bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Informative Process Model as a New Intervention for Attitude Change in Intractable Conflicts: Theory and Empirical Evidence
Authors: Rosler Nimrod , Sharvit Keren , Hameiri Boaz , Wiener-Blotner Ori , Idan Orly , Bar-Tal Daniel
Published: September 2022

Peacemaking is especially challenging in situations of intractable conflict. Collective narratives in this context contribute to coping with challenges societies face, but also fuel conflict continuation. We introduce the Informative Process Model (IPM), proposing that informing individuals about the socio-psychological processes through which conflict-supporting narratives develop, and suggesting that they can change via comparison to similar conflicts resolved peacefully, can facilitate unfreezing and change in attitudes. Study 1 established associations between awareness of conflict costs and conflict-supporting narratives, belief in the possibility of resolving the conflict peacefully and support for pursuing peace among Israeli-Jews and Palestinians. Studies 2 and 3 found that exposure to IPM-based original videos (vs. control) led Israeli-Jews to deliberation of the information presented, predicting acceptance of the IPM-based message, which, in turn, predicted support for negotiations. Study 3 also found similar effects across IPM-based messages focusing on different conflict-supporting themes. We discuss the implications to attitude change in intractable conflicts.
Children’s age matters: Parental burnout in Chilean families during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Giraldo Carolina Panesso , Santelices María P. , Oyarce Daniela , Chalco Eduardo Franco , Escobar María J.
Published: September 2022

For families all over the world, going through a pandemic has presented a number of challenges. In particular, social distancing measures involving the closure of schools and day care centers, as well as increasing work hours at home, made parents face very demanding situations. However, we know little about whether parents’ burnout levels are influenced by the age of their children. This study sought to determine whether levels of parental burnout (PB) are higher in families with at least one child under the age of four than in families with older children (5 to 18 years). The second goal was to explore whether having children under 4 years of age moderates the relationship between parental cooperation and PB. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 651 participants (525 mothers and 126 fathers) since May 18th until August 27th, 2020. The main results showed that child age is a predictor of PB. Besides, having a child aged 0–4 years old moderates the relationship between parental cooperation and PB. Finally, it was found that in cases where there was at least one child under 4 years of age in the family, with one of the partners who worked remotely, the respondent’s PB rose by 7.9 points. The implications of these results with respect to the consideration of children’s ages in the different parental scenarios were discussed.
The impact of COVID-19 on the doctor-patient relationship in China
Authors: Xu Bo
Published: September 2022

A strong doctor-patient relationship (DPR) is crucial to the effectiveness of treatment. It is imperative to maintain a good DPR during treatment. During 2019, Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) brought new challenges to already difficult doctor-patient relationships. This paper summarized the current state of the DPR, compared the changes between China and other countries after the outbreak of COVID-19, and listed the solutions proposed by various countries. Finally, the author suggested some solutions in order to improve the DPR according to China's own circumstances.
Overview and commentary of the CDEI's extended roadmap to an effective AI assurance ecosystem
Authors: Barrance Ethan , Kazim Emre , Hilliard Airlie , Trengove Markus , Zannone Sara , Koshiyama Adriano
Published: September 2022

In recent years, the field of ethical artificial intelligence (AI), or AI ethics, has gained traction and aims to develop guidelines and best practices for the responsible and ethical use of AI across sectors. As part of this, nations have proposed AI strategies, with the UK releasing both national AI and data strategies, as well as a transparency standard. Extending these efforts, the Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation (CDEI) has published an AI Assurance Roadmap, which is the first of its kind and provides guidance on how to manage the risks that come from the use of AI. In this article, we provide an overview of the document's vision for a “mature AI assurance ecosystem” and how the CDEI will work with other organizations for the development of regulation, industry standards, and the creation of AI assurance practitioners. We also provide a commentary of some key themes identified in the CDEI's roadmap in relation to (i) the complexities of building “justified trust”, (ii) the role of research in AI assurance, (iii) the current developments in the AI assurance industry, and (iv) convergence with international regulation.
Evaluation of LUTS of the filling phase after Aquablation: A prospective single center experience
Authors: De Cillis Sabrina , Amparore Daniele , Quarà Alberto , Checcucci Enrico , Piana Alberto , Volpi Gabriele , Piramide Federico , Sica Michele , Ortenzi Michele , Manfredi Matteo , Di Dio Michele , De Luca Stefano , Fiori Cristian , Porpiglia Francesco ,   on behalf of the ESUT lower Tract group
Published: September 2022

Introduction

This study aims to assess our first clinical experience with Aquablation in terms of perioperative and 1-year micturition outcomes, with a focus on postoperative lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).

Materials and methods

From 10/2018 to 07/2021, patients referred to our center with BPH-related LUTS, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) ≥10, maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax) ≤12 ml/s, and prostate volume <80 ml were enrolled in this prospective study to undergo Aquablation. Demographics, perioperative data, and complications (according to the Clavien–Dindo system) were collected. Functional outcomes were assessed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months with IPSS, IPSS quality of life (IPSS QoL), uroflowmetry, and evaluation of post void residue (PVR). The types of LUTS were classified on the basis of IPSS single question answers in filling phase LUTS and voiding phase LUTS.

