bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Applications of Immunotherapy for Recurrent Glioblastoma in Adults
Authors: Olivet Meagan Mandabach , Brown Michael C. , Reitman Zachary J. , Ashley David M. , Grant Gerald A. , Yang Yuanfan , Markert James M.
Published: July 2023

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common malignant primary brain tumor in adults. Despite standard therapies, including resection and chemoradiation, recurrence is virtually inevitable. Current treatment for recurrent glioblastoma (rGBM) is rapidly evolving, and emerging therapies aimed at targeting primary GBM are often first tested in rGBM to demonstrate safety and feasibility, which, in recent years, has primarily been in the form of immunotherapy. The purpose of this review is to highlight progress in clinical trials of immunotherapy for rGBM, including immune checkpoint blockade, oncolytic virotherapy, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, cancer vaccine and immunotoxins. Three independent reviewers covered literature, published between the years 2000 and 2022, in various online databases. In general, the efficacy of immunotherapy in rGBM remains uncertain, and is limited to subsets/small cohorts of patients, despite demonstrating feasibility in early-stage clinical trials. However, considerable progress has been made in understanding the mechanisms that may preclude rGBM patients from responding to immunotherapy, as well as in developing new approaches/combination strategies that may inspire optimism for the utility of immunotherapy in this devastating disease. Continued trials are necessary to further assess the best therapeutic avenues and ascertain which treatments might benefit each patient individually.
Synthesis and Specific Properties of the Ceria and Ceria-Zirconia Nanocrystals and Their Aggregates Showing Outstanding Catalytic Activity in Redox Reactions—A Review
Authors: Dziembaj Roman , Molenda Marcin , Chmielarz Lucjan
Published: July 2023

Non-stoichiometric CeO2−y, especially in the form of nanocrystal aggregates, exhibits exceptional catalytic activity in redox reactions. It significantly improves the activity of transition metals and their oxides dispersed on/or in it, also acting as an oxygen buffer. Particularly, active oxygen species (O2n−, O−) are generated at the M/CeO2−y nanoparticle interface, as well as in the surface layer of their solid-state solutions MxCe1−xO2−y. The crystal structure of CeO2, ZrO2 and (Ce, Zr)O2 and its defects are discussed in connection with the resulting specific catalytic activity. All the methods (simple precipitation and co-precipitation from mother liquors, sol–gel methods, precipitation from nanoemulsions, hydrothermal and solvothermal techniques, combustion and flame spray pyrolysis, precipitation using molecular and solid-state matrices, 3D printing and mechanochemical methods) used for the synthesis of these nanomaterials are comprehensively reviewed, describing the rules of individual procedures and preparation details. Methods of deposition of metal catalysts and their oxides on CeO2 nanoparticles, such as impregnation, washcoating and precipitation deposition, were also discussed. This review contains more than 160 references to representative papers wherein the reader can find further details on individual syntheses of effective ceria-based catalysts for redox reactions.
The Catalyst of Ruthenium Nanoparticles Decorated Silicalite-1 Zeolite for Boosting Catalytic Soot Oxidation
Authors: Li Yuanfeng , Guo Hao , Xiong Jing , Ma Yaxiao , Li Xuanzhen , Zhang Peng , Zhang Sicheng , Wei Yuechang
Published: July 2023

Herein, the Ruthenium nanoparticles (NPs) with the size of 12 nm were decorated on the hexagonal prism silicalite-1 (Ru/S-1) by the gas bubbling-assisted membrane reduction method (GBMR). The adsorption/activation properties are improved for reactant molecules due to the formation of an interfacial structure that enhances the interaction between the Ru NPs and S-1. The Ru/S-1 catalyst displays the highest catalytic activity (T50 = 356 °C) and CO2 selectivity (SCO2m = 99.9%). Moreover, no obvious deactivation was observed over the Ru/S-1 catalyst even after five cycles, and the values of T50 and SCO2m after cycling five times are similar to the fresh catalyst. The Ru/S-1 catalyst with excellent catalytic performance can be compared with a series of noble metal catalysts for soot oxidation. The catalytic mechanism of the Ru/S-1 catalyst was revealed by in situ characterization for soot oxidation. The interfacial effect between Ru NPs and S-1 plays an important role in the conversion of NO to NO2 during soot oxidation. Preparation of Ru/S-1 catalyst provides a hopeful way to obtain considerably low-cost and highly stable auto-exhaust treatment catalysts.
Metal Bi Loaded Bi2Ti2O7/CaTiO3 for Enhanced Photocatalytic Efficiency for NO Removal under Visible Light
Authors: Du Diyuan , Shi Menglin , Guo Qingqing , Zhang Yanqin , Allam Ahmed A. , Rady Ahmed , Wang Chuanyi
Published: July 2023

