bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Mixed E/E-Architecture for Interconnected Operating Tables Inspired by the Automotive Industry
Authors: Puder Andreas , Vetter Andreas , Rumez Marcel , Henle Jacqueline , Sax Eric
Published: October 2022

Since interoperability in the operating room (OR) is considered a main factor to increase safety and improve the quality of surgeries, new challenges arise for the medical device industry in this increasingly connected environment. Therefore, new architectural approaches are needed, some of which may be inspired by other domains. In the meantime, novel communication paradigms are also gaining practical relevance in the automotive industry, which faces similar challenges. As a result, service-oriented architectures (SOAs) are often considered to provide a higher degree of flexibility for changes during the development and after product deployment. In this paper, we derive requirements of future networked OR tables from challenges and trends ahead. Based on these requirements, we propose a mixed electric and electronic architecture (E/E-architecture) inspired by the state-of-the-art measures from automotive domain and present an Identity and Access Management (IAM) approach to improve system security. In addition, a prototypical implementation is used to demonstrate the practicality of the proposed solution and to discuss necessary adjustments to the development process resulting from a mixed E/E-architecture approach.
Determinants of Peer-to-Peer Lending Expansion: The Roles of Financial Development and Financial Literacy
Authors: Oh Eun Young , Rosenkranz Peter
Published: October 2022

To explore the determinants of the global peer-to-peer (P2P) lending expansion, this study examines factors that impact P2P lending using a sample of 62 economies over the period 2015–2017. We find that greater financial institutions efficiency, higher financial literacy, and less access to formal financial services are positively related with the expansion of P2P lending. This paper provides empirical evidence that the effects of financial development and financial literacy on P2P lending are different between emerging and advanced economies. We also present evidence that better information technology infrastructure and high new business density are positively associated with the expansion of P2P lending, suggesting that physical infrastructure is an essential prerequisite for it, while this is more likely to happen in dynamic business environments.
Attitude Guidance Algorithms for Agile Satellite Dynamic Imaging
Authors: Du Ning , Wu Shufan , Chen Zhansheng , Zhang Kaihua , Liu Gang
Published: October 2022

Dynamic imaging modes are increasingly crucial for agile satellites to perform complicated Earth observation tasks. In this study, a direct guidance algorithm is developed to calculate the reference attitude and velocity for dynamic imaging mode from target geolocation information while considering the constraints on both the satellite camera boresight axis and the image motion vector. The two slew angles are determined directly, and no rotation around the boresight or reference vector is required. The proposed approach employs a direct solution instead of the iterative process to obtain the reference attitude, which releases the onboard control system from the intensive computational load. To illustrate the performance of the proposed guidance algorithms, numerical simulation results are presented.
Early Detection of Gestures using Context-and-Gap-aware Predictive Pose Framework
Authors: Bhattacharya Nishant , Sundaram Suresh
Published: October 2022

With a growing interest in autonomous vehicles’ operation, there is an equally increasing need for efficient anticipatory gesture recognition systems for human-vehicle interaction. Existing gesture recognition algorithms have been primarily restricted to historical data. In this paper, we propose a novel Context-and-Gap-aware Pose Prediction Framework (CGAP2), which predicts the future pose data for anticipatory recognition of gestures in an online fashion. CGAP2 implements an encoder–decoder architecture paired with a pose prediction module to anticipate future frames followed by a shallow classifier. CGAP2’s pose prediction module uses 3D convolutional layers and is dependent on the number of pose frames supplied, the time difference between subsequent pose frames, and the number of predicted pose frames. The performance of CGAP2 is evaluated on the Human3.6M dataset with the MPJPE metric. For the pose prediction of 15 frames in advance, an error of 79 mm is achieved. The pose prediction module consists of only 26M parameters and can run at 50 FPS on the NVIDIA TITAN RTX. CGAP2 has a 1-s time advantage compared to other gesture recognition systems, which can be crucial for autonomous vehicles. Furthermore, this work formalizes the problem of anticipatory gesture recognition by introducing two hyper-parameters namely context and gap and a relationship is established between the two using carefully designed experiments in ablation testing. As per our knowledge, this work is the first to tackle all the challenges faced by anticipatory gesture recognition and also the first to post a performance benchmark on Human3.6M dataset.
About this title - The Bowland Shale Formation, UK: Processes and Resources
Authors: Emmings J. F. , Parnell J. , Stephenson M. H. , Lodhia B. H.
Published: October 2022

This volume showcases recent geological, geophysical and geochemical research on the UK Mississippian Bowland Shale Formation. Here, the Bowland Shale and equivalent units are described and interpreted in terms of sedimentary, geochemical, and mechanical properties and processes, basin-forming events, hydrocarbon prospectivity, mineralization, and heat and fluid flow in the subsurface.
Biostratigraphy and biofacies of the Kasimovian conodonts from the Shanglong section, South China
Authors: Hu Keyi , Wang Xiangdong , Qi Yuping
Published: October 2022

