Showing papers by "University of Maribor published in 2019"
University of California, Santa Barbara1, University of Texas at Austin2, University of Wrocław3, Dresden University of Technology4, University of Tartu5, Gulu University6, Middle East University7, Stockholm University8, University of the Punjab9, University of Nigeria, Nsukka10, Istanbul University11, Franklin & Marshall College12, Norwegian University of Science and Technology13, University of Algiers14, Australian National University15, Russian State University for the Humanities16, Russian Academy of Sciences17, İzmir University of Economics18, University of Social Sciences and Humanities19, Université catholique de Louvain20, Ankara University21, Pontifical Catholic University of Peru22, Cumhuriyet University23, University of the Republic24, ISCTE – University Institute of Lisbon25, The Chinese University of Hong Kong26, National Autonomous University of Mexico27, University of Pécs28, University of Constantine the Philosopher29, University of Maribor30, University of Zagreb31, University of Malaya32, Central University of Finance and Economics33, University of Crete34, University of Primorska35, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology36, University of Amsterdam37, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart38, VU University Amsterdam39, University of Granada40, University of Delhi41, University of Havana42, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro43, University of Vienna44, Universiti Utara Malaysia45, Vilnius University46, University of British Columbia47, University of Sussex48, Romanian Academy49, Slovak Academy of Sciences50, Comenius University in Bratislava51, University of Monterrey52, SAS Institute53, DHA Suffa University54, Pontifical Catholic University of Chile55, South-West University "Neofit Rilski"56, University of São Paulo57, Kyung Hee University58, University of Ljubljana59
TL;DR: This work combines this large cross-cultural sample with agent-based models to compare eight hypothesized models of human mating markets and finds that this cross-culturally universal pattern of mate choice is most consistent with a Euclidean model of mate preference integration.
Abstract: Humans express a wide array of ideal mate preferences. Around the world, people desire romantic partners who are intelligent, healthy, kind, physically attractive, wealthy, and more. In order for these ideal preferences to guide the choice of actual romantic partners, human mating psychology must possess a means to integrate information across these many preference dimensions into summaries of the overall mate value of their potential mates. Here we explore the computational design of this mate preference integration process using a large sample of n = 14,487 people from 45 countries around the world. We combine this large cross-cultural sample with agent-based models to compare eight hypothesized models of human mating markets. Across cultures, people higher in mate value appear to experience greater power of choice on the mating market in that they set higher ideal standards, better fulfill their preferences in choice, and pair with higher mate value partners. Furthermore, we find that this cross-culturally universal pattern of mate choice is most consistent with a Euclidean model of mate preference integration.
1,827 citations
TL;DR: Chimera states have attracted ample attention of researchers that work at the interface of physics and life sciences as discussed by the authors, focusing on the relevance of different synaptic connections, and on the effects of different network structures and coupling setups.
291 citations
TL;DR: The Belle II detector as mentioned in this paper is a state-of-the-art detector for heavy flavor physics, quarkonium and exotic states, searches for dark sectors, and many other areas.
Abstract: The Belle II detector will provide a major step forward in precision heavy flavor physics, quarkonium and exotic states, searches for dark sectors, and many other areas. The sensitivity to a large number of key observables can be improved by about an order of magnitude compared to the current measurements, and up to two orders in very clean search measurements. This increase in statistical precision arises not only due to the increased luminosity, but also from improved detector efficiency and precision for many channels. Many of the most interesting observables tend to have very small theoretical uncertainties that will therefore not limit the physics reach. This book has presented many new ideas for measurements, both to elucidate the nature of current anomalies seen in flavor, and to search for new phenomena in a plethora of observables that will become accessible with the Belle II dataset. The simulation used for the studiesinthis book was state ofthe artat the time, though weare learning a lot more about the experiment during the commissioning period. The detector is in operation, and working spectacularly well.
247 citations
TL;DR: The presented review summarizes the microbial aspects of BC production (bacterial strains, carbon sources and media) and versatile in situ and ex situ methods applied in BC modification, especially towards bionic design for applications in regenerative medicine.
