bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quality Characteristics of White Leaf Tea of ‘Baiye 1’ (Camellia sinensis) in Different Producing Areas
Authors: Tong Manni , Chen Xun , Bai Yan , Zhou Peng , Feng Zesheng , Lai Jianhong , Ni Kang , Shi Yuanzhi
Published: October 2023

In order to find out the differences in tea quality characteristics from different regions and the reasons for their formation, 32 biochemical components, 22 mineral elements, and 3 stable isotope ratios were determined in 93 white leaf tea (WLT) samples. The findings revealed that significant differences in the content of free amino acids, catechins, caffeine, several mineral elements, and stable isotope ratios were observed among the WLT samples of different origins. Furthermore, a Pearson correlation analysis showed significant correlations of 15 chemical composition qualities and 14 mineral elements with soil factors. The δ13C and δ18O values were significantly correlated with meteorological factors. Classification models based on multiple chemical signatures facilitated successful differentiation of WLT of different origins, achieving a high prediction accuracy of over 90%. This study comprehensively identified distinct quality characteristics of WLT from different regions in China and proved an effective method in classifying WLT samples from the main production areas.
Rootstock Effect Influences the Phenolic and Sensory Characteristics of Syrah Grapes and Wines in a Mediterranean Climate
Authors: Heller-Fuenzalida Florencia , Cuneo Italo F. , Kuhn Nathalie , Peña-Neira Álvaro , Cáceres-Mella Alejandro
Published: October 2023

Wine quality depends on grape quality, which is affected by many factors such as edaphic, climatic and genetic, i.e., cultivar and rootstock. Rootstocks have been selected in worldwide viticulture to confer to vines some adaptation to several types of soil conditions in vineyards, but this adaptation may affect vine physiology and consequently may affect the chemical compounds of grapes, especially their phenolic compounds. Thus, this study compares the chemical composition of grapes and wines, and the sensory profile of wines from vines of the cv. Syrah grafted on two rootstocks, 5C and Gravesac, grown under a biodynamical management system. The results showed higher skin total phenols and skin total tannins in grapes from 5C rootstock. In the resulting wines, the same results were observed. The multivariate analysis demonstrated that the 5C wines presented a higher relationship with all the families of the low-molecular-weight phenolic compounds, while the Gravesac wines showed a strong relationship with acetylated and p-coumaroylated anthocyanins. The sensory analysis showed that the 5C wines presented more color intensity, more astringency and more meaty aromas compared with the Gravesac wines. The results proved that it was possible to obtain grapes and wines of different qualities depending on the rootstocks used under the same climatic and agronomical condition.
Natural and Artificial Occurrence, Structure, and Abundance of Juglans neotropica Diels in Southern Ecuador
Authors: Palacios-Herrera Byron , Pereira-Lorenzo Santiago , Pucha-Cofrep Darwin
Published: October 2023

This study investigated the presence and characteristics of Juglans neotropica in three ecosystems in Southern Ecuador: Montane Evergreen Forest, Evergreen Seasonal Lower Montane Forest, and Semideciduous Foot Montane Forest. The main focus was the species’ multipurpose nature as both a fruit and timber source. Six study sites, totaling at least 0.5 hectares each, were established, with four in Loja province and two in Zamora Chinchipe province. The results showed significant differences in dendrometric variables across the sites, with the most favorable growth recorded in The Tundo, where trees exhibited an average diameter at breast height (DBH) of 45.16 cm, basal area (G) of 1.41 m2, total height (TH) of 19.22 m, canopy height (CH) of 13 m, cubic volume (CV) of 3.55 m3, and total volume (TV) of 5.22 m3. The species displayed a clumped distribution pattern, as indicated by a Morisita index greater than 1. Regarding abundance, the highest density of 297 trees per hectare was found in Argelia, while Victoria had the lowest density of 46 trees per hectare. The research provides a better insight into the occurrence, forest structure characteristics, and distribution of Juglans neotropica, an important multipurpose species, in Southern Ecuador.
Diagnostic Efficacy of Plasma-Based Real-Time PCR for Schistosomiasis Japonica in Mice before and after Treatment with Praziquantel
Authors: Chen Cheng , Zhou Xue , Guo Qinghong , Lv Chao , Tang Yalan , Guo Qingqing , Chen Yang , Zhou Kerou , Fu Zhiqiang , Liu Jinming , Lin Jiaojiao , Hong Yang , Chen Jun-Hu
Published: October 2023