Late Moscovian–early Gzhelian conodonts occur abundantly in a newly discovered slope section, the Shanglong section, southern Guizhou, South China. The conodont fauna is dominated by P1 elements of
Idiognathodus
and associated with elements of
Swadelina
,
Streptognathodus
and
Heckelina
. A total of 62 species, including species in open nomenclature, were identified, which are assigned to eight genera. Index conodont species of Middle and Late Pennsylvanian, e.g.
I. podolskensis
Group,
Sw.
sp. A,
Sw
.
subexcelsa
,
Sw
.
makhlinae
,
I
.
heckeli
,
I
.
magnificus
,
I
.
guizhouensis
,
H. eudoraensis
,
I
.
naraoensis
, and
H
.
simulator
are all recovered, and their 10 conodont zones are recognized. The richness and abundance of the conodonts throughout the section are analysed. Conodont richness ranges from 1 to 14 and is positively related to conodont abundance (1–379). The composition of conodont elements, i.e. sinistral v. dextral, P1 v. non-P1 and adult v. subadult and juvenile, is presented. The numerical cluster technique is employed to identify four subbiofacies of the slope setting, namely the
I
.
podolskensis
,
Swadelina
,
I. swadei–magnificus
and
Streptognathodus
–
Heckelina–Idiognathodus
subbiofacies.
Architecting Optically Controlled Phase Change Memory
Authors: Narayan Aditya , Thonnart Yvain , Vivet Pascal , Coskun Ayse , Joshi Ajay
Published: October 2022

Phase Change Memory (PCM) is an attractive candidate for main memory, as it offers non-volatility and zero leakage power while providing higher cell densities, longer data retention time, and higher capacity scaling compared to DRAM. In PCM, data is stored in the crystalline or amorphous state of the phase change material. The typical electrically controlled PCM (EPCM), however, suffers from longer write latency and higher write energy compared to DRAM and limited multi-level cell (MLC) capacities. These challenges limit the performance of data-intensive applications running on computing systems with EPCMs.

Recently, researchers demonstrated optically controlled PCM (OPCM) cells with support for 5
bits
/
cell
in contrast to 2
bits
/
cell
in EPCM. These OPCM cells can be accessed directly with optical signals that are multiplexed in high-bandwidth-density silicon-photonic links. The higher MLC capacity in OPCM and the direct cell access using optical signals enable an increased read/write throughput and lower energy per access than EPCM. However, due to the direct cell access using optical signals, OPCM systems cannot be designed using conventional memory architecture. We need a complete redesign of the memory architecture that is tailored to the properties of OPCM technology.

This article presents the design of a unified network and main memory system called COSMOS that combines OPCM and silicon-photonic links to achieve high memory throughput. COSMOS is composed of a hierarchical multi-banked OPCM array with novel read and write access protocols. COSMOS uses an Electrical-Optical-Electrical (E-O-E) control unit to map standard DRAM read/write commands (sent in electrical domain) from the memory controller on to optical signals that access the OPCM cells. Our evaluation of a 2.5D-integrated system containing a processor and COSMOS demonstrates
2.14 ×
average speedup across graph and HPC workloads compared to an EPCM system. COSMOS consumes
3.8×
lower read energy-per-bit and
5.97×
lower write energy-per-bit compared to EPCM. COSMOS is the first non-volatile memory that provides comparable performance and energy consumption as DDR5 in addition to increased bit density, higher area efficiency, and improved scalability.
A Critical Study on Data Leakage in Recommender System Offline Evaluation
Authors: Ji Yitong , Sun Aixin , Zhang Jie , Li Chenliang
Published: October 2022

Recommender models are hard to evaluate, particularly under offline setting. In this article, we provide a comprehensive and critical analysis of the data leakage issue in recommender system offline evaluation. Data leakage is caused by not observing global timeline in evaluating recommenders e.g., train/test data split does not follow global timeline. As a result, a model learns from the user-item interactions that are not expected to be available at the prediction time. We first show the temporal dynamics of user-item interactions along global timeline, then explain why data leakage exists for collaborative filtering models. Through carefully designed experiments, we show that all models indeed recommend future items that are not available at the time point of a test instance, as the result of data leakage. The experiments are conducted with four widely used baseline models—BPR, NeuMF, SASRec, and LightGCN, on four popular offline datasets—MovieLens-25M, Yelp, Amazon-music, and Amazon-electronic, adopting leave-last-one-out data split.

1

We further show that data leakage does impact models’ recommendation accuracy. Their relative performance orders thus become unpredictable with different amount of leaked future data in training. To evaluate recommendation systems in a realistic manner in offline setting, we propose a timeline scheme, which calls for a revisit of the recommendation model design.
New developments in translational microcirculatory research
Authors: SenthilKumar Gopika , Gutierrez-Huerta Cristhian A. , Freed Julie K. , Beyer Andreas M. , Fancher Ibra S. , LeBlanc Amanda Jo
Published: October 2022

Microvascular disease plays a critical role in systemic end-organ dysfunction, and treatment of microvascular pathologies may greatly reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The Call for Papers collection: New Developments in Translational Microcirculatory Research highlights key advances in our understanding of the role of microvessels in the development of chronic diseases as well as therapeutic strategies to enhance microvascular function. This Mini Review provides a concise summary of these advances and draws from other relevant research to provide the most up-to-date information on the influence of cutaneous, cerebrovascular, coronary, and peripheral microcirculation on the pathophysiology of obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular aging, peripheral artery disease, and cognitive impairment. In addition to these disease- and location-dependent research articles, this Call for Papers includes state-of-the-art reviews on coronary endothelial function and assessment of microvascular health in different organ systems, with an additional focus on establishing rigor and new advances in clinical trial design. These articles, combined with original research evaluating cellular, exosomal, pharmaceutical, exercise, heat, and dietary interventional therapies, establish the groundwork for translating microcirculatory research from bench to bedside. Although numerous studies in this collection are focused on human microcirculation, most used robust preclinical models to probe mechanisms of pathophysiology and interventional benefits. Future work focused on translating these findings to humans are necessary for finding clinical strategies to prevent and treat microvascular dysfunction.
Survey of Power System Restoration Documents Issued from 2016 to 2021
Authors: Khoshkhoo H. , Khalilifar M. , Shahrtash S. M.
Published: October 2022