Abstract: Bacterial cellulose (BC) is ultrafine, nanofibrillar material with an exclusive combination of properties such as high crystallinity (84%–89%) and polymerization degree, high surface area (high aspect ratio of fibers with diameter 20–100 nm), high flexibility and tensile strength (Young modulus of 15–18 GPa), high water-holding capacity (over 100 times of its own weight), etc. Due to high purity, i.e., absence of lignin and hemicellulose, BC is considered as a non-cytotoxic, non-genotoxic and highly biocompatible material, attracting interest in diverse areas with hallmarks in medicine. The presented review summarizes the microbial aspects of BC production (bacterial strains, carbon sources and media) and versatile in situ and ex situ methods applied in BC modification, especially towards bionic design for applications in regenerative medicine, from wound healing and artificial skin, blood vessels, coverings in nerve surgery, dura mater prosthesis, arterial stent coating, cartilage and bone repair implants, etc. The paper concludes with challenges and perspectives in light of further translation in highly valuable medical products.
226 citations
TL;DR: Chitosan is presented as an ideal biomaterial for antimicrobial wound dressings that can either be fabricated alone in its native form or upgraded and incorporated with antibiotics, metallic antimicrobial particles, natural compounds and extracts in order to increase the antimicrobial effect.
Abstract: Chitosan-based nanomaterials have attracted significant attention in the biomedical field because of their unique biodegradable, biocompatible, non-toxic, and antimicrobial nature. Multiple perspectives of the proposed antibacterial effect and mode of action of chitosan-based nanomaterials are reviewed. Chitosan is presented as an ideal biomaterial for antimicrobial wound dressings that can either be fabricated alone in its native form or upgraded and incorporated with antibiotics, metallic antimicrobial particles, natural compounds and extracts in order to increase the antimicrobial effect. Since chitosan and its derivatives can enhance drug permeability across the blood-brain barrier, they can be also used as effective brain drug delivery carriers. Some of the recent chitosan formulations for brain uptake of various drugs are presented. The use of chitosan and its derivatives in other biomedical applications is also briefly discussed.
202 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated the behavior of relatively large populations of motor neurons during rapid (explosive) contractions in humans, applying a new approach to accurately identify motor neuron activity simultaneous to measuring the rate of force development.
Abstract: KEY POINTS We propose and validate a method for accurately identifying the activity of populations of motor neurons during contractions at maximal rate of force development in humans. The behaviour of the motor neuron pool during rapid voluntary contractions in humans is presented. We show with this approach that the motor neuron recruitment speed and maximal motor unit discharge rate largely explains the individual ability in generating rapid force contractions. The results also indicate that the synaptic inputs received by the motor neurons before force is generated dictate human potential to generate force rapidly. This is the first characterization of the discharge behaviour of a representative sample of human motor neurons during rapid contractions. ABSTRACT During rapid contractions, motor neurons are recruited in a short burst and begin to discharge at high frequencies (up to >200 Hz). In the present study, we investigated the behaviour of relatively large populations of motor neurons during rapid (explosive) contractions in humans, applying a new approach to accurately identify motor neuron activity simultaneous to measuring the rate of force development. The activity of spinal motor neurons was assessed by high-density electromyographic decomposition from the tibialis anterior muscle of 20 men during isometric explosive contractions. The speed of motor neuron recruitment and the instantaneous motor unit discharge rate were analysed as a function of the impulse (the time-force integral) and the maximal rate of force development. The peak of motor unit discharge rate occurred before force generation and discharge rates decreased thereafter. The maximal motor unit discharge rate was associated with the explosive force variables, at the whole population level (r2 = 0.71 ± 0.12; P < 0.001). Moreover, the peak motor unit discharge and maximal rate of force variables were correlated with an estimate of the supraspinal drive, which was measured as the speed of motor unit recruitment before the generation of afferent feedback (P < 0.05). We show for the first time the full association between the effective neural drive to the muscle and human maximal rate of force development. The results obtained in the present study indicate that the variability in the maximal contractile explosive force of the human tibialis anterior muscle is determined by the neural activation preceding force generation.
174 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a chiral auxetic cellular structure was fabricated from Ti6Al4V alloy using the Selective Electron Beam Melting method, and tested experimentally under quasi-static and dynamic compression loading conditions.
119 citations
TL;DR: A Discrete and Improved Bat Algorithm (DaIBA) is developed, which consists on the existence of two different neighborhood structures, which are explored depending on the bat's distance regarding the best individual of the swarm.
