bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Photodynamic therapy mediated by methylene blue-loaded PEG accelerates skin mouse wound healing: an immune response
Authors: Hamed Eman , Al Balah Osama Fekry Ahmed , Refaat Mohamed , Badr Abeer Mahmoud , Afifi Ahmed 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Conventional approaches for enhancing wound healing may not always yield satisfactory results. Instead, we test the effectiveness of a newly developed photodynamic therapy (PDT) that uses methylene blue (MB) loaded with polyethylene glycol (PEG) (MB-PEG) hydrogel to accelerate wound healing process in mice.

Methods
A dorsal skin incision with 6 mm punch which topically subjected to MB-PEG hydrogel and a low-level laser light of red light to assess the regeneration process of wounded skin. A total of 63 adult male CD1 mice divided into normal group (no treatment) and other wound groups received different treatments of laser (650 ± 5 nm and power intensity of 180 mW/cm2), MB-PEG, or PDT (MB-PEG followed by laser). The wound healing parameters were investigated by histological examination of the skin and measuring of proinflammatory cytokines at the early stage (48 h) and a late one on day 21. Results: at 48 h, the score of tissue granulation, inflammation, and angiogenesis process were markedly improved in wounded groups that received MB + PEG combined with laser compared to the group treated with laser alone. On day 21, a significant improvement of the inflammation was detected in the group treated with MB + PEG plus laser compared to the other groups. At 48 h, the upregulated serum levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1β in the wound group were significantly (P < 0.001) reduced in the group treated with MB + PEG combined with laser.

Conclusion
MB-PEG based hydrogel improves and accelerates wound closure in the context of laser compared to either single treatment.
Gustatory habituation to essential oil induces reduced feeding deterrence and neuronal desensitization in Spodoptera litura
Authors: Jeon Hyoeun , Tak Jun-Hyung 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe tobacco cutworm, Spodoptera litura, is one of the most important agricultural insect pests. Plant essential oils can be considered potential candidates for eco-friendly control agents, as they exhibit insecticidal and feeding deterrent activity. The present study investigated the antifeedant and insecticidal activity of 29 essential oils. Their potential for habituation and association with the gustatory sensilla were also examined. In no-choice tests and contact-fumigation bioassays on third instar larvae, clove bud, fennel sweet, and lemongrass oils exhibited notable activities. Still, no direct correlation between insecticidal activity and feeding deterrence was observed. Second instar larvae were pre-exposed to those active oils to test the habituation effect. Larvae reared with lemongrass and clove bud oils showed gustatory habituation, whereas those with fennel sweet oil did not show any desensitization compared to the control. Comparable outcomes were observed in individuals exposed to the main constituents of the three oils. Additionally, the mixture of fennel sweet and clove bud oils showed a synergistic feeding deterrent effect. However, although statistically insignificant, potential habituation for the mixture was observed, and only robust inhibition of habituation was expected at physiologically high concentrations (FDI90 + FDI90). Electrophysiological studies showed that the response of the maxillary palp to citral decreased in the experienced group, while to trans-anethole, it was maintained at levels similar to the naive group. The reduction in feeding deterrence corresponded to the repeated exposure and desensitization of the maxillary palp, varying with the types of essential oils.
