bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proton irradiation of plastic scintillator bars for POLAR-2
Authors: Mianowski Slawomir , De Angelis Nicolas , Brylew Kamil , Hulsman Johannes , Kowalski Tomasz , Kusyk Sebastian , Mianowska Zuzanna , Mietelski Jerzy , Rybka Dominik , Swakon Jan , Wrobel Damian
Published: July 2023

POLAR-2, a plastic scintillator based Compton polarimeter, is currently under development and planned for a launch to the China Space Station in 2025. It is intended to shed a new light on our understanding of Gamma-Ray Bursts by performing high precision polarization measurements of their prompt emission. The instrument will be orbiting at an average altitude of 383 km with an inclination of 42° and will be subject to background radiation from cosmic rays and solar events. In this work, we tested the performance of plastic scintillation bars, EJ-200 and EJ-248M from Eljen Technology, under space-like conditions, that were chosen as possible candidates for POLAR-2. Both scintillator types were irradiated with 58 MeV protons at several doses from 1.89 Gy(corresponding to about 13 years in space for POLAR-2) up to 18.7 Gy, that goes far beyond the expected POLAR-2 life time. Their respective properties, expressed in terms of light yield, emission and absorption spectra, and activation analysis due to proton irradiation are discussed. Scintillators activation analyses showed a dominant contribution of β + decay with a typical for this process gamma-ray energy line of 511 keV.
Starch serves as an overflow product in the regulation of carbon allocation in strawberry leaves in response to photosynthetic activity
Authors: Nakai Hiromi , Yasutake Daisuke , Hidaka Kota , Nomura Koichi , Eguchi Toshihiko , Yokoyama Gaku , Hirota Tomoyoshi
Published: July 2023

The carbon allocation in source leaves between sucrose and starch is an important mechanism that affects plant productivity. We previously found that strawberry plants accumulate starch in response to excess carbon supply from photosynthesis compared with translocation and sucrose storage capacity in source leaves. However, because these data were acquired from three separate cultivation seasons in field conditions, seasonal impacts could not be ruled out. Therefore, herein, we aimed to investigate the role of starch in carbon allocation in strawberry leaves and to explore whether the relationship between sucrose and starch reported in our previous study is an inherent characteristic that is independent of seasonal variations. To prevent seasonal influences, carbohydrate dynamics in strawberry leaves were studied under controlled environmental conditions with high (High) and low (Low) photosynthetic activity. During the day, both sucrose and starch concentrations increased in the High treatment, but starch concentration increased only marginally in the Low treatment. Furthermore, starch production was enhanced in the High treatment when sucrose concentration exceeded 150 mmol C m− 2. Consistent with previous findings, the current findings indicated that photosynthetically fixed carbon is initially allocated to sucrose; however, when photosynthetic activity increases and leaf sucrose concentration exceeds its storage capacity, the excess carbon is then allocated to starch. This study provides strong evidence that, regardless of season, starch serves as an overflow product with sucrose storage capacity as a threshold during carbon allocation in strawberry leaves.
Changes of dysfunctional lens index before and after implantable collamer lens V4c implantation in patients with moderate-to-high myopia
Authors: Cao Weifang , Zhang Suhua , Liu Qian , Zhou Jing , Yuan Xiaoyong
Published: July 2023

Background

Dysfunctional lens index (DLI) changing is rarely reported after implantable collamer lens (ICL) implantation. In the current research, we hope to investigate the changes of DLI by ray-tracing aberrometry before and after implantation of the posterior chamber phakic implantable collamer lens with a central artificial hole for patients with moderate-to-high myopia.

Methods

This retrospective, observational case series included 206 eyes of 104 patients with moderate-to-high myopia who underwent ICL V4c implantation. Data were collected on ocular indicators preoperatively and at 1 day, 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. The i-Trace Visual Functional Analyzer was used to assess the DLI measurement.

