bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Influence of COVID-19 on New Lung Cancer Diagnoses, by Stage and Treatment, in Northern Italy
Authors: Mangone Lucia , Marinelli Francesco , Bisceglia Isabella , Filice Angelina , De Leonibus Lisa , Rapicetta Cristian , Paci Massimiliano
Published: March 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on new cancer diagnoses. This study aims to evaluate the implications of the lockdown period on new lung cancer diagnoses in northern Italy. We compared 2020 with 2019 cancer registry data, reporting the variations by age, stage, and treatments. In 2020, 303 lung cancer cases were registered, 21 fewer than in 2019. Cases fell in men (−31 patients, 9.6%) but not in women (+10 patients, +3.1%). A significant drop in stage I from 19.8% to 12.9% (p < 0.05) and an increase in stage III (12.7% vs. 19.1%; p < 0.05) was observed. Histological confirmation dropped (70.1% vs. 60.1%; p < 0.05) while cytology increased (12% vs. 20.8%; p < 0.01). Surgery declined (28.7% vs. 21.5%; p < 0.05) but increased in stage III (19.5% vs. 25.9%; p = 0.46), while chemotherapy increased (17.6% vs. 34.3%; p < 0.01) for all stages. During the pandemic, new lung cancer diagnoses dropped only in men. The reorganization of health services has ensured a decrease in surgical interventions (due to the unavailability of operating rooms) counterbalanced by an increase in chemotherapy.
The Amyloid Cascade Hypothesis in Alzheimer’s Disease: Should We Change Our Thinking?
Authors: Kurkinen Markku , Fułek Michał , Fułek Katarzyna , Beszłej Jan Aleksander , Kurpas Donata , Leszek Jerzy
Published: March 2023

Old age increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most common neurodegenerative disease, a devastating disorder of the human mind and the leading cause of dementia. Worldwide, 50 million people have the disease, and it is estimated that there will be 150 million by 2050. Today, healthcare for AD patients consumes 1% of the global economy. According to the amyloid cascade hypothesis, AD begins in the brain by accumulating and aggregating Aβ peptides and forming β-amyloid fibrils (Aβ42). However, in clinical trials, reducing Aβ peptide production and amyloid formation in the brain did not slow cognitive decline or improve daily life in AD patients. Prevention studies in cognitively unimpaired people at high risk or genetically destined to develop AD also have not slowed cognitive decline. These observations argue against the amyloid hypothesis of AD etiology, its development, and disease mechanisms. Here, we look at other avenues in the research of AD, such as the presenilin hypothesis, synaptic glutamate signaling, and the role of astrocytes and the glutamate transporter EAAT2 in the development of AD.
Polypropylene Pelvic Mesh: What Went Wrong and What Will Be of the Future?
Authors: Seifalian Amelia , Basma Zeinab , Digesu Alex , Khullar Vikram
Published: March 2023

Background: Polypropylene (PP) pelvic mesh is a synthetic mesh made of PP polymer used to treat pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Its use has become highly controversial due to reports of serious complications. This research critically reviews the current management options for POP and PP mesh as a viable clinical application for the treatment of POP. The safety and suitability of PP material were rigorously studied and critically evaluated, with consideration to the mechanical and chemical properties of PP. We proposed the ideal properties of the ‘perfect’ synthetic pelvic mesh with emerging advanced materials. Methods: We performed a literature review using PubMed/Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library (Wiley) databases, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases, including the relevant keywords: pelvic organ prolapse (POP), polypropylene mesh, synthetic mesh, and mesh complications. Results: The results of this review found that although PP is nontoxic, its physical properties demonstrate a significant mismatch between its viscoelastic properties compared to the surrounding tissue, which is a likely cause of complications. In addition, a lack of integration of PP mesh into surrounding tissue over longer periods of follow up is another risk factor for irreversible complications. Conclusions: PP mesh has caused a rise in reports of complications involving chronic pain and mesh exposure. This is due to the mechanical and physicochemical properties of PP mesh. As a result, PP mesh for the treatment of POP has been banned in multiple countries, currently with no alternative available. We propose the development of a pelvic mesh using advanced materials including emerging graphene-based nanocomposite materials.
A Systematic Review of Machine Learning Models in Mental Health Analysis Based on Multi-Channel Multi-Modal Biometric Signals
Authors: Ehiabhi Jolly , Wang Haifeng
Published: March 2023

With the increase in biosensors and data collection devices in the healthcare industry, artificial intelligence and machine learning have attracted much attention in recent years. In this study, we offered a comprehensive review of the current trends and the state-of-the-art in mental health analysis as well as the application of machine-learning techniques for analyzing multi-variate/multi-channel multi-modal biometric signals.This study reviewed the predominant mental-health-related biosensors, including polysomnography (PSG), electroencephalogram (EEG), electro-oculogram (EOG), electromyogram (EMG), and electrocardiogram (ECG). We also described the processes used for data acquisition, data-cleaning, feature extraction, machine-learning modeling, and performance evaluation. This review showed that support-vector-machine and deep-learning techniques have been well studied, to date.After reviewing over 200 papers, we also discussed the current challenges and opportunities in this field.
Health, Education, and Economic Well-Being in China: How Do Human Capital and Social Interaction Influence Economic Returns
Authors: Ali Tajwar , Khan Salim
Published: March 2023