Reliable multiplex semi-local random walk based on influential nodes to improve link prediction in complex networks
Authors: Li Shunlei , Tang Jing , Zhou Wen , Zhang Yin , Azam Muhammad Adeel , Mattos Leonardo S. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIn recent years, the exponential growth of online social networks as complex networks has presented challenges in expanding networks and forging new connections. Link prediction emerges as a crucial technique to anticipate future relationships among users, leveraging the current network state to address this challenge effectively. While link prediction models on monoplex networks have a well-established history, the exploration of similar tasks on multilayer networks has garnered considerable attention. Extracting topological and multimodal features for weighting links can improve link prediction in weighted complex networks. Meanwhile, establishing reliable and trustworthy paths between users is a useful way to create metrics that convert unweighted to weighted similarity. The local random walk is a widely used technique for predicting links in weighted monoplex networks. The aim of this paper is to develop a semi-local random walk over reliable paths to improve link prediction on a multilayer social network as a complex network, which is denoted as Reliable Multiplex semi-Local Random Walk (RMLRW). RMLRW leverages the semi-local random walk technique over reliable paths, integrating intra-layer and inter-layer information from multiplex features to conduct a trustworthy biased random walk for predicting new links within a target layer of multilayer networks. In order to make RMLRW scalable, we develop a semi-local random walk-based network embedding to represent the network in a lower-dimensional space while preserving its original characteristics. Extensive experimental studies on several real-world multilayer networks demonstrate the performance assurance of RMLRW compared to equivalent methods. Specifically, RMLRW improves the average f-measure of the link prediction by 3.2% and 2.5% compared to SEM-Path and MLRW, respectively.
High-Level Programming of FPGA-Accelerated Systems with Parallel Patterns
Authors: Birath Björn , Ernstsson August , Tinnerholm John , Kessler Christoph 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAs a result of frequency and power limitations, multi-core processors and accelerators are becoming more and more prevalent in today’s systems. To fully utilize such systems, heterogeneous parallel programming is needed, but this introduces new complexities to the development. High-level frameworks such as SkePU have been introduced to help alleviate these complexities. SkePU is a skeleton programming framework based on a set of programming constructs implementing computational parallel patterns, while presenting a sequential interface to the programmer. Using the various skeleton backends, SkePU programs can execute, without source code modification, on multiple types of hardware such as CPUs, GPUs, and clusters. This paper presents the design and implementation of a new backend for SkePU, adding support for FPGAs. We also evaluate the effect of FPGA-specific optimizations in the new backend and compare it with the existing GPU backend, where the actual devices used are of similar vintage and price point. For simple examples, we find that the FPGA-backend’s performance is similar to that of the existing backend for GPUs, while it falls behind in more complex tasks. Finally, some shortcomings in the backend are highlighted and discussed, along with potential solutions.
A Stereovision-based Approach for Retrieving Variable Force Feedback in Robotic-Assisted Surgery Using Modified Inception ResNet V2 Networks
Authors: Sabique P. V. , Pasupathy Ganesh , Kalaimagal S. , Shanmugasundar G. , Muneer V. K. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe surge of haptic technology has greatly impacted Robotic-assisted surgery in recent years due to its inspirational advancement in the field. Delivering tactile feedback to the surgeon has a significant role in improving the user experience in RAMIS. This work proposes a Modified inception ResNet network along with dimensionality reduction to regenerate the variable force produced during the surgical intervention. This work collects the relevant dataset from two ex vivo porcine skins and one ex vivo artificial skin for the validation of the results. The proposed framework is used to model both spatial and temporal data collected from the sensors, tissue, manipulators, and surgical tools. The evaluations are based on three distinct datasets with modest variations in tissue properties. The results of the proposed framework show an improvement of force prediction accuracy by 10.81% over RNN, 6.02% over RNN + LSTM, and 3.81% over the CNN + LSTM framework, and torque prediction accuracy by 12.41% over RNN, 5.75% over RNN + LSTM, and 3.75% over CNN + LSTM. The sensitivity study demonstrates that features such as torque (96.93%), deformation (94.02%), position (93.98%), vision (92.12%), stiffness (87.95%), tool diameter (89.24%), rotation (65.10%), and orientation (62.51%) have respective influences on the anticipated force. It was observed that the quality of the predicted force improved by 2.18% when performing feature selection and dimensionality reduction on features collected from tool, manipulator, tissue, and vision data and processing them simultaneously in all four architectures. The method has potential applications for online surgical tasks and surgeon training.
