bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and evaluation of a training program for interpreters in the field of trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy
Authors: Müller Lauritz Rudolf Floribert , Herold Monja Lucia , Unterhitzenberger Johanna , Rosner Rita
Published: July 2023

Background

The treatment of traumatized refugee minors is often challenging because of language barriers. International guidelines, therefore, recommend the use of language mediators. However, there is a scarcity of evaluated training programs that prepare language mediators to translate during psychotherapy developed specifically for this patient group, for instance trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT).

Methods

Based on an extensive literature review and in collaboration with an expert focus group, a one-day TF-CBT-specific online training program was developed for language mediators willing to work with minor refugees, and delivered on nine occasions between November 2020 and June 2021. The participants answered pre- and post-training questions about trauma- and TF-CBT-related knowledge and attitudes relevant to therapy, as well as the perceived usefulness of the training. Bayesian estimation was used to determine pre-post changes.

Results

A total of 129 participants speaking 35 different languages participated in the training program. Analyses revealed 95% highest density intervals not containing the null with respect to knowledge gain (effect size median 0.28) and change in treatment-appropriate attitudes (effect size median 0.31). The participants rated the training as useful.

Conclusion

The TF-CBT-specific training course was successfully carried out. It was likely to disseminate both knowledge gains and a shift toward more treatment-appropriate attitudes. It was perceived as useful by the participants. Given the scarcity of evaluated training programs for language mediators working with minor refugees, the results are promising. The limitations include the lack of both a control group and the verification of the results using an external outcome measure.
The relationship of active consideration of health outcomes and intertemporal preferences to choice process variables and nutrition: evidence from an experiment on food choice
Authors: Tuyizere Olivier , Gustafson Christopher R.
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Understanding drivers of individuals' food choices is critical to be able to address the public health epidemic of obesity-related health problems. A robust literature documents relationships between intertemporal preferences and body mass index (BMI). However, work on cognition differentiates resource investment in decision-making, with processes frequently categorized as habitual (low investment) vs. model-based (high investment).

Methods

We integrate variables related to cognition with intertemporal preferences to examine how discount rates and active consideration of health impacts of foods faced during choice relate to the nutritional quality of foods selected.

Results

Our results show that participants who actively consider health outcomes choose products with significantly higher nutritional quality compared to those who do not consider the health impacts of choices, even while controlling for discount rates. We also find that participants with lower discount rates selected foods with higher nutritional quality compared to high discount-rate participants, corroborating previous literature. Further, we find that participants who actively considered health during the choice process spent significantly more time making choices, while discount rates did not predict differences in decision times, suggesting a role for habitual vs. model-based decisions.

Discussion

These findings suggest that active consideration of the health consequences during food choice is an important predictor of the nutritional quality of choices even while accounting for intertemporal preferences, which may provide new opportunities to intervene in the decision-making process.
Evaluation and improvement of HMD-based and RGB-based hand tracking solutions in VR
Authors: Reimer Dennis , Podkosova Iana , Scherzer Daniel , Kaufmann Hannes
Published: July 2023

Hand tracking has become a state-of-the-art technology in the modern generation of consumer VR devices. However, off-the-shelf solutions do not support hand detection for more than two hands at the same time at distances beyond arm’s length. The possibility to track multiple hands at larger distances would be beneficial for colocated multi-user VR scenarios, allowing user-worn devices to track the hands of other users and therefore reducing motion artifacts caused by hand tracking loss. With the global focus of enabling natural hand interactions in colocated multi-user VR, we propose an RGB image input-based hand tracking method, built upon the MediaPipe framework, that can track multiple hands at once at distances of up to 3 m. We compared our method’s accuracy to that of Oculus Quest and Leap Motion, at different distances from the tracking device and in static and dynamic settings. The results of our evaluation show that our method provides only slightly less accurate results than Oculus Quest or Leap motion in the near range (with median errors below 1.75 cm at distances below 75 cm); at larger distances, its accuracy remains stable (with a median error of 4.7 cm at the distance of 2.75 m) while Leap Motion and Oculus Quest either loose tracking or produce very inaccurate results. Taking into account the broad choice of suitable hardware (any RGB camera) and the ease of setup, our method can be directly applied to colocated multi-user VR scenarios.
Grandmother-inclusive intergenerational approaches: the missing piece of the puzzle for ending FGM/C by 2030?
Authors: Newman Anneke
Published: July 2023

