Browse Articles

JcvPCA and JsvCRP: A set of metrics to evaluate changes in joint coordination strategies

Characterizing changes in inter-joint coordination presents significant challenges, as it necessitates the examination of relationships between multiple degrees of freedom during movements and their temporal evolution. Existing metrics are inadequate in providing physiologically coherent results that document both the temporal and spatial aspects of inter-joint coordination. In this article, we introduce two novel metrics to enhance the analysis of inter-joint coordination. The first metric, Joint Contribution Variation based on Principal Component Analysis (JcvPCA), evaluates the variation in each joint’s contribution during series of movements. The second metric, Joint Synchronization Variation based on Continuous Relative Phase (JsvCRP), measures the variation in temporal synchronization among joints between two movement datasets. We begin by presenting each metric and explaining their derivation. We then demonstrate the application of these metrics using simulated and experimental datasets involving identical movement tasks performed with distinct coordination strategies. The results show that these metrics can successfully differentiate between unique coordination strategies, providing meaningful insights into joint collaboration during movement. These metrics hold significant potential for fields such as ergonomics and clinical rehabilitation, where a precise understanding of the evolution of inter-joint coordination strategies is crucial. Potential applications include evaluating the effects of upper limb exoskeletons in industrial settings or monitoring the progress of patients undergoing neurological rehabilitation.

Linear model based on neighborhood ABS index for graph energy in benzenoid hydrocarbons and maximum index cactus graphs

Anatomical factors associated with the lingual fracture pattern in sagittal split ramus osteotomy: A case-control study

Unfavorable fractures are among the most challenging complications in sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO), potentially increasing surgical morbidity and compromising postoperative outcomes. The preoperative identification of anatomical risk factors through imaging can enhance surgical planning and prevent such events. This study aims to investigate the anatomical factors associated with lingual fracture patterns in SSRO using multislice computed tomography. This retrospective case-control study included 180 mandibular rami from patients who underwent SSRO at a Clinical Research Center for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Fractures were classified according to Plooij (2009), with Types 3 and 4 grouped as cases and Types 1 and 2 as controls. Linear measurements of mandibular ramus thickness, the distance between the mandibular canal and the buccal cortical bone, as well as parameters related to the mandibular lingula were analyzed. The case group showed significantly thinner mandibular bone (p < 0.001) and a shorter canal-cortical distance (p = 0.013), suggesting a direct association between these anatomical variables and unfavorable fracture patterns. Bonferroni post hoc analysis revealed no significant difference between fracture patterns Type 3 and Type 4 (p = 1.000), supporting their grouping in a single analytical category. The presence of third molars was not significantly associated with fracture patterns (p > 0.05). These results underscore the importance of anatomical parameters in predicting the risk of unfavorable fractures. Specifically, reduced bone thickness and proximity of the mandibular canal play a crucial role in the occurrence of unfavorable SSRO fractures. Preoperative evaluation using computed tomography is essential to optimize surgical planning and minimize complications. However, given the limitations of retrospective designs potential biases are acknowledged, and further prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings and improve risk assessment in SSRO.

Wind speed and power forecasting using Bayesian optimized machine learning models in Gabal Al-Zayt, Egypt

Abstract Accurate wind speed and power forecasts are essential for applications involving renewable wind energy. Ten machine learning techniques, including single and ensemble models, are compared, and evaluated in this study over a range of time scales. The outcomes of the wind speed prediction (WSP) model are used as inputs for the wind power prediction (WPP) model in a wind speed and power integration prediction system. The accuracy of various machine learning models is compared using several evaluation metrics, such as Pearson’s correlation coefficient (R), explained variance (EV), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), mean square error (MSE), and concordance correlation coefficient (CCC). For WSP, the light gradient boosting machine (LGBM), extreme gradient boosting, and bagged decision tree (BDT) algorithms accurately predict wind speed across different time scales, with MAPE, MSE, EV, R, and CCC values ranging from 2.641 to 12.274%, 0.044 to 0.953, 0.888 to 0.994, 0.943 to 0.997, and 0.939 to 0.997, respectively. For WPP, the LGBM and BDT algorithms demonstrate strong predictive performance across different time scales, with MAPE, MSE, EV, R, and CCC values ranging from 0.277 to 186.710%, 0.927 to 9444.576, 0.970 to 1.000, 0.985 to 1.000, and 0.985 to 1.000, respectively.

