bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eliciting brain waves of people with cognitive impairment during meditation exercises using portable electroencephalography in a smart-home environment: a pilot study
Authors: Lazarou Ioulietta , Oikonomou Vangelis P. , Mpaltadoros Lampros , Grammatikopoulou Margarita , Alepopoulos Vasilis , Stavropoulos Thanos G. , Bezerianos Anastasios , Nikolopoulos Spiros , Kompatsiaris Ioannis , Tsolaki Magda ,   RADAR-AD Consortium
Published: May 2023

Objectives

Meditation imparts relaxation and constitutes an important non-pharmacological intervention for people with cognitive impairment. Moreover, EEG has been widely used as a tool for detecting brain changes even at the early stages of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). The current study investigates the effect of meditation practices on the human brain across the AD spectrum by using a novel portable EEG headband in a smart-home environment.

Methods

Forty (40) people (13 Healthy Controls—HC, 14 with Subjective Cognitive Decline—SCD and 13 with Mild Cognitive Impairment—MCI) participated practicing Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (Session 2-MBSR) and a novel adaptation of the Kirtan Kriya meditation to the Greek culture setting (Session 3-KK), while a Resting State (RS) condition was undertaken at baseline and follow-up (Session 1—RS Baseline and Session 4—RS Follow-Up). The signals were recorded by using the Muse EEG device and brain waves were computed (alpha, theta, gamma, and beta).

Results

Analysis was conducted on four-electrodes (AF7, AF8, TP9, and TP10). Statistical analysis included the Kruskal–Wallis (KW) nonparametric analysis of variance. The results revealed that both states of MBSR and KK lead to a marked difference in the brain’s activation patterns across people at different cognitive states. Wilcoxon Signed-ranks test indicated for HC that theta waves at TP9, TP10 and AF7, AF8 in Session 3-KK were statistically significantly reduced compared to Session 1-RS Z = –2.271, p = 0.023, Z = −3.110, p = 0.002 and Z = −2.341, p = 0.019, Z = −2.132, p = 0.033, respectively.

Conclusion

The results showed the potential of the parameters used between the various groups (HC, SCD, and MCI) as well as between the two meditation sessions (MBSR and KK) in discriminating early cognitive decline and brain alterations in a smart-home environment without medical support.
Control of center of mass motion during walking correlates with gait and balance in people with incomplete spinal cord injury
Authors: Dusane Shamali , Shafer Anna , Ochs Wendy L. , Cornwell Tara , Henderson Heather , Kim Kwang-Youn A. , Gordon Keith E.
Published: May 2023

Background

There is evidence that ambulatory people with incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI) have an impaired ability to control lateral motion of their whole-body center of mass (COM) during walking. This impairment is believed to contribute to functional deficits in gait and balance, however that relationship is unclear. Thus, this cross-sectional study examines the relationship between the ability to control lateral COM motion during walking and functional measures of gait and balance in people with iSCI.

Methods

We assessed the ability to control lateral COM motion during walking and conducted clinical gait and balance outcome measures on 20 ambulatory adults with chronic iSCI (C1-T10 injury, American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale C or D). To assess their ability to control lateral COM motion, participants performed three treadmill walking trials. During each trial, real-time lateral COM position and a target lane were projected on the treadmill. Participants were instructed to keep their lateral COM position within the lane. If successful, an automated control algorithm progressively reduced the lane width, making the task more challenging. If unsuccessful, the lane width increased. The adaptive lane width was designed to challenge each participant’s maximum capacity to control lateral COM motion during walking. To quantify control of lateral COM motion, we calculated lateral COM excursion during each gait cycle and then identified the minimum lateral COM excursion occurring during five consecutive gait cycles. Our clinical outcome measures were Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go test (TUG), 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT) and Functional Gait Assessment (FGA). We used a Spearman correlation analysis (ρ) to examine the relationship between minimum lateral COM excursion and clinical measures.

Results

Minimum lateral COM excursion had significant moderate correlations with BBS (ρ = −0.54, p = 0.014), TUG (ρ = 0.59, p = 0.007), FGA (ρ = −0.59, p = 0.007), 10MWT-preferred (ρ = −0.59, p = 0.006) and 10MWT-fast (ρ = −0.68, p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Control of lateral COM motion during walking is associated with a wide range of clinical gait and balance measures in people with iSCI. This finding suggests the ability to control lateral COM motion during walking could be a contributing factor to gait and balance in people with iSCI.
Exploring the crop epigenome: a comparison of DNA methylation profiling techniques
Authors: Agius Dolores Rita , Kapazoglou Aliki , Avramidou Evangelia , Baranek Miroslav , Carneros Elena , Caro Elena , Castiglione Stefano , Cicatelli Angela , Radanovic Aleksandra , Ebejer Jean-Paul , Gackowski Daniel , Guarino Francesco , Gulyás Andrea , Hidvégi Norbert , Hoenicka Hans , Inácio Vera , Johannes Frank , Karalija Erna , Lieberman-Lazarovich Michal , Martinelli Federico , Maury Stéphane , Mladenov Velimir , Morais-Cecílio Leonor , Pecinka Ales , Tani Eleni , Testillano Pilar S. , Todorov Dimitar , Valledor Luis , Vassileva Valya
Published: May 2023