This brief argues that “grandmother-exclusionary bias” - or the side-lining of female elders as change agents within FGM/C programmes - represents a major obstacle to eradication of these practices. Grandmother-exclusionary bias is prevalent within FGM/C policy and programming. Yet, it goes against evidence of the extensive authority and decision-making roles that grandmothers wield in relation to FGM/C in sub-Saharan Africa, and insights from systems theory and meta-evaluations of FGM/C eradication efforts which stress that sustained change requires engaging those who wield authority over gender and social norms. We use postcolonial and decolonial theory to explain the assumptions about grandmothers which underpin grandmother-exclusionary bias. Finally, we provide recommendations for designing grandmother-inclusive, intergenerational community-led programmes based on a strategy empirically proven to shift social norms underpinning FGM/C.
A methodological proposal of the Sustainolive international research project to drive Mediterranean olive ecosystems toward sustainability
Authors: De Luca Anna Irene , Iofrida Nathalie , González de Molina Manuel , Spada Emanuele , Domouso Pablo , Falcone Giacomo , Gulisano Giovanni , García Ruiz Roberto
Published: July 2023

Mediterranean olive growing characterizes, identifies, and can sustain the socioeconomic viability of rural areas, not only through the production of primary products but also through the management of renewable natural resources, and the conservation of landscape and biodiversity. However, high levels of mechanization, monocultures, intensive farming techniques, and the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers are threatening the environment and affecting rural communities in turn. In the last years, the agroecological discourse emerged as a transdisciplinary science merging agronomy, ecology, and socioeconomic sciences with the purpose of responding to socioeconomic and environmental concerns, responding to the globalized industrial food processing and intensive agriculture. In this context, the research project Sustainolive, guided by an international consortium of stakeholders from academia and the productive sector, has the aim of promoting sustainability in the olive oil sector through the implementation and promotion of innovative and technological solutions based on agroecological concepts. Through an innovative, transdisciplinary, and multi-actor approach, Sustainolive combines different types of knowledge (e.g., scientific, empirical, and traditional), disciplines (ranging from engineering to the humanities), and methodological approaches (e.g., Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment, Social Agrarian Metabolism and multicriterial analysis tools) to provide practical solutions that address the complexity of the olive sector. The results from the application of this methodology are expected to highlight which agroecological practices are more environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable and uncover how Mediterranean societies use agrarian biophysical resources.
Colonoscopic titanium clipping to address appendiceal stump leakage: a case report
Authors: Liu Jianjun , Yuan Huayan , Xu Xiulian , Yin Longkuan , Wang Wei , Fan Wenhai , Bai Xiangyu , Wang Pan
Published: July 2023

