bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards Accurate Skin Lesion Classification across All Skin Categories Using a PCNN Fusion-Based Data Augmentation Approach
Authors: Chabi Adjobo Esther , Sanda Mahama Amadou Tidjani , Gouton Pierre , Tossa Joël
Published: March 2022

Deep learning models yield remarkable results in skin lesions analysis. However, these models require considerable amounts of data, while accessibility to the images with annotated skin lesions is often limited, and the classes are often imbalanced. Data augmentation is one way to alleviate the lack of labeled data and class imbalance. This paper proposes a new data augmentation method based on image fusion technique to construct large dataset on all existing tones. The fusion method consists of a pulse-coupled neural network fusion strategy in a non-subsampled shearlet transform domain and consists of three steps: decomposition, fusion, and reconstruction. The dermoscopic dataset is obtained by combining ISIC2019 and ISIC2020 Challenge datasets. A comparative study with current algorithms was performed to access the effectiveness of the proposed one. The first experiment results indicate that the proposed algorithm best preserves the lesion dermoscopic structure and skin tones features. The second experiment, which consisted of training a convolutional neural network model with the augmented dataset, indicates a more significant increase in accuracy by 15.69%, and 15.38% respectively for tanned, and brown skin categories. The model precision, recall, and F1-score have also been increased. The obtained results indicate that the proposed augmentation method is suitable for dermoscopic images and can be used as a solution to the lack of dark skin images in the dataset.
Improved Method for Preparing Nanospheres from Pomelo Peel to Achieve High Graphitization at a Low Temperature
Authors: Zeng Lingdong , Wang Youbin , Guo Yixuan , Dai Xiang , Chen Liu , He Chunlin , Nhung Nguyen Thi Hong , Wei Yuezhou , Dodbiba Gjergj , Fujita Toyohisa
Published: March 2022

Biomass waste is a valuable resource that can be recovered, reused, and is renewable. However, converting biomass waste to a high degree of order is a bigger challenge, and graphitization at low temperatures is even more difficult. This paper proposes an improved method (Ni element catalysis) for highly graphitizing pomelo peel at low temperatures (750 –900 °C). In this paper, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) were used to study the method and the effect of temperature on structural changes during graphitization. Under the improved method, pomelo peel was transformed into nano-spherical graphitized material. The degree of graphitization reached 80.23% at 900 °C, which was 31.39% higher than that of the traditional method. Furthermore, through HRTEM, the lattice fringe spacing was observed to be 0.337 nm, which is between pure graphite (0.3354 nm) and amorphous graphite (0.3440 nm). In this paper, the improved method can obtain highly graphitized nanospheres at low temperatures, thus reducing energy consumption, reducing environmental pollution, and promoting sustainable development.
The Role of the 21-Gene Recurrence Score® Assay in Hormone Receptor-Positive, Node-Positive Breast Cancer: The Canadian Experience
Authors: Yordanova Mariya , Hassan Saima
Published: March 2022

The management of patients with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer has changed dramatically with use of the 21-gene Recurrence Score® (RS) Assay. While the utility of the assay was initially demonstrated among node-negative patients, recent studies have also demonstrated the assay’s prognostic and predictive value in node-positive patients. In Canada, the RS assay is reimbursed by provincial health insurance plans, but not all provinces have approved the use of the assay for patients with node-positive disease. Here, we provide an overview of the clinical factors that influence physician recommendation of the RS assay and, alternatively, the impact of the RS assay on patient treatment decisions in Canada. We performed a comprehensive review of the impact of the assay upon physician treatment decisions and cost in node-positive breast cancer patients within Canada and other countries. Furthermore, we evaluated biomarkers that can predict the RS result, in addition to other genomic assays that predict recurrence risk among node-positive patients. Overall, the 21-gene RS assay was shown to be a cost-effective tool that significantly reduced the use of chemotherapy in node-positive breast cancer patients in Canada.
A Powerful Paradigm for Cardiovascular Risk Stratification Using Multiclass, Multi-Label, and Ensemble-Based Machine Learning Paradigms: A Narrative Review
Authors: Suri Jasjit S. , Bhagawati Mrinalini , Paul Sudip , Protogerou Athanasios D. , Sfikakis Petros P. , Kitas George D. , Khanna Narendra N. , Ruzsa Zoltan , Sharma Aditya M. , Saxena Sanjay , Faa Gavino , Laird John R. , Johri Amer M. , Kalra Manudeep K. , Paraskevas Kosmas I. , Saba Luca
Published: March 2022

