bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ecological Momentary Assessment of Awake Bruxism Behaviors: A Scoping Review of Findings from Smartphone-Based Studies in Healthy Young Adults
Authors: Colonna Anna , Bracci Alessandro , Ahlberg Jari , Câmara-Souza Mariana , Bucci Rosaria , Conti Paulo , Dias Ricardo , Emodi-Perlmam Alona , Favero Riccardo , Häggmän-Henrikson Birgitta , Michelotti Ambrosina , Nykänen Laura , Stanisic Nikola , Winocur Efraim , Lobbezoo Frank , Manfredini Daniele
Published: March 2023

Background: The recent introduction of ecological momentary assessment (EMA) smartphone-based strategies has allowed achieving some interesting data on the frequency of different awake bruxism (AB) behaviors reported by an individual in the natural environment. Objective: The present paper aims to review the literature on the reported frequency of AB based on data gathered via smartphone EMA technology. Methods: On September 2022, a systematic search in the Pubmed, Scopus and Google Scholar databases was performed to identify all peer-reviewed English-language studies assessing awake bruxism behaviors using a smartphone-based Ecological Momentary Assessment. The selected articles were assessed independently by two authors according to a structured reading of the articles’ format (PICO). Results: A literature search, for which the search terms “Awake Bruxism” and “Ecological Momentary Assessment” were used, identified 15 articles. Of them, eight fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The results of seven studies using the same smartphone-based app reported a frequency of AB behaviors in the range between 28.3 and 40% over one week, while another investigation adopted a different smartphone-based EMA approach via WhatsApp using a web-based survey program and reported an AB frequency of 58.6%. Most included studies were based on convenience samples with limited age range, highlighting the need for more studies on other population samples. Conclusions: Despite the methodological limits, the results of the reviewed studies provide a standpoint for comparison for future studies on the epidemiology of awake bruxism behaviors.
Role of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Evaluation of MINOCA
Authors: Daneshrad Justin A. , Ordovas Karen , Sierra-Galan Lilia M. , Hays Allison G. , Mamas Mamas A. , Bucciarelli-Ducci Chiara , Parwani Purvi
Published: March 2023

Myocardial infarction with Non Obstructive Coronary Arteries (MINOCA) is defined by patients presenting with signs and symptoms similar to acute myocardial infarction, but are found to have non-obstructive coronary arteries angiography. What was once considered a benign phenomenon, MINOCA has been proven to carry with it significant morbidity and worse mortality when compared to the general population. As the awareness for MINOCA has increased, guidelines have focused on this unique situation. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) has proven to be an essential first step in the diagnosis of patients with suspected MINOCA. CMR has also been shown to be crucial when differentiating between MINOCA like presentations such as myocarditis, takotsubo and other forms of cardiomyopathy. The following review focuses on demographics of patients with MINOCA, their unique clinical presentation as well as the role of CMR in the evaluation of MINOCA.
Angiographic Outcomes for Arterial and Venous Conduits Used in CABG
Authors: Dimagli Arnaldo , Soletti Giovanni , Harik Lamia , Perezgrovas Olaria Roberto , Cancelli Gianmarco , An Kevin R. , Alzghari Talal , Mack Charles , Gaudino Mario
Published: March 2023

Coronary artery bypass grafting is the most commonly performed cardiac surgical procedure. Conduit selection is crucial to achieving early optimal outcomes, with graft patency being likely the main driver to long-term survival. We present a review of current evidence on the patency of arterial and venous bypass conduits and of differences in angiographic outcomes.
Strong Cumulative Evidence of Associations of 6 Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms with Ovarian Cancer Risk: An Umbrella Review
Authors: Huo Ying-Jun , Li Xiao-Ying , Zhang Meng , Gao Chang , Xiao Qian , Zhao Yu-Hong , Gao Song , Gong Ting-Ting , Wu Qi-Jun
Published: March 2023

Background: An increasing number of studies have reported associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and ovarian cancer (OC) risk. However, some of the findings were inconsistent. The objective of this umbrella review was to evaluate the associations comprehensively and quantitatively. Methods: The protocol of this review was registered in PROSPERO (No. CRD42022332222). We searched the PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases to identify related systematic reviews and meta-analyses from inception to 15 October 2021. In addition to estimating the summary effect size by using fixed and random effects models and calculating the 95% prediction interval, we evaluated the cumulative evidence for associations with nominally statistical significance based on the Venice criteria and false positive report probability (FPRP). Results: Forty articles were included in this umbrella review, which referred to a total of 54 SNPs. The median number of original studies per meta-analysis was four, while the median number of total subjects was 3455. All included articles had greater than moderate methodological quality. A total of 18 SNPs were nominally statistically associated with OC risk; 6 SNPs (8 genetic models), 5 SNPs (7 genetic models), and 16 SNPs (25 genetic models) were identified as strong, moderate, and weak cumulative evidence, respectively. Conclusion: This umbrella review revealed associations between SNPs and OC risk and suggested strong cumulative evidence of associations of six SNPs (eight genetic models) with OC risk.
The Influence of Healthy Habits on Cognitive Functions in a Group of Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Olczyk Piotr , Jerzak Patryk , Letachowicz Krzysztof , Gołębiowski Tomasz , Krajewska Magdalena , Kusztal Mariusz
Published: March 2023