The incidence of appendiceal stump leakage (ASL) is extremely low and heterogeneous, which has been reported to be approximately 0.5%–1.0%. It is a catastrophic complication with high mortality rate despite its low morbidity. Once it occurs, it will put the doctor in a passive position because dealing with the leakage is much more cumbersome than appendectomy. We extensively reviewed the literature on ASL, focusing on the management and prognosis. Unsurprisingly, all of the physicians advocated extended resection, which apparently gave them sufficient confidence. However, partial cecum resection, cecostomy, or terminal ileectomy is extremely invasive and destructive. So, the patients had to experience great mental and physical trauma, longer hospital stays, higher rates of wound infection, more costs, and even a third surgery. Therefore, are there any better approaches for ASL? In this article, we report a case of ASL who successfully underwent endoscopic treatment. A 70-year-old male was admitted with gangrenous perforated appendicitis with a large iliopsoas abscess. Appendectomy, iliopsoas abscess debridement and sufficient drainage, appendicular stump repair and closure, and terminal ileostomy were performed. Three months later, the patient was readmitted and the stoma reversal was performed as scheduled. Seven days later, ASL was found when a liquid diet was applied routinely due to right lower quadrant pain and low fever. Finally, with the periappendiceal abscess completely drained, we clamped the appendiceal orifice with five titanium clips under an electronic colonoscope, which eventually sealed the leakage and avoided extended resection.
On Training Targets and Activation Functions for Deep Representation Learning in Text-Dependent Speaker Verification
Authors: Sarkar Achintya Kumar , Tan Zheng-Hua
Published: July 2023

Deep representation learning has gained significant momentum in advancing text-dependent speaker verification (TD-SV) systems. When designing deep neural networks (DNN) for extracting bottleneck (BN) features, the key considerations include training targets, activation functions, and loss functions. In this paper, we systematically study the impact of these choices on the performance of TD-SV. For training targets, we consider speaker identity, time-contrastive learning (TCL), and auto-regressive prediction coding, with the first being supervised and the last two being self-supervised. Furthermore, we study a range of loss functions when speaker identity is used as the training target. With regard to activation functions, we study the widely used sigmoid function, rectified linear unit (ReLU), and Gaussian error linear unit (GELU). We experimentally show that GELU is able to reduce the error rates of TD-SV significantly compared to sigmoid, irrespective of the training target. Among the three training targets, TCL performs the best. Among the various loss functions, cross-entropy, joint-softmax, and focal loss functions outperform the others. Finally, the score-level fusion of different systems is also able to reduce the error rates. To evaluate the representation learning methods, experiments are conducted on the RedDots 2016 challenge database consisting of short utterances for TD-SV systems based on classic Gaussian mixture model-universal background model (GMM-UBM) and i-vector methods.
Conversion of Unsaturated Short- to Medium-Chain Fatty Acids by Unspecific Peroxygenases (UPOs)
Authors: Karich Alexander , Salzsieder Fabian , Kluge Martin , Alcalde Miguel , Ullrich René , Hofrichter Martin
Published: July 2023

Eighteen short- to medium-chain monounsaturated fatty acids were screened for hydroxylation and epoxidation using eleven different peroxygenase preparations. Most of these unspecific peroxygenases (UPOs) are secreted by fungal species of the dark-spored basidiomycetous families Psathyrellaceae and Strophariaceae, two belonged to the white-spored genus Marasmius (Marasmiaceae), and one belonged to the ascomycetous family Chaetomiaceae. The fatty acids (FAs) studied were categorized into three groups based on the position of the double bond: (i) terminal unsaturated FAs (between ω and ω-1), (ii) α-β-unsaturated FAs (between C2 and C3), and (iii) β-γ-unsaturated FAs (between C3 and C4). Their chain lengths ranged from three to nine carbon atoms. FAs with a terminal double bond were significantly oxidized by only two UPOs, namely CglUPO and CraUPO (peroxygenases from Chaetomium globosum and Coprinellus radians, respectively), producing different products. FAs with internal double bonds were converted by all tested UPOs. While epoxides were observed as products in the case of α-β-unsaturated fatty acids, only CglUPO formed β-γ-epoxides from the corresponding FAs. The product pattern of the other UPOs for β-γ-unsaturated FAs was quite similar. On the other hand, the product pattern for oxidized α-β-unsaturated FAs was more variable and, in some cases, specific to a particular UPO. For example, in the reaction with trans-2-nonenoic acid, the enzymes clustered into six groups based on the formed products.
Topological Comparison of Some Dimension Reduction Methods Using Persistent Homology on EEG Data
Authors: Kwessi Eddy
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we explore how to use topological tools to compare dimension reduction methods. We first make a brief overview of some of the methods often used in dimension reduction such as isometric feature mapping, Laplacian Eigenmaps, fast independent component analysis, kernel ridge regression, and t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding. We then give a brief overview of some of the topological notions used in topological data analysis, such as barcodes, persistent homology, and Wasserstein distance. Theoretically, when these methods are applied on a data set, they can be interpreted differently. From EEG data embedded into a manifold of high dimension, we discuss these methods and we compare them across persistent homologies of dimensions 0, 1, and 2, that is, across connected components, tunnels and holes, shells around voids, or cavities. We find that from three dimension clouds of points, it is not clear how distinct from each other the methods are, but Wasserstein and Bottleneck distances, topological tests of hypothesis, and various methods show that the methods qualitatively and significantly differ across homologies. We can infer from this analysis that topological persistent homologies do change dramatically at seizure, a finding already obtained in previous analyses. This suggests that looking at changes in homology landscapes could be a predictor of seizure.
The Efficacy of the Global Intensive Feeding Therapy on Feeding and Swallowing Abilities in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Pilot Study
Authors: Cerchiari Antonella , Giordani Carolina , Franceschetti Silvia , Mazzafoglia Serena , Carosi Flavia , Pizza Francesca , Bella Gessica Della , Raponi Massimiliano , Tofani Marco
Published: July 2023