Background and Motivation: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) causes the highest mortality globally. With escalating healthcare costs, early non-invasive CVD risk assessment is vital. Conventional methods have shown poor performance compared to more recent and fast-evolving Artificial Intelligence (AI) methods. The proposed study reviews the three most recent paradigms for CVD risk assessment, namely multiclass, multi-label, and ensemble-based methods in (i) office-based and (ii) stress-test laboratories. Methods: A total of 265 CVD-based studies were selected using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) model. Due to its popularity and recent development, the study analyzed the above three paradigms using machine learning (ML) frameworks. We review comprehensively these three methods using attributes, such as architecture, applications, pro-and-cons, scientific validation, clinical evaluation, and AI risk-of-bias (RoB) in the CVD framework. These ML techniques were then extended under mobile and cloud-based infrastructure. Findings: Most popular biomarkers used were office-based, laboratory-based, image-based phenotypes, and medication usage. Surrogate carotid scanning for coronary artery risk prediction had shown promising results. Ground truth (GT) selection for AI-based training along with scientific and clinical validation is very important for CVD stratification to avoid RoB. It was observed that the most popular classification paradigm is multiclass followed by the ensemble, and multi-label. The use of deep learning techniques in CVD risk stratification is in a very early stage of development. Mobile and cloud-based AI technologies are more likely to be the future. Conclusions: AI-based methods for CVD risk assessment are most promising and successful. Choice of GT is most vital in AI-based models to prevent the RoB. The amalgamation of image-based strategies with conventional risk factors provides the highest stability when using the three CVD paradigms in non-cloud and cloud-based frameworks.
Effectiveness and Safety of Real-Time Transthoracic Ultrasound-Guided Thoracentesis
Authors: Sperandeo Marco , Quarato Carla Maria Irene , Squatrito Rosario , Fuso Paolo , Dimitri Lucia , Simeone Anna , Notarangelo Stefano , Lacedonia Donato
Published: March 2022

Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to specifically evaluate the effectiveness and safety of real-time ultrasound-guided thoracentesis in a case series of pleural effusion. Patients and methods: An observational prospective study was conducted. From February 2018 to December 2019, a total of 361 consecutive real-time transthoracic ultrasound (TUS)-guided thoracentesis were performed in the Unit of Diagnostic and Interventional Ultrasound of the Research Hospital “Fondazione Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza” of San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy. The primary indication for thoracentesis was therapeutic in all the cases (i.e., evacuation of persistent small/moderate pleural effusions to avoid super-infection; drainage of symptomatic moderate/massive effusions). For completeness, further diagnostic investigations (including chemical, microbiological, and cytological analysis) were conducted. All the procedures were performed by two internists with more than 30 years of experience in interventional ultrasound using a multifrequency convex probe (3–8 MHz). For pleural effusions with a depth of 2–3 cm measured at the level of the costo-phrenic sinus was employed a dedicated holed convex-array probe (5 MHz). Results: In all the cases, the attempts at thoracentesis were successful, allowing the achievement of the therapeutic purpose of the procedure (i.e., the complete drying of the pleural space or the withdrawal of fluid till a “safe” quantity [a mean of 1.5 L, max 2 L] producing relief from symptoms) regardless of the initial extent of the pleural effusion. There were only 3 cases of pneumothorax, for a prevalence rate of complications in this population of 0.83%. No statistical difference was recorded in the rate of pneumothorax according to the initial amount of pleural fluid in the effusion (p = 0.12). All the pleural effusions classified as transudates showed an anechoic TUS appearance. Only the exudative effusions showed a complex nonseptated or a hyperechoic TUS appearance. However, an anechoic TUS pattern was not unequivocally associated with transudates. Some chronic transudates have been classified as exudates by Light’s criteria, showing also a complex nonseptated TUS appearance. The cytological examination of the drained fluid allowed the detection of neoplastic cells in 15.89% cases. On the other hand, the microbiological examination of effusions yielded negative results in all the cases. Conclusions: Real-time TUS-guided thoracentesis is a therapeutically effective and safe procedure, despite the diagnostic yield of the cytological or microbiological examinations on the collected liquid being very low. Future blinded randomized studies are required to definitely clarify the actual benefit of the real-time TUS-guided procedure over percussion-guided and other ultrasound-based procedures.
Developing Intercultural Mindedness through an Experiential Learning Activity—A Case Study from Singapore
Authors: Layne Heidi , Teng Siao See
Published: March 2022

Recent incidents of alleged racism worldwide amid the COVID-19 pandemic have challenged us to ponder on the meaning and importance of intercultural education. However, it can be difficult to understand the ways in which intercultural discourse can be beneficial for learning, as well as prepare young people to act against racism and inequalities to work towards a more sustainable future. This study presents analysis of learning materials from a case study conducted in one secondary school in Singapore. The objective of the activity is for students to engage in intercultural learning by participating in walking trails with different themes in a few neighborhoods, to learn more about the history of and life in multiracial Singapore. Researchers followed and observed the two-day event and collected data from the students. Specifically, written reflections from a trail named Many Races—One Nation were collected from the students, as well as their reflective posters at the end of the event. The content analysis of these artefacts concentrates on the meanings and ideologies underlying intercultural learning through an examination of the learning materials and the students’ responses. Furthermore, this study introduces an intercultural mindedness framework that transcends the conflict avoidance approach for deeper learning.
Optimal Scheduling of Time-Sensitive Networks for Automotive Ethernet Based on Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Kim Hyeong-Jun , Lee Kyung-Chang , Kim Man-Ho , Lee Suk
Published: March 2022