(1) Background: Cognitive impairment (CI) is more prevalent in hemodialysis (HD) patients than in the general population. The purpose of this study was to examine if behavioral, clinical, and vascular variables are linked with CI in individuals with HD. (2) Methods: Initially, 47 individuals with chronic HD volunteered to participate in the trial, but only 27 patients ultimately completed the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the Computerized Cognitive Assessment Tool (CompBased-CAT). We collected information on smoking, mental activities, physical activity (Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity, RAPA), and comorbidity. The oxygen saturation (rSO2) and pulse wave velocity (PWV; IEM Mobil-O-Graph) of the frontal lobes were measured. (3) Results: Significant associations were discovered between MoCA and rSO2 (r = 0.44, p = 0.02 and r = 0.62, p = 0.001, right/left, respectively), PWV (r = −0.69, p = 0.0001), CCI (r = 0.59, p = 0.001), and RAPA (r = 0.72, p = 0.0001). Those who actively occupied their time during dialysis and non-smokers achieved higher cognitive exam results. A multivariate regression study demonstrated that physical activity (RAPA) and PWV had separate effects on cognitive performance. (4) Conclusions: Cognitive skills are related to inter-dialysis healthy habits (physical activity, smoking) and intra-dialysis activities (tasks and mind games). Arterial stiffness, oxygenation of the frontal lobes, and CCI were linked with CI.
Spiradenocarcinoma: SEER Study of Epidemiology, Survival, and Treatment Options
Authors: Martineau Jérôme , Walz Solange N. , Scampa Matteo , Giordano Salvatore , Kalbermatten Daniel F. , Oranges Carlo M.
Published: March 2023

(1) Background: Spiradenocarcinoma is an extremely rare malignant adnexal tumor and there are only few studies on survival outcomes. Our aim was to perform an analysis of the demographic and pathological characteristics, treatment patterns, and survival outcomes of patients affected by spiradenocarcinoma. (2) Methods: The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program database of the National Cancer Institute was searched for all cases of spiradenocarcinoma diagnosed between 2000 and 2019. This database is considered representative of the US population. Demographic, pathological, and treatment variables were retrieved. Overall and disease-specific survival were computed according to the different variables. (3) Results: 90 cases of spiradenocarcinoma (47 females, 43 males) were identified. Mean age at diagnosis was 62.8 years. Regional and distant disease at diagnosis were rare, occurring in 2.2% and 3.3% of cases, respectively. Surgery alone was the most frequent treatment (87.8%), followed by a combination of surgery and radiotherapy (3.3%) and radiation therapy only (1.1%). Five-year overall survival was 76.2% and five-year disease-specific survival was 95.7%. (4) Conclusions: Spiradenocarcinoma equally affects males and females. Regional and distant invasion rates are low. Disease-specific mortality is low and is probably overestimated in the literature. Surgical excision remains the main form of treatment.
The Short-Term Results of Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma as an Adjuvant to Re-Intervention in the Treatment of Refractory Full-Thickness Macular Holes
Authors: Buzzi Matilde , Parisi Guglielmo , Marolo Paola , Gelormini Francesco , Ferrara Mariantonia , Raimondi Raffaele , Allegrini Davide , Rossi Tommaso , Reibaldi Michele , Romano Mario R.
Published: March 2023

The purpose of this study was to investigate the short-term efficacy and safety of autologous platelet-rich plasma (a-PRP) as an adjuvant to revisional vitrectomy for refractory full-thickness macular holes (rFTMHs). We conducted a prospective, non-randomized interventional study including patients with rFTMH after a pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with internal limiting membrane peeling and gas tamponade. We included 28 eyes from 27 patients with rFTMHs: 12 rFTMHs in highly myopic eyes (axial length greater than 26.5 mm or a refractive error greater than -6D or both); 12 large rFTMHs (minimum hole width > 400 μm); and 4 rFTMHs secondary to the optic disc pit. All patients underwent 25-G PPV with a-PRP, a median time of 3.5 ± 1.8 months after the primary repair. At the six-month follow-up, the overall rFTMH closure rate was 92.9%, distributed as follows: 11 out of 12 eyes (91.7%) in the highly myopic group, 11 out of 12 eyes (91.7%) in the large rFTMH group, and 4 out of 4 eyes (100%) in the optic disc pit group. Median best-corrected visual acuity significantly improved in all groups, in particular from 1.00 (interquartile range: 0.85 to 1.30) to 0.70 (0.40 to 0.85) LogMAR in the highly myopic group (p = 0.016), from 0.90 (0.70 to 1.49) to 0.40 (0.35 to 0.70) LogMAR in the large rFTMH group (p = 0.005), and from 0.90 (0.75 to 1.00) to 0.50 (0.28 to 0.65) LogMAR in the optic disc pit group. No intraoperative or postoperative complications were reported. In conclusion, a-PRP can be an effective adjuvant to PPV in the management of rFTMHs.
Stromal Vascular Fraction Cells from Individuals Who Have Previously Undergone Radiotherapy Retain Their Pro-Wound Healing Properties
Authors: Trevor Lucy V. , Riches-Suman Kirsten , Mahajan Ajay L. , Thornton M. Julie
Published: March 2023

