bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Short-Term Outcomes of Double-Kissing Culotte and Culotte Techniques in Acute Coronary Syndrome from the Lower Silesia Culotte Bifurcation Registry
Authors: Barycki Mateusz , Włodarczak Adrian , Włodarczak Szymon , Pęcherzewski Maciej , Włodarczak Piotr , Jastrzębski Artur , Furtan Łukasz , Giniewicz Katarzyna , Doroszko Adrian , Rola Piotr , Lesiak Maciej
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: The double-kissing (DK) culotte technique is a modification of the culotte technique that employs initial kissing balloon inflation after first stent implantation. The DK culotte technique may improve strut apposition and procedural outcomes; however, data on its efficacy and safety remain limited. This study aimed to investigate the short-term outcomes of bifurcation percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using the DK culotte technique compared with those of the culotte technique in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Methods: This two-center, observational, retrospective study included patients with ACS. Out of 12,132 screened patients, 117 and 122 underwent DK culotte and culotte PCIs, respectively, with 117 and 57 patients remaining after propensity score matching. The primary endpoint was 1-year target lesion failure (TLF), which included cardiovascular death, target vessel myocardial infarction or clinically indicated target lesion revascularization (TLR). Secondary endpoints included major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) comprising myocardial infarction, cardiac death, and TLR; contrast medium amount (mL); and cumulative radiation dose (mGy). Results: At 1 year, TLF occurred in 7% and 12% of the DK culotte and culotte groups, respectively (p = 0.17). No significant differences were observed in MACEs between the groups (13% DK culotte vs. 19% culotte; p = 0.12). Additionally, the DK culotte technique did not cause higher contrast medium usage or cumulative radiation dosage. Conclusions: No statistically significant differences were found in TLF and MACE reduction between ACS patients treated with the DK culotte technique and the culotte technique. The observed trend favoring the DK culotte needs further validation in prospective studies.
The Prognostic Role of RDW in Hospitalized Heart Failure Patients with and Without Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Giamouzis Grigorios , Kourek Christos , Magouliotis Dimitrios E. , Briasoulis Alexandros , Zakynthinos George E. , Sawafta Assaf , Iakovis Nikolaos , Afxonidis Georgios , Spiliopoulos Kyriakos , Triposkiadis Filippos , Athanasiou Thanos , Skoularigis John , Xanthopoulos Andrew
Published: December 2024

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and heart failure (HF) are interrelated conditions that exacerbate each other through mechanisms like fluid retention, neurohormonal activation, and inflammation. Red blood cell distribution width (RDW), a measure of red blood cell size variability, has emerged as a potential prognostic marker in HF. This study aimed to assess the prognostic value of RDW in HF patients, both with and without CKD, focusing on all-cause mortality and HF rehospitalizations. Methods: This observational retrospective study included 171 patients hospitalized for acute decompensated HF in a tertiary university hospital in Greece. Patients were divided into two groups based on their estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), as Group 1 (eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2) and Group 2 (eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2). RDW was measured upon admission, and outcomes of interest were all-cause mortality and HF rehospitalizations over a median follow-up period of 6.1 months. Statistical analyses included Kaplan–Meier survival curves, whereas the discrimination traits of RDW were evaluated by constructing receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and by calculating the area under the ROC curve (AUC). A p-value <0.05 was indicative of a statistically important result. Results: Patients in Group 1 (eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2) were older (80 (73–86) vs. 75 (62–83)) and manifested higher median RDW values (16.6 (15.0–18.8) vs. 15.6 (14.1–17.8)) and received less frequent (57.9% vs. 75%) mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) as compared to those in Group 2 (eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2). RDW demonstrated better prognostic value in predicting combined mortality and rehospitalization outcomes in Group 2 patients (area under the curve: 0.70; 95% CI (0.62–0.80)) compared to those in Group 1 (area under the curve: 0.53; 95% CI (0.35–0.72)). No statistically significant differences (p = 0.579) were observed in survival between patients with high (≥15%) and low (<15%) RDW values in the overall population, though trends favored worse outcomes with elevated RDW. Similarly, no significant differences (p = 0.374) were observed in survival between patients with high (Group 2) and low (Group 1) eGFR values. Conclusions: RDW appears to be a meaningful prognostic biomarker for HF patients, particularly in those without CKD. Further multicenter studies are needed to validate its clinical utility and potential for guiding treatment in this high-risk population.
Results of the Nerve Transfers and Secondary Procedures to Restore Shoulder and Elbow Function in Traumatic Upper Brachial Plexus Palsy
Authors: Czarnecki Piotr , Górecki Michał , Romanowski Leszek
Published: December 2024