In this paper, we proposed a scheduling method to optimize a time-critical traffic using genetic algorithm in automotive ethernet networks. The proposed traffic scheduling method aims to generate a transmission schedule to minimize end-to-end delay, variation of reception time at the destination (jitter), and bandwidth utilization. These indicators should be simultaneously considered when generating a schedule since they are closely related to the performance of the networks. However, it is not easy to schedule the traffic considering these indicators together since they have different sizes and units. To solve this problem, the fitness function to evaluate performance of a chromosome has normalized indicators as parameters. A chromosome in the genetic algorithm consists of genes containing information (size, transmission period, and network delay) of messages to be scheduled. Finally, the applicability of the proposed schedule optimization method was examined by simulating an extended automotive Ethernet network for an autonomous vehicle.
Novel In-Memory Computing Adder Using 8+T SRAM
Authors: Song Soonbum , Kim Youngmin
Published: March 2022

Von Neumann architecture-based computing systems are facing a von Neumann bottleneck owing to data transfer between separated memory and processor units. In-memory computing (IMC), on the other hand, reduces energy consumption and improves computing performance. This study explains an 8+T SRAM IMC circuit based on 8+T differential SRAM (8+T SRAM) and proposes 8+T SRAM-based IMC full adder (FA) and 8+T SRAM-based IMC approximate adder, which are based on the 8+T SRAM IMC circuit. The 8+T SRAM IMC circuit performs SRAM read and bitwise operations simultaneously and performs each logic operation parallelly. The proposed IMC FA and the proposed IMC approximate adder can be applied to a multi-bit adder. The two adders are based on the 8+T SRAM IMC circuit and thus read and compute simultaneously. In this study, the 8+T SRAM IMC circuit was applied to the adder, leveraging its ability to perform read and logic operations simultaneously. According to the performance in this study, the 8+T SRAM IMC circuit, proposed FA, proposed RCA, and proposed approximated adder are good candidates for IMC, which aims to reduce energy consumption and improve overall performance.
Nonlinear Mixed Effect Model Used in a Simulation of the Impact of Climate Change on Height Growth of Cyclobalanopsis glauca
Authors: Duan Huiliang , Zhang Gui
Published: March 2022

Localized climate is sensitive to terrain, underlying surface material, building distribution, green coverage and CO2 emissions. The Regional Climate Model (RegCM) was used to make a statistical detailed analysis of the climate change data in a specific study area to obtain fine-scale distribution of climatic elements data over time. The effects of climate change factors on height growth trends of a climate-sensitive tree species (Cyclobalanopsis glauca) were simulated based on historical climate base line data (1961–2010) and future climate change (2010–2100) predictions. Cyclobalanopsis glauca growth trends were simulated and analyzed by using a nonlinear mixed effect model (NLME). The results showed that under the RCP8.5 emissions scenario, the growth promotion effect on the height growth of Cyclobalanopsis glauca will be obvious. Under RCP4.5 and RCP2.6 emissions scenarios, although the inhibition intensity is not exactly the same, height growth will still be inhibited to a certain extent, which may lead to the gradual extinction of this species, affecting the composition of dominant tree species in the study area. The results indirectly reflect the impact of climate change on tree species diversity in the future.
Proposing Two Local Modeling Approaches for Discriminating PGI Sunite Lamb from Other Origins Using Stable Isotopes and Machine Learning
Authors: Zhao Ruting , Liu Xiaoxia , Wang Jishi , Wang Yanyun , Chen Ai-Liang , Zhao Yan , Yang Shuming
Published: March 2022

For the protection of Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) Sunite lamb, PGI Sunite lamb samples and lamb samples from two other banners in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region were distinguished by stable isotopes (δ13C, δ15N, δ2H, and δ18O) and two local modeling approaches. In terms of the main characteristics and predictive performance, local modeling was better than global modeling. The accuracies of five local models (LDA, RF, SVM, BPNN, and KNN) obtained by the Adaptive Kennard–Stone algorithm were 91.30%, 95.65%, 91.30%, 100%, and 91.30%, respectively. The accuracies of the five local models obtained by an approach of PCA–Full distance based on DD–SIMCA were 91.30%, 91.30%, 91.30%, 100%, and 95.65%, respectively. The accuracies of the five global models were 91.30%, 91.30%, 91.30%, 100%, and 91.30%, respectively. Stable isotope ratio analysis combined with local modeling can be used as an effective indicator for protecting PGI Sunite lamb.
Defining Amaranth, Buckwheat and Quinoa Flour Levels in Gluten-Free Bread: A Simultaneous Improvement on Physical Properties, Acceptability and Nutrient Composition through Mixture Design
Authors: Aguiar Etiene Valéria , Santos Fernanda Garcia , Centeno Ana Carolina Ladeia Solera , Capriles Vanessa Dias
Published: March 2022