Update on X-ray Microcalorimeter Arrays Based on Thermal MKIDs (TKIDs)
Authors: Daal Miguel , Clay W. Hawkins , Mohammad Majid , Mazin Benjamin 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWe report progress on the development of x-ray microcalorimeter thermal kinetic inductance detector (TKID) arrays, where each TKID is an independent pixel. Our goal in developing this detector technology is to arrive at high quantum efficiency, high fill factor, large-format, moderate energy resolution x-ray detector array which can be readily scaled to tens of kilo-pixels, to be used as an x-ray imaging spectrograph for astronomy and metrology applications. We discuss the evolution of the design, how it has been driven by fabrication related constraints, and the resulting impacts on detector performance.
Electron–Phonon Coupling in Copper-Substituted Lead Phosphate Apatite
Authors: Tyner Alexander C. , Griffin Sinéad M. , Balatsky Alexander V. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractRecent reports of room-temperature, ambient pressure superconductivity in copper-substituted lead phosphate apatite, commonly referred to as LK99, have prompted numerous theoretical and experimental studies into its properties. As the electron–phonon interaction is a common mechanism for superconductivity, the electron–phonon coupling strength is an important quantity to compute for LK99. In this work, we compare the electron–phonon coupling strength among the proposed compositions of LK99. The results of our study are in alignment with the conclusion that LK99 is a candidate for low-temperature, not room-temperature, superconductivity if electron–phonon interaction is to serve as the mechanism.
Comparison Between a Single-Lead ECG Garment Device and a Holter Monitor: A Signal Quality Assessment
Authors: Neri Luca , Corazza Ivan , Oberdier Matt T. , Lago Jessica , Gallelli Ilaria , Cicero Arrigo F.G. , Diemberger Igor , Orro Alessandro , Beker Amir , Paolocci Nazareno , Halperin Henry R. , Borghi Claudio 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Wearable electronics are increasingly common and useful as health monitoring devices, many of which feature the ability to record a single-lead electrocardiogram (ECG). However, recording the ECG commonly requires the user to touch the device to complete the lead circuit, which prevents continuous data acquisition. An alternative approach to enable continuous monitoring without user initiation is to embed the leads in a garment. This study assessed ECG data obtained from the YouCare device (a novel sensorized garment) via comparison with a conventional Holter monitor. A cohort of thirty patients (age range: 20–82 years; 16 females and 14 males) were enrolled and monitored for twenty-four hours with both the YouCare device and a Holter monitor. ECG data from both devices were qualitatively assessed by a panel of three expert cardiologists and quantitatively analyzed using specialized software. Patients also responded to a survey about the comfort of the YouCare device as compared to the Holter monitor. The YouCare device was assessed to have 70% of its ECG signals as “Good”, 12% as “Acceptable”, and 18% as “Not Readable”. The R-wave, independently recorded by the YouCare device and Holter monitor, were synchronized within measurement error during 99.4% of cardiac cycles. In addition, patients found the YouCare device more comfortable than the Holter monitor (comfortable 22 vs. 5 and uncomfortable 1 vs. 18, respectively). Therefore, the quality of ECG data collected from the garment-based device was comparable to a Holter monitor when the signal was sufficiently acquired, and the garment was also comfortable.
Recognising and Responding to Suicide-Risk Factors in Primary Care: A Scoping Review
Authors: Saini Pooja , Hunt Anna , Blaney Peter , Murray Annie 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe cost of one suicide is estimated to be £1.67 million (2 million euros) to the UK economy. Most people who die by suicide have seen a primary care practitioner (PCP) in the year prior to death. PCPs could aim to intervene before suicidal behaviours arise by addressing suicide-risk factors noted in primary care consultations, thereby preventing suicide and promoting health and wellbeing. This study aimed to conduct a rapid, systematic scoping review to explore how PCPs can effectively recognise and respond to suicide-risk factors. MedLine, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases were searched for three key concepts: suicide prevention, mental health and primary care. Two reviewers screened titles, abstracts and full papers independently against the eligibility criteria. Data synthesis was achieved by extracting and analysing study characteristics and findings. Forty-two studies met the eligibility criteria and were cited in this scoping review. Studies were published between 1990 and 2020 and were of good methodological quality. Six themes regarding suicide risk assessment in primary care were identified: Primary care consultations prior to suicide; Reasons for non-disclosure of suicidal behaviour; Screening for suicide risk; Training for primary care staff; Use of language by primary care staff; and, Difference in referral pathways from general practitioners or primary care practitioners. This review focused on better recognition and response to specific suicide-risk factors more widely such as poor mental health, substance misuse and long-term physical health conditions. Primary care is well placed to address the range of suicide-risk factors including biological, physical-health, psychological and socio-economic factors and therefore these findings could inform the development of person-centred approaches to be used in primary care.