Abstract: The work presented in this paper is focused on the resolution of a real-world drugs distribution problem with pharmacological waste collection. With the aim of properly meeting all the real-world restrictions that comprise this complex problem, we have modeled it as a multi-attribute or rich vehicle routing problem (RVRP). The problem has been modeled as a Clustered Vehicle Routing Problem with Pickups and Deliveries, Asymmetric Variable Costs, Forbidden Roads and Cost Constraints. To the best of authors knowledge, this is the first time that such a RVRP problem is tackled in the literature. For this reason, a benchmark composed of 24 datasets, from 60 to 1000 customers, has also been designed. For the developing of this benchmark, we have used real geographical positions located in Bizkaia, Spain. Furthermore, for the proper dealing of the proposed RVRP, we have developed a Discrete and Improved Bat Algorithm (DaIBA). The main feature of this adaptation is the use of the well-known Hamming Distance to calculate the differences between the bats. An effective improvement has been also contemplated for the proposed DaIBA, which consists on the existence of two different neighborhood structures, which are explored depending on the bat's distance regarding the best individual of the swarm. For the experimentation, we have compared the performance of our presented DaIBA with three additional approaches: an evolutionary algorithm, an evolutionary simulated annealing and a firefly algorithm. Additionally, with the intention of obtaining rigorous conclusions, two different statistical tests have been conducted: the Friedman's non-parametric test and the Holm's post-hoc test. Furthermore, an additional experimentation has been performed in terms of convergence. Finally, the obtained outcomes conclude that the proposed DaIBA is a promising technique for addressing the designed problem.
110 citations
TL;DR: Understanding how cannabinoids are able to regulate essential cellular processes involved in tumorigenesis, such as progression through the cell cycle, cell proliferation and cell death, as well as the interactions between cannabinoids and the immune system, are crucial for improving existing and developing new therapeutic approaches for cancer patients.
Abstract: The plant Cannabis sativa L. has been used as an herbal remedy for centuries and is the most important source of phytocannabinoids. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) consists of receptors, endogenous ligands (endocannabinoids) and metabolizing enzymes, and plays an important role in different physiological and pathological processes. Phytocannabinoids and synthetic cannabinoids can interact with the components of ECS or other cellular pathways and thus affect the development/progression of diseases, including cancer. In cancer patients, cannabinoids have primarily been used as a part of palliative care to alleviate pain, relieve nausea and stimulate appetite. In addition, numerous cell culture and animal studies showed antitumor effects of cannabinoids in various cancer types. Here we reviewed the literature on anticancer effects of plant-derived and synthetic cannabinoids, to better understand their mechanisms of action and role in cancer treatment. We also reviewed the current legislative updates on the use of cannabinoids for medical and therapeutic purposes, primarily in the EU countries. In vitro and in vivo cancer models show that cannabinoids can effectively modulate tumor growth, however, the antitumor effects appear to be largely dependent on cancer type and drug dose/concentration. Understanding how cannabinoids are able to regulate essential cellular processes involved in tumorigenesis, such as progression through the cell cycle, cell proliferation and cell death, as well as the interactions between cannabinoids and the immune system, are crucial for improving existing and developing new therapeutic approaches for cancer patients. The national legislation of the EU Member States defines the legal boundaries of permissible use of cannabinoids for medical and therapeutic purposes, however, these legislative guidelines may not be aligned with the current scientific knowledge.
103 citations
TL;DR: The purpose of this work is to provide a balanced view of further uses of NAC as a dietary supplement, and to improve the understanding of Nac applicability.
Abstract: N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a plant antioxidant naturally found in onion, is a precursor to glutathione. It has been used as a drug since the 1960s and is listed on the World Health Organization (WHO) Model List of Essential Medicines as an antidote in poisonings. There are numerous other uses or proposed uses in medicine that are still in preclinical and clinical investigations. NAC is also used in food supplements and cosmetics. Despite its abundant use, there are projections that the NAC global market will grow in the next five years; therefore, the purpose of this work is to provide a balanced view of further uses of NAC as a dietary supplement. Although NAC is considered a safe substance, the results among clinical trials are sometimes controversial or incomplete, like for many other antioxidants. More clinical trials are underway that will improve our understanding of NAC applicability.