Results

The overall values of safety index and efficacy index were both more than 1. Preoperatively, the mean spherical equivalent (SE) of included 206 eyes was − 10.77 ± 3.46 diopter (D). Then at 1-day postoperation, the mean SE was − 0.22 ± 0.55 D, and barely changed from 1 day to 6 months postoperatively. Although the endothelial parameters had no significant differences between preoperation and postoperation, the mean loss of endothelial cells was 0.74 ± 0.98% at 6 months. Regarding the vault, there was a significant difference between each time of follow-up (P < 0.001). The mean of the vault decreased 109.6 ± 13.5 µm from 1-day post-op to 6 months post-op. The DLI values were 3.70, 9.26, 10.00, and 9.68 at baseline, 1, 3, and 6 months, respectively (P < 0.001), but no significant differences were found between 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively (P > 0.05). The preoperative lnDLI showed a significant positive linear correlation (r = 0.621, P < 0.001) with the preoperative spherical equivalent (SE). The lnDLI was negatively correlated with the axial length (r = − 0.462, P < 0.001), corneal thickness (r = − 0.207, P = 0.003), preoperative LogMAR UDVA (r = − 0.189, P = 0.006), and preoperative LogMAR CDVA (r = − 0.306, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The postoperative refractive parameters were confirmed excellent in efficacy, predictability, and stability in half a year. The DLI was significantly improved after the ICL V4c implantation in patients with moderate-to-high myopia and showed good stability during the follow-up periods. The DLI deserves a more comprehensive understanding and application in clinical services.
A Comparative Analysis of the Full and Short Versions of the Social Responsiveness Scale in Estimating an Established Autism Risk Factor Association in ECHO: Do we Get the Same Estimates?
Authors: Patti Marisa A. , Ning Xuejuan , Hosseini Mina , Croen Lisa A. , Joseph Robert M. , Karagas Margaret R. , Ladd-Acosta Christine , Landa Rebecca , Messinger Daniel S. , Newschaffer Craig J. , Nguyen Ruby , Ozonoff Sally , O’Shea T. Michael , Schmidt Rebecca J. , Trevino Cindy O. , Lyall Kristen
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Prior work developed a shortened 16-item version of the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), a quantitative measure of social communication and autism spectrum disorder (ASD)-related traits. However, its properties for use in risk factor estimation have not been fully tested compared to the full SRS. We compared the associations between gestational age (previously established risk factor for ASD) and the 65-item “full” and 16-item “short” versions of the SRS to test the shortened version’s ability to capture associations in epidemiologic analyses of ASD risk factors.

Methods

We used data from participants in the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program (n = 2,760). SRS scores were collected via maternal/caregiver report when children were aged 2.5–18 years. We compared estimates of associations between gestational age and preterm birth between the full and short SRS using multivariable linear regression, quantile regression, and prediction methods.

Results

Overall, associations based on full and short SRS scores were highly comparable. For example, we observed positive associations between preterm birth with both full ($$\beta$$=2.8; 95% CI [1.7, 4.0]) and short ($$\beta$$=2.9; 95% CI [1.6, 4.3]) SRS scores. Quantile regression analyses indicated similar direction and magnitude of associations across the distribution of SRS scores between gestational age with both short and full SRS scores.

Conclusion

The comparability in estimates obtained for full and short SRS scores with an “established” ASD risk factor suggests ability of the shortened SRS in assessing associations with potential ASD-related risk factors and has implications for large-scale research studies seeking to reduce participant burden.
School Attendance Problems Among Children with Neurodevelopmental Conditions One year Following the Start of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Totsika Vasiliki , Kouroupa Athanasia , Timmerman Amanda , Allard Amanda , Gray Kylie M. , Hastings Richard P. , Heyne David , Melvin Glenn A. , Tonge Bruce
Published: July 2023

Purpose: The present study investigated school absence among 1,076 5–15 year-old children with neurodevelopmental conditions (intellectual disability and/or autism) approximately one year following the start of COVID-19 in the UK. Methods: Parents completed an online survey indicating whether their child was absent from school during May 2021 and the reason for each absence. Multi-variable regression models investigated child, family and school variables associated with absenteeism and types of absenteeism. Qualitative data were collected on barriers and facilitators of school attendance. Results: During May 2021, 32% of children presented with persistent absence (missing ≥ 10% of school). School refusal and absence due to ill-health were the most frequent types of absence, accounting for 37% and 22% of days missed, respectively. COVID-19 related absence accounted for just 11% of days missed. Child anxiety was associated with overall absenteeism and with days missed because of school refusal. Parent pandemic anxiety and child conduct problems were not associated with school absenteeism. Hyperactivity was associated with lower levels of absenteeism and school refusal but higher levels of school exclusion. A positive parent-teacher relationship was associated with lower levels of absenteeism, school refusal and exclusion. Child unmet need in school was the most frequently reported barrier to attendance while COVID-19 was one of the least frequently reported barriers. Conclusion: COVID-19 had a limited impact on school attendance problems during this period. Findings highlighted the role of child mental health in different types of absence and the likely protective role of a positive parent-teacher relationship.
“My Autism is Linked with Everything”: at the Crossroads of Autism and Diabetes
Authors: Vinayagam Ritwika , Tanner Christopher , Harley David , Karatela Shamshad , Brooker Katie
Published: July 2023

Autistic adults experience stark health disparities and difficulties accessing health care. Their realities of managing complex health conditions are unknown. Our research explored the experience of Autistic adults self-managing diabetes. Interviews with Autistic adults with diabetes and their support people were thematically analysed to identify three key themes. The Autistic experience influenced diabetes self-management, including autism-unique challenges and strengths. Participants prioritised avoiding Autistic burnout over diabetes self-management; mitigating the psychosocial pressures of neurotypical systems took precedence. Health professionals often separated autism and diabetes subsequently overlooking key factors impacting diabetes self-management. To better meet the needs of Autistic adults, diabetes care and health management more broadly should be considered within the context of autism, including supports for self-management during Autistic burnout.
Indigenous Autism in Canada: A Scoping Review
Authors: Bruno Grant , Chan Titus A , Zwaigenbaum Lonnie , Coombs Emily ,   The Indigenous Relations Circle, Nicholas David
Published: July 2023