Results

Sixty patients were enrolled in the study. The mean patient age was 64.9 ± 7.3 years, prostate volume was 63.5 ± 16.8) ml, Qmax was 8.4 ± 2.6 ml/s, the median (IQR) IPSS was 23 (19–26), and the IPSS QoL score was 5 (4–5). The mean Qmax at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months was 21.1 ± 11, 18.1 ± 5.4, 17.1 ± 6, and 17.8 ± 6.6 ml/s, respectively. The median IPSS urinary symptom score was 2 (2–5) one year after surgery. In parallel, the median IPSS QoL score and mean PVR reached 1 (0–1) and 23.6 ml (25.5) in the 12th month. At 1- and 3-month follow-up, filling phase symptoms were predominant in almost two-thirds of the study population. Within the patients who reported a prevalence of filling phase symptoms at 3 months, 27 of 38 (71%) reported a de novo onset of these symptoms after surgery.

Conclusion

Aquablation is a safe procedure for treating BPH-related LUTS, and it has been demonstrated to be effective up to 12 months after the procedure. LUTS of the filling phase were more prevalent than voiding phase ones in the first 3 months following surgery, but showed a self-limited fashion.
One step excision combined with unilateral transforaminal intervertebral fusion via minimally invasive technique in the surgical treatment of spinal dumbbell-shaped tumors: A retrospective study with a minimum of 5 years’ follow-up
Authors: Pan Jianfeng , Gu Yutong , Zhang Feng
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Spinal dumbbell-shaped tumors are rare, usually benign tumors with intraspinal and paravertebral components connected through intervertebral foramen. Complete excision is often performed through traditional open surgery (TOS). The efficacy and long-term outcomes of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) have not been reported to date in resection of dumbbell-shaped spinal tumors.

Purpose

The purpose was to evaluate the efficacy and long-term outcomes of minimally invasive resection combined with unilateral transforaminal intervertebral fusion (TIF) through comparing with TOS in the treatment of spinal dumbbell-shaped tumors.

Methods

Fifteen patients underwent MIS and 18 patients underwent TOS. Thoracic dumbbell-shaped tumors were directly exposed after removal of costotransverse joints, adjacent rib components, unilateral hemilamina, and facet joints. Lumbar dumbbell-shaped tumors were completely exposed after removal of transverse processes, unilateral hemilamina, and facet joints. Whether for minimally invasive resection or traditional open removal, dumbbell-shaped tumors were completely excised and unilateral TIF was performed to guarantee spinal stability. All patients were followed up for 5 years at least.

Results

The mean length of surgical incision for two groups was 3.47 ± 0.37 vs. 6.49 ± 0.39 cm (p < 0.05). The average duration of the operation was 131.67 ± 26.90 vs. 144.17 ± 23.59 min (p > 0.05). The mean blood loss was 172.00 ± 48.79 vs. 285.83 ± 99.31 ml (p < 0.05). No blood transfusions were required in the two groups. The median length of hospitalization was 6 vs. 10 days (range: 5–8 vs. 7–14 days). The patients of two groups were monitored for an average of 65.93 ± 3.88 vs. 65.78 ± 3.56 months. At 5-year follow-up, all patients presented with normal neurological function (American Spinal Injury Association scale E). The Oswestry Disability Index in the MIS group decreased significantly more than the TOS group. No spondylolisthesis or spinal instability were found in the follow-up period. There was no recurrence of any spinal tumor 5 years after surgery.

Conclusions

Spinal dumbbell-shaped tumors can be safely and effectively treated with minimally invasive resection combined with unilateral TIF. Compared with TOS, MIS offers a reduced length of surgical incision, blood loss, hospital stay, and postoperative pain. This surgical protocol might provide an alternative for the treatment of spinal dumbbell-shaped tumors.
Optimal administration time of vitamin C after 131I therapy in differentiated thyroid cancer based on propensity score matching
Authors: Liu Ye , Wang Yuhua , Zhang Wanchun
Published: September 2022

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the protection of the salivary glands by vitamin C administration at 2 and 24 h after an initial treatment using iodine-131 (131I) in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) and examined the optimal administration time of vitamin C to protect the salivary glands from radiation injury.

Method

The clinical data of patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma who had been treated with 131I in the Department of Nuclear Medicine in Shanxi Bethune Hospital from January 2014 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The propensity score matching method was adopted to match patients who received the administration of vitamin C at 2 h with those receiving administration at 24 h. A total of 230 pairs/460 patients were enrolled in the study. The chi-squared (χ2) or Fisher's exact test was used to compare the indicators representing the incidence of salivary gland injury between the two groups.

Results

The incidence of salivary gland injury (17.39%) with acidic substances at 2 h was lower compared with administration at 24 h (26.96%). The incidence of acute salivary gland injury (15.22%) and chronic salivary gland injury (26.09%) in the 24-h group were higher than those in the 2-h group (4.78% and 18.26%, respectively). The differences in the left submandibular gland concentrate index and right submandibular gland concentrate index were statistically significant before and after treatment in both the 2 and the 24-h groups; these functions had been impaired after treatment.