Background: Damage to the upper trunk of the brachial plexus, often caused by high-energy trauma, leads to significant functional impairment of the upper limb. This injury primarily affects the C5 and C6 roots, resulting in paralysis of muscles critical for shoulder and elbow function. If spontaneous nerve regeneration does not occur within 3–6 months post-injury, surgical intervention, including nerve transfers, is recommended to restore function. Methods: This study evaluates long-term outcomes of nerve transfer surgeries performed between 2013 and 2023 on 16 adult patients with post-traumatic brachial plexus injuries. The most common cause of injury was motorcycle accidents. Nerve transfers targeted shoulder and elbow function restoration, including transfer of the accessory nerve to the suprascapular nerve, the radial nerve branch to the long or medial head of the triceps brachii to the axillary nerve, or the transfer of motor fascicles of the ulnar and median nerves (double Oberlin) to the brachialis and biceps brachii motor nerves. Results: Postoperative results showed varying degrees of functional recovery. In the shoulder, most patients achieved stabilization and partial restoration of active movement, with average flexion up to 92° and abduction up to 78°. In the elbow, full flexion with M4 strength was achieved in 64% of patients. In both the shoulder and the elbow, double nerve transfers yield better long-term outcomes than single transfers. Secondary procedures, such as tendon transfers, were required in some cases to improve limb strength. Conclusions: The study concludes that nerve transfers offer reliable outcomes in restoring upper limb function, although additional surgeries may be necessary in certain cases.
Association Between Higher Body Mass Index and the Risk of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis in Korean Populations: A Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Ryu Ji-Hyun , Han Kyungdo , Kim Ju-Yeong
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Despite the increasing prevalence of both spinal stenosis and obesity, their association remains controversial. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and the risk of lumbar spinal stenosis in the Korean population using nationwide data. Methods: We analyzed data from 2,161,684 adults aged ≥40 years who underwent health examinations in 2009 using the Korean National Health Insurance System database. Participants were categorized by BMI into five groups: underweight (<18.5), normal weight (18.5–22.9), overweight (23.0–24.9), obesity class I (25.0–29.9), and obesity class II and above (≥30). Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the association between BMI and lumbar spinal stenosis risk, adjusting for demographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, and comorbidities. Results: During the 10-year follow-up period, the incidence rate of lumbar spinal stenosis increased progressively with higher BMI categories, from 32.77 per 1000 person-years in the underweight group to 51.51 in the obesity class II and above group. In the fully adjusted model, compared to the normal weight group, the hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) were 0.801 (0.787–0.815) for underweight, 1.132 (1.126–1.139) for overweight, 1.245 (1.238–1.252) for obesity class I, and 1.348 (1.331–1.366) for obesity class II and above. The association was stronger in females and participants aged <65 years. Conclusions: A higher BMI was independently associated with an increased risk of lumbar spinal stenosis in the Korean population. This association remained robust after adjusting for various confounding factors, suggesting BMI as a significant risk factor for spinal stenosis.
A Breath of Trouble: Unraveling the Impact of Air Pollution on Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Kurasz Anna , Lip Gregory Y. H. , Dobrzycki Sławomir , Kuźma Łukasz
Published: December 2024

Air pollution is a pervasive global challenge with profound implications for public health. This review explores the intricate relationship between air pollution and atrial fibrillation (AF), a prevalent cardiac arrhythmia associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Drawing on a comprehensive analysis of the existing literature, this review synthesizes current evidence linking various air pollutants, including particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, and carbon monoxide, to the development and exacerbation of AF. The review delves into the role of air pollution as a global health issue alongside its specific sources, such as traffic-related emissions and industrial pollutants. It also examines the underlying mechanisms through which air pollution may contribute to the pathogenesis of AF, encompassing oxidative stress, inflammation, and autonomic nervous system dysregulation. In addition, it explores the impact of individual pollutants and the results of meta-analyses. It considers the results of vulnerable populations, including sex differences between the individuals and those with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions, who may be disproportionately affected. We also address critical research gaps in this area. Overall, air pollution has been increasingly recognized as a significant trigger for AF, with evidence linking exposure to particulate matter and gaseous pollutants to an increased incidence in short- as well as long-term exposure, highlighting the need for targeted public health interventions and further research to mitigate its cardiovascular impact.
“Comprehensive Analysis of Factors Influencing Recurrence and Survival in Glioblastoma: Implications for Treatment Strategies”: A Single Center Study
Authors: Bendari Ahmed , Sham Sunder , Hammoud Hamed , Vele Oana , Baskovich Brett , Huang David , Bendari Alaa , Saks Rachel , Al-Refai Reham , Bendari Tasneem , Kataw Layth , Kiran Fnu , Anjali Fnu , Kumar Sanjay Kirshan , Harshan Manju
Published: December 2024

