bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Socio-Spatial Reading of a Remarkable Landscape Located in Testour, toward a Heritage Setting of a Moorish Site
Authors: Karray Sahar , Ruiz Pulpón Ángel Raúl , Rejeb Hichem
Published: February 2023

Traditional conservation efforts have not improved conditions in most historic Tunisian cities. However, the changes adopted at the international level in historical urban conservation, based on urban vitality and regions’ sustainability, open horizons to new approaches of reading. Testour, a Moorish city of northern Tunisia, presents one of the historical centers most anchored in identity and the least studied. Our study aims at initiating a new transdisciplinary reading approach that provides a link between time, spaces, actors, culture and sustainability. To do so, we followed a methodological process with a gradual logic that led to a comprehensive management project. This approach presents a set of analytical methodological procedures, which consider historicity in conjunction with a global diagnostic of the landscape in favor of the evaluation of historic centers. This method enabled us to establish a new map showing the structural and functional evolution of Testour throughout history, identifying the valuation indicators and the attributes of global management. This work presents a new reading grid of Testour, including the structural, functional, values and heritage attributes.
A Methodology for Assessing Pollution Off-Gassing of Museum Construction Materials Using a Pyrolysis Microfurnace
Authors: Samide Michael J. , Smith Gregory D.
Published: February 2023

Museum professionals must ensure that protective enclosures for artworks do not in fact cause damage to the objects within due to pollution off-gassing from the container’s components. Ideally, all materials used in proximity to artworks should be assessed for their potential to emit harmful volatiles. The standard approach used in the museum field, known as the Oddy test, requires significant effort and time and can produce unreliable results if not conducted by a trained staff member, all of which reduce the likelihood that proper vetting will be rigorously employed. This paper reports a methodology utilizing a microfurnace pyrolyzer coupled to a gas chromatograph with a mass spectrometer to optimize these assessments and produce actionable results with minimal time and expense. Simple confirmatory chemical tests augment the direct thermal desorption (DTD) experiment, and as a last resort, time-consuming accelerated aging tests are utilized if deemed necessary to eliminate or decide between options when a non-polluting material is not available. The successes and challenges of this developing protocol are highlighted for the planning of a recent non-traditional, multisensory exhibition, THE LUME Indianapolis, with its inaugural digital experience featuring the works of Vincent van Gogh at the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields.
High Intensity Drinking (HID) Assessed by Maximum Quantity Consumed Is an Important Pattern Measure Adding Predictive Value in Higher and Lower Income Societies for Modeling Alcohol-Related Problems
Authors: Greenfield Thomas , Lui Camillia , Cook Won , Karriker-Jaffe Katherine , Li Libo , Wilsnack Sharon , Bloomfield Kim , Room Robin , Laslett Anne-Marie , Bond Jason , Korcha Rachael ,   The GENAHTO Consortium
Published: February 2023

Adjusting for demographics and standard drinking measures, High Intensity Drinking (HID), indexed by the maximum quantity consumed in a single day in the past 12 months, may be valuable in predicting alcohol dependence other harms across high and low income societies. The data consisted of 17 surveys of adult (15,460 current drinkers; 71% of total surveyed) in Europe (3), the Americas (8), Africa (2), and Asia/Australia (4). Gender-disaggregated country analyses used Poison regression to investigate whether HID (8–11, 12–23, 24+ drinks) was incrementally influential, beyond log drinking volume and HED (Heavy Episodic Drinking, or 5+ days), in predicting drinking problems, adjusting for age and marital status. In adjusted models predicting AUDIT-5 for men, adding HID improved the overall model fit for 11 of 15 countries. For women, 12 of 14 countries with available data showed an improved fit with HID included. The results for the five Life-Area Harms were similar for men. Considering the results by gender, each country showing improvements in model fit by adding HID had larger values of the average difference between high intensity and usual consumption, implying variations in amounts consumed on any given day. The amount consumed/day often greatly exceeded HED levels. In many societies of varying income levels, as hypothesized, HID provided important added information on drinking patterns for predicting harms, beyond the standard volume and binging indicators.
Assessment of Patient Treatment and Rehabilitation Processes Using Electromyography Signals and Selected Industry 4.0 Solutions
Authors: Stawiarska Ewa , Stawiarski Maciej
Published: February 2023

Funding treatment and rehabilitation processes for patients with musculoskeletal conditions is an important part of public health insurance in European Union countries. By 2030, these processes will be planned in national health strategies (sequential process activities will be identified, care packages will be defined, service standards will be described, roles in the implementation of activities will be distinguished). Today, in many countries of the world (including the EU countries), these processes tend not to be very effective and to be expensive for both patients and insurance companies. This article aims to raise awareness of the need for process re-engineering and describes possible tools for assessing patient treatment and rehabilitation processes (using electromyographic signals—EMG and selected Industry 4.0 solutions). This article presents the research methodology prepared for the purpose of process evaluation. The use of this methodology will confirm the hypothesis that the use of EMG signals and selected Industry 4.0 solutions will improve the effectiveness and efficiency of treatment and rehabilitation processes for patients with musculoskeletal injuries.
Numerical Solution for Fuzzy Time-Fractional Cancer Tumor Model with a Time-Dependent Net Killing Rate of Cancer Cells
Authors: Zureigat Hamzeh , Al-Smadi Mohammed , Al-Khateeb Areen , Al-Omari Shrideh , Alhazmi Sharifah
Published: February 2023