Conclusions

Following treatment with 131I, the protective effect of acidic substances administered at 2 and 24 h on the salivary glands were different. The incidence of salivary gland injury in the 2 h acid stimulation group was lower than in the 24 h acid stimulation group. The present study revealed that 131I treatment did cause some injury to the salivary glands and that the protective effect of administering vitamin C at 2 and 24 h may be limited. Accordingly, protection against salivary gland injury should be conducted using comprehensive measures.
Contexts of Consumption and Their Evolution in the Digital Age: Beyond the Service-Dominant Logic
Authors: Grandinetti Roberto , Bettiol Marco , Di Maria Eleonora
Published: September 2022

Starting from the observation of a conceptual gap regarding the association between consumption and the contexts in which it occurs, the paper has two objectives. The first is to fill this gap by developing a framework that includes: the identification of consumption contexts based on their building blocks (actors, goods, relationships), the basic classification of their variety, and a knowledge-based reading of consumption contexts capable of explaining their functioning. The second aim is to show that the framework allows the understanding of the digital transformation of consumption contexts. We show that services are produced in two contexts: in the first type, consumers interact directly with goods; in the second, the intermediation of frontline personnel comes into play. Actors and goods present in the consumption contexts are knowledge-holders, and the relationships between them are learning relationships. The shift from traditional consumption contexts to contexts based on artificial intelligence and the internet of things introduces a major change in that learning relationships are no longer the domain of only (human) actors who learn by interacting with each other and using goods. Both types of contexts are in fact powered by smart goods capable of interacting with each other and with humans within a given context and endowed with structural cognitive connections outside that context.
Biomass Allocation and Competitive Ability of a Semiarid Perennial Grass and a Legume in Mixtures under Periodical Soil Water Decreasing Conditions
Authors: Xu Weizhou , Niu Furong , Kang Furen , Xu Bingcheng , Deng Xiping , Palta Jairo A. , Chen Yinglong
Published: September 2022

Soil moisture is the key factor controlling plant growth in semiarid grasslands. Here, we sought to evaluate the effects of soil moisture decreasing at different growth stages on biomass accumulation, water use efficiency, and plant-plant interaction of a C3 leguminous subshrub Lespedeza davurica (L) and a C4 perennial grass Bothriochloa ischaemum (B) when sown singly and as a mix in five different ratios in a pot experiment. Results showed that soil water decrease significantly reduced total biomass production of the mixtures by 3.7–53.8% compared with well-watered conditions, and plants at the heading and flowering periods were more vulnerable to soil water decline than those at the late stage. The relative yield total (RYT) of the mixtures was mostly greater than those sown singly. Soil water decreasing increased root/shoot ratio and water use efficiency (WUE) of the mixtures, and such effects were mediated by mixture ratio and/or growth stage. In the mixtures, a strong intraspecific competition was observed in B. ischaemum, whereas interspecific competition in L. davurica. The highest overall biomass (86.47 g pot−1) and WUE (6.33 g kg−1) were observed when the mixture ratio was B:L = 10:2 regardless of soil moisture, and thus could be considered an optimal mixture ratio for establishing restored grassland using the two species. Our results suggest that sown seed mixtures of the two species with an appropriate ratio could sustain a relatively high total biomass production and improve WUE under soil water decreasing conditions in the semiarid Loess Plateau.
The PGPR Mechanisms of Salt Stress Adaptation and Plant Growth Promotion
Authors: Shultana Rakiba , Zuan Ali Tan Kee , Naher Umme Aminun , Islam A. K. M. Mominul , Rana Md. Masud , Rashid Md. Harun , Irin Israt Jahan , Islam Shams Shaila , Rim Adiba Afrin , Hasan Ahmed Khairul
Published: September 2022

Worldwide crop productivity hampers severely due to the adverse effects of salinity. Global warming causes a rapid escalation of the salt-affected area, and new agricultural land is affected through saltwater intrusion. The ever-growing human population impulses to utilize the saline area for crop cultivation to ensure food security. Salinity resistance crops could be a promising substitute but with minor success because inappropriate tactics on saline soil management resulted in unsatisfactory yield. Salt-tolerant plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (ST-PGPR) is considered an alternate way towards enhancing crop growth in saline ecosystems. It is reported that PGPR is enabled to produce exopolysaccharides which lead to biofilm formation and generate osmoprotectants and antioxidant enzymes that can significantly contribute to stimulating plant growth in the saline ecosystem. In addition, several plant growth-promoting characteristics of PGPR such as the acquisition of essential nutrients and upsurge hormone production could enhance plant growth simultaneously. In this review, we will explore the survival mechanisms of ST-PGPR and their influence on plant growth promotion in saline ecosystems.
Characteristics and Expression of circ_003628 and Its Promoted Effect on Proliferation and Differentiation of Skeletal Muscle Satellite Cells in Goats
Authors: Zhen Huimin , Shen Jiyuan , Wang Jiqing , Luo Yuzhu , Hu Jiang , Liu Xiu , Li Shaobin , Hao Zhiyun , Li Mingna , Shi Bingang , Gu Yuanhua
Published: September 2022