The present investigation aims to explore the efficacy of Global Intensive Feeding Therapy (GIFT) on feeding and swallowing abilities in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). GIFT was developed as an intensive rehabilitation approach, divided into 30 sessions for 2 weeks, three times a day. GIFT focused on (a) encouraging desensitization; (b) widening the food repertoire (in terms of both variety and quantity); (c) reducing inappropriate mealtime behaviors; and (d) encouraging the development of appropriate chewing and swallowing abilities. GIFT was preliminarily implemented among 11 children with a diagnosis of ASD. To measure the efficacy of GIFT, the Karaduman Chewing Performance Scale (KCPS), the Brief Autism Mealtime Behavior Inventory (BAMBI), and food repertoire were investigated using Wilcoxon signed-rank test in three different times: baseline (T1), after treatment (T2), and one month after treatment (T3). Using Bonferroni correction, statistically significant differences were found between T1 and T2 for behavioral issues, as measured with BAMBI (p = 0.007), as well as for chewing abilities as measured with KCPS (p = 0.005) and for food acceptance (p = 0.005). These improvements were maintained after a month of follow-up, thanks to the collaboration of families and/or primary caregivers. In conclusion, GIFT seems to be an effective approach to improving behavioral issues, food acceptance, and chewing abilities in children with ASD.
A Clinical Qualification Protocol Highlights Overlapping Genomic Influences and Neuro-Autonomic Mechanisms in Ehlers–Danlos and Long COVID-19 Syndromes
Authors: Wilson Golder N.
Published: July 2023