103 citations
TL;DR: An extensive overview of the chemical composition, nutritional properties, and antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of chia, along with extraction methods used to produce chia oil, will be discussed.
Abstract: Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) is a small seed that comes from an annual herbaceous plant, Salvia hispanica L. In recent years, usage of Chia seeds has tremendously grown due to their high nutritional and medicinal values. Chia was cultivated by Mesopotamian cultures, but then disappeared for centuries until the middle of the 20th century, when it was rediscovered. Chia seeds contain healthy ω-3 fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, dietary fiber, proteins, vitamins, and some minerals. Besides this, the seeds are an excellent source of polyphenols and antioxidants, such as caffeic acid, rosmarinic acid, myricetin, quercetin, and others. Today, chia has been analyzed in different areas of research. Researches around the world have been investigating the benefits of chia seeds in the medicinal, pharmaceutical, and food industry. Chia oil is today one of the most valuable oils on the market. Different extraction methods have been used to produce the oil. In the present study, an extensive overview of the chemical composition, nutritional properties, and antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, along with extraction methods used to produce chia oil, will be discussed.
TL;DR: This work reviews social dilemmas where individual interests are at odds with the interests of others, and where artificial intelligence might have a particularly hard time making the right decision, and reviews juristic challenges, with a focus on torts that are at least partly or seemingly due to artificial intelligence, resulting in the claimant suffering a loss or harm.
Abstract: Artificial intelligence is becoming seamlessly integrated into our everyday lives, augmenting our knowledge and capabilities in driving, avoiding traffic, finding friends, choosing the perfect movie, and even cooking a healthier meal. It also has a significant impact on many aspects of society and industry, ranging from scientific discovery, healthcare and medical diagnostics to smart cities, transport and sustainability. Within this 21st century ‘man meets machine’ reality unfolding, several social and juristic challenges emerge for which we are poorly prepared. We here review social dilemmas where individual interests are at odds with the interests of others, and where artificial intelligence might have a particularly hard time making the right decision. An example thereof is the well-known social dilemma of autonomous vehicles. We also review juristic challenges, with a focus on torts that are at least partly or seemingly due to artificial intelligence, resulting in the claimant suffering a loss or harm. Here the challenge is to determine who is legally liable, and to what extent. We conclude with an outlook and with a short set of guidelines for constructively mitigating described challenges.
TL;DR: This contribution provides an overview of extraction and fractionation techniques of the most important hop compounds known for their health-promoting features, and new ideas for future studies on hops are presented.
Abstract: Hop plants comprise a variety of natural compounds greatly differing in their structure and properties. A wide range of methods have been developed for their isolation and chemical analysis, as well as for determining their antioxidative, antimicrobial, and antigenotoxic potentials. This contribution provides an overview of extraction and fractionation techniques of the most important hop compounds known for their health-promoting features. Although hops remain the principal ingredient for providing the taste, stability, and antimicrobial protection of beer, they have found applications in the pharmaceutical and other food industries as well. This review focuses on numerous health-promoting effects of hops raging from antioxidative, sedative, and anti-inflammatory potentials, over anticarcinogenic features to estrogenic activity. Therefore, hops should be exploited for the prevention and even healing of several prevalent diseases like cardiovascular disorders and various cancer types. New ideas for future studies on hops are finally presented: computational investigations of chemical reactivities of hop compounds, nanoencapsulation, and synergistic effects leading to a higher bioavailability of biologically active substances as well as the application of waste hop biomass from breweries for the production of high-added-value products in accordance with the biorefinery concept.
TL;DR: In this article, a review of work in the field of miniature fiber-optic sensors that allow independent and simultaneous measurements of two or more different physical or chemical parameters is presented and compared.
Abstract: Needs for sensor miniaturization, versatile sensing solutions, and improved measurements’ performances in difficult operating environments have recently driven considerable research in optical fiber sensor for multiparameter measurements. Multiparameter sensors not only enable new sensors’ functionalities, but can also improve achievable measurement performances for some frequently measured parameters considerably. This study provides a review of work in the field of miniature fiber-optic sensors that allows independent and simultaneous measurements of two or more different physical or chemical parameters. Sensor designs and corresponding signal processing schemes are reviewed and compared.
