bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on the physicochemical indexes, nutritional quality, and flavor compounds of Trichiurus lepturus from three representative origins for geographical traceability
Authors: Wang Shitong , Wang Pingya , Cui Yiwei , Lu Weibo , Shen Xuewei , Zheng Huimin , Xue Jing , Chen Kang , Zhao Qiaoling , Shen Qing
Published: November 2022

Trichiurus lepturus (hairtail) is an important economic component of China’s marine fishing industry. However, due to the difficulty in identifying the appearance of hairtail from different geographical distributions, hairtails with geographical indication trademarks were imitated by general varieties. In this study, the texture characteristics, color, basic nutrients, amino acids, mineral, fatty acids, and volatile flavor substances were used as indicators for multivariate statistical analysis to determine whether three origins of hairtails from the habitats of Zhoushan (East China Sea, T.Z), Hainan (South China Sea, T.N), and Qingdao (Yellow Sea, T.Q) in the market could be distinguished. The findings revealed that there were significant differences in amino acids composition, mineral composition, fatty acid composition in lipids, and volatile flavor substances among the hairtails of three origins (P < 0.05), but no differences in color, texture, protein content. T.Z had moisture, crude fat, essential amino acids (EAA), flavor amino acids (FAA), unsaturated fatty acids (UFA), and docosahexaenoic acids and dicosapentaenoic acids (ΣEPA + DHA) contents of 74.33, 5.4%, 58.25 mg⋅g–1, 46.20 mg⋅g–1, 66.84 and 19.38%, respectively, and the contents of volatile alcohols, aldehydes and ketones were 7.44, 5.30, and 5.38%, respectively. T.N contains moisture, crude fat, EAA, FAA, UFA and ΣEPA + DHA as 77.69, 2.38%, 64.76 mg⋅g–1, 52.44 mg⋅g–1, 65.52 and 29.45%, respectively, and the contents of volatile alcohols, aldehydes and ketones as 3.21, 8.92, and 10.98%, respectively. T.Q had the contents of moisture, crude fat, EAA, FAA, UFA, and ΣEPA + DHA 79.69, 1.43%, 60.9 mg⋅g–1, and 49.42 mg⋅g–1, respectively. The contents of unsaturated fatty acid and ΣEPA + DHA were 63.75 and 26.12%, respectively, while the volatile alcohols, aldehydes, and ketones were 5.14, 5.99, and 7.85%, respectively. Partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) multivariate statistical analysis showed that volatile flavor compounds could be used as the most ideal indicators for tracing the source of hairtail. In conclusion, the findings of this study can distinguish the three hairtail origins using some basic indicators, providing ideas for hairtail geographical identification.
Advancing endoscopic traction techniques in endoscopic submucosal dissection
Authors: Khan Suliman , Ali Faisal S. , Ullah Saif , Huang Xue- , Li Hongyu
Published: November 2022

Traction techniques have emerged as a desirable “second-hand” while performing endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), enabling adequate visualization of submucosal tissue and vasculature, which allows for safe and efficient dissection. Multiple traction techniques have been developed over the years, and these can be broadly divided into internal and external traction techniques. This arsenal of techniques allows for traction that is personalized to the location of the lesion undergoing ESD. Mastering traction techniques requires structured training, and understanding of the benefits and pitfalls of each technique. Future research and development efforts need to focus on pathways and curriculums for trainees to master the currently available endoscopic traction techniques and provide avenues for the development of newer traction modalities.
The value of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in endocardial fibroelastosis
Authors: Xiao Wenjiao , Wang Yuanlin , Cheng Weiqin , Zhang Yuting
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Endocardial fibroelastosis (EFE), an uncommon congenital heart disorder often occurring in infants, has a poor prognosis. It is of great significance to perform early diagnosis and accurately analyze cardiac function to enable further clinical treatment and prognosis decisions. This study aimed to explore the findings of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in patients with EFE, including morphological changes and cardiac function analyses. Additionally, we compared the difference in the evaluation of the cardiac function between CMR and echocardiography (Echo).

Methods

Eleven patients with EFE (nine females and two males, aged between 0.3 and 1.9 years), treated in our hospital, were analyzed retrospectively. Left ventricular posterior wall thickness (LVPW), anterior wall thickness (LVAW), fractional shortening (FS), ejection fraction (EF), end-systolic diameter (ESD), end-diastolic diameter (EDD), end-systolic volume (ESV), and end-diastolic volume (EDV) were assessed using both Echo and CMR. The Original Ross classification and the New York Heart Association functional classification were used to grade the patients’ cardiac function. The correlations between clinical cardiac function classification and MRI- and Echo-derived imaging data were determined.

Results

All patients showed a thickened endocardium and left ventricle globular dilatation on CMR. We observed significant systolic dysfunction and whole or segmental abnormal ventricular movement. Compared with those measured by Echo, the EF, FS, and EDV values were significantly lower when measured using CMR. Compared with Echo measurements, the ESV, ESD, LVAW, and LVPW values were significantly higher when measured using CMR. CMR-measured EF and FS correlated better with the clinical cardiac functional score than those derived from Echo (EF, r = 0.646 > 0.224; FS, r = 0.627 > 0.245, respectively).