In developing countries, it is generally believed that a good health status and education (human capital) bring economic well-being and benefits. Some researchers have found that there are overall financial returns and income premiums correlated with human capital because of its excellent and higher ability. Due to different views and a lack of consensus, the role of human capital is still ambiguous and poorly understood. This study investigates the economic returns of health status, education level, and social interaction, that is, whether and how human capital and social interaction affect employment and income premiums. Using the Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS) for specification bias, we used the instrumental variable (IV) approach to specify the endogeneity and interaction effect in order to identify the impact and economic returns of human capital and social interaction on the values of other control and observed variables. However, we show that an individual with strong and higher human capital positively affects economic returns, but the variability of these estimates differs across estimators. Being more socially interactive is regarded as a type of social interaction but as not human capital in the labor market; thus, the empirical findings of this study reflect social stability and that the economic well-being of socially active individuals is an advantaged situation. Furthermore, men with substantial human capital and social interaction are in a more advantaged position compared to women with similar abilities.
Climatic Chamber Stability Tests of Lipase-Catalytic Octyl-Sepharose Systems
Authors: Siódmiak Tomasz , Siódmiak Joanna , Mastalerz Rafał , Kocot Natalia , Dulęba Jacek , Haraldsson Gudmundur G. , Wątróbska-Świetlikowska Dorota , Marszałł Michał Piotr
Published: March 2023

The application of the climatic chamber presented in this paper to assess the storage stability of immobilized lipases is a new approach characterized by the potential of unifying the study conditions of biocatalysts created in various laboratories. The data achieved from storing lipases in the climatic chambers may be crucial for the chemical and pharmaceutical industry. Our paper describes the developed protocols for immobilization via interfacial activation of lipase B from Candida antarctica (CALB) and lipase OF from Candida rugosa (CRL-OF) on the Octyl-Sepharose CL-4B support. Optimization included buffers with different pH values of 4–9 and a wide range of ionic strength from 5 mM to 700 mM. It has been shown that the optimal medium for the CALB immobilization process on the tested support is a citrate buffer at pH 4 and high ionic strength of 500 mM. Implementing new optimal procedures enabled the hyperactivation of immobilized CALB (recovery activity 116.10 ± 1.70%) under the applicable reaction conditions using olive oil as a substrate. Importantly, CALB storage stability tests performed in a climatic chamber under drastic temperature and humidity conditions proved good stability of the developed biocatalyst (residual activity 218 ± 7.3% of dry form, after 7 days). At the same time, the low storage stability of CRL OF in a climatic chamber was demonstrated. It should be emphasized that the use of a climatic chamber to test the storage stability of a dry form of the studied lipases immobilized on Octyl-Sepharose CL-4B is, to our knowledge, described for the first time in the literature.
Oxalic Acid Inhibits Feeding Behavior of the Brown Planthopper via Binding to Gustatory Receptor Gr23a
Authors: Kang Kui , Zhang Mengyi , Yue Lei , Chen Weiwen , Dai Yangshuo , Lin Kai , Liu Kai , Lv Jun , Guan Zhanwen , Xiao Shi , Zhang Wenqing
Published: March 2023

Plants produce diverse secondary compounds as natural protection against microbial and insect attack. Most of these compounds, including bitters and acids, are sensed by insect gustatory receptors (Grs). Although some organic acids are attractive at low or moderate levels, most acidic compounds are potentially toxic to insects and repress food consumption at high concentrations. At present, the majority of the reported sour receptors function in appetitive behaviors rather than aversive taste responses. Here, using two different heterologous expression systems, the insect Sf9 cell line and the mammalian HEK293T cell line, we started from crude extracts of rice (Oryza sativa) and successfully identified oxalic acid (OA) as a ligand of NlGr23a, a Gr in the brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens that feeds solely on rice. The antifeedant effect of OA on the brown planthopper was dose dependent, and NlGr23a mediated the repulsive responses to OA in both rice plants and artificial diets. To our knowledge, OA is the first identified ligand of Grs starting from plant crude extracts. These findings on rice–planthopper interactions will be of broad interest for pest control in agriculture and also for better understanding of how insects select host plants.
Near-Infrared Molecular Photosensitizer Decorated with Quaternary Ammonium for High-Efficiency Photothermal Treatment of Bacterial Infections
Authors: He Yuxuan , Li Na , Yang Sha , Tan Xiaofeng , Tang Li , Yang Qinglai
Published: March 2023

