bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pregnane X Receptor (PXR) Polymorphisms and Cancer Treatment
Authors: Skandalaki Aikaterini , Sarantis Panagiotis , Theocharis Stamatios
Published: August 2021

Pregnane X Receptor (PXR) belongs to the nuclear receptors’ superfamily and mainly functions as a xenobiotic sensor activated by a variety of ligands. PXR is widely expressed in normal and malignant tissues. Drug metabolizing enzymes and transporters are also under PXR’s regulation. Antineoplastic agents are of particular interest since cancer patients are characterized by significant intra-variability to treatment response and severe toxicities. Various PXR polymorphisms may alter the function of the protein and are linked with significant effects on the pharmacokinetics of chemotherapeutic agents and clinical outcome variability. The purpose of this review is to summarize the roles of PXR polymorphisms in the metabolism and pharmacokinetics of chemotherapeutic drugs. It is also expected that this review will highlight the importance of PXR polymorphisms in selection of chemotherapy, prediction of adverse effects and personalized medicine.
Overexpressing 7-Hydroxymethyl Chlorophyll a Reductase Alleviates Non-Programmed Cell Death during Dark-Induced Senescence in Intact Arabidopsis Plants
Authors: Hu Xueyun , Zeng Chu , Su Jinling , Khan Imran , Zada Ahmad , Jia Ting
Published: August 2021

Leaf senescence, the last stage of leaf development, is a well-regulated and complex process for investigation. For simplification, dark-induced leaf senescence has frequently been used to mimic the natural senescence of leaves because many typical senescence symptoms, such as chlorophyll (Chl) and protein degradation, also occur under darkness. In this study, we compared the phenotypes of leaf senescence that occurred when detached leaves or intact plants were incubated in darkness to induce senescence. We found that the symptoms of non-programmed cell death (non-PCD) with remaining green coloration occurred more heavily in the senescent leaves of whole plants than in the detached leaves. The pheophorbide a (Pheide a) content was also shown to be much higher in senescent leaves when whole plants were incubated in darkness by analyses of leaf Chl and its metabolic intermediates. In addition, more serious non-PCD occurred and more Pheide a accumulated in senescent leaves during dark incubation if the soil used for plant growth contained more water. Under similar conditions, the non-PCD phenotype was alleviated and the accumulation of Pheide a was reduced by overexpressing 7-hydroxymethyl Chl a (HMChl a) reductase (HCAR). Taken together, we conclude that a high soil water content induced non-PCD by decreasing HCAR activity when whole plants were incubated in darkness to induce senescence; thus, the investigation of the fundamental aspects of biochemistry and the regulation of leaf senescence are affected by using dark-induced leaf senescence.
Mitochondrial Redox Signaling and Oxidative Stress in Kidney Diseases
Authors: Aranda-Rivera Ana Karina , Cruz-Gregorio Alfredo , Aparicio-Trejo Omar Emiliano , Pedraza-Chaverri José
Published: August 2021

Mitochondria are essential organelles in physiology and kidney diseases, because they produce cellular energy required to perform their function. During mitochondrial metabolism, reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced. ROS function as secondary messengers, inducing redox-sensitive post-translational modifications (PTM) in proteins and activating or deactivating different cell signaling pathways. However, in kidney diseases, ROS overproduction causes oxidative stress (OS), inducing mitochondrial dysfunction and altering its metabolism and dynamics. The latter processes are closely related to changes in the cell redox-sensitive signaling pathways, causing inflammation and apoptosis cell death. Although mitochondrial metabolism, ROS production, and OS have been studied in kidney diseases, the role of redox signaling pathways in mitochondria has not been addressed. This review focuses on altering the metabolism and dynamics of mitochondria through the dysregulation of redox-sensitive signaling pathways in kidney diseases.
Evolutionary and Characteristic Analysis of RING-DUF1117 E3 Ubiquitin Ligase Genes in Gossypium Discerning the Role of GhRDUF4D in Verticillium dahliae Resistance
Authors: Zhao Yan-Peng , Shen Jian-Ling , Li Wen-Jie , Wu Na , Chen Chen , Hou Yu-Xia
Published: August 2021

Verticillium wilt, primarily induced by the soil-borne fungus Verticillium dahliae, is a serious threat to cotton fiber production. There are a large number of really interesting new gene (RING) domain-containing E3 ubiquitin ligases in Arabidopsis, of which three (At2g39720 (AtRHC2A), At3g46620 (AtRDUF1), and At5g59550 (AtRDUF2)) have a domain of unknown function (DUF) 1117 domain in their C-terminal regions. This study aimed to detect and characterize the RDUF members in cotton, to gain an insight into their roles in cotton’s adaptation to environmental stressors. In this study, a total of 6, 7, 14, and 14 RDUF (RING-DUF1117) genes were detected in Gossypium arboretum, G. raimondii, G. hirsutum, and G. barbadense, respectively. These RDUF genes were classified into three groups. The genes in each group were highly conserved based on gene structure and domain analysis. Gene duplication analysis revealed that segmental duplication occurred during cotton evolution. Expression analysis revealed that the GhRDUF genes were widely expressed during cotton growth and under abiotic stresses. Many cis-elements related to hormone response and environment stressors were identified in GhRDUF promoters. The predicted target miRNAs and transcription factors implied that GhRDUFs might be regulated by gra-miR482c, as well as by transcription factors, including MYB, C2H2, and Dof. The GhRDUF genes responded to cold, drought, and salt stress and were sensitive to jasmonic acid, salicylic acid, and ethylene signals. Meanwhile, GhRDUF4D expression levels were enhanced after V. dahliae infection. Subsequently, GhRDUF4D was verified by overexpression in Arabidopsis and virus-induced gene silencing treatment in upland cotton. We observed that V. dahliae resistance was significantly enhanced in transgenic Arabidopsis, and weakened in GhRDUF4D silenced plants. This study conducted a comprehensive analysis of the RDUF genes in Gossypium, hereby providing basic information for further functional studies.
Attention to Face as a Predictor of Developmental Change and Treatment Outcome in Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Latrèche Kenza , Kojovic Nada , Franchini Martina , Schaer Marie
Published: August 2021