The study aimed to define the ideal proportions of pseudocereal flours (PF) in sensory-accepted gluten-free bread (GFB) formulations. The characteristics of GFB developed with PF (amaranth, buckwheat, and quinoa) were verified through a mixture design and response surface methodology. Three simplex-centroid designs were studied to analyze the effects of each PF and their interactions with potato starch (PS), and rice flour (RF) on GFB’s physical and sensory characteristics, each design producing three single, three binary and six ternary GFB formulations. Results showed that using PF alone resulted in unacceptable GFB. However, the interactions between PF and RF improved the loaf specific volume and the crumb softness and also enhanced appearance, color, odor, texture, flavor, and overall liking. Moreover, the composite formulations prepared with 50% PF and 50% RF (flour basis) presented physical properties and acceptability scores like those of white GFB, prepared with 100% RF or a 50% RF + 50% PS blend (flour basis). Maximum proportions of PF to obtain well-accepted GFB (scores ≥7 for all evaluated attributes on a 10-cm hybrid hedonic scale) were defined at 60% for amaranth flour (AF), 85% for buckwheat flour (BF), and 82% for quinoa flour (QF) in blends with RF.
Methanogenesis from Mineral Carbonates, a Potential Indicator for Life on Mars
Authors: Wormald Richard M. , Hopwood Jeremy , Humphreys Paul N. , Mayes William , Gomes Helena I. , Rout Simon P.
Published: March 2022

Priorities for the exploration of Mars involve the identification and observation of biosignatures that indicate the existence of life on the planet. The atmosphere and composition of the sediments on Mars suggest suitability for anaerobic chemolithotrophic metabolism. Carbonates are often considered as morphological biosignatures, such as stromatolites, but have not been considered as potential electron acceptors. Within the present study, hydrogenotrophic methanogen enrichments were generated from sediments that had received significant quantities of lime from industrial processes (lime kiln/steel production). These enrichments were then supplemented with calcium carbonate powder or marble chips as a sole source of carbon. These microcosms saw a release of inorganic carbon into the liquid phase, which was subsequently removed, resulting in the generation of methane, with 0.37 ± 0.09 mmoles of methane observed in the steel sediment enrichments supplemented with calcium carbonate powder. The steel sediment microcosms and lime sediments with carbonate powder enrichments were dominated by Methanobacterium sp., whilst the lime/marble enrichments were more diverse, containing varying proportions of Methanomassiliicoccus, Methanoculleus and Methanosarcina sp. In all microcosm experiments, acetic acid was detected in the liquid phase. Our results indicate that chemolithotrophic methanogenesis should be considered when determining biosignatures for life on Mars.
Patients’ Health Literacy in Rehabilitation: Comparison between the Estimation of Patients and Health Care Professionals
Authors: Voigt-Barbarowicz Mona , Dietz Günter , Renken Nicole , Schmöger Ruben , Brütt Anna Levke
Published: March 2022

The term health literacy (HL) comprises the handling of health information and disease-specific and generic self-management skills, especially relevant for patients with chronic conditions. Health care professionals (HCPs) should correctly identify patients’ communication needs and their HL levels. Therefore, the aims of the study were (1) to determine inpatient medical rehabilitation patients’ HL based on self-assessment, (2) to evaluate changes from admission to discharge, (3) to identify HCPs estimation of patients’ HL, and (4) to compare the estimated patient HL by patients and HCPs. A combined cross-sectional and longitudinal study was conducted in an orthopedic rehabilitation center in Germany. The multidimensional Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ) was filled in by patients (admission, discharge). An adapted version was administered to HCPs (n = 32) in order to assess HL of individual patients. Data from 287 patients were used for the longitudinal analysis, and comparison was based on n = 278 cases with at least two HL estimations. The results showed a significant increase in HL in five of nine scales with small effect sizes. Moreover, HCPs mostly provided higher scores than patients, and agreement was poor to fair. Differences between the HL estimation might lead to communication problems, and communication training could be useful.
Theoretical Model and Actual Characteristics of Air Pollution Affecting Health Cost: A Review
Authors: Xu Xiaocang , Yang Haoran , Li Chang
Published: March 2022

Background: The impact of environmental pollution (such as air pollution) on health costs has received a great deal of global attention in the last 20 years. Methods: This review aims to summarize the theoretical analysis model of air pollution affecting health costs, and further explore the actual characteristics of the impact of air pollution on health costs. The following main databases were taken into account: Web of Science Core Collection, Medline, SCOPUS, PubMed, and CNKI (China). As of 30 March 2021, we retrieved a total of 445 papers and ended up with 52 articles. Results: This review mainly expounds clarification of the concept of air pollution and health costs, the theoretical model and the actual characteristics of air pollution affecting health costs. In addition, it also discusses other related factors affecting health costs. Conclusion: Our conclusion is that, while academic research on the relationship between air pollution and health costs has made some progress, there are still some shortcomings, such as insufficient consideration of individual avoidance behavior and rural–urban and international mobility. Therefore, the simple use of the original data obtained in the statistical yearbook of the health cost caused by air pollution is also the reason for the errors in the empirical results. In addition, the choice of proxy variables of environmental pollution by scholars is relatively simple, mainly focusing on air pollutants, while the impact of water quality or soil pollution safety on health costs is becoming increasingly prominent, and will become the focus of future research.
A Pilot Study of Interactive-Video Games in People with Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Lin Yu-Fang , Liu Megan F. , Ho Mu-Hsing , Lin Yen-Kuang , Hsiao Yu-Ling , Wang Ming-Hsu , Chang Chia-Chi , Montayre Jed
Published: March 2022