The prevalence of schistosomiasis japonica in China is now characterized by a low epidemic rate and low-intensity infections. Some diagnostic methods with high sensitivity and specificity are urgently needed to better monitor this disease in the current situation. In this study, the detection efficacy of a real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay was assessed for schistosomiasis japonica in mice, and before and after treatment with praziquantel (PZQ). Our results showed that the sensitivity of the qPCR was 99.3% (152/153, 95% CI: 96.41–99.98%) and its specificity was 100% (77/77, 95% CI: 95.32–100%) in mice infected with different numbers of Schistosoma japonicum. After the oral administration of PZQ, mice infected with 10 cercariae or 40 cercariae were all Schistosoma japonicum-negative 6 weeks after treatment. However, the negativity rates on a soluble egg antigen (SEA)-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were only 34.8% (8/23, 10 cercariae group) and 6.7% (1/15, 40 cercariae group) at the sixth week after PZQ treatment. These results demonstrated that the qPCR method had good sensitivity and specificity, and suggested that its sensitivity correlated with the infection intensity in mice. Moreover, this method had better potential utility for evaluating the treatment efficacy of PZQ in schistosome-infected mice than SEA-based ELISA.
Transmission Dynamics of Imported Vaccine-Origin PRRSV-2 within and between Commercial Swine Integrations in Hungary
Authors: Jakab Szilvia , Bányai Krisztián , Bali Krisztina , Nemes Imre , Bálint Ádám , Szabó István
Published: October 2023

This study reports on the molecular epidemiology of Ingelvac-PRRS-MLV-associated cases in Hungary for the period 2020–2021. Field epidemiology investigations led the experts to conclude that imported pigs, which were shipped through transit stations in Denmark, introduced the vaccine virus. The movement of fatteners and the neglect of disease control measures contributed to the spread of the virus to PRRS-free pig holdings in the vicinity. Deep sequencing was performed to genetically characterize the genes coding for the virion antigens (i.e., ORF2 through ORF7). The study isolates exhibited a range of 0.1 to 1.8% nucleotide sequence divergence from the Ingelvac PRRS MLV and identified numerous polymorphic sites (up to 57 sites) along the amplified 3.2 kilo base pair genomic region. Our findings confirm that some PRRSV-2 vaccine strains can accumulate very high number of point mutations within a short period in immunologically naive pig herds.
Effect of a Mismatched Vaccine against the Outbreak of a Novel FMD Strain in a Pig Population
Authors: Han Jun-Hee , Yoo Dae-Sung , Lee Chang-Min
Published: October 2023

In December 2014, a novel foot and mouth disease (FMD) virus was introduced to a pig farm in South Korea, despite the animals being vaccinated. A marginal antigenic matching between the novel and vaccine strains potentially led to the infection of the vaccinated animals. To understand the impact of using an FMD vaccine on the transmission dynamics of an unmatched field strain, simulation models were employed using daily reported data on clinical cases from the farm. The results of this study indicated that immunisation with the FMD vaccine reduced the shedding of the novel FMD virus in pigs. However, there was no evidence to suggest that the immunisation had a significant effect in reducing the development of clinical signs. These findings highlight that the use of an unmatched FMD vaccine can confound the outbreak by altering the disease dynamics of the novel virus. Based on this study, we emphasise the importance of continuous testing to ensure antigenic matching between the circulating strains and the vaccine pool.
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation Reduces Campylobacter jejuni Colonization in Young Broiler Chickens Challenged by Oral Gavage but Not by Seeder Birds
Authors: Pang Jinji , Beyi Ashenafi Feyisa , Looft Torey , Zhang Qijing , Sahin Orhan
Published: October 2023

Campylobacter spp., particularly C. jejuni and C. coli, are major food safety concerns, transmitted to humans mainly via contaminated poultry meat. In a previous study, we found that some commercial broiler farms consistently produced Campylobacter-free flocks while others consistently reared Campylobacter-colonized flocks, and significant differences in the gut microbiota compositions between the two types of farm categories were revealed. Therefore, we hypothesized that gut microbiota influences Campylobacter colonization in poultry and that the microbiota from Campylobacter-free flocks may confer colonization resistance to Campylobacter in the chicken intestine. In this study, two fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) trials were performed to test the hypothesis. Newly hatched chicks were given FMT via oral gavage of the cecal content of Campylobacter-free adult chickens (treatment groups) or PBS (control groups) before the feed consumption. Approximately two weeks after the FMT, the birds were challenged with C. jejuni either by oral gavage (trial 1) or by co-mingling with Campylobacter-colonized seeder birds (trial 2) to evaluate the potential protective effect of the FMT. Cecal contents were collected (3 times, 5 days apart) to determine the Campylobacter colonization levels via culture and microbiota compositions via 16S rRNA gene sequencing. FMT reduced cecal Campylobacter colonization significantly (log10 1.2–2.54 CFU/g) in trial 1 but not in trial 2, although FMT significantly impacted the diversity and compositions of the gut microbiota in both trials. Several genera, such as Butyricimonas, Parabacteroides, Parasutterella, Bilophila, Fournierella, Phascolarctobacterium, and Helicobacter, had increased abundance in the FMT-treated groups in both trials. Furthermore, Campylobacter abundance was found to be negatively correlated with the Escherichia and Ruminococcus_torques_group genera. These findings indicate that even though FMT with adult cecal microbiota can positively affect the subsequent development of the gut microbiota in young broilers, its inhibitory effect on Campylobacter colonization varies and appears to be influenced by the challenge models.
Near-Infrared Light Exposure Triggers ROS to Downregulate Inflammatory Cytokines Induced by SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein in Human Cell Culture
Authors: Aguida Blanche , Chabi Marie-Marthe , Baouz Soria , Mould Rhys , Bell Jimmy D. , Pooam Marootpong , André Sebastien , Archambault Dominique , Ahmad Margaret , Jourdan Nathalie
Published: October 2023