More than thirty-six partial or whole blackouts, from 2016 to 2021, prove that neither the probability of blackouts can be ignored nor the required plans and the readiness of the utilities for power system restoration can be forgotten. To properly deal with blackouts and minimize the social and economic costs, utilities should prepare a suitable restoration plan in advance to quickly restore the system to the normal state and minimize the restoration time and loss of energy. In this paper, after summarizing major blackouts occurred from 2016 to 2021, the progress in the research reports, industrial documents, and books in the context of power system restoration is reviewed to show and classify the different aspects of power system restoration plans and strategies presented during these years. This review indicates that although there are many published methods and techniques which have tried to give more autonomous solutions, there are still more complexities in power system restoration. However, this paper respects all efforts and attempts and tries to illustrate the achievements, up to now, in power system restoration, as well as research gaps.
A Dynamic and Automated Access Control Management System for Social Networks
Authors: Abid Sohail , Daud Malik Imran
Published: October 2022

In recent years, online social networks (OSNs) have become an essential part of our social life. In OSNs, users can post resources to predefined groups of users, for example, family, friends, close friends. However, due to these predefined groups of users, few irrelevant users may get access to these published resources. Moreover, the users cannot configure privacy settings due to the lack of technical knowledge and the rigidity of the access control management system. To tackle these issues, we propose a text-based dynamic and fine-grain access control system for OSNs. Our proposed model uses a dynamic clustering algorithm to create user clusters based on the mutual interests of the users. After clustering, the proposed system creates automatic access rules based on the relationship between the users’ clusters and their resources. The proposed system will ensure fine-grained access control and automatic assignment of policies to the text-based resources. We have implemented our system to gauge the applicability, and the results are discussed in the experiments section.
A Study of the Policy Effects of Beijing‐Tianjin‐Hebei Synergistic Development Strategy on Regional Financial Development: Based on the Synthetic Control Method
Authors: Dong Shugong , Wang Yaling , Ma Xiaoyu
Published: October 2022

The Beijing‐Tianjin‐Hebei (BTH) synergistic development strategy is an important initiative proposed by China to achieve sustainable regional development in order to reduce regional development disparities. Based on the synthetic control method, this article constructs a quasi‐natural experiment using Chinese panel data from 2006 to 2020 to empirically test the impact of the event of BTH cooperative development as a national strategy on the financial development of the BTH region in China. It assesses the policy effects of the strategy on three dimensions of financial development as follows: scale, structure, and efficiency. The results of the study show that BTH synergistic development strategy has a positive effect on the scale of finance and effectively controls the financial liquidity risk in the region but has no significant effect on the optimisation of the financial structure. Therefore, it is necessary to take the sustainable development of the region as the premise to continuously promote the BTH regional synergistic development strategy, reduce the difference in financial scale development in the region, construct a financial efficiency evaluation mechanism, optimise the regional financial structure, and finally, achieve the goal of regional financial synergy and regional sustainable development.
The Spatio-Temporal Evolution of Overlying Rock Structure and Mine Pressure Behavior in a Short-Distance Coal Seam Face
Authors: Zhou Yupu , Cui Feng , Jia Chong , Feng Ganggui , Gao Yuanjiang , Dong Shuai
Published: October 2022

This research is aimed at exploring the evolution of overlying strata structure and the ground pressure in the working face mining of close-distance coal seams. By taking the Xiashijie Coal Mine as an example, the direct relationship between the rotation angle of key blocks of overlying strata and the subsidence of key blocks and the length of rock blocks was deduced using theoretical analysis and similar simulation experiments, and the critical criterion of basic overlying strata breaking was formed. Through the real-time monitoring of the characteristics of overlying strata and its pressure, the evolution of overlying strata structure and the ground pressure in the working face mining of close-distance coal seams could be clarified. The results show that the main factors that affect the turning angle of key blocks are the subsidence of key blocks and the length of rock blocks. When the subsidence and turning angle of rock blocks are larger and the length is smaller, the rock blocks are prone to rotational deformation and instability. The lower coal mining of the nearby coal seam group is more difficult due to the overlying strata caving in upper coal mining, and the damage height is about 335 mm higher than that in the upper coal. When mining over the same distance between the upper and lower coal seams of the close-distance coal seam group, fewer weightings are generated when mining the lower coal seam working face, the average weighting step is longer, and the average single weighting value is high. The research results provide a basis for the safe mining of close coal seams.
Clinical Application of Foldable Capsular Vitreous Bodies in the Treatment of Severe Ocular Trauma and Silicone Oil Dependent Eyes
Authors: Jiang Hao , Xue Chao , Gao Yanlin , Chen Ying , Wang Yan
Published: October 2022

