bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular and Serological Findings in Sheep During Two Coxiella burnetii Outbreaks in Sicily (Southern Italy)
Authors: Blanda Valeria , Chiarenza Giuseppina , Giacchino Ilenia , Migliore Sergio , Di Bella Santina , La Russa Francesco , Vaglica Valeria , D’Agostino Rosalia , Arcuri Francesca , Sciacca Carmela , Alfano Marilena , Sciortino Natalia , Torina Alessandra , Grippi Francesca , Vicari Domenico
Published: November 2024

Q fever is a widespread zoonotic disease caused by the obligate intracellular bacterium Coxiella burnetii, primarily transmitted through the inhalation of contaminated aerosols. This study aimed to detect C. burnetii in two Sicilian sheep flocks, with no better defined reproductive disorders reported by the farmers. Blood, individual and bulk milk, ticks, and conjunctival swabs were collected from both flocks (A and B). Real-time and traditional PCRs were carried out to detect C. burnetii DNA and anti-C. burnetii antibodies were searched using an ELISA. In terms of Farm A, C. burnetii DNA was detected in 7.1% of blood samples, 20% of individual milk samples, bulk milk, 66.6% of conjunctival swabs, and in all the examined tick pools. Anti-C. burnetii antibodies were found in 77.0% of sera, 92.5% of individual milk samples, and bulk milk. In terms of Farm B, C. burnetii DNA was detected in 3.8% of blood samples, 39.4% of individual milk samples, bulk milk, 100% of conjunctival swabs, and in all tick pools; anti-C. burnetii antibodies were present in 53.6% of sera, 73.2% of milk samples, and in bulk milk. Our results highlight the high diffusion of C. burnetii in the two outbreaks, with widespread pathogen circulation, significant shedding in dairy products, and high environmental contamination, highlighting the need for enhanced surveillance and control measures in dairy sheep farms.
Comparison Between Medetomidine and a Medetomidine–Vatinoxan Combination on Cardiorespiratory Variables in Dogs Undergoing Ovariectomy Anesthetized with Butorphanol, Propofol and Sevoflurane or Desflurane
Authors: Cubeddu Francesca , Masala Gerolamo , Corda Francesca , Corda Andrea , Careddu Giovanni Mario
Published: November 2024

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of a medetomidine–vatinoxan combination versus medetomidine alone on heart rate (HR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) in a short-term surgery in dogs. Four groups of 10 dogs were administered as follows: medetomidine and sevoflurane; medetomidine and desflurane; medetomidine–vatinoxan and sevoflurane; and medetomidine–vatinoxan and desflurane. After administration, the increase in MAP soon stopped at 102–104 mmHg in the two groups administered medetomidine–vatinoxan, compared with significantly higher values of 143–126 mmHg achieved in the two groups administered medetomidine alone. The lowest MAPs in the two medetomidine–vatinoxan groups were 46–50 mmHg, while in the medetomidine groups, they were 58–79 mmHg. From 3 min onwards after administration, in the medetomidine–vatinoxan treatments, HR remained at values very close to those of pre-administration, between 83 and 118 beats min−1, while in the medetomidine treatments, it dropped to 36–43 beats min−1 and then slowly rose to reach 71–90 beats min−1. These results encourage the use of vatinoxan in clinical settings, particularly in anesthetic protocols for dogs when bradycardia and an increase in systemic pressure should be avoided. Further clinical studies are needed to manage the short periods of hypotension, as well as the slight reduction in sedative and pain-relieving medetomidine effects found, particularly when vatinoxan is in combination with desflurane rather than sevoflurane.
Effective Survey Methods for the Elusive Data Deficient Black Flying Squirrel (Aeromys tephromelas) in Sabah, Malaysia Facilitate First Vocalisation Record
Authors: Hampshire Sapphire , Miard Priscillia
Published: November 2024

Flying squirrels are nocturnal, gliding relatives of tree and ground squirrels (order Sciuridae). Despite 49 species existing, literature on Asiatic flying squirrels is scarce, thus they are overlooked in conservation action plans. Recently, three species of giant flying squirrel (Aeromys tephromelas, Petaurista petaurista and Aeromys thomasi) were observed during a nocturnal mammal survey at the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC), an Eco centre at the edge of the Kabili-Sepilok forest reserve in Sepilok, Sabah (Malaysia, Borneo). The survey (February–March 2023) incorporated the use of red LED spotlighting, thermal imaging and bioacoustic recording during systematic along-line point counts. This is the first report on flying squirrel ecology in Sabah and the first focused publication on the ‘giant’ black flying squirrel (A. tephromelas), categorised by the IUCN as Data Deficient. The most notable result was the first documentation of a black flying squirrel vocalisation event (106 calls at a frequency range of 0.75–2.69 kHz and mean duration of 1.4 s). Although call function was not determined, this result sheds light on a previously unknown part of their ecology. These results stress the urgency for further research on the black flying squirrel to evaluate their current extinction risk, considering deforestation is prevalent across most of their distribution.
Screening Methods for Antimicrobial Residues in the Dairy Chain—The Past and the Present
Authors: Navrátilová Pavlína , Vorlová Lenka , Dluhošová Sandra , Bartáková Klára , Hanuš Oto , Samková Eva
Published: November 2024