Beneficial effects have been observed following the transplant of lipoaspirates containing adipose-derived stem cells into chronic wounds caused by oncologic radiotherapy. It is not yet certain whether adipose-derived stem cells are resistant to radiation exposure. Therefore, the aims of this study were to isolate stromal vascular fraction from human breast tissue exposed to radiotherapy and determine the presence of adipose-derived stem cells. Stromal vascular fraction from irradiated donor tissue was compared to commercially sourced pre-adipocytes. Immunocytochemistry was used to determine the presence of adipose-derived stem cell markers. Conditioned media from stromal vascular fraction isolated from irradiated donors was used as a treatment in a scratch wound assay of dermal fibroblasts also isolated from irradiated donors and compared to pre-adipocyte conditioned media and serum free control. This is the first report of human stromal vascular fraction being cultured from previously irradiated breast tissue. Stromal vascular fraction conditioned media from irradiated donors had a similar effect in increasing the migration of dermal fibroblasts from irradiated skin to pre-adipocyte conditioned media from healthy donors. Therefore, the ability of adipose-derived stem cells in the stromal vascular fraction to stimulate dermal fibroblasts in wound healing appears to be preserved following radiotherapy. This study demonstrates that stromal vascular fraction from irradiated patients is viable, functional and may have potential for regenerative medicine techniques following radiotherapy.
Pancytopenia Secondary to Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Older Subjects
Authors: Costanzo Giulia , Sambugaro Giada , Mandis Giulia , Vassallo Sofia , Scuteri Angelo
Published: March 2023

Background: Vitamin B12 (cobalamin CBL) is a water-soluble vitamin required to form hematopoietic cells (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets). It is involved in the process of synthesizing DNA and myelin sheath. Deficiencies of vitamin B12 and/or folate can cause megaloblastic anemia (macrocytic anemia with other features due to impaired cell division). Pancytopenia is a less frequent exordium of severe vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 deficiency can also cause neuropsychiatric findings. In addition to correcting the deficiency, an essential aspect of management is determining the underlying cause because the need for additional testing, the duration of therapy, and the route of administration may differ depending on the underlying cause. Methods: Here, we present a series of four patients hospitalized for megaloblastic anemia (MA) in pancytopenia. All patients diagnosed with MA were studied for a clinic-hematological and etiological profile. Results: All the patients presented with pancytopenia and megaloblastic anemia. Vitamin B12 deficiency was documented in 100% of cases. There was no correlation between the severity of anemia and deficiency of the vitamin. Overt clinical neuropathy was present in none of the cases of MA, while subclinical neuropathy was seen in one case. The etiology of vitamin B12 deficiency was pernicious anemia in two cases and low food intake in the remaining cases. Conclusion: This case study emphasizes the role of vitamin B12 deficiency as a leading cause of pancytopenia among adults.
Identification of MGMT Downregulation Induced by miRNA in Glioblastoma and Possible Effect on Temozolomide Sensitivity
Authors: Cardia Andrea , Epistolio Samantha , Zaed Ismail , Sahnane Nora , Cerutti Roberta , Cipriani Debora , Barizzi Jessica , Spina Paolo , Stefanini Federico Mattia , Cerati Michele , Balbi Sergio , Mazzucchelli Luca , Sessa Fausto , Pesce Gianfranco Angelo , Reinert Michael , Frattini Milo , Marchi Francesco
Published: March 2023

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) remains one of the tumors with the worst prognosis. In recent years, a better overall survival (OS) has been described in cases subjected to Gross Total Resection (GTR) that were presenting hypermethylation of Methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter. Recently, also the expression of specific miRNAs involved in MGMT silencing has been related to survival. In this study, we evaluate MGMT expression by immunohistochemistry (IHC), MGMT promoter methylation and miRNA expression in 112 GBMs and correlate the data to patients’ clinical outcomes. Statistical analyses demonstrate a significant association between positive MGMT IHC and the expression of miR-181c, miR-195, miR-648 and miR-767.3p between unmethylated cases and the low expression of miR-181d and miR-648 and between methylated cases and the low expression of miR-196b. Addressing the concerns of clinical associations, a better OS has been described in presence of negative MGMT IHC, in methylated patients and in the cases with miR-21, miR-196b overexpression or miR-767.3 downregulation. In addition, a better progression-free survival (PFS) is associated with MGMT methylation and GTR but not with MGMT IHC and miRNA expression. In conclusion, our data reinforce the clinical relevance of miRNA expression as an additional marker to predict efficacy of chemoradiation in GBM.
Differences in Outcome of Patients with Cardiogenic Shock Associated with In-Hospital or Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Rusnak Jonas , Schupp Tobias , Weidner Kathrin , Ruka Marinela , Egner-Walter Sascha , Forner Jan , Bertsch Thomas , Kittel Maximilian , Mashayekhi Kambis , Tajti Péter , Ayoub Mohamed , Behnes Michael , Akin Ibrahim
Published: March 2023