The beneficial effect of early intervention is well described for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Response to early intervention is, however, highly heterogeneous in affected children, and there is currently only scarce information about predictors of response to intervention. Based on the hypothesis that impaired social orienting hinders the subsequent development of social communication and interactions in children with ASD, we sought to examine whether the level of social orienting modulates treatment outcome in young children with ASD. We used eye-tracking technology to measure social orienting in a group of 111 preschoolers, comprising 95 young children with ASD and 16 children with typical development, as they watched a 29 s video of a woman engaging in child-directed speech. In line with previous studies, we report that attention to face is robustly correlated with autistic symptoms and cognitive and adaptive skills at baseline. We further leverage longitudinal data in a subgroup of 81 children with ASD and show that the level of social orienting at baseline is a significant predictor of developmental gains and treatment outcome. These results pave the way for identifying subgroups of children who show a better response to early and intensive intervention, a first step toward precision medicine for children with autism.
Intrauterine Hypoxia and Epigenetic Programming in Lung Development and Disease
Authors: Tong Yajie , Zhang Shuqing , Riddle Suzette , Zhang Lubo , Song Rui , Yue Dongmei
Published: August 2021

Clinically, intrauterine hypoxia is the foremost cause of perinatal morbidity and developmental plasticity in the fetus and newborn infant. Under hypoxia, deviations occur in the lung cell epigenome. Epigenetic mechanisms (e.g., DNA methylation, histone modification, and miRNA expression) control phenotypic programming and are associated with physiological responses and the risk of developmental disorders, such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia. This developmental disorder is the most frequent chronic pulmonary complication in preterm labor. The pathogenesis of this disease involves many factors, including aberrant oxygen conditions and mechanical ventilation-mediated lung injury, infection/inflammation, and epigenetic/genetic risk factors. This review is focused on various aspects related to intrauterine hypoxia and epigenetic programming in lung development and disease, summarizes our current knowledge of hypoxia-induced epigenetic programming and discusses potential therapeutic interventions for lung disease.
Small Hexokinase 1 Peptide against Toxic SOD1 G93A Mitochondrial Accumulation in ALS Rescues the ATP-Related Respiration
Authors: Magrì Andrea , Risiglione Pierpaolo , Caccamo Antonella , Formicola Beatrice , Tomasello Marianna Flora , Arrigoni Cristina , Zimbone Stefania , Guarino Francesca , Re Francesca , Messina Angela
Published: August 2021

Mutations in Cu/Zn Superoxide Dismutase (SOD1) gene represent one of the most common causes of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a fatal neurodegenerative disorder that specifically affects motor neurons (MNs). The dismutase-active SOD1 G93A mutant is responsible for the formation of toxic aggregates onto the mitochondrial surface, using the Voltage-Dependent Anion Channel 1 (VDAC1) as an anchor point to the organelle. VDAC1 is the master regulator of cellular bioenergetics and by binding to hexokinases (HKs) it controls apoptosis. In ALS, however, SOD1 G93A impairs VDAC1 activity and displaces HK1 from mitochondria, promoting organelle dysfunction, and cell death. Using an ALS cell model, we demonstrate that a small synthetic peptide derived from the HK1 sequence (NHK1) recovers the cell viability in a dose–response manner and the defective mitochondrial respiration profile relative to the ADP phosphorylation. This correlates with an unexpected increase of VDAC1 expression and a reduction of SOD1 mutant accumulation at the mitochondrial level. Overall, our findings provide important new insights into the development of therapeutic molecules to fight ALS and help to better define the link between altered mitochondrial metabolism and MNs death in the disease.
Lab-on-Paper Devices for Diagnosis of Human Diseases Using Urine Samples—A Review
Authors: Tai Wei-Chun , Chang Yu-Chi , Chou Dean , Fu Lung-Ming
Published: August 2021

