bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Social and Psychosocial Factors on Summer Vacationers’ Sun Protection Behaviors, the PRISME Study, France
Authors: Durand Cécile , Lamy Anaïs , Richard Jean-Baptiste , Saboni Leïla , Cousson-Gélie Florence , Catelinois Olivier , Bord Apolline , Lepage Benoit , Mouly Damien , Delpierre Cyrille
Published: August 2022

Objectives: Summer intermittent sun exposure is a major risk factor for melanoma. Socioeconomic position, cognitive and psychosocial factors play a role in sun protection behaviors but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. This study aimed to measure the influence of educational level on sun protection behaviors in French summer vacationers on the Mediterranean coastline, and to identify the mediating psychosocial factors in this pathway.

Methods: In summer 2019, French vacationers aged 12–55 staying in coastline campsites were asked about their holiday sun protection behaviors, their knowledge, attitudes, perceived control, and social norm relative to sun protection. A structural equation model measured the direct and indirect effects of educational level on protection behaviors via cognitive and psychosocial factors.

Results: Sun protection during vacation increased with educational level. Theoretical knowledge partially mediated this association, from 22% to 86%, particularly for intermediate educational levels.

Conclusion: Our results highlight the importance of implementing suitable sun prevention interventions for vacationers, especially those with a lower socioeconomic position. Improving theoretical knowledge around sun protection may be an important part of broader efforts to encouraging improved preventive behaviors.
Industrial Air Pollution Leads to Adverse Birth Outcomes: A Systematized Review of Different Exposure Metrics and Health Effects in Newborns
Authors: Veber Triin , Dahal Usha , Lang Katrin , Orru Kati , Orru Hans
Published: August 2022

Objectives: To review the evidence of associations between adverse birth outcomes (ABO) and industrial air pollution.

Methods: Searches were conducted in PubMed, and Scopus databases, and additional articles were found from snowball search techniques. The included studies feature a study population of mothers with live-born babies exposed to industrial air pollutants, and they examine the effects of industrial pollutants on adverse birth outcomes—namely, low birth weight, term low birth weight, preterm birth, and small for gestational age.

Results: Altogether, 45 studies were included in this review. Exposure to PM2.5, PAHs, benzene, cadmium, and mixtures of industrial air pollutants and living near an industrial area affect birth outcomes.

Conclusion: This study concludes that industrial air pollution is an important risk factor for ABO, especially low birth weight and preterm birth. The strongest evidence is associations between ABO and air pollution from power plants and petrochemical industries. Understanding of specific chemicals that are critical to birth outcomes is still vague. However, the evidence is strongest for more specific air pollutants from the industry, such as PAH, benzene, BTEX, and cadmium.
Ground Vibration Testing of a Flexible Wing: A Benchmark and Case Study
Authors: Dessena Gabriele , Ignatyev Dmitry I. , Whidborne James F. , Pontillo Alessandro , Zanotti Fragonara Luca
Published: August 2022

Beam-like flexible structures are of interest in many fields of engineering, particularly aeronautics, where wings are frequently modelled and represented as such. Experimental modal analysis is commonly used to characterise the wing’s dynamical response. However, unlike other flexible structure applications, no benchmark problems involving high-aspect-ratio flexible wings have appeared in the open literature. To address this, this paper reports on ground vibration testing results for a flexible wing and its sub-assembly and parts. The experimental data can be used as a benchmark and are available to the aeronautical and structural dynamics community. Furthermore, non-linearities in the structure, where present, were detected. Tests were performed on the whole wing as well as parts and sub-assembly, providing four specimens. These were excited with random vibration at three different amplitudes from a shaker table. The modal properties of a very flexible high-aspect-ratio wing model, its sub-assembly and parts, were extracted, non-linear behaviour was detected and the experimental data are shared in an open repository.
Financial Vision-Based Reinforcement Learning Trading Strategy
Authors: Tsai Yun-Cheng , Szu Fu-Min , Chen Jun-Hao , Chen Samuel Yen-Chi
Published: August 2022

Recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) for quantitative trading have led to its general superhuman performance among notable trading performance results. However, if we use AI without proper supervision, it can lead to wrong choices and huge losses. Therefore, we need to ask why AI makes decisions and how AI makes decisions so that people can trust AI. By understanding the decision process, people can make error corrections, so the need for explainability highlights the artificial intelligence challenges that intelligent technology can explain in trading. This research focuses on financial vision, an explainable approach, and the link to its programmatic implementation. We hope our paper can refer to superhuman performance and the reasons for decisions in trading systems.
Effects of a Torsion Spring Used in a Flexible Delta Tricycle
Authors: D’hondt Jordi , Slaets Peter , Demeester Eric , Juwet Marc
Published: August 2022