Conclusion

In patients with EFE, the characteristic morphological changes of the heart could be displayed accurately using CMR. The parameters measured by CMR were more accurate than those of Echo and correlated well with clinical cardiac function scores, mainly because it does not make invalid geometrical assumptions.
The delivery of essential newborn care in conflict settings: A systematic review
Authors: Kampalath Vinay , MacLean Sarah , AlAbdulhadi Abrar , Congdon Morgan
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Although progress has been made over the past 30 years to decrease neonatal mortality rates, reductions have been uneven. Globally, the highest neonatal mortality rates are concentrated in countries chronically affected by conflict. Essential newborn care (ENC), which comprises critical therapeutic interventions for every newborn, such as thermal care, initiation of breathing, feeding support, and infection prevention, is an important strategy to decrease neonatal mortality in humanitarian settings. We sought to understand the barriers to and facilitators of ENC delivery in conflict settings.

Methods

We systematically searched Ovid/MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and Cochrane databases using terms related to conflict, newborns, and health care delivery. We also reviewed grey literature from the Healthy Newborn Network and several international non-governmental organization databases. We included original research on conflict-affected populations that primarily focused on ENC delivery. Study characteristics were extracted and descriptively analyzed, and quality assessments were performed.

Results

A total of 1,533 abstracts were screened, and ten publications met the criteria for final full-text review. Several barriers emerged from the reviewed studies and were subdivided by barrier level: patient, staff, facility, and humanitarian setting. Patients faced obstacles related to transportation, cost, and access, and mothers had poor knowledge of newborn danger signs. There were difficulties related to training and retaining staff. Facilities lacked supplies, protocols, and data collection strategies.

Conclusions

Strategies for improved ENC implementation include maternal and provider education and increasing facility readiness through upgrades in infrastructure, guidelines, and health information systems. Community-based approaches may also play a vital role in strengthening ENC.
Is adherence to the Mediterranean diet associated with good sleep duration in primary-school children?
Authors: Buja Alessandra , Grotto Giulia , Zampieri Chiara , Mafrici Simona Fortunata , Cozzolino Claudia , Baldovin Tatjana , Brocadello Filippo , Baldo Vincenzo
Published: November 2022

Objective

The Mediterranean diet (MD) contributes to preventing numerous chronic diseases and has benefits on cognitive development. Adherence to the MD is associated with sleep quality and duration in adults and adolescents, but this association seems to have been little investigated in primary-school children. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to verify whether good sleep duration was associated with adherence to the MD.

Design

The study enrolled a sample of Italian primary school children. Their mothers were asked to answer an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire investigating the children's adherence to the MD (using the KidMed score) and variables related to their lifestyles, behavioral traits and socio-economic factors. Logistic regression models were developed to analyze the association between adherence to the MD, entered as the dependent variable, and adequacy of sleep duration.

Setting

Primary schools in Padova, Italy.

Subjects

267 Italian 6-year-olds in their first year of primary school.

Results

The multivariate analysis showed an association between adherence to the MD and hours of sleep: for children with a good sleep duration, the odds ratio of a poor-to-moderate adherence to the MD was 0.282 (95% CI, 0.109–0.681, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Ensuring an adequate sleep duration may be an important strategy for enhancing adherence to the MD. Sleep and dietary education should be included in future health promotion programs.
Quercetin Suppresses Human Glioblastoma Migration and Invasion via GSK3β/β-catenin/ZEB1 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Chen Bo , Li Xiaoli , Wu Lihong , Zhou Duanfang , Song Yi , Zhang Limei , Wu Qiuya , He Qichen , Wang Gang , Liu Xu , Hu Hui , Zhou Weiying
Published: November 2022

High invasiveness is a biological and clinical characteristic of glioblastoma and predicts poor prognosis of patients. Quercetin, a natural flavonoid compound, exhibits anticancer activity. However, we have a limited understanding of the possible underlying mechanism of quercetin in glioblastoma. In this study, we investigated the anticancer effect of quercetin in human glioblastoma cells. Our results showed that quercetin markedly suppressed the viability of glioblastoma cells in vitro and in vivo, and significantly inhibited glioblastoma cell migration and invasion. Moreover, quercetin reversed EMT-like mesenchymal phenotype and reduced the expression levels of EMT-related markers. Furthermore, we found that quercetin suppressed GSK-3β/β-catenin/ZEB1 signaling in glioblastoma. Taken together, our results demonstrate that quercetin inhibited migration and invasion of human glioma cells by suppressing GSK3β/β-catenin/ZEB1 signaling. Our study provides evidence that quercetin is a promising therapeutic natural compound to treat glioblastoma.
Service design based on social simulation: An integrated experience mapping methodology considering customers and service providers
Authors: Kikuchi Takamasa , Takahashi Hiroshi
Published: November 2022

