bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Highly Selective Uricase-Based Quantification of Uric Acid Using Hydrogen Peroxide Sensitive Poly-(vinylpyrrolidone) Templated Copper Nanoclusters as a Fluorescence Probe
Authors: Rajamanikandan Ramar , Ilanchelian Malaichamy , Ju Heongkyu
Published: May 2023

We reported on uric acid (UA) detection using a new fluorescence-based assay: poly-(vinylpyrrolidone) templated copper nanoclusters (PVP-CuNCs) with uricase in an aqueous medium, such as human urine with uricase. These nanoclusters were synthesized in a simple wet chemical method and their morphological and optical properties were examined with the aid of high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and optical absorbance/emission spectroscopy. The PVP-CuNCs acted as the fluorescence indicators that used the enzyme-catalyzed oxidation of UA with uricase. Adding UA into the hybrid PVP-CuNCs/uricase solution caused enzyme-catalyzed oxidation to occur, producing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), allantoin, and carbon dioxide. The fluorescence intensity of PVP-CuNCs is decreased by this biocatalytically generated H2O2, and this decrease is proportional to the UA level. A calibration plot showed the linear relationship with the negative slope between fluorescence intensity and UA in the range of 5–100 × 10−7 mol/L. The limit of detection (LOD) of UA was estimated as 113 × 10−9 mol/L. This fluorescent probe turned out to be highly specific for UA over other biologically relevant molecules. The demonstrated capability of the PVP-CuNCs as the nanoprobes for quantification of the UA levels in human urine samples could potentially pave the way toward medical applications where a super-sensitive, cost-effective, and UA-specific diagnosis was required.
Working Memory in Overweight Boys during Physical Education Classes
Authors: Hawani Aymen , Chikha Anis ben , Zoghlami Wael , Souissi Mohamed Abdelkader , Trabelsi Omar , Mrayeh Maher , Muscella Antonella
Published: May 2023

This study examined the effect of small-sided football games (SSFG) and small-sided Ultimate Frisbee games (SSUFG) on working memory, response times, and feeling mood of boys with overweight. Twenty-eight boys (age 12.23 ± 1.58 years) participated in two trials during physical education lessons (20-min SSFG and 20-min SSUFG) in a counterbalanced, randomized crossover design. The response times and feeling mood were measured for all participants post-exercise through the Sternberg paradigm and feeling scale. For the response times, the paired samples t-test revealed a significantly better reaction time after SSUFG at the “One item level” of the Sternberg paradigm (p = 0.014, Hedges’ g = 0.27, small effect) and (p = 0.010, Hedges’ g = 0.74, medium effect), at “Three item level” (p = 0.000106, Hedges’ g = 1.88, very large effect). The SSFG also showed vigor at the “Five item level” (p = 0.047, Hedges’ g = 0.61, medium effect). For the feeling mood, the feeling score was significantly higher after the SSUFG session than the SSFG session and the increase in feeling scores observed after switching from SSFG to SSUFG was significantly different (p < 0.001) from the decrease observed in feeling scores after switching from SSUFG to SSFG. Therefore, the results of the study allow the teacher to introduce new sports and reflect on the motor tasks he or she proposes for boys with overweight during physical education classes.
Bibliometric Analysis on the Implementation of Evidence-Based Practices through Building Effective Systems
Authors: Argente Julia , Martínez-Rico Gabriel , González-García Rómulo J. , Cañadas Margarita
Published: May 2023

Implementing evidence-based practices in early intervention has generated new research interest in the need for effective early childhood systems. This study used a bibliometric analysis to discern the importance and relevance of the field. The analysis highlights that the main goals of the future direction of the research field need to be better defined. First, articles published in the Web of Science database between 2012 and 2022 were reviewed, and then word and author combinations were analyzed. Finally, articles were collected in different groups for bibliographic linking. Five key points were identified as the most important practices recommended by the Department of Early Childhood or Professional Development. It should be noted that the main difficulty encountered in this field arises from the novelty of our research topic, i.e., there is no research on constructing systems for early intervention. However, it is worth highlighting the articles that are relevant to the field of study and our success with integrating them in order to demonstrate the importance of serving children with disabilities and their families. In conclusion, the establishment of a system built on evidence-based practices is underdeveloped but shows promise for the future of early intervention systems.
Short- and Long-Term Outcomes of Preeclampsia in Offspring: Review of the Literature
Authors: Koulouraki Sevasti , Paschos Vasileios , Pervanidou Panagiota , Christopoulos Panagiotis , Gerede Angeliki , Eleftheriades Makarios
Published: May 2023

Preeclampsia is a multisystemic clinical syndrome characterized by the appearance of new-onset hypertension and proteinuria or hypertension and end organ dysfunction even without proteinuria after 20 weeks of pregnancy or postpartum. Residing at the severe end of the spectrum of the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, preeclampsia occurs in 3 to 8% of pregnancies worldwide and is a major cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality, accounting for 8–10% of all preterm births. The mechanism whereby preeclampsia increases the risk of the neurodevelopmental, cardiovascular, and metabolic morbidity of the mother’s offspring is not well known, but it is possible that the preeclamptic environment induces epigenetic changes that adversely affect developmental plasticity. These developmental changes are crucial for optimal fetal growth and survival but may lead to an increased risk of chronic morbidity in childhood and even later in life. The aim of this review is to summarize both the short- and long-term effects of preeclampsia on offspring based on the current literature.
Mechanical Properties of Single Crystal Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Perovskite MAPbX3 (MA = CH3NH3, X = Cl, Br, I)
Authors: Li Jianyu , Ge Chunyu , Zhao Zifan , Hu Mingyu , Wang Jun , Qian Feng , Chong Xiaoyu , Feng Jing
Published: May 2023