The presence of residues of antimicrobial substances in milk has been an important hygienic and technological parameter of raw milk quality since the 1960s. The presented review focuses on screening methods (microbiological inhibition methods and rapid specific tests) that are used in the control of antimicrobial residues in milk in the context of their historical development up to the present. We briefly explain the principles of the methods and discuss their pros and cons. The aim was to provide both the historical perspective on this topic and provide useful information on screening methods that are currently routinely used for the detection of residues of antimicrobials at farms, in the dairy industry, and in milk quality control laboratories.
Evaluating the Efficacy of Inhaled Colistin via Two Nebulizer Types in Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia: Prospective Randomized Trial
Authors: Huang Chung-Chi , Fang Tien-Pei , Lin Chieh-Mo , Chu Chien-Ming , Hsiao Hsuan-Ling , Liu Jui-Fang , Li Hsin-Hsien , Chiu Li-Chung , Kao Kuo-Chin , Kuo Chin-Hsi , Leu Shaw-Woei , Lin Hui-Ling
Published: November 2024

Backgroud: This prospective randomized trial evaluated the clinical efficacy of inhaled colistin administered through two distinct nebulizer types, a vibrating mesh nebulizer (VMN) and a jet nebulizer (JN), in the treatment of ventilator-associated pneumonia caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria. In addition, an in vitro model was used to determine the optimal delivery of colistin. Method: Thirty-two patients prescribed intravenous (IV) colistin inhalation were randomized to receive either a VMN (n = 17) or a JN (n = 15), then compared to the control group (IV alone) over a 7-to 10-day period. The primary endpoint was the clinical pulmonary infection score (CPIS), and the secondary endpoints were the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACE) score, and duration of ventilator use. Results: Results from in vitro testing demonstrated that VMN delivered a significantly higher colistin dose than JN (35.68 ± 3.55% vs. 23.56 ± 3.31%; p < 0.001) when positioned at the humidifier inlet. Compared to the IV alone group, the IV with inhalation group yielded significant improvements in CPIS, SOFA score, and APACHE score on day 7; nevertheless, clinical outcomes between the two nebulizers were statistically indistinguishable. Conclusions: In conclusion, although VMN delivers a higher dose in vitro, both nebulizers yielded comparable clinical outcomes. This study was registered at US Clinical Trial Registration (NCT04633317).
Proteomic Analysis of Vibrio parahaemolyticus-Stimulated Pinctada martensii Proteins for Antimicrobial Activity, Potential Mechanisms, and Key Components
Authors: Lin Haisheng , Shen Weiqiang , Luo Bei , Cao Wenhong , Qin Xiaoming , Gao Jialong , Chen Zhongqin , Zheng Huina , Song Bingbing
Published: November 2024

Background: Bacterial infections are a major challenge in food processing and public health, and there is an urgent need to develop novel antimicrobial agents. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential mechanism and key components of Pinctada martensii antimicrobial proteins (Pm-Aps) to provide a theoretical basis for the development of novel antimicrobial agents. Methods: The researchers used Vibrio parahaemolyticus (VP) to stimulate Pinctada martensii, extracted the antimicrobial proteins, and analyzed their antimicrobial activities, potential mechanisms of action, and key components using proteomics. Results: The results showed that the antimicrobial activity of Pm-Aps, with broad-spectrum antimicrobial effects, was significantly enhanced after VP stimulation. This was associated with the upregulation of LAAO, CHDH, TLR2, ATG16L1, BAK, CLCA4, and CASP8 and the downregulation of MCM3, MCM5, DTYMK, PLK1, FBXO6, LPCAT3, GST, LAMTOR5, CYP17A, CTSA, and RRM1. It is hypothesized that these proteins may inhibit bacterial growth and multiplication by activating immune-related signaling pathways, inhibiting DNA replication and repair, and inducing apoptosis and autophagy. Furthermore, it was found that LAAO may be a key component of the antimicrobial action of Pm-Aps, killing bacteria by catalyzing the oxidation of amino acids to produce hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Conclusions: These results strongly suggest that Pm-Aps is an effective antimicrobial protein, and it is expected that new LAAO can be obtained from Pm-Aps.
Effect of Instruction and Target Position on Penalty Kicking Performance in Soccer
Authors: Sørensen Arne , Christensen Ole H. , Tillaar Roland van den
Published: November 2024

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of instructions that prioritize either speed or accuracy in experienced senior football players when taking penalty kicks at five different targets in a goal. Sixteen male experienced senior football players performed in total 80 penalty kicks with instructions that prioritized either precision or speed at five different targets in the goal. Ball velocity and hit accuracy were evaluated between the two instructions and the five targets. The main findings showed that aiming for velocity resulted in higher ball velocity and lower kicking accuracy than aiming for accuracy. However, kicking accuracy was only lower when kicking to the bottom corner targets. Furthermore, when shooting high at the middle, the percentage of balls on target was higher when aiming for speed rather than accuracy. Based upon the findings of the study, it is suggested that a player should try to kick as fast as possible and aim for the middle of the goal, as ball velocity is faster than when aiming for accuracy and hit percentage in the goal is also at its highest, thereby increasing the chances of outdoing the goalkeeper, who most often goes for one of the sides.
Closing Editorial: Advances and Future Directions in Autonomous Systems for Cyber-Physical Systems and Smart Industry
Authors: Pinto Rui , Torres Pedro M. B. , Lohweg Volker
Published: November 2024