Currently there is a severe lack of research on autism and Indigenous people in Canada. This scoping review explores this literature gap and assesses the same literature from an Indigenous perspective. Scoping reviews are an effective means to explore the literature in a specific area, in this case, autism and Indigenous people in Canada. We explored existing literature as it pertains to Indigenous populations and autism in Canada. To support this review, the Indigenous Quality Assessment Tool (QAT) was adapted to appraise the quality of literature. In total, there were a total of 212 articles identified of which 24 met the inclusion criteria: (1) some focus on autism, (2) a component specific to Indigenous people, and (3) specific to Canada. Of the 24 articles and reports, 15 were peer-reviewed and the rest considered grey literature. Most articles focused on program delivery with some literature using primary data (quantitative and/or qualitative). Overall, the quality of the research was appraised as poor, as determined by the QAT. Findings reaffirm the critical need for research that addresses autism in Indigenous communities within Canada and show the importance of having research done in full partnership with, or led by, Indigenous people.
Systematic review and meta-analysis: does pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidy at the blastocyst stage improve live birth rate?
Authors: Kasaven Lorraine S. , Marcus Diana , Theodorou Efstathios , Jones Benjamin P. , Saso Srdjan , Naja Roy , Serhal Paul , Ben-Nagi Jara
Published: July 2023

Purpose

To establish if preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) at the blastocyst stage improves the composite outcome of live birth rate and ongoing pregnancy rate per embryo transfer compared to conventional morphological assessment.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane database from 1st March 2000 until 1st March 2022. Studies comparing reproductive outcomes following in vitro fertilisation using comprehensive chromosome screening (CCS) at the blastocyst stage with traditional morphological methods were evaluated.

Results

Of the 1307 citations identified, six randomised control trials (RCTs) and ten cohort studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The pooled data identified a benefit between PGT-A and control groups in the composite outcome of live birth rate and ongoing pregnancy per embryo transfer in both the RCT (RR 1.09, 95% CI 1.02–1.16) and cohort studies (RR 1.50, 95% CI 1.28–1.76). Euploid embryos identified by CCS were more likely to be successfully implanted amongst the RCT (RR 1.20, 95% CI 1.10–1.31) and cohort (RR 1.69, 95% CI 1.29–2.21) studies. The rate of miscarriage per clinical pregnancy is also significantly lower when CCS is implemented (RCT: RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.56–0.96 and cohort: RR 0.48, 95% CI 0.32–0.72).

Conclusions

CCS-based PGT-A at the blastocyst biopsy stage increases the composite outcome of live births and ongoing pregnancies per embryo transfer and reduces the rate of miscarriage compared to morphological assessment alone. In view of the limited number of studies included and the variation in methodology between studies, future reviews and analyses are required to confirm these findings.
ROS End-Effector: A Hardware-Agnostic Software and Control Framework for Robotic End-Effectors
Authors: Torielli Davide , Bertoni Liana , Fusaro Fabio , Tsagarakis Nikos , Muratore Luca
Published: July 2023

In recent years, several robotic end-effectors have been developed and made available in the market. Nevertheless, their adoption in industrial context is still limited due to a burdensome integration, which strongly relies on customized software modules specific for each end-effector. Indeed, to enable the functionalities of these end-effectors, dedicated interfaces must be developed to consider the different end-effector characteristics, like finger kinematics, actuation systems, and communication protocols. To face the challenges described above, we present ROS End-Effector, an open-source framework capable of accommodating a wide range of robotic end-effectors of different grasping capabilities (grasping, pinching, or independent finger dexterity) and hardware characteristics. The ROS End-Effector framework, rather than controlling each end-effector in a different and customized way, allows to mask the physical hardware differences and permits to control the end-effector using a set of high-level grasping primitives automatically extracted. By leveraging on hardware agnostic software modules including hardware abstraction layer (HAL), application programming interfaces (APIs), simulation tools and graphical user interfaces (GUIs), ROS End-Effector effectively facilitates the integration of diverse end-effector devices. The proposed framework capabilities in supporting different robotics end-effectors are demonstrated in both simulated and real hardware experiments using a variety of end-effectors with diverse characteristics, ranging from under-actuated grippers to anthropomorphic robotic hands. Finally, from the user perspective, the manuscript provides a set of examples about the use of the framework showing its flexibility in integrating a new end-effector module.
Non-Linear Lymphatic Anatomy in Breast Cancer Patients Prior to Axillary Lymph Node Dissection: A Risk Factor For Lymphedema Development
Authors: Kinney JacqueLyn R. , Friedman Rosie , Kim Erin , Tillotson Elizabeth , Shillue Kathy , Lee Bernard T. , Singhal Dhruv
Published: July 2023

