bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Free Tissue Transfer in the Reconstruction of Neck Contractures after Burn Injury: A Case Series
Authors: Ferland-Caron Geneviève , Kwan Peter O. , Tredget Edward E.
Published: June 2023

Background: Recent advances in burn care have significantly improved the survival rate of patients with extensive burn injuries, placing greater emphasis on reconstruction to improve the long-term outcomes of scar deformities. Anterior and lateral neck contractures are common after burn injuries; they limit range of motion, complicate airway management and create significant cosmetic deformities. Traditional methods have been used to release contractures and improve function. However, they are subject to variable results, residual neck tightness, recurrence and suboptimal cosmetic appearance. Microvascular free tissue transfer is a more technically challenging and time-consuming method, but it offers the potential to overcome the long-term limitations of simpler options. In this paper, we present our experience with microvascular free flaps for the release of burn scar contractures of the neck as a potential high-quality permanent solution. Methods: Over a 10-year period, nine free flaps were performed on burn patients with total body surface area (TBSA) burns between 20 and 70%, who developed moderate to severe neck contractures. Four anterolateral thigh (ALT) flaps, four radial forearm free flaps (RFFFs) and one ulnar forearm flap were used to release neck contractures. Results: All nine flaps were completed successfully with significant improvement in the neck’s range of motion. Good aesthetic results were achieved with smooth contour and thin coverage. Overall, the patients were satisfied. However, five out of nine cases required at least one secondary procedure for flap defatting to reach optimal results. Conclusion: Post-burn scar contractures of the cervical region compromise the cosmetic appearance and airway security of recovering burn patients, imposing a significant impact on their psychological and functional quality of life. Consequently, cervical contractures can be prioritized when planning reconstruction for burn patients. Free flaps can be considered an important and reliable method of reconstruction for neck contracture deformity following burn injuries.
Gender as a Differentiating Factor in Mathematics Anxiety of Pre-Service Teachers
Authors: Franco-Buriticá Erika , Pérez Almeida Iris Betzaida , León-Mantero Carmen , Casas-Rosal José Carlos
Published: June 2023

Developing mathematical competencies in future teachers requires particular attention to both cognitive and affective aspects. A positive attitude towards mathematics increases enjoyment, motivation, and confidence when working with the subject. It also reduces the anxiety of facing activities and problems and gives greater value to the academic and professional usefulness of mastering mathematical knowledge. These attitudes will also be reflected in their future teaching practice. For this reason, it is of great interest to study the attitudes of this critical group since, despite the numerous investigations carried out in this field, the influence of variables, such as place of origin or gender, on the attitudes and, in particular, on the attitudinal factor that best explains them, anxiety towards mathematics, has not yet been clarified. This work has analyzed the attitude and anxiety of 235 future teachers who study in rural and urban environments. The results show that gender is a differentiating factor in anxiety, with similar results in the schools of the two environments. However, the differences between men and women are more pronounced in the rural environment.
Project-Based Learning as a Methodology to Improve Reading and Comprehension Skills in the English Language
Authors: Imbaquingo Angela , Cárdenas Jorge
Published: June 2023

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Project-Based Learning (PBL) in enhancing English language reading skills among ninth-grade students in a school located in Quito. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, combining a descriptive nature with a comprehensive literature review from reputable sources such as ScienceDirect, Scopus, MDPI, Web of Science, and Springer. The analytical-synthetic method was utilized, incorporating an observation guide to diagnose students’ reading preferences and habits, along with questionnaires administered to 10 teachers and two institutional authorities to gather insights on their experiences with PBL. The main objective was increasing interest and competence in reading, reading, and comprehension. Following the implementation of PBL, the 20 participating students exhibited enhanced motivation and demonstrated advancements in their reading skills. They engaged in significant, relevant projects aligned with their social and educational environment. The results highlight the effectiveness of PBL as a teaching strategy for developing English language reading skills. The findings suggest that educators have a fundamental responsibility to stimulate and encourage the development of reading abilities, especially for students at the beginning of their schooling. PBL offers an active and innovative approach to foster student engagement and improve reading and comprehension skills. Therefore, this study demonstrates that implementing PBL can positively impact students’ English language reading skills. These results support the recommendation for the widespread adoption of PBL in English language learning contexts to enhance reading proficiency among students.
Developing Critical Thinking in Technical and Vocational Education and Training
Authors: López Felipe , Contreras Mayra , Nussbaum Miguel , Paredes Ricardo , Gelerstein Damian , Alvares Danilo , Chiuminatto Pablo
Published: June 2023

Critical thinking has been difficult to develop in technical and vocational education and training, where acquiring practical skills is often the priority. This study looks at whether tried-and-tested methods for developing critical thinking in higher education are also effective in this educational context. To test this, an intervention was carried out as part of a compulsory, semester-long “Basic Communication Skills” class for 149 first year engineering students. This involved linking the expected learning outcomes for the course to a series of sub-skills comprising an updated definition of critical thinking. Furthermore, a set of strategies promoting active participation among students was also implemented. The proposed methodology led to improved levels of critical thinking when compared to traditional teaching methods. It was found that lessons characterized as interactive, dynamic, and encouraging active student participation facilitate the teacher’s job in the classroom and improve the development of critical thinking in a specific technical and vocational education context.
A Tunable Gain and Bandwidth Low-Noise Amplifier with 1.44 NEF for EMG and EOG Biopotential Signal
Authors: Vieira Rafael , Näf Fabian , Martins Ricardo , Horta Nuno , Lourenço Nuno , Póvoa Ricardo
Published: June 2023