Approaches using both real data and social simulations have been proposed to address economic and social problems. Understanding the structure of models and the results of simulations may be used by not only model developers and analysts but also by decision-makers in management and administration as well as on-site managers. Therefore, methodologies for extracting knowledge and insights from simulation log data and a framework for propagating the extracted knowledge and insights to stakeholders are important. In this study, we compare log analysis frameworks and create a formal description of social simulations for benefit-delay products and services to determine their merits, shortcomings, and limitations. Then, by extending an experience mapping method from a previous study, we propose a method for also describing a service provider’s experience. We use this method to simulate pre- and post-retirement asset sustainability. The main findings are as follows: 1) an integrated experience description of the customer and provider sides of a benefit-delay service design is feasible, and 2) customer targeting based on this description is possible.
Cherenkov radiation emitted by Kuznetsov–Ma solitons
Authors: Zheng Yidan , Liu Chong
Published: November 2022

Cherenkov radiation emitted by Kuznetsov–Ma soliton (KMS) with an arbitrary propagation constant in the presence of higher-order dispersions is studied analytically and numerically. We show that the third-order dispersion (TOD) yields asymmetric radiated bands, while the fourth-order dispersion (FOD) gives rise to symmetric radiated bands only when the value of FOD is positive. In contrast to radiations emitted by other localized waves, such a radiation emerges periodically in propagation, and can exhibit multi-frequency bands which depends strongly on the propagation constant of the KMS. We presented radiation conditions to calculate different frequency bands, which shows great agreement with numerical simulations. Important radiation features such as radiation frequencies, velocities, and distances are shown in phase diagrams. Our results could be helpful for controllable radiations in nonlinear fiber and other nonlinear systems.
Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the MADS-box gene family during female and male flower development in Juglans mandshurica
Authors: Li Hanxi , Li Yuxi , Zhang Xinxin , Cai Kewei , Li Yan , Wang Qingcheng , Qu Guanzheng , Han Rui , Zhao Xiyang
Published: November 2022

The MADS-box gene family plays a crucial role in multiple developmental processes of plants, especially in floral organ specification and the regulation of fruit development and ripening. Juglans mandshurica is a precious fruit material whose quality and yield are determined by floral organ development. The molecular mechanism of J. mandshurica female and male flower development depending on MADS-box genes remains unclear. In our study, 67 JmMADS genes were identified and unevenly distributed on 15 of 16 J. mandshurica chromosomes. These genes were divided into two types [type I (Mα, Mγ, Mδ) and type II (MIKC)]. The gene structure and motif analyses showed that most genes belonging to the same type had similar gene structures and conserved motifs. The analysis of syntenic relationships showed that MADS-box genes in J. mandshurica, J. sigillata, and J. regia exhibited the highest homology and great collinearity. Analysis of cis-acting elements showed that JmMADS gene promoter regions contained light, stress and hormone response cis-acting elements. The gene expression patterns demonstrated that 30 and 26 JmMADS genes were specifically expressed in the female and male flowers, respectively. In addition, 12 selected genes common to J. mandshurica female and male flowers were significantly upregulated at the mature stage and were used to validate the reliability of the transcriptome data using quantitative real-time PCR. This comprehensive and systematic analysis of J. mandshurica MADS-box genes lays a foundation for future studies on MADS-box gene family functions.
Three-dimensional evaluation using CBCT of the mandibular asymmetry and the compensation mechanism in a growing patient: A case report
Authors: Macrì Monica , Festa Felice
Published: November 2022

Background

This case report aims to evaluate the development and the compensation mechanisms of the mandibular asymmetry in a growing male patient using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). In this case, the menton deviated on the right, a sporadic condition, which may be the consequence of a disorder in the mandibular growth.

Case presentation

The young male patient was treated with rapid palatal expander (RPE) and Fränkel functional regulator III (FR-3). The initial CBCT was acquired at the beginning of therapy when the patient was 8 years old, and the final CBCT was developed at the end of the treatment when the patient was 12 years old. The patient's CBCT was performed with the head oriented according to the Natural Head Position (NHP); the NHP is a physiological and reproducible posture defined for morphological analysis. The 3D image of the cranium was oriented in the Dolphin software according to NHP posture, and cephalometric measurements were taken in the software's frontal, laterolateral right and left, posteroanterior, and submentovertex views. The therapy lasted 3.8 years and ended with significant regression of the mandibular asymmetry from moderate grade (4.2 mm) to slight grade (1.3 mm).

Conclusion

The literature shows that the left hemi-mandible has grown more than the right side, which affirms that in case of deviation of the menton >4 mm, the bone volume increases on the non-deviated side.
The first 2 years of COVID-19 in Italy: Incidence, lethality, and health policies
Authors: Ferrante Pierpaolo
Published: November 2022

Background

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an ongoing pandemic that was first recognized in China in December 2019. This paper aims to provide a detailed overview of the first 2 years of the pandemic in Italy.

Design and methods

Using the negative binomial distribution, the daily incidence of infections was estimated through the virus's lethality and the moving-averaged deaths. The lethality of the original strain (estimated through national sero-surveys) was adjusted daily for age of infections, hazard ratios of virus variants, and the cumulative distribution of vaccinated individuals.