In recent years, pathogenic infections have been a growing health threat due to the proliferation of drug-resistant bacteria, so photothermal therapy (PTT) has gained considerable interest in biological and medical fields, owing to its noninvasive and highly effective properties. However, it is hard to achieve selective bacteria targeting while generating a large amount of heat at infected sites. Cationic electrostatic interaction is considered to be a common antimicrobial strategy. Herein, an organic molecule named RT-MN was synthesized with four positively charged quaternary ammonium salts that can bind to negatively charged bacteria. Under near-infrared 808 nm laser irradiation, RT-MN could be efficiently converted into a large amount of heat to eradicate bacteria. In addition, its good water solubility and biological safety proved that RT-MN has excellent biological application prospects. Overall, four such positively charged photosensitizer RT-MN, as a non-antibiotic treatment for resistant bacteria, could be promising for the exploration of highly effective antibacterial agents.
Trimethylsilylethynyl-Substituted Pyrene Doped Materials as Improved Fluorescent Sensors towards Nitroaromatic Explosives and Related Compounds
Authors: Chuvashov Roman D. , Zhilina Ekaterina F. , Lugovik Kseniya I. , Baranova Anna A. , Khokhlov Konstantin O. , Belyaev Danil V. , Zen Eddin Mohamad , Rusinov Gennady L. , Verbitskiy Egor V. , Charushin Valery N.
Published: March 2023

The well-known fluorophore, namely 1,3,6,8-tetrakis[(trimethylsilyl)ethynyl]pyrene, has been studied profoundly as a fluorescent sensor toward nitroaromatic compounds in solutions and vapor phase. Three prototypes of fluorescent materials for vapor sensing were prepared via electrospinning and drop-casting onto the melamine formaldehyde foam with the fluorophore as a pure solid or as a dopant in the polystyrene matrix. It has been shown that this fluorophore and solid fluorescent materials based on it have high detection limits toward nitroaromatic compounds within the range of 10−8 to 10−9 M in acetonitrile solution and within the up to ppb range in the vapor phase. The model, expanding on Frisch’s permeation model, was utilized to characterize the fluorescence response of materials relative to vapor concentration and duration of exposure to vapor. All prototypes can be used as sensor materials exhibiting a good sensitivity and selectivity for the original hand-made sniffer for detecting nitro-containing explosives in the vapor phase for real-time application.
Current Concepts in Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Witmans Manisha , Tablizo Mary Anne
Published: March 2023

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is described as intermittent partial or complete upper airway obstruction that can disrupt respiratory and ventilatory patterns during sleep [...]
Assessment of Antioxidant, Anti-Lipid Peroxidation, Antiglycation, Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Tyrosinase Properties of Dendrobium sulcatum Lindl
Authors: Rungsang Tammanoon , Srivilai Jukkarin , Rakasawapokin Pawarit , Rakasawapokin Patpitcha , Mungmai Lapatrada , Saesue Krittanon , Aoonboontum Patteera , Plukham Noppanon , Siriwipanan Pandaree , Chaichanathawikit Pimchanok , Khorana Nantaka , Wongwad Eakkaluk
Published: March 2023

Dendrobium sulcatum Lindl or “Ueang Jampa-Nan” (Orchidaceae family) is widely dis-tributed in Thailand and Laos. It is classified in the genus Dendrobium, which is used in both traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine for health enhancement and anti-aging. The purpose of this study was to investigate the phytochemical constituents and bioefficacy of stems, leaves and flowers from D. sulcatum for cosmetic and cosmeceutical applications. Phenolic and flavonoid contents were tested for the phytochemical evaluation. The antioxidant (DPPH, FRAP and ABTS assays), anti-lipid peroxidation, antiglycation, anti-inflammatory and anti-tyrosinase properties were assessed for their bioefficacy. The results showed that the extracts of stem and leaf had higher total phenolic content than that of the flower, and the leaf extract had the highest flavonoid content. The antioxidant, anti-lipid peroxidation and anti-inflammatory activities of the extracts were greater in those from the stem and leaf compared with that of the flower. The leaf extract exhibited the greatest antiglycation property. The results of anti-tyrosinase analysis of the extracts showed that the leaf and flower exhibited potent activities with a percentage inhibition greater than 70% (at a concentration of 50 µg/mL). In conclusion, these findings suggest that the ethanolic extracts from different parts of D. sulcatum are promising sources of natural active ingredients for further cosmetic and cosmeceutical products.
Sexual Function in Women Survivors of Hematologic Malignancy after Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Tsatsou Ioanna , Mystakidou Kyriaki , Adamakidou Theodoula , Konstantinidis Theocharis , Kalemikerakis Ioannis , Galanos Antonis , Govina Ourania
Published: March 2023

A multicenter, cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the sexual function of women survivors of hematologic malignancy after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT), and to compare it with that of healthy women controls. Fifty-six sexually active women survivors of hematologic malignancy who underwent AHSCT were recruited through convenience sampling, as well as 60 healthy women. Demographic and clinical data questionnaires and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) were completed. Survivors had a median age of 44 years and a median time since transplant of 3 years, while 48.2% had Hodgkin Lymphoma. Survivors reported an average level of sexual dysfunction, with a total score mean ± SD = 22.51 ± 8.95. The best sexual functioning domain was “pain” and the most affected was “orgasm”. There was a statistically significant association between survivors’ sexual function and age (p < 0.0005) in both the unifactorial and the multifactorial analysis. In addition, there was a statistically significant association between survivors’ sexual function and functional status (p < 0.0005), menopausal status (p < 0.0005), the presence of children (p = 0.002), education (p < 0.0005), and diagnosis (p < 0.0005). Healthy women had statistically significantly higher scores in all FSFI subscales (p < 0.0005). Women survivors of hematologic malignancy, treated by AHSCT, had impaired sexual function, implying the need to implement regular sexual health assessment in survivorship care.
Amide Proton Transfer–Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer Imaging of Intracranial Brain Tumors and Tumor-Like Lesions: Our Experience and a Review
Authors: Koike Hirofumi , Morikawa Minoru , Ishimaru Hideki , Ideguchi Reiko , Uetani Masataka , Miyoshi Mitsuharu
Published: March 2023

Chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) is a molecular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) method that can generate image contrast based on the proton exchange between labeled protons in solutes and free, bulk water protons. Amide proton transfer (APT) imaging is the most frequently reported amide-proton-based CEST technique. It generates image contrast by reflecting the associations of mobile proteins and peptides resonating at 3.5 ppm downfield from water. Although the origin of the APT signal intensity in tumors is unclear, previous studies have suggested that the APT signal intensity is increased in brain tumors due to the increased mobile protein concentrations in malignant cells in association with an increased cellularity. High-grade tumors, which demonstrate a higher proliferation than low-grade tumors, have higher densities and numbers of cells (and higher concentrations of intracellular proteins and peptides) than low-grade tumors. APT-CEST imaging studies suggest that the APT-CEST signal intensity can be used to help differentiate between benign and malignant tumors and high-grade gliomas and low-grade gliomas as well as estimate the nature of lesions. In this review, we summarize the current applications and findings of the APT-CEST imaging of various brain tumors and tumor-like lesions. We report that APT-CEST imaging can provide additional information on intracranial brain tumors and tumor-like lesions compared to the information provided by conventional MRI methods, and that it can help indicate the nature of lesions, differentiate between benign and malignant lesions, and determine therapeutic effects. Future research could initiate or improve the lesion-specific clinical applicability of APT-CEST imaging for meningioma embolization, lipoma, leukoencephalopathy, tuberous sclerosis complex, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, and hippocampal sclerosis.
Psychopathology, Personality and Depression after Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Network Analysis in an Italian Population
Authors: Folesani Federica , Luviè Lorenzo , Palazzi Cristina , Marchesi Carlo , Rossi Rodolfo , Belvederi Murri Martino , Ossola Paolo
Published: March 2023

Several biopsychosocial factors are associated with the onset of a Major Depressive Episode (MDE) after cardiovascular events. However, little is known of the interaction between trait- and state-like symptoms and characteristics and their role in predisposing cardiac patients to MDEs. Three hundred and four subjects were selected among patients admitted for the first time at a Coronary Intensive Care Unit. Assessment comprised personality features, psychiatric symptoms and general psychological distress; the occurrences of MDEs and Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (MACE) were recorded during a two-year follow-up period. Network analyses of state-like symptoms and trait-like features were compared between patients with and without MDEs and MACE during follow-up. Individuals with and without MDEs differed in sociodemographic characteristics and baseline depressive symptoms. Network comparison revealed significant differences in personality features, not state-like symptoms: the group with MDEs displayed greater Type D personality traits and alexithymia as well as stronger associations between alexithymia and negative affectivity (edge differences between negative affectivity and difficulty identifying feelings was 0.303, and difficulty describing feelings was 0.439). The vulnerability to depression in cardiac patients is associated with personality features but not with state-like symptoms. Personality evaluation at the first cardiac event may help identify individuals more vulnerable to development of an MDE, and they could be referred to specialist care in order to reduce their risk.
E6/E7 mRNA Expression of the Most Prevalent High-Risk HPV Genotypes in Cervical Samples from Serbian Women
Authors: Nikolic Natasa , Basica Branka , Mandic Aljosa , Surla Nela , Gusman Vera , Medic Deana , Petrovic Tamas , Strbac Mirjana , Petrovic Vladimir
Published: March 2023

Cervical cancer caused by persistent infection with HR HPV genotypes is the second leading cause of death in women aged 15 to 44 in Serbia. The expression of the E6 and E7 HPV oncogenes is considered as a promising biomarker in diagnosing high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL). This study aimed to evaluate HPV mRNA and DNA tests, compare the results according to the severity of the lesions, and assess the predictive potential for the diagnosis of HSIL. Cervical specimens were obtained at the Department of Gynecology, Community Health Centre Novi Sad, Serbia, and the Oncology Institute of Vojvodina, Serbia, during 2017–2021. The 365 samples were collected using the ThinPrep Pap test. The cytology slides were evaluated according to the Bethesda 2014 System. Using a real-time PCR test, HPV DNA was detected and genotyped, while the RT-PCR proved the presence of E6 and E7 mRNA. The most common genotypes in Serbian women are HPV 16, 31, 33, and 51. Oncogenic activity was demonstrated in 67% of HPV-positive women. A comparison of the HPV DNA and mRNA tests to assess the progression of cervical intraepithelial lesions indicated that higher specificity (89.1%) and positive predictive value (69.8–78.7%) were expressed by the E6/E7 mRNA test, while higher sensitivity was recorded when using the HPV DNA test (67.6–88%). The results determine the higher probability of detecting HPV infection by 7% provided by the mRNA test. The detected E6/E7 mRNA HR HPVs have a predictive potential in assessing the diagnosis of HSIL. The oncogenic activity of HPV 16 and age were the risk factors with the strongest predictive values for the development of HSIL.
Mental Health Experts as Objects of Epistemic Injustice—The Case of Autism Spectrum Condition
Authors: Wodziński Maciej , Moskalewicz Marcin
Published: March 2023