The rapid evolution of autonomous systems and their integration into cyber–physical Systems (CPS) and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) has been a critical driver of the fourth industrial revolution, also known as Industry 4 [...]
Research on Personnel Image Segmentation Based on MobileNetV2 H-Swish CBAM PSPNet in Search and Rescue Scenarios
Authors: Zhao Di , Zhang Weiwei , Wang Yuxing
Published: November 2024

In post-disaster search and rescue scenarios, the accurate image segmentation of individuals is essential for efficient resource allocation and effective rescue operations. However, challenges such as image blur and limited resources complicate personnel segmentation. This paper introduces an enhanced, lightweight version of the Pyramid Scene Parsing Network (MHC-PSPNet). By substituting ResNet50 with the more efficient MobileNetV2 as the model backbone, the computational complexity is significantly reduced. Furthermore, replacing the ReLU6 activation function in MobileNetV2 with H-Swish enhances segmentation accuracy without increasing the parameter count. To further amplify high-level semantic features, global pooled features are fed into an attention mechanism network. The experimental results demonstrate that MHC-PSPNet performs exceptionally well on our custom dataset, achieving 97.15% accuracy, 89.21% precision, an F1 score of 94.53%, and an Intersection over Union (IoU) of 83.82%. Compared to the ResNet50 version, parameters are reduced by approximately 18.6 times, while detection accuracy improves, underscoring the efficiency and practicality of the proposed algorithm.
Microwave and Ultrasound Assisted Rotary Drying of Carrot: Analysis of Process Kinetics and Energy Intensity
Authors: Mierzwa Dominik , Musielak Grzegorz
Published: November 2024

Convective drying is one of the most commonly employed preservation techniques for food. However, the use of high temperatures and extended drying times often leads to a reduction in product quality and increased energy consumption. To address these issues, hybrid processes combining convective drying with more efficient methods are frequently employed. This study investigates the convective rotary drying of carrot (cv. Nantes), assisted by microwaves and ultrasound, using a hybrid rotary dryer. In total, four distinct drying programs—comprising one convective and three hybrid approaches—were evaluated. The study assessed drying kinetics, energy consumption, and product quality. The use of ultrasound increased the drying rate by 13%, microwaves by 112%, and microwaves and ultrasound together by 140%. The use of microwaves reduced energy consumption by 30%, whereas ultrasound resulted in a slight increase. All processes resulted in a significant reduction in water activity. Ultrasound decreased the color difference index, while microwaves increased it compared to convective drying.
Comparison of Miniaturized and Benchtop NIR Spectrophotometers for Quantifying the Fatty Acid Profile of Iberian Ham
Authors: Hernández-Jiménez Miriam , Revilla Isabel , Vivar-Quintana Ana M. , Grabska Justyna , Beć Krzysztof B. , Huck Christian W.
Published: November 2024

Iberian ham is a highly valued product, and considerable efforts have been made to characterize it quickly and accurately. In this scenario, portable NIR devices could provide an effective solution for the assessment of its attributes. However, the calibration quality of NIR equipment is directly influenced by the relevance of the used spectral region. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the suitability of different NIR spectrometers, including four portable and one benchtop instrument, with varying spectral working ranges for quantifying the fatty acid composition of Iberian ham. Spectral measurements were carried out on both the muscle and the fat of the ham slices. The results showed that 24 equations with an RSQ > 0.5 were obtained for both the muscle and fat for the NIRFlex N-500 benchtop instrument, while 19 and 14 equations were obtained in the muscle and 16 and 10 equations in the fat for the Enterprise Sensor and MicroNIR, respectively. In general, more fatty acids could be calibrated when the spectra were taken from lean meat, except with the SCiO Sensor. Measurements performed in the lean and fat zones delivered complementary information. These initial findings indicate the suitability of using miniaturized NIR sensors, which are faster, are less expensive, and enable on-site measurements, for analyzing fatty acids in Iberian ham.
Structural Analysis of the Geometric Alternatives of Double-Bottom Floor Plates of a Panamax-Class Container Ship
Authors: Fuentetaja-Merino Mario , Silva-Campillo Arturo , Herreros-Sierra Miguel Angel , Pérez-Arribas Francisco
Published: November 2024

To reduce weight and simplify maintenance, ship structures frequently include openings and cutouts. While these features offer practical advantages, they can weaken the structural integrity of key components. This study explores the effects of these geometric discontinuities on the double-bottom floor plates of a Panamax-class container ship under axial and transverse loads. Through numerical simulations and experimental testing, we analyzed different cutout configurations and stiffening strategies to assess their impact on stress distribution, plate thickness, and fatigue behavior. The results reveal that side cutouts significantly increase stress, particularly under transverse loads, while central openings have less impact. Additionally, increasing plate thickness consistently reduces stress levels across all models, improving structural durability. Fatigue analysis shows that certain stiffening configurations, particularly those with longitudinal stiffeners in the bottom plates, enhance fatigue life. These findings offer critical design insights for optimizing hull structures, balancing weight reduction with strength improvement. This study provides valuable recommendations for reducing stress concentrations and extending the fatigue life of ship components, contributing to more efficient and safer ship designs.
Enhancing Data Privacy Protection and Feature Extraction in Secure Computing Using a Hash Tree and Skip Attention Mechanism
Authors: Zhou Zizhe , Wang Yaqi , Cong Lin , Song Yujing , Li Tianyue , Li Meishu , Xu Keyi , Lv Chunli
Published: November 2024

