bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Car Price Quotes Driven by Data - Comprehensive Predictions Grounded in Deep Learning Techniques
Authors: Dutulescu Andreea , Catruna Andy , Ruseti Stefan , Iorga Denis , Ghita Vladimir , Neagu Laurentiu Marian , Dascălu Mihai
Published: June 2023

The used car market has a high global economic importance, with more than 35 million cars sold yearly. Accurately predicting prices is a crucial task for both buyers and sellers to facilitate informed decisions in terms of opportunities or potential problems. Although various Machine Learning techniques have been applied to create robust prediction models, a comprehensive approach has yet to be studied. This research introduces two datasets from different markets, one with over 300,000 entries from Germany to serve as a training base for deep prediction models and a second dataset from Romania containing more than 15,000 car quotes used mainly to observe local traits. As such, we include extensive cross-market analyses by comparing the emerging Romanian market versus one of the world’s largest and most developed car markets, Germany. Our study uses several neural network architectures that capture complex relationships between car model features, individual add-ons, and visual features to predict used car prices accurately. Our models achieved a high R2 score exceeding 0.95 on both datasets, indicating their effectiveness in estimating used car prices. Moreover, we experimented with advanced convolutional architectures to predict car prices based solely on visual features extracted from car images. This approach exhibited transfer-learning capabilities, leading to improved prediction accuracy, especially since the Romanian training dataset is limited. Our experiments highlight the most important factors influencing the price, while our findings have practical implications for buyers and sellers in assessing the value of vehicles. At the same time, the insights gained from this study enable informed decision-making and provide valuable guidance in the used car market.
Increased Adipocyte Hypertrophy in Patients with Nascent Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Jialal Ishwarlal , Huet Beverley , Deveraj Sridevi
Published: June 2023

Background and Aims: Metabolic Syndrome (MetS), a global problem, predisposes to an increased risk for Type 2 diabetes and premature cardiovascular disease. While MetS is associated with central obesity, there is scanty data on adipocyte hypertrophy, increased fat cell size (FCS), in MetS. The aim of this study was to investigate FCS status in gluteal adipose tissue biopsy of patients with nascent MetS without the confounding of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, smoking or lipid therapy . Methods and Results: Fasting blood and subcutaneous gluteal adipose tissue (SAT) biopsy were obtained in MetS (n=20) and controls (n=19). Cardio metabolic features, FFA levels, hsCRP and HOMA-IR were significantly increased in patients with MetS. Waist-circumference adjusted-FCS was significantly increased in patients with MetS and increased with increasing severity of MetS. Furthermore, there were significant correlations between FCS with glucose, HDL-C and the ratio of TG: HDL-C. There were significant correlations between FCS and FFA, endotoxin and monocyte TLR4 abundance. Also, FCS correlated with readouts of NLRP3 Inflammasome activity. Most importantly, FCS correlated with markers of fibrosis and angiogenesis. Conclusions: In conclusion, in patients with nascent MetS, we demonstrate WC-adjusted increase in FCS from gluteal AT that correlated with cellular inflammation, fibrosis and angiogenesis. While these preliminary observations were in gluteal fat, future studies are warranted to confirm these findings in visceral and other fat depots.
The Role of Active Design Approach in Improving the Environmental Psychology of a Healthy Built Environment: The Case-University Campus
Authors: Azeez Sweyda Abdullah , Mustafa Faris Ali , Ahmad Rizgar Maghded
Published: June 2023

Environmental psychology plays an important role in the overall development of human mental health. Student activism and health concerns also arose about the human health costs associated with a healthy built environment. This research focuses on recent design "trends", active design, and their relationship to environmental psychology and campus health. This study investigates how an active design approach can improve the environmental psychology of universities to achieve a healthy campus for students to be healthy. The total student participants are 428, 176 male (41.2%) and 251 female (58.8%), from ten university campuses. The methodology is a questionnaire survey including an active design approach based on physical activity categories with SPSS analyses. The results of this study revealed that only 19.7% of students were active on campus, 74.6% active off campus, and 5.7% active on and off campus. Students are more interested in social activity than in mental and physical activity. In addition, the ob-stacles to students' physical inactivity are lack of time, opportunities on campus and the psychological feeling of anxiety, depression and tension due to social activity and work performance in universities. In conclusion, a model is designed to demonstrate the relationship between environmental psychology and active design variables
Diagnostic Role of Native T1 mapping Compared to Conventional Magnetic Resonance Techniques in Cardiac Disease in a Real-life Cohort
Authors: Aquaro Giovanni Donato , Monastero Silvia , Todiere Giancarlo , Barison Andrea , De Gori Carmelo , Grigoratos Crysanthos , Parisella Maria Luisa , Faggioni Lorenzo , Cioni Dania , Lencioni Riccardo , Neri Emanuele
Published: June 2023