Purpose. This study aimed to assess the application of a foldable capsular vitreous body (FCVB) in the treatment of severe ocular trauma and silicone oil (SO) dependent eyes. Methods. A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical application of FCVB in the treatment of severe ocular trauma and SO dependent eyes. The results of best-corrected visual acuity and intraocular pressure (IOP) evaluation, B-scan ultrasonography or color Doppler ultrasonography, ultrasound biomicroscopy, and anterior segment photography were recorded during follow-up. A paired t-test was used to compare the difference in IOP before and after FCVB implantation. Results. Seven eyes of seven patients were included in the 6-month follow-up. In all cases, B-scan ultrasonography and ultrasound biomicroscopy showed that FCVB adapted closely to the globe wall and ciliary body, thus supporting the retina. Visual acuity did not improve, except in one case from LP to HM. The mean ± SD IOP was 8.5 ± 1.90 mm·Hg prior to FCVB implantation and 10.43 ± 0.98 mm·Hg after implantation, with no significant difference between these measurements (

P
=
0.095

). Five of the seven patients developed differing degrees of corneal opacity and keratopathy. Conclusions. FCVB implantation may be a safe and effective method for the treatment of severe ocular trauma and SO dependent eyes. However, FCVB cannot prevent the phthisis of the traumatic eyes. In addition, corneal opacity and keratopathy are potentially serious complications after surgery. Appropriate case selection and proper surgical timing are required for further investigation.
A Single Switch High Step-Up DC-DC Converter Based on Tri-Winding Coupled Inductor for Renewable Energy Applications
Authors: Hosseinzadehlish Mana , Hashemzadeh Seyed Majid , Pourjafar Saeed , Babaei Ebrahim
Published: October 2022

This article introduces a novel nonisolated single-switch high step-up DC-DC converter using a tri-winding coupled inductor (TWCL) for renewable energy applications such as PV systems. Also, the voltage multiplier cell (VMC) is used to attain a high voltage gain. The used VMC acts as a passive clamp circuit and reduces the voltage stress across the power switch. So, a low voltage-rated power switch can be used in the presented converter. The suggested topology uses only one power switch with low on-state resistance (RDS-ON), which leads to a simple control circuit and decreases the conduction losses. Highefficiency, operating with low duty cycle, low peak voltage over semiconductor elements, low turns ratio, the number of the coupled inductor, and high voltage conversion ratio are the significant benefits of the recommended DC-DC converter. To show the achievement of the presented structure, operational mode principles, steady-state, efficiency calculations, and comparison results are provided. Finally, a 120 W experimental prototype with 200 V output voltage and 50 kHz switching frequency is built to prove the usefulness of the suggested high step-up converter. The efficiency is measured 92.11% at rated power.
Evaluation of Intraperitoneal [18F]-FDOPA Administration for Micro-PET Imaging in Mice and Assessment of the Effect of Subchronic Ketamine Dosing on Dopamine Synthesis Capacity
Authors: Halff Els F. , Natesan Sridhar , Bonsall David R. , Veronese Mattia , Garcia-Hidalgo Anna , Kokkinou Michelle , Tang Sac-Pham , Riggall Laura J. , Gunn Roger N. , Irvine Elaine E. , Withers Dominic J. , Wells Lisa A. , Howes Oliver D.
Published: October 2022

Positron emission tomography (PET) using the radiotracer [18F]-FDOPA provides a tool for studying brain dopamine synthesis capacity in animals and humans. We have previously standardised a micro-PET methodology in mice by intravenously administering [18F]-FDOPA via jugular vein cannulation and assessment of striatal dopamine synthesis capacity, indexed as the influx rate constant [Formula: see text] of [18F]-FDOPA, using an extended graphical Patlak analysis with the cerebellum as a reference region. This enables a direct comparison between preclinical and clinical output values. However, chronic intravenous catheters are technically difficult to maintain for longitudinal studies. Hence, in this study, intraperitoneal administration of [18F]-FDOPA was evaluated as a less-invasive alternative that facilitates longitudinal imaging. Our experiments comprised the following assessments: (i) comparison of [18F]-FDOPA uptake between intravenous and intraperitoneal radiotracer administration and optimisation of the time window used for extended Patlak analysis, (ii) comparison of [Formula: see text] in a within-subject design of both administration routes, (iii) test-retest evaluation of [Formula: see text] in a within-subject design of intraperitoneal radiotracer administration, and (iv) validation of [Formula: see text] estimates by comparing the two administration routes in a mouse model of hyperdopaminergia induced by subchronic ketamine. Our results demonstrate that intraperitoneal [18F]-FDOPA administration resulted in good brain uptake, with no significant effect of administration route on [Formula: see text] estimates (intraperitoneal: [Formula: see text], intravenous: [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]) and similar coefficient of variation (intraperitoneal: 19.6%; intravenous: 18.4%). The technique had a moderate test-retest validity ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]) and thus supports longitudinal studies. Following subchronic ketamine administration, elevated [Formula: see text] as compared to control condition was measured with a large effect size for both methods (intraperitoneal: Cohen’s [Formula: see text]; intravenous: Cohen’s [Formula: see text]), providing further evidence that ketamine has lasting effects on the dopamine system, which could contribute to its therapeutic actions and/or abuse liability.
Stationary Solutions to the Three-Dimensional Compressible Nonisothermal Nematic Liquid Crystal Flows
Authors: Cui Wanchen , Cai Hong
Published: October 2022