Mechanical properties are among the crucial parameters for multilayer hybrid perovskite-based devices. Here, the mechanical properties of the high-quality single-crystalline MAPbX3 (MA = CH3NH3, X = Cl, Br, I), including the hardness (H) and Young’s modulus (E), are systematically studied using the three-dimensional nanoindentation (3D nanoindentation) method. In the sequence of Cl, Br, and I, the hardness and Young’s modulus of MAPbX3 decrease gradually. The hardness of MAPbX3 ranges from 0.31 to 0.57 GPa, and Young’s modulus values are less than 30 GPa. The low hardness and Young’s modulus are attributed to the weak lattice framework composed of Pb-X and the weak hydrogen bond between CH3NH3+ and the octahedron. The relationship between the hardness and Young’s modulus of MAPbX3 is also described. Generally, this work provides the favorable parameters required to further support the design and modification of investigations regarding perovskite-based devices.
Study on the Galvanic Corrosion between 13Cr Alloy Tubing and Downhole Tools of 9Cr and P110: Experimental Investigation and Numerical Simulation
Authors: Zang Chuanzhen , Jiang Hanqiao , Lu Zongyu , Peng Xianbo , Wang Jian , Lian Zhanghua
Published: May 2023

The galvanic corrosion of oil and gas production string is related to wellbore integrity and production safety. In order to study the galvanic corrosion of an oil and gas well tubing assembly and maintain production safety, this paper studied the galvanic corrosion behavior between 13Cr alloy steel tubing and the downhole tools of 9Cr and P110 in formate annular fluid via experimental and numerical simulation methods. The chemical composition, HTHP corrosion tests and electrochemical measurement of the three materials were investigated to analyze the corrosion mechanism and electrochemical parameters. Then, a full-sized 3D galvanic corrosion model of 13Cr tubing and a 9Cr/P110 joint combination was established using COMSOL Multiphysics software based on the electrochemical test results. The mechanism and current variation law of the galvanic corrosion of different tubing materials are discussed and analyzed in the paper. The results revealed that the corrosion rates obtained based on the electrochemical test are as follows: P110 (0.072 mm/y) > 9Cr (0.033 mm/y) > 13Cr (0.0022 mm/y). The current densities of a combination of 13Cr tubing with a 9Cr joint and 13Cr tubing with a P110 joint vary dramatically: the current density of the 13Cr tubing–P110 joint reach 1.6 × 10−4 A/cm2, higher than the current density of the combination of 13Cr tubing and a 9Cr joint. The results of a 3D FEM analysis show that the 13Cr tube demonstrates obvious galvanic corrosion with 9Cr and P110 joints, which is consistent with the analysis results of the polarization curve. This study therefore explains the galvanic corrosion mechanism of different tubing materials and provides guidance for the safe use of tubing in the productive process.
Structural and Hirshfeld Surface Analysis of Thallium(I) and Indium(III) Complexes of a Soft Scorpionate Ligand
Authors: Fujisawa Kiyoshi , Kuboniwa Ayaka , Tan Sang Loon , Tiekink Edward R. T.
Published: May 2023

Two complexes containing a soft sulfur-substituted tris(pyrazolyl)hydroborate ligand, namely [TlI(TmtBu)]2∙2H2O and [InIII(TmtBu)2](InCl4), where TmtBu is the tris(3-tert-butyl-2-sulfanylidene-1H-imidazol-1-yl)hydroborate anion, have been characterized. The {TlS}2 core of the former has the shape of a diamond. Each S atom of the TmtBu anion coordinates differently: one S is connected to one Tl atom, one bridges both Tl atoms, while the third S atom connects solely to the second Tl atom. The S4 donor set defines a seesaw geometry. The independent H2O molecule forms O–H···S and localized O–H···π(pyrazolyl) contacts. Flattened octahedral geometries defined by S6 donor sets are noted for the two independent cations in [InIII(TmtBu)2](InCl4). In the crystal of [TlI(TmtBu)]2∙2H2O, pyrazolyl-C–H···O(water) interactions connect the dimeric units into a linear supramolecular chain, chains pack without directional interactions between them. In the crystal of [InIII(TmtBu)2](InCl4), alternating rows of independent cations are interspersed by anions. The primary points of contact within a three-dimensional architecture are of the type In–Cl···π(pyrazolyl) and C–H···Cl. The assessment of the molecular packing was complemented by considering the calculated Hirshfeld surfaces and two-dimensional fingerprint plots (overall and delineated into individual contacts).
Graphene-Assembled Film-Based Reconfigurable Filtering Antenna with Enhanced Corrosion-Resistance
Authors: Hui Yueyue , Zu Haoran , Song Rongguo , Fu Huaqiang , Luo Kaolin , Tian Chao , Wu Bian , Huang Guan-Long , Kou Zongkui , Cheng Xin , He Daping
Published: May 2023