A new tilting delta tricycle is developed as a last-mile vehicle. This vehicle has a hinge between the front driver module and the rear cargo module to allow the driver to tilt while maneuvering. The driver module resembles a conventional bicycle without a rear wheel and the cargo module consists of a cargo area between two propelled rear wheels. The concept vehicle ensures proper handling qualities independent of the cargo. However, the driver module can still tip over when parked. Multiple solutions are being considered to improve the ergonomics of this vehicle. A metal-elastomer torsion spring with an integrated angle limit has the most advantages as this prevents the driver module from tipping over without requiring it to enable a mechanism while stepping off. Furthermore, the torsion system dampens vibrations while cycling and influences tilting while turning. These improvements are tested using the concept vehicle. The influence of this torsion system is calculated and validated with measurements. The influences of different torsion curves aimed to improve the low-speed stability are calculated.
On Extracting Digitized Spiral Dynamics’ Representations: A Study on Transfer Learning for Early Alzheimer’s Detection
Authors: Carfora Daniela , Kim Suyeon , Houmani Nesma , Garcia-Salicetti Sonia , Rigaud Anne-Sophie
Published: August 2022

This work proposes a decision-aid tool for detecting Alzheimer’s disease (AD) at an early stage, based on the Archimedes spiral, executed on a Wacom digitizer. Our work assesses the potential of the task as a dynamic gesture and defines the most pertinent methodology for exploiting transfer learning to compensate for sparse data. We embed directly in spiral trajectory images, kinematic time functions. With transfer learning, we perform automatic feature extraction on such images. Experiments on 30 AD patients and 45 healthy controls (HC) show that the extracted features allow a significant improvement in sensitivity and accuracy, compared to raw images. We study at which level of the deep network features have the highest discriminant capabilities. Results show that intermediate-level features are the best for our specific task. Decision fusion of experts trained on such descriptors outperforms low-level fusion of hybrid images. When fusing decisions of classifiers trained on the best features, from pressure, altitude, and velocity images, we obtain 84% of sensitivity and 81.5% of accuracy, achieving an absolute improvement of 22% in sensitivity and 7% in accuracy. We demonstrate the potential of the spiral task for AD detection and give a complete methodology based on off-the-shelf features.
Two-Dof Upper Limb Rehabilitation Robot Driven by Straight Fibers Pneumatic Muscles
Authors: Durante Francesco , Raparelli Terenziano , Beomonte Zobel Pierluigi
Published: August 2022

In this paper, the design of a 2-dof (degrees of freedom) rehabilitation robot for upper limbs driven by pneumatic muscle actuators is presented. This paper includes the different aspects of the mechanical design and the control system and the results of the first experimental tests. The robot prototype is constructed and at this preliminary step a position and trajectory control by fuzzy logic is implemented. The pneumatic muscle actuators used in this arm are designed and constructed by the authors’ research group.
Diet Shift May Trigger LuxS/AI-2 Quorum Sensing in Rumen Bacteria
Authors: Wei Xiao , Long Tanghui , Li Yanjiao , Ouyang Kehui , Qiu Qinghua
Published: August 2022

Recent studies have revealed that LuxS/AI-2 quorum sensing (QS) is the most universal cell-to-cell communication in rumen bacteria; however, it remains unknown how they respond to nutritional stress from a diet shift. This study aimed to explore whether a diet shift could trigger rumen bacterial LuxS/AI-2 QS and its influences on rumen fermentation characteristics and bacterial community diversity and composition. A total of fifteen Hu sheep were selected to undergo a pre-shift diet (Pre, concentrate to forage ratio 75:25) for one month and then abruptly switch to a post-shift diet (Post, concentrate to forage ratio 49:51). Results showed that the serum cortisol and immunoglobulin G concentrations were higher in Post than in Pre (p < 0.05). The microbial density, AI-2 concentration, biofilm formation, and the gene expression of ftsH were higher in Post when compared with Pre (p < 0.05), whilst the gene expression of luxS tended to be lower in Post (p = 0.054). The molar concentration of valerate and fermentation efficiency decreased after the diet shift, while the acetate to propionate ratio and the molar proportion of butyrate were higher in Post compared to Pre (p < 0.05). Moreover, the diet shift increased the richness of ruminal bacteria and the relative abundances of Roseburia, Prevotellaceae UCG-001, and Lachnospira, and decreased the relative abundances of Prevotella, Megasphaera, and Dialister (p < 0.05). A difference in trends was also observed in an analysis of similarity (R = 0.1208 and p = 0.064). This study suggests that a diet shift could trigger rumen bacterial LuxS/AI-2 QS by altering microbial density, AI-2 concentration, biofilm formation, and related gene expression, as well as affect the rumen fermentation pattern and bacterial community diversity and composition. This study may provide insight into a potential strategy for relieving nutritional stress via regulating bacterial communication.
Sexual Dimorphism of Cranial Morphological Traits in an Italian Sample: A Population-Specific Logistic Regression Model for Predicting Sex
Authors: Cappella Annalisa , Bertoglio Barbara , Di Maso Matteo , Mazzarelli Debora , Affatato Luciana , Stacchiotti Alessandra , Sforza Chiarella , Cattaneo Cristina
Published: August 2022