In our previous a study, circ_003628 was one of the most highly expressed circular RNAs (circRNAs) in the Longissimus dorsi muscle of goats found by RNA-seq, suggesting that the circRNA may be important for caprine muscle growth and development. However, there have been no reports describing the molecular mechanisms by which circ_003628 regulates the activities of goat skeletal muscle satellite cells (SMSCs). In this study, reverse transcriptase-PCR (RT-PCR) and DNA sequencing were used to validate the authenticity of circ_003628, and its characteristics, expression profile and effect on goat SMSCs were also studied using real-time quantitative-PCR (RT-qPCR), EdU, CCK-8 and immunofluorescence assays. Circ_003628 is partially originated from 13 exons, 12 introns and 3′-untranslated regions (UTR) of caprine Myosin Heavy Chain 1 (MYH1), and 25 exons and 5′ UTR of Myosin Heavy Chain 4 (MYH4), as well as intergenic sequences between the two genes. A total of 77.07% of circ_003628 were located in the nuclei of goat SMSCs, while 22.93% were expressed in the cytoplasm. The circRNAs were only expressed in triceps brachii, quadriceps femoris and longissimus dorsi muscle tissues in nine caprine tissues investigated, with the highest expression level in longissimus dorsi muscle. The expression level of circ_003628 gradually increased during differentiation periods of goat SMSCs and reached the maximum on day 6 after differentiation. The small interfering RNA of circ_003628 (named si-circ_003628) inhibited the viability and proliferation of goat SMSCs, and also decreased the expression of four cell proliferation marker genes: paired box 7 (Pax7), cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2), CDK4 and CyclinD1 in goat SMSCs. Transfection of si-circ_003628 significantly decreased the area of MyHC-labeled myotubes of goat SMSCs, as well as the expression levels of three differentiation marker genes: myosin heavy chain (MyHC), myogenin (MyoG), and myocyte enhancer factor 2C (MEF2C). These results suggest that circ_003628 promotes the viability, proliferation, and differentiation of goat SMSCs, and they also provide an improved understanding of the roles of circ_003628 in skeletal muscle growth and development in goats.
Metabolomic Profiles in Starved Light Breed Horses during the Refeeding Process
Authors: Main Sawyer C. , Brown Lindsay P. , Melvin Kelly R. , Campagna Shawn R. , Voy Brynn H. , Castro Hector F. , Strickland Lewrell G. , Hines Melissa T. , Jacobs Robert D. , Gordon Mary E. , Ivey Jennie L. Z.
Published: September 2022

The large population of emaciated horses continues to be an issue troubling the equine industry. However, little is known regarding the collection of equine metabolites (metabolome) during a malnourished state and the changes that occur throughout nutritional rehabilitation. In this study, ten emaciated horses underwent a refeeding process, during which blood samples were collected for a blood chemistry panel and metabolomics analysis via ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography–high resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS). Significant differences among blood chemistry analytes and metabolite abundance during the critical care period (CCP; Days 1–10 of rehabilitation) and the recovery period (RP; the remainder of the rehabilitation process) were observed. Potentially toxic compounds, analytes related to liver, kidney, and muscle function, as well as energy-related metabolites were altered during the refeeding process. The combination of blood chemistry and metabolomics analyses on starved equine during rehabilitation provide vital biological insight and evidence that the refeeding process has a significant impact on the equine metabolome.
Comparison of Cattle Housing Systems Based on the Criterion of Damage to Barn Equipment and Construction Errors
Authors: Gaworski Marek , Boćkowski Michał
Published: September 2022

Dairy cattle housing systems are the subject of numerous studies, in which a strong emphasis is placed on the comparison of animal welfare, animal behavior, production indicators and labor inputs. Dairy cattle housing systems are linked to specific livestock buildings, which is a prerequisite for undertaking studies comparing barns and their technical equipment. The aim of the study was to compare barns with two types of housing systems, i.e., tie-stall and freestall, including the identification of technical wear in various areas used by animals. This objective was linked to the assessment of animal health problems in livestock facilities. The research covered 38 dairy farms, 19 of which kept cows in the tie-stall system and 19 in the freestall system. The barns in these farms were examined for technical damage and construction errors, assessed in four areas: lying, feeding, milking and social. The research results confirmed significant differences in the degree of damage to technical equipment in individual areas of barns and between barns with tie-stall and freestall housing systems. The conclusions indicate the need to link the degradation of barns and their technical equipment, as well as design errors with the evaluation of dairy cattle welfare in future studies.
Comparison of Antimicrobial Resistances in Escherichia coli from Conventionally and Organic Farmed Poultry from Germany
Authors: Grobbel Mirjam , Hammerl Jens A. , Alt Katja , Irrgang Alexandra , Kaesbohrer Annemarie , Tenhagen Bernd-Alois
Published: September 2022