Evaluation of thermal storage system during freezing and loading nano-powders
Authors: Almohsen Bandar 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIn pursuit of advancing the efficiency of cold energy storage, a uniquely designed curved container has been employed, filled with a water-nanoparticle mixtureQ. The container is equipped with fins, strategically leveraging the enhanced conduction facilitated by the presence of nanoparticles. The simulation of the intricate unsteady phenomena in this study has been conducted using the finite element technique, providing a robust analytical framework. The incorporation of an adaptive grid ensures a refined resolution, particularly in the vicinity of the ice front region. The nanoparticle fraction (ϕ) emerges as a pivotal factor directly influencing the rate of solidifying. The dispersion of nano-powders leads to a noteworthy reduction in completion time, demonstrating a substantial 33.21% improvement. The diameter of the nano-powders (dp) introduces diverse effects on the solidification process, primarily due to its significant influence on the conductivity of the nanomaterial. An in-depth exploration of the impact of dp reveals compelling insights. As the dp increases from its smallest size to 40 nm, there is a commendable 15.12% reduction in the required freezing time. However, a subsequent increment in dp beyond this threshold results in a notable 36.56% increase in the freezing time. The findings presented here not only contribute to the fundamental understanding of freezing processes but also hold practical implications for the design and optimization of cold storage systems.
Intimate sounds of silence: its motives and consequences in romantic relationships
Authors: Weinstein Netta , Nguyen Thuy-vy , Adams Mark , Knee C. Raymond 
Published: May 2024

AbstractSilence shared between partners is a rich and understudied feature of romantic relationships. Within relationships, silence may be experienced in meaningfully different ways as a function of the motivations underlying it. These internally rich experiences may affect partners differently than silence that occurs spontaneously (i.e., without intentional initiation). In four studies, we tested the motives of silence and corresponding affect and relationship quality, operationalized through psychological need satisfactions and inclusion of other into self. Studies relied on complementary methods to explore the phenomenon of silence, namely cross-sectional, daily diary, and experimental designs. Findings across studies showed that intrinsically motivated silence was felt with more positive affect and less negative affect, and that relationships were closer and more need satisfying during intrinsically motivated moments of silence. Introjected and externally motivated silences, on the other hand, were often linked to more negative affect and lower relational outcomes. Spontaneous moments of silence were not consistently linked to affect or need satisfaction.
Pointed Lattice Subreducts of Varieties of Residuated Lattices
Authors: Přenosil Adam 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWe study the pointed lattice subreducts of varieties of residuated lattices (RLs) and commutative residuated lattices (CRLs), i.e. lattice subreducts expanded by the constant $$\textsf{1}$$
1
denoting the multiplicative unit. Given any positive universal class of pointed lattices $$\textsf{K}$$
K
satisfying a certain equation, we describe the pointed lattice subreducts of semi-$$\textsf{K}$$
K
and of pre-$$\textsf{K}$$
K
RLs and CRLs. The quasivariety of semi-prime-pointed lattices generated by pointed lattices with a join prime constant $$\textsf{1}$$
1
plays an important role here. In particular, the pointed lattice reducts of integral (semiconic) RLs and CRLs are precisely the integral (semiconic) semi-prime-pointed lattices. We also describe the pointed lattice subreducts of integral cancellative CRLs, proving in particular that every lattice is a subreduct of some integral cancellative CRL. This resolves an open problem about cancellative CRLs.