Corrosion-resistance is the key to improve the reliability and service lifespan of highly integrated reconfigurable filtering antennae. However, the conventional methodology for corrosion prevention cannot achieve desired effects, due to the limited intrinsic corrosion-resistance capacity of traditional metal-based devices. Here, we developed a reconfigurable filtering antenna based on graphene assembled film (GAF), featuring significant corrosion-resistance enhancement. The GAF-based antenna exhibits comparable electrical performance when compared with a copper-based antenna, and can flexibly switch between two working modes, including ultra-wideband (UWB, 2.8–11 GHz) and narrowband filtering (NBF, 3.23–3.77 GHz). To further demonstrate the of the corrosion-resistance of GAF, a salt spray corrosion test found that the GAF-based antenna exhibits steady electrical properties after corrosion for over 336 h, while the copper-based antenna shows rapid performance degradation. The simulated and experimental results are in agreement, indicating that the proposed GAF reconfigurable filtering antenna can be applied to broader application prospects in communication systems, especially in severe environments.
The Influence of CaF2 Doping on the Sintering Behavior and Microwave Dielectric Properties of CaO-B2O3-SiO2 Glass-Ceramics for LTCC Applications
Authors: Dong Chao , Wang Hua , Yan Tingnan , Zhao Jianwei , Xu Jiwen , Wang Dawei
Published: May 2023

With the rapid development of microelectronic information technology, microelectronic packaging has higher requirements in terms of integration density, signal transmission speed, and passive component integration. Low temperature co-fired ceramics (LTCC) exhibit excellent dielectric properties and low temperature sintering properties, which meets the above-mentioned requirements. This work investigates the effects of CaF2 doping (0–16 mol%) on the glass structure, sintering behavior, crystallization, microstructure, and microwave dielectric properties of the CaO-B2O3-SiO2 (CBS) glass-ceramic system. Glass-ceramics were prepared using the conventional melting and quenching method. The physical and chemical properties of the glass-ceramics were analyzed using various techniques including TMA, SDT, FTIR, XRD, SEM, and a network analyzer. The results indicate that CaF2 doping can effectively reduce the sintering temperature and softening temperature of CBS ceramics. It also substantially improves the densification, dielectric, and mechanical properties. The appropriate amount of CaF2-doped CBS glass-ceramics can be sintered below 800 °C with a low dielectric constant and loss at high frequency (εr < 6, tanδ < 0.02 @ 10~13 GHz). Specifically, 8 mol% CaF2 doped CBS glass-ceramics sintered at 790 °C exhibit excellent microwave dielectric and thermal properties, with εr ~ 5.92 @ 11.4 GHz, tanδ ~ 1.59 × 10−3, CTE ~ 7.76 × 10−6/°C, λ ~ 2.17 W/(m·k), which are attractive for LTCC applications.
Improvement of Heat Dissipation in Ag/Ni Substrates for Testing Cu-TiO2/TiO2-Modified Filters Using SERS Spectroscopy
Authors: Bandarenka Hanna , Burko Aliaksandr , Girel Kseniya , Laputsko Diana , Orel Elizaveta , Mizgailo Anna , Sharopov Utkirjon , Podelinska Alise , Shapel Uladzislau , Pankratov Vladimir , Piskunov Sergei , Bocharov Dmitry
Published: May 2023

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy is used to investigate a composition of wash swabs from the Cu-TiO2/TiO2-modified filters with disinfecting ability. Macroporous Si chips coated with conformal 800 nm thick Ni layer and Ag particles (Ag/Ni) are engineered to act as SERS-active substrates. Such substrates are characterized by a moderate reflection band in the visible range and provide an improved heat dissipation from contaminants in wash swabs during SERS study. This prevents thermal-induced destruction of analyzing media for reliable assessment of its composition. The anatase Cu-TiO2 and TiO2 nanoparticles are synthesized using the sol-gel method and characterized via Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffractometry. The filters are modified with Cu-TiO2/TiO2 nanoparticles and embedded in three-valve facial masks that are worn by a volunteer to breathe for 4 h. Comparative SERS analysis of the filters shows that they slightly destroy chemical bonds in the molecules constituting airborne contaminations upon ceiling day lights, which can be associated with Cu-TiO2 photocatalytic activity. The filters additionally exposed to near-ultraviolet light prominently decrease the intensity of Raman signatures of airborne contaminant due to the presence of pure TiO2.
Detection of Tumour-Targeted IRDye800CW Tracer with Commercially Available Laparoscopic Surgical Systems
Authors: Sikkenk Daan J. , Sterkenburg Andrea J. , Schmidt Iris , Gorpas Dimitris , Nagengast Wouter B. , Consten Esther C. J.
Published: May 2023