Early preventive strategies for improving cognitive function are crucial for people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Cognitive training exercises may improve cognitive functioning. However, there was limited evidence from training programs that combined cognitive-specific and physical activities, particularly in using interactive video games as interventions. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and effects of the interactive-video games on cognitive function, physical function, mood status and quality of life in community-dwelling people with MCI. A quasi-experimental study was undertaken. Participants in the intervention group received 60 min group-based training program once per week for 12 weeks. A generalised estimating equation (GEE) was used to examine the main effect, interactions and changes in outcomes over time. Sixteen participants completed the trial with eight in the intervention group and eight in the comparison group. The tolerable acceptance rate, perfect attendance rate, high satisfaction with the training content, and no injuries or falls demonstrated the feasibility of this program. The scores of cognitive function increased in both groups and the interaction between time and groups were significant over 12 weeks of training (p < 0.05). As the result, we determined that interactive-video games can be a safe, feasible, enjoyable intervention and user-friendly among people with MCI in community settings.
Palliative Care Needs Assessment in the Population Living in Mayotte: SPMAYOTTE, a Qualitative Study Conducted with 62 Patients, Caregivers and Healthcare Professionals
Authors: Benoist Raphaël , Walker Philippe , Allain-Baco Karine , Aubry Régis
Published: March 2022

Background/Aim: Mayotte is a French island in the Indian Ocean. There is no palliative care structure in this territory. The island and its population have specific characteristics: insularity, poverty, coexistence of modern and traditional medicine, importance of religion (Islam) and the presence of many foreigners without health insurance. The aim of this study is to determine the palliative care needs of the Mayotte population and propose the establishment of an appropriate service. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted in Mayotte using interviews with patients and their caregivers, and focus groups were conducted with healthcare professionals involved in their care. Patients requiring palliative care were identified and recruited from the hospital or the patient’s home by healthcare professionals. Results: A total of 62 people participated in the study between May and June 2019. The needs expressed were analysed and then grouped into categories: access to medical care (especially at home), management of physical symptoms (analgesia) and psychological symptoms, organisation of care (coordination between healthcare professionals) and training of healthcare professionals (pain management, palliative care, interculturality and translation), taking into account cultural and religious aspects. Regarding the foreign population, the categories were: improving access to healthcare, access to the social protection system and daily living conditions (transport, food and accommodation). Conclusions: The specific needs of the population, assessed through the study, have led to an original proposal, which differs from the usual structures of palliative care in France.
Foliar Spraying of Selenium Combined with Biochar Alleviates Cadmium Toxicity in Peanuts and Enriches Selenium in Peanut Grains
Authors: Shao Shiwei , Ma Bing , Ai Liuhuan , Tian Xia , Zhang Lei
Published: March 2022

Cadmium (Cd) pollution in soil, particularly in peanut production, is a problem that has attracted global concern and needs solutions urgently. Selenium (Se) can alleviate Cd toxicity; however, the underlying mechanisms are not completely understood. Therefore, two varieties of peanut (Arachis hypogaea Linn.), “Huayu 23” and “Huayu 20”, were chosen as the target crops for this study. A pot experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of two Se application methods combined with biochar on the accumulation of Cd and Se, and the best application method was identified. In addition, the role of Se in alleviating Cd toxicity in peanuts was studied. The results indicated that both Se and biochar decreased the Cd content in peanuts and alleviated Cd toxicity. However, the combined application of foliar Se and biochar significantly increased the peanut biomass by 73.44–132.41%, increased the grain yield of Huayu 23 by 0.60–1.09 fold, and Huayu 20 by 2.38–3.48 fold. Additionally, Cd content in peanut grains was decreased by 32.81–50.07%, and Se content was increased by 31.57–99.75 folds. Biochar can decrease the absorption of Cd from the soil, while Se can increase the accumulation of Cd in cell vacuoles by increasing glutathione and phytochelatin to decrease the movement of Cd into the grains. Therefore, our results indicate that the combined application of foliar Se and biochar can effectively promote the enrichment of Se in peanuts and suppress Cd toxicity.
Association between Depression Severity and Physical Function among Chinese Nursing Home Residents: The Mediating Role of Different Types of Leisure Activities
Authors: Zhao Meng , Wang Yaqi , Wang Shan , Yang Yuan , Li Ming , Wang Kefang
Published: March 2022