We sought to compare native T1 mapping to conventional Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) and T2-STIR techniques in a cohort of consecutive patients undergoing cardiac MRI (CMR).. CMR was performed in 323 patients, 206 males (64%), mean age 54±8 years and in 27 age- and sex- matched healthy controls. At T2-STIR images myocardial hyperintensity suggesting edema was found in 41 patients (27%). LGE images were positive in 206 patients (64%). T1 mapping was abnormal in 171 (49%). In 206 patients (64%) a matching between LGE and native T1 was found. T1 was abnormal in 32 out of 41 (78%) with edema at T2-STIR. Overall, LGE and/or T2-STIR were abnormal in 209 patients, whereas native T1 in 154(52%). Conventional techniques and T1 mapping were concordant in 208 patients (64%). In 39 patients T1 mapping was positive despite negative conventional techniques (12%). T1 mapping was able in conditions with diffuse myocardial damage as cardiac amyloidosis, scleroderma and Fabry disease (additive role in 42%). On contrast, T1 mapping was less effective in cardiac disease with regional distribution of myocardial damage as myocardial infarction, HCM, myocarditis. In conclusion, conventional LGE/T2-STIR and T1 mapping are complementary techniques and should be used together in every CMR examination.
Circulating miRNAs as a Tool for Early Diagnosis of Endometrial Cancer – Implications for the Fertility-sparing Process: Clinical, Biological and Legal Aspects
Authors: Piergentili Roberto , Gullo Giuseppe , Basile Giuseppe , Gulia Caterina , Porrello Alessandro , Cucinella Gaspare , Marinelli Enrico , Zaami Simona
Published: June 2023

This review article is aimed at exploring the possibility of developing an integrated approach in the management of the different needs of endometrial cancer (EC) patients seeking to become pregnant. Life preservation of the woman, health preservation of the baby, a precocious and – as much as possible – minimally invasive characterization of the health and fertility parameters of the patient, together with the concerns regarding the obstetric, neonatal, and adult health risks of the children conceived via assisted reproduction techniques (ART) are all essential aspects of the problem to be taken into consideration, yet the possibility to harmonize such needs through a concerted integrated approach is still highly challenging. This article aims to illustrate the main features of EC and how it affects the normal physiology of pre-menopausal women. Then, we focus on the prospect for a miR-based, molecular evaluation of patient health status, including both EC early diagnosis and staging and, similarly, the receptivity of the woman, discussing the possible evaluation of both aspects using a single specific panel of circulating miR in the patient, thus allowing a relatively fast, non-invasive way to perform such testing with a significantly reduced margin of error. Finally, the ethical and legal/regulatory complexities arising from such innovative techniques require not only a risk-benefit analysis; respect for patient autonomy and equitable health care access allocation are fundamental issues as well.
Comparative Analysis of Cardiac Resynchronisation Therapy Upgrades in Patients with Icd And Pacemakers with Chronic Right Ventricle Pacing-Induced Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Farhangee Arsalan , Davies Marke , Mindrila Ion , Meyrick Robyn , Gaughan Katie , Morgan David , Sieniewicz Ben
Published: June 2023

Background: This is a comparative analysis of upgrade to cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) of an existing pacemaker implanted for bradyarrhythmia or an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). International guidelines recommend an upgrade to CRT for both groups based on the same criteria; this may lead to a hypothesis of whether we are under-treating a population that would otherwise benefit more from a CRT than the other. Methods: So far, this is the largest multicentre retrospective study that includes in total, 151 (93 upgrades to CRT-P and 58 upgrades to CRT-D) participants who had an upgrade to a CRT device between January 2010 and January 2020. Clinical and echocardiographic parameters were analysed both, before and after an upgrade to CRT. Results: EF was greater in patients with PPM, both before and after upgrade. Moreover, the post upgrade increase in EF was significantly greater in patients with PPM. Patients with ICD have, on average, an NYHA class ranking greater than PPM patients, both before and after upgrade. Conclusions: These data show that the PPM group patients have a greater response to upgrade to CRT compared to those from the ICD group. It also demonstrates that patients with non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy are better responders compared to those with ischaemic aetiology.
Endometriosis, Oocyte and Embryo Quality
Authors: Latif Sania , Saridogan Ertan
Published: June 2023

Endometriosis is a common finding among women with infertility and women who are diag-nosed with endometriosis are almost twice as likely to experience infertility. Mechanisms by which endometriosis causes infertility remain poorly understood. In this review we evaluate the current literature on the impact of endometriosis on oocyte and embryo quality. The presence of endometriosis evidently reduces ovarian reserve, oocyte quality and embryo quality, however this does not appear to translate to a clear clinical impact. Analysis of data from large assisted reproduction technology registries has shown that women with endometriosis have a lower oo-cyte yield but no reduction in reproductive outcomes. There is a need for future studies in the form of well-designed randomised controlled trials to further evaluate the role of surgical and medi-cal treatment options in women with endometriosis undergoing assisted conception.
Epidemiological Changes in Orofacial Trauma between the Pre-Covid and COVID Periods: A Spanish Multicentre Comparative Study of Tertiary Referral Hospitals
Authors: Sada-Urmeneta Angela , Salmeron-Escobar Jose-Ignacio , Navarro-Cuéllar Carlos , Olavarria Eduardo , Sanchez-Aniceto Gregorio , Herrero-Alvarez Sonia , De la Sen-Corcuera Oscar , Simon-Flores Anna-Maria , Almeida Fernando , Aragon-Niño Iñigo , Del Castillo Jose-Luis , Gascon Dafne , Agea Marc , Tousidonis Manuel
Published: June 2023