Glioblastoma is a highly aggressive malignancy affecting the brain and central nervous system. It is the most common malignant primary brain tumor, yet its prognosis remains poor. Median survival typically ranges from around 13 months with standard treatment to up to 19.9 months in some recent clinical trials. Despite advances in treatment, the aggressive nature of glioblastoma continues to present significant challenges for improving patient outcomes. This study aimed to analyze various biological, radiological, and molecular factors associated with glioblastoma recurrence and to estimate survival outcomes. A total of 104 glioblastoma patients diagnosed between January 2017 and September 2022 were included. Patient demographics, treatment received, and molecular characteristics were obtained from the Electronic Patient Record (EPR). Tumor molecular characteristics were analyzed using the OnkoSight Advanced CNS NGS panel. Statistical analyses were performed to develop a prognostic model for glioblastoma recurrence and estimate survival rates. Among the patients, 65.4% had no recurrence, with a mean age of 63 years. No gender or BMI differences were observed, but ages <60 years were associated with recurrence. Radiological findings showed no significant differences in tumor size, necrosis, site, or focality. In multivariate analysis, the female gender, obesity, old age (>60 years), or bifocal tumors were associated with decreased glioblastoma recurrence. However, factors like tumor site, size, necrosis, MGMT promoter methylation, and EGFR alteration showed no significant association with recurrence. Median survival was 12 months, with older age significantly associated with shorter survival. Tumor sizes >4 cm showed shorter survival trends but not statistically significantly. Patients who lived longer experienced more tumor recurrence incidents. Standard or non-standard treatments were associated with longer median survival compared to no treatment. Our findings provide insights into factors influencing glioblastoma recurrence and survival. Age, gender, and tumor characteristics play pivotal roles in recurrence. Understanding these factors could aid in optimizing treatment strategies and improving patient outcomes. However, further multicentric investigations are needed to validate these findings. This study emphasizes the importance of considering biological and radiological factors in clinical decision-making for glioblastoma cases.
A Feature Extraction Method of Ship Underwater Noise Using Enhanced Peak Cross-Correlation Empirical Mode Decomposition Method and Multi-Scale Permutation Entropy
Authors: Liu Peng , Dai Chen , Li Shuaiqiang , Jin Hui , Liu Xinfu , Liu Guijie
Published: December 2024

A feature extraction method based on the combination of improved empirical modal decomposition (IEMD) and multi-scale permutation entropy (MPE) is proposed to address the problem of inaccurate recognition and classification of ship noise signals under complex environmental conditions. In order to eliminate the end effects, this paper proposes an extended model based on the principle of peak cross-correlation for improved empirical modal decomposition (EMD). In this paper, the IEMD method is used to decompose three ship underwater noise signals to extract the MPE features of the highest order intrinsic modal function (IMF) of energy. The results show that the IEMD-MPE method performs well in extracting the feature information of the signals and has a strong discriminative ability. Compared with the IEMD-aligned entropy (IEMD-PE) method, which describes the signals only at a single scale, the IEMD-MPE method achieves an improvement in the minimum difference distance ranging from 101.36% to 212.98%. In addition, two sets of highly similar ship propulsion noise signals were applied to validate the IEMD-MPE method, and the minimum differences of the experimental results were 0.0814 and 0.0057 entropy units, which verified the validity and generality of the method. This study provides theoretical support for the development of ship target recognition technology for propulsion.
Drag Reduction Through Air-Trapping Discrete Grooves in Underwater Applications
Authors: Nie You , Weng Ding , Wang Jiadao
Published: December 2024

Vehicles travelling underwater experience drag and the frictional drag costs 60% of the total energy consumption. Using trapped air serving as a lubricant is a promising way to reduce drag. The trapped air plays a significant role in drag reduction, and most failures in drag reduction are related to instability, escape, and dissolution of the trapped air. In this work, discrete grooves are employed to trap air and reduce drag. Through the analysis of the trapped air stability, the groove length and width are believed to be the main factors that influence the air escape and instability, and thus they are limited in this work to avoid these problems. The air dissolution is inevitable. The effective way to mitigate the air dissolution is to deepen the groove depth. The groove depth in this work varies from 0.5 mm to 4 mm. The numerical simulation is employed to analyze the flow field, reveal the drag reduction mechanism, and optimize the groove length. The experimental measurements are conducted to verify our design. The result confirms our design that the discrete grooves successfully avoid air escape and instability, mitigate air dissolution, and reduce drag. This work is meaningful for underwater vehicles to travel with low energy consumption and high speed.
Biodiversity of Herbivores Triggers Species Differentiation of Coprophilous Fungi: A Case Study of Snow Inkcap (Coprinopsis sect. Niveae)
Authors: Zhu Liyang , Bau Tolgor
Published: December 2024

Coprophilous species of Coprinopsis sect. Niveae, commonly known as “snow inkcap”, are widespread in pastoral areas; however, wide sampling approaches are needed to discover new taxa and to clarify the taxonomic status of the so-called “snow inkcap”. Nationwide field work was conducted in China with a detailed record collected of the distribution and the animal origin of the dung. A four-loci phylogenetic study of Coprinopsis sect. Niveae was conducted based on the internal transcribed spacer regions (ITS), the ribosomal large subunit (LSU), and translation elongation factor 1-α (tef1-α)], and the mitochondria small ribosomal RNA subunit (mtSSU). Fourteen phylogenetic species were assigned to this section, including six novel species, namely Coprinopsis furfuracea, C. iliensis, C. khorqinensis, C. sericivia, C. subigarashii, and C. tenuipes. Macro-, micro-, and ultramicro-morphological observations of species collected from China were also conducted and the detailed descriptions and illustrations of the novel species are provided. Our studies revealed that the different origin of herbivore dung, the distribution, the color and thickness of the pileus, the shape of stipes, the shape and size of basidiospores, and the presence or absence of pleurocystidia can be used as characteristics for distinguishing species in sect. Niveae. The key to species belonging to this section is also provided.
Toward Marker-Assisted Selection in Breeding for Fusarium Wilt Tropical Race-4 Type Resistant Bananas
Authors: Ferreira Claudia Fortes , Chen Andrew , Aitken Elizabeth A. B. , Swennen Rony , Uwimana Brigitte , Rocha Anelita de Jesus , Soares Julianna Matos da Silva , Ramos Andresa Priscila de Souza , Amorim Edson Perito
Published: December 2024

