiently refined and the issue of component placement after disassembly has not been fully addressed in recent studies. This paper presents a method of task allocation and sequence planning for human–robot collaborative disassembly of EoL products. The adopted criteria for human–robot disassembly task allocation are introduced. The disassembly of each component includes dismantling and placing. The performance of a disassembly plan is evaluated according to the time, cost, and utility value. A discrete Bees Algorithm using genetic operators is employed to optimise the generated human–robot collaborative disassembly solutions. The proposed task allocation and sequence planning method is validated in two case studies involving an electric motor and a power battery from an EoL vehicle. The results demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed method for planning and optimising human–robot collaborative disassembly solutions.
A DFT Study on the Structural, Electronic, Optical, and Elastic Properties of BLSFs XTi4Bi4O15 (X = Sr, Ba, Be, Mg) for Solar Energy Applications
Authors: Hussain Ahmad , Kainat Fatima , Hamza Ameer , Naz Adeela , Jabeen Nawishta , Munawar Tuba , Qaiser Muhammad Adnan
Published: November 2024

For the first time, a theoretical investigation has been conducted into the structural, electrical, elastic, and optical properties of innovative bismuth-layered structure ferroelectric (BLSF) materials XTi4Bi4O15 (where X = Sr, Ba, Be, and Mg). For all of the calculations, PBE-GGA and the ultra-soft pseudopotential plane wave techniques have been implemented with the DFT-based CASTEP simulation tool. Based on the exchange correlation approximation, the calculations reveal that XTi4Bi4O15 (X = Sr, Ba, Be, and Mg) materials demonstrate direct band-gap semiconductor behavior with an estimated density functional fundamental gap in the range from 1.966 eV to 2.532 eV. The optical properties of these materials exhibit strong absorption and low reflection in the visible range. Moreover, the estimations of the elastic properties of the materials have shown mechanical stability and ductile behavior (due to B/G > 1.75), where G and B denote the shear modulus and the bulk modulus. Based on the above-mentioned highlights, it can be confidently stated that these materials are promising potential candidates for photovoltaic applications and solar cells due to their suitable direct band gap and high absorption coefficient.
Design, Synthesis, and Evaluation of EA-Sulfonamides and Indazole-Sulfonamides as Promising Anticancer Agents: Molecular Docking, ADME Prediction, and Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Saghdani Nassima , El Brahmi Nabil , El Abbouchi Abdelmoula , Haloui Rachid , Elkhattabi Souad , Guillaumet Gérald , El Kazzouli Saïd
Published: November 2024

New EA-sulfonamides and indazole-sulfonamides were synthesized, characterized, and evaluated for their anticancer activities. The target compound structures were elucidated using various spectroscopic techniques such as NMR-{1H and 13C}, infrared spectroscopy, and high-resolution mass spectrometry. The anticancer activities of the novel compounds were evaluated against four human cancer cell lines, namely A-549, MCF-7, Hs-683, and SK-MEL-28 as well as the normal cell line HaCaT, using 5-fluorouracil and etoposide as reference drugs. Among the tested compounds, 9, 10, and 13 exhibited potent anticancer activities which are better than or similar to the reference compounds 5-fluorouracil and etoposide, against the A-549, MCF-7, and Hs-683 cancer cell lines, with IC50 values ranging from 0.1 to 1 μM. Molecular docking studies of compounds 9, 10, and 13 showed a strong binding with selected protein kinase targets, which are linked to the tested cancer types. Furthermore, the analysis of the molecular dynamics simulation results demonstrated that compound 9 exhibits significant stability when bound to both JAK3 and ROCK1 kinases. This new compound has the potential to be developed as a novel therapeutic agent against various cancers.
Case Report: Successful Treatment of Solitary Fibrous Tumor with Selective Internal Radiation Therapy (SIRT)
Authors: Badran Omar , Dereza Sergey , Mireb Labib , Neeman Ziv , Bar-Sela Gil
Published: November 2024