The Covid-19 pandemic has produced a change in the way of living, socializing and a modification in Health Systems around the world. A multicentre retrospective study was carried out to study orofacial trauma in one of the regions most affected during the first wave of the pandemic, with the participation of the five main tertiary hospitals in Madrid. The aim of this study is to evaluate the epidemiology of orofacial surgical trauma during the 1 year of COVID pandemic and compared to de prior year. Age, sex, mechanism, localization, and treatment were studied. P-value <0.05 was considered statically significative. Reduction of 39.36% (<0.001) in maxillofacial fractures was observed, without significance change in sex, localization or treatment. Significant increase in age (35,92 vs. 40,26) (p = 0.006) was observed. Significant decline in mechanism was noted (p = 0.025), decreasing personal violence (41% vs 35%) and sports (14% vs 8%); increasing in falls (27% vs 35%), precipitation (2 vs 5%), and traffic accidents (12% vs 13%). The mandible was the most frequent fractured bone. The COVID pandemic has produced epidemiological variations in orofacial trauma, making it necessary to monitor social and legal changes that may require reorganization to adjust to population needs.
Advances in Analytical Techniques and Applications in Exploration, Mining, Extraction, and metallurgical Studies of Rare Earth Elements
Authors: Balaram V.
Published: June 2023

The use of analytical techniques is important and critical in all areas of REE research such as exploration, mining, extraction, and metallurgical activities at different stages. At every stage of these activities, rock, ore, mineral, and other related materials have to be analysed for their REE contents in terms of elemental, isotopic, and mineralogical concentrations using different analytical techniques. Spectacular developments have taken place in the area of analytical instrumentations during the last four decades, with some of them having shrunk in size and become hand-held. Among laboratory-based techniques, F-AAS, GF-AAS, ICP-OES, and MP-AES have become very popular. Because of high sensitivity, less interference effects, and ease of use. ICP-MS techniques such as quadrupole-ICP-MS, ICP-MS/MS, ICP-TOF-MS, MH-ICP-MS, HR-ICP-MS, and MC-ICP-MS, with both solution nebulisation as well as direct solid analysis using laser ablation sample introduction methods, have become extremely popular for REE analysis. For direct analysis of solids INAA, XRF, and LIBS techniques besides LA-based ICP-MS techniques are being extensively utilised. LIBS technique in particular requires little to no sample preparation. TIMS, SIMS, and SHRIMP techniques are being used for isotopic as well as dating REE depots. Portable analytical techniques such as pXRF, pLIBS, and Raman spectrometers are able to do in situ analysis even in the field helping to take fast decisions during exploration studies. At present hyperspectral remote sensing techniques including hand-held, drone, and satellite-based techniques have become very popular in REE exploration studies because of their ability to cover larger areas in a limited time and thus became very cost-effective. Deployment of microanalytical devices/sensors mounted in remotely operated vehicles (ROV) is being successfully utilized in detecting REE-rich deposits in the deep oceans. Providing updated in-depth information on all these important aspects with suitable examples, especially from the point of view of REE research studies is the focal point of this review article.
Transcriptomic Analysis of Dehydration Rate of Mature Rice (Oryza sativa) Seeds
Authors: Liu Zhongqi , Zhang Haiqing , He Jiwai , Gui Jinxin , Yan Yuntao
Published: June 2023

The transcriptomic analysis of the dehydration rate of mature rice seeds was conducted to explore candidate genes related to the dehydration rate and provide a theoretical basis for breeding and utilization. In this study, we selected Baghlani Nangarhar, an extremely fast dehydration material, and Saturn, a slow dehydration material, based on the results of the previous studies of screening of 165 germplasm materials for dehydration rate phenotypes. Fast dehydration experiment on these two types of seeds was conducted. Four comparative groups were set up under control and dehydration conditions. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were quantified by transcriptome sequencing and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). GO and KEGG analyses were carried out. The results showed that in Baghlani Nangarhar, 53 DEGs were screened, of which 33 were up-regulated and 20 were down-regulated. Similarly, in Saturn, 25 DEGs were screened, of which 19 were up-regulated and 6 down-regulated. The results of the GO analysis showed that the sites of action of the differentially expressed genes enriched in the fast dehydration modes were concentrated in the cytoplasm, internal components of the membrane and nucleosomes. They play regulatory roles in catalysis, binding, translocation, transcription, protein folding, degradation and replication. They are involved in adaptive responses to adverse external environments such as reactive oxygen species and high temperature. The KEGG analysis showed that the main metabolic pathways enriched are protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum, amino acid biosynthesis, and oxidative phosphorylation. The key differentially expressed genes and the most important metabolic pathways in the rapidly and slowly dehydrated materials obtained in this study were protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum and oxidative phosphorylation metabolism, which are presumed to have important regulatory roles in stress/defense, energy metabolism, protein synthesis/folding, and signal transduction during dehydration and drying of mature seeds. The results of this study could potentially provide a valuable reference for further research on the genes and metabolic pathways related to the dehydration rate of mature rice seeds and provide theoretical guidance for the selection and breeding of new rice germplasm that can be rapidly dehydrated at the mature stage.
Promotion Effect of Agricultural Production Trusteeship on High-quality Production of Grain——Evidence from the Perspective of Farm Households
Authors: Sun Xiaoyan , Wang Youchao , Zhu Fengying , Liu Xiaoyu , Liu Jianxu , Sriboonchitta Songsak
Published: June 2023