This paper addresses the critical challenge of secure computing in the context of deep learning, focusing on the pressing need for effective data privacy protection during transmission and storage, particularly in sensitive fields such as finance and healthcare. To tackle this issue, we propose a novel deep learning model that integrates a hash tree structure with a skip attention mechanism. The hash tree is employed to ensure data integrity and security, enabling the rapid verification of data changes, while the skip attention mechanism enhances computational efficiency by allowing the model to selectively focus on important features, thus minimizing unnecessary processing. The primary objective of our research is to develop a secure computing model that not only safeguards data privacy but also optimizes feature extraction capabilities. Our experimental results on the CIFAR-10 dataset demonstrate significant improvements over traditional models, achieving a precision of 0.94, a recall of 0.89, an accuracy of 0.92, and an F1-score of 0.91, notably outperforming standard self-attention and CBAM. Additionally, the visualization of results confirms that our approach effectively balances efficient feature extraction with robust data privacy protection. This research contributes a new framework for secure computing, addressing both the security and efficiency concerns prevalent in current methodologies.
Machine Learning Methods for the Prediction of Wastewater Treatment Efficiency and Anomaly Classification with Lack of Historical Data
Authors: Gulshin Igor , Kuzina Olga
Published: November 2024

This study examines an algorithm for collecting and analyzing data from wastewater treatment facilities, aimed at addressing regression tasks for predicting the quality of treated wastewater and classification tasks for preventing emergency situations, specifically filamentous bulking of activated sludge. The feasibility of using data obtained under laboratory conditions and simulating the technological process as a training dataset is explored. A small dataset collected from actual wastewater treatment plants is considered as the test dataset. For both regression and classification tasks, the best results were achieved using gradient-boosting models from the CatBoost family, yielding metrics of SMAPE = 9.1 and ROC-AUC = 1.0. A set of the most important predictors for modeling was selected for each of the target features.
Distinguishing Difficulty Imbalances in Strawberry Ripeness Instances in a Complex Farmland Environment
Authors: Gan Yang , Ren Xuefeng , Liu Huan , Chen Yongming , Lin Ping
Published: November 2024

The existing strawberry ripeness detection algorithm has the problems of a low precision and a high missing rate in real complex scenes. Therefore, we propose a novel model based on a hybrid attention mechanism. Firstly, a partial convolution-based compact inverted block is developed, which significantly enhances the feature extraction capability of the model. Secondly, an efficient partial hybrid attention mechanism is established, which realizes the remote dependence and accurate localization of strawberry fruit. Meanwhile, a multi-scale progressive feature pyramid network is constructed, and the fine-grained features of strawberry targets of different sizes are accurately extracted. Finally, a Focaler-shape-IoU loss function is proposed to effectively solve the problem of the difficulty imbalance between strawberry samples and the influence of the shape and size of the bounding box on the regression. The experimental results show that the model’s precision and mAP0.5 reach 92.1% and 92.7%, respectively, which are 2.0% and 1.7% higher than the baseline model. Additionally, our model is better in detection performance than most models with fewer parameters and lower FLOPs. In summary, the model can accurately identify the maturity of strawberry fruit under complex farmland environments and provide certain technical guidance for automated strawberry-picking robots.
Steady-State Response Analysis of an Uncertain Rotor Based on Chebyshev Orthogonal Polynomials
Authors: Xu Bensheng , Ning Peijie , Wang Guang , Zang Chaoping
Published: November 2024

The performance of a rotor system is influenced by various design parameters that are neither precise nor constant. Uncertainties in rotor operation arise from factors such as assembly errors, material defects, and wear. To obtain more reliable analytical results, it is essential to consider these uncertainties when evaluating rotor performance. In this paper, the Chebyshev interval method is employed to quantify the uncertainty in the steady-state response of the rotor system. To address the challenges of high-dimensional integration, an innovative sparse-grid integration method is introduced and demonstrated using a rotor tester. The effects of support stiffness, mass imbalance, and uncertainties in the installation phase angle on the steady-state response of the rotor system are analyzed individually, along with a comprehensive assessment of their combined effects. When compared to the Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) method and the full tensor product grid (FTG) method, the proposed method requires only 68% of the computational cost associated with MCS, while maintaining calculation accuracy. Additionally, sparse-grid integration reduces the computational cost by approximately 95.87% compared to the FTG method.
Efficacy of Invasive and Non-Invasive Methods in Orthodontic Tooth Movement Acceleration: A Systematic Review
Authors: Castillo-Montaño Laura , Colino-Gallardo Pedro , Baptista-Sanchez Hugo , Drewling Isabel , Alvarado-Lorenzo Mario , Antonio-Zancajo Laura , Colino-Paniagua Carlos
Published: November 2024