Although not without subjectivity, the cranial trait scoring method is an easy visual method routinely used by forensic anthropologists in sex estimation. The revision presented by Walker in 2008 has introduced predictive models with good accuracies in the original populations. However, such models may lead to unsatisfactory performances when applied to populations that are different from the original. Therefore, this study aimed to test the sex predictive equations reported by Walker on a contemporary Italian population (177 individuals) in order to evaluate the reliability of the method and to identify potential sexual dimorphic differences between American and Italian individuals. In order to provide new reference data to be used by forensic experts dealing with human remains of modern/contemporary individuals from this geographical area, we designed logistic regression models specific to our population, whose accuracy was evaluated on a validation sample from the same population. In particular, we fitted logistic regression models for all possible combinations of the five cranial morphological traits (i.e., nuchal crest, mastoid process, orbital margin, glabella, and mental eminence). This approach provided a comprehensive set of population-specific equations that can be used in forensic contexts where crania might be retrieved with severe taphonomic damages, thus limiting the application of the method only to a few morphological features. The results proved once again that the effects of secular changes and biogeographic ancestry on sexual dimorphism of cranial morphological traits are remarkable, as highlighted by the low accuracy (from 56% to 78%) of the six Walker’s equations when applied to our female sample. Among our fitted models, the one including the glabella and mastoid process was the most accurate since these features are more sexually dimorphic in our population. Finally, our models proved to have high predictive performances in both training and validation samples, with accuracy percentages up to 91.7% for Italian females, which represents a significant success in minimizing the potential misclassifications in real forensic scenarios.
Hyperoxia Reprogrammes Microvascular Endothelial Cell Response to Hypoxia in an Organ-Specific Manner
Authors: Reiterer Moritz , Eakin Amanda , Johnson Randall S. , Branco Cristina M.
Published: August 2022

Organ function relies on microvascular networks to maintain homeostatic equilibrium, which varies widely in different organs and during different physiological challenges. The endothelium role in this critical process can only be evaluated in physiologically relevant contexts. Comparing the responses to oxygen flux in primary murine microvascular EC (MVEC) obtained from brain and lung tissue reveals that supra-physiological oxygen tensions can compromise MVEC viability. Brain MVEC lose mitochondrial activity and undergo significant alterations in electron transport chain (ETC) composition when cultured under standard, non-physiological atmospheric oxygen levels. While glycolytic capacity of both lung and brain MVEC are unchanged by environmental oxygen, the ability to trigger a metabolic shift when oxygen levels drop is greatly compromised following exposure to hyperoxia. This is particularly striking in MVEC from the brain. This work demonstrates that the unique metabolism and function of organ-specific MVEC (1) can be reprogrammed by external oxygen, (2) that this reprogramming can compromise MVEC survival and, importantly, (3) that ex vivo modelling of endothelial function is significantly affected by culture conditions. It further demonstrates that physiological, metabolic and functional studies performed in non-physiological environments do not represent cell function in situ, and this has serious implications in the interpretation of cell-based pre-clinical models.
The Influencing Factors of Comprehensive Sexuality Education Capacity and Its Correlation with Subjective Social Status among Chinese Junior High School Students
Authors: Zhu Fan , Zhu Guiyin , Jia Bibo , Wang Pei , Zhao Tianjie , Ma Yinghua , Dong Bin
Published: August 2022

(1) Objective: Evidence suggests that comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) can protect and empower younger generations to advocate for their reproductive health and wellbeing. This survey aims to investigate the current status and influencing factors of CSE among Chinese junior high school students, and to evaluate its correlation with the learning experience of sex education and subjective social status (SSS) to provide evidence for the implementation of CSE in the future. (2) Methods: A total of 4109 participants aged 11 to 16 years were recruited using data from a cross-sectional survey among junior high school students in China in 2021. CSE knowledge, attitude, and skills were used to generate the CSE comprehensive capacity by a principal component analysis. One-way ANOVA was used to assess the different effects of school sex education and family sex education. Multiple linear regression was used to assess the association between CSE comprehensive capacity and SSS. (3) Results: The average score of CSE comprehensive capacity was 82.44 ± 8.60 (with a total score of 100 points) among participants. After the adjustment, subjective social status was positively related to CSE comprehensive capacity (B = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.20–0.36), and SSS (School) (beta = 0.62) had a higher impact on CSE comprehensive capacity compared to SSS (Family) (beta = −0.10). School sex education was associated with the CSE knowledge level with a larger magnitude compared to family sex education (mean deviation = −0.53, p = 0.031), whereas family sex education was related to the CSE skill level with a greater magnitude (mean deviation =1.14, p = 0.005). (4) Conclusions: These findings suggest that sex education at school and within the family might have a different impact on CSE capacity, which was positively associated with SSS among junior high school students.
1-L Transcription in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Nahalka Jozef
Published: August 2022