NO has caused many serious environmental problems and even seriously threatened human health. The development of a cheap and efficient method to remove NO from the air has become an urgent need. In this paper, a novel nanocomposite metal-semiconductor photocatalyst Bi-Bi2Ti2O7/CaTiO3 was prepared. Compared to the original Bi2Ti2O7/CaTiO3, the modification by the metal Bi increased its photocatalytic activity from 25% to 64% under visible light irradiation. The improved photoactivity owns to the SPR effect and the electron capture effect of Bi metals in metal-semiconductor loaded systems improving the separation efficiency of electron-hole pairs and significantly improving the light absorption capacity of the composite photocatalyst. The capture experiment of active species showed that •OH, •O2−, h+ and e− are the main active species in the photocatalytic conversion of NO. This work provides new insights into the conformational relationships of Ti-based photocatalysts for NO removal.
Experimental Study of Catalytically Enhanced Cyclic Steam-Air Stimulation for In Situ Hydrogen Generation and Heavy Oil Upgrading
Authors: Afanasev Pavel , Smirnov Alexey , Ulyanova Anastasia , Popov Evgeny , Cheremisin Alexey
Published: July 2023

The current study was performed for the experimental modeling of cyclic steam-air injection in a heavy oil reservoir model of dual porosity in the presence of a nickel-based catalyst for in situ oil upgrading enhanced by simultaneous hydrogen generation. The research was realized in the combustion tube setup with a sandpack core model under reservoir conditions due to the consistent injection of air followed by oil in situ combustion (ISC) and steam (water) injection. As a result, the original oil was upgraded regarding fractional composition and oil properties. In addition, simulated reservoir heterogeneity and cyclic stimulation intensified the hydrogen synthesis, which, in turn, could also contribute to oil upgrading.
Aptamer-Based Immune Drug Systems (AptIDCs) Potentiating Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Xiong Hongjie , Liu Liu , Liu Xiaohui , Jiang Hui , Wang Xuemei
Published: July 2023

Aptamers are artificial oligonucleotides with excellent molecule-targeting ability. Compared with monoclonal antibodies, aptamers have the advantages of low cost, no batch effect, and negligible immunogenicity, making them promising candidates for cancer immunotherapy. To date, a series of aptamer agonists/antagonists have been discovered and directly used to activate immune response, such as immune checkpoint blockade, immune costimulation, and cytokine regulation. By incorporating both tumor- and immune cell-targeting aptamers, multivalent bispecific aptamers were designed to pursue high tumor affinity and enhanced immune efficacy. More importantly, benefiting from feasible chemical modification and programmability, aptamers can be engineered with diverse nanomaterials (e.g., liposomes, hydrogels) and even living immune cells (e.g., NK cells, T cells). These aptamer-based assemblies exhibit powerful capabilities in targeted cargo delivery, regulation of cell–cell interactions, tumor immunogenicity activation, tumor microenvironment remodeling, etc., holding huge potential in boosting immunotherapeutic efficacy. In this review, we focus on the recent advances in aptamer-based immune drug systems (AptIDCs) and highlight their advantages in cancer immunotherapy. The current challenges and future prospects of this field are also pointed out in this paper.
Monitoring of the Healthy Neonatal Transition Period with Serial Lung Ultrasound
Authors: Lin Po-Chih , Chen Chia-Huei , Chang Jui-Hsing , Peng Chun-Chih , Jim Wai-Tim , Lin Chia-Ying , Hsu Chyong-Hsin , Chang Hung-Yang
Published: July 2023

Ultrasound has been used to observe lung aeration and fluid clearance during the neonatal transition period, but there is no consensus regarding the optimal timing of lung ultrasound. We aimed to monitor the trend of the serial lung ultrasound score (LUS) and extended LUS (eLUS) throughout the neonatal transition period (≤1, 2, 4, 8, 24, and 48 h after birth), assess any correlation to the clinical presentation (using the Silverman Andersen Respiratory Severity Score (RSS)), and determine the optimal time of the ultrasound. We found both LUS and eLUS decreased significantly after 2 h of life and had similar statistical differences among the serial time points. Although both scores had a positive, moderate correlation to the RSS overall (Pearson correlation 0.499 [p < 0.001] between LUS and RSS, 0.504 [p < 0.001] between eLUS and RSS), the correlation was poor within 1 h of life (Pearson correlation 0.15 [p = 0.389] between LUS and RSS, 0.099 [p = 0.573] between eLUS and RSS). For better clinical correlation, the first lung ultrasound for the neonate may be performed at 2 h of life. Further research is warranted to explore the clinical value and limitations of earlier (≤1 h of life) lung ultrasound examinations.
Congenital Syphilis—An Illustrative Review
Authors: Sankaran Deepika , Partridge Elizabeth , Lakshminrusimha Satyan
Published: July 2023

Congenital syphilis is caused by the spirochete, Treponema pallidum, which can be transmitted from an infected mother to her fetus during pregnancy or by contact with a maternal lesion at the time of delivery. The incidence of congenital syphilis is rapidly increasing all over world with 700,000 to 1.5 million cases reported annually between 2016 and 2023. Despite the widespread availability of Penicillin, 2677 cases were reported in 2021 in the US. Clinical manifestations at birth can vary widely ranging from asymptomatic infection to stillbirth or neonatal death. Low birth weight, rash, hepatosplenomegaly, osteolytic bone lesions, pseudoparalysis, central nervous system infection, and long-term disabilities have been reported in newborns with congenital syphilis. Prevention of congenital syphilis is multifaceted and involves routine antenatal screening, timely treatment of perinatal syphilis with penicillin, partner tracing and treatment, and health education programs emphasizing safe sex practices and strategies to curb illicit drug use. Neonatal management includes risk stratification based on maternal syphilis history, evaluation (nontreponemal testing, complete blood counts, cerebrospinal fluid, and long-bone analysis), treatment with penicillin, and followup treponemal testing. Public health measures that enhance early detection during pregnancy and treatment with penicillin, especially in high-risk mothers, are urgently needed to prevent future cases of congenital syphilis.
Family Needs Assessment of Patients with Cerebral Palsy Attending Two Hospitals in Accra, Ghana
Authors: Aduful Abena , Boamah-Mensah Faye , Nyarko Mame , Neizer Margaret , Brew Yvonne , Williams Lovia , Calys-Tagoe Benedict , Ackun Henry , Tette Edem
Published: July 2023