Background: This case report details the innovative use of selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) with Yttrium-90 resin microspheres to treat a 73-year-old woman with a solitary fibrous tumor (SFT), a rare and challenging tumor type. SFTs often present significant treatment difficulties, especially in cases of recurrence or metastasis, as systemic therapies typically show limited effectiveness. This report explores SIRT as an alternative therapeutic approach for SFTs with liver metastasis. Methods: The patient initially presented with a pelvic mass, which was surgically resected. However, metastatic disease later developed in the liver. After experiencing severe side effects from targeted therapy with sunitinib, the patient was selected for treatment with SIRT as an alternative. Results: Following the SIRT intervention, the patient demonstrated a substantial reduction in tumor size and significant relief from symptoms. This outcome suggests SIRT’s effectiveness as a targeted treatment for metastatic SFT. Conclusions: To our knowledge, and based on an extensive literature review, this is the first reported instance of treating SFT with SIRT. This case provides new insights into SIRT’s potential as a therapeutic strategy, particularly for patients for whom conventional treatments are either ineffective or intolerable. The success observed here underscores SIRT’s potential as a less invasive, locally targeted treatment option, offering hope for similar cases.
Histone Modification Pathways Suppressing Cryptic Transcription
Authors: Ryu Hong-Yeoul
Published: November 2024

Cryptic transcription refers to the unintended expression of non-canonical sites within the genome, producing aberrant RNA and proteins that may disrupt cellular functions. In this opinion piece, I will explore the role of histone modifications in modulating cryptic transcription and its implications for gene expression and cellular integrity, particularly with a focus on H3K36 and H3K4 methylation marks. H3K36 tri-methylation plays a crucial role in maintaining chromatin integrity by facilitating the recruitment of the Rpd3S histone deacetylase (HDAC) complex, which helps restore closed chromatin states following transcription and prevents cryptic initiation within gene bodies. In parallel, crosstalk between H3K4 di-methylation and histone ubiquitylation and sumoylation is critical for recruiting the Set3 HDAC complex, which maintains low histone acetylation levels in gene bodies and further suppresses cryptic transcription. Therefore, by elucidating these regulatory mechanisms, this opinion highlights the intricate interplay of histone modifications in preserving transcriptional fidelity and suggests potential pathways for future research to develop novel therapies for age-related disorders and other diseases associated with dysregulated gene expression.
Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids from Thamnidium elegans and Mortierella alpina Suppress Prostate Cancer Cell Proliferation and Migration
Authors: Kalampounias Georgios , Dritsas Panagiotis , Karayannis Dimitris , Androutsopoulou Theodosia , Gardeli Chrysavgi , Papanikolaou Seraphim , Aggelis George , Katsoris Panagiotis
Published: November 2024

Thamnidium elegans and Mortierella alpina are two oleaginous fungi that belong to Mucoromycota that synthesize polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are credited with multiple health benefits and possible anticancer properties. These fungi were cultivated on culture media, with glucose or glycerol as a carbon source. After extracting the lipids, we transformed them into fatty acid lithium salts (FALSs), which are water-soluble and absorbable mammalian cells, including DU-145 and PC-3 cancer cells. The two cell lines, both long-established prostate cancer models, were treated with FALSs and indicated increased susceptibility to the lipid derivatives. The viability and proliferation rates were significantly reduced, as well as their migratory capabilities, which were significantly impaired compared to olive oil-derived FALS, which was used as a control substance. We conclude that the FALS derivatives of microbial lipids from these organisms exhibit anticancer effects, by suppressing the proliferation and migration of human prostate cancer cell lines.
Long-Term Physiological Adaptations Induced by Short-Interval High-Intensity Exercises: An RCT Comparing Active and Passive Recovery
Authors: Mauro Mario , Sánchez-Alcaraz Martínez Bernardino Javier , Maietta Latessa Pasqualino , Marini Sofia , Toselli Stefania
Published: November 2024