In this paper, we study the stationary compressible nonisothermal nematic liquid crystal flows affected by the external force of general form in three-dimensional space. By using the contraction mapping principle, we prove the existence and uniqueness of strong solution around the constant state in some suitable function space.
Right Unilateral Spatial Neglect Improves with Intrinsic Motivation
Authors: Saito Hirotaka , Kobayashi Haruka , Yatsu Junichi , Obayashi Shigeru
Published: October 2022

Background. In the acute phase of stroke, it is well known that the incidence and severity of unilateral spatial neglect (USN) are more significant in the right hemisphere injuries. Still, the detection of USN in left hemisphere injuries has been increasing in recent years. This trend is because behavioral assessments have prevented the exclusion of patients who are difficult to assess for USN or apathy using conventional paper-and-pencil tests (e.g., aphasia). Right USN and post-stroke apathy share many common lesions. Therefore, clinical symptoms may overlap, but little validation considers this. Case Study. A man (62 years old) determined to have the right USN and apathy was treated for six weeks in 3 terms. In the first term (weeks 1 to 2), the patient was treated for the right USN by conventional therapy. In the second term (3–4 weeks), treatment for right USN and apathy by goal-directed therapy based on affinity behavior was implemented. In the third term (5–6 weeks), goal-directed therapy based on affinity behavior was discontinued, and treatment was returned to conventional therapy only. In the second term (goal-directed therapy based on affinity behavior), the improvement in patients’ apathy (clinical assessment for spontaneity) was more significant than the effect size in the third term (conventional therapy). There were no significant differences in USN (catherine bergego scale) and intrinsic motivation (pittsburgh rehabilitation participation scale). However, the effect size in the second term tended to be larger than in the third term (conventional therapy). Clinical Rehabilitation Impact. This report aims to demonstrate the limitations of current treatment for cases determined to have both right USN and apathy. Second, to assess the extent to which this new intervention can complement the limitations of current treatment.
Coordinated Vehicle Lateral Stability Control Based on Direct Yaw Moment and Engine Torque Regulation under Complicated Road Conditions
Authors: Gang Liu , Lin-Yan Qiao
Published: October 2022

This paper proposed a control method of vehicle lateral stability control system. In order to obtain the best driving performance under the complicated friction conditions track, the direct yaw moment (DYC) and the engine torque regulation (ETC) value need to be adjusted to avoid penalisation of each other. Firstly, the intervention timing of direct yaw moment control and engine torque regulation control is studied, which is judged by the phase plane method and longitudinal speed threshold method, respectively. Then, a direct yaw moment control algorithm based on sliding mode control algorithm is designed, and its target value calculation depends on the linear two-degree-of-freedom model. The engine torque regulation is calculated by fuzzy algorithm. The input values are mainly the vehicle state parameters and the driver’s input to the steering wheel. Matlab/Simulink, AMESim, and CarSim software programs are used to simulate sine with dwell maneuver. The simulation results show the effectiveness of the cooperation control algorithm proposed in this paper.
Enterprise Operational Resilience with Digitalization Approach amid the COVID‐19 Era: An Empirical Assessment
Authors: Zhu Jinsheng (Jason) , Zhang Hui , Feng Wenyong
Published: October 2022

The development of the COVID‐19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on one Chinese city that has depended heavily on tourism, which is the core focus of the current study. This article uses phenomenological research methods in qualitative research to conduct semistructured and in‐depth interviews with travel agency managers in China Highlights. Through the application of tourism resilience theory in the tourism crisis management domain, this article investigates the performance of China Highlights, a local tourism enterprise in Guilin, China, to restore the functioning and growth of the tourism industry in the postpandemic period. The results show that China’s tourism industry is in the early stages of the fast growth stage of economic recovery, and tourism enterprises are faced with a significant challenge in determining how to make sound business choices during the pandemic and after the crisis has passed. It proposes that the tourism resilient theory can serve as a modern crisis management model to facilitate tourism enterprises to revive their performance in times of hardship.
Effects of Fermentation Periods and Drying Methods on Postharvest Quality of Cocoa (Theobroma Cacao) Beans in Ghana
Authors: Niikoi Kotey Rahim , Asomaning Odoom Daniel , Kumah Patrick , Oppong Akowuah Joseph , Fobi Donkor Esther , Kwatei Quartey Emmanuel , Kofi Sam Ebenezer , Owusu-Kwarteng James , Gyasi Santo Kwadwo , Kwami-Adala Fritz , Owusu Boateng Dennis
Published: October 2022