Background: The family represents the most essential and supportive environment for children with cerebral palsy (CP). To improve children’s outcomes, it is crucial to consider the needs of families in order to offer family-centered care, which tailors services to these needs. Objective: We conducted a needs assessment to identify the family needs of patients with CP attending two hospitals in Accra. Methods: The study was a cross-sectional study involving primary caregivers of children with CP attending neurodevelopmental clinics. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data spanning an 8-month period. The data were summarized, and statistical inference was made. Results: Service needs identified were childcare, counseling, support groups, financial assistance, and recreational facilities. Information needs included adult education, job training/employment opportunities, education, health and social programs, knowledge about child development, and management of behavioral and feeding/nutrition problems. Reducing extensive travel time was desirable to improve access to healthcare. With the increasing severity of symptoms came the need for improved accessibility in the home to reduce the child’s hardship, as well as assistive devices, recreational facilities, and respite for the caregiver(s). Conclusion: Families of children with CP have information, service, and access needs related to their disease severity and family context.
Telehealth Needs and Concerns of Stakeholders in Pediatric Palliative Home Care
Authors: Zimmermann Jannik , Heilmann Marie Luise , Fisch-Jessen Manuel , Hauch Holger , Kruempelmann Sebastian , Moeller Heidi , Nagel Laura , Nathrath Michaela , Vaillant Vera , Voelker Thomas , Deckers Merlin Jonas
Published: July 2023

Pediatric palliative home care (PPHC) provides care for children, adolescents, and young adults with life-limiting illnesses in their own homes. Home care often requires long travel times for the PPHC team, which is available to the families 24/7 during crises. The complementary use of telehealth may improve the quality of care. In this pilot study we identify the needs and concerns of patients, teams, and other stakeholders regarding the introduction of telehealth. As a first step, focus groups were conducted in three teams. For the second step, semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients and their families (n = 15). Both steps were accompanied by quantitative surveys (mixed methods approach). The qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis. A total of 11 needs were identified, which were prioritized differently. Highest priority was given to: data transmission, video consultation, access to patient records, symptom questionnaires, and communication support. The concerns identified were related to the assumption of deterioration of the status quo. Potential causes of deterioration were thought to be the negative impact on patient care, inappropriate user behavior, or a high level of technical requirements. As a conclusion, we define six recommendations for telehealth in PPHC.
Electro-Mechanical Impedance-Based Structural Health Monitoring of Fiber-Reinforced Concrete Specimens under Four-Point Repeated Loading
Authors: Naoum Maria C. , Chalioris Constantin E. , Karayannis Chris G. , Karabinis Athanasios I. , Elenas Anaxagoras
Published: July 2023

Fiber Reinforced Concrete (FRC) has shown significant promise in enhancing the safety and reliability of civil infrastructures. Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) has recently become essential due to the increasing demand for the safety and sustainability of civil infrastructures. Thus, SHM provides critical benefits for future research to develop more advanced monitoring systems that effectively detect and diagnose the damage in FRC structures. This study investigates the potential of an Electro-Mechanical Impedance (EMI) based SHM system for detecting cracks in FRC prisms subjected to four-point repeated loading. For the needs of this research, an experimental investigation of three FRC specimens with the dimensions 150 × 150 × 450 (mm) were subjected to three different loading levels where no visual cracks formed on their surface. Next, prisms were subjected to reloading until they depleted their load-carrying capacity, resulting in pure bending fracture at the mid-span. A network of nine cement paste coated Piezoelectric lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT) transducers have been epoxy bonded to the surface of the FRC prisms, and their frequency signal measurements were utilized for quantitative damage assessment. The observed changes in the frequency response of each PZT sensor are evaluated as solid indications of potential damage presence, and the increasing trend connotes the severity of the damage. The well-known conventional static metric of the Root Mean Square Deviation (RMSD) was successfully used to quantify and evaluate the cracking in FRC specimens while improving the efficiency and accuracy of damage detection. Similarly, the dynamic metric of a new statistical index called “moving Root Mean Square Deviation” (mRMSD) was satisfactorily used and compared to achieve and enhance accuracy in the damage evaluation process.
Trends in Extreme Precipitation Indices in Northwest Ethiopia: Comparative Analysis Using the Mann–Kendall and Innovative Trend Analysis Methods
Authors: Likinaw Aimro , Alemayehu Arragaw , Bewket Woldeamlak
Published: July 2023