Fusarium wilt is a soil borne fungal disease that has devastated banana production in plantations around the world. Most Cavendish-type bananas are susceptible to strains of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc) belonging to the Subtropical Race 4 (STR4) and Tropical Race 4 (TR4). The wild banana diploid Musa acuminata ssp. malaccensis (AA, 2n = 22) carries resistance to Foc TR4. A previous study using segregating populations derived from M. acuminata ssp. malaccensis identified a quantitative trait locus (QTL) (12.9 cM) on the distal part of the long arm of chromosome 3, conferring resistance to both Foc TR4 and STR4. An SNP marker, based on the gene Macma4_03_g32560 of the reference genome ‘DH-Pahang’ v4, detected the segregation of resistance to Foc STR4 and TR4 at this locus. Using this marker, we assessed putative TR4 resistance sources in 123 accessions from the breeding program in Brazil, which houses one of the largest germplasm collections of Musa spp. in the world. The resistance marker allele was detected in a number of accessions, including improved diploids and commercial cultivars. Sequencing further confirmed the identity of the SNP at this locus. Results from the marker screening will assist in developing strategies for pre-breeding Foc TR4-resistant bananas. This study represents the first-ever report of marker-assisted screening in a comprehensive collection of banana accessions in South America. Accessions carrying the resistance marker allele will be validated in the field to confirm Foc TR4 resistance.
Intelligent IoT Platform for Agroecology: Testbed
Authors: Bouchemal Naila , Chollet Nicola , Ramdane-Cherif Amar
Published: December 2024

Smart farming is set to play a crucial role in the sustainable transformation of agriculture. The emergence of precision agriculture, facilitated by Internet of Things (IoT) platforms, makes effective communication among the various sensors and devices on farms essential. The development of smart sensors that utilize artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms for advanced edge computations only intensifies this need. Moreover, once data are collected, farmers frequently find it challenging to apply them effectively, especially in alignment with agroecological principles. In this context, this paper introduces an energy-efficient platform for embedded AI sensors that leverages the LoRaWAN network, along with a knowledge-based system to aid farmers in decision-making rooted in sensor data and agroecological practices. This paper focuses on the deployment of an end-to-end IoT platform that integrates a wireless sensor network (WSN), embedded AI, and a knowledge base.
Multiscale Effects of Xylella fastidiosa on Landscape Services
Authors: Valente Donatella , Lovello Erica Maria , Chirizzi Roberto , Petrosillo Irene
Published: December 2024

The spread of Xylella fastidiosa since 2013 in the Mediterranean olive groves of the Apulia region has modified the landscape. The aims of this research are focused on the analysis of its effects on the following: (1) Landscape multifunctionality supported by olive groves in terms of landscape service provision; (2) The functional relations among the main Mediterranean land covers in terms of landscape service supply and demand. (3) The landscape fragmentation at different spatial scales. The landscape has completely changed, mainly in those land covers that, in the past, acted as stabilizing factors (croplands and olive groves), which has been replaced by grasslands in 2021. The main effects of Xylella fastidiosa were on the multifunctionality of olive grove landscape in terms of food production, water regulation, carbon sequestration, and pollination, as well as on landscape cultural value. Ecosystem service supply is mainly related to olive groves, tree covers, shrublands, and wetlands. The province of Lecce showed the highest fragmentation, as demonstrated by the number of patches, the mean patch area, and the DIVISION metric, while the province of Brindisi was the least fragmented, with a DIVISION metric similar in 2011 and in 2021. The multiscale assessment of “olive groves” fragmentation has helped in better analyzing the effect of its spatial configuration on the provision of landscape services and in identifying the right spatial scale for each landscape service provision. It is essential to analyze landscape service flow to enlarge the understanding of the ways in which their supply is maintained through a landscape regeneration policy toward the socio-economic–ecological recovery.
Strategies for Enhancing Rural Vitality from the Perspective of Comprehensive Land Consolidation: Integrating Production, Living, Ecology, and Efficiency Enhancement
Authors: Yuan Man , Yang Jianxin , Gong Jian , Wang Yingge , Wang Lizhou , Sun Yajing
Published: December 2024