This theoretical paper addresses the issue of epistemic injustice with particular reference to autism. Injustice is epistemic when harm is performed without adequate reason and is caused by or related to access to knowledge production and processing, e.g., concerning racial or ethnic minorities or patients. The paper argues that both mental health service users and providers can be subject to epistemic injustice. Cognitive diagnostic errors often appear when complex decisions are made in a limited timeframe. In those situations, the socially dominant ways of thinking about mental disorders and half-automated and operationalized diagnostic paradigms imprint on experts’ decision-making processes. Recently, analyses have focused on how power operates in the service user–provider relationship. It was observed that cognitive injustice inflicts on patients through the lack of consideration of their first-person perspectives, denial of epistemic authority, and even epistemic subject status, among others. This paper shifts focus toward health professionals as rarely considered objects of epistemic injustice. Epistemic injustice affects mental health providers by harming their access to and use of knowledge in their professional activities, thus affecting the reliability of their diagnostic assessments.
Diagnostics Using the Change-of-Direction and Acceleration Test (CODAT) of the Biomechanical Patterns Associated with Knee Injury in Female Futsal Players: A Cross-Sectional Analytical Study
Authors: Ferrández-Laliena Loreto , Vicente-Pina Lucía , Sánchez-Rodríguez Rocío , Orantes-González Eva , Heredia-Jimenez José , Lucha-López María Orosia , Hidalgo-García César , Tricás-Moreno José Miguel
Published: March 2023

The primary aim of this study was to identify kinematic differences at initial contact between female futsal players with and without previous knee injury, using a functional motor pattern test. The secondary aim was to determine kinematic differences between the dominant and non-dominant limb in the whole group, using the same test. A cross-sectional study was performed in 16 female futsal players allocated into two groups: eight females with a previous knee injury, i.e., affected by the valgus collapse mechanism without surgical intervention, and eight with no previous injury. The evaluation protocol included the change-of-direction and acceleration test (CODAT). One registration was made for each lower limb, i.e., the dominant (the preferred kicking limb) and non-dominant limb. A 3D motion capture system (Qualisys AB, Göteborg, Sweden) was used to analyze the kinematics. The Cohen’s d effect sizes between the groups demonstrated a strong effect size towards more physiological positions in the non-injured group in the following kinematics in the dominant limb: hip adduction (Cohen’s d = 0.82), hip internal rotation (Cohen’s d = 0.88), and ipsilateral pelvis rotation (Cohen’s d = 1.06). The t-test for the dominant and non-dominant limb in the whole group showed the following differences in knee valgus: dominant limb (9.02 ± 7.31 degrees) and non-dominant limb (1.27 ± 9.05 degrees) (p = 0.049). Conclusions: The players with no previous history of knee injury had a more physiological position for avoiding the valgus collapse mechanism in the hip adduction and internal rotation, and in the pelvis rotation in the dominant limb. All the players showed more knee valgus in the dominant limb, which is the limb at greater risk of injury.
“I’m Not Asking for Special Treatment, I’m Asking for Access”: Experiences of University Students with Disabilities in Ghana, Ethiopia and South Africa
Authors: Abrahams Dureyah , Batorowicz Beata , Ndaa Peter , Gabriels Sumaya , Abebe Solomon M. , Xu Xiaolin , Aldersey Heather M.
Published: March 2023

It is often challenging for youth with disabilities to access university education in Africa, and for those who manage to make it to university, while there, their experiences are still not barrier-free. The purpose of this study was to uncover the experiences of the barriers and facilitators to inclusion for youth with disabilities in universities in South Africa, Ghana and Ethiopia. This qualitative project applied a critical, participatory research approach to exploring youth experiences. Youth with disabilities and their colleagues conducted seven focus group discussions, with an average of five students in each focus group, and we used a qualitative descriptive method to analyze data. The findings uncovered similarities and differences in the barriers and facilitators to inclusive education among students with disabilities across all sites. Participants noted limited financial support and university services, and how inaccessible spaces and harmful attitudes are all barriers that hinder their access to education and inclusion. The identified facilitators include support systems and self-directed facilitation. Although the students self-advocated and reported some support to assist in their inclusion in university, it was still insufficient. Notably, some universities are making a concerted effort toward inclusion and accessibility, but more work needs to be done.
Irrigation in Endodontics: Polyhexanide Is a Promising Antibacterial Polymer in Root Canal Treatment
Authors: Khabadze Zurab , Generalova Yulia , Kulikova Alena , Podoprigora Irina , Abdulkerimova Saida , Bakaev Yusup , Makeeva Mariya , Dashtieva Marina , Balashova Mariya , Gadzhiev Fakhri , Mordanov Oleg , Umarov Adam , Tarik Haddad , Zoryan Andrei , Karnaeva Amina , Rakhmanov Yakup
Published: March 2023