Results

From February 24, 2020, to February 28, 2022, there were 20,833,018 (20,728,924–20,937,375) cases distributed over five waves. The overall lethality rate was 0.73%, but daily it ranged from 2.78% (in the first wave) to 0.15% (in the last wave). The first two waves had the highest number of daily deaths (about 710) and the last wave showed the highest peak of daily infections (220,487). Restriction measures of population mobility strongly slowed the viral spread. During the 2nd year of the pandemic, vaccines prevented 10,000,000 infections and 115,000 deaths.

Conclusion

Almost 40% of COVID-19 infections have gone undetected and they were mostly concentrated in the first year of the pandemic. From the second year, a massive test campaign made it possible to detect more asymptomatic cases, especially among the youngest. Mobility restriction measures were an effective suppression strategy while distance learning and smart working were effective mitigation strategies. Despite the variants of concern, vaccines strongly reduced the pandemic impact on the healthcare system avoiding strong restriction measures.
VStore: Feasibility and acceptability of a novel virtual reality functional cognition task
Authors: Porffy Lilla A. , Mehta Mitul A. , Mouchlianitis Elias , Shergill Sukhi S.
Published: November 2022

Virtual reality (VR) is becoming an increasingly popular tool in neuroscience and mental health research. In recent years, efforts have been made to virtualise neuropsychological testing with the intent to increase the ecological validity of cognitive assessments. However, there are some limitations in the current literature—feasibility and acceptability data are often not reported or available and sample sizes have generally been small. In this study, we describe the development and establish the feasibility and acceptability of use of a novel functional cognition VR shopping task, VStore, in three separate samples with data from a total of 210 participants. Two samples include healthy volunteers between the ages of 20 and 79 and there is one clinical cohort of patients with psychosis. Main VStore outcomes were: 1) verbal recall of 12 grocery items, 2) time to collect items, 3) time to select items on a self-checkout machine, 4) time to make the payment, 5) time to order hot drink, and 6) total time. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed by the completion rate across the three studies. VR induced adverse effects were assessed pre- and post-VStore administration to establish tolerability. Finally, as an exploratory objective, VStore’s ability to differentiate between younger and older age groups, and between patients and matched healthy controls was examined as preliminary indication of its potential utility. The overall completion rate across the studies was exceptionally high (99.95%), and VStore did not induce any adverse effects. Additionally, there was a clear difference in VStore performance metrics between both the patients and controls and between younger and older age groups, suggesting potential clinical utility of this VR assessment. These findings demonstrate that VStore is a promising neuropsychological tool that is well-tolerated and feasible to administer to both healthy and clinical populations. We discuss the implications for future research involving neuropsychological testing based on our experience and the contemporary literature.
Sparks in the Brain: The Story of Ion Channels and Nerve Cells
Authors: Sakmann Bert
Published: November 2022

Understanding the communication between nerve cells in the brain is key to understanding how the brain works. Communication between nerve cells involves chemical messages sent from one cell that get translated into electrical activity in the receiving cell. This electrical activity is the core language of nerve cells and of the entire brain. How does a chemical message released in one cell results in electrical activity in another nerve cell, and how did we discovery this? Let us dive together into the electrifying world of nerve cell communication. I will tell you about our experiments, which enabled us to find the most basic component of electrical activity in the brain—ion channels. The discovery of ion channels paved the way to understanding the origin of electrical activity in the brain and other organs like the heart. This discovery provided new insights into the development of drugs for treating various electrical-related diseases, such as epilepsy and heart-rate disorders.
Gravitational Waves—A New Window on the Universe
Authors: Barish Barry
Published: November 2022

Imagine you could choose a new set of eyes that would help you see things you have never been able to see before. Maybe you would choose Superman’s X-ray vision, or maybe you would prefer to zoom into tiny things and see the wonders of the microscopic world. Science has recently gained a new set of eyes—a new way to look into the mysteries of the universe—using gravitational waves, which are waves produced by gravity itself. In this article, I will take you on a journey that begins with an explanation of gravity—from the classical perspective of Isaac Newton to the modern and more complex view of Albert Einstein. I will then explain how movements of massive objects create gravitational waves, which are ripples in space and time, and how they might be used to explain some mysteries of the universe, and even help us to understand the origins of our planet Earth.
Aids: Facts, Fiction, and Future
Authors: Barré-Sinoussi Françoise
Published: November 2022

AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) is the name used to describe a number of potentially life-threatening infections and illnesses that happen when the immune system has been severely damaged by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV/AIDS is considered a pandemic, affecting almost 38 million people throughout the world in 2020 alone. There is no cure for this disease and no vaccine to prevent it. Although people can not be cured, they can live for years with appropriate treatment. In addition to the difficulty of living with a chronic and aggressive disease, people living with HIV/AIDS also suffer frequently from many forms of social stigma and discriminations. In this article, I will tell you about AIDS, the discovery of its viral cause, current available treatments, and future possibilities for decreasing the number of people living with HIV/AIDS. I hope that, by the end of this article, you will understand the global importance of dealing with HIV/AIDS—both scientifically and socially.
La violencia doméstica
Authors: Moreno Proaño Gilda Marianela
Published: November 2022