In this study, resistance rates in Escherichia coli from organic and conventional poultry in Germany were compared. Isolates were randomly collected from organic and conventional broiler and turkey flocks at the farm and from turkey meat at retail. Resistance testing was performed as prescribed by Commission implementing decision 2013/652/EU. Logistic regression analyses were performed for the resistance to the different antimicrobials. Overall, resistance rates for the antimicrobials tested were lower in E. coli from organic than from conventionally raised animals. In turkeys, the percentage of isolates susceptible to all antimicrobials tested from animals and meat was twice as high from organic than from conventional origin (~50% vs. <25%). In broilers, the percentage of susceptible isolates from organic farms was five times higher than from conventional farms (70.1% vs. 13.3%) and resistance to three or more classes of antimicrobials was 1.7- to 5.0-fold more common in isolates from conventional farms. The differences between organic and conventional farming were more pronounced in broilers than in turkeys. More studies on turkeys are needed to determine whether this difference is confirmed.
What Approaches to Thwart Bacterial Efflux Pumps-Mediated Resistance?
Authors: Seukep Armel Jackson , Mbuntcha Helene Gueaba , Kuete Victor , Chu Yindi , Fan Enguo , Guo Ming-Quan
Published: September 2022

An effective response that combines prevention and treatment is still the most anticipated solution to the increasing incidence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). As the phenomenon continues to evolve, AMR is driving an escalation of hard-to-treat infections and mortality rates. Over the years, bacteria have devised a variety of survival tactics to outwit the antibiotic’s effects, yet given their great adaptability, unexpected mechanisms are still to be discovered. Over-expression of efflux pumps (EPs) constitutes the leading strategy of bacterial resistance, and it is also a primary driver in the establishment of multidrug resistance (MDR). Extensive efforts are being made to develop antibiotic resistance breakers (ARBs) with the ultimate goal of re-sensitizing bacteria to medications to which they have become unresponsive. EP inhibitors (EPIs) appear to be the principal group of ARBs used to impair the efflux system machinery. Due to the high toxicity of synthetic EPIs, there is a growing interest in natural, safe, and innocuous ones, whereby plant extracts emerge to be excellent candidates. Besides EPIs, further alternatives are being explored including the development of nanoparticle carriers, biologics, and phage therapy, among others. What roles do EPs play in the occurrence of MDR? What weapons do we have to thwart EP-mediated resistance? What are the obstacles to their development? These are some of the core questions addressed in the present review.
Recovery of Lignins with Potent Antioxidant Properties from Shells of Edible Nuts by a Green Ball Milling/Deep Eutectic Solvent (DES)-Based Protocol
Authors: Argenziano Rita , Moccia Federica , Esposito Rodolfo , D’Errico Gerardino , Panzella Lucia , Napolitano Alessandra
Published: September 2022

Lignins are phenolic polymers endowed with potent antioxidant properties that are finding increasing applications in a variety of fields. Consequently, there is a growing need for easily available and sustainable sources, as well as for green extraction methodologies of these compounds. Herein, a ball milling/deep eutectic solvent (DES)-based treatment is reported as an efficient strategy for the recovery of antioxidant lignins from the shells of edible nuts, namely chestnuts, hazelnuts, peanuts, pecan nuts, and pistachios. In particular, preliminarily ball-milled shells were treated with 1:2 mol/mol choline chloride:lactic acid at 120 °C for 24 h, and the extracted material was recovered in 19–27% w/w yields after precipitation by the addition of 0.01 M HCl. Extensive spectroscopic and chromatographic analysis allowed for confirmation that the main phenolic constituents present in the shell extracts were lignins, accompanied by small amounts (0.9% w/w) of ellagic acid, in the case of chestnut shells. The recovered samples exhibited very promising antioxidant properties, particularly in the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay (EC50 values ranging from 0.03 to 0.19 mg/mL). These results open new perspectives for the valorization of nut shells as green sources of lignins for applications as antioxidants, e.g., in the biomedical, food, and/or cosmetic sector.
Ethnomedicinal Plants with Protective Effects against Beta-Amyloid Peptide (Aβ)1-42 Indicate Therapeutic Potential in a New In Vivo Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Althobaiti Norah A. , Menaa Farid , Dalzell Johnathan J. , Albalawi Aishah E. , Ismail Hammad , Alghuthaymi Mousa A. , Aldawsari Reem D. , Iqbal Haroon , McAlinney Claire , Green Brian D.
Published: September 2022