Background: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is one of the most debated methods involving several parameters that could be modulated, but the long-term adaptations it induces are still unclear. This investigation aimed to evaluate the efficacy of running and whole-body exercises with high-intensity (>80% heart rate) short intervals (30 s) in body composition and physical performance and compare the effects between groups with active (AR) or passive recovery (PR), both in males and females. Methods: Eighteen trained young adults (55.56% ♀) were randomly allocated to the PR (n = 9, 23.09 ± 2.56 years, 163.69 ± 9.88 cm, 68.96 ± 14.62 kg) or AR (n = 9, 22.05 ± 1.54 years, 170.61 ± 11.5 cm, 68.78 ± 12.45 kg) group. Both groups performed eight weeks of HIIT, with an equal progression, training, and volume load (TL: F = 1.55, p = 0.214; VL: F = 0.81, p = 0.505). Body fat (BF), fat-free mass (FFM), upper and lower limb fat (UFI, LFI) and muscle areas (UMA, LMA), handgrip strength (HGS), power (countermovement jump, CMJ), agility (5-0-5), and maximal oxygen consumption (V˙O2p) were tested before and after treatments. Results: The proposed HIIT reduced BF by 9.57% and increased FFM by 2.09%. Females reported better adaptations in LMA (8.34 times higher than males), while both sexes’ upper limb mass distribution was better affected by PR (♀: UFI g = 1.851, 95% CI: 0.51, 3.14; ♂: UFI g = 2.456, 95% CI: 0.336, 4.487). Concerning conditioning, the protocol increased V˙O2p by 6.47%. Females showed better adaptations in CMJ (RR = 1.8), while males showed better adaptations in agility (RR = 3.76). The interaction effects were significant for PR females (right = +6.28%; left = +9.28%) and for AR males (right = +19.21%; left = +19.04%) in HGS. Conclusions: Short-interval HIIT with different exercise recovery types may be a practical solution in training where several physiological improvements are needed. Coaches and trainers can take advantage of the versatile nature of HIIT, relying on desired movement patterns and long-term responses in both male and female individuals.
Strength Training Among Male Master Cyclists—Practices, Challenges, and Rationales
Authors: Vikestad Vidar , Dalen Terje
Published: November 2024

Background: Cycling performance declines with age due to reduced aerobic capacity, along with reductions in muscle mass and bone density. Strength training can help counter these effects. This study aims to explore the strength training practices, challenges, and decision-making rationale of male master cyclists to optimize performance and health as they age. Methods: A total of 555 male master cyclists aged 35 and above completed an online questionnaire, distributed via social media platforms, that included Likert-type, single- and multiple-selection, and open-ended questions. Participants were then divided into two age groups: 35–49 years (n = 359) and ≥50 years (n = 196). Analyses involved descriptive statistics, Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, Mann–Whitney U-tests, and chi-square tests, with qualitative data analyzed using content analysis. Results: More cyclists engaged in strength training during the off-/pre-season, with a significant reduction in both frequency and the number of cyclists engaging in strength training during the race season. The strength training practice was focused mainly on core and lower body, employing hypertrophy and maximal strength training methods. Key challenges included fatigue induced by strength training and limited time to perform strength training. The main rationale for the strength training revolved around improving cycling performance, reducing injury risk, and the health benefits of strength training. Both age categories, but the older group in particular, reported bone health as a primary rationale for strength training. Conclusions: While strength training offers performance and health benefits, issues of fatigue and time constraints remain substantial, suggesting the need for tailored training programs to improve adherence and effectiveness.
Recent Updates on the Secondary Metabolites from Fusarium Fungi and Their Biological Activities (Covering 2019 to 2024)
Authors: Amuzu Prosper , Pan Xiaoqian , Hou Xuwen , Sun Jiahang , Jakada Muhammad Abubakar , Odigie Eromosele , Xu Dan , Lai Daowan , Zhou Ligang
Published: November 2024

Fusarium species are commonly found in soil, water, plants, and animals. A variety of secondary metabolites with multiple biological activities have been recently isolated from Fusarium species, making Fusarium fungi a treasure trove of bioactive compounds. This mini-review comprehensively highlights the newly isolated secondary metabolites produced by Fusarium species and their various biological activities reported from 2019 to October 2024. About 276 novel metabolites were revealed from at least 21 Fusarium species in this period. The main metabolites were nitrogen-containing compounds, polyketides, terpenoids, steroids, and phenolics. The Fusarium species mostly belonged to plant endophytic, plant pathogenic, soil-derived, and marine-derived fungi. The metabolites mainly displayed antibacterial, antifungal, phytotoxic, antimalarial, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic activities, suggesting their medicinal and agricultural applications. This mini-review aims to increase the diversity of Fusarium metabolites and their biological activities in order to accelerate their development and applications.
Antifungal Action of Metallic Nanoparticles Against Fungicide-Resistant Pathogens Causing Main Postharvest Lemon Diseases
Authors: Baigorria Carina G. , Cerioni Luciana , Debes Mario A. , Ledesma Ana E. , Alastuey Patricio , Tirado Mónica , Volentini Sabrina I. , Rapisarda Viviana A.
Published: November 2024