Objective: The aim of this review was to evaluate the currently available scientific evidence on the efficacy of different methods as accelerators of tooth movement during orthodontic treatment: corticotomies, piezocision, micro-osteoperforations (MOP), photobiomodulation (LLLT and LED laser) and microvibrations. Search Methods: A comprehensive search was performed in the PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus and Medline databases in May 2024. Selection Criteria: We selected randomized controlled trials based on acceleration of tooth movement during orthodontic treatment. Articles that were not randomized controlled trials (RCTs), were not published in the last ten years or corresponded to animal trials as well as those dealing with orthognathic surgery, distraction osteogenesis, electric currents, pulsed electric fields and pharmacological approaches were excluded. Results: Twenty-three studies were included in this review. All trials show accelerated tooth movement after low-level laser application, and seven studies support the efficacy of surgically assisted orthodontic treatment with corticotomies, piezocision or MOP. No article indicates statistically significant differences between the application of microvibration during orthodontic treatment and conventional treatment. No negative effects on the periodontium, loss of dental vitality or serious root resorption were reported in any publication, except in a study carried out with MOP (with an increase in root resorption). Conclusions: There is some evidence that low-level laser therapy and surgical methods are effective techniques in accelerating tooth movement during orthodontic treatment, while the evidence is very weak for vibration.
Research on Load Transfer Mechanism of Pre-Stressed High-Strength Concrete Nodular Pile Embedded in Deep Soft Soil
Authors: Li Baojian , Zhou Jiajin , Zhang Rihong , Gong Xiaonan , Liu Qingyao
Published: November 2024

The pre-stressed high-strength concrete (PHC) nodular pile is a type of PHC pile with a variable cross-section of the pile shaft, and it has normally been applied in ground treatment projects in recent years. The PHC nodular pile shaft consists of nodules, which introduce differences for the load transfer mechanism of the PHC nodular pile compared to the conventional PHC pipe pile. In this paper, the load transfer mechanism and influencing factors of the bearing capacity of the PHC nodular pile were investigated based on a group of field tests and numerical simulations. The following conclusions were obtained based on the analysis of the field test and simulation results: the nodules along the pile could effectively increase the ultimate capacity of the PHC nodular pile, and the field test results showed that the ultimate capacity of 450 (500) mm PHC nodular piles was about 1.23–1.38 times of the 450 mm PHC pipe pile after being cured for 40 days, which can be used for the design of PHC nodular pile. The simulation results showed that the bearing capacity of the PHC nodular pile would decrease with the increase in nodular spacing and nodular length along the pile shaft, while increasing with the increase in nodular diameter, and the diameter of the nodule can be increased moderately to improve the ultimate capacity of the PHC nodular pile.
Symmetric Tridiagonal Eigenvalue Solver Across CPU Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) Nodes
Authors: Hernández-Rubio Erika , Estrella-Cruz Alberto , Meneses-Viveros Amilcar , Rivera-Rivera Jorge Alberto , Barbosa-Santillán Liliana Ibeth , Chapa-Vergara Sergio Víctor
Published: November 2024

In this work, an improved and scalable implementation of Cuppen’s algorithm for diagonalizing symmetric tridiagonal matrices is presented. This approach uses a hybrid-heterogeneous parallelization technique, taking advantage of GPU and CPU in a distributed hardware architecture. Cuppen’s algorithm is a theoretical concept and a powerful tool in various scientific and engineering applications. It is a key player in matrix diagonalization, finding its use in Functional Density Theory (FDT) and Spectral Clustering. This highly efficient and numerically stable algorithm computes eigenvalues and eigenvectors of symmetric tridiagonal matrices, making it a crucial component in many computational methods. One of the challenges in parallelizing algorithms for GPUs is their limited memory capacity. However, we overcome this limitation by utilizing multiple nodes with both CPUs and GPUs. This enables us to solve subproblems that fit within the memory of each device in parallel and subsequently combine these subproblems to obtain the complete solution. The hybrid-heterogeneous approach proposed in this work outperforms the state-of-the-art libraries and also maintains a high degree of accuracy in terms of orthogonality and quality of eigenvectors. Furthermore, the sequential version of the algorithm with our approach in this work demonstrates superior performance and potential for practical use. In the experiments carried out, it was possible to verify that the performance of the implementation that was carried out scales by 2× using two graphic cards in the same node. Notably, Symmetric Tridiagonal Eigenvalue Solvers are fundamental to solving more general eigenvalue problems. Additionally, the divide-and-conquer approach employed in this implementation can be extended to singular value solvers. Given the wide range of eigenvalue problems encountered in scientific and engineering domains, this work is essential in advancing computational methods for efficient and accurate matrix diagonalization.
Addressing the Interoperability of Electronic Health Records: The Technical and Semantic Interoperability, Preserving Privacy and Security Framework
Authors: Ademola Adetunji , George Carlisle , Mapp Glenford
Published: November 2024