This study analyzed long-term extreme precipitation indices using 4 × 4 km gridded data obtained from the National Meteorological Agency of Ethiopia between 1981 and 2018. The study examined trends in extreme precipitation over three districts (Lay Gayint, Tach Gayint, and Simada) in the northwestern highlands of Ethiopia. Innovative Trend Analysis (ITA) and Mann–Kendall (MK) trend tests were used to study extreme precipitation trends. Based on the ITA result, the calculated values of nine indices (90% of the analyzed indices) showed significant increasing trends (p < 0.01) in Lay Gayint. In Tach Gayint, 70% (seven indices) showed significantly increasing trends at p < 0.01. On the other hand, 60% of the extreme indices showed significant downward trends (p < 0.01) in Simada. The MK test revealed that 30% of the extreme indices had significantly increasing trends (p < 0.01) in Lay Gayint. In Tach Gayint, 30% of the extreme indices showed significant increasing trends at p < 0.05, while 10% of the extreme indices exhibited significant increasing trends at p < 0.01. In Simada, 20% of the extreme indices showed significant increasing trends at p < 0.05. Overall, the results showed that the ITA method can identify a variety of significant trends that the MK test misses.
Ultrathin Narrowband and Bidirectional Perfect Metasurface Absorber
Authors: Li Bingzhen , Chen Yuhua , Wu Qingqing , Li Yan , Wei Yaxing , Wang Jijun , Li Fangyuan , Liu Xinwei
Published: July 2023

The conventional design approaches for achieving perfect absorption of electromagnetic (EM) waves using metasurface absorbers (MSAs) are limited to absorbing waves in one direction while reflecting waves in the other. In this study, a novel ultrathin narrowband MSA with bidirectional perfect absorption properties has been proposed, based on a tri-layer metal square-circular-square patch (SCSP) structure. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed MSA exhibits a remarkable absorbance of 98.1%, which is consistent with the experimental and theoretical calculations. The equivalent constitutive parameters that were retrieved, as well as the simulated surface current and the power loss density distributions, reveal that the perfect absorption of the designed MSA originates from the fundamental dipolar resonance. Furthermore, the proposed MSA demonstrates stable wide-angle absorption properties for both transverse electric (TE) and transverse magnetic (TM) waves under various oblique incidence angles. The absorption characteristics of the MSA can be fine-tuned by adjusting the structural parameters. Additionally, the proposed MSA boasts excellent ultrathin thickness, bidirectional, polarization-insensitive, and wide-angle properties, making it highly suitable for a range of potential applications such as imaging, detection, and sensing.
Effect of Nb–Zr–N Alloying Layer on Surface Mechanical Properties and Biocompatibility of Medical 316L Matrix
Authors: Ni Ruian , Wu Hongyan , Fan Zhehang , Wei Yihan , Yu Linshan , Jiang Fan
Published: July 2023

The aim of this study is to further improve the mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility of the material. We propose a novel method via double-glow plasma alloying–nitriding processing to obtain a Nb–Zr–N alloying layer on medical 316L (316LVM). The surface phase composition and microstructure were observed via X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope, respectively. The three-dimensional confocal map of the samples was measured via laser profilometer, the static water contact angle was measured via optical contact angle measuring instrument, and the surface reflectivity was measured via spectrophotometer. Results revealed that the obvious Nb2N and Zr3N4 phase and uniform nanoscale cytosolic organization are obtained at the argon–nitrogen ratio of 1:1 and of gradient distribution of nitride composition forms in the alloying layer. The addition of nitrogen element significantly improved the hardness, friction, and wear properties of the samples. The nano-scale structure of Nb–Zr–N layer plays a better protective role for the substrate with high corrosion resistance, and the corrosion resistance rate is approximately one order of magnitude higher than that of the matrix. In addition, the nontoxic Nb–Zr–N alloying layer exhibits excellent biocompatibility for improving the adsorption, proliferation, and differentiation of cells. Therefore, our work provides a feasible method by which to modify the surface of the Nb–Zr alloying layer via ion nitriding and shows the prospect of its application in medical and biological fields.
Investigation on the Cu-Dopant-Induced Modulation Effect on the Optoelectronic Efficiency and the Stability of CsPbBr3 Perovskites
Authors: Ma Yinuo , Liu Fangchao , Jiang Hao , Wu Jialin , Huo Qiuhong , Wu Zhongchen , Cong Wei-Yan , Lu Ying-Bo
Published: July 2023

This study explores the use of Cu dopant to improve the optoelectronic properties and stability of CsPbX3 perovskites for blue-light-emitting diode material. The addition of Cu causes the metal octahedron of orthorhombic CsPbBr3 to shrink, which relaxes the lattice strain from the distortion and twisting of the [PbX6] octahedron and reduces energy from Jahn–Teller effects. A crystal orbital Hamilton population (COHP) analysis reveals that the Cu-Br bond in the [CuX6] octahedron has a higher integrated projected COHP (IpCOHP), and the strong hybridization between the Cu-3d and Br-4p bond enhances the bond interaction and the whole crystalline lattice. The addition of Cu dopants in CsPbBr3 perovskites results in a stronger framework that suppresses intrinsic defects like Br vacancies, leading to enhanced photoluminescence (PL) performance. Additionally, the Cu-3d orbitals contribute to the valence band and increase the band gap, resulting in a blue shift of the luminescence from Cu-doped CsPbBr3. These findings indicate that Cu dopants significantly improve the luminescence efficiency and the stability of CsPbBr3 perovskites, making them suitable for blue light LED applications.
Degradation Kinetics of Automotive Shredder Residue and Waste Automotive Glass for SiC Synthesis: An Energy-Efficient Approach
Authors: Hemati Sepideh , Biswal Smitirupa , Pahlevani Farshid , Udayakumar Sanjith , Sahajwalla Veena
Published: July 2023