Based on the survey data of 5 large grain-producing provinces in China, we studied the promo-tion effect of the agricultural production trusteeship on high quality production of grain by using a propensity score matching method. The empirical results show that the high-quality production of grain level increased by 0.292, with an increase of 87.4% after participating in agricultural production trusteeship. Among them, the level of high efficiency, premiumization, greenization and branding of grain production has respectively increased by 0.234, 0.373, 0.208, and 0.158. However, there are differences in the facilitation effects of different trusteeship services, with the best promotion effect of agricultural material supply services, followed by post-harvest services, and then land management services and cultivating and harvesting services, the ATT is 0.287, 0.230, 0.158, and 0.139, respectively. Meanwhile, there are differences in the promotion effects for farm households with different factor endowments. The promotion effect is better for small farm households with 3 laborers or less, a land management scale of 10 mus or less, and 1 type of ag-ricultural machinery or less. Therefore, in order to give full play to the promotion effect of agri-cultural production trusteeship on high quality production of grain, the government should vigorously support its development and guide more smallholders to choose agricultural produc-tion trusteeship.
Cell Free DNA Extracted From Csf for Molecular Diagnosis of Pediatric Embryonal Brain Tumors
Authors: Chicard Mathieu , Iddir Yasmine , Masliah Planchon Julien , Combaret Valérie , Attignon Valéry , Saint-Charles Alexandra , Frappaz Didier , Conter Cécile , Beccaria Kevin , Varlet Pascale , Geoerger Birgit , Baulande Sylvain , Pierron Gaelle , Bouchoucha Yassine , Doz François , Delattre Olivier , Waterfall Joshua , Bourdeaut Franck , Schleiermacher Gudrun
Published: June 2023

Background: Liquid biopsies are revolutionary tools to detect tumor-specific genetic alterations in body fluids, and cell-free DNA (cfDNA) can be used for molecular diagnosis in cancer patients. In brain tumors cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cfDNA might be more informative than plasma cfDNA. Here, we assess the use of CSF cfDNA in pediatric embryonal brain tumors (EBT) for molecular diagnosis.
Methods: CSF cfDNA of pediatric patients with medulloblastoma (n=18), ATRT (n=3), ETMR (n=1), CNS NB FOXR2 (n=2) and pediatric EBT NOS (n=1) (mean cfDNA concentration 48 ng/mL; range 4-442 ng/mL) and matched tumor genomic DNA were sequenced by WES, and/or a targeted sequencing approach, to determine single nucleotide variations (SNVs)/copy number alterations (CNA). A specific capture covering transcription start sites (TSS) of genes of interest was used for nucleosome footprinting in CSF cfDNA.
Results: 15/25 CSF cfDNA samples yielded informative results, with informative CNA and SNVs in 11 and 15 cases, respectively. For cases with paired tumor and CSF cfDNA WES (n=15), a mean of 83 (range 1-160) shared SNVs was observed, including SNVs in classical medulloblastoma genes such as SMO and KMT2D. Interestingly, tumor-specific SNVs (mean 18; range 1-62) or CSF-specific SNVs (mean 5; range 0-25) were observed suggesting clonal heterogeneity. The TSS panel resulted in differential coverage profiles across all 112 studied genes in 7 cases, indicating distinct promoter accessibility.
Conclusion: CSF cfDNA sequencing yielded informative results in 60% of cases (15/25), with WES feasible in 83% (15/18). These results pave the way for implementation of these novel approaches for molecular diagnosis and minimal residual disease monitoring.
Experimental Validation and Calibration of the Galvin Model with Artificial Tight Sandstones with Controlled Fractures
Authors: Zhang Yuangui , Di Bangrang
Published: June 2023

The study of fractures in the subsurface is very important in unconventional reservoirs since they are the main conduits for hydrocarbon flow. For this reason, a variety of equivalent medium theories have been proposed for the estimation of fracture and fluid properties within reservoir rocks. We experimentally investigated the feasibility of applying the Galvin model in fractured tight stones. For this proposal, three artificial fractured tight sandstone samples with the same background porosity (11.7% ± 1.2%) but different fracture densities of 0.00, 0.0312, and 0.0624 were manufactured. The fracture thickness was 0.06 mm and the fracture diameter was 3 mm in all the fractured samples. Ultrasonic P- and S-wave velocities were measured at 0.5 MHz in a laboratory setting in dry and water-saturated conditions in directions at 0°, 45°, and 90° to the fracture normal. The results were compared with theoretical predictions of the Galvin model. The comparison showed that model predictions significantly underestimated P- and S- wave velocities as well as P-wave anisotropy in water-saturated conditions, but overestimated P-wave anisotropy in dry conditions. By analyzing the differences between the measured results and theoretical predictions, we modified the Galvin model by adding the squirt flow mechanism to it and used the Thomsen model to obtain the elastic moduli in high- and low-frequency limits. The modified model predictions showed good fits with the measured results.
Ce 0.8-2x Sm 0.2 Zrx Mgx O2-d, {x= 0.05, 0.1 &0.15} Promising Electrolyte Compounds With Remarkable Conductivities for Intermediate Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (It-SOFCs) Applications
Authors: Abdalla Abdalla M , Khairat Dawood Mohamed M , Azad Abul k , Taweekun Juantakan
Published: June 2023

CSZM compounds were synthesized by dry chemistry route with 5, 10, and 15% dopant of Mg dopants in the Ce 0.8-2x Sm 0.2 Zrx Mgx O2-d, {x = 0.05, 0.1 &0.15}. The newly investigated materials were physically, chemically, and electrochemically studied and have shown promising results. The CSZM was crystalized in a fluorite structure with a pure cubic phase in a space group Fm3m and cell parameter a = 5.401742 °A and theoretical density from 7.6 to 8.9 after firing in the air with a final temperature of 1400 °C. characterization of the structure and indexing of electrolyte materials were made after X-ray diffraction (XRD) testing. A Scanning electron microscope (SEM) morphological analysis was used to examine the microstructure details. Electronic impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements were achieved from 400 °C to 700 °C showing the highest value of conductivity of 1.0461 x 10+1 S/cm at 700 °C while the minimum value was 2.7329 x 10-2 S/cm at 400 °C and the total activation energy was found (Ea) 0.6865 eV under 5% H2/Ar.
An Introduction to the Evaluation of Perception Algorithms & LiDAR Point Clouds using a Copula-based Outlier Detector
Authors: Reis Nuno , Machado da Silva José , Correia Miguel Velhote
Published: June 2023