Background:chronic apical periodontitis is a common pathology in dentistry, especially in endodontics. It is necessary to systematize data concerning commonly used irrigation solutions. The development of new protocols for endodontic treatment is a very promising direction. The use of a polyhexanide-based antiseptic can positively affect the results of endodontic treatment. Methods: the review was carried out involving the search for English language research and meta-analyses in the Google Scholar and PubMed databases. Results: the number of literary sources that were identified during the literature review is 180. After excluding publications that did not match the search criteria, the total number of articles included in the systematic review was determined to be 68. Conclusions: polyhexanide is a promising solution for infected root canal irrigation. The antibacterial activity of this substance is suitable for the elimination of pathogens responsible for the appearance of apical periodontitis.
Does Vocational Education Matter in Rural China? A Comparison of the Effects of Upper-Secondary Vocational and Academic Education: Evidence from CLDS Survey
Authors: Wang Geng , Zhang Xin , Xu Rui
Published: March 2023

The Chinese government has emphasised the role of vocational education and training (VET) in promoting the rural economy. Since 2018, the government has invested heavily in setting up secondary vocational schools, training centres, specialised programmes, and courses in rural areas. This paper aimed to explore whether VET at the upper-secondary level leads to better labour market outcomes than academic education in Chinese rural areas. We also aimed to quantitively investigate the social prestige of vocational and academic education among rural residents by comparing the subjective social status level of those who graduated from upper-secondary vocational schools and general academic schools. We drew data from the China Labour-force Dynamic Survey (CLDS). A binary logit model and multinomial logit model were used in this research. The results showed that rural upper-secondary vocational graduates had an advantage over general graduates in terms of their income and employment stability. However, VET led to lower subjective social status when compared with general education. This study demonstrated that although promoting VET in rural areas could potentially benefit rural residents financially, cultural change is needed to ensure the elevation of the standing of vocational education and promote the worthiness, effectiveness, and capabilities that vocational graduates possess.
The Potential and Merits of Narrative-Based Virtual Fieldwork in Preservice Geography Teacher Education
Authors: Lee Dong-Min
Published: March 2023

The purpose of this study is to analyze the potential and merits of narrative-based virtual fieldwork in preservice geography teacher education. Virtual fieldwork can effectively complement, implement, and foster fieldwork. In addition, narrative is closely related to fieldwork. To proceed with the research, this study developed a travel geography class for PGTs (primary geography teachers) that included narrative-based fieldwork assignments. This study deduced four themes to illuminate the potential of narrative-based virtual fieldwork (NVF) by using a phenomenographic analysis of the reflective journals written by the participating preservice geography teachers who completed their NVF assignments. The results of this study suggested that the NVF possibly involves the PGTs’ engagement in, procedural and contextual understanding of, and teaching knowledge of virtual fieldwork thanks to its specific characteristic of integrating narrative and virtual fieldwork. The results of this study provide concrete discussions on the potential and merits of NVF in PGTE.
Fusion Model for Classification Performance Optimization in a Highly Imbalance Breast Cancer Dataset
Authors: Sakri Sapiah , Basheer Shakila
Published: March 2023

Accurate diagnosis of breast cancer using automated algorithms continues to be a challenge in the literature. Although researchers have conducted a great deal of work to address this issue, no definitive answer has yet been discovered. This challenge is aggravated further by the fact that most available datasets have imbalanced class issues, meaning that the number of cases in one class vastly outnumbers those of the others. The goal of this study was to (i) develop a reliable machine-learning-based prediction model for breast cancer based on the combination of the resampling technique and the classifier, which we called a ‘fusion model’; (ii) deal with a typical high-class imbalance problem, which is posed because the breast cancer patients’ class is significantly smaller than the healthy class; and (iii) interpret the model output to understand the decision-making mechanism. In a comparative analysis with three well-known classifiers representing classical learning, ensemble learning, and deep learning, the effectiveness of the proposed machine-learning-based approach was investigated in terms of metrics related to both generalization capability and prediction accuracy. Based on the comparative analysis, the fusion model (random oversampling techniques dataset + extreme gradient boosting classifier) affects the accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score with the highest value of 99.9%. On the other hand, for ROC evaluation, the oversampling and hybrid sampling techniques dataset combined with extreme gradient boosting achieved 100% performance compared to the models combined with the undersampling techniques dataset. Thus, the proposed predictive model based on the fusion strategy can optimize the performance of breast cancer diagnosis classification.
Analysis of Consumer IoT Device Vulnerability Quantification Frameworks
Authors: Baho Samira A. , Abawajy Jemal
Published: March 2023