The leading cause of mortality from SARS-CoV-2 is an exaggerated host immune response, triggering cytokine storms, multiple organ failure and death. Current drug- and vaccine-based therapies are of limited efficacy against novel viral variants. Infrared therapy is a non-invasive and safe method that has proven effective against inflammatory conditions for over 100 years. However, its mechanism of action is poorly understood and has not received widespread acceptance. We herein investigate whether near-infrared (NIR) light exposure in human primary alveolar and macrophage cells could downregulate inflammatory cytokines triggered by the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein or lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and via what underlying mechanism. Our results showed a dramatic reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines within days of NIR light treatment, while anti-inflammatory cytokines were upregulated. Mechanistically, NIR light stimulated mitochondrial metabolism, induced transient bursts in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and activated antioxidant gene transcription. These, in turn, downregulated ROS and inflammatory cytokines. A causal relationship was shown between the induction of cellular ROS by NIR light exposure and the downregulation of inflammatory cytokines triggered by SARS-CoV-2 S. If confirmed by clinical trials, this method would provide an immediate defense against novel SARS-CoV-2 variants and other inflammatory infectious diseases.
Special Issue on Technology-Enhanced Learning and Learning Analytics
Authors: Lin Yen-Ting
Published: October 2023

Technology-enhanced learning and learning analytics have always been important topics in the field of education [...]
Application of External Torque Observer and Virtual Force Sensor for a 6-DOF Robot
Authors: Hung Chung-Wen , Jiang Guan-Yu
Published: October 2023

A personal-computer-based and a Raspberry Pi single-board computer-based virtual force sensor with EtherCAT communication for a six-axis robotic arm are proposed in this paper. Both traditional mathematical modeling and machine learning techniques are used in the establishment of the dynamic model of the robotic arm. Thanks to the high updating rate of EtherCAT, the machine learning-based dynamic model on a personal computer achieved an average correlation coefficient between the estimated torque and the actual torque feedback from the motor driver of about 0.99. The dynamic model created using traditional mathematical modeling and the Raspberry Pi single-board computer demonstrates an approximate correlation coefficient of 0.988 between the estimated torque and the actual torque. The external torque observer is established by calculating the difference between the actual torque and the estimated torque, and the virtual force sensor converts the externally applied torques calculated for each axis to the end effector of the robotic arm. When detecting external forces applied to the end effector, the virtual force sensor demonstrates a correlation coefficient of 0.75 and a Root Mean Square Error of 12.93 N, proving its fundamental competence for force measurement. In this paper, both the external torque observer and the virtual force control are applied to applications related to sensing external forces of the robotic arm. The external torque observer is utilized in the safety collision detection mechanism. Based on experimental results, the system can halt the motion of the robotic arm using the minimum external force that the human body can endure, thereby ensuring the operator’s safety. The virtual force control is utilized to implement a position and force hybrid controller. The experimental results demonstrate that, under identical control conditions, the position and force hybrid controller established by the Raspberry Pi single-board computer achieves superior control outcomes in a constant force control scenario with a pressure of 40 N. The average absolute error is 9.62 N, and the root mean square error is 11.16 N when compared to the target pressure. From the analysis of the results, it can be concluded that the Raspberry Pi system implemented in this paper can achieve a higher control command update rate compared to personal computers. As a result, it can provide greater control benefits in position and force hybrid control.
Research on Learning Resource Recommendation Based on Knowledge Graph and Collaborative Filtering
Authors: Niu Yanmin , Lin Ran , Xue Han
Published: October 2023

This study aims to solve the problem of limited learning efficiency caused by information overload and resource diversity in online course learning. We adopt a recommendation algorithm that combines knowledge graph and collaborative filtering, aiming to provide an application that can meet users’ personalized learning needs and consider the semantic information of learning resources. In addition, this article collects and models implicit data in online courses and compares the impact of video and text learning resources on user learning needs under different weights in order to deeply understand the different contributions of video and text learning resources to meeting learning needs. The experimental results show that the video high-weight experimental group performs better than the text high-weight experimental group; students tend to prefer video resources. This experiment can help students cope with the challenges brought by numerous types of learning resources and provide personalized and high-quality learning experiences for learners. At the same time, adjusting and innovating teaching models for teachers has great reference value.
Raw Material Flow Rate Measurement on Belt Conveyor System Using Visual Data
Authors: Sabih Muhammad , Farid Muhammad Shahid , Ejaz Mahnoor , Husam Muhammad , Khan Muhammad Hassan , Farooq Umar
Published: October 2023