A substantial fraction of the 15% with double-jointedness or hypermobility have the traditionally ascertained joint-skeletal, cutaneous, and cardiovascular symptoms of connective tissue dysplasia and its particular manifestation as Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (EDS). The holistic ascertainment of 120 findings in 1261 EDS patients added neuro-autonomic symptoms like headaches, muscle weakness, brain fog, chronic fatigue, dyspnea, and bowel irregularity to those of arthralgia and skin laxity, 15 of these symptoms shared with those of post-infectious SARS-CoV-2 (long COVID-19). Underlying articulo-autonomic mechanisms guided a clinical qualification protocol that qualified DNA variants in 317 genes as having diagnostic utility for EDS, six of them identical (F2-LIFR-NLRP3-STAT1-T1CAM1-TNFRSF13B) and eighteen similar to those modifying COVID-19 severity/EDS, including ADAMTS13/ADAMTS2-C3/C1R-IKBKG/IKBKAP-PIK3C3/PIK3R1-POLD4/POLG-TMPRSS2/TMPRSS6-WNT3/WNT10A. Also, contributing to EDS and COVID-19 severity were forty and three genes, respectively, impacting mitochondrial functions as well as parts of an overlapping gene network, or entome, that are hypothesized to mediate the cognitive–behavioral, neuro-autonomic, and immune-inflammatory alterations of connective tissue in these conditions. The further characterization of long COVID-19 natural history and genetic predisposition will be necessary before these parallels to EDS can be carefully delineated and translated into therapies.
Induced Autolysis of Engineered Yeast Residue as a Means to Simplify Downstream Processing for Valorization—A Case Study
Authors: Fundo Joana F. , Deuchande Teresa , Rodrigues Daniela A. , Pimentel Lígia L. , Vidigal Susana S. M. P. , Rodríguez-Alcalá Luís M. , Pintado Manuela E. , Amaro Ana L.
Published: July 2023

The objective of this work was to study the efficiency of different autolysis processes, combining different temperatures and pH conditions, when applied to a genetically engineered yeast residue. The determination of the supernatants’ dry weight showed that the autolysis time could be reduced to half, from 4 to 2 h, if the residue pH was increased from 5 to 8 at 50 °C (18.20% for 4 h and 18.70% for 2 h with a higher pH). This result allowed us to select a short autolysis time to proceed with the second part of the experiments. The application of this faster induced autolysis process enabled us to obtain supernatants with higher concentrations of relevant compounds, such as some amino acids and minerals. An increase in leucine (of around 7%), aspartic acid, valine, phenylalanine, isoleucine and serine (approximately 2%) was observed in the autolyzed samples, when compared to the untreated ones. Also, regarding minerals, the autolysis process allowed us to obtain significantly higher amounts of potassium in the treated samples’ supernatants. This work allowed the selection of a fast and low-cost induced autolysis process for synthetic biotechnology-derived spent yeast residue to attain a product rich in high-value compounds, which can be used in commercial applications, for example, as an animal feed additive.
Comprehensive Changes in Nutrient Constituents and Antioxidant Activity during Food Processing of Isoflavone-Enriched Soybean Leaf by Mycelia of Tricholoma matsutake
Authors: Cho Du-Yong , Lee Hee-Yul , Jeong Jong-Bin , Lee Ji-Ho , Lee Ga-Young , Jang Mu-Yeon , Lee Jin-Hwan , Lee Ji-Hyun , Haque Md. Azizul , Cho Kye-Man
Published: July 2023

We studied the changes induced in pH, acidity, brix, reducing sugar, soluble protein, nutritional components, primary metabolites, and antioxidant activities of isoflavone-enriched soybean leaf during the different stages involved in Tricholoma matsutake mycelia fermenting. We found that total fatty acid contents increased sequentially in dried soybean leaf, sterilized soybean leaf, and fermented soybean leaf (413.8, 420.3, and 909.4 mg/100 g, respectively). Particularly, linoleic acid content was 5-fold higher in the fermented soybean leaf than in the previous stages. The total free amino acid contents were decreased with progressing processing stages (2389.71, 1860.90, and 1434.25 mg/100 g). However, glutamic acid and lysine contents were highest in fermented soybean leaves. Total mineral contents increased with progressing processing stages (40.30, 41.72, and 55.32 mg/100 g). Water-soluble vitamins, riboflavin, and niacin were about 26-fold and 2.6-fold higher, respectively, in fermented soybean leaf. Comprehensive data analysis of primary metabolites detected changes in a total of 28 metabolites, including, amino acids, organic acids, carbohydrates, and fatty acid metabolites. Antioxidant activities were measured by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, 2,2-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), and hydroxyl radical scavenging activities and ferric-reducing antioxidant power. Overall, the antioxidant activities increased with progressing processing stages. Thus, we show that T. matsutake mycelia fermented isoflavone-enriched soybean leaf products have excellent nutritional value.
Biofuel Production from Mango and Orange Peel and Tapioca Shells by Fermentation Using Consortium of Bacteria: Agricultural and Food Waste Valorization
Authors: Vinotha Tamilselvan , Umamaheswari Narendrakumar , Pandiyan Jeganathan , Al-Ghanim Khalid A. , Nicoletti Marcello , Govindarajan Marimuthu
Published: July 2023