Se realizó un estudio cuasiexperimental con un diseño pretest - postest de un grupo de 10 mujeres indígenas violentadas en sus hogares, de las comunidades de la ciudad Cotacachi de Ecuador, con el objetivo de analizar los cambios en la sintomatología clínica psicológica a partir de una intervención desde la psicoterapia integrativa según el modelo focalizado en la personalidad. Se realizó en dos fases, cuantitativa y cualitativa, en la primera se aplicaron algunos reactivos, el Inventario de Depresión de Beck BDI-II, el test de respuesta de ansiedad ISRA y un cuestionario de personalidad; en la segunda fase se realizaron entrevistas a profundidad a las pacientes dentro del marco terapéutico. Con la prueba no paramétrica de Wilcoxon se evaluaron las diferencias de la ansiedad y la depresión, utilizando el programa SPSS. Luego de la intervención psicoterapéutica, a través de la aplicación de técnicas sugestivas directas en estado de vigilia, se evidenció un cambio significativo en la sintomatología clínica de las pacientes, tanto en ansiedad y depresión. De igual manera, con los datos cualitativos, se hizo un análisis de contenido basado en códigos a través del programa Atlas Ti 9.0. El presente estudio sugiere que la psicoterapia integrativa es una alternativa efectiva para tratar las consecuencias emocionales de la violencia, considerando los factores culturales que influyen para la normalización de la misma.
Formulación de Caso en Psicoterapia: "La Cosa se Mueve"
Authors: Caro García Ciro , Quiñones Álvaro
Published: November 2022

Editorial
Local Stability in the Process of Excavation Located in High Permeability Saturated Sand of Diaphragm Wall Construction
Authors: Liu Yuhang , Wei Linchun , Zhu Yanfei , Zhuang Xiaoying
Published: November 2022

The stability of the slurry trench is very important in the construction of the underground diaphragm wall. In the current research, the local instability of the slurry trench is mainly investigated after the excavation of a unit slot is completely completed. However, the local stability in the process of excavation has received little attention. In this paper, the local stability in the process of excavation located in high permeability strata of diaphragm wall construction is investigated. A slurry infiltration experiment was carried out to investigate the distribution of the excess pore pressure in the high permeability strata, which can determine the effective support pressure. Then, the local stability of the slurry trench in the process of excavation located in high permeability saturated sand is calculated. The results show that the same types of sand according to the design code cannot be simply treated to have the same permeability and similar distribution of the excess pore pressure, since whether the filter cake can be formed and the quality of the filter cake are the key factors to determine the distribution of the excess pore pressure. This is also crucial for the local stability in the process of excavation located in high permeability saturated sand. It is suggested that attention should be paid to the local stability in the process of excavation located in high permeability strata when the slurry infiltration mode is the pure permeable zone.
Stiction and Friction of Nano- and Microtextured Liquid Silicon Rubber Surface Formed by Injection Molding
Authors: Koplin Christof , Weißer Dennis F. , Fromm Alexander , Deckert Matthias H.
Published: November 2022

The use of cross-linking polymers such as liquid silicone rubber (LSR) can replicate serviceable surfaces with nano- and microstructures via the injection molding process. Laser ablation can be used to introduce microstructures into molding tools, while nanostructures are generated via PVD coating processes on the tools. This is why nanostructures are built using self-organized layer growth. The aim of this study was to generate evidence of direction-dependent coefficients of friction of elastomeric surfaces in dry or lubricated contact in boundary friction. Models of the dry friction of elastomeric surfaces, such as Schallamach waves or stick-slip cycles, were used to describe the friction modulation of such surfaces. Assumptions for model contacts against smooth partners, both dry and with lubrication, as well as assumptions for the interaction of structures with smooth surfaces, were investigated. It was found that for elastomer surfaces with Shore hardness 50, nanostructures are suitable for creating a direction-dependent friction increase in static and sliding friction. Friction reductions with defined microstructures are possible if their periodicity seems to interact with the wavelength of possible Schallamach waves. The choice of lubrication determines the forced wetting of the contact, but due to the structuring, there is a continuous transition to mixed friction.
Strategic Behavior Categorization in Information Technology Outsourcing: An Analysis Based on Knowledge Transfer and Relational Governance
Authors: Poleto Thiago , Nepomuceno Thyago Celso Cavalcante , de Carvalho Victor Diogho Heuer , Costa Ana Paula Cabral Seixas
Published: November 2022