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with unmet medical need. This investigation consisted of testing a range of ethanolic ethnomedicinal plant extracts (n = 18) traditionally used in the treatment of disorders such as anxiety, delirium, and memory loss. They were then screened for in vitro inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butylcholinesterase (BuChE), beta-secretase 1/beta-site amyloid precursor protein (APP) cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1), and antioxidant activities. Plants with potent activities were further characterised using a recently developed in vivo model of AD, Globodera pallida. The ability of phytoextracts to protect this organism against amyloid-beta Aβ (1-42) exposure was assessed by measuring chemosensing, survival rate, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and antioxidant responses. Extracts (n = 5) from Juglans regia (leaves), Ellettaria cardamomum (seeds), Cinnamomum zeylanicum (bark), Salvia officinalis (leaves/flowers), and Hypericum perforatum (flowers) exerted concentration-dependent inhibitory activities against AChE and BuChE. Three of these plant extracts (i.e., J. regia, E. cardamomum, and S. officinalis) possessed strong concentration-dependent inhibitory activity against BACE1. Furthermore, the five selected medicinal plant extracts not only enhanced significantly (p < 0.05) the nematode’s chemosensing, survival rate, and antioxidant responses (i.e., anti-ROS production, mitochondrial reductase activity, oxidized glutathione (GSSG) to reduced glutathione (GSH) ratio), but also greatly restored (p < 0.05) in a concentration-dependent manner the Aβ (1-42)-induced deleterious changes in these same parameters. In brief, this investigation highlights plant extracts with strong anti-AD activities which could be trialled as novel therapeutic supplements or undergo further biodiscovery research.
Antioxidants in Age-Related Diseases and Anti-Aging Strategies
Authors: Rusu Marius Emil , Fizeșan Ionel , Vlase Laurian , Popa Daniela-Saveta
Published: September 2022

Aging is an intricate process and an important risk factor in the development and advancement of many disorders [...]
Towards Explainable Deep Neural Networks for the Automatic Detection of Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Alghamdi Hanan Saleh
Published: September 2022

Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) is a common complication associated with diabetes, causing irreversible vision loss. Early detection of DR can be very helpful for clinical treatment. Ophthalmologists’ manual approach to DR diagnoses is expensive and time-consuming; thus, automatic detection of DR is becoming vital, especially with the increasing number of diabetes patients worldwide. Deep learning methods for analyzing medical images have recently become prevalent, achieving state-of-the-art results. Consequently, the need for interpretable deep learning has increased. Although it was demonstrated that the representation depth is beneficial for classification accuracy for DR diagnoses, model explainability is rarely analyzed. In this paper, we evaluated three state-of-the-art deep learning models to accelerate DR detection using the fundus images dataset. We have also proposed a novel explainability metric to leverage domain-based knowledge and validate the reasoning of a deep learning model’s decisions. We conducted two experiments to classify fundus images into normal and abnormal cases and to categorize the images according to the DR severity. The results show the superiority of the VGG-16 model in terms of accuracy, precision, and recall for both binary and DR five-stage classification. Although the achieved accuracy of all evaluated models demonstrates their capability to capture some lesion patterns in the relevant DR cases, the evaluation of the models in terms of their explainability using the Grad-CAM-based color visualization approach shows that the models are not necessarily able to detect DR related lesions to make the classification decision. Thus, more investigations are needed to improve the deep learning model’s explainability for medical diagnosis.
Four-Dimension Seismic Analysis in Carbonate: A Closed Loop Study
Authors: Mahgoub Mohamed , Bashir Yasir , Bery Andy Anderson , Noufal Abdelwahab
Published: September 2022

Four-dimensional seismic analysis is an effective reservoir surveillance tool to track the changes of fluid and pressure phases in the oil and gas reservoirs over time of the baseline and monitoring seismic acquisition. In practice, the 4D seismic signal associated with such changes may be negligible, especially in heterogeneous carbonate reservoirs. Therefore, 4D seismic analysis is a model for integrating various disciplines in the oil and gas industry, such as seismic, petrophysics, reservoir engineering, and production engineering. In this study, we started the 4D seismic workflow with a 1D well-based 4D feasibility study to detect the likelihood of 4D signals before performing 4D seismic co-processing of the baseline and monitoring surveys starting from the seismic field data of both datasets. As part of a full 4D seismic co-processing of the baseline and monitor surveys, 4D seismic metric attributes were analyzed over the survey area to measure the improvement in seismic acquisition repeatability for the scarce 1994 baseline seismic and the 2014 monitor seismic survey. For the monitor survey, a 4D time-trace shift was performed using the baseline survey as a reference to measure the time shifts between the baseline and monitor surveys at 20-year intervals. The 4DFour-dimensional dynamic trace warping was followed by a 4D seismic inversion to compare the 4D difference in the seismic inverted data with the difference in seismic amplitude. The seismic inversion helped overcome noise, multiple contaminations, and differences in dynamic amplitude range between the baseline and monitor seismic surveys. We then examined the relationship between well logs and seismic volumes by predicting a volume of log properties at the well locations of the seismic volume. In this method, we computed a possibly nonlinear operator that can predict well logs based on the properties of adjacent seismic data. We then tested a Deep Feed Forward Neural Network (DFNN) on six wells to adequately train and validate the machine learning approach using the baseline and monitoring seismic inverted data. The objective of trying such a deep machine learning approach was to predict the density and porosity of both the baseline and the monitoring seismic data to validate the accuracy of the 4D seismic inversion and evaluate the changes in reservoir properties over a time-lapse of 20 years of production from 1994 to 2014. Finally, we matched the 4D seismic signal with changes in reservoir production properties, investigating the mechanism underlying the observed 4D signal. It was found that the detectability of 4D signals is primarily related to changes in fluid saturation and pressure changes in the reservoir, which increased from 1994 to 2014. This innovative closed-loop research proved that the low repeatability of seismic acquisition can be compensated by optimal 4D seismic co-processing with a complete integration workflow to assess the reliability of the 4D seismic observed signal.
Image Noise Reduction by Means of Bootstrapping-Based Fuzzy Numbers
Authors: Ghasemi Reza , Morillas Samuel , Nezakati Ahmad , Rabiei Mohammadreza
Published: September 2022