This study examines the relationship between the space vitality of rural production, living, and ecology (SVRPLE) and comprehensive land consolidation (CLC), establishing a theoretical foundation for improving SVRPLE in rural areas. Building on this theoretical framework, we employed double-constraint spatial clustering and the three-dimensional magic cube method to zone the study area at the village level, facilitating the determination of CLC objectives and scheduling. We then applied an obstacle diagnosis model to identify key challenges within each zone for enhancing rural space vitality. The results indicate the following: (1) Theoretical analysis reveals the mutually reinforcing relationship between CLC and rural vitality. Efficiency-driven CLC enhances the vitality of rural spaces by optimizing the synergistic interactions between production, living, and ecological spaces. Rural vitality is both the core objective of and the guiding principle for the implementation of CLC. (2) The case study validates the proposed framework—”Vitality Status Evaluation—Vitality Enhancement Zoning—Land Consolidation Guidelines”—as a feasible approach for CLC strategy development based on SVRPLE. The zoning outcomes accurately reflect the unique conditions of different rural villages within the study area, providing a scientific and logical methodology for constructing a context-specific CLC strategy. (3) The zoning results, which incorporate CLC objectives and scheduling, yield differentiated CLC sub-strategies aimed at enhancing SVRPLE, offering both theoretical and practical support for CLC implementation in China, particularly in the ecologically fragile Qinghai Plateau. Overall, our research deepens the understanding of rural vitality enhancement pathways, supplements existing studies on rural vitality, and provides practical guidance for CLC.
Commercial Use of Satellite Remote Sensing Data and Civil Liability
Authors: Kim Young-Ju
Published: December 2024

This paper explores the civil liability issues arising from the commercial use of satellite remote sensing data, a rapidly growing sector in the space industry. With the increasing reliance on satellite data for various applications, such as agriculture, disaster response, and climate monitoring, legal challenges have emerged, particularly concerning the accuracy and commercialization of satellite data. The study examines the concept and characteristics of satellite remote sensing, focusing on the legal relationships between data providers, users, and third parties. It analyzes the legal framework regulating this business across different jurisdictions, including the United States, Canada, Germany, France, and Japan. Key issues addressed include liability for inaccurate data, licensing agreements, and the rights and obligations of parties involved in satellite data transactions. Through this analysis, the paper offers legal and institutional recommendations to support the development and stability of the commercial satellite data industry, contributing to the establishment of a comprehensive legal framework for the space sector.
Do Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis Have an (In)Adequate Level of Physical Activity? A Latent Class Analysis Approach
Authors: Lukovic Sretko , Baralic Marko , Tomonjic Nina , Mihailovic Jovana , Neskovic Aleksandra , Sestakov Marina Vujovic , Pavlovic Ivana , Barac Branko , Zivanovic Radnic Tatjana , Ostojic Predrag
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Regular physical activity (PA) has a beneficial effect on joint pain, stiffness, strength, flexibility, and aerobic capacity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the level of PA in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and to identify potential barriers to this activity. Material and Methods: The study involved 132 patients with RA. Participants completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy—Fatigue Scale (FACIT-F), the Tampa Scale for kinesiophobia (TSK), Strength, Ambulation, Rising from a chair, Stair climbing and history of Falling questionnaire (SARC-F) for sarcopenia assessment, and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) for depression. Basic socio-epidemiological data, disease activity score in 28 joints (DAS28), duration of disease, and therapy information were retrieved from electronic patient records. Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to identify subpopulations of patients. Results: The study included 109 women (82.6%) and 23 men (17.4%). Low levels of PA were observed in 16 patients (12%), moderate levels in 70 patients (53%), and high levels in 42 patients (35%). Symptoms of pronounced fatigue were significantly associated with low PA (28.5 ± 11.3 vs. 37 ± 7 vs. 37 ± 10; p = 0.002). The risk of sarcopenia was significantly higher in RA patients with low PA (p = 0.05). Kinesiophobia was present in all three groups (65.2%). LCA identified two classes. In the first class, patients were more likely to be non-exercisers compared to the second class. Patients in the first class were characterized by a higher probability of being female, obese, with lower education levels. Patients in the first class had pronounced fatigue, kinesiophobia and more frequent symptoms of depression. The second class (65% of the total population) included patients who exercised moderately to frequently (93%) and were middle-aged. They were less obese, highly educated, employed, and majority of them achieved low disease activity or remission. In addition, they had lower risks for sarcopenia, depression, fatigue, and kinesiophobia. Conclusions: This study showed that RA patients with moderate and high levels of PA have better disease control, fewer symptoms of fatigue and depression, and a lower risk of sarcopenia. However, kinesiophobia was significantly present in all three groups, indicating a need for further promotion of this non-pharmacological treatment.
Exploring Pediatric Dermatology in Skin of Color: Focus on Dermoscopy
Authors: Karampinis Emmanouil , Toli Olga , Georgopoulou Konstantina-Eirini , Papadopoulou Maria-Myrto , Vardiampasi Anna , Zafiriou Efterpi , Lazaridou Elizabeth , Apalla Zoe , Lallas Aimilios , Behera Biswanath , Errichetti Enzo
Published: December 2024