This paper proposes a strategic behavior categorization between the contractor and the provider in information technology (IT) outsourcing. We identified four behaviors (or attitudes) focusing specifically on the contractors’ attitudes: (a) conservative, (b) collaborative, (c) opportunistic, and (d) transformational. Theoretical concepts from IT Outsourcing, Relational Governance, and Knowledge Transfer were used to derive the study hypotheses. A questionnaire was developed to collect the information to test the hypotheses. An empirical analysis of a sample of 247 Brazilian companies was used, supporting the grouping of the companies as follows: 38.49% of them had the conservative attitude; 29.14% of them had the collaborative attitude; 14.97% of them had the opportunistic attitude; and 17.40% of them had the transformational attitude. We found that the relational attitudes should be adjusted to the individual contractors’ conditions, specific characteristics, and sectors. Our results also emphasize that the type of outsourced activity (traditional or customized) enables the managers to identify the need to balance the participation in relational governance. This study brings innovations to the understanding of the importance of the relationship between the contractor and the supplier, supporting, for example, the prioritization of new relational profiles according to the level of the IT service that was contracted, whether it is traditional or customized.
Paper-Based Analytical Device for One-Step Detection of Bisphenol-A Using Functionalized Chitosan
Authors: Karrat Abdelhafid , Amine Aziz
Published: November 2022

Bisphenol-A (BPA) is defined as one of the endocrine disrupting compounds. The accurate and inexpensive colorimetric paper-based analytical devices (PADs) are of crucial importance for BPA analysis. In this context, we developed for the first time a new PAD modified with chitosan and sulfamethoxazole (Chitosan-PAD) for the visual detection of BPA in water. The PAD was characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, which confirmed its modification by the functionalized chitosan. A yellow coloration was developed when a small volume of BPA was added to the Chitosan-PAD, allowing for visual and smartphone detection. This new strategy is based on a specific combination of BPA with chitosan and sulfamethoxazole that provides a hight selectivity to the Chitosan-PAD. The proposed PAD was successfully employed in combination with a pre-concentration step for the detection of 0.01 µg mL−1 of PBA with the naked eye using a 10-fold preconcentration factor. The PAD was effectively applied for BPA quantification in water samples with good recoveries. The developed PAD provides a green and cost-effective strategy for the on-site and one-step detection of BPA in water samples.
Review on Advanced Cancer Modeling for a Cancer Study
Authors: Cho Yong-Hee
Published: November 2022

Intensive efforts to develop anti-cancer agents have been made for over 60 years. However, cancer is still considered a lethal disease. To study the best anti-cancer agents for improving the survival rates of cancer patients, many researchers have focused on establishing advanced experimental applications reflecting on the biomimetics of cancer patients involving the heterogeneity of cancer cells. The heterogeneity of cancer cells, which are derived from various clones and affected by different environments, presents different genetic backgrounds and molecular characteristics attributed to the differential responses to cancer therapies, and these are responsible for the resistance to cancer therapies, as well as for recurrence following cancer treatments. Therefore, the development of advanced applications for the cancer patient is expected to help the development of more effective anti-cancer agents. The present review evaluates recently developed cancer models encompassing the heterogeneity of cancer cells, which present similar morphological architecture, genetic backgrounds, and molecular characteristics to corresponding patient tumor tissues.
Dynamic Damage Quantification of Slab Tracks—Finite Element Models on Winkler Soil and Finite-Element Boundary-Element Models on Continuous Soil
Authors: Auersch Lutz , Song Jiaojiao
Published: November 2022

Train passages over intact or damaged slab tracks on different soils were calculated by two methods. The finite element method (FEM) uses a Winkler soil under the track model by adding a thin “soil layer”. The combined finite-element boundary-element method has a continuous soil model that is included by the boundary element method. The basic results are the distributions of the track (rail, track plate, and base layer) displacements along the track for a single axle load. These solutions were superposed to a complete train load and transformed to time histories. The influence of track and soil parameters was analysed. The main interest was the influence of the track damage. A gap between the track plate and base layer of different lengths was studied for changes in amplitudes and widths of deflection. A best fit to measured track displacements was found so that the track damage could be identified and quantified. The FEM model with the Winkler soil cannot be fitted to the amplitude and width with the same soil parameters. Therefore, the FEBEM model is preferable for these railway track problems.
Robust Superhydrophobic Coatings for Enhanced Corrosion Resistance and Dielectric Properties
Authors: Shao Wentao , Kan Qi , Bai Xinxin , Wang Chengqian
Published: November 2022

Multifunctional super-repellent composite coatings play an important part in academic and industrial fields, while it is still a great challenge to effectively integrate a variety of functions into one material. Mg alloys having low density, high strength-to-weight ratio, and good shielding, are widely used in electronic devices, while it is susceptible to sever corrosion especially in moist air and ocean atmosphere. Here, a versatile superhydrophobic coating with organic-inorganic hybrid structure and hierarchical surface textures, integrating robust wettability with design manipulation is synthesized by assembling modified SiO2 nanoparticles on polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) layer on the AZ31 Mg alloy. The composite coating has good water repellency with a contact angle of 170.5°, due to the micro/nano textures and low surface energy. The composite coating increases the corrosion potential of AZ31 Mg from −1.483 V to −1.243 V, and reduces the corrosion current density by 3 orders of magnitude. Remarkably, the superhydrophobic coating displays enticing damage-resistance (>40 cycles), superior environmental stability (thermal shock and outdoor placement) and self-cleaning function. Moreover, the composite coatings display excellent electrical properties with superior voltage resistance (>30 V/μm), and high resistivity (>1012 Ω∙cm), as well the coating has a low dielectric constant (≈3.91) and dielectric loss (0.0094), which are great advantages for the electronic or electrical engineering applications. We expect that the versatile super-repellent coating can be used as candidates for novel advanced energy materials, especially in harsh environments.
Hybrid or Component?—Schiff Base Complexes and Laccase
Authors: Akitsu Takashiro
Published: November 2022