In recent years, microfluidic lab-on-paper devices have emerged as a rapid and low-cost alternative to traditional laboratory tests. Additionally, they were widely considered as a promising solution for point-of-care testing (POCT) at home or regions that lack medical infrastructure and resources. This review describes important advances in microfluidic lab-on-paper diagnostics for human health monitoring and disease diagnosis over the past five years. The review commenced by explaining the choice of paper, fabrication methods, and detection techniques to realize microfluidic lab-on-paper devices. Then, the sample pretreatment procedure used to improve the detection performance of lab-on-paper devices was introduced. Furthermore, an in-depth review of lab-on-paper devices for disease measurement based on an analysis of urine samples was presented. The review concludes with the potential challenges that the future development of commercial microfluidic lab-on-paper platforms for human disease detection would face.
Hygrothermal Characteristics of Cold Roof Cavities in New Zealand
Authors: Rupp Stephan H. , McNeil Stephen , Plagmann Manfred , Overton Greg
Published: August 2021

The New Zealand Building Code contains minimum durability requirements for components. For roof structures the requirement is 50 years if the component is structural or 15 years if it is not. Metal roof claddings are very common in New Zealand, and roof spaces are typically not deliberately ventilated. Recently, a number of roofs are failing to meet their durability requirement, and the lack of deliberate ventilation is a contributory factor in some cases. In this paper, we consider roof failures and analyse them using the hygrothermal simulation software WUFI® 2D (version 4.1). Using the National Research Council of Canada’s Guideline on Design for Durability of Building Envelopes, we evaluate to what extent the guideline can be used for such more complex models. Experimental data from a residential dwelling where excessive roof moisture issues were discovered shortly after occupancy are presented. A novel remedial solution using daytime-only ventilation to the roof cavity was trialled, and the data were used to benchmark a two-dimensional numerical simulation of the roof space using WUFI® 2D. A larger hygrothermal data set for 71 dwellings is presented together with relevant climatic conditions. The study works towards evidence-based building code changes for roof ventilation and is an example of using the guideline document for more complicated building envelope assemblies.
Out-of-Plane Flexure of Masonry Panels with External Thermal Insulation
Authors: Manos George , Melidis Lazaros , Katakalos Konstantinos , Kotoulas Lambros , Anastasiadis Anthimos , Chatziastrou Christos
Published: August 2021

The combined seismic and energy retrofit of existing aged buildings represents a topic of importance for the building stock. The current study investigates the out-of-plane performance of a specific type of thermo-insulation scheme with panels attached on the external facades of multistory buildings. The investigation was carried out through flexure tests of prototype masonry specimens. From the comparison of their flexural performance, with or without thermo-insulating attachments, the influence of thermal insulation on the out-of-plane behavior of clay brick masonry is demonstrated. It was found that when the thermo-insulating attachment is in tension from such out-of-plane flexure of the masonry facade it performs in a satisfactory way and gives an increased flexural capacity for the assembly. The thermal insulating panels, although partially debonded from the masonry substrate at a limit-state, do not collapse, even when the masonry panel develops large flexural cracks. This is due to the presence of the used plastic anchors. When the thermo-insulating panel is subjected to compression during such an out-of-plane flexure the resulting increase in the out-of-plane load bearing capacity is relatively small. Based on these observations it can be concluded that such thermo-insulating panels may also lead to a less vulnerable seismic performance than that of the same masonry panel without this type of thermo-insulating attachment. This was also confirmed when the in-plane behavior was considered from a separate investigation already published. The employed numerical modeling was successful in simulating the most important aspects of the out-of-plane response of the tested masonry wallets with or without thermo-insulating attachments. The good agreement with observed performance as well as the general nature of this numerical simulation confirms its validity for further use.
APLN/APLNR Signaling Controls Key Pathological Parameters of Glioblastoma
Authors: Kälin Roland E. , Glass Rainer
Published: August 2021

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor in adults. GBM-expansion depends on a dense vascular network and, coherently, GBMs are highly angiogenic. However, new intratumoral blood vessels are often aberrant with consequences for blood-flow and vascular barrier function. Hence, the delivery of chemotherapeutics into GBM can be compromised. Furthermore, leaky vessels support edema-formation, which can result in severe neurological deficits. The secreted signaling peptide Apelin (APLN) plays an important role in the formation of GBM blood vessels. Both APLN and the Apelin receptor (APLNR) are upregulated in GBM cells and control tumor cell invasiveness. Here we summarize the current evidence on the role of APLN/APLNR signaling during brain tumor pathology. We show that targeting APLN/APLNR can induce anti-angiogenic effects in GBM and simultaneously blunt GBM cell infiltration. In addition, we discuss how manipulation of APLN/APLNR signaling in GBM leads to the normalization of tumor vessels and thereby supports chemotherapy, reduces edema, and improves anti-tumorigenic immune reactions. Hence, therapeutic targeting of APLN/APLNR signaling offers an interesting option to address different pathological hallmarks of GBM.
Plasma BRAF Mutation Detection for the Diagnostic and Monitoring Trajectory of Patients with LDH-High Stage IV Melanoma
Authors: Tolmeijer Sofie H. , Koornstra Rutger H. T. , de Groot Jan Willem B. , Geerlings Maartje J. , van Rens Dirk H. , Boers-Sonderen Marye J. , Schalken Jack A. , Gerritsen Winald R. , Ligtenberg Marjolijn J. L. , Mehra Niven
Published: August 2021