(1) Introduction: Near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) combined with tumour-targeted tracers, such as bevacizumab-800CW, could aid surgical decision-making. This study explored the use of IRDye800CW, conjugated to bevacizumab, with four commercially available NIRF laparoscopes optimised for indocyanine green (ICG). (2) Methods: A (lymph node) phantom was made from a calibration device for NIRF and tissue-mimicking material. Serial dilutions of bevacizumab-800CW were made and ICG functioned as a reference. System settings, working distance, and thickness of tissue-mimicking material were varied to assess visibility of the fluorescence signal and tissue penetration. Tests were performed with four laparoscopes: VISERA ELITE II, Olympus; IMAGE1 S™ 4U Rubina, KARL STORZ; ENDOCAM Logic 4K platform, Richard Wolf; da Vinci Xi, Intuitive Surgical. (3) Results: The lowest visible bevacizumab-800CW concentration ranged between 13–850 nM (8–512 times diluted stock solution) for all laparoscopes, but the tracer was not visible through 0.8 cm of tissue in all systems. In contrast, ICG was still visible at a concentration of 0.4 nM (16,384 times diluted) and through 1.6–2.4 cm of tissue. Visibility and tissue penetration generally improved with a reduced working distance and manually adjusted system settings. (4) Conclusion: Depending on the application, bevacizumab-800CW might be sufficiently visible with current laparoscopes, but optimisation would widen applicability of tumour-targeted IRDye800CW tracers.
An Explainable Classification Method Based on Complex Scaling in Histopathology Images for Lung and Colon Cancer
Authors: Tummala Sudhakar , Kadry Seifedine , Nadeem Ahmed , Rauf Hafiz Tayyab , Gul Nadia
Published: May 2023

Lung and colon cancers are among the leading causes of human mortality and morbidity. Early diagnostic work up of these diseases include radiography, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography. Certain blood tumor markers for carcinoma lung and colon also aid in the diagnosis. Despite the lab and diagnostic imaging, histopathology remains the gold standard, which provides cell-level images of tissue under examination. To read these images, a histopathologist spends a large amount of time. Furthermore, using conventional diagnostic methods involve high-end equipment as well. This leads to limited number of patients getting final diagnosis and early treatment. In addition, there are chances of inter-observer errors. In recent years, deep learning has shown promising results in the medical field. This has helped in early diagnosis and treatment according to severity of disease. With the help of EffcientNetV2 models that have been cross-validated and tested fivefold, we propose an automated method for detecting lung (lung adenocarcinoma, lung benign, and lung squamous cell carcinoma) and colon (colon adenocarcinoma and colon benign) cancer subtypes from LC25000 histopathology images. A state-of-the-art deep learning architecture based on the principles of compound scaling and progressive learning, EffcientNetV2 large, medium, and small models. An accuracy of 99.97%, AUC of 99.99%, F1-score of 99.97%, balanced accuracy of 99.97%, and Matthew’s correlation coefficient of 99.96% were obtained on the test set using the EffcientNetV2-L model for the 5-class classification of lung and colon cancers, outperforming the existing methods. Using gradCAM, we created visual saliency maps to precisely locate the vital regions in the histopathology images from the test set where the models put more attention during cancer subtype predictions. This visual saliency maps may potentially assist pathologists to design better treatment strategies. Therefore, it is possible to use the proposed pipeline in clinical settings for fully automated lung and colon cancer detection from histopathology images with explainability.
Atrophic Gastritis and Autoimmunity: Results from a Prospective, Multicenter Study
Authors: Osmola Malgorzata , Hemont Caroline , Chapelle Nicolas , Vibet Marie-Anne , Tougeron David , Moussata Driffa , Lamarque Dominique , Bigot-Corbel Edith , Masson Damien , Blin Justine , Leroy Maxime , Josien Regis , Mosnier Jean-François , Martin Jérôme , Matysiak-Budnik Tamara
Published: May 2023

Despite a global decrease, gastric cancer (GC) incidence appears to be increasing recently in young, particularly female, patients. The causal mechanism for this “new” type of GC is unknown, but a role for autoimmunity is suggested. A cascade of gastric precancerous lesions, beginning with chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG), precedes GC. To test the possible existence of autoimmunity in patients with CAG, we aimed to analyze the prevalence of several autoantibodies in patients with CAG as compared to control patients. Sera of 355 patients included in our previous prospective, multicenter study were tested for 19 autoantibodies (anti-nuclear antibodies, ANA, anti-parietal cell antibody, APCA, anti-intrinsic factor antibody, AIFA, and 16 myositis-associated antibodies). The results were compared between CAG patients (n = 154), including autoimmune gastritis patients (AIG, n = 45), non-autoimmune gastritis patients (NAIG, n = 109), and control patients (n = 201). ANA positivity was significantly higher in AIG than in NAIG or control patients (46.7%, 29%, and 27%, respectively, p = 0.04). Female gender was positively associated with ANA positivity (OR 0.51 (0.31–0.81), p = 0.005), while age and H. pylori infection status were not. Myositis-associated antibodies were found in 8.9% of AIG, 5.5% of NAIG, and 4.4% of control patients, without significant differences among the groups (p = 0.8). Higher APCA and AIFA positivity was confirmed in AIG, and was not associated with H. pylori infection, age, or gender in the multivariate analysis. ANA antibodies are significantly more prevalent in AIG than in control patients, but the clinical significance of this finding remains to be established. H. pylori infection does not affect autoantibody seropositivity (ANA, APCA, AIFA). The positivity of myositis-associated antibodies is not increased in patients with CAG as compared to control patients. Overall, our results do not support an overrepresentation of common autoantibodies in patients with CAG.
Giant Tumefactive Perivascular Space: Advanced Fusion MR Imaging and Tractography Study—A Case Report and a Systematic Review
Authors: Conforti Renata , Capasso Raffaella , Franco Donatella , Russo Carmela , Rinaldi Fabio Oreste , Pezzullo Giovanna , Coluccino Simone , Brunese Maria Chiara , Caiazzo Corrado , Caranci Ferdinando , Tortora Fabio
Published: May 2023