A cancer tumor model is an important tool for studying the behavior of various cancer tumors. Recently, many fuzzy time-fractional diffusion equations have been employed to describe cancer tumor models in fuzzy conditions. In this paper, an explicit finite difference method has been developed and applied to solve a fuzzy time-fractional cancer tumor model. The impact of using the fuzzy time-fractional derivative has been examined under the double parametric form of fuzzy numbers rather than using classical time derivatives in fuzzy cancer tumor models. In addition, the stability of the proposed model has been investigated by applying the Fourier method, where the net killing rate of the cancer cells is only time-dependent, and the time-fractional derivative is Caputo’s derivative. Moreover, certain numerical experiments are discussed to examine the feasibility of the new approach and to check the related aspects. Over and above, certain needs in studying the fuzzy fractional cancer tumor model are detected to provide a better comprehensive understanding of the behavior of the tumor by utilizing several fuzzy cases on the initial conditions of the proposed model.
Prevalence of Consanguineous Marriage among Saudi Citizens of Albaha, a Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Albanghali Mohammad A.
Published: February 2023

Consanguineous marriage (CM) is a prevalent kind of relationship in Muslim and Arab countries, and this type of relationship is linked to several health risks. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of (CM), its associated hereditary diseases, and health-related issues among Saudi citizens in Albaha. This cross-sectional study was conducted between March 2021 to April 2021. Saudi citizens in Albaha who were aged ≥ 18 years and willing to participate were eligible for the study. A total of 1010 participants were included in this study. In total, 757 participants were married, widowed, or divorced. CM partnerships comprised 40% (N = 302) of the marriages among participants, of which first- and second-cousin marriages comprised 72% and 28%, respectively. The prevalence of CM among the participants’ parents was lower than that among the participants (31% versus 40%, respectively). Children of participants in a CM were more likely to have cardiovascular diseases (p < 0.001), blood diseases (anaemia, thalassemia) (p < 0.001), cancer (p = 0.046), hearing loss and speech disorder (p = 0.003), and ophthalmic diseases (p = 0.037). Albaha showed a high percentage of consanguinity. An educational program must be established to enhance the population’s knowledge of the consequences of CM. The current national premarital screening program should be extended to involve more screening tests for common hereditary diseases that result from CM.
Notational Analysis of Wheelchair Paralympic Table Tennis Matches
Authors: Guarnieri Alessandro , Presta Valentina , Gobbi Giuliana , Ramazzina Ileana , Condello Giancarlo , Malagoli Lanzoni Ivan
Published: February 2023

Paralympic table tennis is the third largest paralympic sport for the number of players. Performance analysis was conducted for the rally duration and interval and impact of serve, whilst none investigated the shots distribution among classes of physical impairment. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to conduct a notational analysis of international competitions in relation to the wheelchair classes. Five matches for each wheelchair class (C1-to-C5) were evaluated from 20 elite male right-handed players. Both players for each match were analyzed for the following performance indicators: strokes type, the area of ball bouncing, and the shots outcome. Backhand shots were the most used technique for all classes. The most used strokes for C1 players were backhand and forehand drive and backhand lob, while for C5 players they were backhand and forehand push and backhand topspin. Similar shots distribution was registered for C2-to-C5 players. The central and far-from-the-net zone was mainly reached by the serve for all classes. Errors shots were similar in all classes, whilst winning shots were more frequent in C1. The current notational analysis provided a meaningful performance modelling of indicators for coaches and athletes that can be used to design training programs for each class.
A Bibliometric Analysis of Research into Internet Gaming Disorders in Korea
Authors: Zhang Melvyn W. B. , Park Seon Young
Published: February 2023

After the concept of “Internet addiction” was first proposed in 2004, “Internet gaming disorder” (IGD) was included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) as a disorder requiring further research. IGD is prevalent in South Korea, and many studies have been conducted on the disorder. Previous studies have helped in understanding various aspects of IGD, but a comprehensive understanding of the research trends is required to identify research gaps. Therefore, we conducted a bibliometric review of all published IGD studies in South Korea. For the identification of articles, the Web of Science database was used. Data analysis was performed using Biblioshiny. A total of 330 publications were included in the analysis. The average number of citations per document was 17.12. These publications were written by a total of 658 authors, and the number of coauthors per document was 5.07. The years with the most publications were 2018 (n = 57), 2017 (n = 45), and 2019 (n = 40). The top three journals containing publications were the Journal of Behavioral Addictions (n = 46), Frontiers in Psychiatry (n = 19), and Psychiatry Investigation (n = 14). In a keyword analysis (apart from “IGD”, “internet addiction”, and “addiction”), the keywords “adolescent” (n = 31), “self-control” (n = 11), and “impulsivity” (n = 11) were included. T. This bibliometric analysis explores and summarizes the publications on IGD in South Korea. The results are expected to provide researchers with insights for further studies into IGD.
View from the Biological Property: Insight into the Functional Diversity and Complexity of the Gut Mucus
Authors: He Chengwei , Gao Han , Xin Shuzi , Hua Rongxuan , Guo Xueran , Han Yimin , Shang Hongwei , Xu Jingdong
Published: February 2023