Industries are rapidly moving toward mitigating errors and manual interventions by automating their process. The same motivation is carried out in this research which targets to study a conveyor system installed in soda ash manufacturing plants. Our aim is to automate the determination of optimal parameters, which are chosen by identifying the flow rate of the materials available on the conveyor belt for maintaining the ratio between raw materials being carried. The ratio is essential to produce 40% pure carbon dioxide gas needed for soda ash production. A visual sensor mounted on the conveyor belt is used to estimate the flow rate of the raw materials. After selecting the region of interest, a segmentation algorithm is defined based on a voting-based technique to segment the most confident region. Moments and contour features are extracted and passed to machine learning algorithms to estimate the flow rate of different experiments. An in-depth analysis is completed on various techniques and convincing results are achieved on the final data split with the best parameters using the Bagging regressor. Each step of the process is made resilient enough to work in a challenging environment even if the belt is placed in an outdoor environment. The proposed solution caters to the current challenges and serves as a practical solution for estimating material flow without manual intervention.
CSES-01 Electron Density Background Characterisation and Preliminary Investigation of Possible Ne Increase before Global Seismicity
Authors: Chen Wenqi , Marchetti Dedalo , Zhu Kaiguang , Sabbagh Dario , Yan Rui , Zhima Zeren , Shen Xuhui , Cheng Yuqi , Fan Mengxuan , Wang Siyu , Wang Ting , Zhang Donghua , Zhang Hanshuo , Zhang Yiqun
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we provide a characterisation of the ionosphere from April 2018 to September 2022 for 48 investigated months. We used the data of the China Seismo Electromagnetic Satellite (CSES-01), which is a sun-synchronous satellite with five days of revisit time and fixed local time of about 2 a.m. and 2 p.m. The unique orbit of CSES-01 permitted us to produce a monthly background of the ionosphere for night- and daytime with median values acquired during geomagnetic quiet time in equatorial and mid-latitude regions (i.e., between 50° S and 50° N of geographical latitude). We compared the obtained CSES-01 monthly median values with the solar activity in terms of sunspot numbers, and we found a high correlation of 0.89 for nighttime and 0.85 for daytime between the mean sunspot number and the maximum of the characterised CSES-01 Ne map values. In addition, we extracted all the anomalous positive increases in CSES-01 electron density and compared them with the Worldwide M5.5+ shallow earthquakes. We tested two different definitions of anomaly based on median and interquartile range or (mild) outliers. We tried two relationships between anomalies inside Dobrovolsky’s area before the earthquake and the magnitude of the same seismic events: one which considers distance in space and time and a second which only uses the anticipation time of the anomaly before the earthquake. Using both anomaly definitions, we searched the best coefficients for these two laws for mid-latitude and equational regions. We found that the best coefficients are independent of the anomaly definition, but better accuracy (greater than 80%) is obtained for the outlier definition. Finally, using receiving operating characteristic (ROC) curves, we show that CSES-01 increases seem statistically correlated to the incoming seismic activity.
F-Contractions Endowed with Mann’s Iterative Scheme in Convex Gb-Metric Spaces
Authors: Naz Amna , Batul Samina , Sagheer Dur-e-Shehwar , Ayoob Irshad , Mlaiki Nabil
Published: October 2023

Recently, Ji et al. established certain fixed-point results using Mann’s iterative scheme tailored to Gb-metric spaces. Stimulated by the notion of the F-contraction introduced by Wardoski, the contraction condition of Ji et al. was generalized in this research. Several fixed-point results with Mann’s iterative scheme endowed with F-contractions in Gb-metric spaces were proven. One non-trivial example was elaborated to support the main theorem. Moreover, for application purposes, the existence of the solution to an integral equation is provided by using the axioms of the proven result. The obtained results are generalizations of several existing results in the literature. Furthermore, the results of Ji. et al. are the special case of theorems provided in the present research.
Machine Learning for Automated Classification of Abnormal Lung Sounds Obtained from Public Databases: A Systematic Review
Authors: Garcia-Mendez Juan P. , Lal Amos , Herasevich Svetlana , Tekin Aysun , Pinevich Yuliya , Lipatov Kirill , Wang Hsin-Yi , Qamar Shahraz , Ayala Ivan N. , Khapov Ivan , Gerberi Danielle J. , Diedrich Daniel , Pickering Brian W. , Herasevich Vitaly
Published: October 2023

Pulmonary auscultation is essential for detecting abnormal lung sounds during physical assessments, but its reliability depends on the operator. Machine learning (ML) models offer an alternative by automatically classifying lung sounds. ML models require substantial data, and public databases aim to address this limitation. This systematic review compares characteristics, diagnostic accuracy, concerns, and data sources of existing models in the literature. Papers published from five major databases between 1990 and 2022 were assessed. Quality assessment was accomplished with a modified QUADAS-2 tool. The review encompassed 62 studies utilizing ML models and public-access databases for lung sound classification. Artificial neural networks (ANN) and support vector machines (SVM) were frequently employed in the ML classifiers. The accuracy ranged from 49.43% to 100% for discriminating abnormal sound types and 69.40% to 99.62% for disease class classification. Seventeen public databases were identified, with the ICBHI 2017 database being the most used (66%). The majority of studies exhibited a high risk of bias and concerns related to patient selection and reference standards. Summarizing, ML models can effectively classify abnormal lung sounds using publicly available data sources. Nevertheless, inconsistent reporting and methodologies pose limitations to advancing the field, and therefore, public databases should adhere to standardized recording and labeling procedures.
Teleoperated Surgical Robot with Adaptive Interactive Control Architecture for Tissue Identification
Authors: Sheng Yubo , Cheng Haoyuan , Wang Yiwei , Zhao Huan , Ding Han
Published: October 2023