Alzheimer’s disease is a very complex disease and better explanations and models are needed to understand how neurons are affected and microglia are activated. A new model of Alzheimer’s disease is presented here, the β-amyloid peptide is considered an important RNA recognition/binding peptide. 1-L transcription revealed compatible sequences with AAUAAA (PAS signal) and UUUC (class III ARE rich in U) in the Aβ peptide, supporting the peptide–RNA regulatory model. When a hypothetical model of fibril selection with the prionic character of amyloid assemblies is added to the peptide-RNA regulatory model, the downregulation of the PI3K-Akt pathway and the upregulation of the PLC-IP3 pathway are well explained. The model explains why neurons are less protected from inflammation and why microglia are activated; why mitochondria are destabilized; why the autophagic flux is destabilized; and why the post-transcriptional attenuation of the axonal signal “noise” is interrupted. For example, the model suggests that Aβ peptide may post-transcriptionally control ELAVL2 (ELAV-like RNA binding protein 2) and DCP2 (decapping mRNA protein 2), which are known to regulate RNA processing, transport, and stability.
Exploring the Novel Computational Drug Target and Associated Key Pathways of Oral Cancer
Authors: Akhter Fatema , Kahtani Fawzia Haif Al , Sambawa Zainah Mohammed , Alhassan Deema Abdulrahman , AlSaif Reema Abdulaziz , Haque Tahsinul , Alam Mohammad Khursheed , Hasan Md. Tanvir , Islam Md. Rakibul , Ahmed Kawsar , Basri Rehana
Published: August 2022

Oral cancer (OC) is a serious health concern that has a high fatality rate. The oral cavity has seven kinds of OC, including the lip, tongue, and floor of the mouth, as well as the buccal, hard palate, alveolar, retromolar trigone, and soft palate. The goal of this study is to look into new biomarkers and important pathways that might be used as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic candidates in OC. The publicly available repository the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) was to the source for the collection of OC-related datasets. GSE74530, GSE23558, and GSE3524 microarray datasets were collected for analysis. Minimum cut-off criteria of |log fold-change (FC)| > 1 and adjusted p < 0.05 were applied to calculate the upregulated and downregulated differential expression genes (DEGs) from the three datasets. After that only common DEGs in all three datasets were collected to apply further analysis. Gene ontology (GO) and pathway analysis were implemented to explore the functional behaviors of DEGs. Then protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks were built to identify the most active genes, and a clustering algorithm was also implemented to identify complex parts of PPI. TF-miRNA networks were also constructed to study OC-associated DEGs in-depth. Finally, top gene performers from PPI networks were used to apply drug signature analysis. After applying filtration and cut-off criteria, 2508, 3377, and 670 DEGs were found for GSE74530, GSE23558, and GSE3524 respectively, and 166 common DEGs were found in every dataset. The GO annotation remarks that most of the DEGs were associated with the terms of type I interferon signaling pathway. The pathways of KEGG reported that the common DEGs are related to the cell cycle and influenza A. The PPI network holds 88 nodes and 492 edges, and CDC6 had the highest number of connections. Four clusters were identified from the PPI. Drug signatures doxorubicin and resveratrol showed high significance according to the hub genes. We anticipate that our bioinformatics research will aid in the definition of OC pathophysiology and the development of new therapies for OC.
Evolution of SARS-CoV-2 Strains in Senegal: From a Wild Wuhan Strain to the Omicron Variant
Authors: Gueye Khadim , Padane Abdou , Diédhiou Cyrille Kouligueul , Ndiour Samba , Diagne Ndéye Diabou , Mboup Aminata , Mbow Moustapha , Lo Cheikh Ibrahima , Leye Nafissatou , Ndoye Aissatou Sow , Ndiaye Anna Julienne Selbé , Ndiaye Seyni , Lo Gora , Wade Djibril , Ahouidi Ambroise , Diaw Papa Alassane , Sarr Marièma , Beye Mamadou , Cissé Badara , Sokhna Cheikh , Camara Makhtar , Touré Kane Ndéye Coumba , Mboup Souleymane
Published: August 2022

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a contagious disease caused by a new coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. The first case was discovered in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, raising concerns about the emergence of a new coronavirus that poses a significant public health risk. The objective of this study, based on data collected and sequenced at the Institut de Recherche en Santé, de Surveillance Epidémiologique et de Formations (IRESSEF), is to characterize the pandemic evolution, establish a relationship between the different strains in each wave, and finally determine the phylodynamic evolution of the pandemic, utilizing microreact simulations. The study shows that SARS-CoV-2 strains have evolved over time and the variability of the virus is characterized by sequencing during each wave, as is its contagiousness (the speed at which it spreads). The pandemic has spread at a rate of 44.34 cases/week during the first wave. Twelve weeks later it has risen to 185.33 cases/week during the second wave. Twenty-three weeks into the pandemic, the numbers have reached 681.77 cases/week during the third wave. During the fourth wave, the rate of infection was found to decrease slightly at 646 cases/week between early December 2021 and mid-January 2022. Data collected during this study also provided us with a geographical distribution of COVID-19, indicating that the epidemic started in Dakar before spreading inland.
Symmetric Cryptography on RISC-V: Performance Evaluation of Standardized Algorithms
Authors: Nişancı Görkem , Flikkema Paul G. , Yalçın Tolga
Published: August 2022