Due to mucin’s important protective effect on epithelial tissue, it has garnered extensive attention. The role played by mucus in the digestive tract is undeniable. On the one hand, mucus forms “biofilm” structures that insulate harmful substances from direct contact with epithelial cells. On the other hand, a variety of immune molecules in mucus play a crucial role in the immune regulation of the digestive tract. Due to the enormous number of microorganisms in the gut, the biological properties of mucus and its protective actions are more complicated. Numerous pieces of research have hinted that the aberrant expression of intestinal mucus is closely related to impaired intestinal function. Therefore, this purposeful review aims to provide the highlights of the biological characteristics and functional categorization of mucus synthesis and secretion. In addition, we highlight a variety of the regulatory factors for mucus. Most importantly, we also summarize some of the changes and possible molecular mechanisms of mucus during certain disease processes. All these are beneficial to clinical practice, diagnosis, and treatment and can provide some potential theoretical bases. Admittedly, there are still some deficiencies or contradictory results in the current research on mucus, but none of this diminishes the importance of mucus in protective impacts.
Exopolysaccharide Biosynthesis in Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. trifolii Requires a Complementary Function of Two Homologous Glycosyltransferases PssG and PssI
Authors: Żebracki Kamil , Horbowicz Aleksandra , Marczak Małgorzata , Turska-Szewczuk Anna , Koper Piotr , Wójcik Klaudia , Romańczuk Marceli , Wójcik Magdalena , Mazur Andrzej
Published: February 2023

The Pss-I region of Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. trifolii TA1 comprises more than 20 genes coding for glycosyltransferases, modifying enzymes, and polymerization/export proteins, altogether determining the biosynthesis of symbiotically relevant exopolysaccharides. In this study, the role of homologous PssG and PssI glycosyltransferases in exopolysaccharide subunit synthesis were analyzed. It was shown that the glycosyltransferase-encoding genes of the Pss-I region were part of a single large transcriptional unit with potential downstream promoters activated in specific conditions. The ΔpssG and ΔpssI mutants produced significantly lower amounts of the exopolysaccharide, while the double deletion mutant ΔpssIΔpssG produced no exopolysaccharide. Complementation of double mutation with individual genes restored exopolysaccharide synthesis, but only to the level similar to that observed for the single ΔpssI or ΔpssG mutants, indicating that PssG and PssI serve complementary functions in the process. PssG and PssI interacted with each other in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, PssI displayed an expanded in vivo interaction network comprising other GTs involved in subunit assembly and polymerization/export proteins. PssG and PssI proteins were shown to interact with the inner membrane through amphipathic helices at their C-termini, and PssG also required other proteins involved in exopolysaccharide synthesis to localize in the membrane protein fraction.
Dendritic Cell and Cancer Therapy
Authors: Galati Domenico , Zanotta Serena
Published: February 2023

Dendritic cells (DCs) are acknowledged as the most potent professional antigen-presenting cells (APCs), able to induce adaptive immunity and support the innate immune response [...]
Modulation of Osteogenic Gene Expression by Human Osteoblasts Cultured in the Presence of Bisphenols BPF, BPS, or BPAF
Authors: García-Recio Enrique , Costela-Ruiz Víctor J. , Illescas-Montes Rebeca , Melguizo-Rodríguez Lucía , García-Martínez Olga , Ruiz Concepción , De Luna-Bertos Elvira
Published: February 2023

Bone effects attributed to bisphenols (BPs) include the inhibition of growth and differentiation. This study analyzes the effect of BPA analogs (BPS, BPF, and BPAF) on the gene expression of the osteogenic markers RUNX2, osterix (OSX), bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), BMP-7, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), collagen-1 (COL-1), and osteocalcin (OSC). Human osteoblasts were obtained by primary culture from bone chips harvested during routine dental work in healthy volunteers and were treated with BPF, BPS, or BPAF for 24 h at doses of 10−5, 10−6, and 10−7 M. Untreated cells were used as controls. Real-time PCR was used to determine the expression of the osteogenic marker genes RUNX2, OSX, BMP-2, BMP-7, ALP, COL-1, and OSC. The expression of all studied markers was inhibited in the presence of each analog; some markers (COL-1; OSC, BMP2) were inhibited at all three doses and others only at the highest doses (10−5 and 10−6 M). Results obtained for the gene expression of osteogenic markers reveal an adverse effect of BPA analogs (BPF, BPS, and BPAF) on the physiology of human osteoblasts. The impact on ALP, COL-1, and OSC synthesis and therefore on bone matrix formation and mineralization is similar to that observed after exposure to BPA. Further research is warranted to determine the possible contribution of BP exposure to the development of bone diseases such as osteoporosis.
A Comprehensive Genetic Analysis of Slovenian Families with Multiple Cases of Orofacial Clefts Reveals Novel Variants in the Genes IRF6, GRHL3, and TBX22
Authors: Slavec Lara , Geršak Ksenija , Eberlinc Andreja , Hovnik Tinka , Lovrečić Luca , Mlinarič-Raščan Irena , Karas Kuželički Nataša
Published: February 2023