The increasing deployment of Internet of Things (IoT) devices in mission-critical systems has made them more appealing to attackers. Cyberattacks on IoT devices have the potential to expose sensitive data, disrupt operations, and even endanger lives. As a result, IoT security has recently gained traction in both industry and academia. However, no research has examined existing IoT vulnerability assessment frameworks in a systematic and comprehensive manner. To address this gap, this paper systematically reviews and analyses the research challenges and state-of-the-art IoT vulnerability assessment frameworks while taking into account both breadth and depth. The study provides insight into current IoT vulnerability assessment approaches, which is useful for ongoing efforts to characterise cybersecurity risks and manage IoT vulnerabilities. It will be of interest to a spectrum of readers, including those in the IoT research community, researchers in cybersecurity, risk and vulnerability management professionals, and others. By offering the latest perspective on the present IoT vulnerability assessment techniques, this study will raise IoT security awareness and facilitate research into IoT vulnerability assessment methodologies. The knowledge provided by this study will also be beneficial to future academics who are interested in the issues and solutions surrounding IoT security. The report also assists in understanding the research direction in IoT vulnerability assessment approaches, making it beneficial for those looking to create new methods for determining IoT vulnerabilities.
Probability Density Forecasting of Wind Power Based on Transformer Network with Expectile Regression and Kernel Density Estimation
Authors: Xiao Haoyi , He Xiaoxia , Li Chunli
Published: March 2023

A comprehensive and accurate wind power forecast assists in reducing the operational risk of wind power generation, improves the safety and stability of the power system, and maintains the balance of wind power generation. Herein, a hybrid wind power probabilistic density forecasting approach based on a transformer network combined with expectile regression and kernel density estimation (Transformer-ER-KDE) is methodically established. The wind power prediction results of various levels are exploited as the input of kernel density estimation, and the optimal bandwidth is achieved by employing leave-one-out cross-validation to arrive at the complete probability density prediction curve. In order to more methodically assess the predicted wind power results, two sets of evaluation criteria are constructed, including evaluation metrics for point estimation and interval prediction. The wind power generation dataset from the official website of the Belgian grid company Elia is employed to validate the proposed approach. The experimental results reveal that the proposed Transformer-ER-KDE method outperforms mainstream recurrent neural network models in terms of point estimation error. Further, the suggested approach is capable of more accurately capturing the uncertainty in the forecasting of wind power through the construction of accurate prediction intervals and probability density curves.
Optimization of Biodiesel Production from Waste Cooking Oil Using a Green Catalyst Prepared from Glass Waste and Animal Bones
Authors: Asaad Sara Maen , Inayat Abrar , Jamil Farrukh , Ghenai Chaouki , Shanableh Abdallah
Published: March 2023

Biodiesel as a fuel has been shown to positively impact the environment; replacing or reducing the dependence on fossil fuels while providing a viable alternative. The use of waste oils, such as non-edible or used oils, can reduce competition with food, loss of resources, and the resulting higher prices. In this study, biodiesel was obtained by a transesterification reaction using used cooking oil from fast-food restaurants as the feedstock and catalysts from waste glass and animal bones as the silica and calcium oxide sources, respectively. Utilizing waste or non-edible oils for the production of biodiesel can lessen the competition with food sources while achieving environmental and ethical biofuel standards. Additionally, employing readily available waste oils and catalysts prepared from waste material is an economical and low-cost process compared to the use of conventional expensive feedstock and catalyst. The catalyst characterization for the prepared CaO–SiO2 catalyst was performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The reaction was optimized using the response surface methodology (RSM) with central composite design (CCD) by varying three parameters: methanol-to-oil ratio, catalyst weight fraction (wt%), and reaction time. The highest biodiesel yield obtained using Design Expert software was 92.3419% at the optimum conditions of a 14.83:1 methanol-to-oil molar ratio, 3.11 wt% catalyst, and 143 min reaction time. This proved that waste cooking oil with CaO–SiO2 catalyst could be used in the transesterification process to produce a high yield of biodiesel, which was shown in the results obtained from the experimental runs.
Organic Rankine Cycle: Effective Applications and Technological Advances
Authors: Radulovic Jovana
Published: March 2023

As the energy demand continues to increase across the globe, the utilisation of waste and sustainable energy sources, as well as the implementation of diverse energy systems, are essential [...]
Heat Transfer in Cavities: Configurative Systematic Review
Authors: Saha Goutam , Al-Waaly Ahmed A.Y. , Paul Manosh C. , Saha Suvash C.
Published: March 2023

This study is a systematic review of research on heat transfer analysis in cavities and aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of flow and heat transfer performance in various kinds of cavities with or without the presence of fins, obstacles, cylinders, and baffles. The study also examines the effects of different forces, such as magnetic force, buoyancy force, and thermophoresis effect on heat transfer in cavities. This study also focuses on different types of fluids, such as air, water, nanofluids, and hybrid nanofluids in cavities. Moreover, this review deals with aspects of flow and heat transfer phenomena for only single-phase flows. It discusses various validation techniques used in numerical studies and the different types and sizes of mesh used by researchers. The study is a comprehensive review of 297 research articles, mostly published since 2000, and covers the current progress in the area of heat transfer analysis in cavities. The literature review in this study shows that cavities with obstacles such as fins and rotating cylinders have a significant impact on enhancing heat transfer. Additionally, it is found that the use of nanofluids and hybrid nanofluids has a greater effect on enhancing heat transfer. Lastly, the study suggests future research directions in the field of heat transfer in cavities. This study’s findings have significant implications for a range of areas, including electronic cooling, energy storage systems, solar thermal technologies, and nuclear reactor systems.
A Survey on Key Management and Authentication Approaches in Smart Metering Systems
Authors: Abdalzaher Mohamed , Fouda Mostafa , Emran Ahmed , Fadlullah Zubair , Ibrahem Mohamed
Published: March 2023