The increased demand and use of autonomous vehicles and advanced driver-assistance systems has been constrained by an incidence of accidents involving errors with the perception layer’s functionality. In tandem, recent papers have noted the lack of standardized, independent testing formats and insufficient methods with which to analyze, verify and qualify LiDAR-based data and categorization. While camera-based approaches benefit from an ample amount of research, camera images can be unreliable in situations with impaired visibility such as dim lighting and fog. This paper aims to introduce a novel method based entirely on LiDAR data with the capability to detect anomalous patterns as well as complementing other performance evaluators using a Copula-based approach. With a promising set of preliminary results, this methodology may be used to evaluate an algorithm’s confidence score, the impact conditions may have on LiDAR data and detect cases in which LiDAR data may be insufficient or otherwise unusable.
Effect of Nano-Y2O3 on the Microstructure and Properties of Fe-Cr-C-N-Al Surfacing Alloy
Authors: Ai Xingyu , Liu Zhengjun , Zou Zongxuan
Published: June 2023

In this paper, Fe-Cr-C-N-Al-Y wear-resistant surfacing alloy was prepared by open arc surfacing with self-shielded flux-cored wire. The wear properties of the surfacing alloy were analyzed by MLS-23 rubber wheel wet sand wear tester. The phase composition and microstructure of the surfacing alloy were analyzed by XRD, SEM, EBSD and TEM, and the strengthening mechanism and wear mechanism of the alloy were discussed. The results show that the microstructure of Fe-Cr-C-N-Al-Y surfacing alloy is composed of M + γ-Fe + M7C3 + AlN. When the content of nano-Y2O3 is 0.456wt. %, the formability of the surfacing alloy is the best and the wetting angle is the smallest, which is 50.8°, AlN and M7C3 precipitate the most, and the microstructure grain is the smallest. At this time, the hardness value of the surfacing alloy is up to 62.3 HRC, which is 11.8 % higher than that of the unmodified surfacing alloy. The minimum wear weight loss is 0.125 g, and the wear resistance is increased by 41.86 %. The wear mechanism of surfacing alloy is mainly plastic deformation mechanism, and the material removal process is micro cutting and furrow wear.
On Invariant Vectors in the Presence of Electric and Magnetic Fields
Authors: Pain Jean-Christophe
Published: June 2023

In this non-exhaustive review, we discuss the importance of invariant vectors in atomic physics, such as the Laplace-Runge-Lenz vector, the Redmond vector in the presence of an electric field, the Landau-Avron-Sivardière vector when the system is subject to a magnetic field, and the supergeneralized Runge-Lenz vector for the two-center problem. Application to Stark and Zeeman effects are outlined. The existence of constants of motion in the charge-dyon system is also briefly mentioned.
Metatranscriptome Analysis of Nasopharyngeal Swabs Demonstrated Unprecedented Species Diversity
Authors: Hyblova Michaela , Hadzega Dominik , Babisova Klaudia , Krumpolec Patrik , Gnip Andrej , Sabaka Peter , Lassan Stefan , Minarik Gabriel
Published: June 2023

The recent global emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has accelerated research in several areas of science whose valuable outputs and findings can help to address future health challenges in the event of emerging infectious agents. We performed a multifocus shotgun analysis to compare differences in bacterial spectrum and viral presence through culture-independent RNA sequencing. We compared the microbiome of healthy people versus those with varying degrees of COVID-19 severity. We observed a significant increase in the diversity of microbial species in patients with COVID-19 regardless of disease severity. Some bacterial phyla, such as Actinobacteria, are significantly more abundant in healthy people than in infected people, whereas Bacteroides are less abundant in the latter. Infected people, regardless of severity and symptoms, have the same proportional representation of Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Fusobacteriales the same. In addition to SARS-CoV-2 and numerous phage groups, we identified sequences of clinically significant viruses such as Human Herpes Virus 1, Human Mastadenovirus D, Molluscum Contagiosum Virus, and Rhinovirus A in several samples. Analyses were performed retrospectively, therefore, in the case of SARS-CoV-2 various WHO variants such as Alpha (B.1.1.7), Delta (B.1.617.2), Omicron (B.1.1.529), and 20C strains are represented. Additionally, the presence of specific virus strains has a certain effect on the distribution of individual microbial taxa.
Recent Advances for the Synthesis of Dihydroquinolin-2(1H) ‑ones via Catalytic Annulation of α,β-unsaturated N-arylamides
Authors: Niu Yan-Ning , Tian Lin-shuang , Lv Huai-Zhong , Li And Ping-Gui
Published: June 2023