This literature review aims to comprehensively evaluate the clinical and dermoscopic presentations of common pediatric diseases among children with skin of color (SoC) while also addressing potential variations based on racial backgrounds. This review encompasses various conditions, such as nevi subtypes, viral infections, infestations, and inflammatory dermatoses, as well as hair diseases and abnormal vascular formations, occurring in pediatric populations. Overall, we identified 7 studies on nevi subtypes, 24 studies on skin infections, 6 on inflammatory dermatoses, 10 on hair diseases and disorders, and 14 on miscellaneous disorders that also satisfied our SoC- and race-specific criteria. In case of no results, we assumed that dermoscopic findings are similar between SoC adults and children, confirming the hypothesis with our cases of dark-skinned Indian child patients. Inflammatory dermatoses such as psoriasis, eczema, and cutaneous mastocytosis, as well as skin infections like cutaneous leishmaniasis, appear with brownish backgrounds or exhibit dark structures more frequently than the respective dermoscopy images of Caucasian populations. Dermoscopy traits such as erythema in tinea capitis are uncommon or even absent on a dark-colored scalp, while a dark skin tone often obscures many characteristic features, such as dark and yellow dots in alopecia areata and even parts of an intradermal parasite in the case of scabies. Race-specific traits were also observed, such as corkscrew hair in tinea capitis, primarily seen in patients of African origin. Many dermoscopic images are consistent between SoC and non-SoC in various skin lesions, including vascular anomalies, juvenile xanthogranuloma, mastocytoma, and viral skin lesions like molluscum contagiosum, as well as in various hair disorders such as trichotillomania, while tinea capitis displays the most diverse reported dermoscopic features across SoC- and race-specific studies.
Electroacupuncture Mitigates TRPV1 Overexpression in the Central Nervous System Associated with Fibromyalgia in Mice
Authors: Anh Doan Thi Ngoc , Lin Yi-Wen
Published: December 2024

Background: Fibromyalgia (FM) is characterized by chronic pain, significantly affecting the quality of life and functional capabilities of patients. In addition to pain, patients may experience insomnia, chronic fatigue, depression, anxiety, and headaches, further complicating their overall well-being. The Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) receptor responds to various noxious stimuli and plays a key role in regulating pain sensitivity and inflammation. Thus, targeting TRPV1 may provide analgesic and anti-inflammatory benefits. This study investigates the efficacy of electroacupuncture (EA) in alleviating chronic pain in FM through TRPV1 and its downstream molecules in the central nervous system (CNS). Methods: To model FM, we subjected mice to intermittent cold stress (ICS) for three days. The study comprised five rodent groups: Control (CON), ICS, ICS + EA, ICS + Sham EA, and ICS + KO (TRPV1 knockout mice). Results: Our findings revealed that ICS induced allodynia and hyperalgesia in mice by day four, persisting until day 21. EA at 2 Hz and TRPV1 KO significantly decreased both mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity (Withdrawal—Day 14: 2.43 ± 0.19 g; Day 21: 5.88 ± 0.47 g, n = 6, p < 0.05; Latency—Day 14: 2.77 ± 0.22 s; Day 21: 5.85 ± 0.41 s, n = 6, p < 0.05). In contrast, sham EA did not produce significant effects. Additionally, TRPV1 and several pain-related proteins were significantly elevated in the thalamus, somatosensory cortex (SSC), medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), hippocampus, hypothalamus, cerebellum regions V (CB V), VI (CB VI) and VII (CB VII) after the ICS model. Both EA at the ST36 acupoint and TRPV1 KO mice showed diminished overexpression of pain-related proteins, with the sham EA group showing no significant changes compared to the ICS group. Conclusions: Chronic widespread pain was reduced by EA and TRPV1 KO, with the effects of EA on the TRPV1 pain pathway clearly evident in the CNS after 21 days.
Tribological Performance of Glycerol-Based Hydraulic Fluid Under Low-Temperature Conditions
Authors: Okhiria Paul , Björling Marcus , Johansson Pontus , Hasan Mushfiq , Larsson Roland , Shi Yijun
Published: December 2024

This study evaluated the tribological performance of a glycerol-based hydraulic fluid as a green alternative to conventional mineral-based hydraulic lubricants under low-temperature conditions, down to −20 °C. The performance of the glycerol hydraulic fluid (GHF) was compared against that of a mineral hydraulic fluid (MHF) using an SRV tribometer for steel-to-steel sliding contact under boundary lubrication conditions. Comparisons were also made at a moderate temperature to assess the fluids’ performance across different thermal conditions. The results show that the GHF demonstrated up to 55% lower friction coefficients under various test conditions than the MHF. With wear volumes up to 90% lower, the GHF produced thinner and less intense wear scars on the test discs compared to the deeper and more pronounced scars observed with the MHF. We conducted rheological tests which also revealed the green fluid’s stable viscosity transition with temperature changes and its Newtonian behaviour under the measured shear conditions, which may indicate its ability to maintain consistent lubrication.
Research on Natural Fiber Microstructure Detection Method Based on CA-DeepLabv3+
Authors: Lv Shuaishuai , Li Xiaoyuan , Takagi Hitoshi , Hou Zhengjie , Zhai Yifei , Chen Linfei , Ni Hongjun
Published: December 2024