The ever-increasing need for securing computing systems using cryptographic algorithms is spurring interest in the efficient implementation of common algorithms. While the algorithms can be implemented in software using base instruction sets, there is considerable potential to reduce memory cost and improve speed using specialized instructions and associated hardware. However, there is a need to assess the benefits and costs of software implementations and new instructions that implement key cryptographic algorithms in fewer cycles. The primary aim of this paper is to improve the understanding of the performance and cost of implementing cryptographic algorithms for the RISC-V instruction set architecture (ISA) in two cases: software implementations of the algorithms using the rv32i instruction set and using cryptographic instructions supported by dedicated hardware in additional functional units. For both cases, we describe a RISC-V processor with cryptography hardware extensions and hand-optimized RISC-V assembly language implementations of eleven cryptographic algorithms. Compared to implementations with only the rv32i instruction set, implementations with the cryptography set extension provide a 1.5× to 8.6× faster execution speed and 1.2× to 5.8× less program memory for five of the eleven algorithms. Based on our performance analyses, a new instruction is proposed to increase the implementation efficiency of the algorithms.
Grapevine Plant Image Dataset for Pruning
Authors: Apostolidis Kyriakos D. , Kalampokas Theofanis , Pachidis Theodore P. , Kaburlasos Vassilis G.
Published: August 2022

Grapevine pruning is conducted during winter, and it is a very important and expensive task for wine producers managing their vineyard. During grapevine pruning every year, the past year’s canes should be removed and should provide the possibility for new canes to grow and produce grapes. It is a difficult procedure, and it is not yet fully automated. However, some attempts have been made by the research community. Based on the literature, grapevine pruning automation is approximated with the help of computer vision and image processing methods. Despite the attempts that have been made to automate grapevine pruning, the task remains hard for the abovementioned domains. The reason for this is that several challenges such as cane overlapping or complex backgrounds appear. Additionally, there is no public image dataset for this problem which makes it difficult for the research community to approach it. Motivated by the above facts, an image dataset is proposed for grapevine canes’ segmentation for a pruning task. An experimental analysis is also conducted in the proposed dataset, achieving a 67% IoU and 78% F1 score in grapevine cane semantic segmentation with the U-net model.
A Theoretical Approach for Resonance Analysis of Wind Turbines under 1P/3P Loads
Authors: Lian Jijian , Zhou Huan , Dong Xiaofeng
Published: August 2022

Wind turbines (WTs) are exposed to a dynamic/cyclic load environment, and are subjected to 1P/3P loads under operational conditions. Recent studies introduced the Sommerfeld Effect to explain the dynamic response amplification induced by 1P/3P loads. This study establishes a theoretical model to analyze the resonance of WTs under 1P/3P loads. Sensitiveness analysis was conducted for parameters b, c, S, F, and T to explore their influence on the dynamic response. The resonance phenomenon induced by 1P/3P frequency passing the natural frequency is discussed. The results show that there is no Sommerfeld Effect in soft–stiff WTs. Only if the imbalance reaches a much higher value (19200 kg·m in this study) should the Sommerfeld Effect be considered for soft WTs; otherwise, it can be ignored. The 3P resonance appeared when the 3P frequency approached the natural frequency, but it was not the Sommerfeld Effect.
Solar Architecture in Energy Engineering
Authors: Pavlovski Alexandre
Published: August 2022

Solar Architecture represents the confluence of the two disciplines of energy engineering and architecture. The concept of Solar Architecture defines a decision-making process to select, design, deploy, and operate solar energy-enabled solutions for environments where solar energy resources are part of the energy mix. The principles of Solar Architecture include maximizing solar energy harvesting from solution’s surfaces with a positive balance of energy, carbon, and cost provided by the solution. Solar Architecture application selection is built on two major cornerstones, features and groups, defining the best options in energy engineering of a solar solution. Solar surfaces are key to solar architecture. They are the “heart”, and balance-of-system components are the “muscles” of solar solutions. Addressing energy losses in photovoltaic, solar to thermal, and solar to chemical energy conversion allows for increasing energy harvesting yield. Life Cycle Assessment and solar energy harvesting methodologies based on solar surface characteristics define Solar Architecture Balance. This balance allows for defining energy, carbon, and cost return on investment for solar solutions and selecting the best solution for related assets/environment.
The Initial ATA Risk Classification, but Not the AJCC/TNM Stage, Predicts the Persistence or Relapse of Differentiated Thyroid Cancer in Long-Term Surveillance
Authors: Giuliano Stefania , Mirabelli Maria , Chiefari Eusebio , Tocci Vera , Donnici Alessandra , Iuliano Stefano , Salatino Alessandro , Foti Daniela Patrizia , Aversa Antonio , Brunetti Antonio
Published: August 2022