For patients with newly diagnosed metastatic melanoma, rapid BRAF mutation (mBRAF) assessment is vital to promptly initiate systemic therapy. Additionally, blood-based biomarkers are desired to monitor and predict treatment response. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) has shown great promise for minimally invasive mBRAF assessment and treatment monitoring, but validation studies are needed. This prospective study utilized longitudinal plasma samples at regular timepoints (0, 6, 12, 18 weeks) to address the clinical validity of ctDNA measurements in stage IV melanoma patients with elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH > 250U/L) starting first-line systemic treatment. Using droplet digital PCR, the plasma mBRAF abundance was assessed in 53 patients with a BRAFV600 tissue mutation. Plasma mBRAF was detected in 50/51 patients at baseline (98% sensitivity; median fraction abundance of 19.5%) and 0/17 controls (100% specificity). Patients in whom plasma mBRAF became undetectable during the first 12–18 weeks of treatment had a longer progression-free survival (30.2 vs. 4.0 months; p < 0.001) and cancer-specific survival (not reached vs. 10.2 months; p < 0.001) compared to patients with detectable mBRAF. The ctDNA dynamics outperformed LDH and S100 dynamics. These results confirm the clinical validity of ctDNA measurements as a minimally invasive biomarker for the diagnostic and monitoring trajectory of patients with LDH-high stage IV melanoma.
Loosening ER–Mitochondria Coupling by the Expression of the Presenilin 2 Loop Domain
Authors: Rossini Michela , García-Casas Paloma , Filadi Riccardo , Pizzo Paola
Published: August 2021

Presenilin 2 (PS2), one of the three proteins in which mutations are linked to familial Alzheimer’s disease (FAD), exerts different functions within the cell independently of being part of the γ-secretase complex, thus unrelated to toxic amyloid peptide formation. In particular, its enrichment in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane domains close to mitochondria (i.e., mitochondria-associated membranes, MAM) enables PS2 to modulate multiple processes taking place on these signaling hubs, such as Ca2+ handling and lipid synthesis. Importantly, upregulated MAM function appears to be critical in AD pathogenesis. We previously showed that FAD-PS2 mutants reinforce ER–mitochondria tethering, by interfering with the activity of mitofusin 2, favoring their Ca2+ crosstalk. Here, we deepened the molecular mechanism underlying PS2 activity on ER–mitochondria tethering, identifying its protein loop as an essential domain to mediate the reinforced ER–mitochondria connection in FAD-PS2 models. Moreover, we introduced a novel tool, the PS2 loop domain targeted to the outer mitochondrial membrane, Mit-PS2-LOOP, that is able to counteract the activity of FAD-PS2 on organelle tethering, which possibly helps in recovering the FAD-PS2-associated cellular alterations linked to an increased organelle coupling.
Recognition and Sensing of Chiral Organic Molecules by Chiral Porphyrinoids: A Review
Authors: Travagliante Gabriele , Gaeta Massimiliano , Purrello Roberto , D’Urso Alessandro
Published: August 2021

Porphyrinoids are extremely attractive for their electronic, optical, and coordination properties as well as for their versatile substitution at meso/β-positions. All these features allow porphyrinoids to behave as chiroptical hosts for chiral recognition by means of non-covalent interactions towards chiral guests. Over the years, chiral discrimination of chiral molecules such as amino acids, alcohols, amines, hydroxy-carboxylic acids, etc. has aroused the interest of the scientific community. Hence, this review aims to report on the progress to date by illustrating some relevant research regarding the chiral recognition of a multitude of chiral organic guests through several chiral mono- and bis-porphyrins via different spectroscopic techniques.
Under-Vaccination in Pediatric Liver Transplant Candidates with Acute and Chronic Liver Disease—A Retrospective Observational Study of the European Reference Network TransplantChild
Authors: Laue Tobias , Demir Zeynep , Debray Dominique , Cananzi Mara , Gaio Paola , Casotti Valeria , D’Antiga Lorenzo , Urbonas Vaidotas , Baumann Ulrich
Published: August 2021

Infection is a serious concern in the short and long term after pediatric liver transplantation. Vaccination represents an easy and cheap opportunity to reduce morbidity and mortality due to vaccine-preventable infection. This retrospective, observational, multi-center study examines the immunization status in pediatric liver transplant candidates at the time of transplantation and compares it to a control group of children with acute liver disease. Findings show only 80% were vaccinated age-appropriately, defined as having received the recommended number of vaccination doses for their age prior to transplantation; for DTP-PV-Hib, less than 75% for Hepatitis B and two-thirds for pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in children with chronic liver disease. Vaccination coverage for live vaccines is better compared to the acute control group with 81% versus 62% for measles, mumps and rubella (p = 0.003) and 65% versus 55% for varicella (p = 0.171). Nevertheless, a country-specific comparison with national reference data suggests a lower vaccination coverage in children with chronic liver disease. Our study reveals an under-vaccination in this high-risk group prior to transplantation and underlines the need to improve vaccination.
Knowledge Graph Embedding-Based Domain Adaptation for Musical Instrument Recognition
Authors: Eyharabide Victoria , Bekkouch Imad Eddine Ibrahim , Constantin Nicolae Dragoș
Published: August 2021