This paper presents a low-noise inverter-based current-mode instrumentation amplifier with tunable gain and bandwidth for electromyogram (EMG) and electrooculogram (EOG) biopotential signals, targeting low input noise while maintaining low power consumption. The gain tuning method is based on pseudo-resistors, whereas the bandwidth is tunable due to a varactor system that is controlled by the same control voltage that tunes the gain. The circuit was designed and manufactured using the 110 nm UMC CMOS technology node, occupying an area of 0.624 mm2. The circuit presents a functioning mode for each biopotential signal with different characteristics, for the EMG a gain of 34.7 dB and a bandwidth of 1412 Hz was measured, with an input referred noise of 1.407 μV which matches a noise efficiency factor of 1.44. The EOG mode achieves a 39.5 dB gain and a 22.4 Hz bandwidth while presenting an input-referred noise of 0.829 μV corresponding to a noise efficiency factor of 6.37. For both modes, the supply voltage is 1.2 V and the circuit consumes 1 μA.
Attacking IEC 61850 Substations by Targeting the PTP Protocol
Authors: Akbarzadeh Aida , Erdodi Laszlo , Houmb Siv Hilde , Soltvedt Tore Geir , Muggerud Hans Kristian
Published: June 2023

Digital substations, also referred to as modern power grid substations, utilize the IEC 61850 station and process bus in conjunction with IP-based communication. This includes communication with switch yard equipment within the substation as well as the dispatch center. IEC 61850 is a global standard developed to standardize power grid communications, covering multiple communication needs related to modern power grid substations or digital substations. Unlike the legacy communication standards, IEC 60870-5-104 and DNP3, IEC 61850 is specifically designed for IP-based communication. It comprises several communication models and supports real-time communication by introducing the process bus to replace traditional peer-to-peer communication with standard network communication between substation equipment and the switch yard. The process bus, especially Sampled Measured Values (SMV) communication, in modern power grid substations relies on extremely accurate and synchronized time to prevent equipment damage, maintain power grid system balance, and ensure safety. In IEC 61850, time synchronization is provided by the Precision Time Protocol (PTP). This paper discusses the significance and challenges of time synchronization in IEC 61850 substations, particularly those associated with PTP. It presents the results of a controlled experiment that subjects time synchronization and PTP to cyber-attacks and discusses the potential consequences of such attacks. The paper also provides recommendations for potential mitigation strategies. The contribution of this paper is to provide insights and recommendations for enhancing the security of IEC 61850-based substations against cyber-attacks targeting time synchronization. The paper also explores the potential consequences of cyber-attacks and provides recommendations for potential mitigation strategies.
An Improved YOLOv5 Underwater Detector Based on an Attention Mechanism and Multi-Branch Reparameterization Module
Authors: Zhang Jian , Chen Hongda , Yan Xinyue , Zhou Kexin , Zhang Jinshuai , Zhang Yonghui , Jiang Hong , Shao Bingqian
Published: June 2023

Underwater target detection is a critical task in various applications, including environmental monitoring, underwater exploration, and marine resource management. As the demand for underwater observation and exploitation continues to grow, there is a greater need for reliable and efficient methods of detecting underwater targets. However, the unique underwater environment often leads to significant degradation of the image quality, which results in reduced detection accuracy. This paper proposes an improved YOLOv5 underwater-target-detection network to enhance accuracy and reduce missed detection. First, we added the global attention mechanism (GAM) to the backbone network, which could retain the channel and spatial information to a greater extent and strengthen cross-dimensional interaction so as to improve the ability of the backbone network to extract features. Then, we introduced the fusion block based on DAMO-YOLO for the neck, which enhanced the system’s ability to extract features at different scales. Finally, we used the SIoU loss to measure the degree of matching between the target box and the regression box, which accelerated the convergence and improved the accuracy. The results obtained from experiments on the URPC2019 dataset revealed that our model achieved an mAP@0.5 score of 80.2%, representing a 1.8% and 2.3% increase in performance compared to YOLOv7 and YOLOv8, respectively, which means our method achieved state-of-the-art (SOTA) performance. Moreover, additional evaluations on the MS COCO dataset indicated that our model’s mAP@0.5:0.95 reached 51.0%, surpassing advanced methods such as ViDT and RF-Next, demonstrating the versatility of our enhanced model architecture.
Rate-Compatible Protograph LDPC Codes for Source Coding in Joint Source—Channel Coded Modulation Systems
Authors: Chen Chen , Liu Sanya , Chen Qiwang , Xu Zhiping
Published: June 2023