Although the aetiology of non-syndromic orofacial clefts (nsOFCs) is usually multifactorial, syndromic OFCs (syOFCs) are often caused by single mutations in known genes. Some syndromes, e.g., Van der Woude syndrome (VWS1; VWS2) and X-linked cleft palate with or without ankyloglossia (CPX), show only minor clinical signs in addition to OFC and are sometimes difficult to differentiate from nsOFCs. We recruited 34 Slovenian multi-case families with apparent nsOFCs (isolated OFCs or OFCs with minor additional facial signs). First, we examined IRF6, GRHL3, and TBX22 by Sanger or whole exome sequencing to identify VWS and CPX families. Next, we examined 72 additional nsOFC genes in the remaining families. Variant validation and co-segregation analysis were performed for each identified variant using Sanger sequencing, real-time quantitative PCR and microarray-based comparative genomic hybridization. We identified six disease-causing variants (three novel) in IRF6, GRHL3, and TBX22 in 21% of families with apparent nsOFCs, suggesting that our sequencing approach is useful for distinguishing syOFCs from nsOFCs. The novel variants, a frameshift variant in exon 7 of IRF6, a splice-altering variant in GRHL3, and a deletion of the coding exons of TBX22, indicate VWS1, VWS2, and CPX, respectively. We also identified five rare variants in nsOFC genes in families without VWS or CPX, but they could not be conclusively linked to nsOFC.
Histone Deacetylases (HDACs): Promising Biomarkers and Potential Therapeutic Targets in Thymic Epithelial Tumors
Authors: Palamaris Kostas , Tzimou Luisa-Maria , Levidou Georgia , Masaoutis Christos , Theochari Irene , Rontogianni Dimitra , Theocharis Stamatios
Published: February 2023

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are core epigenetic factors, with pivotal roles in the regulation of various cellular procedures, and their deregulation is a major trait in the acquisition of malignancy properties. In this study we attempt the first comprehensive evaluation of six class I (HDAC1, HDAC2, HDAC3) and II HDACs (HDAC4, HDAC5, HDAC6) expression patterns in thymic epithelial tumors (TETs), with the aim of identifying their possible association with a number of clinicopathological parameters. Our study revealed higher positivity rates and expression levels of class I enzymes compared to class II. Sub-cellular localization and level of staining varied among the six isoforms. HDAC1 was almost exclusively restricted to the nucleus, while HDAC3 demonstrated both nuclear and cytoplasmic reactivity in the majority of examined specimens. HDAC2 expression was higher in more advanced Masaoka–Koga stages, and displayed a positive correlation with dismal prognoses. The three class II HDACs (HDAC4, HDAC5, HDAC6) exhibited similar expression patterns, with predominantly cytoplasmic staining, that was higher in epithelial rich TETs (B3, C) and more advanced tumor stages, while it was also associated with disease recurrence. Our findings could provide useful insights for the effective implementation of HDACs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for TETs, in the setting of precision medicine.
Multifaceted Transcriptional Network of Estrogen-Related Receptor Alpha in Health and Disease
Authors: Cerutti Catherine , Shi Jing-Ru , Vanacker Jean-Marc
Published: February 2023

Estrogen-related receptors (ERRα, β and γ in mammals) are orphan members of the nuclear receptor superfamily acting as transcription factors. ERRs are expressed in several cell types and they display various functions in normal and pathological contexts. Amongst others, they are notably involved in bone homeostasis, energy metabolism and cancer progression. In contrast to other nuclear receptors, the activities of the ERRs are apparently not controlled by a natural ligand but they rely on other means such as the availability of transcriptional co-regulators. Here we focus on ERRα and review the variety of co-regulators that have been identified by various means for this receptor and their reported target genes. ERRα cooperates with distinct co-regulators to control the expression of distinct sets of target genes. This exemplifies the combinatorial specificity of transcriptional regulation that induces discrete cellular phenotypes depending on the selected coregulator. We finally propose an integrated view of the ERRα transcriptional network.
Cholesterol Remnants, Triglyceride-Rich Lipoproteins and Cardiovascular Risk
Authors: Baratta Francesco , Cocomello Nicholas , Coronati Mattia , Ferro Domenico , Pastori Daniele , Angelico Francesco , Ben Maria Del
Published: February 2023