Background: The American Joint Commission on Cancer on Tumor Node Metastasis (AJCC/TNM) staging system provides adequate information on the risk of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC)-specific mortality in totally thyroidectomized patients, but its role in predicting persistence and relapse of disease is uncertain. The relatively new 2015 American Thyroid Association (ATA) guidelines recommend stratifying patients at the time of DTC diagnosis with its own risk classification system, in order to identify those at high risk of residual or recurrent morbidity who may benefit from post-operative radioiodine (RAI) administration and/or need additional work-up. Methods: To verify the prevalence proportion of persistence or relapse of disease, a consecutive cohort of 152 patients with a diagnosis of DTC, subjected to total thyroidectomy (+/− post-operative RAI administration as per guidelines indication) and to neck ultrasonography (US), as well as biochemical surveillance for a minimum of 2 years at the Endocrinology Unit of Mater-Domini Hospital (Catanzaro, Italy), was enrolled. The prognostic role of the AJCC/TNM stage and ATA risk classification system was analyzed by logistic regression. Results: At a mean of 9 years after surgical treatment, DTC was found to persist or relapse in 19 (12.5%) participants. The initial risk for these outcomes, based on the ATA classification, was mostly low (53.9%) or intermediate (39.5%). AJCC/TNM stages were predominantly stage I or stage II. Despite a small representation in this cohort, high-risk patients according to the ATA classification had 8-fold higher odds of persistence or relapse of disease than those of low-risk participants, while controlling for potential risk modifiers, including age at DTC diagnosis, male gender, and post-operative RAI administration (p = 0.008). In contrast, the AJCC/TNM stage was not associated with the disease status at the last follow-up visit (p = 0.068 for the 7th Edition; p = 0.165 for the 8th Edition). Furthermore, low-risk participants subjected to post-operative RAI administration had the same probability of persistence or relapse of DTC when compared to those who had undergone total thyroidectomy only. Conclusions: There is a need for the endocrine community to revise the current work-up of DTC. The initial ATA risk classification is a reliable tool for predicting the persistence or relapse of disease in long-term surveillance.
Determining the Correlation between Particulate Matter PM10 and Meteorological Factors
Authors: Kirešová Simona , Guzan Milan
Published: August 2022

In the article, we point out the need to measure the mass concentration of particulate matter (PM) in central Europe in a place of residence (a city and a small town), as PM has a negative impact on human health, especially that of children and the elderly. Since different amounts of PM (mainly peaks) were measured at two locations at a distance of 35 m from each other, a control measurement was also performed to verify the conformity of the measurements of both sensors, which was confirmed with measured courses of quantities. Cases of strong correlation (very close relationship) between PM10 and meteorological factors (temperature, humidity, barometric pressure) were found, but cases of no correlation were found as well, probably due to the effect of wind, which has not been measured yet. The article also points to the fact that, especially during the autumn/winter/spring heating season, the air quality in a small village may be worse than in a large city. This was also confirmed by the detected AQI sub-indices from PM2.5 and PM10. Due to the current rise in prices of gas and electricity, the use of wood combustion as a heating source is nowadays becoming increasingly more attractive, which may contribute to the worsening of the air quality in the future.
(q1,q2)-Trapezium-Like Inequalities Involving Twice Differentiable Generalized m-Convex Functions and Applications
Authors: Awan Muhammad , Javed Muhammad , Slimane Ibrahim , Kashuri Artion , Cesarano Clemente , Nonlaopon Kamsing
Published: August 2022

A new auxiliary result pertaining to twice (q1,q2)-differentiable functions is derived. Using this new auxiliary result, some new versions of Hermite–Hadamard’s inequality involving the class of generalized m-convex functions are obtained. Finally, to demonstrate the significance of the main outcomes, some applications are discussed for hypergeometric functions, Mittag–Leffler functions, and bounded functions.
Chitosan Grafted Poly (Ethylene Glycol) Methyl Ether Acrylate Particulate Hydrogels for Drug Delivery Applications
Authors: Logigan Corina-Lenuța , Delaite Christelle , Tiron Crina-Elena , Peptu Cristian , Popa Marcel , Peptu Cătălina Anișoara
Published: August 2022

Chitosan (CS) crosslinking has been thoroughly investigated, but the chemical reactions leading to submicronic hydrogel formulations pose problems due to various physical/chemical interactions that limit chitosan processability. The current study employs the chemical modification of chitosan by Michael addition of poly (ethylene glycol) methyl ether acrylate (PEGA) to the amine groups to further prepare chitosan particulate hydrogels (CPH). Thus, modified CS is subjected to a double crosslinking, ionic and covalent, in water/oil emulsion. The studied process parameters are polymer concentration, stirring speed, and quantity of ionic crosslinker. The CPH were structurally and morphologically characterized through infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, light scattering granulometry, and zeta potential, showing that modified CS allows better control of dimensional properties and morphology as compared with neat CS. Swelling properties were studied in acidic and neutral pH conditions, showing that pH-dependent behavior was maintained after grafting and double crosslinking. The applicability of the prepared materials was further tested for drug loading and in vitro delivery of levofloxacin (LEV), showing excellent capacity. CPH were found to be cyto- and hemocompatible demonstrating their potential for effective use as a controlled release system for different biomedical applications.
Gels, Aerogels and Hydrogels: A Challenge for the Cellulose-Based Product Industries
Authors: Tofanica Bogdan-Marian , Belosinschi Dan , Volf Irina
Published: August 2022