Cardiogenic Shock (CS) complicated by in-hospital (IHCA) or out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) has a poor outcome. However, studies regarding the prognostic differences between IHCA and OHCA in CS are limited. In this prospective, observational study, consecutive patients with CS were included in a monocentric registry from June 2019 to May 2021. The prognostic impact of IHCA and OHCA on 30-day all-cause mortality was tested within the entire group and in the subgroups of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and coronary artery disease (CAD). Statistical analyses included univariable t-test, Spearman’s correlation, Kaplan–Meier analyses, as well as uni- and multivariable Cox regression analyses. A total of 151 patients with CS and cardiac arrest were included. IHCA on ICU admission was associated with higher 30-day all-cause mortality compared to OHCA in univariable COX regression and Kaplan–Meier analyses. However, this association was solely driven by patients with AMI (77% vs. 63%; log rank p = 0.023), whereas IHCA was not associated with 30-day all-cause mortality in non-AMI patients (65% vs. 66%; log rank p = 0.780). This finding was confirmed in multivariable COX regression, in which IHCA was solely associated with higher 30-day all-cause mortality in patients with AMI (HR = 2.477; 95% CI 1.258–4.879; p = 0.009), whereas no significant association could be seen in the non-AMI group and in the subgroups of patients with and CAD. CS patients with IHCA showed significantly higher all-cause mortality at 30 days compared to patients with OHCA. This finding was primarily driven by a significant increase in all-cause mortality at 30 days in CS patients with AMI and IHCA, whereas no difference could be seen when differentiated by CAD.
A Novel Finite Difference Scheme for Normal Mode Models in Underwater Acoustics
Authors: Liu Wei , Xu Guojun , Cheng Xinghua , Wang Yongxian
Published: March 2023

Normal mode models are commonly used to simulate sound propagation problems in horizontally stratified oceanic environments. Although several normal mode models have been developed, the fundamental techniques for accurately and efficiently solving the modal equation are still under development. Since the standard three-point central finite difference scheme (SFD) for the modal equation has a relatively large numerical error, at least twenty sampling grid points per wavelength should be set in the depth direction. Herein, a novel finite difference scheme (NFD) is developed to further improve the accuracy of the mode solution, and the resulting linear system still has a tridiagonal structure similar to that of the SFD. To compare the performance of the NFD to that of the SFD, the NFD has been implemented in the open-source normal mode model KrakenC, and three acoustic propagation cases have been carried out, including the plane-wave reflection, the Pekeris waveguide, and the Munk waveguide. Test results show that the NFD presented in this paper is more accurate than the SFD, and can be used to reduce the number of grid points needed in the depth direction for solving the modal equation in normal mode models.
Lichenometric Dating and Its Limitations and Problems: A Guide for Practitioners
Authors: Winchester Vanessa
Published: March 2023

Lichenometry, a method for dating rock surface exposure mainly in high latitudes and mountain environments, is based on estimates of lichen growth rates, but over the last 70 years it has been severely criticised. Its chief limitation is its questionable reliability due to three main problems: the species belonging to the Rhizocarpon subgenus, most often used by lichenometrists, are hard to identify; growth studies have highlighted the intrinsic variability of growth both seasonally and annually, with species sensitively responding to a wide range of environmental factors; and the same sensitive dependence also applies to the time taken for colonization on fresh rock surfaces. These problems cast doubt on many absolute dating studies and critics have suggested that, at best, the technique should only be used for relative dating. This paper provides guidance on identification procedures and suggests alternative dating methods based on lichen size-frequency distributions and cross-dating with other lichen species, thus avoiding reliance on a single species or support from other methods. With appropriate development, it is hoped that these approaches can provide a way forward that allows the technique to contribute more reliably to the dating of rock surfaces in regions where there are few other dating options.
Evaluation of Emotional Attachment Characteristics of Small-Scale Urban Vitality Space Based on Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution, Integrating Entropy Weight Method and Grey Relation Analysis
Authors: Zhang Ruoshi
Published: March 2023

The research and design of urban vitality spaces is recognized as an important part of current urban construction and development, especially for China’s first-tier cities at the background of stock renewal. Aiming to address the lack of quantitative methods for research and evaluation of the emotional attachment between people and the built environment in small-scale urban vitality spaces, a new method that can quantify emotional attachment data into comprehensive vitality evaluation results is proposed here. Five representative vibrant urban renewal complexes in China were chosen to demonstrate the feasibility of the method. The method includes three steps. First, an evaluation index system of emotional attachment in small-scale urban vitality spaces was created, including 14 indicators from three aspects: attachment degree, attachment dimension, and attachment intensity to specific built environment characteristics. Second, the indicators obtained were preliminarily processed and the correlation analysis was carried out using SPSS to provide support and interpretation for subsequent evaluation. Third, the results of multiple indicators were organized through the improved technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS), integrating the entropy weight method (EW) and the grey relation analysis method (GRA) to produce an attachment evaluation result for the five complexes. This study demonstrates that small-scale built environment characteristics can effectively promote urban vitality by as people establish multidimensional emotional attachment with them. Physical material characteristics can deepen people’s emotional attachment and promote spatial vitality by retaining and renovating historical material and structure or intervening in emerging forms that reflect current trends. Social and interactive characteristics are closely correlated with material characteristics, but their influence on urban vitality changes dynamically with time and the surrounding environment. Additionally, the construction and application of the methodology is scrutinized in order to provide new ideas for the design, research, and evaluation of small-scale urban vitality spaces.
How Does Urban-Rural Capital Flow Affect Rural Reconstruction near Metropolitan Areas? Evidence from Shanghai, China
Authors: Zhou Xiaoping , Li Xiaotian , Gu Xiaokun
Published: March 2023