Cocoa (Theobroma cacao) contributes significantly to Ghana’s GDP and has made Ghana a recognized leader in the cocoa industry. However, there are myriad problems associated with Ghana’s cocoa bean quality. One such problems stems from farmers paying less attention to the required postharvest activities (fermentation and drying) which contributes significantly to bean quality losses. This study investigated the effect of the duration of the traditional heap fermentation period and different drying methods: solar biomass hybrid dryer (SBHD) and traditional sun drying method (TSDM) on the bean quality of two cocoa varieties (hybrid cocoa and Amazonia). Quality attributes of cocoa beans such as pH, moisture content, fat content, crude protein, free fatty acids, phenolic contents, colour, and bean size were examined. The statgraphics statistical tool was used to analyse data and the least significant difference (LSD) was used to compare treatment means. Purple beans incidence was observed to be lower in hybrid with a value of 21.90% in the solar biomass hybrid dryer after 5 days of fermentation. Hybrid recorded the highest flavonoid value of 6069.74 mg QE/g DW in the traditional sun drying after 7 days of fermentation. Hybrid as well recorded the highest total phenolic value of 711.44 mg GAE/g DW in the solar biomass hybrid dryer under 5 days of fermentation. Results also indicated that using the solar biomass hybrid dryer resulted in the best moisture content removal and was very efficient compared with the traditional sun drying method in ensuring high-quality beans per international market standards. Cocoa beans dried under SBHD had the overall highest purity and were of better quality compared to those dried directly in the sun. There were no significant differences (p≤0.24) in percentage purity among the cocoa samples studied.
Study on Microscopic Characteristics of Spatial Distribution of Fractures in Deteriorated Sandstone
Authors: Zhong Wenwu , Zhang Xin , Li Tao , Yang Xin , Deng Wei , Shi Jianchao
Published: October 2022

In the underground environment with large buried depth and high ground stress, man-made disturbance is very easy to cause the rapid expansion of primary fractures in the rock, and then developed into the macrodynamic performance of rock. Based on the propagation law of elastic waves in discontinuous media, the application of acoustic emission detection technology can quickly determine whether there are primary fractures in the rock and predict its approximate location. In this work, CT scanning experiments of intact sandstone specimens and fractured sandstone specimens were performed. The gray value distribution of intact sandstone specimens and fractured sandstone specimens was studied. The sandstone specimens were divided into 4 zones (I~IV) from top to bottom. The height of each zone is from 0 mm to 25 mm, and the upper end face of each zone is the starting face. Acoustic emission experiments of intact sandstone and fractured sandstone are carried out based on the equilateral triangle sensor array. The dispersion of AE wave velocity and amplitude in intact sandstone specimens and fractured sandstone specimens is studied. The results show that the crack evolution law of sandstone specimens before and after preloading is closely related to the density distribution. The regular trend is from low density to high density. And the decay law of AE eigenvalue before and after preloading of sandstone specimen is consistent with the change trend of gray value. This shows that it is feasible to explore the spatial location of primary fractures and the degree of development of primary fractures in the rock through the equilateral triangle sensor array. In the actual project, it can provide some guidance and suggestions for related projects.
Development of Fermented Sweet Potato Flour (Ipomoea batatas L.) Supplemented with Mackerel (Scomber scombrus) Meal-Based Biscuits
Authors: Mouafo Hippolyte Tene , Yadang Germaine , Sibozo Gabrielle Ofakem , Dibacto Ruth Edwige Kemadjou , Kenfack Laurette Blandine Mezajoug
Published: October 2022

The fermentation of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) with a strain of Lactobacillus plantarum leads to an increase in its exopolysaccharides (EPS) content which is useful for enhancing the functional properties of flour. The objective of this study was to develop healthy and nutritious meal-based biscuits from fermented sweet potato (FSP) flour supplemented with mackerel flour. Eleven formulations containing wheat flour, FSP flour, nonfermented sweet potato (NFSP) flour, and mackerel flour at different proportions defined following a mixture design were used to prepare biscuits. Physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory analyses of the different biscuits were performed. Biscuits prepared with FSP at 100% scored the lowest lipid (

10.83
±
0.97
 
g
/
100
 
g
 
DM

) and the highest sugar (

67.43
±
0.64
 
g
/
100
 
g
 
DM

) contents. The incorporation of mackerel flour in the formulation led to a significant (

p
<
0.05

) increase in the protein and mineral contents of biscuits thus conferring an immune-boosting property to these latters. All the biscuits were of good microbiological quality independent of the formulation. The highest DPPH free radicals scavenging activity (IC50 of 1.90 and 3.41 μg/mL for ethanolic and methanolic extracts, respectively) were observed with biscuits prepared with FSP flour at 100%. The sensorial characteristics of biscuits prepared with equal proportions of wheat and FSP flours were highly appreciated by the panelists with scores close to the ones prepared with wheat flour at 100%. The results of this study demonstrate the potential of FSP flour as a substitute for wheat flour in biscuits preparation. It also suggests biscuits prepared with FSP flour supplemented with mackerel flour as a functional and immune-boosting food.
Problematic Use of Cannabis in Cotonou: Profile of Some Subjects Received in the Laboratory between 2016 and 2021
Authors: Adounkpe Ferdinand M. , Behanzin Luc , Adehan Bienvenu S. , Medehouenou Marc , Daoudou Ornella , Bio-Sya Assad , Kougblenou Odile , Agbanlinsou Arnaud , Agbangla Clément
Published: October 2022