Immediate lymphatic reconstruction (ILR) at the time of axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) has become increasingly utilized for the prevention of breast cancer related lymphedema. Preoperative indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography is routinely performed prior to an ILR procedure to characterize baseline lymphatic anatomy of the upper extremity. While most patients have linear lymphatic channels visualized on ICG, representing a non-diseased state, some patients demonstrate non-linear patterns. This study aims to determine potential inciting factors that help explain why some patients have non-linear patterns, and what these patterns represent regarding the relative risk of developing postoperative breast cancer related lymphedema in this population. A retrospective review was conducted to identify breast cancer patients who underwent successful ILR with preoperative ICG at our institution from November 2017—June 2022. Among the 248 patients who were identified, 13 (5%) had preoperative non-linear lymphatic anatomy. A history of trauma or surgery of the affected limb and an increasing number of sentinel lymph nodes removed prior to ALND appeared to be risk factors for non-linear lymphatic anatomy. Furthermore, non-linear anatomy in the limb of interest was associated with an increased risk of postoperative lymphedema development. Overall, non-linear lymphatic anatomy on pre-operative ICG lymphography appears to be a risk factor for developing ipsilateral breast cancer-related lymphedema. Guided by the study’s findings, when breast cancer patients present with baseline non-linear lymphatic anatomy, our institution has implemented a protocol of prophylactically prescribing compression sleeves immediately following ALND.
Zebrafish as a model for cardiac disease; Cryo-EM structure of native cardiac thin filaments from Danio Rerio
Authors: Bradshaw Marston , Squire John M. , Morris Edward , Atkinson Georgia , Richardson Rebecca , Lees Jon , Caputo Massimo , Bigotti Giulia M. , Paul Danielle M.
Published: July 2023

Actin, tropomyosin and troponin, the proteins that comprise the contractile apparatus of the cardiac thin filament, are highly conserved across species. We have used cryo-EM to study the three-dimensional structure of the zebrafish cardiac thin and actin filaments. With 70% of human genes having an obvious zebrafish orthologue, and conservation of 85% of disease-causing genes, zebrafish are a good animal model for the study of human disease. Our structure of the zebrafish thin filament reveals the molecular interactions between the constituent proteins, showing that the fundamental organisation of the complex is the same as that reported in the human reconstituted thin filament. A reconstruction of zebrafish cardiac F-actin demonstrates no deviations from human cardiac actin over an extended length of 14 actin subunits. Modelling zebrafish homology models into our maps enabled us to compare, in detail, the similarity with human models. The structural similarities of troponin-T in particular, a region known to contain a hypertrophic cardiomyopathy ‘hotspot’, confirm the suitability of zebrafish to study these disease-causing mutations.
Bifurcation analysis of a rear axle tramp car model
Authors: Smith Shaun , Knowles James , Mason Byron , Biggs Sean
Published: July 2023

Axle tramp is a self-sustaining vibration in the driven axle of a vehicle with a beam axle layout, known to occur under heavy braking or acceleration. A 6DOF mathematical model of this phenomenon is used to identify how the key parameters of driveline stiffness, axle mass and fore/aft stiffness change the system’s dynamics. A bifurcation analysis is performed to study this nonlinear system’s dynamics. Four Hopf bifurcations in the underlying equilibria, along with a fold bifurcation in the outermost limit cycle branch, are shown to bound the parameter space where tramp occurs. The severity of tramp was found to be minimised by increasing drivetrain stiffness, reducing axle mass or increasing fore/aft stiffness: the trade-off for minimising tramp severity is that it may be easier to excite tramp when the drivetrain stiffness is increased, and the speed range over which tramp can occur is increased as fore/aft stiffness is increased. A key outcome from this work is that future electrified powertrains may experience more tramp, albeit at a reduced magnitude, than their combustion-powered counterparts.
Learning from experience and conditionalization
Authors: Brössel Peter
Published: July 2023

Bayesianism can be characterized as the following twofold position: (i) rational credences obey the probability calculus; (ii) rational learning, i.e., the updating of credences, is regulated by some form of conditionalization. While the formal aspect of various forms of conditionalization has been explored in detail, the philosophical application to learning from experience is still deeply problematic. Some philosophers have proposed to revise the epistemology of perception; others have provided new formal accounts of conditionalization that are more in line with how we learn from perceptual experience. The current investigation argues that Bayesian epistemology is still incomplete; the epistemology of perception and the epistemology of rational reasoning have not been reconciled.
Flexible non-parametric regression models for compositional response data with zeros
Authors: Tsagris Michail , Alenazi Abdulaziz , Stewart Connie
Published: July 2023