Epigenetic modifications play a vital role in the preservation of genome integrity and in the regulation of gene expression. DNA methylation, one of the key mechanisms of epigenetic control, impacts growth, development, stress response and adaptability of all organisms, including plants. The detection of DNA methylation marks is crucial for understanding the mechanisms underlying these processes and for developing strategies to improve productivity and stress resistance of crop plants. There are different methods for detecting plant DNA methylation, such as bisulfite sequencing, methylation-sensitive amplified polymorphism, genome-wide DNA methylation analysis, methylated DNA immunoprecipitation sequencing, reduced representation bisulfite sequencing, MS and immuno-based techniques. These profiling approaches vary in many aspects, including DNA input, resolution, genomic region coverage, and bioinformatics analysis. Selecting an appropriate methylation screening approach requires an understanding of all these techniques. This review provides an overview of DNA methylation profiling methods in crop plants, along with comparisons of the efficacy of these techniques between model and crop plants. The strengths and limitations of each methodological approach are outlined, and the importance of considering both technical and biological factors are highlighted. Additionally, methods for modulating DNA methylation in model and crop species are presented. Overall, this review will assist scientists in making informed decisions when selecting an appropriate DNA methylation profiling method.
Genome-wide analysis and identification of stress-responsive genes of the CCCH zinc finger family in Capsicum annuum L.
Authors: Tang Wenchen , Hao Yupeng , Ma Xinyu , Shi Yiqi , Dang Yongmeng , Dong Zeyu , Zhao Yongyan , Zhao Tianlun , Zhu Shuijin , Zhang Zhiyuan , Gu Fenglin , Liu Ziji , Chen Jinhong
Published: May 2023

The CCCH zinc finger gene family encodes a class of proteins that can bind to both DNA and RNA, and an increasing number of studies have demonstrated that the CCCH gene family plays a key role in growth and development and responses to environmental stress. Here, we identified 57 CCCH genes in the pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) genome and explored the evolution and function of the CCCH gene family in C. annuum. Substantial variation was observed in the structure of these CCCH genes, and the number of exons ranged from one to fourteen. Analysis of gene duplication events revealed that segmental duplication was the main driver of gene expansion in the CCCH gene family in pepper. We found that the expression of CCCH genes was significantly up-regulated during the response to biotic and abiotic stress, especially cold and heat stress, indicating that CCCH genes play key roles in stress responses. Our results provide new information on CCCH genes in pepper and will aid future studies of the evolution, inheritance, and function of CCCH zinc finger genes in pepper.
Pet’s influence on humans’ daily physical activity and mental health: a meta-analysis
Authors: Martins Catarina F. , Soares Jorge P. , Cortinhas António , Silva Luís , Cardoso Luís , Pires Maria A. , Mota Maria P.
Published: May 2023

The benefits of the human-animal bond on owners’ health and quality of life have been the focus of research in recent decades. However, the results are still inconsistent. Thus, this study aims to investigate whether the presence of a pet, compared to a control group, influences daily physical activity levels and mental health using a meta-analytic method.

Methods

The PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched for all research articles that included pets as an object of study and related mental health and quality of life variables between pet owners and non-owners until April 2022. The PRISMA 2020 checklist was used, and the Downs and Back checklist was used to assess the methodological quality of the studies. Standardized mean differences and 95% confidence intervals were used to assess the difference between a group of pet owners and non-pet owners.

Results

An initial search located 11,389 studies, but only 49 studies fulfilled all requirements. Our results indicate that pets have a moderately significant positive effect on the physical activity of owners compared to non-pet owners. Among the moderating variables, the frequency of physical activity showed a highly significant effect, indicating that owners had a higher frequency of physical activity than non-owners. Moreover, our results indicate a significant impact but with a low effect size of pets on owners’ mental health when compared to non-pet owners.

Conclusion

Pet ownership does not seem to influence owners’ mental health, but it does influence their physical activity. Specifically, owners show a higher frequency of physical activity than non-owners.
Sensing Deformation in Vacuum Driven Foam-Based Actuator via Inductive Method
Authors: Joe Seonggun , Wang Hongbo , Totaro Massimo , Beccai Lucia
Published: May 2023