Lignocellulosic substrates are considered to be crucial substrates for the production of biofuels. The main objective of the study is to attempt to produce bioethanol using bio-wastes such as mango peels, orange peels, and tapioca shells as renewable sources by employing three bacteria viz., Enterobacter cloacae (ICBP1), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ICBP7), and Bacillus cereus (ICBP15), which were chosen to produce cellulase enzymes using the submerged fermentation method, which is a novel method for the production of bioethanol. The “zone of clearance” in bacterial growth on CMC agar plates determined the choice. The mixed culture infected units produced a more reduced sugar, i.e., the presence of aldehyde and ketones except sucrose. At 72 h, greater than 41.0 ± 0.48 mL and 0.83 ± 0.07% of ethanol was recovered. This contrasts with the reduced quantities at 24 and 48 h. SDS-PAGE examination showed that the three cellulose-producing bacterial strains (ICPB1, ICPB7, and ICPB15) had enzyme molecular weights of 80–100, 20–30, and 14–20 kDa, respectively, compared to the other 17 isolates. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to estimate the bioethanol. The spectrum bands from 1700 to 1800 cm−1 showed bioethanol’s unique absorption characteristics, and GC-MS confirmed 31.38% ethanol. The findings of the research demonstrate that the utilization of fermentation technology, specifically employing microbes, to produce bioethanol from bio-wastes such as fruits and vegetables has the potential to address the worldwide fuel energy requirements.
Exploring and Testing Wildfire Risk Decision-Making in the Face of Deep Uncertainty
Authors: Johnson Bart R. , Ager Alan A. , Evers Cody R. , Hulse David W. , Nielsen-Pincus Max , Sheehan Timothy J. , Bolte John P.
Published: July 2023

We integrated a mechanistic wildfire simulation system with an agent-based landscape change model to investigate the feedbacks among climate change, population growth, development, landowner decision-making, vegetative succession, and wildfire. Our goal was to develop an adaptable simulation platform for anticipating risk-mitigation tradeoffs in a fire-prone wildland–urban interface (WUI) facing conditions outside the bounds of experience. We describe how five social and ecological system (SES) submodels interact over time and space to generate highly variable alternative futures even within the same scenario as stochastic elements in simulated wildfire, succession, and landowner decisions create large sets of unique, path-dependent futures for analysis. We applied the modeling system to an 815 km2 study area in western Oregon at a sub-taxlot parcel grain and annual timestep, generating hundreds of alternative futures for 2007–2056 (50 years) to explore how WUI communities facing compound risks from increasing wildfire and expanding periurban development can situate and assess alternative risk management approaches in their localized SES context. The ability to link trends and uncertainties across many futures to processes and events that unfold in individual futures is central to the modeling system. By contrasting selected alternative futures, we illustrate how assessing simulated feedbacks between wildfire and other SES processes can identify tradeoffs and leverage points in fire-prone WUI landscapes. Assessments include a detailed “post-mortem” of a rare, extreme wildfire event, and uncovered, unexpected stabilizing feedbacks from treatment costs that reduced the effectiveness of agent responses to signs of increasing risk.
Experimental Analysis of a Cracked Cardan Shaft System under the Influence of Viscous Hydrodynamic Forces
Authors: Tchomeni Kouejou Bernard Xavier , Alugongo Alfayo Anyika
Published: July 2023