Capital outflow during industrialization and urbanization is a primary reason for global rural recession, and China is no exception. Since China focuses on the integrated development of urban and rural areas, urban-rural capital flow affects the transformation and sustainable development of rural areas. However, few studies have focused on this issue. Based on long-term field observations of Wufang Village in Shanghai, we established an analytical framework to describe how urban-rural capital flow promotes rural reconstruction. The research results show that the influx of urban industrial and commercial capital results in market-oriented organization and reconstruction focusing on land, industry, and capital: (1) Land-use optimization changes the land ownership and spatial structure of rural areas and improves the spatial value of rural areas. (2) Industrial development is focused on diverse development and the integration of primary, secondary, and tertiary industries in rural areas. (3) Capital investment is performed by a consortium of state-owned enterprises, private enterprises, and rural collective enterprises—which jointly invest, obtain revenue, and share profits—while considering the balance between attracting capital to rural areas and achieving independent development. The experience of Wufang Village has implications for the rural transformation policies of other large cities in China and other countries in Asia and Africa during urbanization.
Prosodic and Segmental Aspects of Pronunciation Training and Their Effects on L2
Authors: Dahmen Silvia , Grice Martine , Roessig Simon
Published: March 2023

Some studies on training effects of pronunciation instruction have claimed that the training of prosodic features has effects at the segmental level and that the training of segmental features has effects at the prosodic level, with greater effects reported when prosody is the main focus of training. This paper revisits this claim by looking at the effects of pronunciation training on Italian learners of German. In a pre-post-test design, we investigate acoustic changes after training in learners’ productions of two features regarded as prosodic and two features regarded as segmental. The prosodic features were the pitch excursion of final rises in yes–no questions and the reduction in schwa epenthesis in word-final closed syllables. The segmental features were final devoicing and voice onset time (VOT) in plosives. We discuss the results for three groups (with segmental training, with prosody training, and with no pronunciation training). Our results indicate that there are positive effects of prosody-oriented training on the production of segments, especially when training focuses on syllable structure and prosodic prominence (stress and accent). They also indicate that teaching segmental and prosodic aspects of pronunciation together is beneficial.
Different Behaviors of Friction in Open and Closed Forging Test Utilizing Palm Oil-Based Lubricants
Authors: Yahaya Aiman , Samion Syahrullail , Abidin Ummikalsom , Abdul Hamid Mohd Kameil
Published: March 2023

Increasing demand for manufactured goods in industries such as automobiles, electronics, construction, and aerospace has motivated researchers to develop sustainable manufacturing processes. Most metal-forming lubricants are not eco-friendly; they may cause substantial chemical emissions and constitute a community threat. Bio-oil lubricants are seen as possible replacements for mineral oil-based lubricants. Computational modelling of the forging process uses the finite element method to accelerate and improve design. This research intends to act as a case study and demonstrate how friction behaves differently in open-closed forging tests of different palm oil derivatives. The relationship between the different types of friction was studied using a cold forging test in conjunction with the development of a Coulomb–Tresca friction model. From the results, it can be shown that the friction behavior for the closed forging test (CFT) and the ring compression test (RCT) differs; the CFT exhibits a diversified friction adaptation, while the RCT exhibits a single friction adaptation. From both tests, palm stearin (PS) shows the lowest friction behavior where at RCT the friction is estimated at m = 0.10/μ = 0.05 and the CFT has a varied friction and the average friction is estimated at m = 0.352/μ = 0.1626. On the other hand, commercial metal-forming oil (CMFO) shows the highest lubrication sample in friction, where the value of friction is similar to the no lubricant sample (NA-O), which is (m = 0.45/μ = 0.1875) on the RCT test and (m = 0.424/μ = 0.1681) on the CFT test.
Robotic System for Blood Serum Aliquoting Based on a Neural Network Model of Machine Vision
Authors: Khalapyan Sergey , Rybak Larisa , Nebolsin Vasiliy , Malyshev Dmitry , Nozdracheva Anna , Semenenko Tatyana , Gavrilov Dmitry
Published: March 2023

The quality of the diagnostic information obtained in the course of laboratory studies depends on the accuracy of compliance with the regulations for the necessary work. The process of aliquoting blood serum requires immersing the pipette to different depths depending on the boundary level between blood phases. A vision system can be used to determine this depth during automated aliquoting using various algorithms. As part of the work, two recognition algorithms are synthesized, one of which is based on the use of the HSV color palette, the other is based on the convolutional neural network. In the Python language, software systems have been developed that implement the ability of a vision system to recognize blood in test tubes. The developed methods are supposed to be used for aliquoting biosamples using a delta robot in a multirobotic system, which will increase the productivity of ongoing biomedical research through the use of new technical solutions and principles of intelligent robotics. The visualized results of the work of the considered programs are presented and a comparative analysis of the quality of recognition is carried out.
Hydrodynamic Processes in Angular Fitting Connections of a Transport Machine’s Hydraulic Drive
Authors: Karpenko Mykola , Stosiak Michał , Šukevičius Šarūnas , Skačkauskas Paulius , Urbanowicz Kamil , Deptuła Adam
Published: March 2023