Despite strong evidence associating depression with poor physical function, the underlying mechanisms of this association remain unknown. This study aimed to ascertain whether different types of leisure activities mediate the effect of depression severity on physical function. This cross-sectional descriptive study included 353 Chinese nursing home residents (aged ≥ 60 years; 197 female) from nursing homes of five districts (Lixia, Tianqiao, Huaiyin, Shizhong, and Licheng) in Jinan, Shandong Province, China, from March to June 2018. Multiple-mediation analyses, including regression and bootstrap analyses, were conducted to evaluate the association of depressive symptoms’ severity and active or passive leisure activities with physical function. Active, but not passive, leisure activities significantly mediated the effect of moderate/severe depressive symptoms on physical function compared to those without depressive symptoms. In contrast, there was no significant association between mild depressive symptoms and physical function. This study demonstrates that leisure activities affect the association between depressive symptoms’ severity and physical function, and its protective role depends on the type of leisure activities. Interventions for physical function should be designed by focusing on active leisure activities among older adults, especially those with moderate/severe depressive symptoms, to delay physical function and improve overall well-being.
Asymptomatic Malaria Infections in the Time of COVID-19 Pandemic: Experience from the Central African Republic
Authors: Bylicka-Szczepanowska Emilia , Korzeniewski Krzysztof
Published: March 2022

According to the latest World Health Organization malaria report, 95% of 241 million global malaria cases and 96% of 627,000 malaria deaths that were recorded in 2020 occurred in Africa. Compared to 2019, 14 million more cases and 69,000 more malaria deaths were recorded, mainly because of disruptions to medical services during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of asymptomatic malaria cases in children and adults living in the Dzanga Sangha region in the Central African Republic (CAR) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rapid immunochromatographic assays for the qualitative detection of Plasmodium species (P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale/P. malariae) circulating in whole blood samples were used. A screening was performed in the group of 515 patients, 162 seemingly healthy children (aged 1–15) and 353 adults, all inhabiting the villages in the Dzanga Sangha region (southwest CAR) between August and September 2021. As much as 51.2% of asymptomatic children and 12.2% of adults had a positive result in malaria rapid diagnostic tests (mRDTs). Our findings demonstrated a very high prevalence of asymptomatic malaria infections in the child population. Limited access to diagnostics, treatment and prevention of malaria during the global COVID-19 pandemic and less medical assistance from developed countries may be one of the factors contributing to the increase in the prevalence of disease in Africa.
Ownership Protection on Digital Elevation Model (DEM) Using Transform-Based Watermarking
Authors: Amhar Fahmi , Giri Endang Purnama , Silalahi Florence Elfriede Sinthauli , Neyman Shelvie Nidya , Anggrahito  , Ramdani Dadan , Jaya Danang , Sutrisno Dewayany , Kolopaking Sandi Adhitya , Rachma Tia Rizka Nuzula , Murdaningsih
Published: March 2022

This research aims to protect Digital Elevation Model (DEM) data from piracy or counterfeiting. An invisible watermark inserted into the data, which will not considerably change the data value, is necessary. The proposed method involves the use of the two-dimensional discrete cosine transform (2D DCT), a combination of 2D DCT and discrete wavelet transform (DWT), and two-dimensional discrete Fourier transform (2D DFT) in the frequency domain. The data used include a National DEM file downloaded from the geoportal of the Geospatial Information Agency (Badan Informasi Geospasial—BIG). Three files represent mountainous, lowland/urban, and coastal areas. An “attack” is also conducted on the watermarked DEM by cropping. The results indicate that the watermarked DEM is well recognized. The watermark can be read 100% for 2D DCT, while that for 2D DFT can be read 90.50%. The distortion value of the elevation data under the DCT technique demonstrates the smallest maximum value of 0.1 m compared with 4.5 and 1.1 m for 2D DFT and 2D DCT–DWT. Meanwhile, the height difference (Max Delta), the peak signal-to-noise ratio, and the root mean squared error (RMSE) are highest in mountainous, lowland, and coastal areas, respectively. Overall, the 2D DCT is also superior to the 2D DFT and the2D DCT–DWT. Although only one can recognize the nine watermarks inserted on each sheet, DEMs attacked by the cropping process can still be identified. However, this finding can sufficiently confirm that DEMs belong to BIG.
The Editor’s Choice for Issue 4, Volume 7
Authors: Millington David
Published: March 2022

Dear Readers: welcome to the Editor’s Choice for Volume 7, Issue 4 of the International Journal for Newborn Screening [...]
Stall Margin Improvement in an Axial Compressor by Continuous and Pulsed Tip Injection
Authors: Moubogha Moubogha Joseph , Margalida Gabriel , Joseph Pierric , Roussette Olivier , Dazin Antoine
Published: March 2022