Compositional data arise in many real-life applications and versatile methods for properly analyzing this type of data in the regression context are needed. When parametric assumptions do not hold or are difficult to verify, non-parametric regression models can provide a convenient alternative method for prediction. To this end, we consider an extension to the classicalk- Nearest Neighbours (k-NN) regression, that yields a highly flexible non-parametric regression model for compositional data. A similar extension of kernel regression is proposed by adopting the Nadaraya–Watson estimator. Both extensions involve a power transformation termed the$$\alpha $$α-transformation. Unlike many of the recommended regression models for compositional data, zeros values (which commonly occur in practice) are not problematic and they can be incorporated into the proposed models without modification. Extensive simulation studies and real-life data analyses highlight the advantage of using these non-parametric regressions for complex relationships between compositional response data and Euclidean predictor variables. Both the extendedK-NNand kernel regressions can lead to more accurate predictions compared to current regression models which assume a, sometimes restrictive, parametric relationship with the predictor variables. In addition, the extendedk-NNregression, in contrast to current regression techniques, enjoys a high computational efficiency rendering it highly attractive for use with large sample data sets.
Single layer centrifugation as a method for bacterial reduction in bull semen for assisted reproduction
Authors: Cojkic Aleksandar , Hansson Ingrid , Johannisson Anders , Axner Eva , Morrell Jane M.
Published: July 2023

Semen samples contain bacteria originating from the animal urogenital tract, environment, and/or contamination during semen processing, negatively affecting sperm quality by producing toxins and/or competing for nutrients in extenders. The aims of this study were to evaluate two methods of Single-layer centrifuges (SLC), high and low density colloid, as a method for bacterial removal from bull semen, and to evaluate sperm quality after treatment. In total, semen samples from 20 bulls (3 ejaculates per bull) were used in this study. Bacterial reduction was evaluated by bacterial quantification (colony forming unit - CFU/mL) while bacterial identification was performed by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) after culturing bacteria on blood agar. Sperm motility parameters were evaluated by Computer Assisted Sperm Analyses (CASA), and sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) by Flow cytometry. Both, High and Low density SLC reduced number of bacteria significantly (p < 0.001) compared with control. The difference in bacterial count between High and Low SLC was also significant (p < 0.001). Furthermore, High density SLC was successful in removing almost allBacillusandProteusspp. Most CASA parameters were significantly improved after both treatments (p < 0.001, p < 0.01, p < 0.05). The Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) fragmentation index evaluated by SCSA in High (p < 0.01) and Low (p < 0.05) SLC group differed significantly compared with control. Single-layer centrifugation (SLC) with either a high or a low density colloid is a suitable method for bacterial removal in bull semen.
Purification of Acid Sulfate Soil Runoff Water Using Biochar: a Meso-Scale Laboratory Experiment
Authors: Kinnunen Niko , Laurén Annamari , Pumpanen Jukka , Nieminen Tiina Maileena , Palviainen Marjo
Published: July 2023

Acid sulfate soils worldwide pose a risk to water bodies due to acidic, metal-rich runoff. Efficient water protection methods to reduce this diffuse load in forestry sites do not exist currently. Biochar is a promising adsorbent due to its high porosity and ion exchange capacity but has not been studied for water protection for forestry in acid sulfate soils. Our objective was to study the metal adsorption capacity of biochar for acid sulfate soil runoff water, where several metals are competing for the adsorption. We also assessed whether the use of wood ash in biochar reactors can improve adsorption. Furthermore, we studied if desorption occurs when the metal concentrations in the water decrease. In a meso-scale laboratory experiment, hundreds of liters of runoff water from acid sulfate soils were circulated through biochar and biochar-ash filled reactors. We extracted water samples from the inlet and outlet of the reactors and determined the metal concentrations (Al, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Cd). These were used to construct adsorption kinetics models. We studied desorption by diluting the water and measuring the concentration changes. Biochar increased the solution pH and adsorbed multiple metals simultaneously. The adsorption capacity and rate were higher in biochar-ash reactors than in the biochar reactors. Biochar-ash reactors adsorbed 70–99% of six of the seven metals. However, Al was released from ash. We observed no significant desorption after the dilutions. Therefore, biochar could be considered as a potential water protection tool in forests located on acid sulfate soils.
App-based detection of vulnerable implementations of OTP SMS APIs in the banking sector
Authors: Aparicio Amador , Martínez-González M. Mercedes , Cardeñoso-Payo Valentín
Published: July 2023