Convolutional neural networks raised the bar for machine learning and artificial intelligence applications, mainly due to the abundance of data and computations. However, there is not always enough data for training, especially when it comes to historical collections of cultural heritage where the original artworks have been destroyed or damaged over time. Transfer Learning and domain adaptation techniques are possible solutions to tackle the issue of data scarcity. This article presents a new method for domain adaptation based on Knowledge graph embeddings. Knowledge Graph embedding forms a projection of a knowledge graph into a lower-dimensional where entities and relations are represented into continuous vector spaces. Our method incorporates these semantic vector spaces as a key ingredient to guide the domain adaptation process. We combined knowledge graph embeddings with visual embeddings from the images and trained a neural network with the combined embeddings as anchors using an extension of Fisher’s linear discriminant. We evaluated our approach on two cultural heritage datasets of images containing medieval and renaissance musical instruments. The experimental results showed a significant increase in the baselines and state-of-the-art performance compared with other domain adaptation methods.
Recommending Unfunded Innovative Cancer Therapies: Ethical vs. Clinical Perspectives among Oncologists on a Public Healthcare System—A Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Bashkin Osnat , Dopelt Keren , Asna Noam , Davidovitch Nadav
Published: August 2021

Over the past decade, there has been a growing development of innovative technologies to treat cancer. Many of these technologies are expensive and not funded by health funds. The present study examined physicians’ perceptions of the ethical and clinical aspects of the recommendation and use of unfunded technologies for cancer treatment. This mixed-methods study surveyed 127 oncologists regarding their perceptions toward using unfunded innovative cancer treatment technologies, followed by in-depth interviews with 16 oncologists. Most respondents believed that patients should be offered all treatment alternatives, regardless of their financial situation. However, 59% indicated that they often face dilemmas regarding recommending new unfunded treatments to patients with financial difficulties and without private health insurance. Over a third (38%) stated that they felt uncomfortable discussing the cost of treatment with patients. A predictive model found that physicians facing patients whose medical condition worsened due to an inability to access new treatments, and who expressed the opinion that physicians can assist in locating funding for patients who cannot afford treatments, were more likely to recommend unfunded innovative therapies to patients (F = 5.22, R2 = 0.15, p < 0.001). Subsequent in-depth interviews revealed four key themes: economic considerations in choosing therapy, patient–physician communication, the public healthcare fund, and discussion of treatment costs. Physicians feel a professional commitment to offer patients the best medical care and a moral duty to discuss costs and minimize patients’ financial difficulty. There is a need for careful and balanced use of innovative life-prolonging technologies while putting patients at the center of discourse on this complex and controversial issue. It is essential to develop a psychosocial support program for physicians and patients dealing with ethical and psychosocial dilemmas and to set guidelines for oncologists to conduct a comprehensive and collaborative physician–patient discourse regarding all aspects of treatment.
Rise of the Machines: The Inevitable Evolution of Medicine and Medical Laboratories Intertwining with Artificial Intelligence—A Narrative Review
Authors: Cadamuro Janne
Published: August 2021

Laboratory medicine has evolved from a mainly manual profession, providing few selected test results to a highly automated and standardized medical discipline, generating millions of test results per year. As the next inevitable evolutional step, artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms will need to assist us in structuring and making sense of the masses of diagnostic data collected today. Such systems will be able to connect clinical and diagnostic data and to provide valuable suggestions in diagnosis, prognosis or therapeutic options. They will merge the often so separated worlds of the laboratory and the clinics. When used correctly, it will be a tool, capable of freeing the physicians time so that he/she can refocus on the patient. In this narrative review I therefore aim to provide an overview of what AI is, what applications currently are available in healthcare and in laboratory medicine in particular. I will discuss the challenges and pitfalls of applying AI algorithms and I will elaborate on the question if healthcare workers will be replaced by such systems in the near future.
A Novel Saliva RT-LAMP Workflow for Rapid Identification of COVID-19 Cases and Restraining Viral Spread
Authors: Kobayashi Gerson Shigeru , Brito Luciano Abreu , Moreira Danielle de Paula , Suzuki Angela May , Hsia Gabriella Shih Ping , Pimentel Lylyan Fragoso , de Paiva Ana Paula Barreto , Dias Carolina Regoli , Lourenço Naila Cristina Vilaça , Oliveira Beatriz Araujo , Manuli Erika Regina , Corral Marcelo Andreetta , Cavaçana Natale , Mitne-Neto Miguel , Sales Maria Mirtes , Dell’ Aquila Luiz Phellipe , Filho Alvaro Razuk , Parrillo Eduardo Fagundes , Mendes-Corrêa Maria Cássia , Sabino Ester Cerdeira , Costa Silvia Figueiredo , Leal Fabio Eudes , Sgro Germán Gustavo , Farah Chuck Shaker , Zatz Mayana , Passos-Bueno Maria Rita
Published: August 2021