Perivascular spaces (PVSs) are small extensions of the subpial cerebrospinal space, pial-lined and interstitial fluid-filled. They surround small penetrating arteries, and veins, crossing the subarachnoid space to the brain tissue. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) shows a PVS as a round-shape or linear structure, isointense to the cerebrospinal fluid, and, if larger than 1.5 cm, they are known as giant/tumefactive PVSs (GTPVS) that may compress neighboring parenchymal/liquoral compartment. We report a rare asymptomatic case of GTPVS type 1 in a diabetic middle-aged patient, occasionally discovered. Our MRI study focuses on diffusion/tractography and fusion imaging: three-dimensional (3D) constructive interference in steady state (CISS) and time of fly (TOF) sequences. The advanced and fusion MR techniques help us to track brain fiber to assess brain tissue compression consequences and some PVS anatomic features as the perforating arteries inside them.
Alterations in Macular Microvasculature in Pterygium Patients Measured by OCT Angiography
Authors: Cai Yingjun , Wu Zhenkai , Yuan Ruolan , Wang Pingbao , Xu Huizhuo , Xu Yi , Yao Xueyan , Wang Hua , Zou Jing
Published: May 2023

Previous studies have reported an association between pterygia and maculopathy, yet the underlying mechanisms and alterations to the macular microvasculature in pterygium patients have yet to be fully elucidated. Our study conducted an analysis of macular superficial vessel length density (VLD) and vessel perfusion density (VPD) to establish associations between the conjunctival and macular microvasculature in patients with unilateral and bilateral pterygia. We revealed a loss of macular microvasculature in the outer nasal (ON) region in both unilateral and bilateral pterygium patients. VLD was significantly decreased in both pterygium groups in the ON region, and VPD was notably lower in bilateral pterygium patients in the same area. Furthermore, in unilateral pterygium patients, the vessel percent pixel coverage (PPC) of the pterygium and the area of the pterygium exhibited a negative correlation with VLD in the ON region. Multiple stepwise linear regression models indicated that the PPC could best predict VLP in the ON region. Taken together, our findings suggest that patients with pterygia may be more susceptible to macular diseases, and this may be due to a compensatory increase in blood perfusion via the anterior ciliary artery. These results underscore the importance of managing maculopathy in patients with pterygia.
Pulmonary Hypertension in Chronic Lung Diseases: What Role Do Radiologists Play?
Authors: Valentini Adele , Franchi Paola , Cicchetti Giuseppe , Messana Gaia , Chiffi Greta , Strappa Cecilia , Calandriello Lucio , del Ciello Annemilia , Farchione Alessandra , Preda Lorenzo , Larici Anna Rita
Published: May 2023

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a pathophysiological disorder, defined by a mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) > 20 mmHg at rest, as assessed by right heart catheterization (RHC). PH is not a specific disease, as it may be observed in multiple clinical conditions and may complicate a variety of thoracic diseases. Conditions associated with the risk of developing PH are categorized into five different groups, according to similar clinical presentations, pathological findings, hemodynamic characteristics, and treatment strategy. Most chronic lung diseases that may be complicated by PH belong to group 3 (interstitial lung diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, combined pulmonary fibrosis, and emphysema) and are associated with the lowest overall survival among all groups. However, some of the chronic pulmonary diseases may develop PH with unclear/multifactorial mechanisms and are included in group 5 PH (sarcoidosis, pulmonary Langerhans’ cell histiocytosis, and neurofibromatosis type 1). This paper focuses on PH associated with chronic lung diseases, in which radiological imaging—particularly computed tomography (CT)—plays a crucial role in diagnosis and classification. Radiologists should become familiar with the hemodynamical, physiological, and radiological aspects of PH and chronic lung diseases in patients at risk of developing PH, whose prognosis and treatment depend on the underlying disease.
Repeated UAV Observations and Digital Modeling for Surface Change Detection in Ring Structure Crater Margin in Plateau
Authors: Luo Weidong , Gan Shu , Yuan Xiping , Gao Sha , Bi Rui , Chen Cheng , He Wenbin , Hu Lin
Published: May 2023

As UAV technology has been leaping forward, small consumer-grade UAVs equipped with optical sensors are capable of easily acquiring high-resolution images, which show bright prospects in a wide variety of terrains and different fields. First, the crater rim landscape of the Dinosaur Valley ring formation located on the central Yunnan Plateau served as the object of the surface change detection experiment, and two repetitive UAV ground observations of the study area were performed at the same altitude of 180 m with DJI Phantom 4 RTK in the rainy season (P1) and the dry season (P2). Subsequently, the UAV-SfM digital three-dimensional (3D) modeling method was adopted to build digital models of the study area at two points in time, which comprised the Digital Surface Model (DSM), Digital Orthomosaic Model (DOM), and Dense Image Matching (DIM) point cloud. Lastly, a quantitative analysis of the surface changes at the pit edge was performed using the point-surface-body surface morphological characterization method based on the digital model. As indicated by the results, (1) the elevation detection of the corresponding check points of the two DSM periods yielded a maximum positive difference of 0.2650 m and a maximum negative value of −0.2279 m in the first period, as well as a maximum positive difference of 0.2470 m and a maximum negative value of −0.2589 m in the second period. (2) In the change detection of the two DOM periods, the vegetation was 9.99% higher in the wet season than in the dry season in terms of coverage, whereas the bare soil was 10.54% more covered than the wet season. (3) In general, the M3C2-PM distances of the P1 point cloud and the P2 point cloud were concentrated in the interval (−0.2,0.2), whereas the percentage of the interval (−0.1,0) accounted for 26.69% of all intervals. The numerical model of UAV-SfM was employed for comprehensive change detection analysis. As revealed by the result of the point elevation difference in the constant area, the technique can conform to the requirements of earth observation with certain accuracy. The change area suggested that the test area can be affected by natural conditions to a certain extent, such that the multi-source data can be integrated to conduct more comprehensive detection analysis.
Sandpile Universality in Social Inequality: Gini and Kolkata Measures
Authors: Banerjee Suchismita , Biswas Soumyajyoti , Chakrabarti Bikas K. , Ghosh Asim , Mitra Manipushpak
Published: May 2023