Removing or reducing noise in color images is one of the most important functions of image processing, which is used in many sciences. In many cases, nonlinear methods significantly reduce the noise in the image and are widely used today. One of these methods is the use of fuzzy logic. In this paper, we want to introduce a fuzzy filter by using the fuzzy metric for fuzzy sets. For this purpose, we define fuzzy color pixels by using the mean of neighborhoods. Due to the noise in the image, we use the bootstrap resampling method to reduce the effect of outliers. The concept of the strong law of large numbers for the bootstrap mean in fuzzy metric space helps us to use the resampling method.
Finite Element Parametric Analysis of High-Strength Eccentrically Braced Steel Frame with Variable-Cross-Section Replaceable Link
Authors: Li Xiaolei , Fan Bin , Li Shen , Liang Gang , Xi Hong
Published: September 2022

This paper proposes a new type of variable-cross-section replaceable link that can isolate the plastic deformation. The link and the frame beam connect with the expanding section by a bolt along the flange and web separately. It is easy to design an elastic bolt, reduce bolt slippage, and facilitate link replacement after an earthquake. Considering the large elastic deformation range of high-strength steel and the superior plastic deformation of the new type of replaceable link, a high-strength eccentrically braced steel frame with a variable-section replaceable link is raised by setting a new type of variable-section replaceable link in the eccentrically braced steel frame. Then, the existing end plate connection replaceable link test specimen is simulated and verified by using ABAQUS software. The finite element model of the high-strength eccentrically braced steel frame with a variable-cross-section replaceable link is established, and the bearing capacity, stiffness, plastic rotation, plastic distribution, and other bearing mechanisms of the structure are studied by cyclic loading. The length of the energy-consuming region (e), the steel strength of the link and other components, and the length of the replaceable link (e’) are compared and analyzed with regard to the seismic performance of the structure. The results are of great significance for understanding and exploring the force mechanism, energy dissipation characteristics of the new variable-section replaceable link, and the seismic performance of the high-strength eccentrically braced steel frame, and it also provides a reference for subsequent research.
A Symmetry Evaluation Method, Using Elevation Angle, for Lower Limb Movement Patterns during Sitting-to-Standing
Authors: Nakamura Kensuke , Saga Norihiko
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we propose a method that uses the femoral and tibial elevation angles to quantitatively evaluate the symmetry of lower limb movement during the transition from a sitting position to a standing position. In kinematic analysis of the transition from sitting to standing, the angles of the three joints of the lower limb are often measured. However, due to the large number of variables, it is difficult to evaluate the symmetry of the lower limb movement by comparing data from the six joints of the left and right lower limbs. In this study, therefore, we measured the femoral and tibial elevation angles of healthy participants and rehabilitation patients and visually and numerically evaluated the symmetry and asymmetry of the movement of the left and right lower limbs. We were able to identify the kinematically major lower limbs in the transition from sitting to standing and quantify the symmetry of the movement patterns of the left and right lower limbs. Furthermore, we examined the possibility that the method could be effectively used in the rehabilitation field to evaluate the motor co-ordination that constitutes the lower limb movement pattern in the transition from the sitting to standing position, such as the gait plane rule.
Impulsive Multiple-Bipartite Consensus Control for Networked Second-Order Multi-Agent Systems
Authors: Zhang Tiehui , Liu Qiuxiang , Li Hengyu , Wang Zhaoyan , Xie Shaorong
Published: September 2022

In this paper, the impulsive multiple-bipartite consensus problem is discussed for networked second-order multi-agent systems (MASs) over directed network topology with acyclic partition. The definition of the multiple-bipartite consensus is introduced into second-order MASs by effectively combining the characteristics of bipartite consensus and group consensus based on the unique structure of network topology with acyclic and structural balance. By thoroughly exploring the coupling state between agents, a distributed impulsive multiple-bipartite consensus control protocol is designed for each agent by only measuring the relative information of its neighbors. Some sufficient conditions that guarantee realizing multiple-bipartite consensus are given, and the corresponding stability analysis is based on an improved Laplacian matrix associated with the network topology. Finally, some simulation examples are presented to verify the theoretical results.
Automatic Registration Algorithm for the Point Clouds Based on the Optimized RANSAC and IWOA Algorithms for Robotic Manufacturing
Authors: Li Guanglei , Cui Yahui , Wang Lihua , Meng Lei
Published: September 2022