3,4-Dihydroquinolin-2(1H)-ones represent a class of valuable bioactive compounds with six-membered nitrogen-containing heterocyclic structures. The development of simple, mild and efficient synthetic methods has been widely concerned by synthetic chemists. In this review, we have summarized a series of different synthetic strategies for the synthesis of dihydroquinoline-2(1H)-ones via catalytic annulation of α,β-unsaturated N-arylamides in the past decade, including covering electrophilic cyclization, radical initiated cyclization and photochemical cyclization reactions. Besides, the substrate scope and mechanistic details are also discussed. This paper will provide a useful reference for the development of diverse synthesis methodologies of 3,4-dihydroquinolin-2(1H)-ones.
Effects of Forest Fragmentation on Connectivity and Genetic Diversity in an Endemic and an Invasive Rodent in Northwestern Madagascar
Authors: Ramsay Malcolm S. , Sgarlata Gabriele , Barratt Christopher D. , Salmona Jordi , Andriatsitohaina Bertrand , Kiene Frederik , Manzi Sophie , Ramilison Miarisoa L. , Rakotondravony Romule , Chikhi Lounés , Lehman Shawn M. , Radespiel Ute
Published: June 2023

Habitat loss and fragmentation are of concern to conservation biologists worldwide. However, not all organisms are affected equally by these processes, thus it is important to study the effects of living in fragmented habitats on species that differ in lifestyle and habitat requirements. In this study we examined dispersal and connectivity patterns of rodents, one endemic (Eliurus myoxinus) and one invasive (Rattus rattus), in two landscapes containing forest fragments and adjacent continuous forest patches in northwestern Madagascar. We generated genomic (RADseq) data for 66 E. myoxinus and 81 R. rattus individuals to evaluate differences in genetic diversity as well as inbreeding and connectivity in two landscapes. We found higher levels of inbreeding and lower levels of genetic diversity in E. myoxinus compared with R. rattus. We observed related dyads both within and between habitat patches and positive spatial autocorrelation at lower distance classes for both species, with a stronger pattern of spatial autocorrelation in R. rattus. Across each site we identified contrasting migration rates for each species, but these did not correspond to habitat-matrix dichotomies. The relatively low genetic diversity in the endemic E. myoxinus suggests ecological constraints that require further investigation.
Anxiety, Stress Perception and Coping Strategy Among Students with COVID-19 Exposure
Authors: Shpakou Andrei , Krajewska-Kułak Elżbieta , Cybulski Mateusz , Sokołowska Dorota , Andryszczyk Małgorzata , Kleszczewska Ewa , Loginovich Yelena , Owoc Jakub , Tarasov Andrei V. , Skoblina Natalia A. , Kowalczuk Krystyna
Published: June 2023

Background: Studying anxiety, stress and the selection of coping strategies in the COVID-19 pandemic is necessary to minimize the adverse changes associated with the risk of infection and the consequences of the disease. Objective: To investigate the level of anxiety, stress perception and coping strategies in relation to the presence of illness. Material and Methods: The anonymous cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 3950 university students of northeastern Poland (1822), Lithuania (232) and the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad (1896). Due to the almost identically applied anti-epidemic measures, the respondents were treated as a unified group. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Perceived Stress Scale-10 and Coping Orientations to Problems Experienced questionnaires were used. Results: Among 1212 men and 2738 women, COVID-19 was diagnosed in 348 (28.7%) and 1020 (37.3%) individuals, respectively, according to the clinical protocol. The prolonged nature of the process and the longer consequences of the disease were indicated by an increase in anxiety levels. Conclusions: The risk of possible infection and coping with illness required the adoption of active anti-stress strategies, which was observed regardless of going through the disease. Convalescents differed from non-diseased individuals in having higher levels of concern about their own emotions and their more frequent turn to religion, notably among the females. The repertoire of strategies among women was broader, with elevated levels of helplessness and avoidance seen as integral strategies.
A Comparative Study on the Performance of Security Mechanisms in Internet of Things Devices
Authors: José Moser
Published: June 2023

Data security is a fundamental aspect to be considered in Internet of Things (IoT) information gathering systems, as IoT is a network of interconnected devices that collect and share real-time data, becoming increasingly prevalent in our lives. However, data security in IoT systems presents unique challenges due to the large number of devices and access points involved. This study aims to conduct a literature review on IoT security to analyze the performance of security mechanisms on current development platforms, specifically on a Raspberry Pi 3. Some functions from the OpenSSL library were used, including popular hash functions and cipher algorithms. Additionally, a bash code was developed to obtain the time spent in seconds and the memory consumption in kilobytes. In addition to time and memory calculations, statistical values such as variance and standard deviation were also obtained and compared with results obtained on a personal computer. The tests conducted in this study demonstrated that it is possible to implement these algorithms on platforms with more limited resources, with AES and RSA algorithms being the most suitable for IoT scenarios.
Hierarchical Clause Annotation: Building a Clause-Level Corpus for Semantic Parsing with Complex Sentences
Authors: Fan Yunlong , Li Bin , Sataer Yikemaiti , Gao Miao , Shi Chuanqi , Cao Siyi , Gao Zhiqiang
Published: June 2023

Most natural language processing (NLP) tasks suffer performance degradation when encountering long complex sentences, such as semantic parsing, syntactic parsing, machine translation, and text summarization. Previous works address the issue with an intuition of decomposing complex sentences and linking simple ones, such as RST-style discourse parsing, split-and-rephrase (SPRP), text simplification (TS), simple-sentence-decomposition (SSD), etc. However, these works are not applicable for semantic parsing like abstract meaning representation (AMR) parsing and semantic dependency parsing due to misalignments to semantic relations and unavailabilities to preserve original semantics. Following the same intuition and avoiding deficiencies of previous works, we propose a novel framework, hierarchical clause annotation (HCA), based on the linguistic research of clause hierarchy. With the HCA framework, we annotate a large HCA corpus to explore the potentialities of integrating HCA structural features into semantic parsing with complex sentences. Moreover, we decompose HCA into two subtasks, i.e., clause segmentation and clause parsing, and provide neural baseline models for more silver annotations.
Overestimation of Phonological Judgements on the Right Side of the Space
Authors: Turriziani Patrizia , Santostefano Alessia , Catania Angela , Oliveri Massimiliano
Published: June 2023