To date, only a few articles related to the hybrid materials of Schiff base metal complexes and laccase, an oxygen-reducing enzyme, have been published in Compounds since its inception in 2021 [...]
Is Laparoscopic Hepatectomy Safe for Giant Liver Tumors? Proposal from a Single Institution for Totally Laparoscopic Hemihepatectomy Using an Anterior Approach for Giant Liver Tumors Larger Than 10 cm in Diameter
Authors: Nitta Hiroyuki , Sasaki Akira , Katagiri Hirokatsu , Kanno Shoji , Umemura Akira
Published: November 2022

Background: The efficacy and safety of laparoscopic liver resections for liver tumors that are larger than 10 cm remain unclear. We developed a safe laparoscopic right hemihepatectomy for giant liver tumors using an anterior approach. Methods: Eighty patients who underwent laparoscopic hemihepatectomy between January 2011 and December 2021 were divided into a nongiant tumor group (n = 65) and a giant tumor group (n = 15) for comparison. Results: The median operating time, amount of blood loss, and length of postoperative hospital stay did not differ significantly between the nongiant and giant tumor groups. The sizes of the tumors and weights of the resected liver were significantly larger in the giant tumor group. A comparison between a nongiant group (n = 23) and a giant group (n = 12) treated with laparoscopic right hemihepatectomy showed similar results. Conclusions: Laparoscopic hemihepatectomy, especially that performed on the right side, for giant tumors larger than 10 cm can be performed safely. Surgical techniques for giant liver tumors have been standardized, and their application is expected to spread widely in the future.
PD-L1 Activity Is Associated with Partial EMT and Metabolic Reprogramming in Carcinomas
Authors: Muralidharan Srinath , Sehgal Manas , Soundharya R. , Mandal Susmita , Majumdar Sauma Suvra , Yeshwanth M. , Saha Aryamaan , Jolly Mohit Kumar
Published: November 2022

Immune evasion and metabolic reprogramming are hallmarks of cancer progression often associated with a poor prognosis and frequently present significant challenges for cancer therapies. Recent studies have highlighted the dynamic interaction between immunosuppression and the dysregulation of energy metabolism in modulating the tumor microenvironment to promote cancer aggressiveness. However, a pan-cancer association among these two hallmarks, and a potent common driver for them—epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)—remains to be done. This meta-analysis across 184 publicly available transcriptomic datasets as well as The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data reveals that an enhanced PD-L1 activity signature along with other immune checkpoint markers correlate positively with a partial EMT and an elevated glycolysis signature but a reduced OXPHOS signature in many carcinomas. These trends were also recapitulated in single-cell, RNA-seq, time-course EMT induction data across cell lines. Furthermore, across multiple cancer types, concurrent enrichment of glycolysis and PD-L1 results in worse outcomes in terms of overall survival as compared to enrichment for only PD-L1 activity or expression. These results highlight potential functional synergy among these interconnected axes of cellular plasticity in enabling metastasis and multi-drug resistance in cancer.
Consolidation Systemic Therapy in Locally Advanced, Inoperable Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer—How to Identify Patients Which Can Benefit from It?
Authors: Jeremić Branislav , Mariamidze Elene , Shoshiashvili Inga , Kiladze Ivane
Published: November 2022

Background: Consolidation systemic therapy (ST) given after concurrent radiotherapy (RT) and ST (RT-ST) is frequently practiced in locally advanced inoperable nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Little is known, however, about the fate of patients achieving different responses after concurrent phases of the treatment. Methods: we searched the English-language literature to identify full-length articles on phase II and Phase III clinical studies employing consolidation ST after initial concurrent RT-ST. We sought information about response evaluation after the concurrent phase and the outcome of these patient subgroups, the patterns of failure per response achieved after the concurrent phase as well as the outcome of these subgroups after the consolidation phase. Results: Eighty-seven articles have been initially identified, of which 20 studies were excluded for various reasons, leaving, therefore, a total of 67 studies for our analysis. Response evaluation after the concurrent phase was performed in 36 (54%) studies but in only 14 (21%) response data were provided, while in 34 (51%) studies patients underwent a consolidation phase regardless of the response. No study provided any outcome (survivals, patterns of failure) as per response achieved after the concurrent phase. Conclusions: Information regarding the outcome of subgroups of patients achieving different responses after the concurrent phase and before the administration of the consolidation phase is still lacking. This may negatively affect the decision-making process as it remains unknown which patients may preferentially benefit from the consolidation of ST.
Optimization and Design of a Flexible Droop Nose Leading Edge Morphing Wing Based on a Novel Black Widow Optimization (B.W.O.) Algorithm—Part II
Authors: Bashir Musavir , Longtin-Martel Simon , Zonzini Nicola , Botez Ruxandra , Ceruti Alessandro , Wong Tony
Published: November 2022