Using the source residual redundancy in a joint source and channel coded modulation (JSCCM) system to achieve a shaping gain has proven to be a good solution for probabilistic amplitude shaping. In a JSCCM system, rate-compatible source codes are essential for adapting to dynamically changing source probabilities. However, conventional rate-compatible source codes are not appropriate for JSCCM systems, since they may yield a loss in the shaping gain. Moreover, a code design that depends solely on the source decoding threshold appears to be ill suited, thus complicating the search for good source codes. In this paper, we propose a rate-compatible family of source codes for JSCCM systems based on an achievable system rate analysis and the source protograph extrinsic information transfer (PEXIT) algorithm. The proposed codes not only have good source decoding thresholds but also obtain shaping gains over the whole considered range of source probabilities. Numerical results show that the proposed rate-compatible family of source codes can significantly improve the bit-error-rate (BER) performance of the JSCCM system.
Harris-Hawk-Optimization-Based Deep Recurrent Neural Network for Securing the Internet of Medical Things
Authors: Abbas Sidra , Sampedro Gabriel Avelino , Abisado Mideth , Almadhor Ahmad , Yousaf Iqra , Hong Seng-Phil
Published: June 2023

The healthcare industry has recently shown much interest in the Internet of Things (IoT). The Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) is a component of the IoTs in which medical appliances transmit information to communicate critical information. The growth of the IoMT has been facilitated by the inclusion of medical equipment in the IoT. These developments enable the healthcare sector to interact with and care for its patients effectively. Every technology that relies on the IoT can have a serious security challenge. Critical IoT connectivity data may be exposed, changed, or even made unavailable to authenticated users in the case of such attacks. Consequently, protecting IoT/IoMT systems from cyber-attacks has become essential. Thus, this paper proposes a machine-learning- and a deep-learning-based approach to creating an effective model in the IoMT system to classify and predict unforeseen cyber-attacks/threats. First, the dataset is preprocessed efficiently, and the Harris Hawk Optimization (HHO) algorithm is employed to select the optimized feature. Finally, machine learning and deep learning algorithms are applied to detect cyber-attack in IoMT. Results reveal that the proposed approach achieved an accuracy of 99.85%, outperforming other techniques and existing studies.
An Economic Dispatch for a Shared Energy Storage System Using MILP Optimization: A Case Study of a Moroccan Microgrid
Authors: El Barkouki Bouthaina , Laamim Mohamed , Rochd Abdelilah , Chang Jae-won , Benazzouz Aboubakr , Ouassaid Mohammed , Kang Moses , Jeong Hakgeun
Published: June 2023

Energy storage systems are an effective solution to manage the intermittency of renewable energies, balance supply, and demand. Numerous studies recommend adopting a shared energy storage system (ESS) as opposed to multiple single ESSs because of their high prices and inefficiency. Thus, this study examines a shared storage system in a grid-connected microgrid. By modifying the power outputs of the energy resources, this work intends to implement an economic dispatch of a shared ESS in order to satisfy the power balance and lower the overall cost of electricity. In this context, an optimization problem was formulated and developed using a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model. Furthermore, a pilot project (the Solar Decathlon Africa Village) in the Green & Smart Building Park (GSBP), Benguerir, Morocco, was employed to evaluate and verify the proposed approach. Some comparable scenarios were therefore run in a MATLAB environment. The collected findings demonstrate the efficacy of the developed algorithm in terms of optimizing energy cost reductions and enhancing the integration of renewable resources into the Moroccan energy mix.
Comparison of the Performance of New and Traditional Numerical Methods for Long-Term Simulations of Heat Transfer in Walls with Thermal Bridges
Authors: Omle Issa , Askar Ali Habeeb , Kovács Endre , Bolló Betti
Published: June 2023

Several previous experiments showed that the leapfrog–hopscotch and the adapted Dufort–Frankel methods are the most efficient among the explicit and stable numerical methods to solve heat transfer problems in building walls. In this paper, we extensively measure the running times of the most successful methods and compare them to the performance of other available solvers, for example, ANSYS transient thermal analysis and the built-in routines of MATLAB, where three different mesh resolutions are used. We show that the running time of our methods changes linearly with mesh size, unlike in the case of other methods. After that, we make a long-term simulation (one full winter month) of two-dimensional space systems to test the two best versions of the methods. The real-life engineering problem we solve is the examination of thermal bridges with different shapes in buildings to increase energy efficiency.
A Multi-Strategy Integration Prediction Model for Carbon Price
Authors: Dong Hongwei , Hu Yue , Yang Yihe , Jiang Wenjing
Published: June 2023

Carbon price fluctuations significantly impact the development of industries, energy, agriculture, and stock investments. The carbon price possesses the features of nonlinearity, non-stationarity, and high complexity as a time series. To overcome the negative impact of these characteristics on prediction and to improve the prediction accuracy of carbon price series, a combination prediction model named Lp-CNN-LSTM, which utilizes both convolutional neural networks and long short-term memory networks, has been proposed. Strategy one involved establishing distinct models of CNN-LSTM and LSTM to analyze high-frequency and low-frequency carbon price sequences; the combination of output was integrated to predict carbon prices more precisely. Strategy two comprehensively considered the economic and technical indicators of carbon price sequences based on the Pearson correlation coefficient, while the Multi-CNN-LSTM model selected explanatory variables that strongly correlated with carbon prices. Finally, a predictive model for a combination of carbon prices was developed using Lp-norm. The empirical study focused on China’s major carbon markets, including Hubei, Guangdong, and Shanghai. According to the error indicators, the performance of the Lp-CNN-LSTM model was superior to individual strategy prediction models. The Lp-CNN-LSTM model has excellent accuracy, superiority, and robustness in predicting carbon prices, which can provide a necessary basis for revising carbon pricing strategies, regulating carbon trading markets, and making investment decisions.
Determination of Dielectric Models Based on Effective Multi-Exponential Fittings
Authors: Raxsa Jedsada , Nimsanong Phethai , Mai-Eiam Thanatorn , Yutthagowith Peerawut
Published: June 2023