Perception in soft robotics is crucial to allow a safe interaction to effectively explore the environment. Despite the inherent capabilities of soft materials, embedding reliable sensing in soft actuators or robots could introduce constraints in the overall design (e.g., loss of deformability, undesired trajectories, etc.) or reduce their compliant characteristics. Consequently, an adequate stiffness for both sensor and actuator becomes a crucial design parameter. In particular, for sensing the deformation related to actuation motion, sensing and actuating strategies must work in full mechanical synergy. In this view, an inductive sensing solution is presented, exploiting open-cell foam and a copper (Cu) wire in an Inductive Foam Sensor (IFS). Due to entangled air cells high deformability is enabled upon vacuum pressure, and proprioceptive information is provided. The IFS is then successfully integrated into the earlier developed Ultralight Hybrid Pneumatic Artificial Muscle (UH-PAM), which encases an elastomeric bellow skin and plastic rings. Such sensorized UH-PAM (SUH-PAM) is capable of a high contraction ratio (54% upon −80 kPa), while the inductive sensing shows a high sensitivity of 0.01031/1% and a hysteresis of 5.35%, with an average error of 1.85%, respectively. In order to implement a robust feedback control system, an adaptable proportional sliding mode control is presented. As a result, the SUH-PAM motion can be controlled to the mm-scale, with an RMSE of 0.925 mm, and high robustness against disturbances is demonstrated.
Two Sides of the Same Coin: Sensation Seeking Fosters Both Resiliency and Tobacco and Alcohol Use Among 16-Year-Olds
Authors: Jochimek Magdalena , Lipowski Mariusz , Lipowska Małgorzata , Łada-Maśko Ariadna Beata
Published: May 2023

Objectives: Sensation seeking (SS) is associated with engaging in risk behaviors and it is also positively correlated with engaging in physical activity and building beneficial personality resources for coping processes. This study investigates the role of SS in building resiliency and the risk of tobacco and alcohol use.

Methods: A total of 649 adolescents, who either practice or do not practice sports, took part in this study. Participants completed a set of questionnaires which verify level of: SS, resiliency, tobacco and alcohol use.

Results: No statistically significant gender- or sports-related differences were observed on the tobacco and alcohol use, as well as for SS according to the ANOVA results. Furthermore, mediation analysis showed that the effect of SS on tobacco and alcohol use through resiliency was significant for the female PE and the male athlete group.

Conclusion: Higher influence of SS on resiliency was noted in the male athlete group, and in this case resiliency was a factor protecting against tobacco use. Engaging in sports fosters resiliency, the mechanisms underlying the development of resiliency seem to be aided by SS.
History of the Creation of Self-Gripping Mesh
Authors: Vierstraete Maaike , Chastan Philippe , Meneghin Alfredo , Muysoms Filip
Published: May 2023

Self-gripping mesh (ProgripTM, Sofradim Production, Trévoux, France) was introduced in 2006 as a synthetic prosthetic material for reinforcement of the abdominal wall in open inguinal hernia repair. As of September 2022, the self-gripping mesh has been implanted 4 million times. In June 2014 at the annual Mesh congress in Paris during an informal conversation with Dr. Chastan, Dr. Muysoms became intrigued by the history of the invention and creation of this self-gripping mesh. His fascination on this topic, was the initial bead implanted for this project to write down the history of the creation of self-gripping mesh.
Donating a Kidney to a Stranger: Are Healthcare Professionals Facilitating the Journey? Results From the BOUnD Study
Authors: Maple Hannah , Gogalniceanu Petrut , Gare Rebecca , Burnapp Lisa , Draper Heather , Chilcot Joseph , Norton Sam , Mamode Nizam
Published: May 2023

Unspecified kidney donors (UKDs) are approached cautiously by some transplant professionals. The aim of this study was to interrogate the views of UK transplant professionals towards UKDs and identify potential barriers. A purposely designed questionnaire was validated, piloted and distributed amongst transplant professionals at each of the 23 UK transplant centres. Data captured included personal experiences, attitudes towards organ donation, and specific concerns about UKD. 153 responses were obtained, with representation from all UK centres and professional groups. The majority reported a positive experience with UKDs (81.7%; p < 0.001) and were comfortable with UKDs undergoing major surgery (85.7%; p < 0.001). 43.8% reported UKDs to be more time consuming and 52% felt that a mental health assessment should take place before any medical tests. 77% indicated the need for a lower age limit. The suggested age range was broad (16–50 years). Adjusted mean acceptance scores did not differ by profession (p = 0.68) but higher volume centres were more accepting (46.2 vs. 52.9; p < 0.001). This is the first quantitative study of acceptance by transplant professionals to a large national UKD programme. Support is broad, however potential barriers to donation have been identified, including lack of training. Unified national guidance is needed to address these.
ARAG, an Antioxidant-Rich Gel, Shows Superiority to Mepilex Ag in the Treatment of Deep Partial Thickness Burns without Sacrificing Antimicrobial Efficiency
Authors: Cartwright Brian Michael , Fox Sean James , Underdown Mary Jane , Clark William Andrew , Molnar Joseph Andrew
Published: May 2023

Current treatments for deep tissue burns are limited, and most serve only to enhance hydration or prevent bacterial growth. This leaves burn healing dependent on slow natural processes to debride the wound and reestablish the epidermal and dermal layers of the skin. Infections are well known to destabilize this process through a variety of mechanisms, most notably through increased inflammation and the resulting oxidative stress. In this study, we show that ARAG (an antioxidant-rich antimicrobial gel) can suppress the growth of multiple bacteria commonly found to infect burns (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus). This inhibition is comparable to that conferred by silver ion release from burn dressings such as Mepilex-Ag. We further show, using a porcine model for deep partial-thickness burns, that ARAG allows for enhanced wound healing over Mepilex-Ag, the current standard of care. Histological findings indicate this is likely due to increased wound debridement and dampening of late inflammatory processes, leading to more balanced physiologic healing. Taken together, these findings show promise for ARAG as a superior alternative to the current standard of care.
Nrf2-Mediated Antioxidant Defense and Thyroid Hormone Signaling: A Focus on Cardioprotective Effects
Authors: Sabatino Laura
Published: May 2023