Spatial attentional biases can be observed during the processing of linguistic material. For example, we previously reported that healthy subjects overestimate the semantic distance between word stimuli in the right vs left space.
Here we explored whether attentional biases are also observed in tasks requiring evaluation of phonological distance between words in the right and left hemispace.
Forty-one healthy subjects were presented with triplets of words arranged in space and were asked to indicate the side of space in which the phonological distance between the middle word and an outer word was smaller. In Experiment 1 real words and pseudowords were used, while in Experiment 2 only pseudowords and consonant strings were used.
Subjects overestimated the phonological distance between the middle and outer words in the right space. These findings were specific to word stimuli.
These results are consistent with the idea that semantic and phonological information may be internally mapped onto spatial representations.
The PPARα Agonist Fenofibrate Reduces the Levels of Proinflammatory Cytokines in a Maternal Immune Activation Model of Schizophrenia
Authors: Mostallino Rafaela , Santoni Michele , Sagheddu Claudia , Serra Valentina , Orrù Valeria , Pistis Marco , Castelli M. Paola
Published: June 2023

Maternal infections during pregnancy may increase the risk of psychiatric disorders in offspring. We recently demonstrated that activation of peroxisome proliferator-activate receptor‐α (PPARα), with the clinically available agonist fenofibrate, attenuates the neurodevelopmental disturbances induced by maternal immune activation (MIA) in rat offspring. We hypothesized that fenofibrate might reduce MIA-induced cytokine imbalance using a MIA model based on the viral mimetic polyriboinosinic-polyribocytidilic acid [poly (I:C)]. By using the Bio-Plex Multiplex-Immunoassay-System, we measured cytokine/chemokine levels in maternal serum and in the fetal brain of rats treated with fenofibrate, at 6 and 24 hours after poly (I:C). We found that MIA induced time-dependent changes in the levels of several cytokines/chemokines/colony-stimulating factors (CSFs). Specifically, the maternal serum of the poly (I:C)/CTRL group showed increased levels of (i) proinflammatory chemokine macrophage inflammatory protein 1-alpha (MIP-1α), (ii) tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-), the monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), the macrophage (M-CSF) and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). Conversely, in the fetal brain of the poly (I:C)/CTRL group, interleukin 12p70 and MIP-1 levels were lower than in veh/CTRL group. Notably, MIP-1, TNF-, GRO/KC, GM-CSF, and M-CSF levels were lower in the poly (I:C)/FEN than in poly (I:C)/CTRL rats, indicating the protective role of the PPARα agonist. PPARα might represent a therapeutic target to attenuate the consequences of MIA.
Gambaran Konflik Sosial dalam Novel Pasar Karya Kuntowijoyo
Authors: Widyastuti Thera
Published: June 2023

Novel Pasar karya Kuntowijoyo mengisahkan pertentangan yang terjadi antara Pak Mantri dan Kasan Ngali. Keduanya warga Kecamatan Gemolong. Pak Mantri bekerja sebagai mantri pasar Gemolong sudah puluhan tahun. Pengalamannya mengelola pasar sudah tidak diragukan lagi. Sedangkan Kasan Ngali adalah seorang pedagang kaya raya. Permasalahan dalam riset ini adalah bagaimana konflik yang terjadi dan melibatkan tokoh Pak Mantri dan Kasan Ngali. Sedangkan tujuan penelitian ini mengetahui konflik yang terjadi di antara kedua tokoh tersebut. Penelitian kualitatif ini menggunakan metode deskriptif interpretasi sosiologi sastra, dan teknik studi pustaka. Teori yang digunakan adalah teori konflik sosial dari Karl Marx. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa konflik antara Pak Mantri dan Kasan Ngali mengenai pengelolaan pasar. Kehadiran pasar dan bank kredit milik Kasan Ngali membuat konflik sosial semakin luas karena Pak Mantri beranggapan bahwa kepentingan umum lebih utama daripada kepentingan pribadi. Pak Mantri melihat Kasan Ngali hanya ingin mencari keuntungan yang besar dari bisnisnya.
Apropriasi Spiritual dalam Konteks Tradisi: Pembacaan Hermeneutika Ricoeur dalam Kitab Negarakertagama
Authors: Erwhintiana Ifi , Mukhamad Syaiful Milal
Published: June 2023