Two Factor Authentication (2FA) using One Time Password (OTP) codes via SMS messages is widely used. In order to improve user experience, Google has proposed APIs that allow the automatic verification of the SMS messages without the intervention of the users themselves. They reduce the risks of user error, but they also have vulnerabilities. One of these APIs is the SMS Retriever API for Android devices. This article presents a method to study the vulnerabilities of these OTP exchange APIs in a given sector. The most popular API in the sector is selected, and different scenarios of interaction between mobile apps and SMS OTP servers are posed to determine which implementations are vulnerable. The proposed methodology, applied here to the banking sector, is nevertheless simple enough to be applied to any other sector, or to other SMS OTP APIs. One of its advantages is that it proposes a method for detecting bad implementations on the server side, based on analyses of the apps, which boosts reusability and replicability, while offering a guide to developers to prevent errors that cause vulnerabilities. Our study focuses on Spain’s banking sector, in which the SMS Retriever API is the most popular. The results suggest that there are vulnerable implementations which would allow cybercriminals to steal the users SMS OTP codes. This suggests that a revision of the equilibrium between ease of use and security would apply in order to maintain the high level of security which has traditionally characterized this sector.
Embracing the future of circular bio-enabled economy: unveiling the prospects of microbial fuel cells in achieving true sustainable energy
Authors: Unuofin John Onolame , Iwarere Samuel Ayodele , Daramola Michael Olawale
Published: July 2023

Sustainable development and energy security, highlighted by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), necessitate the use of renewable and sustainable energy sources. However, upon careful evaluation of literature, we have discovered that many existing and emerging renewable energy systems (RESs) prioritize renewability over true sustainability. These systems not only suffer from performance inconsistencies and lack of scalability but also fall short in fully embodying the principles of sustainability and circular economy. To address this gap, we propose considering microbial fuel cells (MFCs) as a viable alternative and integral part of the renewable energy ecosystem. MFCs harness the omnipresence, abundance, and cost-effectiveness of their essential components, making them a promising candidate. Through our comprehensive analysis, we shed light on the limitations and advancements of this technology, which underscore the remarkable potential of MFCs to revolutionize our perception of clean, sustainable energy.
Emergent (branched bur-reed—Sparganium erectum L.) and submergent (river water-crowfoot—Ranunculus fluitans Wimm., 1841) aquatic plants as metal biosorbents under varying water pH conditions in laboratory conditions
Authors: Senze Magdalena , Kowalska-Góralska Monika , Czyż Katarzyna
Published: July 2023

A laboratory experiment was performed to find out the potential bioaccumulation of metals (Al, Cu, Cd, Ni, Pb, Fe, Mn) in aquatic plants acting as natural biosorbents in the environment depending on the variation of water pH. Two plants were selected for the study: branched bur-reed—Sparganium erectum L., as a representative of emergent plants; and river water-crowfoot—Ranunculus fluitans Wimm., 1841, as a representative of submergent plants. The bioaccumulation of metals in plants relative to water (BCFW) was determined, and the metal pollution index (MPI) was calculated. The metal content in water and plants before the experiment was arranged in the following series of increasing values: Cd = Ni < Cu < Pb < Mn < Al < Fe (water) and Cd < Cu < Ni < Pb < Al < Fe < Mn (in both plants). The lowest concentration of cadmium was found in water both at the end and beginning of the experiment. In turn, aluminum level increased, and its concentration was the highest in both acidic and alkaline water. This suggests that aluminum is definitely more available to the organisms living in it under such conditions, and in higher concentrations may be a limiting factor for them. Bioaccumulation of metals (BCFW) in neutral and alkaline environments was higher in branched bur-reed, and in acidic conditions in river water-crowfoot. This may provide a basis for using specific plant species to selectively accumulate metals depending on the range of water pH. This is also supported by the MPI values, which indicate that they have a very high and often the highest impact on metal pollution levels. The observed variability of metals bioaccumulation against the condition of hydromacrophytes makes it possible to consider these plants as biosorbents used in constructed biological treatment plants, which, depending on the species placed there, can selectively absorb particular trace elements. The plants used in the experiment are common hydromacrophytes of Europe, so they can be used in the construction of artificial wetlands across the continent. The apparent diversity of metal accumulation in relation to hydromacrophytes indicates that this type of site can be inhabited by specific species, which can significantly improve the purification of natural or anthropogenic water reservoirs, i.e., those that are intended to perform a filtering function.
Model-based clustering using a new multivariate skew distribution
Authors: Tomarchio Salvatore D. , Bagnato Luca , Punzo Antonio
Published: July 2023

Quite often real data exhibit non-normal features, such as asymmetry and heavy tails, and present a latent group structure. In this paper, we first propose the multivariate skew shifted exponential normal distribution that can account for these non-normal characteristics. Then, we use this distribution in a finite mixture modeling framework. An EM algorithm is illustrated for maximum-likelihood parameter estimation. We provide a simulation study that compares the fitting performance of our model with those of several alternative models. The comparison is also conducted on a real dataset concerning the log returns of four cryptocurrencies.
MR-guided HDR prostate brachytherapy with teleoperated steerable needles
Authors: de Vries M. , Wijntjes M. , Sikorski J. , Moreira P. , van de Berg N. J. , van den Dobbelsteen J. J. , Misra S.
Published: July 2023