Accurate prediction of the dynamic behavior of coupled shafts in a fluid medium is crucial to accurately estimate equipment life and enable safe operation. However, this task is far from trivial due to the vibrations induced by the highly nonlinear nature of the machine system. This paper presents an experimental analysis of a cardan shaft under the influence of viscous hydrodynamic forces. An experimental setup was created using a cardan shaft rig installed in a plexiglas tank, with a self-aligned crack simulator supporting the driveshaft for crack extraction. Adequate instrumentation was used to measure the rotor’s fluctuation under industrial viscous fluid at various motor speeds. By analyzing the changes of unwanted high vibration, the obtained results demonstrated that the characteristics of the cracks in the fluid medium can be efficiently extracted from multiple tests using the wavelet synchrosqueezing transform and energy spectrum. This latter aspect, in particular, implies that the responses that can be observed in practice are highly sensitive to the values of the system parameters: average flow velocity, mass eccentricity, and shaft stiffness, among others. Finally, the study provides conclusions on practical applications for the reliable identification of cracks in a viscous fluid to validate the recently published theoretical study.
Solving Generalized Heat and Generalized Laplace Equations Using Fractional Fourier Transform
Authors: Sulasteri Sri , Bahri Mawardi , Bachtiar Nasrullah , Kusuma Jeffry , Ribal Agustinus
Published: July 2023

In the present work, the main objective is to find the solution of the generalized heat and generalized Laplace equations using the fractional Fourier transform, which is a general form of the solution of the heat equation and Laplace equation using the classical Fourier transform. We also formulate its solution using a sampling formula related to the fractional Fourier transform. The fractional Fourier transform is introduced, and related theorems and essential properties are collected. Several results related to the sampling formula are derived. A few examples are presented to illustrate the effectiveness and powerfulness of the proposed method compared to the classical Fourier transform method.
OpenDroneMap: Multi-Platform Performance Analysis
Authors: Gbagir Augustine-Moses Gaavwase , Ek Kylli , Colpaert Alfred
Published: July 2023

This paper analyzes the performance of the open-source OpenDroneMap image processing software (ODM) across multiple platforms. We tested desktop and laptop computers as well as high-performance cloud computing and supercomputers. Multiple machine configurations (CPU cores and memory) were used. We used eBee S.O.D.A. drone image datasets from Namibia and northern Finland. For testing, we used the OpenDroneMap command line tool with default settings and the fast orthophoto option, which produced a good quality orthomosaic. We also used the “rerun-all option” to ensure that all jobs started from the same point. Our results show that ODM processing time is dependent upon the number of images, a high number of which can lead to high memory demands, with low memory leading to an excessively long processing time. Adding additional CPU cores is beneficial to ODM up to a certain limit. A 20-core machine seems optimal for a dataset of about 1000 images, although 10 cores will result only in slightly longer processing times. We did not find any indication of improvement when processing larger datasets using 40-core machines. For 1000 images, 64 GB memory seems to be sufficient, but for larger datasets of about 8000 images, higher memory of up to 256 GB is required for efficient processing. ODM can use GPU acceleration, at least in some processing stages, reducing processing time. In comparison to commercial software, ODM seems to be slower, but the created orthomosaics are of equal quality.
A Critical Assessment of the Current State and Governance of the UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia
Authors: Saba Manuel , Chanchí Golondrino Gabriel Elías , Torres-Gil Leydy Karina
Published: July 2023