Thyroid hormones (TH) perform a plethora of actions in numerous tissues and induce an overall increase in metabolism, with an augmentation in energy demand and oxygen expenditure. Oxidants are required for normal thyroid-cell proliferation, as well as for the synthesis of the main hormones secreted by the thyroid gland, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). However, an uncontrolled excess of oxidants can cause oxidative stress, a major trigger in the pathogenesis of a broad spectrum of diseases, including inflammation and cancer. In particular, oxidative stress is implicated in both hypo- and hyper-thyroid diseases. Furthermore, it is important for the TH system to rely on efficient antioxidant defense, to maintain balance, despite sustained tissue exposure to oxidants. One of the main endogenous antioxidant responses is the pathway centered on the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2). The aim of the present review is to explore the multiple links between Nrf2-related pathways and various TH-associated conditions. The main aspect of TH signaling is described and the role of Nrf2 in oxidant–antioxidant homeostasis in the TH system is evaluated. Next, the antioxidant function of Nrf2 associated with oxidative stress induced by TH pathological excess is discussed and, subsequently, particular attention is given to the cardioprotective role of TH, which also acts through the mediation of Nrf2. In conclusion, the interaction between Nrf2 and most common natural antioxidant agents in altered states of TH is briefly evaluated.
Curcumin Administration Improves Force of mdx Dystrophic Diaphragm by Acting on Fiber-Type Composition, Myosin Nitrotyrosination and SERCA1 Protein Levels
Authors: Gorza Luisa , Germinario Elena , Vitadello Maurizio , Guerra Irene , De Majo Federica , Gasparella Francesca , Caliceti Paolo , Vitiello Libero , Danieli-Betto Daniela
Published: May 2023

The vegetal polyphenol curcumin displays beneficial effects against skeletal muscle derangement induced by oxidative stress, disuse or aging. Since oxidative stress and inflammation are involved in the progression of muscle dystrophy, the effects of curcumin administration were investigated in the diaphragm of mdx mice injected intraperitoneally or subcutaneously with curcumin for 4–12–24 weeks. Curcumin treatment independently of the way and duration of administration (i) ameliorated myofiber maturation index without affecting myofiber necrosis, inflammation and degree of fibrosis; (ii) counteracted the decrease in type 2X and 2B fiber percentage; (iii) increased about 30% both twitch and tetanic tensions of diaphragm strips; (iv) reduced myosin nitrotyrosination and tropomyosin oxidation; (v) acted on two opposite nNOS regulators by decreasing active AMP-Kinase and increasing SERCA1 protein levels, the latter effect being detectable also in myotube cultures from mdx satellite cells. Interestingly, increased contractility, decreased myosin nitrotyrosination and SERCA1 upregulation were also detectable in the mdx diaphragm after a 4-week administration of the NOS inhibitor 7-Nitroindazole, and were not improved further by a combined treatment. In conclusion, curcumin has beneficial effects on the dystrophic muscle, mechanistically acting for the containment of a deregulated nNOS activity.
Seaweed Polysaccharides in Agriculture: A Next Step towards Sustainability
Authors: Mamede Mariana , Cotas João , Bahcevandziev Kiril , Pereira Leonel
Published: May 2023

The seaweed-based biostimulants available in the market are proven to achieve better results than synthetic commercial fertilizers in plant growth parameters. There are many compounds present in seaweeds that are responsible for the plant bioactivities. Seaweed polysaccharides, such as agar, alginate, and carrageenan, make up most of the seaweed biomass and are proven to achieve excellent results in agricultural crops (in poly- and oligosaccharides formula). These types of compounds are reported to improve seed germination and plant vigor, increase the uptake of soil nutrients, and protect plants against several abiotic and biotic stresses such as salinity, drought, temperature, and pathogens. When applied to the soil directly or sprayed on the foliage, seaweed poly- and oligosaccharides can protect plants against pathogens by stimulating a plant to produce secondary metabolites and manage its defense pathways. Therefore, seaweed poly- and oligosaccharides constitute an important source of potential elicitors in plants and have a particular interest for agriculture. Thus, in this review, the focus is on the potential application of these compounds in the agricultural domain: problems, obstacles, and possibilities.
Construction of a 3D Model Knowledge Base Based on Feature Description and Common Sense Fusion
Authors: Zhou Pengbo , Zeng Sheng
Published: May 2023