Postharvest fungal diseases are the main cause of economic losses in lemon production. The continued use of synthetic fungicides to control the diseases favors the emergence of resistant strains, which encourages the search for alternatives. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of metallic nanoparticles (NPs) as antifungal agents against local isolates of Penicillium digitatum and Penicillium italicum, each of them in a fungicide-sensitive and -resistant version, and a Geotrichum citri-aurantii isolate. NPs of ZnO, CuO, and Ag were synthesized and characterized by spectroscopy and microscopy, presenting average sizes < 25 nm and spherical shapes. ZnO-NPs did not present antifungal activity at the assayed conditions, while the minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFCs) were 1000 and 10 µg mL−1 for CuO-NPs and Ag-NPs, respectively. The NPs’ antimicrobial action included conidial membrane permeability and strong intracellular disorganization. Moreover, the Ag-NPs reduced green mold incidence on inoculated lemons when applied to the fruit. Taken together, Ag-NPs were effective in inhibiting both fungicide-sensitive and -resistant isolates of the main lemon postharvest pathogens, suggesting their potential use as an alternative approach.
On Deadlock Analysis and Characterization of Labeled Petri Nets with Undistinguishable and Unobservable Transitions
Authors: Zaghdoud Amal , Li Zhiwu
Published: November 2024

This work addresses the analysis and characterization of deadlocks in discrete-event systems modeled by labeled Petri nets (LPNs) with undistinguishable and unobservable transitions. To provide a solution for the notorious problem, it is essential to present an effective characterization in such a way that deadlock control and synthesis are technically and methodologically possible. To this end, we introduce the notion of dangerous implicit vectors (DIVs), which implicitly threaten the system deadlock-freedom. The set of dead markings is divided into two subsets: dead basis markings (DBMs) and dangerous implicit markings (DIMs). An algorithm is designed to compute the sets of DIVs and DIMs at a given basis state of a system. Moreover, by virtue of linear algebraic equations, we formulate sufficient conditions for identifying the existence of blocking markings in an LPN. Finally, an algorithm is developed to construct an observed graph that is a compendious presentation of the reachability graph of a net system, with respect to the existence of dead reaches. At the end of this paper, experiment results that illustrate the correctness and effectiveness of the reported solution are presented.
Pilot Contamination Attack Detection Methods—An Exhaustive Performance Evaluation Through Probability Metrics and Statistical Classification Parameters
Authors: Mihaylova Dimitriya , Iliev Georgi , Valkova-Jarvis Zlatka , Stoynov Viktor
Published: November 2024

Among the numerous strategies that an attacker can initiate to enhance its eavesdropping capabilities is the Pilot Contamination Attack (PCA). Two promising methods, based on Phase-Shift Keying (PSK) modulation of Nth order—2-N-PSK and Shifted 2-N-PSK, can detect an existing PCA by means of analysis of the constellation that the correlation product of received pilot signals belongs to. The overall efficiency of the methods can be studied by the most commonly used probability metrics—detection probability and false alarm probability. However, this information may be insufficient for comparison purposes; therefore, to acquire a more holistic perspective on the methods’ performances, statistical evaluation metrics can be obtained. Depending on the particular application of the system in which the PCA detection methods are incorporated and the distribution of attack initiation among all samples, different classification parameters are of varying significance in the efficiency assessment. In this paper, 2-N-PSK and Shifted 2-N-PSK are comprehensively studied through their probability parameters. In addition, the methods are also compared by their most informative statistical parameters, such as accuracy, precision and recall, F1-score, specificity, and fall-out. A large number of simulations are carried out, the analyses of which indisputably prove the superior behavior of the Shifted 2-N-PSK compared to the 2-N-PSK detection method. Since a method’s performance is strongly related to the number of antenna elements at the base station, all simulations are conducted for scenarios with different antennae numbers. The most promising realization of Shifted 2-N-PSK improves the receiver operating characteristics results of the original 2-N-PSK by 7.38%, 4.33%, and 5.61%, and outperforms the precision recall analyses of 2-N-PSK by 10.02%, 4.82% and 3.86%, for the respective number of 10, 100 and 300 antenna elements at the base station.
A Generalised Difference Equation and Its Dynamics and Solutions
Authors: Karatas Ramazan , Gelişken Ali , Arı Murat
Published: November 2024