Social inequalities are ubiquitous and evolve towards a universal limit. Herein, we extensively review the values of inequality measures, namely the Gini (g) index and the Kolkata (k) index, two standard measures of inequality used in the analysis of various social sectors through data analysis. The Kolkata index, denoted as k, indicates the proportion of the ‘wealth’ owned by (1−k) fraction of the ‘people’. Our findings suggest that both the Gini index and the Kolkata index tend to converge to similar values (around g=k≈0.87, starting from the point of perfect equality, where g=0 and k=0.5) as competition increases in different social institutions, such as markets, movies, elections, universities, prize winning, battle fields, sports (Olympics), etc., under conditions of unrestricted competition (no social welfare or support mechanism). In this review, we present the concept of a generalized form of Pareto’s 80/20 law (k=0.80), where the coincidence of inequality indices is observed. The observation of this coincidence is consistent with the precursor values of the g and k indices for the self-organized critical (SOC) state in self-tuned physical systems such as sand piles. These results provide quantitative support for the view that interacting socioeconomic systems can be understood within the framework of SOC, which has been hypothesized for many years. These findings suggest that the SOC model can be extended to capture the dynamics of complex socioeconomic systems and help us better understand their behavior.
Multi-Fault Classification and Diagnosis of Rolling Bearing Based on Improved Convolution Neural Network
Authors: Zhang Xiong , Li Jialu , Wu Wenbo , Dong Fan , Wan Shuting
Published: May 2023

At present, the fault diagnosis methods for rolling bearings are all based on research with fewer fault categories, without considering the problem of multiple faults. In practical applications, the coexistence of multiple operating conditions and faults can lead to an increase in classification difficulty and a decrease in diagnostic accuracy. To solve this problem, a fault diagnosis method based on an improved convolution neural network is proposed. The convolution neural network adopts a simple structure of three-layer convolution. The average pooling layer is used to replace the common maximum pooling layer, and the global average pooling layer is used to replace the full connection layer. The BN layer is used to optimize the model. The collected multi-class signals are used as the input of the model, and the improved convolution neural network is used for fault identification and classification of the input signals. The experimental data of XJTU-SY and Paderborn University show that the method proposed in this paper has a good effect on the multi-classification of bearing faults.
Information Encoding in Bursting Spiking Neural Network Modulated by Astrocytes
Authors: Stasenko Sergey V. , Kazantsev Victor B.
Published: May 2023

We investigated a mathematical model composed of a spiking neural network (SNN) interacting with astrocytes. We analysed how information content in the form of two-dimensional images can be represented by an SNN in the form of a spatiotemporal spiking pattern. The SNN includes excitatory and inhibitory neurons in some proportion, sustaining the excitation–inhibition balance of autonomous firing. The astrocytes accompanying each excitatory synapse provide a slow modulation of synaptic transmission strength. An information image was uploaded to the network in the form of excitatory stimulation pulses distributed in time reproducing the shape of the image. We found that astrocytic modulation prevented stimulation-induced SNN hyperexcitation and non-periodic bursting activity. Such homeostatic astrocytic regulation of neuronal activity makes it possible to restore the image supplied during stimulation and lost in the raster diagram of neuronal activity due to non-periodic neuronal firing. At a biological point, our model shows that astrocytes can act as an additional adaptive mechanism for regulating neural activity, which is crucial for sensory cortical representations.
Nowcasting Economic Activity Using Electricity Market Data: The Case of Lithuania
Authors: Stundziene Alina , Pilinkiene Vaida , Bruneckiene Jurgita , Grybauskas Andrius , Lukauskas Mantas
Published: May 2023

Traditional forecasting methods usually rely on historical macroeconomic indicators with significant delays. To address this problem, new opportunities for economic modeling and forecasting are emerging by using real-time data and making nowcasting of economic activity. This research aims to assess the usefulness of electricity market data to nowcast the economic activity in Lithuania. Various MIDAS regression models are used to nowcast nine monthly macroeconomic indicators. In general, electricity market indicators are useful to nowcast certain macroeconomic indicators. Electricity consumption is the most useful among electricity market indicators and brings benefits when nowcasting imports, industrial production, consumer confidence, wholesale and retail trade, and the repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles. Electricity production is beneficial in nowcasting the industrial production. Meanwhile, electricity price is useful for nowcasting exports, exports of goods of Lithuanian origin, imports, and industrial production. Meanwhile, electricity market data do not improve the prediction of the unemployment rate, economic sentiment indicator, and CPI-based consumer price in comparison with an autoregressive model.
Analysis of the Narratives with Characters That Make Ethnic Diversity Visible—Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir
Authors: Aguasanta-Regalado Miriam E. , San Martín Alonso Ángel , Gallardo-Fernández Isabel M.
Published: May 2023