TL;DR: Hierarchical chiral structures with coupling of chirality at different levels in a system with achiral constituents are observed.
Abstract: Complex materials often exhibit a hierarchical structure with an intriguing mechanism responsible for the 'propagation' of order from the molecular to the nano- or micro-scale level. In particular, the chirality of biological molecules such as nucleic acids and amino acids is responsible for the helical structure of DNA and proteins, which in turn leads to the lack of mirror symmetry of macro-bio-objects. To fully understand mechanisms of cross-level order transfer there is an intensive search for simpler artificial structures exhibiting hierarchical arrangement. Here we present complex systems built of achiral molecules that show four levels of structural chirality: layer chirality, helicity of a basic repeating unit, mesoscopic helix and helical filaments. The structures are identified by a combination of hard and soft x-ray diffraction measurements, optical studies and theoretical modelling. Similarly to many biological systems, the studied materials exhibit a coupling between chirality at different levels.
University of Strathclyde1, University of Graz2, University of Boumerdes3, Slovak University of Agriculture4, University of Limerick5, Wageningen University and Research Centre6, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu7, Research Institute of Organic Agriculture8, Chernivtsi University9, Ghent University10, University of Maribor11, Swedish Board of Agriculture12, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus13, Université catholique de Louvain14, University of Belgrade15, Warsaw University of Life Sciences16, Saints Cyril and Methodius University of Skopje17, De Montfort University18, University of Malta19
TL;DR: Evaluation of six different forage sources as potential risk factors for colony loss indicated that intensive foraging on any of five of these plant sources was associated with significantly higher winter losses, although this finding requires further study and explanation.
Abstract: This short article presents loss rates of honey bee colonies over winter 2017/18 from 36 countries, including 33 in Europe, from data collected using the standardized COLOSS questionnaire. The 25,3...
TL;DR: Some relevant applications and expected future development in the field of sub and supercritical fluids are reviewed in this article, where a review of the current state of the art in this field is presented.
Abstract: High pressure technologies involving sub and supercritical fluids offer the possibility to obtain new products with special characteristics or to design new processes which are environmentally friendly and sustainable. Using high pressure as a processing tool, the legal limitations for solvent residues and restrictions on use of conventional solvents in chemical processes can be avoided. Several sub and supercritical fluid technologies have already been developed to commercial scale. Extraction of valuable compounds from different materials and their “in situ” formulation in products with specific customer designed properties is one of the promising applications of high pressure technology. Particle formation using supercritical fluids overcomes the drawbacks of conventional particle size reduction processes. Unique thermodynamic and fluid-dynamic properties of dense gases can also be used for special impregnation of solid particles and particle coating. Impregnation into aerogels using supercritical carbon dioxide is an excellent way to improve the dissolution and bioavailability of poorly water soluble drugs. Some biochemical and chemical reactions performed in supercritical fluids have already been implemented on an industrial scale to obtain products with high added value. In this paper, some relevant applications and expected future development in the field of sub and supercritical fluids are reviewed.
TL;DR: By employing the Lyapunov method, some sufficient conditions are derived to guarantee the exponential synchronization of Lur’e networks with synchronizing impulses and desynchronizing impulses simultaneously.
Abstract: This brief focuses on the pinning synchronization problem of impulsive Lur’e networks with nonlinear and asymmetrical coupling. In order to study the situation in which synchronizing impulses and desynchronizing impulses are allowed to occur simultaneously, a single pinning impulsive controller is designed to investigate the synchronization of Lur’e networks with hybrid impulses based on the methods of average impulsive interval and average impulsive gain. By employing the Lyapunov method, some sufficient conditions are derived to guarantee the exponential synchronization of Lur’e networks with synchronizing impulses and desynchronizing impulses simultaneously. Two numerical examples are given to illustrate the results.
TL;DR: In this article, despite the considerable volume of research in this area, many educators are still concerne[1] are still unconcerned about the impact of online learning on higher education.
Abstract: Over the last decade, online learning has grown to become an important part of higher education. However, despite the considerable volume of research in this area, many educators are still concerne...
20 Mar 2019
TL;DR: This white paper describes the R&D activities required to prepare for this software upgrade of the HL-LHC.