Rapid diagnostics is pivotal to curb SARS-CoV-2 transmission, and saliva has emerged as a practical alternative to naso/oropharyngeal (NOP) specimens. We aimed to develop a direct RT-LAMP (reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification) workflow for viral detection in saliva, and to provide more information regarding its potential in curbing COVID-19 transmission. Clinical and contrived specimens were used to optimize formulations and sample processing protocols. Salivary viral load was determined in symptomatic patients to evaluate the clinical performance of the test and to characterize saliva based on age, gender and time from onset of symptoms. Our workflow achieved an overall sensitivity of 77.2% (n = 90), with 93.2% sensitivity, 97% specificity, and 0.895 Kappa for specimens containing >102 copies/μL (n = 77). Further analyses in saliva showed that viral load peaks in the first days of symptoms and decreases afterwards, and that viral load is ~10 times lower in females compared to males, and declines following symptom onset. NOP RT-PCR data did not yield relevant associations. This work suggests that saliva reflects the transmission dynamics better than NOP specimens, and reveals gender differences that may reflect higher transmission by males. This saliva RT-LAMP workflow can be applied to track viral spread and, to maximize detection, testing should be performed immediately after symptoms are presented, especially in females.
Comparative Effectiveness of Methotrexate versus Methylprednisolone in Treatment Naïve Pulmonary Sarcoidosis Patients
Authors: Pasipanodya Jotam G.
Published: August 2021

Among those who study granulomatous diseases, sarcoidosis is of tremendous interest, not only because its cause is unknown, but also because it is still as much an enigma today as it was 150 years ago when Jonathan Hutchinson first described the cutaneous form of the disease as “livid papillary psoriasis”. This piece editorializes a comparative effectiveness study of methotrexate versus methylprednisolone in treatment naïve pulmonary sarcoidosis patients for CT-guided clinical responses and drug-related adverse events.
Towards a Global Entrepreneurial Culture: A Systematic Review of the Effectiveness of Entrepreneurship Education Programs
Authors: Jardim Jacinto , Bártolo Ana , Pinho Andreia
Published: August 2021

The number of entrepreneurship education programs (EEP) has increased exponentially over the past two decades. However, a systematic review has not yet been carried out to confirm the effectiveness of EEPs and their presence in the current global world. The main objective of this study was to provide a systematic synthesis of EEP, exploring their characteristics and effectiveness. The search was carried out in the following databases: Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest, and ERIC. Twenty-nine articles were included, with programs developed mainly in European (n = 15), Asian (n = 6), and American (n = 5) countries. The programs were primarily aimed at higher education students (n = 17), addressing business plans and the development of entrepreneurial skills. However, greater attention is paid to entrepreneurial skills in both primary and secondary education. The development of the programs under analysis varied between one week and two years. The studies showed the effectiveness of most of these programs in promoting entrepreneurial skills at all levels of education. In turn, there was no verified increase in the intention to start a business since this intention is determined by predisposition, namely socio-cultural and family aspects. This systematic review of the EEP points to the need for this type of program to be preferentially developed in the early school years, since it is at that time that predispositions are created for the development of entrepreneurial skills and intentions. This condition is corroborated by the global geography of the EEP, which demonstrates that, where there is currently an entrepreneurial culture, countries have made a long educational journey, with strategic options from the perspective of educational policies defending entrepreneurship among the younger generations.
Shifting the Delivery but Keeping the Focus: A Reflection on Ensuring Quality Teacher Preparation during a Pandemic
Authors: Eady Michelle J. , Green Corinne A. , Capocchiano Holly
Published: August 2021

There is a strong focus to connect theory with practice in initial teacher education (ITE). This discussion paper explores how we shifted teaching modes and assessment tasks in light of the Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19) when digital technologies were unexpectedly catapulted to the main delivery mode for the preparation of future teachers. During this time, connecting theory to authentic practice became a complicated issue. Globally, teacher educators were faced with the challenge of providing authentic learning opportunities for ITE without the ability to be physically present in school and classroom environments. Tertiary institutions were swiftly and unprecedently required to re-think and re-imagine their pedagogical practices. This change affected the self-efficacy and confidence of many academics who were underprepared for this major shift in teaching as they created, transitioned and implemented online material for their students under strict timelines. Our reflections in this paper present a guide and example for others to follow.
Terahertz High-Q Absorber Based on Holes Array Perforated into a Metallic Slab
Authors: Barzegar-Parizi Saeedeh , Ebrahimi Amir
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we theoretically analyze and design a dual-narrowband terahertz (THz) absorber based on a hole array drilled into a metallic slab. A very high-quality factor (Q) is achieved at both of the resonance frequencies. A circuit model-based approach is developed for the analysis and design of the proposed absorber. The absorption peaks occur at 2.46 and 3.75 THz frequencies with 98% and 96% absorptions at normal incidence, respectively. The achieved quality factors are 149 and 144, at 50% absorbance for the two absorption bands, respectively.
A Short Survey on Machine Learning Explainability: An Application to Periocular Recognition
Authors: Brito João , Proença Hugo
Published: August 2021