Generally, fossil carbon materials (coal, coke/char, and petroleum coke), biological carbon materials (charcoal, woodchips), and quartz from the earth’s crust are sources of carbon and silica to synthesise silicon carbide (SiC) at temperatures between 2000 and 2200 °C. The study investigated the isothermal and non-isothermal kinetics of synthesising SiC from automotive shredder residues (ASR) and windshield glass of end-of-life-vehicle (ELVs) at 1300 °C, 1400 °C, and 1500 °C for 30 min. The kinetics of ASR and waste glass degradation were studied by relating the thermogravimetric data via the Coats–Redfern model. The reaction mechanism includes the rapid formation of a gaseous SiO intermediate, and carbon reduction of the SiO to SiC is reaction-rate-controlling. The understanding of kinetics inferred that the optimisation of SiC formation is entirely associated with the conversion of SiO2 to SiO vapour and their reaction with CO and carbon particles. The kinetic parameters of the degradation of mixed ASR and waste glass were determined, and the activation energy of mixed ASR and glass for non-isothermal conditions are 22.48 kJ mol−1, 2.97 kJ mol−1, and 6.5 kJ mol−1, and for the isothermal study to produce SiC is 225.9 kJ mol−1, respectively. The results confirmed that this facile way of synthesising SiC would conserve about 50% of chemical energy compared to the traditional way of producing SiC. A beneficial route of transforming the heterogenous ASR and glass wastes into SiC with economic and environmental benefits is recognised.
Three-Dimensional Gradient Metamaterial Devices Coupled with Phononic Crystals for Acoustic Enhancement Sensing
Authors: Zhao Xinsa , Hao Guodong , Shang Yu , Han Jianning
Published: July 2023

Conventional acoustic systems exhibit a difficulty in sensing weak acoustic fault signals in complex mechanical vibration environments. Therefore, it is necessary to develop an acoustic sensing mode and a corresponding functional device with pressure amplification. This paper proposes a three-dimensional device, coupling gradient acoustic metamaterials (GAM) with phononic crystals (GAM–PC). The strong wave compression effect coupled with the phononic crystal equivalent medium mechanism is utilized to achieve the enhancement of weak acoustic signal perception at the target frequency. The superior amplification capability of the GAM–PC structure for the amplitude of loud signals is verified by numerical simulations and experiments. Moreover, the GAM–PC structure has a narrower bandwidth per slit, making it more frequency selective. Furthermore, the structure can separate different frequency components. This work is expected to be applied to signal monitoring in environments with strong noise.
Chaenothecopsis xishuiensis sp. nov. to Science and Lecanora pseudargentata Newly Reported from China
Authors: Li Min , Ju Yanhu , Jia Zefeng
Published: July 2023

In order to provide data for lichenologists studying taxonomy, Chaenothecopsis xishuiensis is supported and proposed as a new species from China based on phenotypic, molecular, and metabolite data. It is characterised by leprose thallus, single, conical to hemispherical apothecia, nonbranching stipe, cylindrical, eight-spored asci, and nonseptate and brown spores, and this lichenised fungus contains atranorin and zeorin in the thallus. In addition, Lecanora pseudargentata is reported for the first time as a new record from China. This species is characterised by red-brown to dark brown apothecial discs, eight-spored asci, nonseptate, hyaline spores, and the presence of atranorin and gangaleoidin. The biological activity of its lichen substances is discussed.
Spatial Patterns in the Distribution and Diversity of Diploneis Genus-Level Diatoms in the Podlasie Springs (North-Eastern Poland)
Authors: Grabowska Magdalena , Wojtal Agata Z. , Jekatierynczuk-Rudczyk Elżbieta , Kryvosheia-Zakharova Olha
Published: July 2023

This research is focused on the presence of the genus Diploneis (Bacillariopyta) in small lowland springs of north-eastern Poland. This study presents a biogeographic overview of the genus from 2 urban and 12 forest springs in the Podlasie area. Seven species were identified, some of which have been described recently and whose distribution is not well-known (D. burgitensis, D. fontium). The presence of D. burgitensis and D. parapetersenii, both rare taxa, are the first recorded for Poland. Their presence was confirmed using both LM and SEM micrographs. The presence of much more frequently noted European species (D. elliptica, D. fontanella, D. krammeri, and D. separanda) was also found. Greater knowledge of the Diploneis genus opens the way towards better and more comprehensive approaches to uncovering biological diversity and biogeographical patterns on the European continent and among the springs. The distribution of all recorded Diploneis species and their habitat preferences are briefly given.
Diversity and Traditional Utilization of the Zingiberaceae Plants in Nakhon Nayok Province, Central Thailand
Authors: Boonma Thawatphong , Saensouk Surapon , Saensouk Piyaporn
Published: July 2023