In high-voltage (HV) transmission and distribution systems, HV apparatuses are subjected to electrical, thermal, and mechanical stresses that deteriorate the insulation performance. The polarization and depolarization current (PDC) measurement is an effective tool used for evaluating insulation performances. The depolarization current represented by the summation of the discharge currents with the different time constants can be utilized for the development of the dielectric model based on the extended Debye’s model (EDM). This paper presents effective techniques for determining the dielectric model. Iterative approaches with predetermination of the time constants and least squares methods (either linear ordinary or percentage ones) were utilized to fit the depolarization current in the form of multi-exponential functions. The fitting parameters determined by the proposed method with the linear ordinary least squares (OLLS) method and provided by commercial software agree very well only in the high current and beginning range. Application of the linear percentage least squares (PLLS) method shows better accuracy than that of the OLLS method, and the deviation from the measured one in the low current range and the late measuring time were reduced significantly. The fitted current by this proposed technique with the PLLS method agrees well with the measured current throughout the whole recording time, even in the low current and late time range. From the accurately fitted currents, the dielectric model and the dielectric loss factors can be determined precisely, and the insulation condition of HV equipment can be evaluated properly.
Short-Term Power Load Forecasting Based on PSO-Optimized VMD-TCN-Attention Mechanism
Authors: Geng Guanchen , He Yu , Zhang Jing , Qin Tingxiang , Yang Bin
Published: June 2023

A new prediction framework is proposed to improve short-term power load forecasting accuracy. The framework is based on particle swarm optimization (PSO)-variational mode decomposition (VMD) combined with a time convolution network (TCN) embedded attention mechanism (Attention). The framework follows a two-step process. In the first step, PSO is applied to optimize the VMD decomposition method. The original electricity load sequence is decomposed, and the fitness function uses sample entropy to describe the complexity of the time series. The decomposed sub-sequences are combined with relevant features, such as meteorological data, to form the input sequence of the prediction model. In the second step, TCN is selected as the prediction model, and it is embedded with an attention mechanism to improve prediction accuracy. The above input sequence is fed to the model to obtain the PSO-VMD-TCN-Attention prediction framework. Load datasets and various prediction models validate the PSO-optimized VMD decomposition method and the TCN-Attention prediction model. Simulation results demonstrate that the PSO-optimized VMD decomposition method enhances the model’s prediction accuracy, and the TCN-Attention prediction model outperforms other prediction models in terms of prediction accuracy and ability.
A Simpler Fabrication for Thermal Energy Storage Wood
Authors: Zou Weihua , Li Cong , Sun Delin , Zou Naike
Published: June 2023

Using thermal energy storage wood with phase change materials (PCM) as a building material can save thermal energy during heat-induced phase transition, and can reduce the energy consumption of indoor heating. In our work, three thermal energy storage poplars (TESPs: TESP-1, TESP-2 and TESP-3) were prepared by directly infiltrating three PCMs (fatty alcohol/acid materials: lauryl alcohol, decanoic acid and myristic acid myristyl ester), respectively, into the longitudinal-cutting plantation poplar woods and by directly encapsulating the PCMs in the poplar-based materials with SiO2 films. The phase-changing temperature ranges of TESP-1, TESP-2 and TESP-3 were at 19–30 °C, 26–39 °C and 33–54 °C, respectively. The phase-changing temperature peaks were at ~24 °C, ~31 °C and ~42 °C, respectively. After the same heat treatment on TESPs and original poplar (OP), the average temperature of TESPs was higher than that of OP after 35 min, thus proving that TESPs can save more thermal energy than OP. The radial bending strengths of TESP-1, TESP-2 and TESP-3 had increased by 50.85%, 70.16% and 70.31%, respectively, as compared to with that of OP. Additionally, the radial bending elastic modules of TESP-1, TESP-2 and TESP-3 had increased by 47.14%, 67.38% and 74.57%, respectively, as compared to OP. The tangential section hardness of the TESPs also had also increased by 67.09%, 71.80% and 80.77%, respectively. These improved mechanical properties of TESPs are almost close to that of ash wood (ash wood is a common building material), therefore, this proves that our TESPs can be used as thermal energy-saving building materials.
Study on the Effect of Finger-Joints on the Strengths of Laminations from Fiber-Managed Eucalyptus nitens
Authors: Hou Jian , Taoum Assaad , Kotlarewski Nathan , Nolan Gregory
Published: June 2023