Kitab Negarakertagama merupakan salah satu mahakarya yang mengulas tentang kerajaan Majapahit dan masa keemasannya. Terdapat beberapa warisan kebudayaan yang dikenal dengan tradisi kirab dan Srada. Artikel ini berupaya untuk mengungkapkan simbol spiritual di balik tradisi kirab dan perayaan Srada. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kualitatif dengan pendekatan Hermeneutika Paul Ricoeur. Data berupa penggalanpenggalan pupuh dalam kitab Negarakertagama diperoleh melalui teknik simak dan catat. Adapun analisis data dilakukan secara dialektik. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa terdapat simbol spritual dalam tradisi kirab tahunan yang direpresentasikan melalui ungkapan rasa syukur terhadap alam, semesta, serta bentuk penghormatan terhadap leluhur. Sama halnya dengan perayaan Srada yang sampai saat ini nilai yang terkandung dalam upacara nyadran tidak mengalami pergeseran, yaitu bentuk hubungan manusia dengan leluhur yang telah mangkat.
Sejarah Pengakuan Kedaulatan oleh Belanda: Tinjauan Historis dalam Novel Indonesia
Authors: Wicaksono Andri
Published: June 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan memaparkan secara mendalam peristiwa penyerahan kedaulatan Indonesia pada masa perang kemerdekaan. Fakta- fakta dihimpun dari novel-novel yang bercirikan sejarah pada masa itu. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah analisis isi dengan teori New Historicism. Objek kajian adalah novel-novel Indonesia yang berlatar perang kemerdekaan, yaitu Burung-burung Manyar karya Y.B. Mangunwijaya,Larasati karya Pramoedya Ananta Toer, dan Cantik Itu Luka karya Eka Kurniawan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa peristiwa yang melingkupi penyerahan kedaulatan Indonesia adalah Agresi Militer II yang dipusatkan di Yogyakarta, perundingan yang diinisiasi oleh Dewan Keamanan PBB serta Konferensi Meja Bundar.
Diskursus Keindonesiaan dalam Tonil “Rahasia Kelimutu” Karya Bung Karno: Alih Wahana dari Mitos Danau Kelimutu
Authors: Banda Maria Matildis
Published: June 2023

Penelitian tentang diskursus keindonesiaan ini digali dari tonil “Rahasia Kelimutu” (RK) karya Bung Karno (1934–1938). RK ditulis berdasarkan alihwahana mitos-mitos Danau Kelimutu sebagai kampung arwah. Masalah yang dibahas: mitos Danau Kelimutu, rangkaian dramatik RK, dan diskursus keindonesiaan. Melalui pendekatan antropologi sastra, penggalian data pustaka dan data lapangan, penelitian dilakukan demi mendapatkan gambaran tentang diskursus keindonesiaan. Penelitian ini menggunakan teori mitos Rolland Barthes, lima langkah rangkaian dramatik Frey Tag, dan kajian wacana kritis Fairclough. Hasilnya menjelaskan bahwa mitos Danau Kelimutu dipercaya dengan adanya ritual pati ka (memberi makan kepada leluhur) setiap tahun. Rangkaian dramatik RK diungkapkan dalam tiga langkah pembukaan, penanjakan, dan klimaks untuk puncak cerita, peleraian, dan solusi. Diskurus keindonesiaan dijelaskan dalam ungkapan “dimana tanah dipijak di situ langit dijunjung”, hubungan antartokoh dengan berbagai latar belakang budaya dan agama, serta wawasan kebangsaan yang diperjuangkan Bung Karno bagi kemerdekaan Indonesia.
Membaca Praktik Pengelolaan Tari Topeng Lengger Wanasaban: Antara Aset dan Industri Budaya
Authors: Alaudin Faris
Published: June 2023

Tari topeng lengger, yang berkembang di wilayah geografi budaya Wonosobo, sintas sebagai pertunjukan seni tradisi yang populer. Menjamurnya grup kesenian topeng lengger di Wonosobo menjadikan daya saing mereka dalam berebut pasar makin ketat saja. Grup Kesenian Rukun Putri Budhaya, yang menjadi patron kesenian topeng lengger di Wonosobo, tidak luput dari arus dinamika seni tradisi ini. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk melihat praktik pengelolaan tari topeng lengger grup kesenian Rukun Putri Budhaya dalam menegosiasi pasar. Metode etnografi dan pendekatan kajian tradisi lisan digunakan sebagai kacamata dalam menganalisis praktik pengelolaan topeng lengger sebagai modal budaya oleh Rukun Putri Budhaya. Sebagai hasil, Rukun Putri Budhaya menjadikan tari topeng lengger sebagai aset budaya sekaligus industri budaya. Melalui Sanggar Ciptaning, Rukun Putri Budhaya hadir untuk menyebarluaskan tradisi topeng lengger sebagai aset budaya. Selain itu, lewat gelaran wisuda lengger, Rukun Putri Budhaya mengomodifikasi topeng lengger untuk dikomersialisasikan.
Problematic issues of contractual relations between a medical worker and a medical organization: what needs to be paid attention to the head of a medical organization and a medical worker
Authors:   Expert on the issues of regulatory and legal regulation of health care activities, Piven D. V. , Kitsul I. S. ,   Irkutsk State Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education – the branch of the Russian Medical Academy of Continuing Professional Education of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Ivanov I. V. ,   Federal State Budget Institution «Russian Scientific and Research Institute for Medical Engineering» of Federal Service for Supervision in the sphere of public health
Published: June 2023

The “Guidelines for Compliance with Mandatory Requirements in Carrying Out Medical Activities” approved by Roszdravnadzor on November 11, 2022, noted that the most common violations include the licensee’s lack of employment contracts with employees performing work (services) permitted by the license. In this regard, the article substantiates in detail the need to conclude an employment contract with every medical worker working in a medical organization, regardless of whether this organization is his main place of work or not. The authors show that when a medical organization engages a medical worker from another medical organization to consult patients on a regular basis, it is also necessary to conclude an employment contract with him. At the same time, when a medical organization engages a medical worker of another medical organization on a paid basis for one-time/separate consultations, a civil law contract can be concluded with him. The article emphasizes that the concepts of “consultant” and “medical consultation” require their disclosure in the legislation, which determine the legal status of specialists involved in consultations and give a detailed description of medical consultations.