Evaluating the illumination performance of LED fishing lamps with different configurations in Pacific saury fishery

The configurations of artificial light on fishing vessels are important factors that affect underwater lighting characteristics, fish behavior, and catch efficiency in light fishery. A validated illumination model was used to investigate the illumination performances among three different shapes and mounting modes of commercial light-emitting diode (LED) fishing devices installed at angles of 45°, 60°, and 75°, respectively. The results showed that the illumination distributions of all these differently shaped or mounted LED modules exhibited a series of concentric iso-illuminance curves, but significant differences were found in the detailed lighting performances of the modules with different allocations. With increasing angle, the illuminance differences among the three types of LED modules decreased, and the deviations in the illumination distributions at different angles were mainly concentrated around the light source. Notably, at the same angle, the maximum illuminance value of a rectangular vertically mounted lamp (RVL) was always higher than those of the other two kinds of modules. The findings indicated that the LED fishing lamps manufactured into rectangular shape and mounted vertically at installation angles of 60° to 75° had superior effects in attracting saury.

Effectiveness of video assisted teaching program for caregivers on gross motor outcome among children with cerebral palsy undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy: A quasi-experimental study

Abstract Caregivers play a crucial role in the care of children with cerebral palsy, and their practices greatly influence the development of gross motor skills. A quasi-experimental research design was utilized in the study. This study was conducted in the Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Unit at Nasser Institute for Research and Treatment in Cairo Governorate, Egypt. A purposive sample of 76 caregivers and their children with cerebral palsy (age 3–12 years, gross motor level I–III) were assigned to study and control groups. The study group underwent hyperbaric oxygen therapy treatment and received video assisted teaching program for about eight months. Tool I: An interviewing questionnaire comprised of two parts: caregivers- sociodemographic characteristics and children’s personal characteristics and medical history. Tool II: Caregiver Priorities & Child Health Index of Life with Disability to evaluate caregivers practices. Tool III: The Gross Motor Function Measure-88 is used to evaluate changes in the gross motor functions of children with cerebral palsy. The findings revealed that 71.1% and 65.8% of the study and control groups of caregivers were mothers with mean ages of 33.03 ± 4.750 and 32.42 ± 5.006 years, respectively. Before the implementation of the video-assisted teaching program, 34.2% of the children in both the study and control groups exhibited a total gross motor level I. After the program, this percentage increased to 84.2%. The analysis indicated a highly significant positive correlation between the total practices of the studied caregivers and the gross motor skills of their children with cerebral palsy following the implementation of the program. The video-assisted teaching program significantly enhanced the studied caregivers practices regarding care of their children with cerebral palsy, which positively affected gross motor skills among children with cerebral palsy of studied caregivers.

Acceptability and implementation potential of a health literacy intervention to increase colorectal cancer screening in deprived areas: A qualitative study of patients and general practitioners participating in a cluster randomized controlled trial

Background Colorectal cancer (CCR) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Early detection remains a highly effective strategy for curing this disease. In France, despite a free organised screening programme for people aged between 50 and 74, participation rates remain suboptimal. Socioeconomic position and health literacy levels exacerbate the situation, with the lowest screening rates observed in the most socially disadvantaged areas. This study assessed patients’ and General Practitioners’ (GP) views on the acceptability of an intervention to increase screening uptake using a simple brochure and video on the importance and process of CCR screening. Method We conducted a cross-sectional qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with patients (n = 24) and GPs (n = 22) who used or participated in the DECODE project intervention. The interviews were conducted by telephone or videoconference and analysed thematically using Nvivo software and dual independent coding. Results 95% of GPs expressed a clear preference for the video over the brochure. Patients had varied results with 50% preferring the video, as it demonstrated how to do the test, versus the brochure. The humorous and de-dramatising aspects of the video were the two key factors highlighted by interviewees. However, support from healthcare staff (GPs, nurses, etc.) is still essential, in supporting patients in prevention. This presents a challenge for GPs, who are frequently constrained by time limitations during consultations. Conclusion Our findings emphasize the need to tailor promotional materials for both patients and healthcare professionals to improve CCR screening uptake, balancing digital efficiency with maintaining core human relationships in healthcare. Such intervention can be integrated into different workflows. The addition of video into national CRC screening programs might also help. Targeting CRC screening interventions at provider-patient interactions, ensuring they are tailored, accessible, and engaging, is key to reducing disparities.