The Zingiberaceae family boasts remarkable species diversity, with significant implications for conservation and resource management. The objective of this research is to study the diversity and traditional utilization of Zingiberaceae in Nakhon Nayok Province. Through field observations, herbarium specimens, interviews, and surveys, we documented the species, classified them into tribes, genera, and species, and analyzed their distribution across districts. The findings revealed a rich species diversity, encompassing 155 species from 16 genera and 3 tribes. The tribe Zingibereae displayed the highest species diversity (120 species), followed by Alpinieae (23 species) and Globbeae (12 species). These species were found in diverse ecosystems such as dry evergreen forests, mixed deciduous forests, and more. The study also identified the Mueang district as having the highest species count. Additionally, we explored the traditional utilization of Zingiberaceae plants in Nakhon Nayok Province, which encompasses various purposes including ornamental use, rituals, traditional medicine, and more. This research contributes valuable insights into the ecological and cultural significance of Zingiberaceae plants, identifies endangered species requiring conservation measures, and sheds light on the unique plant diversity and cultural heritage in Nakhon Nayok Province. These findings serve as a valuable resource for conservation efforts, sustainable utilization, and future research.
Measuring the Effect of Fraud on Data-Quality Dimensions
Authors: Brahimi Samiha , Elhussein Mariam
Published: July 2023

Data preprocessing moves the data from raw to ready for analysis. Data resulting from fraud compromises the quality of the data and the resulting analysis. It can exist in datasets such that it goes undetected since it is included in the analysis. This study proposed a process for measuring the effect of fraudulent data during data preparation and its possible influence on quality. The five-step process begins with identifying the business rules related to the business process(s) affected by fraud and their associated quality dimensions. This is followed by measuring the business rules in the specified timeframe, detecting fraudulent data, cleaning them, and measuring their quality after cleaning. The process was implemented in the case of occupational fraud within a hospital context and the illegal issuance of underserved sick leave. The aim of the application is to identify the quality dimensions that are influenced by the injected fraudulent data and how these dimensions are affected. This study agrees with the existing literature and confirms its effects on timeliness, coherence, believability, and interpretability. However, this did not show any effect on consistency. Further studies are needed to arrive at a generalizable list of the quality dimensions that fraud can affect.
Deconvolution Analysis of the Non-Ionic Iomeprol, Iobitridol and Iodixanol Contrast Media-Treated Human Whole Blood Thermograms: A Comparative Study
Authors: Telek Elek , Ujfalusi Zoltán , Nyitrai Miklós , Bogner Péter , Lukács András , Németh Tímea , Hild Gabriella , Hild Gábor
Published: July 2023

To study the effect of non-ionic contrast media on anticoagulated and non-anticoagulated human whole blood samples, calorimetric measurements were performed. The anticoagulated plasma showed the greatest fall in the total ΔH after Iodixanol treatment. The plasma-free erythrocytes revealed a pronounced shift in the Tmax and a decrease in the ΔH of hemoglobin and transferrin. The total ΔH of Iodixanol treatment showed the highest decline, while Iomeprol and Iobitridol had fewer adverse effects. Similarly, the non-anticoagulated samples revealed a decrease both in the Tmax and the ΔH of albumin and immunoglobulin-specific transitions. The total ΔH showed that Iodixanol had more influence on the serum. The serum-free erythrocyte samples resulted in a significant drop in the Tmax of erythrocyte and transferrin (~5–6 °C). The ΔH of deconvolved hemoglobin and transferrin decreased considerably; however, the ΔH of albumin increased. Surprisingly, compared to Iomeprol and Iobitridol treatments, the total ΔH of Iodixanol was less pronounced in the non-anticoagulated erythrocyte samples. In sum, each non-ionic contrast medium affected the thermal stability of anticoagulated and non-anticoagulated erythrocyte proteins. Interestingly, Iodixanol treatment caused more significant effects. These findings suggest that conformational changes in blood components can occur, which can potentially lead to the increased prevalence of cardiovascular dysfunctions and blood clotting.
Routine Brain MRI Findings on the Long-Term Effects of COVID-19: A Scoping Review
Authors: Vasilev Yuriy , Blokhin Ivan , Khoruzhaya Anna , Kodenko Maria , Kolyshenkov Vasiliy , Nanova Olga , Shumskaya Yuliya , Omelyanskaya Olga , Vladzymyrskyy Anton , Reshetnikov Roman
Published: July 2023

Rationale and Objectives: Post-COVID condition (PCC) is associated with long-term neuropsychiatric symptoms. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in PCC examines the brain metabolism, connectivity, and morphometry. Such techniques are not easily available in routine practice. We conducted a scoping review to determine what is known about the routine MRI findings in PCC patients. Materials and Methods: The PubMed database was searched up to 11 April 2023. We included cohort, cross-sectional, and before–after studies in English. Articles with only advanced MRI sequences (DTI, fMRI, VBM, PWI, ASL), preprints, and case reports were excluded. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and PRISMA Extension tools were used for quality assurance. Results: A total of 7 citations out of 167 were included. The total sample size was 451 patients (average age 51 ± 8 years; 67% female). Five studies followed a single recovering cohort, while two studies compared findings between two severity groups. The MRI findings were perivascular spaces (47%), microbleeds (27%) and white matter lesions (10%). All the studies agreed that PCC manifestations are not associated with specific MRI findings. Conclusion: The results of the included studies are heterogeneous due to the low agreement on the types of MRI abnormalities in PCC. Our findings indicate that the routine brain MRI protocol has little value for long COVID diagnostics.
Incidental Focal Spleen Lesions: Integrated Imaging and Pattern Recognition Approach to the Differential Diagnosis
Authors: Corvino Antonio , Granata Vincenza , Tafuri Domenico , Cocco Giulio , Catalano Orlando
Published: July 2023