Rational difference equations have a wide range of applications in various fields of science. To illustrate, the equation xn+1=a+bxnc+dxn,n=0,1,..., known as the Riccati difference equation, has been applied in the field of optics. In this study, the global asymptotic stability of the difference equation xn+1=Axn−2k+j+1B+Cxn−(k+j)xn−2k+j+1,n=0,1,..., is proved. The solutions of this difference equation are obtained by applying the standard iteration method, and the periodicity of these solutions is determined. Furthermore, this difference equation represents a generalisation of the results obtained in previous studies.
KOC_Net: Impact of the Synthetic Minority Over-Sampling Technique with Deep Learning Models for Classification of Knee Osteoarthritis Using Kellgren–Lawrence X-Ray Grade
Authors: Hassan Syeda Nida , Khalil Mudassir , Salahuddin Humayun , Naqvi Rizwan Ali , Jeong Daesik , Lee Seung-Won
Published: November 2024

One of the most common diseases afflicting humans is knee osteoarthritis (KOA). KOA occurs when the knee joint cartilage breaks down, and knee bones start rubbing together. The diagnosis of KOA is a lengthy process, and missed diagnosis can have serious consequences. Therefore, the diagnosis of KOA at an initial stage is crucial which prevents the patients from Severe complications. KOA identification using deep learning (DL) algorithms has gained popularity during the past few years. By applying knee X-ray images and the Kellgren–Lawrence (KL) grading system, the objective of this study was to develop a DL model for detecting KOA. This study proposes a novel model based on CNN called knee osteoarthritis classification network (KOC_Net). The KOC_Net model contains 05 convolutional blocks, and each convolutional block has three components such as Convlotuioanl2D, ReLU, and MaxPooling 2D. The KOC_Net model is evaluated on two publicly available benchmark datasets which consist of X-ray images of KOA based on the KL grading system. Additionally, we applied contrast-limited adaptive histogram equalization (CLAHE) methods to enhance the contrast of the images and utilized SMOTE Tomek to deal with the problem of minority classes. For the diagnosis of KOA, the classification performance of the proposed KOC_Net model is compared with baseline deep networks, namely Dense Net-169, Vgg-19, Xception, and Inception-V3. The proposed KOC_Net was able to classify KOA into 5 distinct groups (including Moderate, Minimal, Severe, Doubtful, and Healthy), with an AUC of 96.71%, accuracy of 96.51%, recall of 91.95%, precision of 90.25%, and F1-Score of 96.70%. Dense Net-169, Vgg-19, Xception, and Inception-V3 have relative accuracy rates of 84.97%, 81.08%, 87.06%, and 83.62%. As demonstrated by the results, the KOC_Net model provides great assistance to orthopedics in making diagnoses of KOA.
Androgen Receptor and Non-Coding RNAs’ Interaction in Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Hussain Manal A. , Elemam Noha M. , Talaat Iman M.
Published: November 2024