Three-dimensional models represent the shape and appearance of real-world objects in a virtual manner, enabling users to obtain a comprehensive and accurate understanding by observing their appearance from multiple perspectives. The semantic retrieval of 3D models is closer to human understanding, but semantic annotation for describing 3D models is difficult to automate, and it is still difficult to construct an easy-to-use 3D model knowledge base. This paper proposes a method for building a 3D model knowledge base to enhance the ability to intelligently manage and reuse 3D models. The sources of 3D model knowledge are obtained from two aspects: on the one hand, constructing mapping rules between the 3D model features and semantics, and on the other hand, extraction from a common sense database. Firstly, the viewpoint orientation is established, the semantic transformation rules of different feature values are established, and the representation degree of different features is divided to describe the degree of the contour approximating the regular shape under different perspectives through classification. An automatic output model semantic description of the contour is combined with spatial orientation. Then, a 3D model visual knowledge ontology is designed from top to bottom based on the upper ontology of the machine-readable comprehensive knowledge base and the relational structure of the ConceptNet ontology. Finally, using a weighted directed graph representation method with a sparse-matrix-integrated semantic dictionary as a carrier, an entity dictionary and a relational dictionary are established, covering attribute names and attribute value data. The sparse matrix is used to record the index information of knowledge triplets to form a three-dimensional model knowledge base. The feasibility of this method is demonstrated by semantic retrieval and reasoning on the label meshes dataset and the cultural relics dataset.
Biosynthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Capparis spinosa L. Fruit Extract: Characterization, Biocompatibility, and Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Neamah Salma Aziz , Albukhaty Salim , Falih Israa Qusay , Dewir Yaser Hassan , Mahood Hameed B.
Published: May 2023

Recent years have seen an increase in the acceptance of green chemistry as a viable method for producing nanoparticles. The aim of this work was to investigate the cytotoxicity, antioxidant effect, and hemocompatibility of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) produced utilizing Capparis spinosa L. (C. spinosa L.) fruit extract as a powerful reducing agent. The reaction rate and ZnO NPs’ shape concerning extract concentration, contact time, pH, and temperature were investigated. The production and characterization of ZnO-NPs were confirmed by ultraviolet spectroscopy (U-V), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), zeta potential, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The antioxidant activity of ZnO NPs was performed by DPPH assay; hemocompatibility of the erythrocytes and cell-cytotoxic properties were investigated using MTT assay. XRD confirmed the production of highly pure, crystalline ZnO-NPs, while FESEM analyses revealed that these particles were agglomerated and spherical, with an average size of about 37.49 nm. Moreover, UV-Vis absorption was revealed at 366 nm, and tests of ZnO NPs’ ζ potential and DLS revealed values of −44.76 mV and 116.80 nm, respectively. ZnO NPs exhibited good biocompatibility with RBCs in hemolytic activity experiments and did not exhibit any hemolytic reaction at doses ranging from 7.5 to 120 μg/mL. The study concluded that greenly generated ZnO NPs had good antioxidant activity and little cytotoxicity and can thus possibly be developed as a useful therapeutic option.
Paneth Cell, Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis and Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Luvhengo Thifhelimbilu , Mabasa Susan , Molepo Edith , Taunyane Itumeleng , Palweni Sechaba Thabo
Published: May 2023

Around 500 million adults in the world have diabetes mellitus, and the incidence is increasing. Over 90% of type 2 diabetes mellitus cases are associated with dysbiosis of the microbiota of the gut, chronic systemic inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction and destruction of the β-cells of the pancreas. Paneth cells are found in the entire length of the small intestine in humans and play a key role in its innate immunity. Deficient function of Paneth cells predisposes the intestine to gastrointestinal and extra-gastrointestinal diseases, which include inflammatory bowel disease. This manuscript reviews the roles of the Paneth cells in the innate immunity of the small intestine, the link between dysbiosis and dysfunction of Paneth cells and the influence of dysbiosis in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus. The manuscript also reviews some strategies currently used to try to reverse dysbiosis and its consequences.
Research on Rollover Stability and an Anti-Rollover Warning System for the Vibroseis Truck
Authors: Dai Maolin , Huang Zhiqiang
Published: May 2023

Vibroseis trucks are in danger of rollover during the steering process, which severely threatens the safety of the drivers and the equipment. Therefore, it is important to examine approaches to increase the anti-rollover ability of vibroseis trucks. According to the structural characteristics and working field of the vibroseis truck, an analysis of the influence of different factors on its rollover stability was carried out. Then, a rollover warning index and an anti-rollover warning system were established, which can achieve four levels of judgment of different driving states. A simulation analysis of the anti-rollover warning system was conducted with MATLAB/Simulink software. The results showed that this warning system could accurately determine the driving state on a flat road and a sloping road and produce four types of sound–light alarm according to different rollover states. At the same time, the vibroseis truck showed poor roll stability in the slope steering process which is more prone to rollover accidents. This study establishes a foundation for further research on the design of warning systems not only for vibroseis trucks but also for other articulated trucks.
Investigation of the Superoxide Anion-Triggered Chemiluminescence of Coelenterazine Analogs
Authors: Erbiai El Hadi , González-Berdullas Patricia , Esteves da Silva Joaquim C. G. , Pinto da Silva Luís
Published: May 2023