The implementation of the smart grid (SG) and cyber-physical systems (CPS) greatly enhances the safety, reliability, and efficiency of energy production and distribution. Smart grids rely on smart meters (SMs) in converting the power grids (PGs) in a smart and reliable way. However, the proper operation of these systems needs to protect them against attack attempts and unauthorized entities. In this regard, key-management and authentication mechanisms can play a significant role. In this paper, we shed light on the importance of these mechanisms, clarifying the main efforts presented in the context of the literature. First, we address the main intelligent attacks affecting the SGs. Secondly, the main terms of cryptography are addressed. Thirdly, we summarize the common proposed key-management techniques with a suitable critique showing their pros and cons. Fourth, we introduce the effective paradigms of authentication in the state of the art. Fifth, the common two tools for verifying the security and integrity of protocols are presented. Sixth, the relevant research challenges are addressed to achieve trusted smart grids and protect their SMs against attack manipulations and unauthorized entities with a future vision. Accordingly, this survey can facilitate the efforts exerted by interested researchers in this regard.
Non-Lactic Probiotic Beverage Enriched with Microencapsulated Red Propolis: Microorganism Viability, Physicochemical Characteristics, and Sensory Perception
Authors: Ferreira Iara , de Sousa Melo Dirceu , Santos Marly Silveira , Dias Disney Ribeiro , de Souza Carolina Oliveira , Favaro-Trindade Carmen Sílvia , Pinho Lorena Silva , de Castro Almeida Rogeria Comastri , Magalhães-Guedes Karina Teixeira , Schwan Rosane Freitas
Published: March 2023

This work aimed to develop a non-dairy functional beverage fermented with probiotic strains and fortified with Brazilian red propolis (microencapsulated and extracted). The non-dairy matrix consisted of oats (75 g), sunflower seeds (175 g), and almonds (75 g). It was fermented by a starter co-culture composed of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CCMA 0743 and Debaryomyces hansenii CCMA 176. Scanning electron microscopy analysis was initially performed to verify the integrity of the microcapsules. The viability of the microorganisms after fermentation and storage, chemical composition (high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses), rheology, antioxidant activity, and sensory profile of the beverages were determined. After fermentation and storage, the starter cultures were well adapted to the substrate, reducing the pH (6.50 to 4) and cell count above 7.0 log CFU/mL. Lactic acid was the main organic acid produced during fermentation and storage. In addition, 39 volatile compounds were detected by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS), including acids, alcohols, aldehydes, alkanes, alkenes, esters, ethers, phenols, terpenes, and others. The addition of propolis extract increased the antioxidant and phenolic activity and the presence of volatile esters but reduced the beverage’s acceptability. The addition of microencapsulated propolis was more associated with the presence of higher alcohols and had similar acceptance to the control beverage. The combination of a non-dairy substrate, a starter co-culture, and the addition of propolis led to the development of a probiotic beverage with great potential for health benefits.
Biomass Deacetylation at Moderate Solid Loading Improves Sugar Recovery and Succinic Acid Production
Authors: Bukhari Nurul Adela , Luthfi Abdullah Amru Indera , Rahim Nuraishah Abd , Nasrin Abu Bakar , Sukiran Mohamad Azri , Loh Soh Kheang
Published: March 2023

Biomass deacetylation with alkali prior to dilute acid pretreatment can be a promising approach to reduce the toxicity of the resulting hydrolysates and improve microbial fermentation. In this study, the effect of mild alkaline treatment of oil palm trunk (OPT) biomass on succinic acid production was evaluated. Deacetylation was carried out under different conditions: NaOH loadings (1–5%, w/v) and reaction times (15–90 min) at 100 °C. Deacetylation using 1% (w/v) NaOH within 15 min was sufficient to achieve a high acetic acid removal of 5.8 g/L with minimal sugar loss. Deacetylation under this condition resulted in a total sugar concentration of 55.8 g/L (18.0 g/L xylose and 37.8 g/L glucose), which was 37% higher than that of non-deacetylated OPT. Subsequently, succinic acid production using Actinobacillus succinogenes was also improved by 42% and 13% in terms of productivity and yield, respectively, at 10% (w/v) solid loading. This further demonstrated that mild alkaline treatment prior to dilute acid pretreatment is a promising strategy to improve succinic acid production. This study provides a facile approach for reducing the most influential inhibitory effect of acetic acid, and it can be applied to the exploitation of lignocellulosic biomass resources for succinic acid, biofuels, and/or other biochemical co-production in the future.