The performance characteristics of finger-joints as a jointing technique for Eucalyptus nitens is crucial for their use in engineered wood products. This research evaluated the strength of the finger-jointed laminations made from fiber-managed E. nitens. A total of 237 specimens with (117 pieces) and without (120 pieces) finger-joints were sectioned from finger-jointed laminations and tested by bending, tensile, shear, and bearing tests. Bending and tensile tests were paired to identify any correlations. The mean value with finger-joints for bending and tensile were 92.1 MPa and 79.6 MPa, respectively. The presence of finger-joints reduced the strength values. Joint efficiencies in bending and tensile are 0.73 and 0.62, respectively. The distributions of bending and tensile strength were similar for the samples without finger-joints. For the samples with finger-joints, tensile strength was significantly lower than paired bending strength. Shear test results show that the short-span test is inefficient in obtaining the shear strength of fiber-managed E. nitens boards. Meanwhile, the finger-joint efficiency in the bearing is 0.86. The prediction models of lamination’s bending, tensile, and bearing strength were established by non-destructive properties as predictors. Bending strength was highly correlated to the modulus of elasticity value, while tensile and bearing strength were correlated to density. This study obtained promising results on finger-jointed boards from fiber-managed E. nitens suggesting they could be suitable for structural purposes.
Enhancing IoT Device Security through Network Attack Data Analysis Using Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Koirala Ashish , Bista Rabindra , Ferreira Joao C.
Published: June 2023

The Internet of Things (IoT) shares the idea of an autonomous system responsible for transforming physical computational devices into smart ones. Contrarily, storing and operating information and maintaining its confidentiality and security is a concerning issue in the IoT. Throughout the whole operational process, considering transparency in its privacy, data protection, and disaster recovery, it needs state-of-the-art systems and methods to tackle the evolving environment. This research aims to improve the security of IoT devices by investigating the likelihood of network attacks utilizing ordinary device network data and attack network data acquired from similar statistics. To achieve this, IoT devices dedicated to smart healthcare systems were utilized, and botnet attacks were conducted on them for data generation. The collected data were then analyzed using statistical measures, such as the Pearson coefficient and entropy, to extract relevant features. Machine learning algorithms were implemented to categorize normal and attack traffic with data preprocessing techniques to increase accuracy. One of the most popular datasets, known as BoT-IoT, was cross-evaluated with the generated dataset for authentication of the generated dataset. The research provides insight into the architecture of IoT devices, the behavior of normal and attack networks on these devices, and the prospects of machine learning approaches to improve IoT device security. Overall, the study adds to the growing body of knowledge on IoT device security and emphasizes the significance of adopting sophisticated strategies for detecting and mitigating network attacks.
Second-Order Time-Accurate ALE Schemes for Flow Computations with Moving and Topologically Changing Grids
Authors: Costero Daniel , Piscaglia Federico
Published: June 2023

In computations of unsteady flow problems by the arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian (ALE) method, the introduction of the grid velocity in the transport terms of the governing equations is not a sufficient condition for conservativeness if topology changes in the dynamic mesh are present and the number of mesh cells changes. We discuss an extension to second-order time differencing schemes (Implicit Euler and Crank–Nicolson) in the finite volume framework, to achieve second-order time-accuracy of the solution. Numerical experiments are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the presented method.
Effects of Different Nitrogen Forms on Blackberry Fruit Quality
Authors: Duan Yongkang , Yang Haiyan , Wei Zhiwen , Yang Hao , Fan Sufan , Wu Wenlong , Lyu Lianfei , Li Weilin
Published: June 2023

To study the optimal form of nitrogen (N) application and to determine the best harvest date for blackberries, different N fertilizers were applied during the critical growth period of blackberry plants. The results showed that NH4+–N significantly improved the appearance of blackberry fruits, including their size, firmness, and color, and promoted the accumulation of soluble solids, sugars, anthocyanin, ellagic acid, and vitamin C (VC), while fruit treated with NO3−–N accumulated more flavonoids and organic acids and had improved antioxidant capacity. In addition, the fruit size, firmness, and color brightness decreased with the harvest period. While the contents of sugars, anthocyanin, ellagic acid, flavonoids, and VC were higher in the early harvests and then decreased as the season progressed, the total antioxidant capacity and DPPH radical scavenging capacity increased. In all, application of NH4+–N is recommended, as it is more beneficial to fruit appearance, taste, and nutritional quality. Harvests in the early stage help to obtain a good fruit appearance, while harvests in the middle and later stages are more beneficial to fruit taste and quality. This study may help growers to determine the best fertilization scheme for blackberries and choose the appropriate harvest time according to their needs.
Synergistic Inhibitory Effect of Multiple Polyphenols from Spice on Acrolein during High-Temperature Processing
Authors: Liu Juan , Lu Yongling , Si Bo , Tong Anqi , Lu Yang , Lv Lishuang
Published: June 2023

Acrolein (ACR) is a toxic unsaturated aldehyde that is produced during food thermal processing. Here, we investigated the synergistic effect of polyphenols in binary, ternary, and quaternary combinations on ACR by the Chou–Talalay method, and then explored the synergistic effect of cardamonin (CAR), alpinetin (ALP), and pinocembrin (PIN) in fixed proportion from Alpinia katsumadai Hayata (AKH) combined with curcumin (CUR) in the model, and roasted pork using LC–MS/MS. Our results showed that their synergistic effect depended on the intensification of their individual trapping ACR activities, which resulted in the formation of more ACR adducts. In addition, by adding 1% AKH (as the carrier of CAR, ALP, and PIN) and 0.01% CUR (vs. 6% AKH single) as spices, more than 71.5% (vs. 54.0%) of ACR was eliminated in roast pork. Our results suggested that selective complex polyphenols can synergistically remove the toxic ACR that is produced in food processing.
Correction: Sheng et al. Antibacterial and Angiogenic Poly(ionic liquid) Hydrogels. Gels 2022, 8, 476
Authors: Sheng Chengju , Tan Xuemei , Huang Qing , Li Kewen , Zhou Chao , Guo Mingming
Published: June 2023