Machine learning based optimization of titanium electropolishing using artificial neural networks and Taguchi design in eco-friendly electrolytes

Biophysical characterization and solution structure of the cannulae-forming protein CanA from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrodictium abyssi

Abstract CanA from Pyrodictium abyssi , the main constituent of the extracellular protein network of this archaeon, forms a hollow-fiber network in the presence of divalent ions. The polymerization of CanA induced by divalent ions is characterized by (at least) two processes with rate constants of 0.19 and 0.03 ms -1 at 298 K with a critical monomer concentration of 2.48 µM. A non-polymerizing mutant, K 1 -CanA, was created, and the NMR solution structure could be determined by multidimensional NMR spectroscopy. It mainly consists of β-pleated sheets and 2 small α-helices, arranged as β 1 β 2 β 3 β 4 α 1 β 5 β 6 α 2 β 7 β 8 β 9 β 10 β 11 β 12 β 13 . Of the 13 β-strands, 8 form a non-canonical jellyroll class I fold. Several interaction sites for divalent ions could be identified by [ 1 H, 15 N]-SOFAST-HMQC spectroscopy in two main surface areas called BA1 and BA2, located at both ends of the jellyroll. The binding of divalent ions to the monomer induces significant local structural changes in these areas. In general, the affinities for Mg 2+ -ions to the sites in BA1 are smaller than those for Ca 2+ -ions. In contrast, in binding area BA2, Mg 2+ - and Ca 2+ -affinities are similar. The data suggest a conformational selection mechanism induced by ion binding as a first step in the polymerization process of CanA.

Roles of elements V and N in tetragonally distorted Fe-Co-V-N films

Abstract Tetragonally distorted Fe-Co-V-N with a body-centred tetragonal (bct) structure has a high saturation magnetisation and a high magnetocrystalline anisotropy of ~ 1 MJ/m3 and is expected to be a new hard magnetic material. The effectiveness of the combined addition of the elements V and N for bct formation has been reported, but the mechanism remains unclear. In this study, the amounts of V and N in FeCo were varied systematically, and the optimal amounts were found to be approximately 20 at% V and 6 at% N. This optimal composition was also effective for the bct transformation, even in a 100-nm-thick film. The role of V in the bct transformation is assumed to be to lower the energy needed to change the lattice constant of FeCo and attract N. The role of N is also considered to extend the c-axis of the Fe-Co-V lattice, causing a bct transformation.

Phage-mediated TLR2 signaling attenuates intracellular Mycobacterium abscessus survival in macrophages

YOLO-LeafNet: a robust deep learning framework for multispecies plant disease detection with data augmentation

High-Resolution prediction of soil pH in European temperate forests using Sentinel-2 and ancillary environmental data

Utilizing native nanodiscs to isolate active TRPC3 channels and expand structural analysis capabilities

Abstract Recent advances in structural biology have provided insights into TRPC3, a TRP family member involved in various (patho)physiological processes. However, the lack of structural information on the channel’s open pore hampers understanding of its function and therapeutic potential. Cryogenic electron microscopy holds promise for elucidating TRPC3’s open-pore conformation, but challenges remain in isolating it without compromising function. Our study evaluated novel extraction agents in comparison to conventional detergents for isolating functional TRPC3 complexes from HEK293, Komagataella phaffii, and Expi293F cells, identifying Expi293F as optimal for TRPC3 expression. Among the extraction agents screened, dodecyl diglucoside (DDDG) and n-dodecyl-β-D-maltoside (DDM) were the most effective for extracting TRPC3. We successfully purified TRPC3 under native conditions, preserving its tetrameric structure and activity, as confirmed by electron microscopy, mass spectrometry and patch-clamp analysis. This study highlights the importance of extraction agents in advancing TRPC3 research and therapeutic development.