Spleen lesions and pseudolesions, detected incidentally in imaging, are not uncommon and may require further work-up. The imaging appearance of focal splenic lesions (FSLs) may not be pathognomonic, because of considerably overlapping features. Consequently, all imaging techniques lack specificity to fully characterize FSLs. Clinical correlation is mandatory, so as, first of all, to categorize the patient as having or not having a history of solid or hematologic malignancy. Nowadays, many patients have old imaging studies available for comparison and, consequently, it is important to understand if the lesion was previously present or not, and if the size is the same or has changed. In the absence of comparison studies, and with a lack of imaging features of benignity, further investigation may be necessary, using PET, biopsy, or short-term follow-up. Some algorithms have been proposed to manage incidental FSLs; however, none of these strategies has been validated by prospective studies to date. In this review we illustrate the topic of incidental FSLs and we analyze a number of published algorithms.
Diagnostic Utility of Immunohistochemical Detection of MEOX2, SOX11, INSM1 and EGFR in Gliomas
Authors: Soukup Jiri , Gerykova Lucie , Rachelkar Anjali , Hornychova Helena , Bartos Michael Christian , Krupa Petr , Vitovcova Barbora , Pleskacova Zuzana , Kasparova Petra , Dvorakova Katerina , Skarkova Veronika , Petera Jiri
Published: July 2023

Histological identification of dispersed glioma cells in small biopsies can be challenging, especially in tumours lacking the IDH1 R132H mutation or alterations in TP53. We postulated that immunohistochemical detection of proteins expressed preferentially in gliomas (EGFR, MEOX2, CD34) or during embryonal development (SOX11, INSM1) can be used to distinguish reactive gliosis from glioma. Tissue microarrays of 46 reactive glioses, 81 glioblastomas, 34 IDH1-mutant diffuse gliomas, and 23 gliomas of other types were analysed. Glial neoplasms were significantly more often (p < 0.001, χ2) positive for EGFR (34.1% vs. 0%), MEOX2 (49.3% vs. 2.3%), SOX11 (70.5% vs. 20.4%), and INSM1 (65.4% vs. 2.3%). In 94.3% (66/70) of the glioblastomas, the expression of at least two markers was observed, while no reactive gliosis showed coexpression of any of the proteins. Compared to IDH1-mutant tumours, glioblastomas showed significantly higher expression of EGFR, MEOX2, and CD34 and significantly lower positivity for SOX11. Non-diffuse gliomas were only rarely positive for any of the five markers tested. Our results indicate that immunohistochemical detection of EGFR, MEOX2, SOX11, and INSM1 can be useful for detection of glioblastoma cells in limited histological samples, especially when used in combination.
A CT-Based Clinical, Radiological and Radiomic Machine Learning Model for Predicting Malignancy of Solid Renal Tumors (UroCCR-75)
Authors: Garnier Cassandre , Ferrer Loïc , Vargas Jennifer , Gallinato Olivier , Jambon Eva , Le Bras Yann , Bernhard Jean-Christophe , Colin Thierry , Grenier Nicolas , Marcelin Clément
Published: July 2023

Background: Differentiating benign from malignant renal tumors is important for patient management, and it may be improved by quantitative CT features analysis including radiomic. Purpose: This study aimed to compare performances of machine learning models using bio-clinical, conventional radiologic and 3D-radiomic features for the differentiation of benign and malignant solid renal tumors using pre-operative multiphasic contrast-enhanced CT examinations. Materials and methods: A unicentric retrospective analysis of prospectively acquired data from a national kidney cancer database was conducted between January 2016 and December 2020. Histologic findings were obtained by robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy. Lesion images were semi-automatically segmented, allowing for a 3D-radiomic features extraction in the nephrographic phase. Conventional radiologic parameters such as shape, content and enhancement were combined in the analysis. Biological and clinical features were obtained from the national database. Eight machine learning (ML) models were trained and validated using a ten-fold cross-validation. Predictive performances were evaluated comparing sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and AUC. Results: A total of 122 patients with 132 renal lesions, including 111 renal cell carcinomas (RCCs) (111/132, 84%) and 21 benign tumors (21/132, 16%), were evaluated (58 +/− 14 years, men 74%). Unilaterality (100/111, 90% vs. 13/21, 62%; p = 0.02), necrosis (81/111, 73% vs. 8/21, 38%; p = 0.02), lower values of tumor/cortex ratio at portal time (0.61 vs. 0.74, p = 0.01) and higher variation of tumor/cortex ratio between arterial and portal times (0.22 vs. 0.05, p = 0.008) were associated with malignancy. A total of 35 radiomics features were selected, and “intensity mean value” was associated with RCCs in multivariate analysis (OR = 0.99). After ten-fold cross-validation, a C5.0Tree model was retained for its predictive performances, yielding a sensitivity of 95%, specificity of 42%, accuracy of 87% and AUC of 0.74. Conclusion: Our machine learning-based model combining clinical, radiologic and radiomics features from multiphasic contrast-enhanced CT scans may help differentiate benign from malignant solid renal tumors.
A Multi-Stage Acoustic Echo Cancellation Model Based on Adaptive Filters and Deep Neural Networks
Authors: Xu Shiyun , He Changjun , Yan Bosong , Wang Mingjiang
Published: July 2023