The remote perception of teleoperated surgical robotics has been a critical issue for surgeons in fulfilling their remote manipulation tasks. In this article, an adaptive teleoperation control framework is proposed. It provides a physical human–robot interaction interface to enhance the ability of the operator to intuitively perceive the material properties of remote objects. The recursive least square (RLS) is adopted to estimate the required human hand stiffness that the operator can achieve to compensate for the contact force. Based on the estimated stiffness, a force feedback controller is designed to avoid the induced motion and to convey the haptic information of the slave side. The passivity of the proposed teleoperation system is ensured by the virtual energy tank. A stable contact test validated that the proposed method achieved stable contact between the slave robot and the hard environment while ensuring the transparency of the force feedback. A series of human subject experiments was conducted to empirically verify that the proposed teleoperation framework can provide a more smooth, dexterous, and intuitive user experience with a more accurate perception of the mechanical property of the interacted material on the slave side, compared to the baseline method. After the experiment, the design idea about the force feedback controller of the bilateral teleoperation is discussed.
Metagenomic and Culture-Based Analyses of Microbial Communities from Petroleum Reservoirs with High-Salinity Formation Water, and Their Biotechnological Potential
Authors: Kadnikov Vitaly V. , Ravin Nikolai V. , Sokolova Diyana S. , Semenova Ekaterina M. , Bidzhieva Salimat K. , Beletsky Alexey V. , Ershov Alexey P. , Babich Tamara L. , Khisametdinov Marat R. , Mardanov Andrey V. , Nazina Tamara N.
Published: October 2023

The reserves of light conditional oil in reservoirs with low-salinity formation water are decreasing worldwide, necessitating the extraction of heavy oil from petroleum reservoirs with high-salinity formation water. As the first stage of defining the microbial-enhanced oil recovery (MEOR) strategies for depleted petroleum reservoirs, microbial community composition was studied for petroleum reservoirs with high-salinity formation water located in Tatarstan (Russia) using metagenomic and culture-based approaches. Bacteria of the phyla Desulfobacterota, Halanaerobiaeota, Sinergistota, Pseudomonadota, and Bacillota were revealed using 16S rRNA-based high-throughput sequencing in halophilic microbial communities. Sulfidogenic bacteria predominated in the studied oil fields. The 75 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) of prokaryotes reconstructed from water samples were assigned to 16 bacterial phyla, including Desulfobacterota, Bacillota, Pseudomonadota, Thermotogota, Actinobacteriota, Spirochaetota, and Patescibacteria, and to archaea of the phylum Halobacteriota (genus Methanohalophilus). Results of metagenomic analyses were supported by the isolation of 20 pure cultures of the genera Desulfoplanes, Halanaerobium, Geotoga, Sphaerochaeta, Tangfeifania, and Bacillus. The isolated halophilic fermentative bacteria produced oil-displacing metabolites (lower fatty acids, alcohols, and gases) from sugar-containing and proteinaceous substrates, which testify their potential for MEOR. However, organic substrates stimulated the growth of sulfidogenic bacteria, in addition to fermenters. Methods for enhanced oil recovery should therefore be developed, combining the production of oil-displacing compounds with fermentative bacteria and the suppression of sulfidogenesis.
Annual Recurrence of the Critically Endangered Bowmouth Guitarfish (Rhina ancylostomus) in Djibouti Waters
Authors: Boldrocchi Ginevra , Robinson David , Caprodossi Simone , Mancuso Emilio , Omar Moussa , Schmidt Jennifer V.
Published: October 2023

The bowmouth guitarfish (Rhina ancylostomus) is among the most endangered of marine vertebrates, and evidence of severe declines and localized extinctions has been reported. Yet its life history and ecology suffer from a lack of scientific attention due to the scarcity and unpredictable movements of the species. By collecting opportunistic records from 2015 to 2023 during diving activities, this study describes for the first time the occurrence of a predictable aggregation of R. ancylostomus in the Gulf of Tadjoura (Djibouti). These data provide a key record of this species in the area, whose presence is strongly associated with sandy seabeds and corals at approximately 35 m depth. Based on the opportunistic sightings of R. ancylostomus during diving activity, Ras Eiro and Ras Korali appear to be the currently known core habitats for this species and may serve as breeding or feeding grounds. Overall, our data show that the Gulf of Tadjoura is a globally important conservation hotspot, and therefore its protection should be prioritized.
REST Is Not Resting: REST/NRSF in Health and Disease
Authors: Jin Lili , Liu Ying , Wu Yifan , Huang Yi , Zhang Dianbao
Published: October 2023