A real-world pharmacovigilance study of Certolizumab pegol based on FAERS database

Effects of early-age feed restriction and thermal conditioning on the physiological and performance responses of broiler chickens under heat stress

Transmission electron microscopy ultrastructural characteristics of the distal middle cerebral artery in moyamoya disease

Pull motivation and well-being as drivers of entrepreneurial success: The moderating role of social capital

This study examines the interplay between entrepreneurial motivation, mental well-being (MWB), and business performance, with a focus on the moderating role of bridging social capital among female entrepreneurs in China. Drawing on Conservation of Resources (COR) and Social Capital theories, the research highlights the critical role of pull motivation in fostering MWB, which subsequently enhances business performance. The findings, based on moderated mediation analysis, reveal that MWB mediates the relationship between pull motivation and business performance, and this mediation effect is amplified in contexts with higher levels of bridging social capital. The study makes several contributions. Theoretically, it extends COR theory by illustrating how resource gain spirals initiated by intrinsic motivation led to psychological and business success. It also enriches Social Capital theory by demonstrating how expansive social networks facilitate entrepreneurial outcomes. Practically, the findings underscore the importance of fostering intrinsic motivation and building diverse social networks to support female entrepreneurs. The results hold implications for policymakers and practitioners aiming to enhance women’s entrepreneurial well-being and performance, particularly in socio-cultural contexts that impose unique challenges. Despite its contributions, the study has limitations. The cross-sectional design restricts causal inference, and the findings are contextualized within the Chinese entrepreneurial ecosystem, which may limit generalizability. Future research should explore longitudinal designs and expand the scope to other cultural and economic settings. By addressing these areas, scholars can further unravel the complex dynamics of motivation, well-being, and social capital in entrepreneurship.

What we can and cannot see from the surveillance for drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa—Findings from the evaluation of a surveillance system for multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa infections in Japan

Introduction Antimicrobial resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the global health concerns. Like many countries, Japan monitors multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa (MDRP) infections through a national sentinel surveillance system, which has shown a recent decline in MDRP reports. We evaluated this surveillance system to verify the validity of this trend and explore future directions. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional mixed-method study based mainly on the guidelines published by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2001. As a quantitative method, we analyzed characteristics of reports on MDRP infections from designated sentinel sites (DSSs) between 2013–2022. A questionnaire was sent to identifiable DSSs (target DSSs) requesting data on accurate numbers of MDRP infections between 2018–2022 to assess attributes such as geographical representativeness. Additionally, we conducted as a qualitative method face-to-face, semi-structured key informant interviews with surveillance system stakeholders to assess its usefulness and challenges. Results From 2013 to 2022, 1,666 cases of MDRP infections were reported by 463 target DSSs, which were scattered across the county. We obtained valid responses to the questionnaire survey from 231 target DSSs (49.9%). From 2018 to 2022, these sites reported 277 cases as MDRP infections, while 184 cases were accurate cases of MDRP infection, with both numbers declining over time. False reporting and underreporting of MDRP infections were common, resulting in a positive predictive value of 0.45 and a sensitivity of 0.65 for the reports of MDRP infections to the surveillance system. The interviews highlighted the difficulties in timely detection, accurate reporting, and international data comparison. Conclusion Our evaluation indicated that the current sentinel surveillance system for MDRP infections partially captured the true decreasing trend in Japan. However, as the epidemiology of drug-resistant P. aeruginosa is changing, national policy and surveillance strategies would need to address changing public health needs.

Pyrogeographic zonation: Implications for fire management at the local level

Fire management needs to consider the concept of pyrogeography, which highlights the coincidence of different human and natural factors that result in the fire incidence patterns found in a landscape. Recently, several studies have taken this concept further to define regions at the continental, macro-regional or national levels. However, our understanding of this concept is limited at the landscape scale. The present paper aims to adapt this approach at the local level via the hierarchical clustering of fire-related data applied to the La Sepultura biosphere reserve, the protected area with the highest wildfire incidence in Southern Mexico. The resulting clusters were not wholly contiguous yet show a specific spatial distribution. The paper relates these clusters to the spatial configuration of fire management activities in the area. It discusses the usefulness of pyrogeographic zones regarding the strategic planning of fire management activities.