Stall and surge are strong limitations in the operating range of compressors and thus one of the major limits of jet engine performance. A promising way to push the stability limit of compression machines is to inject a small amount of flow at the blade tip to alter the physical mechanism responsible for stall onset. This study focuses on the experimental performance of such a system. To do so, an axial compressor test bench was equipped with 40 actuators connected to an auxiliary pressurised air supply system. They were able to generate high-speed jet blowing just at the tip of the rotor blades. The opening of each actuator was controlled by an electromagnetic valve. This allowed generating continuous or pulsed jets with frequencies up to 500 Hz at different duty cycles. The performance of the control system was investigated for various control strategies, where the injected flow rate, the injection angle, the number of injectors, the jet frequency and the duty cycle were systematically varied. This paper is concluded by a study of the energy balance of the system for various configurations. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this constitutes a rarely seen analysis in the literature.
Sustainability in the Civil Construction Sector Supported by Industry 4.0 Technologies: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: de Almeida Barbosa Franco Jacqueline , Domingues Ana Mariele , de Almeida Africano Nelson , Deus Rafael Mattos , Battistelle Rosane Aparecida Gomes
Published: March 2022

The civil construction sector is under pressure to make construction processes more sustainable, that is, aligned with economic, social, and environmental sustainability. Thus, the research question considers: How do Industry 4.0 Technologies help civil construction face challenges and identify new opportunities to become sustainable? The general objective of this work is to offer a current overview of publications that associate the civil construction sector; Industry 4.0 Technologies and sustainability, and identify the challenges and opportunities of the Industry 4.0 Technologies set to contribute to sustainability achievement. The research method was a bibliographic review combined with bibliometric analysis in SCOPUS databases. The results show that civil construction faces the challenge of reducing the consumption of natural resources, ensuring safe work, and optimizing processes, especially handwork. However, the insertion of Industry 4.0 Technologies into civil construction has allowed sensors, robots, modelling and simulation systems, artificial intelligence, and drones to have their productivity, efficiency, safety, strategic and environmental management enhanced. Furthermore, Industry 4.0 Technologies can contribute to civil construction through innovative, sustainable, and technological solutions focused on the flow of work, which can provide growth through the balance of costs/benefits in the management of projects and works. Thus, it is expected that this article will contribute to discussions around the possibility of construction becoming sustainable with the support of Industry 4.0 Technologies.
Transfer Learning Models for Detecting Six Categories of Phonocardiogram Recordings
Authors: Wang Miao , Guo Binbin , Hu Yating , Zhao Zehang , Liu Chengyu , Tang Hong
Published: March 2022

Background and aims: Auscultation is a cheap and fundamental technique for detecting cardiovascular disease effectively. Doctors’ abilities in auscultation are varied. Sometimes, there may be cases of misdiagnosis, even when auscultation is performed by an experienced doctor. Hence, it is necessary to propose accurate computational tools to assist auscultation, especially in developing countries. Artificial intelligence technology can be an efficient diagnostic tool for detecting cardiovascular disease. This work proposed an automatic multiple classification method for cardiovascular disease detection by heart sound signals. Methods and results: In this work, a 1D heart sound signal is translated into its corresponding 3D spectrogram using continuous wavelet transform (CWT). In total, six classes of heart sound data are used in this experiment. We combine an open database (including five classes of heart sound data: aortic stenosis, mitral regurgitation, mitral stenosis, mitral valve prolapse and normal) with one class (pulmonary hypertension) of heart sound data collected by ourselves to perform the experiment. To make the method robust in a noisy environment, the background deformation technique is used before training. Then, 10 transfer learning networks (GoogleNet, SqueezeNet, DarkNet19, MobileNetv2, Inception-ResNetv2, DenseNet201, Inceptionv3, ResNet101, NasNet-Large, and Xception) are used for comparison. Furthermore, other models (LSTM and CNN) are also compared with our proposed algorithm. The experimental results show that four transfer learning networks (ResNet101, DenseNet201, DarkNet19 and GoogleNet) outperformed their peer models with an accuracy of 0.98 to detect the multiple heart diseases. The performances have been validated both in the original heart sound and the augmented heart sound using 10-fold cross validation. The results of these 10 folds are reported in this research. Conclusions: Our method obtained high classification accuracy even under a noisy background, which suggests that the proposed classification method could be used in auxiliary diagnosis for cardiovascular diseases.
Lymphangioma Cavernosum with a Rare Location
Authors: Smaga Justyna , Kornasiewicz Oskar , Ziarkiewicz-Wróblewska Bogna , Podgórska Joanna , Krawczyk Piotr , Grąt Michał , Krawczyk Marek
Published: March 2022

Lympangioma cavernosum in the abdominal cavity is a rare benign tumour. In most cases, such tumours are diagnosed in the oral cavity and neck. The aim of this paper is to present our clinical observations and review of existing literature to draw attention to this disease. A 25-year-old woman was admitted to our department for a symptomatic tumour in the lesser curvature of the stomach. The patient was first operated on as a three-year-old child because the tumour extended from the back wall of the stomach to the gastro-colonic ligament. The medical records showed that it was a benign tumour; however, no diagnosis was specified. No symptoms were observed for 22 years. Currently, the patient is admitted for epigastric pain. Abdominal computed tomography revealed an extensive mass located between the left segments of the liver and the lesser curvature of the stomach. The patient was operated on, and the tumour was completely removed. The patient’s postoperative course was uneventful. Histopathological examination of the lymphangioma cavernosum was performed. Two months after the operation, the patient did not report any complaints.
The History of Clinical Islet Transplantation in Japan
Authors: Ito Taihei , Kenmochi Takashi , Kurihara Kei , Aida Naohiro
Published: March 2022