Chromatin modifications play a crucial role in the regulation of gene expression. The repressor element-1 (RE1) silencing transcription factor (REST), also known as neuron-restrictive silencer factor (NRSF) and X2 box repressor (XBR), was found to regulate gene transcription by binding to chromatin and recruiting chromatin-modifying enzymes. Earlier studies revealed that REST plays an important role in the development and disease of the nervous system, mainly by repressing the transcription of neuron-specific genes. Subsequently, REST was found to be critical in other tissues, such as the heart, pancreas, skin, eye, and vascular. Dysregulation of REST was also found in nervous and non-nervous system cancers. In parallel, multiple strategies to target REST have been developed. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive summary of the research progress made over the past 28 years since the discovery of REST, encompassing both physiological and pathological aspects. These insights into the effects and mechanisms of REST contribute to an in-depth understanding of the transcriptional regulatory mechanisms of genes and their roles in the development and progression of disease, with a view to discovering potential therapeutic targets and intervention strategies for various related diseases.
OOBO: A New Metaheuristic Algorithm for Solving Optimization Problems
Authors: Dehghani Mohammad , Trojovská Eva , Trojovský Pavel , Malik Om Parkash
Published: October 2023

This study proposes the One-to-One-Based Optimizer (OOBO), a new optimization technique for solving optimization problems in various scientific areas. The key idea in designing the suggested OOBO is to effectively use the knowledge of all members in the process of updating the algorithm population while preventing the algorithm from relying on specific members of the population. We use a one-to-one correspondence between the two sets of population members and the members selected as guides to increase the involvement of all population members in the update process. Each population member is chosen just once as a guide and is only utilized to update another member of the population in this one-to-one interaction. The proposed OOBO’s performance in optimization is evaluated with fifty-two objective functions, encompassing unimodal, high-dimensional multimodal, and fixed-dimensional multimodal types, and the CEC 2017 test suite. The optimization results highlight the remarkable capacity of OOBO to strike a balance between exploration and exploitation within the problem-solving space during the search process. The quality of the optimization results achieved using the proposed OOBO is evaluated by comparing them to eight well-known algorithms. The simulation findings show that OOBO outperforms the other algorithms in addressing optimization problems and can give more acceptable quasi-optimal solutions. Also, the implementation of OOBO in six engineering problems shows the effectiveness of the proposed approach in solving real-world optimization applications.
Multicolor Hair Dyeing with Biocompatible Dark Polyphenol Complex-Integrated Shampoo with Reactive Oxygen Species Scavenging Activity
Authors: Kim Tae Min , Won Hyun Jeong , Yang Jun-Ho , Jo Hayeon , Kim A Hyeon , Nam Dohyun , Kim Seul Gi , Jin Eun-Jung , Bae Heung Jin , Park Sung Young
Published: October 2023

Hair dyeing has become a prevalent lifestyle trend, especially within the fashion industry. However, it possesses disadvantages, such as containing carcinogenic and toxic materials. In this study, we developed a biocompatible hair-dyeing technology using a shampoo with a dark polyphenol complex (DPC), referred to as S-DPC. The DPC was formed from a mixture of gallic acid and [1,1′-biphenyl]-2,2′,4,4′,5,5′-hexol and used to enhance both the stability of the hair coating and its ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS). Colloidal DPC particles play a pivotal role in the coating process of various hair dyes, ensuring the uniform coloring of human hair through intermolecular interactions such as hydrogen bonding. Owing to the effect of a polyphenol complex on hair coating, we observed improved antistatic performance and enhanced mechanical strength, resulting in a substantial increase in elongation at the breaking point from 33.74% to 48.85%. The multicolor S-DPC exhibited antioxidant properties, as indicated by its ROS-scavenging ability, including 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl inhibition (87–89%), superoxide radical scavenging (84–87%), and hydroxyl radical scavenging (95–98%). Moreover, the in vitro analysis of the DPC revealed nearly 100% cell viability in live and dead assays, highlighting the remarkable biocompatibility of the DPC. Therefore, considering its effectiveness and safety, this biomaterial has considerable potential for applications in hair dyeing.
Assessing the Training in Neurosurgery with the Implementation of VITOM-3D Exoscope: Learning Curve on Experimental Model in Neurosurgical Practice
Authors: Giammalva Giuseppe Roberto , Paolini Federica , Meccio Flavia , Giovannini Evier Andrea , Provenzano Alessandra , Bonosi Lapo , Brunasso Lara , Costanzo Roberta , Gerardi Rosa Maria , Di Bonaventura Rina , Signorelli Francesco , Albanese Alessio , Iacopino Domenico Gerardo , Maugeri Rosario , Visocchi Massimiliano
Published: October 2023

(1) Background: Innovation and continuous demand in the field of visual enhancing technologies and video streaming have led to the discovery of new systems capable of improving visualization and illumination of the surgical field. The exoscope was brought into neurosurgical routine, and nearly ten years later, modern 3D systems have been introduced and tested, giving encouraging results. (2) Methods: In order to evaluate the surgeon’s confidence with the exoscope and their increasing ability in terms of time spent and quality of the final achievement since their first encounter with the technique, an experimental trial on 18 neurosurgeons from a single Institution was performed to evaluate the learning curve for the use of the VITOM-3D exoscope in neurosurgical practice on a model of brain and dura mater. (3) Results: A significant improvement in the quality of the performance, number of errors made, and reduction in the time was found after the third iteration of the task, by when almost all the participants felt more comfortable and confident. No significant differences between senior neurosurgeons and resident neurosurgeons were reported. (4) Conclusions: Our results show that three iterations are enough to gain confidence with the exoscope from its first use, regardless of previous experience and training with an operating microscope.
Seismic Performance of Rectangular Hollow Section X-Joints Subjected to In-Plane Bending Moment
Authors: Zhao Bida , Lin Chuhao , Wang Rong , Lin Shikang
Published: October 2023