Interpretability has made significant strides in recent years, enabling the formerly black-box models to reach new levels of transparency. These kinds of models can be particularly useful to broaden the applicability of machine learning-based systems to domains where—apart from the predictions—appropriate justifications are also required (e.g., forensics and medical image analysis). In this context, techniques that focus on visual explanations are of particular interest here, due to their ability to directly portray the reasons that support a given prediction. Therefore, in this document, we focus on presenting the core principles of interpretability and describing the main methods that deliver visual cues (including one that we designed for periocular recognition in particular). Based on these intuitions, the experiments performed show explanations that attempt to highlight the most important periocular components towards a non-match decision. Then, some particularly challenging scenarios are presented to naturally sustain our conclusions and thoughts regarding future directions.
An Intelligent Hybrid–Integrated System Using Speech Recognition and a 3D Display for Early Childhood Education
Authors: Xia Kun , Xie Xinghao , Fan Hongliang , Liu Haiyang
Published: August 2021

In the past few years, people’s attitudes toward early childhood education (PAUD) have undergone a complete transformation. Personalized and intelligent communication methods are highly praised, which also promotes the further focus on timely and effective human–computer interaction. Since traditional English learning that relies on parents consumes more time and energy and is prone to errors and omissions, this paper proposes a system based on a convolution neural network (CNN) and automatic speech recognition (ASR) to achieve an integrated process of object recognition, intelligent speech interaction, and synchronization of learning records in children’s education. Compared with platforms described in the literature, not only does it shoot objects in the real-life environment to obtain English words, their pronunciation, and example sentences corresponding to them, but also it combines the technique of a three-dimensional display to help children learn abstract words. At the same time, the cloud database summarizes and tracks the learning progress by a horizontal comparison, which makes it convenient for parents to figure out the situation. The performance evaluation of image and speech recognition demonstrates that the overall accuracy remains above 96%. Through comprehensive experiments in different scenarios, we prove that the platform is suitable for children as an auxiliary method and cultivates their interest in learning English.
UAV Object Tracking Application Based on Patch Color Group Feature on Embedded System
Authors: Sheu Ming-Hwa , Jhang Yu-Syuan , Morsalin S M Salahuddin , Huang Yao-Fong , Sun Chi-Chia , Lai Shin-Chi
Published: August 2021

The discriminative object tracking system for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is widely used in numerous applications. While an ample amount of research has been carried out in this domain, implementing a low computational cost algorithm on a UAV onboard embedded system is still challenging. To address this issue, we propose a low computational complexity discriminative object tracking system for UAVs approach using the patch color group feature (PCGF) framework in this work. The tracking object is separated into several non-overlapping local image patches then the features are extracted into the PCGFs, which consist of the Gaussian mixture model (GMM). The object location is calculated by the similar PCGFs comparison from the previous frame and current frame. The background PCGFs of the object are removed by four directions feature scanning and dynamic threshold comparison, which improve the performance accuracy. In the terms of speed execution, the proposed algorithm accomplished 32.5 frames per second (FPS) on the x64 CPU platform without a GPU accelerator and 17 FPS in Raspberry Pi 4. Therefore, this work could be considered as a good solution for achieving a low computational complexity PCGF algorithm on a UAV onboard embedded system to improve flight times.
Application of Particle Swarm Optimization in the Design of an ICT High-Voltage Power Supply with Dummy Primary Winding
Authors: Jiang Can , Yang Jun , Fan Mingwu
Published: August 2021

The distribution of disk output voltage is a key factor for the design of an insulated core transformer (ICT) high-voltage power supply. The development of an ICT involves the design and optimization of many parameters, which greatly affect the uniformity of disk output voltage. A new ICT structure with dummy primary windings can compensate for the disk output voltage, which aims to improve uniformity. In this work, an optimization method based on a particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm was used to optimize the design parameters of an ICT with dummy primary windings. It achieved an optimal uniformity of disk output voltage and load regulation. The design parameters, including the number of secondary winding turns and the compensation capacitance, were optimized based on the finite-element method (FEM) and Simulink circuit simulation. The results show that the maximum non-uniformity of the disk output voltage is reduced from 11.1% to 4.4% from no-load to a full load for a 200 kV/20 mA HUST-ICT prototype. Moreover, the load regulation is greatly reduced from 14.3% to 9.6%. The method improves the stability and reliability of the ICT high voltage power supply and greatly reduces the design time.
A Secure Link-Layer Connectivity Platform for Multi-Site NFV Services
Authors: Vidal Ivan , Nogales Borja , Lopez Diego , Rodríguez Juan , Valera Francisco , Azcorra Arturo
Published: August 2021

Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) is a key technology for network automation and has been instrumental to materialize the disruptive view of 5G and beyond mobile networks. In particular, 5G embraces NFV to support the automated and agile provision of telecommunication and vertical services as a composition of versatile virtualized components, referred to as Virtual Network Functions (VNFs). It provides a high degree of flexibility in placing these components on distributed NFV infrastructures (e.g., at the network edge, close to end users). Still, this flexibility creates new challenges in terms of VNF connectivity. To address these challenges, we introduce a novel secure link-layer connectivity platform, L2S. Our solution can automatically be deployed and configured as a regular multi-site NFV service, providing the abstraction of a layer-2 switch that offers link-layer connectivity to VNFs deployed on remote NFV sites. Inter-site communications are effectively protected using existing security solutions and protocols, such as IP security (IPsec). We have developed a functional prototype of L2S using open-source software technologies. Our evaluation results indicate that this prototype can perform IP tunneling and cryptographic operations at Gb/s data rates. Finally, we have validated L2S using a multi-site NFV ecosystem at the Telefonica Open Network Innovation Centre (5TONIC), using our solution to support a multicast-based IP television service.
Organic-Inorganic Novel Green Cation Exchange Membranes for Direct Methanol Fuel Cells
Authors: Gouda Marwa H. , Tamer Tamer M. , Konsowa Abdelaziz H. , Farag Hassan A. , Mohy Eldin Mohamed S.
Published: August 2021