Randomized clinical trials with statins and other lipid-lowering drugs have shown the presence of a “residual cardiovascular risk” in those treated to “target” for LDL-cholesterol. This risk is mainly associated to lipid components other than LDL and in particular to remnant cholesterol (RC) and to lipoproteins rich in triglycerides in fasting and non-fasting conditions. During fasting, RCs correspond to the cholesterol content of the VLDL and their partially depleted triglyceride remnant containing apoB-100. Conversely, in non-fasting conditions, RCs include also cholesterol present in chylomicrons containing apoB-48. Therefore, RCs refer to total plasma cholesterol minus HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol, that is, all the cholesterol present in the VLDL, chylomicrons and in their remnants. A large body of experimental and clinical data suggests a major role of RCs in the development of atherosclerosis. In fact, RCs easily pass the arterial wall and bind to the connective matrix stimulating the progression of smooth muscle cells and the proliferation of resident macrophages. RCs are a causal risk factor for cardiovascular events. Fasting and non-fasting RCs are equivalent for predicting vascular events. Further studies on drugs effect on RC levels and clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy of RC reduction on cardiovascular events are needed.
Intravitreal Dexamethasone Implant at the Time of Silicone Oil Removal to Treat Persistent Macular Edema after Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment Repair
Authors: Pignatelli Francesco , Nacucchi Annalisa , Niro Alfredo , Gigliola Samuele , Passidomo Fedele , Donghia Rossella , Addabbo Giuseppe
Published: February 2023

Background: An intravitreal dexamethasone implant (DEX-I) was found to be effective and safe for the treatment of cystoid macular edema (CME) after vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) and in silicone oil (SO)-filled eyes. We aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of DEX-I at the time of SO removal for the treatment of recalcitrant CME after successful RRD repair. Methods: A retrospective review of the medical records was performed on 24 consecutive patients (24 eyes) with recalcitrant CME after RRD repair who were treated with a single 0.7-mg DEX-I at the time of SO removal. The main outcome measures were changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT). A regression model was performed to assess the relationship between BCVA and CMT at 6 months and independent variables. Results: In all 24 patients, CME occurred after RRD repair and remained despite topical therapy. The mean time of CME onset was 27.4 ± 7.7 days after vitrectomy. The mean time between vitrectomy and DEX-I was 106.8 ± 10.1 days. The mean CMT was significantly decreased from 429.6 ± 59.1 µm at baseline to 294 ± 46.4 µm at month 6 (p < 0.0001). The mean BCVA significantly improved from 0.99 ± 0.3 at baseline to 0.60 ± 0.3 at month 6 (p < 0.0001). An elevation of intraocular pressure was observed in one (4.1%) eye, which was medically managed. A univariate regression model revealed a relationship between month-6 BCVA after DEX-I and gender (β = −0.27; p = 0.03) and macular status (β = −0.45; p = 0.001) when RRD occurred. No relationship between month-6 CMT and independent variables was found. Conclusions: DEX-I at the time of SO removal had an acceptable safety profile and achieved favorable outcomes in eyes affected by recalcitrant CME that occurred after RRD repair. RRD-related macular status is significantly associated with visual acuity after DEX-I.
Comparing the Clinical Manifestations of Bell’s Palsy between Pre-COVID-19 Pandemic and COVID-19 Pandemic Periods
Authors: Choi Gang Won , Yon Dong Keon , Choi Yong Sung , Lee Jinseok , Park Ki Ho , Lee Young Ju , Park Dong Choon , Kim Sang Hoon , Byun Jae Young , Yeo Seung Geun
Published: February 2023

Background: COVID-19 has been shown to affect the onset and severity of various diseases. We examined whether the clinical characteristics of Bell’s palsy differed between before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: From January 2005 to December 2021, 1839 patients were diagnosed and treated for Bell’s palsy at Kyung Hee University Hospital. These patients were divided into a pre-COVID period group and COVID-19 period group, and the clinical characteristics of the two groups were compared. Results: There were 1719 patients in the pre-COVID period group and 120 patients in the COVID-19 period group. There were no between-group differences in sex (p = 0.103) or in the presence of underlying hypertension (p = 0.632) or diabetes (p = 0.807). Regarding symptoms, there were no significant between-group differences in otalgia, dizziness, tinnitus, hyperacusis, or hearing loss (p = 0.304, p = 0.59, p = 0.351, p = 0.605, and p = 0.949). There were also no significant between-group differences in electroneurography results (p = 0.398), electromyography results (p = 0.331), House–Brackmann Grade at visit (p = 0.634), or recovery rate after treatment (p = 0.525). Conclusions: Contrary to our expectation that Bell’s palsy cases during the COVID-19 pandemic would show different clinical features than those occurring before COVID-19, the present study found no differences in clinical features or prognosis.
BotanicX-AI: Identification of Tomato Leaf Diseases Using an Explanation-Driven Deep-Learning Model
Authors: Bhandari Mohan , Shahi Tej Bahadur , Neupane Arjun , Walsh Kerry Brian
Published: February 2023

Early and accurate tomato disease detection using easily available leaf photos is essential for farmers and stakeholders as it help reduce yield loss due to possible disease epidemics. This paper aims to visually identify nine different infectious diseases (bacterial spot, early blight, Septoria leaf spot, late blight, leaf mold, two-spotted spider mite, mosaic virus, target spot, and yellow leaf curl virus) in tomato leaves in addition to healthy leaves. We implemented EfficientNetB5 with a tomato leaf disease (TLD) dataset without any segmentation, and the model achieved an average training accuracy of 99.84% ± 0.10%, average validation accuracy of 98.28% ± 0.20%, and average test accuracy of 99.07% ± 0.38% over 10 cross folds.The use of gradient-weighted class activation mapping (GradCAM) and local interpretable model-agnostic explanations are proposed to provide model interpretability, which is essential to predictive performance, helpful in building trust, and required for integration into agricultural practice.
Metacognitive Illusions: A Positivity Effect in Judgments of Learning for Older but Not Younger Adults
Authors: Sun Xiaojun , Jiang Yingjie
Published: February 2023