Conformity of tumour volumes and dose plans in prostate brachytherapy (BT) can be constrained by unwanted needle deflections, needle access restrictions and visualisation limitations. This work validates the feasibility of teleoperated robotic control of an active steerable needle using magnetic resonance (MR) for guidance. With this system, perturbations can be counteracted and critical structures can be circumvented to access currently inaccessible areas. The system comprises of (1) a novel steerable needle, (2) the minimally invasive robotics in an MR environment (MIRIAM) system, and (3) the daVinci Research Kit (dVRK). MR scans provide visual feedback to the operator controlling the dVRK. Needle steering is performed along curved trajectories to avoid the urethra towards targets (representing tumour tissue) in a prostate phantom with a targeting error of 1.2 ± 1.0 mm. This work shows the potential clinical applicability of active needle steering for prostate BT with a teleoperated robotic system in an MR environment.
Tool Condition Monitoring Methods Applicable in the Metalworking Process
Authors: Lara de Leon Melvin Alexis , Kolarik Jakub , Byrtus Radek , Koziorek Jiri , Zmij Petr , Martinek Radek
Published: July 2023

This article reviews and analyzes the approaches utilized for monitoring cutting tool conditions. The Research focuses on publications from 2012 to 2022 (10 years), in which Machine Learning and other statistical processes are used to determine the quality, condition, wear, and remaining useful life (RUL) of shearing tools. The paper quantifies the typical signals utilized by researchers and scientists (vibration of the cutting tool and workpiece, the tool cutting force, and the tool’s temperature, for example). These signals are sensitive to changes in the workpiece quality condition; therefore, they are used as a proxy of the tool degradation and the quality of the product. The selection of signals to analyze the workpiece quality and the tool wear level is still in development; however, the article shows the main signals used over the years and their correlation with the cutting tool condition. These signals can be taken directly from the cutting tool or the workpiece, the choice varies, and both have shown promising results. In parallel, the Research presents, analyzes, and quantifies some of the most utilized statistical techniques that serve as filters to cleanse the collected data before the prediction and classification phase. These methods and techniques also extract relevant and wear-sensitive information from the collected signals, easing the classifiers’ work by numerically changing alongside the tool wear and the product quality.
How Do Women “Shine?” Exploring Professional Women’s Perceptions of “Women’s Advancement” in Japan
Authors: Iida Aki
Published: July 2023

The Abe administration has introduced policies and legislation to increase women’s participation in the workforce, known as Abenomics, under the slogan “ society where all women shine.” The study investigates the perceptions of professional women in Japan regarding the “women’s advancement” policy and the prevailing gender dynamics in a society known for its severe gender inequality. To accomplish this, semi-structured interviews with 30 professional Japanese women were conducted. The findings show that women perceive many barriers to “shining.” For example, the law promoting women’s participation and advancement in the workplace only applies to some women working in large companies. The number of women liable to benefit is small, so the initiative may have the unintended consequence of fueling divisions among women, highlighting the challenge of promoting women’s activity horizontally and vertically. As Japan’s economy has been stagnant for the past 30 years, it is perhaps natural that the government would implement policies to increase and exploit women’s labor. However, women are likely to be overburdened and stressed unless men’s participation in the home is substantially increased at the same time. Women face the challenges of working regular hours, giving birth, raising children, doing housework, and caring for family members. For this reason, the government and companies need to implement more family-friendly policies, such as improving social welfare policies, expanding public daycare centers, and setting up in-house daycare centers. Only when these issues are resolved will women be able to “shine.”
Portrayal of autism in mainstream media – a scoping review about representation, stigmatisation and effects on consumers in non-fiction and fiction media
Authors: Mittmann Gloria , Schrank Beate , Steiner-Hofbauer Verena
Published: July 2023

Mainstream media is a common source of information on mental health, and its portrayal of mental disorders can influence public perceptions and stigmatisation. Recently, autism has received increased attention in mainstream media. This scoping review aims to contribute to the existing literature on the portrayal of autism and its stigmatising effect by mapping the characteristics and range of records that describe the representation of autism in mainstream media with a focus on non-fiction media (newspapers and social media) and fiction media (movies & TV, and literature). We extracted 31 articles from PubMed and PsychInfo, as well as conducting secondary searches, covering articles published between 2010 and 2022, with a time frame of media from 1988 to 2022. Most of the articles focused on newspapers and movies & TV. Our findings suggest that while the portrayal of autism in media varies, stigmatisation is most prominent in newspapers and movies & TV, often with a negative tone and stereotypical portrayal such as savantism. One possible reason for this could be the lack of representation of experts by experience in these media outlets. In contrast, our review found that literature often has a more diverse and positive representation, and social media tends to have a more supportive tone. Our recommendation is that autistic individuals should be included in the content creation process. Furthermore, future research should focus on newer forms of media, particularly social media, where self-representation is more common, and investigate how this affects the portrayal and stigmatisation of autism.
Effects of exercise on cancer-related cognitive impairment in breast cancer survivors: a scoping review
Authors: Jesús Orellana-Jaén , Luis Carrasco-Páez , Matilde Mora-Fernández
Published: July 2023

Background

Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) is one of the major long-term concerns reported by breast cancer survivors after overcoming the disease. The present study undertakes a scoping review of relevant research publications to explore the effect of increasing physical activity (PA) levels or the use of exercise (EX)-based programs on CRCI in female breast cancer survivors; who have completed neo/adjuvant chemotherapy treatment and are awaiting or receiving hormonal therapy.