In the original publication [...]
Aloe vera-Based Polymeric Network: A Promising Approach for Sustained Drug Delivery, Development, Characterization, and In Vitro Evaluation
Authors: Mahmood Arshad , Erum Alia , Tulain Ume Ruqia , Shafiq Sharmeen , Malik Nadia Shamshad , Sidra  , Khan Muhammad Tariq , Alqahtani Mohammed S.
Published: June 2023

The present study was conducted to fabricate and characterize mucilage-based polymeric networks of Aloe vera for controlled drug release. Aloe vera mucilage was used to develop a polymeric network via the free-radical polymerization method using potassium persulphate as the initiator, N′ N′-Methylene bisacrylamide as the crosslinker, and acrylamide as the monomer. Using varying concentrations of Aloe vera mucilage, crosslinker, and monomer, we developed different formulations. Swelling studies were conducted at pH 1.2 and 7.4. Concentrations of polymer, monomer, and crosslinker were optimized as a function of swelling. Porosity and gel content were calculated for all samples. FTIR, SEM, XRD, TGA, and DSC studies were conducted for the characterization of polymeric networks. Thiocolchicoside was used as a model drug to study the in vitro release in acidic and alkaline pH. Various kinetics models were applied by using a DD solver. Increasing content of monomer and crosslinker swelling, porosity, and drug release decreased while gel content increased. An increase in Aloe vera mucilage concentration promotes swelling, porosity, and drug release of the polymeric network but decreases gel content. The FTIR study confirmed the formation of crosslinked networks. SEM indicated that the polymeric network had a porous structure. DSC and XRD studies indicated the entrapment of drugs inside the polymeric networks in amorphous form. The analytical method was validated according to ICH guidelines in terms of linearity, range, LOD, LOQ, accuracy, precision, and robustness. Analysis of drug release mechanism revealed Fickian behavior of all formulations. All these results indicated that the M1 formulation was considered to be the best polymeric network formulation in terms of sustaining drug release patterns.
Exploring the Impact of Alginate—PVA Ratio and the Addition of Bioactive Substances on the Performance of Hybrid Hydrogel Membranes as Potential Wound Dressings
Authors: Stan Diana , Codrici Elena , Enciu Ana-Maria , Olewnik-Kruszkowska Ewa , Gavril Georgiana , Ruta Lavinia Liliana , Moldovan Carmen , Brincoveanu Oana , Bocancia-Mateescu Lorena-Andreea , Mirica Andreea-Cristina , Stan Dana , Tanase Cristiana
Published: June 2023

Healthcare professionals face an ongoing challenge in managing both acute and chronic wounds, given the potential impact on patients’ quality of life and the limited availability of expensive treatment options. Hydrogel wound dressings offer a promising solution for effective wound care due to their affordability, ease of use, and ability to incorporate bioactive substances that enhance the wound healing process. Our study aimed to develop and evaluate hybrid hydrogel membranes enriched with bioactive components such as collagen and hyaluronic acid. We utilized both natural and synthetic polymers and employed a scalable, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly production process. We conducted extensive testing, including an in vitro assessment of moisture content, moisture uptake, swelling rate, gel fraction, biodegradation, water vapor transmission rate, protein denaturation, and protein adsorption. We evaluated the biocompatibility of the hydrogel membranes through cellular assays and performed instrumental tests using scanning electron microscopy and rheological analysis. Our findings demonstrate that the biohybrid hydrogel membranes exhibit cumulative properties with a favorable swelling ratio, optimal permeation properties, and good biocompatibility, all achieved with minimal concentrations of bioactive agents.
Divergent Transcriptomic Effects of Allopregnanolone in Postpartum Depression
Authors: Rudzinskas Sarah A. , Mazzu Maria A. , Schiller Crystal Edler , Meltzer-Brody Samantha , Rubinow David R. , Schmidt Peter J. , Goldman David
Published: June 2023

Brexanolone, a formulation of the neurosteroid allopregnanolone (ALLO), is approved for treating postpartum depression (PPD) and is being investigated for therapeutic efficacy across numerous neuropsychiatric disorders. Given ALLO’s beneficial effects on mood in women with PPD compared to healthy control women, we sought to characterize and compare the cellular response to ALLO in women with (n = 9) or without (n = 10, i.e., Controls) past PPD, utilizing our previously established patient-derived lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs). To mimic in vivo PPD ALLO-treatment, LCLs were exposed to ALLO or DMSO vehicle for 60 h and RNA-sequenced to detect differentially expressed genes (DEGs, pnominal < 0.05). Between ALLO-treated Control and PPD LCLs, 269 DEGs were identified, including Glutamate Decarboxylase 1 (GAD1), which was decreased 2-fold in PPD. Network analysis of PPD:ALLO DEGs revealed enriched terms related to synaptic activity and cholesterol biosynthesis. Within-diagnosis analyses (i.e., DMSO vs. ALLO) detected 265 ALLO-induced DEGs in Control LCLs compared to only 98 within PPD LCLs, with just 11 DEGs overlapping. Likewise, the gene ontologies underlying ALLO-induced DEGs in PPD and Control LCLs were divergent. These data suggest that ALLO may activate unique and opposing molecular pathways in women with PPD, which may be tied to its antidepressant mechanism.
Genes and Athletic Performance: The 2023 Update
Authors: Semenova Ekaterina A. , Hall Elliott C. R. , Ahmetov Ildus I.
Published: June 2023