The positivity effect for metacognitive judgments (judgments of learning, JOLs) of emotional words in recognition memory was shown in older adults, in contrast to younger adults, who typically displayed the emotional salience effect. This is compatible with the socioemotional selection theory, which suggests the presence of a positive stimulus bias in older adults’ cognitive processes. This study examined whether the positivity effect and age-related differences could be extended to a picture study to determine whether the positivity effect in older adults is robust in the metacognitive domain. Younger and older adults studied negative, positive, and neutral pictures, followed by JOLs and then a recognition test that asked participants to judge whether the picture was shown in the studying stage or not. Age-related differences were found not only in recognition memory performance for emotional pictures but also in JOLs and their accuracy. Younger adults showed an emotional salience effect for both memory performance and JOLs. Older adults’ JOLs showed a positivity effect, but their actual memory performance was influenced by emotion, and this inconsistency between metacognitive judgments and memory performance is a metacognitive illusion. These findings support the cross-material replicability of a positivity bias in older adults in the metacognitive domain and suggest that we should be cautioned about the detrimental effects of this metacognitive illusion in older adults. It illustrates an age difference in the effect of emotion on individual metacognitive monitoring ability.
Rehabilitation Techniques for Offshore Tubular Joints
Authors: Iqbal Mohsin , Karuppanan Saravanan , Perumal Veeradasan , Ovinis Mark , Rasul Adnan
Published: February 2023

Exposure to load and offshore environment degrades the load-bearing capacity of tubular joints, necessitating reinforcement of these joints. Reinforcement is sometimes required for lifespan enhancement or qualification based on new requirements. Available reinforcement techniques include welded rings inside/outside the chord, doubler/collar plate at the brace-chord interface, grout filling, and clamp installation on the joints with/without cement. While these techniques increase the load-bearing capacity of damaged tubular joints, various practical limitations exist. Clamping may require heavy machinery, whereas welding stiffeners involves hot work and may not be permitted sometimes. Fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) have immense potential for reinforcing steel structures and are a viable alternative for rehabilitating tubular joints due to their exceptional mechanical and physical characteristics, offering competitive advantages over other methods. FRP reinforcement is becoming more feasible and economical for underwater joints. FRP reinforcement can be either precured, pre-impregnated, or wet layup. Aside from the significance of joint rehabilitation, a document covering the well-known options was lacking. This paper summarizes the advantages and limitations of these reinforcement methods, particularly FRP reinforcement. Possible research directions in FRP reinforcement of tubular joints are also discussed.
A Multidimensional View of Intellectual Capital and Dynamic Innovative Performance
Authors: Ali Mostafa A. , Hussin Nazimah , Flayyih Hakeem Hammood , Haddad Hossam , Al-Ramahi Nidal Mahmoud , Almubaydeen Tareq Hammad , Hussein Sahraa Anwer , Hasan Abunaila Areej Saad
Published: February 2023

A review of the literature on intellectual capital development was conducted using systemic criteria for the inclusion of relevant studies. The concepts behind the ideas explored in the present study were discussed in respect to the subject matter. Examining the past state of the art in the intellectual capital sector for achieving high levels of innovation performance provided a multidimensional picture of intellectual capital, innovation performance, and dynamic capabilities. The present review was designed to illustrate the correlation between intellectual capital and innovation performance, as well as the role of dynamic capabilities in moderating the relationship between these constructs. Accordingly, we presented an extensive discussion on the relevant fundamental theoretical perspectives of contingency and resource-based views to provide an in-depth understanding of the abovementioned correlation. Finally, the conceptual framework was illustrated.
Impact of Bottom-Sediment Removal on 137Cs Contamination in an Urban Pond
Authors: Kurosawa Honoka , Wakiyama Yoshifumi , Wada Toshihiro , Nanba Kenji
Published: February 2023

Many irrigation ponds in Fukushima Prefecture were decontaminated due to the contamination of radiocesium released from Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. To evaluate the impact of decontamination on 137Cs dynamics in an urban pond in Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, temporal changes in 137Cs concentrations in bottom sediments and pond water were investigated before and after bottom-sediment removal. Post-decontamination, 137Cs inventories in bottom sediments decreased by 46–89%. 137Cs inventories in bottom sediments were relatively high in fine sediments before decontamination, and were also high at points near the water inlet after decontamination. Following decontamination, the mean 137Cs concentration in suspended solids (SS) and the mean dissolved 137Cs concentration in pond water decreased by 52% and 5%, respectively. Even after decontamination, the normalized 137Cs concentrations in SS and in water, which were calculated by dividing the 137Cs concentrations by the mean 137Cs inventories in each area, were higher than those in rivers, dam reservoirs, and ponds elsewhere in Fukushima. The positive correlations between δ15N values, an indicator of the source contribution to bottom sediments, and 137Cs concentrations in the upper 5 cm of bottom sediments after decontamination implied that SS from urban areas gradually increased the 137Cs inventories in the pond. The results underline the importance of secondary inputs of 137Cs from highly urbanized catchments.
Extrapolation of Digital Soil Mapping Approaches for Soil Organic Carbon Stock Predictions in an Afromontane Environment
Authors: Kotzé Jaco , van Tol Johan
Published: February 2023