The presence of a large amount of echoes significantly impairs the quality and intelligibility of speech during communication. To address this issue, numerous studies and models have been conducted to cancel echo. In this study, we propose a multi-stage acoustic echo cancellation model that utilizes an adaptive filter and a deep neural network. Our model consists of two parts: the Speex algorithm for canceling linear echo, and the multi-scale time-frequency UNet (MSTFUNet) for further echo cancellation. The Speex algorithm takes the far-end reference speech and the near-end microphone signal as inputs, and outputs the signal after linear echo cancellation. MSTFUNet takes the spectra of the far-end reference speech, the near-end microphone signal, and the output of Speex as inputs, and generates the estimated near-end speech spectrum as output. To enhance the performance of the Speex algorithm, we conduct delay estimation and compensation to the far-end reference speech. For MSTFUNet, we employ multi-scale time-frequency processing to extract information from the input spectrum. Additionally, we incorporate an improved time-frequency self-attention to capture time-frequency information. Furthermore, we introduce channel time-frequency attention to alleviate information loss during downsampling and upsampling. In our experiments, we evaluate the performance of our proposed model on both our test set and the blind test set of the Acoustic Echo Cancellation challenge. Our proposed model exhibits superior performance in terms of acoustic echo cancellation and noise reverberation suppression compared to other models.
Research Progress of Nature-Inspired Metaheuristic Algorithms in Mobile Robot Path Planning
Authors: Xu Yiqi , Li Qiongqiong , Xu Xuan , Yang Jiafu , Chen Yong
Published: July 2023

The research of mobile robot path planning has shifted from the static environment to the dynamic environment, from the two-dimensional environment to the high-dimensional environment, and from the single-robot system to the multi-robot system. As the core technology for mobile robots to realize autonomous positioning and navigation, path-planning technology should plan collision-free and smooth paths for mobile robots in obstructed environments, which requires path-planning algorithms with a certain degree of intelligence. Metaheuristic algorithms are widely used in various optimization problems due to their algorithmic intelligence, and they have become the most effective algorithm to solve complex optimization problems in the field of mobile robot path planning. Based on a comprehensive analysis of existing path-planning algorithms, this paper proposes a new algorithm classification. Based on this classification, we focus on the firefly algorithm (FA) and the cuckoo search algorithm (CS), complemented by the dragonfly algorithm (DA), the whale optimization algorithm (WOA), and the sparrow search algorithm (SSA). During the analysis of the above algorithms, this paper summarizes the current research results of mobile robot path planning and proposes the future development trend of mobile robot path planning.
Senseless Control of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors Based on New Fuzzy Adaptive Sliding Mode Observer
Authors: Yao Guozhong , Wang Xianxiang , Wang Zhengjiang , Xiao Yuhan
Published: July 2023

Based on the problems of sliding mode observer (SMO), such as strong parameter dependency, large overshoot, and severe inherent sliding mode chattering, this paper studies fuzzy control in depth using a sigmoid (s) function with smooth and continuous characteristics instead of a discontinuous symbolic function to design a new type of fuzzy sliding mode observer. Firstly, the boundary layer thickness was introduced to enable the system to achieve adaptive sliding mode gain adjustment based on the system state. Then, based on PLL technology, PI adjustment was used to obtain rotor position information. Finally, in order to verify the effectiveness of the new method, a model was built for experimental verification, and the simulation waveforms of the traditional sliding mode observer and the new fuzzy sliding mode observer were compared. The results show that the new fuzzy sliding mode observer can more accurately estimate rotor position and speed information. Under the same operating conditions, the rotational speed estimation error is only 3 r/min, the rotor position error is reduced by 0.1 rad, the overshoot is smaller, and the chattering is significantly reduced.
Modified Method of Physical Optics for Calculating Electromagnetic Wave Scattering on Non-Convex Objects
Authors: Lesnyak Vladimir , Strelets Dmitry
Published: July 2023

In order to solve the problem of electromagnetic wave scattering on non-convex objects, a combined method based on the method of physical optics with corrections for multiple reflections was discussed. The calculation of these corrections was carried out by the ray method. The article considered the effect of taking into account the curvature of the surface on the calculation error. The results of the calculations of the test example were compared with the calculations by the rigorous method of moments.
An Iterative Learning Scheme with Binary Classifier for Improved Event Detection in Surveillance Video
Authors: Tran Cuong H. , Kong Seong G.
Published: July 2023

This paper presents an iterative training framework with a binary classifier to improve the learning capability of a deep learning model for detecting abnormal behaviors in surveillance video. When a deep learning model trained on data from one surveillance video is deployed to monitor another video stream, its abnormal behavior detection performance often decreases significantly. To ensure the desired performance in new environments, the deep learning model needs to be retrained with additional training data from the new video stream. Iterative training requires manual annotation of the additional training data during the fine-tuning process, which is a tedious and error-prone task. To address this issue, this paper proposes a binary classifier to automatically label false positive data without human intervention. The binary classifier is trained on bounding boxes extracted from the detection model to identify which boxes are true positives or false positives. The proposed learning framework incrementally enhances the performance of the deep learning model for detecting abnormal behaviors in a surveillance video stream through repeated iterative learning cycles. Experimental results demonstrate that the accuracy of the detection model increases from 0.35 (mAP = 0.74) to 0.91 (mAP = 0.99) in just a few iterations.