Phenotypes of athletic performance and exercise capacity are complex traits influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. This update on the panel of genetic markers (DNA polymorphisms) associated with athlete status summarises recent advances in sports genomics research, including findings from candidate gene and genome-wide association (GWAS) studies, meta-analyses, and findings involving larger-scale initiatives such as the UK Biobank. As of the end of May 2023, a total of 251 DNA polymorphisms have been associated with athlete status, of which 128 genetic markers were positively associated with athlete status in at least two studies (41 endurance-related, 45 power-related, and 42 strength-related). The most promising genetic markers include the AMPD1 rs17602729 C, CDKN1A rs236448 A, HFE rs1799945 G, MYBPC3 rs1052373 G, NFIA-AS2 rs1572312 C, PPARA rs4253778 G, and PPARGC1A rs8192678 G alleles for endurance; ACTN3 rs1815739 C, AMPD1 rs17602729 C, CDKN1A rs236448 C, CPNE5 rs3213537 G, GALNTL6 rs558129 T, IGF2 rs680 G, IGSF3 rs699785 A, NOS3 rs2070744 T, and TRHR rs7832552 T alleles for power; and ACTN3 rs1815739 C, AR ≥21 CAG repeats, LRPPRC rs10186876 A, MMS22L rs9320823 T, PHACTR1 rs6905419 C, and PPARG rs1801282 G alleles for strength. It should be appreciated, however, that elite performance still cannot be predicted well using only genetic testing.
Cholecalciferol Supplementation Induced Up-Regulation of SARAF Gene and Down-Regulated miR-155-5p Expression in Slovenian Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Gselman Saša , Fabjan Tanja Hojs , Bizjak Anja , Potočnik Uroš , Gorenjak Mario
Published: June 2023

Multiple sclerosis is a common immune-mediated inflammatory and demyelinating disease. Lower cholecalciferol levels are an established environmental risk factor in multiple sclerosis. Although cholecalciferol supplementation in multiple sclerosis is widely accepted, optimal serum levels are still debated. Moreover, how cholecalciferol affects pathogenic disease mechanisms is still unclear. In the present study, we enrolled 65 relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis patients who were double-blindly divided into two groups with low and high cholecalciferol supplementation, respectively. In addition to clinical and environmental parameters, we obtained peripheral blood mononuclear cells to analyze DNA, RNA, and miRNA molecules. Importantly, we investigated miRNA-155-5p, a previously published pro-inflammatory miRNA in multiple sclerosis known to be correlated to cholecalciferol levels. Our results show a decrease in miR-155-5p expression after cholecalciferol supplementation in both dosage groups, consistent with previous observations. Subsequent genotyping, gene expression, and eQTL analyses reveal correlations between miR-155-5p and the SARAF gene, which plays a role in the regulation of calcium release-activated channels. As such, the present study is the first to explore and suggest that the SARAF miR-155-5p axis hypothesis might be another mechanism by which cholecalciferol supplementation might decrease miR-155 expression. This association highlights the importance of cholecalciferol supplementation in multiple sclerosis and encourages further investigation and functional cell studies.
A Critical Review of Current States of Practice in Direct Shear Testing of Unfilled Rock Fractures Focused on Multi-Stage and Boundary Conditions
Authors: MacDonald Nicholas R. , Packulak Timothy R. M. , Day Jennifer J.
Published: June 2023

Direct shear (DS) is a common geotechnical laboratory test used to determine strength and deformation properties of rock discontinuities, such as normal and shear stiffness, peak and residual shear strength, and dilation. These are used as inputs for discontinuous geomechanical numerical models to simulate discontinuities discretely and shear strength is often expressed by Mohr–Coulomb, Patton, or Barton–Bandis constitutive models. This paper presents a critical review of the different boundary conditions and procedural techniques currently used in practice, summarizes previous contributions, addresses their impacts on interpreted results for rock engineering design, and introduces clarifying terminology for shear strength parameters. Based on the review, the authors advise that constant normal stress is best suited for discrete numerical-model-based rock engineering design in dry conditions, but constant normal stiffness should be considered where fluid permeability is of interest. Multi-stage testing should not be used to obtain peak shear strength values except for stage 1, because of accumulating asperity damage with successive shear stages. Nevertheless, if multi-stage testing must be employed due to limited budget or specimen availability, guidance is presented to improve shear strength results with limited displacement techniques.
Toward a Geodesy and Time Reference in Space (GETRIS): A Study of Apparent Satellite Clocks of a Future GNSS Satellite Constellation
Authors: Marz Stefan , Schlicht Anja , Hugentobler Urs
Published: June 2023