The article presents the theoretical research on hydraulic processes occurring in hydraulic drives of transport machines. The research analysed the influence of hydrodynamic processes on the fluid flow characteristics following installation of angular fitting connections in pipeline systems. The analysis was based on the numerical simulations by Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations in 3D. The fluid flow in the hydraulic system pipeline connections were investigated for fluid flow rate up to 100 l/min. For numerical simulation, a mesh independence study was performed. By modeling. we obtained results of pressure drops, turbulence models, flow coefficients and energy losses at 45° and 90° angular fitting connections. The article compares the results obtained using the calculation method based on the standard of equivalent length fitting with the findings presented. The research conducted indicated that using the equivalent length method is not appropriate for studying angular fitting connections. It was found that additional investigations are necessary for each type of angular fitting connection.
Magnetization, Band Gap and Specific Heat of Pure and Ion Doped MnFe2O4 Nanoparticles
Authors: Apostolova I. N. , Apostolov A. T. , Wesselinowa J. M.
Published: March 2023

We have studied the magnetic properties of ion doped MnFe2O4 nanoparticles with the help of a modified Heisenberg model and Green’s function theory taking into account all correlation functions. The magnetization Ms and the Curie temperature TC increase with decreasing particle size. This is the opposite behavior than that observed in CoFe2O4 and CoCr2O4 nanoparticles. By Co, Mg or Ni doping, Ms and TC increase with enhancing the dopant concentration, whereas, by La or Gd doping, the opposite effect is obtained due to the different doping and host ionic radii which change the exchange interaction constants. The band gap energy Eg is calculated from the s–d model. It can decrease or increase by different ion doping. The peak observed in the temperature dependence of the specific heat at TC is field dependent.
Using Data of a Lassa Fever Epidemic in Nigeria: A Mathematical Model Is Shown to Capture the Dynamics and Point to Possible Control Methods
Authors: Collins Obiora Cornelius , Duffy Kevin Jan
Published: March 2023

Lassa fever is a deadly viral illness that is endemic in some parts of West Africa, including Nigeria. A deterministic model in the form of a non-linear system of differential equations is developed to analyse the dynamics and possible control of the disease. The model is tested by fitting it to data from Nigeria’s Lassa fever outbreak using a least-squares fitting routine and the model is shown to provide a reasonable fit to the data. Parameters representing various control measures in the model are estimated using the model fitting. Important epidemiological features of the model such as the basic reproduction number (R0), the disease-free equilibrium, and the endemic equilibrium are determined and analysed. The disease-free equilibrium is shown to be asymptotically stable when R0<1. A bifurcation about R0=1 was determined using the Center Manifold Theorem. Using numerical simulations of the model future dynamics of Lassa fever disease in Nigeria are predicted and the impact of control measures on the disease determined. The use of approved rodenticides is shown to be the most effective control followed by reducing person-to-person and rodent-to-person contacts, respectively. Isolation and treatment of infected individuals are shown to be less effective when compared with the other control measures.
Ternary Hybrid Nanofluid Flow Containing Gyrotactic Microorganisms over Three Different Geometries with Cattaneo–Christov Model
Authors: Yaseen Moh , Rawat Sawan Kumar , Shah Nehad Ali , Kumar Manoj , Eldin Sayed M.
Published: March 2023

The movement of microorganism cells in fluid influences various biotic processes, including septicity and marine life ecology. Many organic and medicinal applications need to look into the insight of mechanism in nanofluids containing a microbial suspension. The current paper concerns the bioconvection of a ternary hybrid nanofluid (Al2O3-Cu-CNT/water) flow containing motile gyrotactic microorganisms toward three different geometries (a flat plate, a wedge, and a cone) in the occurrence of natural convection, radiation, and heat source/sink. The Cattaneo–Christov theory is employed to develop the model. The equations are solved by using the “bvp4c function in MATLAB”. The influence of the crucial significant factors on the motile microorganisms’ density, velocity, temperature, nanoparticles’ concentration, microbe density gradient, and transmission rates of heat and mass is discussed. The results depict that the heat transmission rate is highest for the flow toward the cone, whereas the mass transmission rate and microbe density gradient are highest for the flow toward the wedge. In addition, the higher estimates of the thermal relaxation parameter corresponding to the Cattaneo–Christov theory act to enhance the rate of heat transmission. The results of the current study will be useful to many microbial-enhanced oil recovery systems, carriage processes, architectural design systems, medicinal fields that utilize nanofluids, and so on.
Forecasting BDI Sea Freight Shipment Cost, VIX Investor Sentiment and MSCI Global Stock Market Indicator Indices: LSTAR-GARCH and LSTAR-APGARCH Models
Authors: Bildirici Melike , Şahin Onat Işıl , Ersin Özgür Ömer
Published: March 2023