Abstract: Particle physics has an ambitious and broad experimental programme for the coming decades. This programme requires large investments in detector hardware, either to build new facilities and experiments, or to upgrade existing ones. Similarly, it requires commensurate investment in the R&D of software to acquire, manage, process, and analyse the shear amounts of data to be recorded. In planning for the HL-LHC in particular, it is critical that all of the collaborating stakeholders agree on the software goals and priorities, and that the efforts complement each other. In this spirit, this white paper describes the R&D activities required to prepare for this software upgrade.
TL;DR: The proposed distance based parameter adaptation is designed to address the premature convergence of SHADE–based algorithms in higher dimensional search spaces to maintain a longer exploration phase.
Abstract: This paper proposes a simple, yet effective, modification to scaling factor and crossover rate adaptation in Success-History based Adaptive Differential Evolution (SHADE), which can be used as a framework to all SHADE-based algorithms. The performance impact of the proposed method is shown on the real-parameter single objective optimization (CEC2015 and CEC2017) benchmark sets in 10, 30, 50, and 100 dimensions for all SHADE, L-SHADE (SHADE with linear decrease of population size), and jSO algorithms. The proposed distance based parameter adaptation is designed to address the premature convergence of SHADE–based algorithms in higher dimensional search spaces to maintain a longer exploration phase. This design effectiveness is supported by presenting a population clustering analysis, along with a population diversity measure. Also, the new distance based algorithm versions (Db_SHADE, DbL_SHADE, and DISH) have obtained significantly better optimization results than their canonical counterparts (SHADE, L_SHADE, and jSO) in 30, 50, and 100 dimensional functions.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated the application of the abundant-quantity residue in more sustainable production of heat and electricity along with the production of the digested substrate as a fertiliser.
University of Queensland1, VU University Amsterdam2, Queen's University Belfast3, Trinity College, Dublin4, Worcester Polytechnic Institute5, RWTH Aachen University6, University of Maribor7, Institut Universitaire de France8, University of Nantes9, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital10, University of Sydney11, University College Dublin12, United States Department of Veterans Affairs13, Polytechnic University of Turin14, Northwestern University15, University of Southern Denmark16, University of Auckland17, University of Colorado Boulder18, University of Birmingham19, Imperial College London20, University of New South Wales21, University College London22, University of Melbourne23
TL;DR: A matrix to consider the best electrode type selection for recording EMG, and the process undertaken to achieve consensus is presented, intended to help researchers when selecting and reporting the electrode type in EMG studies.
TL;DR: The effect of probiotic administration has disclosed a negative correlation between Verrucomicrobia, some unknown phyla of Bacteria, Synergistetes, Euryarchaeota and some SCFAs, turning them into an important target in microbiome restoration process.
TL;DR: There are numerous orthopaedic applications of threeD printing for the pelvis and acetabulum and custom-made metal 3D printed patient-specific implants and instruments are increasingly being studied for pelvic oncologic resection and reconstruction of resected defects as well as for revision hip arthroplasties with favourable results.
Abstract: There are numerous orthopaedic applications of three-dimensional (3D) printing for the pelvis and acetabulum. The authors reviewed recently published articles and summarized their experience. 3D printed anatomical models are particularly useful in pelvic and acetabular fracture surgery for planning, implant templating and for anatomical assessment of pathologies such as CAM-type femoroacetabular impingement and rare deformities. Custom-made metal 3D printed patient-specific implants and instruments are increasingly being studied for pelvic oncologic resection and reconstruction of resected defects as well as for revision hip arthroplasties with favourable results. This article also discusses cost-effectiveness considerations when preparing pelvic 3D printed models from a hospital 3D printing centre.
TL;DR: Exogenous and oral application of probiotics has shown reduction in wound infections, especially when used as an adjuvant to antibiotic therapy, and therefore the potential use of probiotic in this field remains worthy of further studies.