Soil scientists can aid in an essential part of ecological conservation and rehabilitation by quantifying soil properties, such as soil organic carbon (SOC), and is stock (SOCs) SOC is crucial for providing ecosystem services, and, through effective C-sequestration, the effects of climate change can be mitigated. In remote mountainous areas with complex terrain, such as the northern Maloti-Drakensberg in South Africa and Lesotho, direct quantification of stocks or even obtaining sufficient data to construct predictive Digital Soil Mapping (DSM) models is a tedious and expensive task. Extrapolation of DSM model and algorithms from a relatively accessible area to remote areas could overcome these challenges. The aim of this study was to determine if calibrated DSM models for one headwater catchment (Tugela) can be extrapolated without re-training to other catchments in the Maloti-Drakensberg region with acceptable accuracy. The selected models were extrapolated to four different headwater catchments, which included three near the Motete River (M1, M2, and M3) in Lesotho and one in the Vemvane catchment adjacent to the Tugela. Predictions were compared to measured stocks from the soil sampling sites (n = 98) in the various catchments. Results showed that based on the mean results from Universal Kriging (R2 = 0.66, NRMSE = 0.200, and ρc = 0.72), least absolute shrinkage and selection operator or LASSO (R2 = 0.67, NRMSE = 0.191, and ρc = 0.73) and Regression Kriging with cubist models (R2 = 0.61, NRMSE = 0.184, and ρc = 0.65) had the most satisfactory outcome, whereas the soil-land inference models (SoLIM) struggled to predict stocks accurately. Models in the Vemvane performed the worst of all, showing that that close proximity does not necessarily equal good similarity. The study concluded that a model calibrated in one catchment can be extrapolated. However, the catchment selected for calibration should be a good representation of the greater area, otherwise a model might over- or under-predict SOCs. Successfully extrapolating models to remote areas will allow scientists to make predictions to aid in rehabilitation and conservation efforts of vulnerable areas.
Addressing Spaceflight Biology through the Lens of a Histologist–Embryologist
Authors: Theotokis Paschalis , Manthou Maria Eleni , Deftereou Theodora-Eleftheria , Miliaras Dimosthenis , Meditskou Soultana
Published: February 2023

Embryogenesis and fetal development are highly delicate and error-prone processes in their core physiology, let alone if stress-associated factors and conditions are involved. Space radiation and altered gravity are factors that could radically affect fertility and pregnancy and compromise a physiological organogenesis. Unfortunately, there is a dearth of information examining the effects of cosmic exposures on reproductive and proliferating outcomes with regard to mammalian embryonic development. However, explicit attention has been given to investigations exploring discrete structures and neural networks such as the vestibular system, an entity that is viewed as the sixth sense and organically controls gravity beginning with the prenatal period. The role of the gut microbiome, a newly acknowledged field of research in the space community, is also being challenged to be added in forthcoming experimental protocols. This review discusses the data that have surfaced from simulations or actual space expeditions and addresses developmental adaptations at the histological level induced by an extraterrestrial milieu.
Camera-Based Local and Global Target Detection, Tracking, and Localization Techniques for UAVs
Authors: Daramouskas Ioannis , Meimetis Dimitrios , Patrinopoulou Niki , Lappas Vaios , Kostopoulos Vassilios , Kapoulas Vaggelis
Published: February 2023

Multiple-object detection, localization, and tracking are desirable in many areas and applications, as the field of deep learning has developed and has drawn the attention of academics in computer vision, having a plethora of networks now achieving excellent accuracy in detecting multiple objects in an image. Tracking and localizing objects still remain difficult processes which require significant effort. This work describes an optical camera-based target detection, tracking, and localization solution for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Based on the well-known network YOLOv4, a custom object detection model was developed and its performance was compared to YOLOv4-Tiny, YOLOv4-608, and YOLOv7-Tiny. The target tracking algorithm we use is based on Deep SORT, providing cutting-edge tracking. The proposed localization approach can accurately determine the position of ground targets identified by the custom object detection model. Moreover, an implementation of a global tracker using localization information from up to four UAV cameras at a time. Finally, a guiding approach is described, which is responsible for providing real-time movement commands for the UAV to follow and cover a designated target. The complete system was evaluated in Gazebo with up to four UAVs utilizing Software-In-The-Loop (SITL) simulation.
Reliability of Mechatronic Systems and Machine Elements: Testing and Validation
Authors: Gwosch Thomas , Matthiesen Sven
Published: February 2023