Prediction of the economy in global markets is of crucial importance for individuals, decisionmakers, and policies. To this end, effectiveness in modeling and forecasting the directions of such leading indicators is of crucial importance. For this purpose, we analyzed the Baltic Dry Index (BDI), Investor Sentiment Index (VIX), and Global Stock Market Indicator (MSCI) for their distributional characteristics leading to proposed econometric methods. Among these, the BDI is an economic indicator based on shipment of dry cargo costs, the VIX is a measure of investor fear, and the MSCI represents an emerging and developed county stock market indicator. By utilizing daily data for a sample covering 1 November 2007–30 May 2022, the BDI, VIX, and MSCI indices are investigated with various methods for nonlinearity, chaos, and regime-switching volatility. The BDS independence test confirmed dependence and nonlinearity in all three series; Lyapunov exponent, Shannon, and Kolmogorov entropy tests suggest that series follow chaotic processes. Smooth transition autoregressive (STAR) type nonlinearity tests favored two-regime GARCH and Asymmetric Power GARCH (APGARCH) nonlinear conditional volatility models where regime changes are governed by smooth logistic transitions. Nonlinear LSTAR-GARCH and LSTAR-APGARCH models, in addition to their single-regime variants, are estimated and evaluated for in-sample and out-of-sample forecasts. The findings determined significant prediction and forecast improvement of LSTAR-APGARCH, closely followed by LSTAR-GARCH models. Overall results confirm the necessity of models integrating nonlinearity and volatility dynamics to utilize the BDI, VIX, and MSCI indices as effective leading economic indicators for investors and policymakers to predict the direction of the global economy.
Multi-Agent Deep Q-Network Based Dynamic Controller Placement for Node Variable Software-Defined Mobile Edge-Cloud Computing Networks
Authors: Xu Chenglin , Xu Cheng , Li Bo
Published: March 2023

Software-defined networks (SDN) can use the control plane to manage heterogeneous devices efficiently, improve network resource utilization, and optimize Mobile Edge-Cloud Computing Networks (MECCN) network performance through decisions based on global information. However, network traffic in MECCNs can change over time and affect the performance of the SDN control plane. Moreover, the MECCN network may need to temporarily add network access points when the network load is excessive, and it is difficult for the control plane to form effective management of temporary nodes. This paper investigates the dynamic controller placement problem (CPP) in SDN-enabled Mobile Edge-Cloud Computing Networks (SD-MECCN) to enable the control plane to continuously and efficiently serve the network under changing network load and network access points. We consider the deployment of a two-layer structure with a control plane and construct the CPP based on this control plane. Subsequently, we solve this problem based on multi-agent DQN (MADQN), in which multiple agents cooperate to solve CPP and adjust the number of controllers according to the network load. The experimental results show that the proposed dynamic controller deployment algorithm based on MADQN for node-variable networks in this paper can achieve better performance in terms of delay, load difference, and control reliability than the Louvain-based algorithm, single-agent DQN-based algorithm, and MADQN- (without node-variable networks consideration) based algorithm.
An Analysis of Actors in Malay Films: Small Worlds, Centralities and Genre Diversity
Authors: Bahari Nurun Najwa , Expert Paul , Razak Fatimah Abdul
Published: March 2023

This article utilizes social network analysis in addition to a measure of genre diversity to quantify the quality and capacity of actors in the Malay language film industry. We built a dataset by collecting data from various websites pertaining to Malay films. The data consists of 180 Malay films released from 2015 until 2020. The actor network is then built by connecting actors co-starring in a movie together and is compared to small world networks. We quantified the quality of actors in the network using five measures: number of films (TFA), degree centrality (DC), strength centrality (SC), betweenness centrality (BC), and normalized Herfindahl–Hirschman Index (NHHI). TFA, DC and SC indicate experience in the industry, since a high TFA shows that an actor has acted in more films. A high DC shows an actor has worked with many co-stars, and a high SC reflects an actor’s frequency of co-occurrence relationship. Actors with high TFA, DC, and SC are popular in this sense. Meanwhile, BC highlights the social importance of an actor in the network where they are the middlemen that connect actors from different genres of movies in the network, and we found that high BC actors are voice actors that may not have a high TFA, DC, or SC. NHHI highlights the actor’s capability to work with different types of film, and it serves as an important measure of an actor’s versatility. Moreover, we also calculated the average shortest path in the network to search for the “Kevin Bacon” of the Malay language film actor network. Using NHHI as an indicator of genre diversity, we also show that most of the actors diversify their work over the years and that genre diversity is an important benchmark for an actor.
An Innovative Approach to Nonlinear Fractional Shock Wave Equations Using Two Numerical Methods
Authors: Alesemi Meshari
Published: March 2023

In this research, we propose a combined approach to solving nonlinear fractional shock wave equations using an Elzaki transform, the homotopy perturbation method, and the Adomian decomposition method. The nonlinear fractional shock wave equation is first transformed into an equivalent integral equation using the Elzaki transform. The homotopy perturbation method and Adomian decomposition method are then utilized to approximate the solution of the integral equation. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed method, we conduct several numerical experiments and compare the results with existing methods. The numerical results show that the combined method provides accurate and efficient solutions for nonlinear fractional shock wave equations. Overall, this research contributes to the development of a powerful tool for solving nonlinear fractional shock wave equations, which has potential applications in many fields of science and engineering. This study presents a solution approach for nonlinear fractional shock wave equations using a combination of an Elzaki transform, the homotopy perturbation method, and the Adomian decomposition method. The Elzaki transform is utilized to transform the nonlinear fractional shock wave equation into an equivalent integral equation. The homotopy perturbation method and Adomian decomposition method are then employed to approximate the solution of the integral equation. The effectiveness of the combined method is demonstrated through several numerical examples and compared with other existing methods. The results show that the proposed method provides accurate and efficient solutions for nonlinear fractional shock wave equations.
What Do NAFLD, Liver Fibrosis, and Inflammatory Bowel Disease Have in Common? Review of the Current Literature
Authors: Jarmakiewicz-Czaja Sara , Gruszecka Jolanta , Filip Rafał
Published: March 2023