In order to solve the problems of low accuracy and low efficiency of point cloud registration for stereo camera systems, we propose a binocular stereo camera point cloud registration method based on IWOA and Improved ICP. We propose the following approaches in this paper—the registration process is divided into two steps to complete the initial coarse registration and the exact registration. In the initial registration stage, an improved Whale Optimization Algorithm (IWOA) based on nonlinear convergence factor and adaptive weight coefficients was proposed to realize the initial registration in combination with the RANSAC algorithm, and the obtained transformation matrix was used as the initial estimate of the subsequent exact registration algorithm. In the second step of the exact registration stage, an IICP algorithm with the introduction of normal vector weighting constraints at key points was proposed for achieving point cloud exact registration. This algorithm was verified by using Stanford point clouds (bunnies and monkeys) and our own point clouds algorithm, and the proposed algorithm in this paper has high registration accuracy, improved registration speed, and convergence speed.
The Adhesive Force Measurement between Single μLED and Substrate Based on Atomic Force Microscope
Authors: Bai Jie , Niu Pingjuan , Cao Shinan , Liu Qiang
Published: September 2022

Compared with traditional liquid crystal and organic light emitting diode (OLED), micro light emitting diode (μLED) has advantages in brightness, power consumption, and response speed. It has important applications in microelectronics, micro-electro-mechanical systems, biomedicine, and sensor systems. μLED massive transfer method plays an important role in these applications. However, the existing μLED massive transfer method is faced with the problem of low yield. To better transfer the μLED, the force value detached from the substrate needs to be measured. Atomic force microscope (AFM) was used to measure the force of a single μLED when it detached from the substrate. The μLED was glued to the front of the cantilever. When a single μLED was in contact with or detached from the Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), the maximum pull-off force can be obtained. The force at different peel speeds and preload was measured, and the experimental results show that the separation force between a single μLED and PDMS substrate is not only related to the peel speeds, but also related to the preload. The force values under different peel speeds and preload were measured to lay a theoretical foundation for better design of μLED massive transfer system.
Special Issue “New Frontiers in Meat Science and Technology”
Authors: Stadnik Joanna , Karwowska Małgorzata , Wójciak Karolina
Published: September 2022

To meet the growing demands of consumers, in the field of meat science, the search for methods to increase the nutritional value and provide functional features to meat products has recently rapidly expanded [...]
Novel Quantum Molecular Resonance Energy Source for Laparoscopic Bipolar Vessel Sealer: An Experimental Study in Animal Model
Authors: Bang Seokhwan , Yu Jiwoong , Im Jungeun , Kwon Soonyoung , Kim Jongchang , Kim Sungmin , Kim Jung Hyun , Jeong Byong Chang
Published: September 2022

This study is to evaluate a novel Quantum Molecular Resonance energy device as a laparoscopic bipolar vessel sealer. The majority of conventional bipolar energy-based vessel sealing devices utilize energy at frequencies between 300 kHz and 500 kHz. The use of such frequencies has disadvantages including unintended damage to surrounding tissues and excessive surgical smoke production. Here, we developed a bipolar energy source using Quantum Molecular Resonance (QMR) energy of 4–64 MHz and combined this into a laparoscopic vessel sealer. We investigate the microscopic tissue effect and surgeon’s experiences of the laparoscopic bipolar vessel sealer using a novel QMR energy source through animal experiments. QMR energy sources showed higher sealing success rates (100% vs. 66.7%) and a higher burst pressure (963 mmHg vs. 802 mmHg) of the sealed vessels compared to LigaSure™. Histological analysis showed less vessel wall injury in the QMR energy source (55.0% vs. 73.9%). In the laparoscopic setting experiments, compared to LigaSure™, QMR energy sources showed statistically significantly less smoke formation (p = 0.014), less tissue carbonization (p = 0.013), and less stickiness (p = 0.044) during sealing tissues. A novel QMR energy source for a laparoscopic bipolar vessel sealer could produce a better sealing performance and less surrounding tissue damage.
Experimental Study and Modelling on the Structural Response of Fiber Reinforced Concrete Beams
Authors: Lusis Vitalijs , Annamaneni Krishna Kiran , Kononova Olga , Korjakins Aleksandrs , Lasenko Inga , Karunamoorthy Rengasamy Kannathasan , Krasnikovs Andrejs
Published: September 2022

In many structural applications, concretes reinforced with short metal or synthetic fibers (fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC)) have a number of advantages over traditional concretes reinforced with steel rebars reinforcement, such as easier and more economical production, wear resistance, impact resistance, integrity, etc. In the present study, several concrete mixes were developed and prismatic FRC specimens were fabricated. Their structural behaviors were studied using bending tests until prisms were fractured. Two types of fibers, namely, steel and polypropylene (PP) and three different concrete matrixes were investigated, testing in total 12 FRC prismatic specimens. Every group of FRC had the same concrete matrix, but different internal fiber architecture. All specimens were tested by Four-Point Bending (4PBT). The analysis was carried out with a goal to determine the workability and flexural tensile strength of all FRC groups, comparing these parameters with fracture modelling results. Single crack formation and opening model were established. Crack is crossing whole stretched part of the prism’s orthogonal crossection. Crack is opening, fibers are bridging the crack and are pulling out. Load bearing curves in the model were compared with experimentally obtained.