Islet transplantation shows the promise of being capable of relieving glucose instability and improving QOL of patients with type 1 diabetes that cannot be controlled due to severe hypoglycemia unawareness. In Japan, following the first human islet isolation from a donor after cardiac death in 2003 and the first clinical islet transplantation in 2004, islet transplantation was performed for the improvement of type 1 diabetes as a single-center trial in several centers. Although it was discontinued due to the possibility of contamination of collagenase by bovine brain component in 2007, the phase II clinical trial of islet transplantation started using ATG induction and a TNF-α inhibition protocol in 2012. The primary endpoints of this trial were the proportion of patients with HbA1c < 7.4% and freedom from severe hypoglycemic events at one year after the first islet cell infusion. In an interim analysis, this endpoint was achieved in 75% of cases. In April 2020, clinical islet transplantation was finally covered by health insurance in Japan, thanks to these outcomes. We herein introduce more than 20 years of history of clinical islet transplantation in Japan.
Posterior Oblique Square Decompression with a Three-Step Wanding Technique in Tubular Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion: Technical Report and Mid-Long-Term Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Tomita Takashi , Kamei Keita , Yamauchi Ryota , Nakagawa Takahiro , Omi Hirotsugu , Nitobe Yoshiro , Asari Toru , Kumagai Gentaro , Wada Kanichiro , Ito Junji , Ishibashi Yasuyuki
Published: March 2022

Although minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) is the most common procedure in minimally invasive spine stabilization (MISt), details of the technique remain unclear. This technical report shows the mid-long-term clinical outcomes in patients who underwent posterior oblique square decompression (POSDe) with the three-step wanding technique of tubular MIS-TLIF for degenerative lumbar disease. Tubular MIS-TLIF (POSDe) was performed on 50 patients (males, 19; age, 69.2 ± 9.6 years), and traditional open surgery was performed (OS) on 27 (males, 4; age, 67.9 ± 6.6 years). We evaluated the clinical outcomes using the Visual Analog Scale for back pain, Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores, and JOA Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire. We also assessed the fusion rate using the Bridwell grading system with computed tomography or plain radiography for at least 2 years postoperatively. Although there was no significant difference in the improvement rate of JOA scores between the two groups, the mean operation time and blood loss were significantly lower with MIS-TLIF than with OS. In the tubular MIS-TLIF group, there were no cases of deep wound infection; four cases had a pseudarthrosis, two had dural injury, and three had cage retropulsion. We revealed good clinical outcomes in patients who underwent POSDe.
Comparison of the Drug-Induced Efficacies between Omidenepag Isopropyl, an EP2 Agonist and PGF2α toward TGF-β2-Modulated Human Trabecular Meshwork (HTM) Cells
Authors: Suzuki Soma , Furuhashi Masato , Tsugeno Yuri , Umetsu Araya , Ida Yosuke , Hikage Fumihito , Ohguro Hiroshi , Watanabe Megumi
Published: March 2022

To compare the drug-induced efficacies between omidenepag (OMD), an EP2 agonist, and prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) on glaucomatous trabecular meshwork (TM) cells, two- and three-dimensional (2D and 3D) cultures of TGF-β2-modulated human trabecular meshwork (HTM) cells were used. The following analyses were performed: (1) transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) and FITC-dextran permeability measurements (2D), (2) the size and stiffness of the 3D spheroids, and (3) the expression (both 2D and 3D) by several extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules including collagen (COL) 1, 4 and 6, and fibronectin (FN), and α smooth muscle actin (αSMA), tight junction (TJ)-related molecules, claudin11 (Cldn11) and ZO1, the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP) 1–4, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2, 9 and 14, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), and several endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-related factors. TGF-β2 significantly increased the TEER values and decreased FITC-dextran permeability, respectively, in the 2D HTM monolayers, and induced the formation of downsized and stiffer 3D HTM spheroids. TGF-β2-induced changes in TEER levels and FITC-dextran permeability were remarkably inhibited by PGF2α. PGF2α induced increases in the sizes and stiffness of the TGF-β2-treated 3D spheroids, but OMD enhanced only spheroid size. Upon exposure to TGF-β2, the expression of most of the molecules that were evaluated were significantly up-regulated, except some of ER stress-related factors were down-regulated. TJ-related molecules or ER stress-related factors were significantly up-regulated (2D) or down-regulated (3D), and down-regulated (2D) by PGF2α and OMD, while both drugs altered the expression of some of the other genes in the 3D spheroids in a different manner. The findings presented herein suggest that PGF2α and OMD differently modulate the permeability of the TGFβ2-modulated 2D monolayers and the physical properties of the 3D HTM spheroids.