Liver disease is one of the most common extraintestinal manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Often the course of liver disease is associated with an exacerbation of the underlying disease (Crohn’s Disease/Ulcerative Colitis). Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis encompasses a wide spectrum of liver damage. The most common form is nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) (75–80%), and the less common but more dangerous form is nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). NAFLD is now the most common cause of chronic liver disease in developed countries and the leading indication for liver transplantation in the United States. Genetic, demographic, clinical, and environmental factors can play a role in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. The increasing prevalence of NAFLD is associated with a widespread obesity epidemic, metabolic complications, including hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and dyslipidaemia. Some of the most common manifestations of IBD are liver, biliary tract, and gallbladder diseases. The liver fibrosis process has a complex pathophysiology and is often dependent on exogenous factors such as the treatment used and endogenous factors such as the gut microbiome. However, the factors that link IBD and liver fibrosis are not yet clear. The main purpose of the review is to try to find links between IBD and selected liver diseases and to identify knowledge gaps that will inform further research.
Vascular Damage and Glycometabolic Control in Older Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Karasek David , Spurna Jaromira , Macakova Dominika , Krystynik Ondrej , Kucerova Veronika
Published: March 2023

Diabetes is one of the main risk factors for vascular damage, including endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness. The aim of this study was to compare selected parameters of vascular damage in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in different age categories and to determine their relationship to indicators of glycometabolic control. A total of 160 patients with T2D were included in this cross-sectional study. They were divided into four age quartiles (with mean ages of 42.1 ± 4.5, 51.6 ± 1.4, 59.2 ± 3.0, and 69.8 ± 3.8, respectively). All subjects were evaluated for indicators of glycometabolic control and for arterial stiffness parameters along with markers of endothelial damage—tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and von Willebrand factor (vWF). The oldest compared to the youngest participants showed significantly increased parameters of arterial stiffness (augmentation pressure 13.4 ± 8.6 vs. 6.7 ± 4.4 mm Hg, augmentation index 26.2 ± 11.3 vs. 19.6 ± 9.2 mm Hg, aortic pulse pressure 47.7 ± 17.1 vs. 33.7 ± 10.4 mm Hg, and pulse wave velocity 11.9 (10.1–14.3) vs. 8.2 (7.7–9.8) m/s) despite having similar glycometabolic control. Arterial stiffness parameters were mainly associated with age and blood pressure. Age and systolic blood pressure were major determinants of arterial stiffness regardless of glycometabolic control. The oldest patients also had the highest levels of vWF (153.7 ± 51.9 vs. 121.7 ± 42.5 %) but the lowest levels of PAI-1 (81.8 ± 47.5 vs. 90.0 ± 44.9 ng/mL). Markers of endothelial dysfunction correlated with metabolic parameters, but did not correlate with arterial stiffness. Age and systolic blood pressure are major determinants of arterial stiffness in patients with T2D regardless of glycometabolic control, whereas an unfavorable metabolic profile is mainly related to endothelial dysfunction. These results suggest a differential contribution of cardiometabolic risk factors to vascular damage in T2D patients over their lifetime.
Food Service Kitchen Scraps as a Source of Bioactive Phytochemicals: Disposal Survey, Optimized Extraction, Metabolomic Screening and Chemometric Evaluation
Authors: de Souza Medina Tatiana , D’Almeida Carolina Thomaz dos Santos , Nascimento Talita Pimenta do , de Abreu Joel Pimentel , de Souza Vanessa Rosse , Kalili Diego Calandrini , Teodoro Anderson Junger , Cameron Luiz Claudio , Koblitz Maria Gabriela , Ferreira Mariana Simões Larraz
Published: March 2023

Untargeted metabolomics is a powerful tool with high resolution and the capability to characterize a wide range of bioactive natural products from fruit and vegetable by-products (FVB). Thus, this approach was applied in the study to evaluate the phenolic compounds (PC) by metabolomic screening in five FVB after optimizing their extraction. The total phenolic content and antioxidant activity analyses were able to select the best extractor (SM) and ultrasonication time (US) for each FVB; methanol was used as a control. Although ultrasonication yielded a lower number of PC identifications (84 PC), the US extract was the most efficient in total ionic abundance (+21% and +29% compared to the total PC and SM extracts, respectively). Ultrasonication also increased the phenolic acid (+38%) and flavonoid classes (+19%) extracted compared to SM, while the multivariate analyses showed the control as the most dissimilar sample. FVB extracted from the same parts of the vegetable/fruit showed similarities and papaya seed presented the most atypical profile. The application of the metabolomics approach increased the knowledge of the bioactive potential of the evaluated residues and possibilities of exploring and valorizing the generated extracts.