This paper presents a study on the seismic performance of rectangular hollow section (RHS) X-joints subjected to in-plane bending moment (IPBM). The study began by testing two RHS joint specimens with varying brace-to-chord width ratios (β) under quasi-static cyclic IPBM loading. The results showed that the final failure mode of the specimen with the large β value (β = 1.0) is the tearing of the weld near the brace root, while the specimen with the medium β value (β = 0.83) failed due to the tearing of both the weld and the adjacent chord face. The seismic performance of the X-joints depended considerably on the β value. The increase in β remarkably improved the strength of the X-joints but at the cost of energy dissipation capability, deformability and ductility. Our experimental results also demonstrated that the current code equations remarkably underestimate the flexural strength of RHS X-joints, while the modified equations that take the weld size into account can predict it well. In addition, the reason behind the experimental observation can be further explained by FE analysis and the proposed elastic-support plate analytical model.
Passive Auto-Tactile Heuristic (PATH) Tiles: Novel Robot-Inclusive Tactile Paving Hazard Alert System
Authors: Yeo Matthew S. K. , Pey Javier J. J. , Elara Mohan Rajesh
Published: October 2023

Mobile service robots often have to work in dynamic and cluttered environments. Multiple safety hazards exist for robots in such work environments, which visual sensors may not detect in time before collisions or robotic damage. An alternative hazard alert system using tactile methods is explored to pre-emptively convey surrounding spatial information to robots working in complex environments or under poor lighting conditions. The proposed method for robot-inclusive tactile paving is known as Passive Auto-Tactile Heuristic (PATH) tiles. These robot-inclusive tactile paving tiles are implemented in spatial infrastructure and are aimed to allow robots to pre-emptively recognize surrounding hazards even under poor lighting conditions and potentially provide improved hazard cues to visually impaired people. A corresponding Tactile Sensing Module (TSM) was used for the digital interpretation of the PATH tiles and was mounted onboard a mobile audit robot known as Meerkat. The experiment yielded a 71.6% improvement in pre-emptive hazard detection capabilities with the TSM using a customized Graph Neural Network (GNN) model.
Electrokinetic Forces as an Electrical Measure of Chemical Aging Potential in Granular Materials
Authors: Castilla-Barbosa Miguel , Rincón-Arango Orlando , Ocampo-Terreros Manuel
Published: October 2023

The zeta potential of soils is an electric potential in the double-layer interface and is a physical property exhibited by any particle related to electrochemical attractive forces. On the other hand, the chemical aging phenomenon is seen as the chief mechanism of the aging of sands due to the dissolution and precipitation of minerals, resulting in the development of the cementation of particles in granular mediums. The present investigation focuses on determining whether granular materials can generate cementation due to electrokinetic forces, and if the zeta potential could be related as a measure of the potential of chemical aging. X-ray fluorescence and diffraction tests were performed to characterize four representative fractions of one kind of sand, and zeta potential studies were carried out to determine the electrical potential on the mineral surfaces of each one. Zeta potential analysis showed both dependence on the mineralogical content and the variation in the pH of the colloidal solution fluid because the increase in OH- ion concentrations increases the thickness of the diffuse double layer and the electrokinetic forces of attraction. Moreover, the zeta potential showed an increase in the thickness of the diffuse double layer, due to the electrokinetic forces, which can be associated with the development of cohesive forces with a dependence on the mineralogy of sands.
Poly(ethylene glycol) Diacrylate Hydrogels Doped with Silver Nanoparticles for Optical Sensing and Removing Hg(II) Ions from Water
Authors: Burratti Luca , Sisani Michele , Di Guida Irene , De Matteis Fabio , Francini Roberto , Prosposito Paolo
Published: October 2023

In this study, an innovative approach for the integration of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) into poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) hydrogels is described. The composite material is the first in the literature where AgNPs were doped into PEGDA using photo-polymerization technique for a double function: detection and elimination of Hg(II) ions from water. The doping of AgNPs into PEGDA-based matrices was performed using a photo-polymerizable process. The Hg(II) sensing properties were explored in a concentration range from 0 to 20 mg/L. Notably, a linear dependence was observed up to 1 mg/L, accompanied by a limit of detection of 0.3 mg/L. Beyond sensing, the efficiency of the doped hydrogel in removing Hg(II) ions was also investigated and compared with an undoped PEGDA matrix. The outcome highlighted an enhanced removal efficiency of the doped material of approximately 23%. Finally, the experimental data suggested that the interaction between Hg(II) ions and the modified hydrogel adhered to the Langmuir isotherm model, which suggested that chemisorption was the driving mechanism of the adsorption of Hg(II) onto the modified hydrogel matrix.
Advances in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Enthesitis-Related Arthritis
Authors: Di Gennaro Simona , Di Matteo Gennaro , Stornaiuolo Gianmarco , Anselmi Federica , Lastella Teresa , Orlando Francesca , Alessio Maria , Naddei Roberta
Published: October 2023