This study follows the line of different authors who examined the visibility of ethnic diversity in children’s television series and the psychoeducational implications of these media narratives for children. Specifically, this work analyses the behaviours/actions developed by the model characters of cultural diversity and how these characters promote a perspective on diversity that conditions children. Employing a qualitative methodology, we use content analysis and critical discourse analysis as tools to be able to read, describe and interpret said content. The results highlight that these children’s programmes present a culture that reinforces certain values and behaviours. Likewise, the TV programmes analysed present stories marked by models of cultural diversity that contribute to the maintenance of certain social structures and the normalisation of inequality. We believe that educational institutions, through media education, should go deeper and teach students to look critically, deciphering codes of the audiovisual language present in the elements of children’s stories. In the complex society of the 21st century, we must consider that the needs of children change depending on how their identity intersects with aspects such as ethnicity, class, gender, etc., in order to equip them with the appropriate tools to deal with these problems.
Training Digital Competencies in Future Primary School Teachers: A Systematic Review
Authors: Alférez-Pastor Marina , Collado-Soler Rocío , Lérida-Ayala Virginia , Manzano-León Ana , Aguilar-Parra José Manuel , Trigueros Rubén
Published: May 2023

Technology proliferated in our daily lives, including in the educational system. To make good use of it, it is so important that teachers have the best training in its use and possibilities. The main objective of this study was to analyze the different methods of training for future primary school teachers and assess the efficacy of the methods. We used SCOPUS, and Web of Science databases to carry out this systematic review and we followed the PRISMA statement. Two authors independently conducted the literature search, and then, they reached a consensus. A total of 13 relevant articles were selected to be analyzed in detail. Our results showed that the training programs carried out improved the digital competencies of students of primary education degrees. Moreover, they improved the knowledge of theoretical content, improved linguistic competence and fostered cooperative work and creativity. In conclusion, we encourage teachers, not only future teachers but also current teachers, to take these types of training programs in order to improve their digital competency, which is a necessity in current society.
Primary School Preservice Teachers’ Alternative Conceptions about Light Interaction with Matter (Reflection, Refraction, and Absorption) and Shadow Size Changes on Earth and Sun
Authors: Métioui Abdeljalil
Published: May 2023

The present qualitative study investigates the conceptual representations of 132 preservice Quebec elementary teachers regarding matter–light interaction (reflection, refraction, and absorption) and the size of the shadow of an object on the Earth’s surface illuminated by sunlight. A paper-and-pencil questionnaire composed of six questions was constructed and managed. The data analyses demonstrate that most encounter several conceptual difficulties in explaining phenomena related to light, which are omnipresent in their immediate environment and with which they interact daily. The conceptual difficulties identified in analyzing the students’ explanations were as follows: (1) a black-colored body absorbs all light rays; (2) light travels rectilinearly and stops when it hits a white paper; (3) a mirror reflects light; it does not absorb it; (4) the glass surface of a mirror reflects light; (5) specular reflection and diffuse reflection are confused; and (6) the shadow varies during the day because the Sun moves around the Earth. These findings have implications for creating teaching strategies that confront preservice elementary teachers’ alternative conceptions and their corresponding scientifically accepted counterparts.
Supportive Factors in Inclusive Mathematics Education: Mathematics Teachers’ Perspective
Authors: Vodičková Barbora , Mitašíková Petra , Slavíčková Mária
Published: May 2023

The aim of this study is to investigate which supportive factors positively influence inclusive mathematics education so that it is accessible to all pupils in mainstream primary and secondary school settings from the mathematics teachers’ perspectives. The study is designed as a qualitative descriptive study. It was conducted by collecting 16 narratives about selected pupils/students provided by mathematics teachers. In them, they described their experiences with inclusive mathematics education. Teachers provided information about their pupils with any form of disability (health, social, or other) or an increased need for support and about their situations in mathematics education and inclusion. The stories were structured by the researchers into units of meaning, numerically coded, content-analyzed, and categorized. Participants in the study were 16 mathematics teachers who were working in mainstream schools. From the stories, we identified 583 meaning units that were assigned a numerical code. Using continuous qualitative analysis procedures, we abstracted five main final categories that describe the support factors in inclusive mathematics education from the mathematics teachers’ perspective in terms of including every pupil without distinction, including those who require some level of additional support. The final categories include: 1. Identifying the pupil’s/student’s internal resources in mathematics education; 2. The mathematics teacher’s responsive approach toward the pupil/student; 3. Modifying conditions in mathematics instruction and implementing accommodations for pupils/students; 4. School-family collaboration; 5. Support mechanisms for the school as an institution in the context of inclusive mathematics education.
Mental Representations and Cognitive Schemata of Ninth Grade Students for the Refraction of Light
Authors: Fyttas George , Komis Vassilis , Kaliampos George , Ravanis Konstantinos
Published: May 2023