Reactive oxygen species (ROS), including superoxide anion, are involved in regulating various signaling pathways and are also responsible for oxidative stress. Sensing superoxide anion is of particular importance due to its biological significance. One potential approach is to use Coelenterazine as a chemiluminescent probe for the dynamic sensing of this ROS. In this study, we investigated the superoxide anion-triggered chemiluminescence of native Coelenterazine and two halogenated analogs and found that they showed a ~100-fold enhancement of light emission in aqueous solution, which was significantly reduced in methanol and nonexistent in aprotic solvents. In fact, Coelenterazine showed more intense light emission in aprotic solvents and, interestingly, although the light emission of the analogs seemed relatively unaffected by the solvents, their chemiluminescence was significantly quenched in water compared to methanol and, especially, to aprotic media. This suggests that the quenching effect observed for Coelenterazine is responsible for the differences in aqueous media, rather than an intrinsic enhanced emission by the analogs. In summary, we present Coelenterazine analogs that could serve as a basis for enhanced sensing of superoxide anion, providing information that could further our understanding of this chemiluminescent system.
Neutralization Treatment for Recycling Construction-Generated Soils
Authors: Nakao Koki , Shakya Sudip , Nozaki Tetsuya , Inazumi Shinya
Published: May 2023

The promotion of the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) for a sustainable and better society has been actively implemented in all sectors, including the construction industry. In contrast to other industries, however, the construction industry produces a great amount of waste while using a vast amount of resources. The effective utilization of resources is a hot topic of discussion in the construction industry, and sectors remain wherein the effective management of resource utilization is still in progress. Proper disposal of construction-generated soil is one of the issues that needs attention. This type of soil is primarily alkaline and cannot be disposed of without appropriate treatment. The traditional method of treating construction-generated soil before its disposal is the neutralization titration method, where the soil is mixed with a weak acid until the pH value has been lowered to 7. However, this process is performed according to empirical rules, and the exact amount of acid required has yet to be discovered. Therefore, the aim of this study was to derive a theoretical equation to determine the necessary amount of neutralizer. The theoretical equation was successfully derived, and the consistency of the output results was verified for three different neutralizers. Finally, vegetation tests were conducted on each neutralized soil sample to check its suitability as a vegetation substrate.
Ionosphere over Eastern North Atlantic Midlatitudinal Zone during Geomagnetic Storms
Authors: Barata Teresa , Pereira Joana , Hernández-Pajares Manuel , Barlyaeva Tatiana , Morozova Anna
Published: May 2023

The ionospheric response at middle latitudes to geomagnetic storms is not yet very well understood. Total electron content (TEC) variations associated with eight strong geomagnetic storms between 2015 and 2022 obtained from GNSS receivers in the eastern area of the North Atlantic (Portuguese continental and insular territory) are studied in an attempt to fill this gap. It was found that for most of the studied geomagnetic storms, TEC variations are synchronous for the longitudinal ranges from 27° W and 9° W. In the southern part of the studied region (around 32° N), the amplitude of TEC variations is, in general, significantly higher than in the northern part (around 39° N). Some of the studied geomagnetic storms were associated with TEC variations that we interpret as effects of post-sunset equatorial plasma bubbles that travelled well north from their habitual region. Additionally, though most of the studied storms were accompanied by reports on different kinds of malfunction of GNSS systems (GPS; GALILEO and other), there is no clear pattern in their appearance in dependence on the geomagnetic/ionospheric storms’ strength, commencement time, and its characteristics, in general.
Methods to Encrypt and Authenticate Digital Files in Distributed Networks and Zero-Trust Environments
Authors: Cambou Bertrand , Philabaum Christopher , Hoffstein Jeffrey , Herlihy Maurice
Published: May 2023

The methods proposed in this paper are leveraging Challenge–Response–Pair (CRP) mechanisms that are directly using each digital file as a source of randomness. Two use cases are considered: the protection and verification of authenticity of the information distributed in storage nodes and the protection of the files kept in terminal devices operating in contested zero-trust environments comprised of weak signals in the presence of obfuscating electromagnetic noise. With the use of nonces, the message digests of hashed digital files can be unique and unclonable; they can act as Physical Unclonable Functions (PUF)s in challenge–response mechanisms. During enrollment, randomly selected “challenges” result in unique output data known as the “responses” which enable the generation and distribution of cryptographic keys. During verification cycles, the CRP mechanisms are repeated for proof of authenticity and deciphering. One of the main contributions of the paper is the development of mechanisms accommodating the injection of obfuscating noises to mitigate several vectors of attacks, disturbing the side channel analysis of the terminal devices. The method can distribute error-free cryptographic keys in noisy networks with light computing elements without relying on heavy Error Correcting Codes (ECC), fuzzy extractors, or data helpers.
Statistical Analysis and Applications of Adaptive Progressively Type-II Hybrid Poisson–Exponential Censored Data
Authors: Elshahhat Ahmed , Mohammed Heba S.
Published: May 2023