Commercializing direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC) demands cost-effective cation exchange membranes. Herein, a polymeric blend is prepared from low-cost and eco-friendly polymers (i.e., iota carrageenan (IC) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)). Zirconium phosphate (ZrPO4) was prepared from the impregnation–calcination method and characterized by energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX map), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), then incorporated as a bonding and doping agent into the polymer blend with different concentrations. The new fabricated membranes were characterized by SEM, FTIR, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and XRD. The results revealed that the membranes’ physicochemical properties (oxidative stability, tensile strength) are enhanced with increasing doping addition, and they realized higher results than Nafion 117 because of increasing numbers of hydrogen bonds fabricated between the polymers and zirconium phosphate. Additionally, the methanol permeability was decreased in the membranes with increasing zirconium phosphate content. The optimum membrane with IC/SPVA/ZrPO4-7.5 provided higher selectivity than Nafion 117. Therefore, it can be an effective cation exchange membrane for DMFCs applications.
Analysis of Daily Energy Demand for Cooling in Buildings with Different Comfort Categories—Case Study
Authors: Csáky Imre
Published: August 2021

Climate change has a potential impact on the number of hot and torrid days in the summer period. Due to the occupants’ comfort needs, and because of the high heat loads during the summer period, in several European countries, the energy used for air conditioning in buildings increased. With multiple environmental monitoring systems (Testo Saveris) in two similar offices, having west and east orientation of glazing, 1920 data (internal air, mean radiant temperature) related to operative temperature were collected in order to show the differences between heat loads of rooms with similar geometry in the same building. Data were measured in a 15 min interval. The diffuse and direct solar radiation had been determined for the horizontal and vertical surfaces, using the measured hourly global radiation (Debrecen, Hungary) data for the analyzed days (summer, hot, and torrid days). The local climatic results were compared with other climatic days used in different national standards. The daily energy need for cooling for different building comfort categories was also determined in the case of the representative days. The maximum daily energy need for cooling can be even 2.3 times higher for east orientation in comparison to the west orientation of the facades.
Application of Canonical Variate Analysis to Compare Different Groups of Food Industry Companies in Terms of Financial Liquidity and Profitability
Authors: Czerwińska-Kayzer Dorota , Florek Joanna , Staniszewski Ryszard , Kayzer Dariusz
Published: August 2021

Financial liquidity and profitability are two critical phenomena present in the financial economy of a company, whose relations depend on each other and may course in different directions. At the same time, they are an example of the complexity of the problem, which demands a proper approach, allowing one to reconcile two opposing objectives of any enterprise, i.e., maximizing the benefits for the owners and minimizing the risk of losing financial liquidity. Until now, the relationship between liquidity and profitability has not been examined explicitly, using multidimensional methods in particular. Nevertheless, the links between profitability and financial liquidity maintenance ensure the sustainable development of enterprises in different branches. This paper formulates two aims: scientific and practical. The scientific one concerns adopting the canonical variate analysis method to visualize the differences and relationships between food industry companies regarding financial liquidity and profitability. The practical one relates to indicating the relationship between financial liquidity and profitability in different groups of food industry companies. To study the relationships between the selected groups of enterprises and describe them, the liquidity and profitability ratios were utilized, involving canonical variate analysis based on transformation by linear combination and singular value decomposition. The analysis found that the most important feature highlighting the group of the examined entities regarding financial liquidity was the cash conversion cycle. The research results showed the existence of multidirectional relationships between liquidity and profitability. The research indicates that they depend on indicators describing financial dependencies and the industries in which they operate. This led to a much deeper and broader interpretation of the assessment of the financial situation of companies to support their sustainable development.
Synthesis of Alkyl Aliphatic Hydrazine and Application in Crude Oil as Flow Improvers
Authors: Deng Qiang , Slaný Michal , Zhang Huani , Gu Xuefan , Li Yongfei , Du Weichao , Chen Gang
Published: August 2021

In this paper, alkyl aliphatic hydrazine, which is different from traditional polymer fluidity improver, was synthesized from aliphatic hydrazine and cetane bromide, and evaluated as a pour point and viscosity-reducer depressant for crude oil. The evaluation results showed that alkyl aliphatic hydrazone fully reduced the pour point and viscosity of crude oil with the increase of crude oil fluidity. The viscosity reduction rate of crude oil in Jinghe oilfield was 79.6%, and the pour point was reduced by about 11.3 °C. The viscosity reduction rate of crude oil in Xinjiang Oilfield was 74.7%, and the pour point was reduced by 8.0 °C. The long alkyl chain is beneficial to the eutectic of wax in crude oil, and the polar group inhibits the crystal growth, resulting in the decrease of pour point and viscosity. The waste oil is fully recycled into oilfield chemicals.