The current research study deals with students’ mental representations and cognitive schemata of light refraction. In the study, 213 ninth grade students participated who had taken basic Geometric Optics courses on refraction and Snell’s law. The students were given three tasks in which they were asked to predict and explain the phenomenon of refraction. The results showed that the vast majority of them articulated their responses based on representations that were not compatible with the Geometric Optics model. Quite interestingly, the Multiple Correspondence Analysis led to five distinct cognitive schemata resulting from a fixed combination of representations.
Collaboration Skills in Educational Robotics: A Methodological Approach—Results from Two Case Studies in Primary Schools
Authors: Demetroulis Emmanouil A. , Theodoropoulos Anastasios , Wallace Manolis , Poulopoulos Vassilis , Antoniou Angeliki
Published: May 2023

This study proposes a methodological approach that allows educational robotics to be used in order to develop collaboration skills in educational settings. Educational robotics is a promising educational tool that has the potential to become a platform for the development of a range of skills. However, there is a scarce amount of empirical case studies that present detailed information on the way it is implemented within formal primary school education. On the other hand, even though collaboration skills are considered vital for future school graduates, it is rarely discussed as the main focus of educational robotics. Most commonly collaboration or teamwork skills are viewed as a byproduct of the robotics activities. This work views collaboration skills as the main outcome. The methodological approach that this work proposes has been implemented during a period of three years in one pilot and two case studies. This research measures the reflection of the robotics tasks paired with the methodological approach to the development of collaboration skills. In order to measure the development of collaboration skills, the ATC21STM framework was used. The results showed activation of the indicators that comprise collaboration skills. Additionally, observations, which were gathered during unsupervised and unrelated to educational robotics, non-context-driven social interactions, showed improvements in students’ social behavior.
Comparison of FCS-MPC Strategies in a Grid-Connected Single-Phase Quasi-Z Source Inverter
Authors: Saavedra Jorge , Baier Carlos , Marciel Esteban , Rivera Marco , Carreno Alvaro , Hernandez Jesús , Melín Pedro
Published: May 2023

This paper compares two finite-control-set model predictive control (FCS-MPC) strategies in the context of a grid-connected single-phase quasi-Z source inverter (SP-qZSI). Both schemes use discrete-time models of the inductor current and capacitor voltage for the DC side, as well as the output current on the AC side. To enhance the converter’s performance, given the non-minimum phase characteristics of the DC side, a long prediction horizon is implemented for the predictive control. However, a horizon of this nature can be highly demanding in terms of processing load, rendering it inapplicable for some microcontrollers. To address this issue and mitigate the processing load, an alternative control strategy is presented that divides the total number of candidate solutions to be evaluated into smaller segments. The performance of the two control strategies is compared using total harmonic distortion (THD) and simulation times as evaluation metrics. The results indicate that the proposed strategy achieves significantly shorter simulation times than the compared control strategy when increasing the prediction horizon. Additionally, a reduction in the THD was observed in the proposed strategy, reaching an average of 2.8%, which is lower than the compared strategy that exhibited THD close to 3.5%.
A Charge Sensitive Amplifier in a 28 nm CMOS Technology for Pixel Detectors at Future Particle Colliders
Authors: Gaioni Luigi , Galliani Andrea , Traversi Gianluca
Published: May 2023

This paper is concerned with the design of a Charge Sensitive Amplifier (CSA) in a 28 nm CMOS technology. The CSA discussed in this work is conceived for High Energy Physics (HEP) experiments at next-generation colliders, where pixel detectors will be read out by specific front-end chips, typically including a CSA exploited for charge-to-voltage conversion of the signal delivered by the sensor. The main analog performance parameters of the CSA, also referred to as the pre-amplifier, are assessed here by means of specific Spectre simulations, which are meant to evaluate the behavior of the analog processor in terms of noise, linearity and capability to compensate for very large detector leakage currents. Noise simulations revealed an equivalent noise charge close to 75 electrons rms for typical operating conditions. Up to 50 nA sensor leakage current can be compensated for thanks to the CSA Keummenacher feedback network. The total current consumption of the CSA is close to 2.2 µA, which, together with a power supply of 0.9 V, translates to a power consumption of 2.0 µW.
Neutron Irradiation Testing and Monte Carlo Simulation of a Xilinx Zynq-7000 System on Chip
Authors: Yang Weitao , Li Yonghong , Li Yang , Hu Zhiliang , Cai Jiale , He Chaohui , Wang Bin , Wu Longsheng
Published: May 2023

The reliability of nanoscale electronic systems is important in various applications. However, they are becoming increasingly vulnerable to atmospheric neutrons. This research conducted spallation neutron irradiations on a Xilinx Zynq-7000 system on a chip using the China Spallation Neutron Source. The results were analyzed in combination with a Monte Carlo simulation to explore the impact of atmospheric neutrons on the single event effects of the target system on chip. Meanwhile, the contribution of thermal neutrons to the chip’s single event effect susceptibility was also assessed. It was found that absorbing thermal neutrons with a 2 mm Cd sheet can protect against the single event effect on the system on the chip by about 44.4%. The effects of B and Hf elements, inside the device, on a single event effect of the Xilinx Zynq-7000 system on chip were evaluated too. Additionally, it was discovered that 10B interacting with thermal neutrons was the primary cause of the thermal neutron-induced single event effect in the system on chip. Although Hf has a high neutron capture cross section, its presence does not significantly affect the sensitivity to single event effects. However, during atmospheric neutron irradiation, the presence of Hf increases the possibility of depositing the total dose in the tested chip.