Natural fibers exhibit noticeable variations in their cross-sections, and measurements assuming a circular cross-section can lead to errors in the values of their properties. Providing more accurate geometric information of fiber cross-sections is a key challenge. Based on microscopic images of natural fiber structures, this paper proposes a natural fiber microstructure detection method based on the CA-DeepLabv3+ network model. The study investigates a natural fiber microstructure image segmentation algorithm that uses MobileNetV2 as the feature extraction backbone network, optimizes the Atrous Spatial Pyramid Pooling (ASPP) module through cascading, and embeds an Efficient Multi-scale Attention (EMA) mechanism. The results show that the algorithm proposed in this paper can accurately segment the microstructures of multiple types of natural fibers, achieving an average pixel accuracy (mPA) of 95.2% and a mean Intersection over Union (mIoU) of 90.7%.
Evaluation of Shade Integration of a Novel Universal-Shade Flowable Bulk-Filling Resin Composite
Authors: Kaneko Hirofumi , Kawamoto Chiharu , Toida Yu , Yago Ryotaro , Wu Di , Yuan Yuan , Chen Fei , Yamauti Monica , Sano Hidehiko , Tomokiyo Atsushi
Published: December 2024

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the color-matching and light transmission properties of a newly developed aesthetic flowable resin composite, OCFB-001. Methods: Rubber molds containing cylindrical cavities were filled with Estelite Sigma Quick, and 40 resin composite (CR) molds with simulated Class I cavities were prepared in shades A1, A2, A3, and A4, resulting in a total of 160 samples. Following bonding procedures, four different flowable resin composites (n = 10) were introduced into the cavities. The color difference (ΔE00) was calculated using two methods. A two-way analysis of variance was performed, and the interaction was significant, so a post hoc analysis was performed for each shade using Bonferroni’s correction. The morphology of the filler in each material was observed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results: In the A1 shade, OCFB-001 demonstrated color differences comparable to those of other materials. However, in the A2, A3, and A4 shades, OCFB-001 exhibited significantly lower color differences (ΔE00) than the other materials, with a more consistent distribution. SEM analysis revealed that the OCFB-001 structure resembled that of Estelite Bulk Fill Flowable. Conclusions: OCFB-001 showed excellent shade matching in the A2, A3, and A4 ranges and good matching in the A1 shade, on par with existing universal-shade flowable bulk-fill resin composites.
The Intelligent Diagnosis of a Hydraulic Plunger Pump Based on the MIGLCC-DLSTM Method Using Sound Signals
Authors: Ma Liqiang , Jiang Anqi , Jiang Wanlu
Published: December 2024

To fully exploit the rich state and fault information embedded in the acoustic signals of a hydraulic plunger pump, this paper proposes an intelligent diagnostic method based on sound signal analysis. First, acoustic signals were collected under normal and various fault conditions. Then, four distinct acoustic features—Mel Frequency Cepstral Coefficients (MFCCs), Inverse Mel Frequency Cepstral Coefficients (IMFCCs), Gammatone Frequency Cepstral Coefficients (GFCCs), and Linear Prediction Cepstral Coefficients (LPCCs)—were extracted and integrated into a novel hybrid cepstral feature called MIGLCCs. This fusion enhances the model’s ability to distinguish both high- and low-frequency characteristics, resist noise interference, and capture resonance peaks, achieving a complementary advantage. Finally, the MIGLCC feature set was input into a double layer long short-term memory (DLSTM) network to enable intelligent recognition of the hydraulic plunger pump’s operational states. The results indicate that the MIGLCC-DLSTM method achieved a diagnostic accuracy of 99.41% under test conditions. Validation on the CWRU bearing dataset and operational data from a high-pressure servo motor in a turbine system yielded overall recognition accuracies of 99.64% and 98.07%, respectively, demonstrating the robustness and broad application potential of the MIGLCC-DLSTM method.
Correction: Zhao et al. A Closed-Form Inverse Kinematic Analytical Method for Seven-DOF Space Manipulator with Aspheric Wrist Structure. Machines 2024, 12, 632
Authors: Zhao Guojun , Tao Bo , Jiang Du , Yun Juntong , Fan Hanwen
Published: December 2024

Text Correction [...]
The Intelligent Monitoring Technology for Machining Thin-Walled Components: A Review
Authors: Liu Gaoqun , Wang Yufeng , Huang Binda , Ding Wenfeng
Published: December 2024

Thin-walled components are extensively utilized in the aviation, aerospace, shipping, and nuclear energy industries due to their advantages of being lightweight and easily integrated. With an increased design quality and complexity of structures, thin-walled components have rendered traditional offline machining state prediction techniques inadequate for meeting the rising demands for machining quality. In recent years, advancements in intelligent manufacturing have led to the emergence of intelligent monitoring technologies that offer new solutions for enhancing the machining quality. This review categorizes technologies into online signal collection, state recognition, and intelligent decision-making, based on the implementation processes of intelligent monitoring. It summarizes the roles and current development status of various technologies within intelligent monitoring and outlines the existing challenges associated with each technology. Finally, the review discusses the challenges and future development trends of intelligent monitoring technology.
Development of a Virtual Telehandler Model Using a Bond Graph
Authors: Puras Beatriz , Raush Gustavo , Freire Javier , Filippini Germán , Roquet Pedro , Tirado Manel , Casadesús Oriol , Codina Esteve
Published: December 2024