During recent decades, the interest in renewable, biodegradable, non-fossil materials has been exponentially increasing. Thus, cellulose and cellulose-derived products have been extensively considered for a wide variety of new potential uses. Due to the sustainability of cellulosic raw materials and their excellent properties, the use and modification of cellulose-based materials can be versatile in the material science and technology community. In this featured article, the fundamentals and background of cellulose-based gels are presented, and approaches, prospects and developments in the field, including their potential future applications, are discussed.
The Impact of Financial Literacy on Retirement Planning with Serial Mediation of Financial Risk Tolerance and Saving Behavior: Evidence of Medium Entrepreneurs in Indonesia
Authors: Harahap Subur , Thoyib Armanu , Sumiati Sumiati , Djazuli Atim
Published: August 2022

This research examined the gist of financial literacy on the medium entrepreneurs in Indonesia, impacting the retirement planning through some mediator and moderating variables. Implementing the prospect theory and theory of planned behavior to explore these interactions, a series of hypotheses were constructed, considering financial risk tolerance and saving behavior as mediator variables and herding behavior as moderator variables. The study examined partial least square-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) obtained by sampling data from 388 entrepreneurs of medium-scale in the Bekasi Regency, Indonesia. The study revealed (a) how financial literacy on retirement planning is serial mediated by financial risk tolerance and saving behavior, (b) herding behavior can strengthen financial literacy’s influence on retirement planning, and (c) saving behavior as a mediator does not influence the relationship between financial literacy and retirement planning. The study confirms how financial risk tolerance and herding behavior bridge a positive relationship between financial literacy and retirement planning.
Biomarkers of HFpEF: Natriuretic Peptides, High-Sensitivity Troponins and Beyond
Authors: Morfino Paolo , Aimo Alberto , Castiglione Vincenzo , Vergaro Giuseppe , Emdin Michele , Clerico Aldo
Published: August 2022

Heart failure (HF) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a complex syndrome, often participated by several cardiac and extracardiac conditions, including chronic kidney disease, pulmonary disease, anaemia and advanced age. Circulating biomarkers reflecting pathophysiological pathways involved in HFpEF development and progression may assist clinicians in early diagnosis and management of this condition. Natriuretic peptides (NPs) are cardioprotective hormones released by cardiomyocytes in response to pressure or volume overload and in response to activation of neuro-endocrine-immune system. The relevance of B-type NP (BNP) and N-terminal pro-B-type NP (NT-proBNP) for diagnosis and risk stratification has been extensively demonstrated, and these biomarkers are emerging tools for population screening and as guides to the start of treatment in subclinical HF. On the contrary, conflicting evidence exists on the value of NPs to guide HF therapy. Among the other biomarkers, high-sensitivity troponins and soluble suppression of tumorigenesis-2 are the most promising biomarkers for risk stratification, predicting outcome independently from NPs. In this review, some novel biomarkers are being tested in such clinical scenario, more tightly linked to specific pathophysiological processes of cardiac damage.
Developing Security Assurance Metrics to Support Quantitative Security Assurance Evaluation
Authors: Wen Shao-Fang , Shukla Ankur , Katt Basel
Published: August 2022

Security assurance (SA) is a technique that helps organizations to appraise the trust and confidence that a system can be operated correctly and securely. To foster effective SA, there must be systematic techniques to reflect the fact that the system meets its security requirements and, at the same time, is resilient against security vulnerabilities and failures. Quantitative SA evaluation applies computational and mathematical techniques for deriving a set of SA metrics to express the assurance level that a system reaches. Such metrics are intended to quantify the strength and weaknesses of the system that can be used to support improved decision making and strategic planning initiatives. Utilizing metrics to capture and evaluate a system’s security posture has gained attention in recent years. However, scarce work has described how to combine SA evaluation while taking into account both SA metrics modeling and analysis. This paper aims to develop a novel approach for the modeling, calculation, and analysis of SA metrics that could ultimately enhance quantitative SA evaluation.
Describing the Material Behavior of Steel and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Composites Using a Combined Damage-Plasticity Approach
Authors: Rehra Jan , Andriß Christian , Schmeer Sebastian , Breuer Ulf P.
Published: August 2022

Metal fiber hybrids (MFH) exhibit outstanding mechanical properties. They combine the advantages of ductile metallic materials with the well-known advantages of classical glass or carbon fibers in polymer matrices. Previous research has shown that these hybrid material concepts can improve structural integrity and energy absorption while maintaining their excellent weight-specific mechanical properties as well as allowing a wider range of multifunctional applications. In today’s component design process, simulation is a powerful tool for engineers to exploit the full mechanical potential of the material used. However, describing the material behavior including its multifunctional usability in numerically aided design processes of components is currently one of the major challenges for MFH. Against this background, this work focuses on the development and evaluation of a description method for MFH in the finite element analysis (FEA). A steel and carbon fiber reinforced epoxy resin (SCFRP) with hybridization at the laminate level is chosen as the reference material. To describe the behavior of unidirectional steel fiber reinforced plastic (SFRP) layers, a material model combining an orthotropic damage model and a 1D-plasticity model is proposed and implemented as a user-defined subroutine for LS-Dyna. In addition, SCFRP laminates are manufactured, tested under tensile loading, and used to parameterize the material models and to validate the description method for SCFRP. In this study, it is shown that the description method in combination with the newly developed material model is able to describe the complex failure mechanism of SCFRP. In particular, with respect to the material behavior up to the failure of the carbon fibers, a very good mapping accuracy can be achieved. Strain localization effects occur in both numerically predicted and experimentally measured post-failure behavior. Therefore, it could be concluded that the accuracy of the numerical predictions strongly depends on the geometric resolution of the discretization.
Binder Jetting 3D Printing of Magnesium Oxychloride Cement-Based Materials: Parametric Analysis of Manufacturing Factors
Authors: Salari Farid , Bosetti Paolo , Sglavo Vincenzo M.
Published: August 2022