Abstract: The skin and its microbiota serve as physical barriers to prevent invasion of pathogens. Skin damage can be a consequence of illness, surgery, and burns. The most effective wound management strategy is to prevent infections, promote healing, and prevent excess scarring. It is well established that probiotics can aid in skin healing by stimulating the production of immune cells, and they also exhibit antagonistic effects against pathogens via competitive exclusion of pathogens. Our aim was to conduct a review of recent literature on the efficacy of using probiotics against pathogens that cause wound infections. In this integrative review, we searched through the literature published in the international following databases: PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Scopus using the search terms “probiotic” AND “wound infection.” During a comprehensive review and critique of the selected research, fourteen in vitro studies, 8 animal studies, and 19 clinical studies were found. Two of these in vitro studies also included animal studies, yielding a total of 39 articles for inclusion in the review. The most commonly used probiotics for all studies were well-known strains of the species Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus. All in vitro studies showed successful inhibition of chosen skin or wound pathogens by the selected probiotics. Within the animal studies on mice, rats, and rabbits, probiotics showed strong opportunities for counteracting wound infections. Most clinical studies showed slight or statistically significant lower incidence of surgical site infections, foot ulcer infection, or burn infections for patients using probiotics. Several of these studies also indicated a statistically significant wound healing effect for the probiotic groups. This review indicates that exogenous and oral application of probiotics has shown reduction in wound infections, especially when used as an adjuvant to antibiotic therapy, and therefore the potential use of probiotics in this field remains worthy of further studies, perhaps focused more on typical skin inhabitants as next-generation probiotics with high potential.
TL;DR: In this paper, a minimal model of moving agents where the network of contacts changes over time due to their motion is proposed, where agents interact based on their proximity in a 2D space, but only if they belong to the same fixed interaction zones.
Abstract: Interactions amongst agents frequently exist only at particular moments in time, depending on their closeness in space and movement parameters. Here we propose a minimal model of moving agents where the network of contacts changes over time due to their motion. In particular, agents interact based on their proximity in a two-dimensional space, but only if they belong to the same fixed interaction zones. Our research reveals the emergence of global synchronization if all the interaction zones are attractive. However, if some of the interaction zones are repulsive, they deflect synchrony and lead to short-lasting but recurrent deviations that constitute extreme events in the network. We use two paradigmatic oscillators for the description of the agent dynamics to demonstrate our findings numerically, and we also provide an analytical formulation to describe the emergence of complete synchrony and the thresholds that distinguish extreme events from other intermittent states based on the peak-over-threshold approach.
TL;DR: A system of two ephaptically coupled neurons with a periodically time-varying link between the two membrane potentials is considered, finding that the ephaptic coupling has a negligible impact on synchronization, while the coupling through the membrane potential has a strong effect.
TL;DR: The dynamic efficiency of more than four hundred cryptocurrencies is quantified using permutation entropy and statistical complexity over sliding time-windows of price log returns to prove that a cryptocurrency is efficient within a time-window when these two complexity measures are statistically indistinguishable from their values obtained on randomly shuffled data.
Abstract: The efficient market hypothesis has far-reaching implications for financial trading and market stability. Whether or not cryptocurrencies are informationally efficient has therefore been the subject of intense recent investigation. Here, we use permutation entropy and statistical complexity over sliding time-windows of price log returns to quantify the dynamic efficiency of more than four hundred cryptocurrencies. We consider that a cryptocurrency is efficient within a time-window when these two complexity measures are statistically indistinguishable from their values obtained on randomly shuffled data. We find that 37% of the cryptocurrencies in our study stay efficient over 80% of the time, whereas 20% are informationally efficient in less than 20% of the time. Our results also show that the efficiency is not correlated with the market capitalization of the cryptocurrencies. A dynamic analysis of informational efficiency over time reveals clustering patterns in which different cryptocurrencies with similar temporal patterns form four clusters, and moreover, younger currencies in each group appear poised to follow the trend of their 'elders'. The cryptocurrency market thus already shows notable adherence to the efficient market hypothesis, although data also reveals that the coming-of-age of digital currencies is in this regard still very much underway.
University of Leeds1, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology2, University of Sheffield3, Imperial College Healthcare4, Cork University Hospital5, Marymount University6, University College Cork7, University of Maribor8, Radboud University Nijmegen9, University of Bonn10, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven11
TL;DR: Evidence from meta‐analyses suggests that pain remains poorly controlled for a large proportion of patients; barriers to good management include poor assessment of pain, inadequate support for patient self‐management and late or inadequate access to strong opioid analgesia in those with advanced disease.