Today, concepts within the Global Geodetic Observing System (GGOS) aim a Terrestrial Reference System (TRS) with 1 mm accuracy and long-term stability of 0.1 mm/year. GETRIS (Geodesy and Time Reference In Space) is a concept that aims to realize a relativistic reference system based on satellites as an extension to the TRS. This helps with another goal of the GGOS, namely, the connection of different satellite layers with the TRS. For a valuable contribution to the GGOS’s goals, we would expect to achieve precise determined satellite orbits at the level of 1–3 mm and satellite clocks with a picosecond accuracy. The use of increasingly precise links helps to improve the satellite precise orbit determination (POD) and is necessary to synchronize the clocks in the satellite/station network. We analyze a complementary use of high-precision optical dual one-way links at the level of 1 mm precision together with the L-band. In previous studies, we analyzed the benefit for satellite POD, achieving Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) as well as geosynchronous orbit (GSO) accuracies at the low-millimeter level. In this work, we analyze the capabilities for clock synchronization. We compare two different clock types for estimation and prediction. We analyze different satellite constellations and different combinations of measurement links.
Morbidity and Mortality Analysis in the Treatment of Intertrochanteric Hip Fracture with Two Fixation Systems: Dynamic Hip Screw (DHS) or Trochanteric Fixation Nail Advance (TFNA)
Authors: López-Hualda Alvaro , Arruti-Pérez Elsa , Bebea-Zamorano Fátima N. , Sosa-Reina María Dolores , Villafañe Jorge Hugo , Martínez-Martin Javier
Published: June 2023

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes, complications, and mortality of patients with intertrochanteric hip fracture treated with dynamic hip screw (DHS) vs. trochanteric fixation nail advance (TFNA). Methods: We evaluated 152 patients with intertrochanteric fractures concerning age, sex, comorbidity, Charlson Index, preoperative gait, OTA/AO classification, time from fracture to surgery, blood loss, amount of blood replacement, changes in gait, full weight-bearing at hospital discharge, complications, and mortality. The final indicators encompassed the adverse effects linked to implants, postoperative complications, clinical healing or bone healing duration, and functional score. Results: The study included a total of 152 patients, out of which 78 (51%) received DHS treatment and 74 (49%) received TFNA treatment. The results of this study show that the TFNA group demonstrated superiority (p < 0.001). However, it should be noted that the TFNA group had a higher frequency of the most unstable fractures (AO 31 A3, p < 0.005). Full weight-bearing at discharge also decreased in patients with more unstable fractures (p = 0.005) and severe dementia (p = 0.027). Mortality was higher in the DHS group; however, a longer time from diagnosis to surgery was also observed in this group (p < 0.005). Conclusions: The TFNA group has shown a higher success rate in achieving full weight-bearing at hospital discharge when treating trochanteric hip fractures. This makes it the preferred choice for treating unstable fractures in this region of the hip. Additionally, it is important to note that a longer time to surgery is associated with increased mortality in patients with hip fractures.
Prevalence of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (Rome IV Criteria) among a Cohort of New Zealand Children
Authors: Vernon-Roberts Angharad , Alexander India , Day Andrew S.
Published: June 2023

Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are characterised by recurring gastrointestinal symptoms that are not secondary to organic disease. FGIDs may cause reduced quality of life, with approximately 22% of children experiencing at least one FGID. This study aimed to assess FGID prevalence among children attending a tertiary care hospital in New Zealand (NZ). Methods: Children aged ≥ four years were prospectively recruited from Christchurch Hospital, NZ. Data were collected on demographics, medical history, gastrointestinal symptoms (Rome IV), and quality of life (EQ-5D-Y). An analysis was carried out using analysis of variance and the chi-squared test of independence. Results: The cohort included 156 children, with a mean age of 9.5 years (SD 3.3), 56% male. According to the Rome IV criteria, 29% experienced at least one FGID, most commonly functional constipation and functional dyspepsia. FGID symptoms were associated with Māori ethnicity (p = 0.012) and parental FGID (p < 0.001). Quality of life was lower in the FGID group in the domain ‘Feeling worried, sad, or unhappy’ (p = 0.002). Conclusion: the association of FGIDs with worse quality of life, in particular relating to worry and sadness, should highlight the importance of providing support to school age children experiencing FGID symptoms.
Nazis in Auschwitz: Reflections on Anglophone Perpetrator Fiction
Authors: Pettitt Joanne
Published: June 2023

This article considers the various ways in which the topographies of Auschwitz are used as a symbolic means of articulating particular kinds of guilt in fiction relating to the Holocaust. To do this, I analyse three primary examples: John Donoghue’s The Death’s Head Chess Club (2015), Martin Amis’ The Zone of Interest (2014), and Dalton Trumbo’s unfinished novel, Night of the Aurochs (1979). These texts, I argue, employ the complex spatial dynamics of the site in order to address important questions of power, agency, and moral ambiguity. More specifically, such imagery reveals a spectrum of complicity that, without exonerating those responsible for the genocide, suggests the need for a more nuanced understanding of the Holocaust and those that were responsible for its implementation.