Powder-bed binder jet 3D printing is a flexible method for producing magnesium oxychloride (MOC)-based articles. Despite the great potential of this additive manufacturing technology for producing free-form MOC cement-based components, the influence of processing factors on final material performance has not yet been investigated and no general models exist for the selection of proper parameters with the desired quality. In the present work, the effect of six key manufacturing factors on the modulus of rupture of MOC cement-based components was studied, using an analysis of variance. The parametric analysis revealed that the material’s strength was strongly influenced by three process inputs: particle size, the amount of binder, and layer thickness. The amount of binder was determined by the “rate of voxel” and the “powder-bed density” and required precise control during the printing process. The introduced quadratic regression model can assist operators in selecting a combination of binder jet process inputs to achieve predetermined final material performance.
Effect of Mirogabalin on Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Caused by Gemcitabine plus Nab-Paclitaxel Therapy in Pancreatic Cancer Patients: A Pilot Study
Authors: Takasaki Yusuke , Fujisawa Toshio , Ushio Mako , Takahashi Sho , Yamagata Wataru , Suzuki Akinori , Ito Koichi , Ochiai Kazushige , Tomishima Ko , Ishii Shigeto , Isayama Hiroyuki
Published: August 2022

Background: Gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel therapy (GnP) is widely used to treat pancreatic cancer (PC), but chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is common. The CIPN is also reported to be related by microvascular damage as the basis for toxic neuropathy. However, no sufficient treatment options are available for CIPN. Mirogabalin is a novel drug for treating peripheral neuropathy. We investigated the effects of mirogabalin on CIPN due to GnP. Methods: Patients who had received GnP for PC and had taken mirogabalin for CIPN, were included. Patients completed a questionnaire about their symptoms before and after taking mirogabalin. The outcome was the change in numbness and tingling scores on the patient-reported outcomes version of the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire–Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (EORTC-QLQ-CIPN20), numerical rating scale, and adverse events (AEs). Results: Increased numbness and tingling severity (1.84 vs. 1.76; p = 0.63) and interference (1.42 vs. 1.44; p = 0.80) were not seen in any of the 25 enrolled patients. The scores on the sensory subscale of the EORTC-QLQ-CIPN improved significantly after treatment (17.5 vs. 15.7; p = 0.02). Adverse events occurred in 22 patients (88%), but there were no serious AEs (≥grade 3). Conclusions: Mirogabalin may control the progression of CIPN caused by GnP and significantly improved sensory neuropathy. However, as the incidence of AEs is high, mirogabalin should be used with caution. (UMIN:R000044039).
Macular Sensitivity after Intravitreal Ranibizumab Injection for Macular Edema in Central Retinal Vein Occlusion: One versus Three Initial Monthly Injections
Authors: Niidome Erina , Noma Hidetaka , Yasuda Kanako , Yanagida Kosei , Narimatsu Akitomo , Asakage Masaki , Watarai Sho , Goto Hiroshi , Shimura Masahiko
Published: August 2022

Background: We aimed to compare the macular sensitivity after one initial intravitreal injection of an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agent followed by pro re nata (PRN) dosing with that after three initial monthly injections followed by PRN dosing in patients with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) and macular edema. Methods: We included 20 eyes of 20 patients with treatment-naïve macular edema in CRVO and followed them for 12 months after intravitreal ranibizumab injection (IRI). Before and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after IRI, macular sensitivity within the central 1 mm, 3 mm, and 6 mm fields was measured with an MP3 microperimeter and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was assessed. Eleven eyes received one initial IRI (1 + PRN group), and nine received three initial monthly IRIs (3 + PRN group). PRN injections were performed when fovea exudative changes were evident. Results: Mean macular sensitivity within the central 1 mm, 3 mm, and 6 mm fields significantly improved from baseline to month 12 in all treated eyes. We found no significant differences in macular sensitivity in the central 1 mm, 3 mm, or 6 mm fields between the two groups at month 1, 3, 6, or 12. The choice of treatment regimen (1 + PRN or 3 + PRN) showed no association with either macular sensitivity in the central 1 mm, 3 mm, and 6 mm fields or BCVA at month 12. Conclusions: These findings suggest that a 1 + PRN regimen improves macular sensitivity to a similar extent as a 3 + PRN regimen.