Aims. The frequent use of cannabis by certain social strata often induces behavioral changes whose severity deserves to be evaluated. This study aims to describe the profile of some subjects in a situation of cannabis dependence received at the National Laboratory of Narcotics and Toxicology over the period from January 2016 to December 2021. Methodology. The approach of direct interviews with the respondents using a semistructured questionnaire made it possible to collect their sociodemographic characteristics, their experiences, and their reference trajectories. Results. A total of 48 patients, all single, with an average age of 18.13 ± 0.48 years, the majority of whom were male (77.08%) and of Beninese nationality (85.42%), were enrolled. They were pupils (58.34%), students (27.08%), and workers (14.58%). With a prevalence of consumption of 89.58%, the first experimentation of cannabis was done by imitation (83.3%), among friends (81.2%), and in schools (64.58%). The reasons for use include the search for thrills (29.20%) and the improvement of sexual energy performance (27.1%). Subjects between 64.58 and 79.17% reported having received complaints about their behavior after regular consumption of at least 3 joints of cannabis. Conclusion. The knowledge of the typical profile of subjects in a situation of dependence ensures early detection of problematic uses of cannabis and offers the opportunity to intervene a little earlier in front of this phenomenon.
KDM6A Loss Recruits Tumor-Associated Neutrophils and Promotes Neutrophil Extracellular Trap Formation in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Yang Jing , Jin Lin , Kim Hong Sun , Tian Feng , Yi Zhujun , Bedi Karan , Ljungman Mats , Pasca di Magliano Marina , Crawford Howard , Shi Jiaqi
Published: October 2022

Lysine (K)-specific demethylase 6A (KDM6A) is a frequently mutated tumor suppressor gene in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, the impact of KDM6A loss on the PDAC tumor immune microenvironment is not known. This study used a genetically engineered, pancreas-specific Kdm6a knockout (KO) PDAC mouse model and human PDAC tissue samples to demonstrate that KDM6A loss correlates with increased tumor-associated neutrophils and neutrophil extracellular traps (NET) formation, which are known to contribute to PDAC progression. Genome-wide bromouridine sequencing analysis to evaluate nascent RNA synthesis showed that the expression of many chemotactic cytokines, especially CXC motif chemokine ligand 1 (CXCL1), was upregulated in KDM6A KO PDAC cells. KDM6A-deficient PDAC cells secreted higher levels of CXCL1 protein, which in turn recruited neutrophils. Furthermore, in a syngeneic orthotopic mouse model, treatment with a CXCL1 neutralizing antibody blocked the chemotactic and NET-promoting properties of KDM6A-deficient PDAC cells and suppressed tumor growth, confirming CXCL1 as a key mediator of chemotaxis and PDAC growth driven by KDM6A loss. These findings shed light on how KDM6A regulates the tumor immune microenvironment and PDAC progression and suggests that the CXCL1–CXCR2 axis may be a candidate target in PDAC with KDM6A loss.

Significance:

KDM6A loss in pancreatic cancer cells alters the immune microenvironment by increasing CXCL1 secretion and neutrophil recruitment, providing a rationale for targeting the CXCL1–CXCR2 signaling axis in tumors with low KDM6A.
Trends and Racial/Ethnic Differences in Predictors of Cervical Cancer Screening among US Women Ages 30–64 Years
Authors: Sokale Itunu O. , Montealegre Jane R. , Oluyomi Abiodun O. , Thrift Aaron P.
Published: October 2022

Background:

Cervical cancer screening (CCS) participation has decreased in the United States over the last several decades, contributing to cervical cancer's sustained incidence and mortality. This study examined recent trends and racial/ethnic differences in predictors of CCS uptake among US women.

Methods:

We analyzed combined data from the 2016 to 2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) and included 235,713 women ages 30 to 64 years without a hysterectomy. We used simple linear regression to assess trends over time and multivariable logistic regression models to evaluate racial/ethnic differences in predictors of up-to-date CCS.

Results:

We found little change in CCS over the 5-year interval and screening rates disparities among racial minority women. The overall population showed stable CCS completion rates from 2016 to 2018 (84.2% vs. 84.6%), and then a small dip from 2018 to 2020 (from 84.6% to 83.3%). Despite a slight decline in 2020, HPV-based testing increased significantly among all subgroups and overall, from 2016 to 2020 (from 43.4% to 52.7%). Multivariable regression models showed racial/ethnic differences in predictors of CCS. Across all racial/ethnic subgroups, older women were less likely to receive timely screening. Women who had routine check-ups had higher odds of being up to date. However, the link between CCS and socioeconomic status varied.

Conclusions:

Age and racial/ethnic disparities persist in CCS, and predictors of screening vary. Notwithstanding, routine health examinations was positively associated with screening regardless of race/ethnicity.

Impact:

Our analyses suggest that leveraging primary care to optimize CCS uptake may reduce gaps in screening.
Brain Metastasis from HER2-Positive Breast Cancer: An Evolving Landscape
Authors: Soffietti Riccardo , Pellerino Alessia
Published: October 2022

Trastuzumab deruxtecan is a HER2-directed antibody–drug conjugate with ability to cross the blood–tumor barrier and activity on brain metastases. To test the activity of new drugs, patient-derived xenograft models from human brain metastases and phase 0 and window-of-opportunity trials are of utmost importance.