The design of reliable systems is a key challenge in product engineering [...]
Integrable Systems: In the Footprints of the Greats
Authors: Jurdjevic Velimir
Published: February 2023

In his 1842 lectures on dynamics C.G. Jacobi summarized difficulties with differential equations by saying that the main problem in the integration of differential equations appears in the choice of right variables. Since there is no general rule for finding the right choice, it is better to introduce special variables first, and then investigate the problems that naturally lend themselves to these variables. This paper follows Jacobi’s prophetic observations by introducing certain “meta” variational problems on semi-simple reductive groups G having a compact subgroup K. We then use the Maximum Principle of optimal control to generate the Hamiltonians whose solutions project onto the extremal curves of these problems. We show that there is a particular sub-class of these Hamiltonians that admit a spectral representation on the Lie algebra of G. As a consequence, the spectral invariants associated with the spectral curve produce a large number of integrals of motion, all in involution with each other, that often meet the Liouville complete integrability criteria. We then show that the classical integrals of motion associated, with the Kowalewski top, the two-body problem of Kepler, and Jacobi’s geodesic problem on the ellipsoid can be all derived from the aforementioned Hamiltonian systems. We also introduce a rolling geodesic problem that admits a spectral representation on symmetric Riemannian spaces and we then show the relevance of the corresponding integrals on the nature of the curves whose elastic energy is minimal.
Modified Finite Element Study for Heat and Mass Transfer of Electrical MHD Non-Newtonian Boundary Layer Nanofluid Flow
Authors: Arif Muhammad Shoaib , Shatanawi Wasfi , Nawaz Yasir
Published: February 2023

Research into the effects of different parameters on flow phenomena is necessary due to the wide range of potential applications of non-Newtonian boundary layer nanofluid flow, including but not limited to production industries, polymer processing, compression, power generation, lubrication systems, food manufacturing, and air conditioning. Because of this impetus, we investigated non-Newtonian fluid flow regimes from the perspectives of both heat and mass transfer aspects. In this study, heat transfer of electrical MHD non-Newtonian flow of Casson nanofluid over the flat plate is investigated under the effects of variable thermal conductivity and mass diffusivity. Emerging problems occur as nonlinear partial differential equations (NPDEs) in opposition to the conservation laws of mass, momentum, heat, and species transportation. The shown problem can be recast as a set of ordinary differential equations by making the necessary changes. A modified finite element method is adopted to solve the obtained set of ODEs. The numerical method is based on Galerkin weighted residual approach, and Gauss–Legendre numerical integration is adopted in the modified finite element method application procedure. To clarify the obtained results, another numerical technique is employed to solve the reduced ODEs. With the help of error tables and the flowing behavior of complicated physical parameters on estimated solutions, this study graphically and tabulatively explains the convergence of analytic solutions. Comparing some of the obtained results with those given in past research is also done. From the obtained results, it is observed that the velocity profile escalates by improving the electric parameter. Our intention is for this paper to serve as a guide for academics in the future who will be tasked with addressing pressing issues in the field of industrial and engineering enclosures.
Anatomical and Biomechanical Characteristics of the Anterolateral Ligament: A Descriptive Korean Cadaveric Study Using a Triaxial Accelerometer
Authors: Suh Dae Keun , Cho Il-Yup , Noh Sehyun , Yoon Dong Joo , Jang Ki-Mo
Published: February 2023

Background and Objectives: The anterolateral ligament (ALL) could be the potential anatomical structure responsible for rotational instability after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to investigate the anatomical and biomechanical characteristics of the ALL in Korean cadaveric knee joints. Materials and Methods: Twenty fresh-frozen cadaveric knees were dissected and tested. Femoral and tibial footprints of the ALL were recorded. Pivot shift and Lachman tests were measured with KiRA. Results: The prevalence of ALL was 100%. The average distance of the tibial footprint to the tip of the fibular head was 19.85 ± 3.41 mm; from the tibial footprint to Gerdy’s tubercle (GT) was 18.3 ± 4.19 mm; from the femoral footprint to the lateral femoral epicondyle was 10.25 ± 2.97 mm. ALL’s footprint distance was the longest at 30° of flexion (47.83 ± 8.05 mm, p < 0.01) in a knee with intact ALL–ACL and neutral rotation. During internal rotation, the footprint distance was the longest at 30° of flexion (50.05 ± 8.88 mm, p < 0.01). Internal rotation produced a significant increase at all three angles after ACL–ALL were transected (p = 0.022), where the footprint distance was the longest at 30° of flexion (52.05 ± 7.60 mm). No significant difference was observed in KiRA measurements between intact ALL–ACL and ALL-transected knees for pivot shift and Lachman tests. However, ACL–ALL-transected knees showed significant differences compared to the intact ALL–ACL and ALL-transected knees (p < 0.01). Conclusions: The ALL was identified as a distinct ligament structure with a 100% prevalence in this cadaveric study. The ALL plays a protective role in internal rotational stability. An isolated ALL transection did not significantly affect the ALL footprint distances or functional stability tests. Therefore, the ALL is thought to act as a secondary supportive stabilizer for rotational stability of the knee joint in conjunction with the ACL.