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC), the most prevalent among the urogenital cancers, accounts for around 3% of new cancer cases worldwide. Significantly, the incidence of RCC has doubled in developed world countries, ranking it as the sixth most common cancer in males, who represent two-thirds of RCC cases. Males with RCC exhibit a higher mortality rate and tend to develop a more aggressive form of the disease than females. Sex-related risk factors, including lifestyle and biological variations, explain this difference. The androgen receptor (AR) oncogenic signaling pathway has been extensively studied among the biological factors that affect RCC. Recent advancements in high-throughput RNA sequencing techniques have underscored the significant roles played by noncoding-RNAs (ncRNAs), previously dismissed as “junk”. The oncogenic potential of AR is manifested through its dysregulation of the ncRNAs’ availability and function, promoting RCC tumorigenesis. This review offers a summary of the most recent findings on the role and molecular mechanisms of the AR in dysregulating the ncRNAs that play a role in the progression of RCC and the possibility of utilizing ncRNAs to target AR as a potential therapeutic strategy.
Were Neanderthals the First Collectors? First Evidence Recovered in Level 4 of the Prado Vargas Cave, Cornejo, Burgos and Spain
Authors: Navazo Ruiz Marta , Benito-Calvo Alfonso , Lozano-Francisco María Carmen , Alonso Alcalde Rodrigo , Alonso García Pedro , de la Fuente Juez Héctor , Santamaría Diez Marta , Cristóbal Cubillo Paula
Published: November 2024

Collecting is a form of leisure, and even a passion, consisting of collecting, preserving and displaying objects. When we look for its origin in the literature, we are taken back to “the appearance of writing and the fixing of knowledge”, specifically with the Assyrian King Ashurbanipal (7th century BC, Mesopotamia), and his fondness for collecting books, which in his case were in the form of clay tablets. This is not, however, a true reflection, for we have evidence of much earlier collectors. The curiosity and interest in keeping stones or fossils of different colors and shapes, as manuports, is as old as we are. For decades we have had evidence of objects of no utilitarian value in Neanderthal homes. Several European sites have shown that these Neanderthal groups treasured objects that attracted their attention. On some occasions, these objects may have been modified to make a personal ornament and may even have been integrated into subsistence activities such as grinders or hammers. Normally, one or two such specimens are found but, to date, no Neanderthal cave or camp has yielded as many as the N4 level of Prado Vargas Cave. In the N4 Mousterian level of Prado Vargas, 15 specimens of Upper Cretaceous marine fossils belonging to the Gryphaeidae, Pectinidae, Cardiidae, Pholadomyidae, Pleurotomariidae, Tylostomatidae and Diplopodiidae families were found in the context of clay and autochthonous cave sediments. During MIS 3, a group of Neanderthals transported at least fifteen marine fossils, which were collected from various Cretaceous units located in the surrounding area, to the Prado Vargas cave. The fossils, with one exception, show no evidence of having been used as tools; thus, their presence in the cave could be attributed to collecting activities. These activities could have been motivated by numerous tangible and intangible causes, which suggest that collecting activities and the associated abstract thinking were present in Neanderthals before the arrival of modern humans.
The Degradation of Furfural from Petroleum Refinery Wastewater Employing a Packed Bubble Column Reactor Using O3 and a CuO Nanocatalyst
Authors: Mohammed Safiaa M. , Al Ezzi Ali Abdul Rahman , Majdi Hasan Shakir , Sukkar Khalid A.
Published: November 2024

Furfural is one of the main pollutant materials in petroleum refinery wastewater. This work used an ozonized bubble column reactor to remove furfural from wastewater. The reactor applied two shapes of packing materials and two dosages of CuO nanocatalyst (0.05 and 0.1 ppm) to enhance the degradation process. The results indicated that adding 0.1 ppm of nanocatalyst provided an efficient rate of furfural degradation compared to that of 0.05 ppm. Also, the packing materials enhanced the furfural degradation significantly. As a result, the contact area between the gas and liquid phases increased, and a high furfural removal efficiency was achieved. It was found that the CuO nanocatalyst generated more (OH•) radicals. At a treatment time of 120 min and an ozone flow of 40 L/h, the furfural degradation recorded values of 80.66 and 78.6% at 10 and 20 ppm of initial concentration, respectively. At 60 ppm, the degradation efficiency did not exceed 74.16%. Furthermore, the kinetic study indicated that the first-order mechanism is more favorable than the second-order mechanism, representing the furfural degradation with a correlation factor of 0.9837. Finally, the furfural reaction can be achieved successfully in a shorter time and at low cost.
Oral Candidiasis in a Diabetic Patient Wearing Bar-Retained Provisional Overdenture: Clinical Case Report
Authors: Nicholson-Becerra Christopher Diego , Orozco-Gallardo Mónica , Cisneros-Moya Arturo , Gutiérrez-Cortés Evangelina , Valdivia Andréa Dolores Correia Miranda
Published: November 2024