Interoperability has become crucial in the world of electronic health records, allowing for seamless data exchange and integration across diverse settings. It facilitates the integration of disparate systems, ensures that patient records are accessible, and enhances the care-delivery process. The current interoperability landscape of electronic health records is saddled with challenges hindering efficient interoperability. Existing interoperability frameworks have not adequately addressed many of the challenges relating to data exchange, security and privacy. To address these challenges, the TASIPPS (Technical and Semantic Interoperability, Preserving Privacy and Security) framework is proposed as a comprehensive approach to achieving efficient interoperability. The TASIPPS framework integrates robust security and privacy measures, providing real-time access to electronic health records that enable precise diagnoses, timely treatment plans and improved patient outcomes. The TASIPPS framework offers a holistic and effective solution to healthcare interoperability challenges. A comparison of the framework with existing frameworks showed that the TASIPPS framework addresses key limitations in privacy, security, and scalability, while providing enhanced interoperability across distinct healthcare systems, positioning it as a more comprehensive solution for modern healthcare needs.
Applications of Common Fixed-Point Results in Complex-Valued Metric Spaces to Homotopy Theory
Authors: Shammaky Amnah Essa , Ahmad Jamshaid
Published: November 2024

The aim of this research article is to introduce generalized rational contractions in the context of complex-valued metric spaces and to establish novel common fixed-point theorems. Our findings generalize several well-known fixed-point theorems and contribute to the advancement of fixed-point theory. A non-trivial example is provided to demonstrate the efficacy of the obtained results. Additionally, we demonstrate the practical significance of our findings through a homotopy result.
A Comprehensive Review of Performance Metrics for Computer-Aided Detection Systems
Authors: Park Doohyun
Published: November 2024

This paper aims to provide a structured analysis of the performance metrics used in computer-aided detection (CAD) systems, specifically focusing on lung nodule detection in computed tomography (CT) images. By examining key metrics along with their respective strengths and limitations, this study offers guidelines to assist in selecting appropriate metrics. Evaluation methods for CAD systems for lung nodule detection are primarily categorized into per-scan and per-nodule approaches. For per-scan analysis, a key metric is the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUROC), which evaluates the ability of the system to distinguish between scans with and without nodules. For per-nodule analysis, the nodule-level sensitivity at fixed false positives per scan is often used, supplemented by the free-response receiver operating characteristic (FROC) curve and the competition performance metric (CPM). However, the CPM does not provide normalized scores because it theoretically ranges from zero to infinity and largely varies depending on the characteristics of the data. To address the advantages and limitations of ROC and FROC curves, an alternative FROC (AFROC) was introduced to combine the strengths of both per-scan and per-nodule analyses. This paper discusses the principles of each metric and their relative strengths, providing insights into their clinical implications and practical utility.
Antibacterial Effect of Fermented Pomegranate Peel Polyphenols on Vibrio alginolyticus and Its Mechanism
Authors: Yu Zhoulin , Hong Yucong , Zhao Shuyan , Zhou Meng , Tan Xiaohong
Published: November 2024

Vibrio alginolyticus frequently breaks out in aquatic animal breeding operations involving shrimp, and it can endanger human health through food and wound infections. The antibacterial effect and mechanism of fermented pomegranate peel polyphenols (FPPPs) on V. alginolyticus were investigated. The results indicated that FPPPs had a strong inhibitory effect on the growth of V. alginolyticus, and their minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were 2 and 4 mg/mL. FPPPs significantly reduced biofilm formation and biofilm metabolic activity in V. alginolyticus, down-regulated the expression levels of lafA, lafK, fliS and flaK genes involved in flagellar synthesis and inhibited swimming and swarming motility (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, under the treatment of FPPPs, the activities of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in V. alginolyticus were significantly reduced, and the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and extracellular malondialdehyde (MDA) were significantly increased (p < 0.05). FPPPs also resulted in a significant increase in alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activity, protein and nucleic acid content, as well as conductivity from V. alginolyticus cultures. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images further revealed that V. alginolyticus treated with FPPPs showed leakage of intracellular substances, abnormal cell morphology and damage to cell walls and cell membranes, with the severity of the damage in a clear dose-dependent manner. Therefore, FPPPs can be used as a promising food-grade antibacterial agent, notably in seafood to control V. alginolyticus.
Molecular Characterization of miRNAs in Myzus persicae Carrying Brassica Yellows Virus
Authors: He Meng-Jun , Wang Yun , Zhao Mei , Zuo Deng-Pan , Wang You , Zhang Zong-Ying , Wang Ying , Han Cheng-Gui
Published: November 2024

microRNAs (miRNAs) influence many biological processes at the post-transcriptional level. However, the molecular characterization of miRNAs in the Myzus persicae response to Brassica yellows virus (BrYV) stress remains unclear. In this study, we present the results of miRNA profiling in Myzus persicae under two different treatments: treatment one (raised on turnip plants), and treatment two (raised on Arabidopsis thaliana). A total of 72 known and 113 novel mature miRNAs were identified in both non-viruliferous and viruliferous aphids, under treatment one. In treatment two, 72 known and 112 novel mature miRNAs were identified in BrYV-free aphids; meanwhile, 71 known and 115 novel miRNAs were identified in BrYV-carrying aphids. Moreover, eight upregulated and four downregulated miRNAs were identified in viruliferous aphids under treatment two, whereas only two miRNAs were differentially expressed under treatment one. These results indicated the relative BrYV level could influence miRNA expression in aphids. KEGG enrichment analysis showed the predicted genes targeted by differentially expressed miRNAs were primarily involved in Peroxisome, neuroactive ligand–receptor interaction, and metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome P450 pathways. Taken together, these findings reveal the effect of BrYV on miRNAs in Myzus persicae and provide key clues for further studies on the molecular mechanisms of BrYV transmission via aphids.
Body Surface Ultrastructure as a Main Morphological Criterion for Distinguishing Adult Trematode Metagonimus suifunensis
Authors: Shumenko Polina , Tatonova Yulia , Shchelkanov Mikhail
Published: November 2024