This work presents an aerodynamic and structural optimization for a Droop Nose Leading Edge Morphing airfoil as a high lift device for the UAS-S45. The results were obtained using three optimization algorithms: coupled Particle Swarm Optimization-Pattern Search, Genetic Algorithm, and Black Widow Optimization algorithm. The lift-to-drag ratio was used as the fitness function, and the impact of the choice of optimization algorithm selection on the fitness function was evaluated. The optimization was carried out at various Mach numbers of 0.08, 0.1, and 0.15, respectively, and at the cruise and take-off flight conditions. All these optimization algorithms obtained effectively comparable lift-to-drag ratio results with differences of less than 0.03% and similar airfoil geometries and pressure distributions. In addition, an unsteady analysis of a Variable Morphing Leading Edge airfoil with a dynamic meshing scheme was carried out to study its flow behaviour at different angles of attack and the feasibility of leading-edge downward deflection as a stall control mechanism. The numerical results showed that the variable morphing leading edge reduces the flow separation areas over an airfoil and increases the stall angle of attack. Furthermore, a preliminary investigation was conducted into the design and sensitivity analysis of a morphing leading-edge structure of the UAS-S45 wing integrated with an internal actuation mechanism. The correlation and determination matrices were computed for the composite wing geometry for sensitivity analysis to obtain the parameters with the highest correlation coefficients. The parameters include the composite material qualities, thickness, ply angles, and the ply stacking sequence. These findings can be utilized to design the flexible skin optimization framework, obtain the target droop nose deflections for the morphing leading edge, and design an improved model.
Assessment of Cost-Effectiveness of Computerized Cranial Tomography in Children with Mild Head Trauma
Authors: Çalik Mustafa , Ersoy Ayşe Hilal , Ekin Elif Evrim , Öztürk Derya , Güleç Seda Geylani
Published: November 2022

Purpose: Pediatric head traumas constitute the majority of admissions to emergency departments (ED) due to trauma. This study aims to draw attention to the use of cranial computerized tomography (CT) scans in the evaluation of children with head trauma under the age of 18, and to determine CT scans’ usefulness in terms of cost-effectiveness. Materials and Methods: Age, gender, mechanism of trauma and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), diagnosis, time of admission to hospital, hospitalization and operation, cranial computerized tomography and hospitalization costs of all cases were retrospectively analyzed. Results: A total of 26,412 patients younger than 18 years old who were admitted to the emergency department due to head trauma and who had a cranial tomography were analyzed. They had a mean age of 7.74 ± 5.66 years. In total, 26,363 (99.8%) of these patients had a GCS greater than 14. Out of these patients, only 402 (1.5%) had brain injury revealed by cranial CT, 41 (0.2%) of these patients were operated and 3 of the patients lost their lives. The total cost of patients admitted to the emergency department with a head injury amounts to USD 583,317. Furthermore, 75.78% of this cost comes from negative cranial CTs. A cost analysis according to different age groups did not show a meaningful difference between 0–2 years and 3–5 years (p = 1.000), but there was a meaningful difference for all the other age groups. Conclusion: Our findings show that applying algorithms to predict traumatic brain injury in children with mild head injury rather than scanning all patients with cranial CT will enable more reliable and cost-effective patient care. Current practices should be reviewed to avoid unnecessary radiation exposure and expense in the ED. It is also necessary to inform and educate parents about the risk/benefit ratio of cranial CT scans.
A New Chaotic Image Encryption Algorithm Based on Transversals in a Latin Square
Authors: Shen Honglian , Shan Xiuling , Xu Ming , Tian Zihong
Published: November 2022

In this paper, a new combinatorial structure is introduced for image encryption, which has an excellent encryption effect on security and efficiency. An n-transversal in a Latin square has the function of classifying all the matrix’s positions, and it can provide a pair of orthogonal Latin squares. Employing an n-transversal of a Latin square, we can permutate all the pixels of an image group by group for the first time, then use two Latin squares for auxiliary diffusion based on a chaotic sequence, and finally, make use of a pair of orthogonal Latin squares to perform the second scrambling. The whole encryption process is “scrambling–diffusion–scrambling”. The experimental results indicated that this algorithm passed various tests and achieved a secure and fast encryption effect, which outperformed many of the latest papers. The final information entropy was very close to 8, and the correlation coefficient was approximately 0. All these tests verified the robustness and practicability of the proposed algorithm.
Model Checking with Right Censored Data Using Relative Belief Ratio
Authors: Al-Labadi Luai , Alzaatreh Ayman , Asuncion Mark
Published: November 2022

Model checking is a topic of special interest in statistics. When data are censored, the problem becomes more difficult. This paper employs the relative belief ratio and the beta-Stacy process to develop a method for model checking in the presence of right-censored data. The proposed method for the given model of interest compares the concentration of the posterior distribution to the concentration of the prior distribution using a relative belief ratio. We propose a computational algorithm for the method and then illustrate the method through several data analysis examples.