Recent technological advancements and evolving regulatory frameworks are catalysing the integration of renewable energy sources in construction equipment, with the objective of significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The electrification of non-road mobile machinery (NRMM), particularly self-propelled Rough-Terrain Variable Reach Trucks (RTVRT) equipped with telescopic booms, presents notable stability challenges. The transition from diesel to electric propulsion systems alters, among other factors, the centre of gravity and the inertial matrix, necessitating precise load capacity determinations through detailed load charts to ensure operational safety. This paper introduces a virtual model constructed through multiphysics modelling utilising the bond graph methodology, incorporating both scalar and vector bonds to facilitate detailed interconnections between mechanical and hydraulic domains. The model encompasses critical components, including the chassis, rear axle, telescopic boom, attachment fork, and wheels, each requiring a comprehensive three-dimensional treatment to accurately resolve spatial dynamics. An illustrative case study, supported by empirical data, demonstrates the model’s capabilities, particularly in calculating ground wheel reaction forces and analysing the hydraulic self-levelling behaviour of the attachment fork. Notably, discrepancies within a 10% range are deemed acceptable, reflecting the inherent variability of field operating conditions. Experimental analyses validate the BG-3D simulation model of the telehandler implemented in 20-SIM establishing it as an effective tool for estimating stability limits with satisfactory precision and for predicting dynamic behaviour across diverse operating conditions. Additionally, the paper discusses prospective enhancements to the model, such as the integration of the virtual vehicle model with a variable inclination platform in future research phases, aimed at evaluating both longitudinal and lateral stability in accordance with ISO 22915 standards, promoting operator safety.
Multi-Scale Geometric Feature Extraction and Global Transformer for Real-World Indoor Point Cloud Analysis
Authors: Chen Yisheng , Xiao Yu , Wu Hui , Chen Chongcheng , Lin Ding
Published: December 2024

Indoor point clouds often present significant challenges due to the complexity and variety of structures and high object similarity. The local geometric structure helps the model learn the shape features of objects at the detail level, while the global context provides overall scene semantics and spatial relationship information between objects. To address these challenges, we propose a novel network architecture, PointMSGT, which includes a multi-scale geometric feature extraction (MSGFE) module and a global Transformer (GT) module. The MSGFE module consists of a geometric feature extraction (GFE) module and a multi-scale attention (MSA) module. The GFE module reconstructs triangles through each point’s two neighbors and extracts detailed local geometric relationships by the triangle’s centroid, normal vector, and plane constant. The MSA module extracts features through multi-scale convolutions and adaptively aggregates features, focusing on both local geometric details and global semantic information at different scale levels, enhancing the understanding of complex scenes. The global Transformer employs a self-attention mechanism to capture long-range dependencies across the entire point cloud. The proposed method demonstrates competitive performance in real-world indoor scenarios, with a mIoU of 68.6% in semantic segmentation on S3DIS and OA of 86.4% in classification on ScanObjectNN.
Autonomous Truck Scheduling and Platooning Considering Cargo Consolidation
Authors: Ran Tanghong , Chai Zuoyu , Xu Min
Published: December 2024

Thanks to advancements in automated driving technology, autonomous trucks (ATs) can form platoons with minimal inter-vehicle distances on highways, significantly reducing air drag and fuel consumption for fleets. Given the dispersed distribution and small quantities of cargo, fleet operators should manage ATs to enable cargo consolidation during platooning. In this way, fleet operators can enhance operational efficiency and reduce fuel consumption. This study addresses the AT scheduling and platooning problem considering cargo consolidation. The problem is the scheduling of ATs to transport cargo while consolidating cargo and forming platoons between two terminals, all while minimizing operational costs. A mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model is formulated for the proposed problem. In addition, we conduct extensive numerical experiments to evaluate the proposed model. The results show that Gurobi can solve instances with different sizes to optimality or near-optimality. Impact analysis is also conducted to explore the influences of several factors, such as maximal platoon size and the load capacity of AT, on the system performance and to provide managerial insights.
Dynamic Decisions of Quality and Goodwill in a Two-Echelon Supply Chain with Delay Effect
Authors: Li Yu , Liu Linzhong , Li Wen
Published: December 2024

Improving product quality is an effective way for a company to gain goodwill as well as to increase sales. In this paper, the focus is on a two-echelon supply chain consisting of a manufacturer and a retailer. Considering the delayed effect of quality improvement on product quality, the differential equations on the levels of quality and goodwill as the state variables are established to explore the impact of delay time on members’ strategy inputs, supply chain profits and performance under decentralized and centralized decision models. Additionally, in this paper, how different profit maximization scenarios affect supply chain revenue under decentralized models is examined. The equilibrium solutions are obtained by numerical simulation. The results show that both quality improvement efforts and marketing efforts are decreasing functions of delay time, and the delay effect affects the motivation of supply chain members’ strategic inputs. Importantly, supply chain profit under centralized decision is not always higher than that under decentralized decision when the manufacturer’s concern degree and delay time are taken into account. The Rubinstein bargaining model is then used to optimize the profit distribution between the manufacturer and the retailer under centralized decision. In this paper, it is also identified that the longer the delay time, the lower the levels of quality and goodwill. The dual effect of delay effect and concern degree will exacerbate the negative impact on the levels of quality and goodwill.