Methods

An electronic search of Pubmed, Embase, Scopus, WOS, and Cochrane databases has been conducted to identify published literature from January 2000 to December 2021.

Results

Of 1129 articles, twenty met the inclusion criteria. The majority of the included observational studies (90%) reported cross-sectional design; meanwhile, 72% of experimental research reported randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or randomized crossover trials. 15 neuropsychological batteries and tests, and 5 self-reported validated questionnaires were employed. Only 27% of the included articles used a combination of the previously mentioned methods. The recorder of moderate–vigorous PA (MVPA), defined as more than 3 METs, or represented as average daily minutes spent (≥ 1952 counts/min) was the most analyzed variable in cross-sectional studies, and EX programs based on aerobic training (AT) were the most proposed by RCTs.

Conclusions

The exploratory approach of this review demonstrates modest but increasingly promising evidence regarding exercise’s potential to improve brain health among breast cancer survivors although these findings highlight the importance of addressing methodological heterogeneity in the same direction with the view of using exercise within the clinic area.
Machine economies
Authors: Hartwich Eduard , Rieger Alexander , Sedlmeir Johannes , Jurek Dominik , Fridgen Gilbert
Published: July 2023

This fundamentals article discusses efficient machine economies in which non-human agents can autonomously exchange information and value. We first identify criteria for achieving Pareto efficiency in such economies by drawing on the Coase Theorem. We then translate these economic criteria to technical requirements before developing a framework that characterizes four types of machine economies. We discuss real-life examples for each type to highlight key challenges in achieving Pareto efficiency. In particular, we highlight that machine economies with human involvement in economic interactions and governance face significant challenges regarding perfect information, rationality, and transaction costs. Machine economies without human involvement, in turn, promise a high degree of Pareto efficiency, but there are still many open questions, particularly regarding machine-enforced governance. We conclude with opportunities for future research on the interactions and governance in machine economies.
Multimodal learning of clinically accessible tests to aid diagnosis of neurodegenerative disorders: a scoping review
Authors: Huang Guan , Li Renjie , Bai Quan , Alty Jane
Published: July 2023

With ageing populations around the world, there is a rapid rise in the number of people with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD), the two most common types of neurodegenerative disorders. There is an urgent need to find new ways of aiding early diagnosis of these conditions. Multimodal learning of clinically accessible data is a relatively new approach that holds great potential to support early precise diagnosis. This scoping review follows the PRSIMA guidelines and we analysed 46 papers, comprising 11,750 participants, 3569 with AD, 978 with PD, and 2482 healthy controls; the recency of this topic was highlighted by nearly all papers being published in the last 5 years. It highlights the effectiveness of combining different types of data, such as brain scans, cognitive scores, speech and language, gait, hand and eye movements, and genetic assessments for the early detection of AD and PD. The review also outlines the AI methods and the model used in each study, which includes feature extraction, feature selection, feature fusion, and using multi-source discriminative features for classification. The review identifies knowledge gaps around the need to validate findings and address limitations such as small sample sizes. Applying multimodal learning of clinically accessible tests holds strong potential to aid the development of low-cost, reliable, and non-invasive methods for early detection of AD and PD.
Early detection of paediatric and adolescent obsessive–compulsive, separation anxiety and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder using machine learning algorithms
Authors: Haque Umme Marzia , Kabir Enamul , Khanam Rasheda
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Mental health issues of young minds are at the threshold of all development and possibilities. Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD), separation anxiety disorder (SAD), and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are three of the most common mental illness affecting children and adolescents. Several studies have been conducted on approaches for recognising OCD, SAD and ADHD, but their accuracy is inadequate due to limited features and participants. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the approach using machine learning (ML) algorithms with 1474 features from Australia's nationally representative mental health survey of children and adolescents.

Methods

Based on the internal cross-validation (CV) score of the Tree-based Pipeline Optimization Tool (TPOTClassifier), the dataset has been examined using three of the most optimal algorithms, including Random Forest (RF), Decision Tree (DT), and Gaussian Naïve Bayes (GaussianNB).

Results

GaussianNB performs well in classifying OCD with 91% accuracy, 76% precision, and 96% specificity as well as in detecting SAD with 79% accuracy, 62% precision, 91% specificity. RF outperformed all other methods in identifying ADHD with 91% accuracy, 94% precision, and 99% specificity.

Conclusion

Using Streamlit and Python a web application was developed based on the findings of the analysis. The application will assist parents/guardians and school officials in detecting mental illnesses early in their children and adolescents using signs and symptoms to start the treatment at the earliest convenience.