In the present study, the ultrastructure of the body surface of mature trematodes of Metagonimus suifunensis Shumenko et al., 2017 has been studied for the first time. It has been found that the tegumental spines on the surface of their bodies are very different from those in three other species of large trematodes of the genus Metagonimus: M. yokogawai Katsurada, 1912; M. takahashii Suzuki in Takahashi, 1929; and M. miyatai Saito et al., 1997. Since other morphological characteristics do not allow us to distinguish between these species, the ultrastructure of tegumental spines can be considered the only reliable morphological feature differentiating this trematode from other representatives of the genus. It has also been suggested that the shape of these spines may correlate with the parasite’s ability to damage the host’s intestinal tissue.
A Novel Adaptive Sand Cat Swarm Optimization Algorithm for Feature Selection and Global Optimization
Authors: Liu Ruru , Fang Rencheng , Zeng Tao , Fei Hongmei , Qi Quan , Zuo Pengxiang , Xu Liping , Liu Wei
Published: November 2024

Feature selection (FS) constitutes a critical stage within the realms of machine learning and data mining, with the objective of eliminating irrelevant features while guaranteeing model accuracy. Nevertheless, in datasets featuring a multitude of features, choosing the optimal feature poses a significant challenge. This study presents an enhanced Sand Cat Swarm Optimization algorithm (MSCSO) to improve the feature selection process, augmenting the algorithm’s global search capacity and convergence rate via multiple innovative strategies. Specifically, this study devised logistic chaotic mapping and lens imaging reverse learning approaches for population initialization to enhance population diversity; balanced global exploration and local development capabilities through nonlinear parameter processing; and introduced a Weibull flight strategy and triangular parade strategy to optimize individual position updates. Additionally, the Gaussian–Cauchy mutation strategy was employed to improve the algorithm’s ability to overcome local optima. The experimental results demonstrate that MSCSO performs well on 65.2% of the test functions in the CEC2005 benchmark test; on the 15 datasets of UCI, MSCSO achieved the best average fitness in 93.3% of the datasets and achieved the fewest feature selections in 86.7% of the datasets while attaining the best average accuracy across 100% of the datasets, significantly outperforming other comparative algorithms.
Extraction, Isolation, Identification, and Characterization of Anthocyanin from Banana Inflorescence by Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy and Its pH Sensitivity
Authors: Senevirathna Nuwanthi , Hassanpour Morteza , O’Hara Ian , Karim Azharul
Published: November 2024

Anthocyanin is an important flavonoid with antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. This research investigates the anthocyanin content of Cavendish banana inflorescence, a by-product often discarded as agricultural waste. The study employs two drying methods, namely oven-drying and freeze-drying, followed by accelerated solvent extraction using acidified water and methanol. Liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (LC-MS) results confirm banana inflorescence as a rich source of anthocyanins. According to LC-MS analysis, freeze-dried banana inflorescence extracted in methanol at 80 °C exhibits the highest anthocyanin content (130.01 mg/100 g). This sample also demonstrates superior characteristics, including a chroma value of 40.02 ± 0.01, a redness value of 38.09 ± 0.16, 18.46 ± 0.02 °Brix, a total phenolic content of 42.5 ± 1.00 mg/g, expressed as gallic acid equivalents, and a total antioxidant activity of 71.33 ± 0.08% when assessed with the DPPH method. Furthermore, the study identifies the predominant anthocyanin as cyanidin, along with the presence of other anthocyanins such as delphinidin (Dp), malvidin (Mv), petunidin (Pt), pelargonidin (Pg), and peonidin (Pn). Interestingly, the extracted anthocyanins demonstrate pH sensitivity, changing from red to brown as pH increases. These findings highlight the potential of utilizing Cavendish banana inflorescence for anthocyanin extraction, offering sustainable waste valorization methods with promising applications in biomimetics and bioinspiration fields.
Surface Functionalization of 3D-Printed Bio-Inspired Scaffolds for Biomedical Applications: A Review
Authors: Kim Yeon Soo , Shin Yoo Seob
Published: November 2024

Three-dimensional (3D) printing is a highly effective scaffold manufacturing technique that may revolutionize tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. The use of scaffolds, along with growth factors and cells, remains among the most promising approaches to organ regeneration. However, the applications of hard 3D-printed scaffolds may be limited by their poor surface properties, which play a crucial role in cell recruitment and infiltration, tissue–scaffold integration, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, various prerequisites must be met before 3D-printed scaffolds can be applied clinically to the human body. Consequently, various attempts have been made to modify the surfaces, porosities, and mechanical properties of these scaffolds. Techniques that involve the chemical and material modification of surfaces can also be applied to enhance scaffold efficacy. This review summarizes the characteristics and discusses the developmental directions of the latest 3D-printing technologies according to its intended application in unmet clinical needs.
Evaluation of the In Vitro Behavior of Electrochemically Deposited Plate-like Crystal Hydroxyapatite Coatings
Authors: Cotrut Cosmin M. , Blidisel Alexandru , Vranceanu Diana M. , Vladescu (Dragomir) Alina , Ungureanu Elena , Pana Iulian , Dinu Mihaela , Vitelaru Catalin , Parau Anca C. , Pruna Vasile , Magurean Mihai S. , Titorencu Irina
Published: November 2024