Background and Clinical Significance: Denture stomatitis is a clinical manifestation of oral candidiasis, often seen in individuals wearing removable dentures that lead to the formation of sub-prosthetic stomatitis. This is particularly common in maladjusted appliances that have been in use for many years. Studies have shown that patients with systemic diseases such as diabetes, or other medical complexities, have a higher likelihood of developing denture stomatitis. To address this problem, the use of implant-retained dentures with different types of attachments has been introduced, providing increased comfort and hygiene for edentulous patients. However, this solution is not without its own set of challenges, being that the prolonged contact with mucosal surfaces can lead to challenges in cleaning and managing plaque depending on the attachment. Case Presentation: In this clinical case report, we present a female patient who developed bar-retained prosthetic stomatitis induced by oral candidiasis a few months after receiving her provisional prosthesis. Conclusions: In conclusion, this case report emphasizes the need to consider both systemic and local factors when preventing and treating denture stomatitis. By understanding the risk factors involved, healthcare professionals can provide their patients with the best possible care, helping to reduce the prevalence of oral candidiasis in individuals who use implant-retained dentures.
Drone-Assisted Last-Mile Delivery Under Windy Conditions: Zero Pollution Solutions
Authors: Gürel Özlem , Serdarasan Seyda
Published: November 2024

As cities expand and the global push for zero pollution intensifies, sustainable last-mile delivery (LMD) systems are essential to minimizing environmental and health impacts. This study addresses the need for more sustainable LMD by examining the integration of wind conditions into drone-assisted deliveries, focusing on their effects on air and noise pollution in urban areas. We extend the flying sidekick traveling salesman problem (FSTSP) by incorporating meteorological factors, specifically wind, to assess drone delivery efficiency in varying conditions. Our results show that while drones significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional delivery vehicles, their contribution to noise pollution remains a concern. This research highlights the environmental advantages of using drones, particularly in reducing CO2 emissions, while also emphasizing the need for further investigation into mitigating their noise impact. By evaluating the trade-offs between air and noise pollution, this study provides insights into developing more sustainable, health-conscious delivery models that contribute to smart city initiatives. The findings inform policy, urban planning, and logistics strategies aimed at achieving zero pollution goals and improving urban livability.
Sources and Radiations of the Fermi Bubbles
Authors: Dogiel Vladimir A. , Ko Chung-Ming
Published: November 2024

Two enigmatic gamma-ray features in the galactic central region, known as Fermi Bubbles (FBs), were found from Fermi-LAT data. An energy release, (e.g., by tidal disruption events in the Galactic Center, GC), generates a cavity with a shock that expands into the local ambient medium of the galactic halo. A decade or so ago, a phenomenological model of the FBs was suggested as a result of routine star disruptions by the supermassive black hole in the GC which might provide enough energy for large-scale structures, like the FBs. In 2020, analytical and numerical models of the FBs as a process of routine tidal disruption of stars near the GC were developed; these disruption events can provide enough cumulative energy to form and maintain large-scale structures like the FBs. The disruption events are expected to be 10−4∼10−5yr−1, providing an average power of energy release from the GC into the halo of E˙∼3×1041 erg s−1, which is needed to support the FBs. Analysis of the evolution of superbubbles in exponentially stratified disks concluded that the FB envelope would be destroyed by the Rayleigh–Taylor (RT) instabilities at late stages. The shell is composed of swept-up gas of the bubble, whose thickness is much thinner in comparison to the size of the envelope. We assume that hydrodynamic turbulence is excited in the FB envelope by the RT instability. In this case, the universal energy spectrum of turbulence may be developed in the inertial range of wavenumbers of fluctuations (the Kolmogorov–Obukhov spectrum). From our model we suppose the power of the FBs is transformed partly into the energy of hydrodynamic turbulence in the envelope. If so, hydrodynamic turbulence may generate MHD fluctuations, which accelerate cosmic rays there and generate gamma-ray and radio emission from the FBs. We hope that this model may interpret the observed nonthermal emission from the bubbles.
A method for differentiating the meat of meat-producing animals into quality groups based on measuring the amount of free (crystallizing) water
Authors:   CEO of the Joint Stock Company ", Sidorenko A.Yu. ,   Trading House Biosnabsbyt", Tokarev P.I. ,   Department of Commodity Expert Examination and Customs, Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, Moscow, Russian Federation, Eliseeva L.G. ,   Department of Commodity Expert Examination and Customs, Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, Moscow, Russian Federation, Shterman S.V. ,   Limited Liability Company "GEON", Selezneva L.V. ,   Department of Commodity Expert Examination and Customs, Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, Moscow, Russian Federation, Murzina N.I. ,   State Budgetary Educational Institution of Moscow "School 2083", Ibragimova E.E. ,   State Budgetary Educational Institution of Moscow "School 2083", Sidorenko Y.I. ,   Department of Commodity Expert Examination and Customs, Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: November 2024