See related article by Kabraji et al., p. 174
Downregulation of iNOS/NO Promotes Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition and Metastasis in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Du Qiang , Liu Silvia , Dong Kun , Cui Xiao , Luo Jing , Geller David A.
Published: October 2022

Metastasis is the major cause of cancer-related death in patients with colorectal cancer. Although inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is a crucial regulator of cancer development and progression, its roles in epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the pathogenesis of metastatic colorectal cancer have not been fully investigated. Primary colorectal cancer and liver metastatic tissue specimens were analyzed showing 90% of liver metastatic colorectal cancer with reduced expressions of iNOS compared with 6% of primary colorectal cancer. The Cancer Genome Atlas database analyses via cBioPortal reveal that mRNA expression of iNOS negatively correlated with selected EMT markers in colorectal cancer in a cancer type–dependent manner. The transcriptomic profiling (RNA sequencing data) indicates that iNOS knockdown in SW480 colorectal cancer cells induced an EMT program with upregulated expression of selected stem-cell markers. iNOS knockdown did not alter E-cadherin mRNA expression but re-localized it from membrane to cytoplasm through iNOS-GATA4-Crb2-E-cadherin pathway. iNOS knockdown induced a change in cell morphology, and promoted cell invasion and migration in vitro, and metastasis in vivo.

Implications:

iNOS downregulation-induced pathway networks mediate the EMT program and metastasis. As an EMT inducer, the reduced-iNOS may serve as a potential therapeutic target for patients with colorectal cancer.
Comparison of Different Anti-Demodex Strategies: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Jiahua , Wei Erdong , Reisinger Amin , French Lars Einar , Clanner-Engelshofen Benjamin M. , Reinholz Markus
Published: October 2022

Background: Demodex mites are related to some inflammatory diseases such as rosacea and blepharitis and could be harmful in patients with immunodeficiency or immunosuppression, especially notable in patients using biologic like dupilumab. In order to have an objective observation of different anti-Demodex strategies, we conducted this study, based on interventional clinical evidence with quantified Demodex mite data. Methods: We used the PubMed, Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov, Medline, and International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) as databases. To assess the risk of bias, the RoB2 and ROBINS-I tools were used. The certainty of evidence was assessed following the GRADE guideline. Furthermore, the effect sizes (ESs) of different strategies were compared in different time periods (0–1, 1–2, 2–3, >3 months), as well as Demodex decrease rates. Results: 1,618 studies were identified in the databases, with 21 of which included in the final quantitative synthesis. Interventions in these studies included ivermectin, tea tree oil (TTO), permethrin, crotamiton, metronidazole, light therapies, combined therapies, and other therapies. During 0–1 month, the ES varied from 0.07 (cleanser) to 1.95 (systemic ivermectin-metronidazole). During 1–2 months, the ES varied from 0.88 (topical permethrin) to 4.40 (topical ivermectin). During 2–3 months, the ES varied from 0.79 (topical permethrin) to 8.37 (topical ivermectin). During the time of 3 months, the ES varied from 0.59 (topical permethrin) to 2.25 (intense pulsed light [IPL]). In terms of Demodex decrease rates, topical ivermectin, TTO, permethrin, IPL, and baby shampoo had achieved a nearly 100% decrease. The reported adverse events were mostly mild, without severe adverse events reported in any of the studies. Conclusions: We found ivermectin (topical and systemic), ivermectin-metronidazole (topical), and TTO (topical) are promising anti-Demodex interventions. In addition to traditional pharmacotherapy, light therapies, especially IPL and skin cleansing, could also be considered as effective methods to control Demodex mite infestation.
Anemia de células falciformes: Evaluación de la mecánica pulmonar y pruebas para medir los cambios en la difusión pulmonar
Authors: Madrid-Mejía Wilmer Alejandro
Published: October 2022

La lesión pulmonar crónica, un rasgo común en pacientes con anemia falciforme (SCA), suele agravar la condición del paciente. Contar con pruebas de función pulmonar sensitivas podría ayudarnos a predecir cuándo la enfermedad podría revertirse mediante intervenciones terapéuticas apropiadas. En este trabajo se determinó la frecuencia con que el índice de depuración pulmonar (LCI) (que mide la inhomogeneidad en la ventilación global), la inhomogeneidad en la ventilación intraacinar (Sacin) y la inhomogeneidad en la ventilación conductiva (Scond) presentan valores anormales en pacientes jóvenes con SCA, con el objetivo de evaluar la utilidad de estos parámetros al valorar la lesión pulmonar, en comparación con los volúmenes pulmonares, actualmente empleados en el diagnóstico. En este estudio se analizaron los resultados de múltiples lavados respiratorios con nitrógeno, espirometría y pletismografía corporal, de manera transversal y en estado estacionario, en pacientes con SCA (con hemoglobina SS) y en sujetos sanos con edades entre 8 y 21 años, residentes en Londres, Reino Unido. En total se analizaron 35 pacientes (51% varones, 16.4 ± 3.5 años) y 31 sujetos control (48% varones, 16.2 ± 3.2 años). Se encontraron diferencias significativas entre el grupo de estudio y el de control en el LCI medio, la Sacin, el volumen espiratorio forzado en 1 segundo (FEV1), la capacidad vital forzada (CVF) y la capacidad pulmonar total, pero no en Scond ni en la relación entre VEF1 y CVF. Es interesante que 29% de los pacientes mostraron valores anormales en el LCI, mientras que sólo 23% (8 de 35) tenían un VEF1 anormal. El LCI permitió detectar un número ligeramente mayor de anomalías que los volúmenes pulmonares en jóvenes con SCA. El hallazgo de diferencias significativas en el LCI y Sacin con respecto a los controles, pero no en Scond ni en la relación entre el VEF1 y la CVF, sugiere la presencia de una enfermedad pulmonar periférica con patrón en parches.