Enthesitis-related arthritis (ERA) represents 5–30% of all cases of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and belongs to the spectrum of the disorders included in the group of juvenile spondyloarthritis. In the last decade, there have been considerable advances in the classification, diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of ERA. New provisional criteria for ERA have been recently proposed by the Paediatric Rheumatology INternational Trials Organisation, as part of a wider revision of the International League of Associations for Rheumatology criteria for JIA. The increased use of magnetic resonance imaging has shown that a high proportion of patients with ERA present a subclinical axial disease. Diverse instruments can be used to assess the disease activity of ERA. The therapeutic recommendations for ERA are comparable to those applied to other non-systemic JIA categories, unless axial disease and/or enthesitis are present. In such cases, the early use of a TNF-alpha inhibitor is recommended. Novel treatment agents are promising, including IL-17/IL-23 or JAK/STAT pathways blockers.
Quality of Life among Peritoneal and Hemodialysis Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: AlRowaie Fadel , Alaryni Abdullah , AlGhamdi Abdullah , Alajlan Renad , Alabdullah Razan , Alnutaifi Raed , Alnutaifi Raneem , Aldakheelallah Amani , Alshabanat Alanoud , Bin Shulhub Abdullah , Moazin Othillah , Qutob Rayan , Alsolami Enad , Hakami Osamah
Published: October 2023

Background: The quality of life (QoL) of patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) who undergo dialysis is a reliable predictor of their long-term survival. Hemodialysis is the most common form of kidney replacement therapy for ESKD, followed by peritoneal dialysis. This study aimed to identify the factors affecting QoL in ESKD patients treated with peritoneal dialysis (PD) or hemodialysis (HD) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between June and July 2021 to assess the QoL of patients with ESKD who underwent peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis. Patients who had been on dialysis for at least one year were included. The Arabic version of the Quality of Life Index–Dialysis (QLI-D) version III was used to measure the QoL. Results: A total of 210 patients completed the questionnaire. The overall QLI score was 21.73 ± 4.2, with subscales for health and functioning (20.35 ± 5.2), social and economic (20.20 ± 4.8), psychological/spiritual (23.94 ± 4.9), and family (24.95 ± 4.5). The QLI scores for PD and HD patients were 21.80 ± 4.4 and 21.72 ± 4.1, respectively. SOCSUB (p = 0.031) was significantly associated with group and income, whereas QLI (p = 0.003), HFSUB (p = 0.013), SOCSUB (p = 0.002), and PSPSUB (p = 0.003) were significantly correlated with group and years of dialysis. Conclusion: The study found that patients were most satisfied with their family, health and functioning, and social/economic subscales. Income and years of dialysis were found to be predictive factors of QoL. Overall, peritoneal patients in this study demonstrated a better QoL than HD patients.
Mechanical Properties and Corrosion Resistance of AlCrNbSiTiN High Entropy Alloy Nitride Coatings
Authors: Lou Bih-Show , Lin Yu-Chen , Lee Jyh-Wei
Published: October 2023

High-entropy alloy (HEA) nitride coatings have been extensively studied due to their desirable properties of high hardness, thermal stability, and corrosion resistance. Among HEA nitride thin films, the AlCrNbSiTiN coatings exhibit very good hardness, high temperature strength, and thermal stability. In this study, six AlCrNbSiTiN HEA coatings with different Al and Cr contents were synthesized using a co-sputtering system with a high-power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS) power connected to an Al70Cr30 target and a mid-frequency power connected with an Al4Cr2NbSiTi2 high-entropy alloy target. The input power of the Al70Cr30 target was adjusted to obtain AlCrNbSiTiN coatings with different Al and Cr contents. It is observed that the sum of the Al and Cr contents and the (Al + Cr)/(Al + Cr + Nb + Si + Ti) ratio of the AlCrNbSiTiN coatings increased from 59 to 91 at.% when the input power of the Al70Cr30 target increased from 700 W to 1100 W. The single NaCl-type (B1) face-centered cubic (FCC) phase was observed for each coating. The hardness of the coatings increased from 21.2 to 28.2 GPa with increasing Al and Cr contents due to the grain size refinement effect brought by the increasing HiPIMS power. The wear depth and wear rate of the coatings sequentially decreased from 544 to 24 nm and from 2.79 × 10−5 to 2.63 × 10−7 mm3N−1m−1, respectively. Although the adhesion slowly decreased with increasing Al and Cr contents and the hardness of the coating, there was adequate adhesion with a minimum LC3 critical load of 36.1 N. The corrosion resistance of 304 stainless steel in a 3.5 wt.% NaCl aqueous solution was improved by deposition of the AlCrNbSiTiN coating. In this work, the high-entropy AlCrNbSiTiN nitride coating with a (Al + Cr)/(Al + Cr + Nb + Si + Ti) ratio of 91% exhibited excellent surface roughness, the highest hardness of 28.2 GPa, adequate adhesion, and the lowest wear rate of 2.63 × 10−7 mm3N−1m−1 due to its grain refinement effect by the ion bombardment generated with HiPIMS.