A new two-parameter extended exponential lifetime distribution with an increasing failure rate called the Poisson–exponential (PE) model was explored. In the reliability experiments, an adaptive progressively Type-II hybrid censoring strategy is presented to improve the statistical analysis efficiency and reduce the entire test duration on a life-testing experiment. To benefit from this mechanism, this paper sought to infer the unknown parameters, as well as the reliability and failure rate function of the PE distribution using both the likelihood and product of spacings estimation procedures as a conventional view. For each unknown parameter, from both classical approaches, an approximate confidence interval based on Fisher’s information was also created. Additionally, in the Bayesian paradigm, the given classical approaches were extended to Bayes’ continuous theorem to develop the Bayes (or credible interval) estimates of the same unknown quantities. Employing the squared error loss, the Bayesian inference was developed based on independent gamma assumptions. Because of the complex nature of the posterior density, the Markov chain with the Monte Carlo methodology was used to obtain data from the whole conditional distributions and, therefore, evaluate the acquired Bayes point/interval estimates. Via extensive numerical comparisons, the performance of the estimates provided was evaluated with respect to various criteria. Among different competing progressive mechanisms, using four optimality criteria, the best censoring was suggested. Two real chemical engineering datasets were also analyzed to highlight the applicability of the acquired point and interval estimators in an actual practical scenario.
Measure of Similarity between GMMs Based on Autoencoder-Generated Gaussian Component Representations
Authors: Kalušev Vladimir , Popović Branislav , Janev Marko , Brkljač Branko , Ralević Nebojša
Published: May 2023

A novel similarity measure between Gaussian mixture models (GMMs), based on similarities between the low-dimensional representations of individual GMM components and obtained using deep autoencoder architectures, is proposed in this paper. Two different approaches built upon these architectures are explored and utilized to obtain low-dimensional representations of Gaussian components in GMMs. The first approach relies on a classical autoencoder, utilizing the Euclidean norm cost function. Vectorized upper-diagonal symmetric positive definite (SPD) matrices corresponding to Gaussian components in particular GMMs are used as inputs to the autoencoder. Low-dimensional Euclidean vectors obtained from the autoencoder’s middle layer are then used to calculate distances among the original GMMs. The second approach relies on a deep convolutional neural network (CNN) autoencoder, using SPD representatives to generate embeddings corresponding to multivariate GMM components given as inputs. As the autoencoder training cost function, the Frobenious norm between the input and output layers of such network is used and combined with regularizer terms in the form of various pieces of information, as well as the Riemannian manifold-based distances between SPD representatives corresponding to the computed autoencoder feature maps. This is performed assuming that the underlying probability density functions (PDFs) of feature-map observations are multivariate Gaussians. By employing the proposed method, a significantly better trade-off between the recognition accuracy and the computational complexity is achieved when compared with other measures calculating distances among the SPD representatives of the original Gaussian components. The proposed method is much more efficient in machine learning tasks employing GMMs and operating on large datasets that require a large overall number of Gaussian components.
Ca2+-Mediated Signaling Pathways: A Promising Target for the Successful Generation of Mature and Functional Stem Cell-Derived Pancreatic Beta Cells In Vitro
Authors: Mu-u-min Razik Bin Abdul , Diane Abdoulaye , Allouch Asma , Al-Siddiqi Heba H.
Published: May 2023

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease affecting over 500 million adults globally and is mainly categorized as type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), where pancreatic beta cells are destroyed, and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), characterized by beta cell dysfunction. This review highlights the importance of the divalent cation calcium (Ca2+) and its associated signaling pathways in the proper functioning of beta cells and underlines the effects of Ca2+ dysfunction on beta cell function and its implications for the onset of diabetes. Great interest and promise are held by human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) technology to generate functional pancreatic beta cells from diabetic patient-derived stem cells to replace the dysfunctional cells, thereby compensating for insulin deficiency and reducing the comorbidities of the disease and its associated financial and social burden on the patient and society. Beta-like cells generated by most current differentiation protocols have blunted functionality compared to their adult human counterparts. The Ca2+ dynamics in stem cell-derived beta-like cells and adult beta cells are summarized in this review, revealing the importance of proper Ca2+ homeostasis in beta-cell function. Consequently, the importance of targeting Ca2+ function in differentiation protocols is suggested to improve current strategies to use hPSCs to generate mature and functional beta-like cells with a comparable glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) profile to adult beta cells.
MoBioS: Modular Platform Technology for High-Throughput Construction and Characterization of Tunable Transcriptional Biological Sensors
Authors: Demeester Wouter , De Baets Jasmine , Duchi Dries , De Mey Marjan , De Paepe Brecht
Published: May 2023

All living organisms have evolved and fine-tuned specialized mechanisms to precisely monitor a vast array of different types of molecules. These natural mechanisms can be sourced by researchers to build Biological Sensors (BioS) by combining them with an easily measurable output, such as fluorescence. Because they are genetically encoded, BioS are cheap, fast, sustainable, portable, self-generating and highly sensitive and specific. Therefore, BioS hold the potential to become key enabling tools that stimulate innovation and scientific exploration in various disciplines. However, the main bottleneck in unlocking the full potential of BioS is the fact that there is no standardized, efficient and tunable platform available for the high-throughput construction and characterization of biosensors. Therefore, a modular, Golden Gate-based construction platform, called MoBioS, is introduced in this article. It allows for the fast and easy creation of transcription factor-based biosensor plasmids. As a proof of concept, its potential is demonstrated by creating eight different, functional and standardized biosensors that detect eight diverse molecules of industrial interest. In addition, the platform contains novel built-in features to facilitate fast and efficient biosensor engineering and response curve tuning.
Is Hypnotic Induction Necessary to Experience Hypnosis and Responsible for Changes in Brain Activity?
Authors: Callara Alejandro Luis , Zelič Žan , Fontanelli Lorenzo , Greco Alberto , Santarcangelo Enrica Laura , Sebastiani Laura
Published: May 2023