The problem of identifying meat by quality groups is a crucial task. Various feeding regimes, type of meatproducing animals, cuts, and method and duration of meat storage before sale have a signifi cant impact on its categorization. In the Russian Federation, the meat of meat-producing animals is usually divided into 3 main groups according to quality: NOR — normal quality, with normal post-mortem autolysis, and PSE and DFD —with abnormal autolysis. The research has established that, to a large extent, the classification of meat into one of these groups is associated with the state of intramuscular moisture. The presence of free moisture not associated with hydration shells gives the meat low consumer qualities. As a result of the research, it has been proposed to estimate the amount of free and bound water using the thermal effects that occur when freezing meat. Free water undergoing fi rst-order phase transitions during the freezing process releases latent heat of crystal formation. Based on the amount of such heat, it is proposed to estimate the amount of free water and, accordingly, classify a given batch of meat into one or another quality group. A method and equation for calculating the amount of free (crystallizing) water in meat is proposed. The technique can be used for commodity assessment of the suitability of a specific batch of meat, including for customs control purposes and in the development of specialized diets.
Microgreens market and prospects for their use as a functional ingredient in food production
Authors:   FSBEI HE Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, Moscow, Simina D.V. , Eliseeva L.G. ,   FSBEI HE Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, Moscow
Published: November 2024

Currently, the microgreens market is actively growing all over the world. Due to the fragmentation of this market, high competition from manufacturers, growing consumer demand, and the high nutrient status of microgreens, research and development of new food products with microgreens as a functional ingredient are promising. The paper presents the main trends in the global microgreens market and discusses aspects of using microgreens as a functional ingredient in food products.
Assessing the level of consumer awareness of microplastics presence in food products
Authors:   Department of Technical Service of Machines and Equipment and Life Safety, FSBEI HE South Ural State Agrarian University, Chelyabinsk, Russia, Lukin A.A.
Published: November 2024

This article is focused on the knowledge and awareness of people with higher education of the presence of microplastics in food products. The purpose of this study is to analyze the extent to which consumers know and are aware of microplastic sources, exposure levels, and potential health hazards associated with microplastic contamination of food and water. Most respondents are aware of the potential presence of microplastics in water. Most respondents in the study are aware that microplastics can be present in food and recognize that once ingested, they can accumulate in internal organs. Moreover, when asked about potential health hazards, the respondents most often chose cancer and gastrointestinal disorders, while diseases of the reproductive system were chosen less frequently. Consumer knowledge about the sources and health risks of microplastics appears to be more common among women and people with technical and medical training.
Organoleptic assessment of instant noodles quality using the qualimetric method
Authors:   Belarus State Economic University, Minsk, Petukhov M.M. , Smolskaya A.O. ,   Belarus State Economic University, Minsk, Zhizha A.V. ,   OOO “Prinosim Radost”, Minsk
Published: November 2024

The article presents the results of an organoleptic quality assessment of ten samples of instant noodles. Based on the study of methods for conducting consumer assessment of product quality, a tasting analysis was chosen, a scoring scale for the quality of instant noodles was developed, and mathematical processing of the results was carried out, which made it possible to rank the samples.