The purpose of coatings is to protect or enhance the functionality of the substrate material, irrespective of the field in which the material was designed. The use of coatings in medicine is rapidly expanding with the objective of enhancing the osseointegration ability of metallic materials such as titanium. The aim of this study was to obtain biomimetic hydroxyapatite (HAp)-based coatings on titanium by using the pulsed galvanostatic method. The morphology of the HAp-based coatings revealed the presence of very thin and wide plate-like crystals, grown perpendicular to the Ti substrate, while the chemical composition highlighted a Ca/P ratio of 1.66, which is close to that of stoichiometric HAp (1.67). The main phases and chemical bonds identified confirmed the presence of the HAp phase in the developed coatings. A roughness of 228 nm and a contact angle of approx. 17° were obtained for the HAp coatings, highlighting a hydrophilic character. In terms of biomineralization and electrochemical behavior, it was shown that the HAp coatings have significantly enhanced the titanium properties. Finally, the in vitro cell tests carried out with human mesenchymal stem cells showed that the Ti samples coated with HAp have increased cell viability, extracellular matrix, and Ca intracellular deposition when compared with the uncoated Ti, indicating the beneficial effect.
Exploring the Potential of Biomimetic Peptides in Targeting Fibrillar and Filamentous Alpha-Synuclein—An In Silico and Experimental Approach to Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Frantzeskos Sophia A. , Biggs Mary A. , Banerjee Ipsita A.
Published: November 2024

Alpha-synuclein (ASyn) is a protein that is known to play a critical role in Parkinson’s disease (PD) due to its propensity for misfolding and aggregation. Furthermore, this process leads to oxidative stress and the formation of free radicals that cause neuronal damage. In this study, we have utilized a biomimetic approach to design new peptides derived from marine natural resources. The peptides were designed using a peptide scrambling approach where antioxidant moieties were combined with fibrillary inhibition motifs in order to design peptides that would have a dual targeting effect on ASyn misfolding. Of the 20 designed peptides, 12 were selected for examining binding interactions through molecular docking and molecular dynamics approaches, which revealed that the peptides were binding to the pre-NAC and NAC (non-amyloid component) domain residues such as Tyr39, Asn65, Gly86, and Ala85, among others. Because ASyn filaments derived from Lewy body dementia (LBD) have a different secondary structure compared to pathogenic ASyn fibrils, both forms were tested computationally. Five of those peptides were utilized for laboratory validation based on those results. The binding interactions with fibrils were confirmed using surface plasmon resonance studies, where EQALMPWIWYWKDPNGS, PYYYWKDPNGS, and PYYYWKELAQM showed higher binding. Secondary structural analyses revealed their ability to induce conformational changes in ASyn fibrils. Additionally, PYYYWKDPNGS and PYYYWKELAQM also demonstrated antioxidant properties. This study provides insight into the binding interactions of varying forms of ASyn implicated in PD. The peptides may be further investigated for mitigating fibrillation at the cellular level and may have the potential to target ASyn.
Self-Exfoliated Guanidinium Covalent Organic Nanosheets as High-Capacity Curcumin Carrier
Authors: Sharma Archita , Sharma Dhavan , Lin Hengyu , Zhou Hongcai (Joe) , Zhao Feng
Published: November 2024

Drug administration is commonly used to treat chronic wounds but faces challenges such as poor bioavailability, instability, and uncontrollable release. Existing drug delivery platforms are limited by chemical instability, poor functionality, complex synthesis, and toxic by-products. Presently, research efforts are focused on developing novel drug carriers to enhance drug efficacy. Guanidinium Covalent Organic Nanosheets (gCONs) offer promising alternatives due to their high porosity, surface area, loading capacity, and ability to provide controlled, sustained, and target-specific drug delivery. Herein, we successfully synthesized self-exfoliated gCONs using a Schiff base condensation reaction and embedded curcumin (CUR), a polyphenolic pleiotropic drug with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, via the wet impregnation method. The BET porosimeter exhibited the filling of gCON pores with CUR. Morphological investigations revealed the formation of sheet-like structures in gCON. Culturing human dermal fibroblasts (hDFs) on gCON demonstrated cytocompatibility even at a concentration as high as 1000 µg/mL. Drug release studies demonstrated a controlled and sustained release of CUR over an extended period of 5 days, facilitated by the high loading capacity of gCON. Furthermore, the inherent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of CUR were preserved after loading into the gCON, underscoring the potential of CUR-loaded gCON formulation for effective therapeutic applications. Conclusively, this study provides fundamental information relevant to the performance of gCONs as a drug delivery system and the synergistic effect of CUR and CONs addressing issues like drug bioavailability and instability.