The relevance of formal hypnotic induction to the experience of trance and its neural correlates is not clear, in that hypnotizability, beliefs and expectation of hypnosis may play a major role. The aim of the study was assessing the EEG brain activity of participants with high (highs) or low hypnotizability scores (lows), aware of their hypnotizability level and informed that the session will include simple relaxation, formal hypnotic induction and neutral hypnosis. A total of 16 highs and 15 lows (according to the Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale, form A) were enrolled. Their EEGs were recorded during consecutive conditions of open/closed-eyes relaxation, hypnotic induction, neutral hypnosis and post hypnosis not interrupted by interviews. The studied variables were theta, alpha and gamma power spectral density (PSD), and the Determinism (DET) and Entropy (ENT) of the EEG signal Multidimensional Recurrence Plot (mRP). Highs reported significantly greater changes in their state of consciousness than lows across the session. The theta, alpha and gamma PSD did not exhibit condition-related changes in both groups. The Alpha PSD was larger in highs than in lows on midline sites, and the different sides/regions’ theta and gamma PSD were observed in the two groups independently from conditions. ENT showed no correlation with hypnotizability, while DET positively correlated with hypnotizability during hypnosis. In conclusion, the relevance of formal hypnotic induction to the experience of trance may be scarce in highs, as they are aware of their hypnotizability scores and expecting hypnosis. Cognitive processing varies throughout the session depending on the hypnotizability level.
Conflict Experience Regulates the Neural Encoding of Cognitive Conflict
Authors: Jiang Hui , Huang Chaozheng , Li Zekai , Wang Qiuyun , Liang Weisong , Zhou Aibao
Published: May 2023

Cognitive control is adaptive in that it rapidly adjusts attention in response to changing contexts and shifting goals. Research provides evidence that cognitive control can rapidly adjust attention to focus on task-relevant information based on prior conflict experience. Neural encoding of goal-related information is critical for goal-directed behaviour; however, the empirical evidence on how conflict experience affects the encoding of cognitive conflict in the brain is rather weak. In the present fMRI study, a Stroop task with different proportions of incongruent trial was used to investigate the neural encoding of cognitive conflict in the environment with changing conflict experience. The results showed that the anterior cingulate cortex, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, and intraparietal sulcus played a pivotal role in the neural encoding of cognitive conflict. The classification in anterior cingulate cortex was significantly above chance in the high-proportion, moderate-proportion, and low-proportion conflict conditions conducted separately, suggesting that neural encoding of cognitive conflict in this region was not altered based on proportion of conflict. The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and intraparietal sulcus showed significant above-chance classification in the moderate-proportion and low-proportion conflict conditions, but not in the high-proportion conflict condition. These findings provide direct evidence that conflict experience modulates the neural encoding of cognitive conflict.
Critical Success Factors for Building Information Modeling Implementation as a Sustainable Construction Practice in the UAE
Authors: AbuMoeilak Lama , AlQuraidi Alya , AlZarooni Abdullah , Beheiry Salwa
Published: May 2023

The building sector is widely acknowledged as a driving force behind national prosperity. However, there are considerable challenges to the construction industry’s transition to sustainable practices, including regarding building information modelling (BIM) technologies. The United Arab Emirates has made significant progress in the Middle East in adopting BIM technologies. Green building approaches have been advanced through their incorporation into environmentally conscious building practices, with a large body of literature responding to this issue. Several projects in the United Arab Emirates have, however, made use of the complementary nature of BIM and UAE sustainable policies. However, not everybody has employed the full potential of BIM implementation in sustainable construction. This paper aims to identify and prioritize the critical success factors (CSFs) for effective BIM implementation as a sustainable construction practice in the UAE and examine their ranking and relationships. A list of critical success factors was gathered from a review of previous literature to identify the essential factors for successful implementation. A standardized questionnaire was distributed to consulting organizations and engineering enterprises to verify the existence of these CSFs and measure their importance in the context of the UAE’s construction industry. The survey data was analyzed using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) technique to elaborate and validate the results, which was specifically applicable to the needs of this study. The results from the AHP analysis show that the social aspects were ranked as the highest critical success factor compared to the other criteria, namely economic, environmental, and information technology. Within this criterion, it was found that effective communication among stakeholders is the most important element, as subject matter experts feel that it is imperative to have buy-in from all or most of the construction project stakeholders to achieve the strategic goal of implementing BIM. Equally anticipated are both an effective corporate framework to back up the BIM system and government funding to build the BIM system.