Probiotic Bacteria Survival and Shelf Life of High Fibre Plant Snack - Model Study
Authors: Kruk Marcin , Lalowski Piotr , Hoffmann Monika , Trząskowska Monika , Jaworska Danuta 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe study aimed to develop plant-based model snacks that are high in fibre, contain probiotic bacteria and are convenient for long-term storage. The research focused on selecting a suitable form of probiotic bacteria (active biomass, microencapsulated, freeze-dried), inoculation method (in the base mass or in the filling of a snack) and appropriate storage conditions (4°Cor 20 °C). The potential synbiotic properties were evaluated. The microencapsulated bacteria had the highest survival rate at 4 °C, while the freeze-dried bacteria showed better survival rates at 20 °C. Probiotics had a higher survival rate when enclosed inside snacks with a low water activity (aw = 0.27) peanut butter filling than in snacks without filling (aw = 0.53). Enclosing the probiotics in a low aw filling ensures their survival at ambient temperature for 5 months at a count higher than 6 log CFU/g. The snacks exhibited high antioxidant capacity (average 300 mg ascorbic acid equivalent/100 g), polyphenol content (average 357 mg gallic acid equivalent/100 g) and high fibre content (average 10.2 g/100 g). The sensory analysis showed a high overall quality of the snacks (average 7.1/10 of the conventional units). Furthermore, after six months of storage, significant changes were observed in the antioxidant properties, polyphenol content and texture of the snacks, while their sensory quality remained unchanged. Moreover, a potential synbiotic effect was observed. The method used to assess bacterial growth indicated significantly higher values in the model snacks compared to a control sample. Therefore, this study has effectively addressed the gap in knowledge regarding the survival of probiotics in snacks of this nature.
A novel target item-based similarity function in privacy-preserving collaborative filtering
Authors: Yalcin Emre , Bilge Alper 
Published: May 2024

AbstractMemory-based collaborative filtering schemes are among the most effective recommendation technologies in terms of prediction quality, despite commonly facing issues related to accuracy, scalability, and privacy. A prominent approach suggests an intuitively reasonable modification to the similarity function, which has been proven to provide more accurate recommendations than those generated by state-of-the-art memory-based collaborative filtering methods. However, this scheme exacerbates the scalability problem due to additional computational costs and fails to protect individual privacy. In this study, we recommend using a preprocessing method to eliminate relatively dissimilar items from the prediction estimation process, thereby enhancing the scalability of the proposed approach. We explore how to provide recommendations based on the previously proposed similarity function while preserving privacy and propose privacy-preserving schemes to accomplish this task. Additionally, we apply our preprocessing approach to our proposed privacy-preserving schemes to improve both scalability and accuracy. After analyzing our schemes with respect to privacy and additional costs, we conduct experiments with real data to examine the impact of our schemes on scalability and accuracy. The empirical outcomes indicate that our preprocessing scheme significantly alleviates scalability issues in both conventional and privacy-preserving environments and enhances accuracy within privacy-preserving frameworks.
Recovering the Memories of the Capdella Cardboard Hospital Through Community Archaeology
Authors: Pastor Pérez Ana , Remacha Acebrón Sígrid 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis study reveals the early results of diverse community archaeology activities taking place in a contemporary archaeological site, a cardboard hospital built in 1912 in the Vall Fosca (Catalan Pyrenees). This isolated valley, formerly used to breed cattle, had three hydroelectric power facilities erected in the twentieth century. In 2019, the Torre Capdella Town Council and the National Museum of Science and Technology of Catalonia initiated a project involving local communities. The main scope of this work is to comprehend the materiality of the working class and to provide new narratives about the people who built them and subsequently occupied part of the valley.