The port, fortresses, and monuments of Cartagena were included in the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1984. Nevertheless, since 2017 they are threatened to be categorized as “in Danger” by UNESCO. This research analyzes two main critical aspects, governance and the current state of the site. This study applies an innovative interdisciplinary methodology that merges empirical and scientific approaches to evaluate the governance of Cartagena’s heritage (causes) and its impact on the current state of the tangible cultural heritage (effects). Methodologically, secondary information is used to study governance. The study aims to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in the UNESCO site governance. Exemplary heritage management systems are studied to propose an adaptable management approach specifically for Cartagena. Over the past five years, qualitative data collected through field observations, along with a photographic report, have revealed significant issues stemming from insufficient heritage management. These problems have rarely been addressed in the existing literature. Furthermore, a quantitative approach was taken by analyzing hyperspectral images obtained from a previous study to identify vegetation and asbestos-cement roofs within the cultural heritage site. It takes a unique perspective by investigating the root causes rather than superficial issues. The study comprehensively analyzes various factors, including material degradation, vehicular traffic, environmental elements, urban structure, and architectural integrity, forming an interconnected framework with governance problems. This research offers a broader perspective that considers complex reality and goes beyond isolated problems and solutions. The study reveals that the ambiguity surrounding decision-making authority for heritage management, distributed between the Mayor’s Office and the Ministry of Culture, is a primary challenge. The lack of coordinated action significantly compromises the conservation and protection of the cultural heritage Site. Moreover, twelve current shortcomings of cultural heritage in Cartagena are identified through the authors’ five-year on-site regular visits, photographic reports, and observation. To address the prevailing concerns, a new line of command for cultural heritage management is proposed as the most effective means of tackling these challenges. Additionally, general recommendations are presented to mitigate the existing problems and prevent the classification of Cartagena’s heritage as “at risk” by UNESCO in the near future. Although, each problem identified would need a research project ad hoc to be fully addressed. This research provides a scientific perspective, drawing upon years of experience studying heritage and residing in the city, devoid of political influences or conflicts of interest.
A Multi-Case Empirical Study on the Impact of Virtual Currency on Student Engagement and Motivation
Authors: Dicheva Darina , Guy Breonte , Dichev Christo , Irwin Keith , Cassel Lillian
Published: July 2023

While the motivational effect of educational gamification is largely recognized, the impact of the gamification element virtual currency (VC) is underexplored, especially in an educational setting. To address this gap, the goal of the presented multi-case empirical study was to systematically explore the impact of virtual currency on learners’ engagement, motivation, and academic performance across different contexts and to uncover potentially generalizable results. Accordingly, this paper presents the outcomes of a multi-perspective analysis of students’ experiences in out-of-class practicing in a learning environment gamified with VC and the effect of this game element. The work builds on previous case studies with analogical goals, which the authors have conducted in different contexts, including the university type, student population, subject area, etc. The provided comprehensive cross-case analysis integrates and extends the previous results tracing the path to generalizable knowledge about the potential of VC. While the results of this multi-case study demonstrate a significant increase in student engagement in out-of-class practicing gamified with virtual currency, they fail to show a significant increase in students’ intrinsic motivation and students’ final course grades. This study is a step forward in enhancing our understanding of the multifaceted effect of virtual currency on learners’ experience.
An Overview of the Factors Involved in Biofilm Production by the Enterococcus Genus
Authors: Șchiopu Pavel , Toc Dan Alexandru , Colosi Ioana Alina , Costache Carmen , Ruospo Giuseppe , Berar George , Gălbău Ștefan-Gabriel , Ghilea Alexandra Cristina , Botan Alexandru , Pană Adrian-Gabriel , Neculicioiu Vlad Sever , Todea Doina Adina
Published: July 2023

Enterococcus species are known for their ability to form biofilms, which contributes to their survival in extreme environments and involvement in persistent bacterial infections, especially in the case of multi-drug-resistant strains. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms underlying biofilm formation in clinically important species such as Enterococcus faecalis and the less studied but increasingly multi-drug-resistant Enterococcus faecium, and explores potential strategies for their eradication. Biofilm formation in Enterococcus involves a complex interplay of genes and virulence factors, including gelatinase, cytolysin, Secreted antigen A, pili, microbial surface components that recognize adhesive matrix molecules (MSCRAMMs), and DNA release. Quorum sensing, a process of intercellular communication, mediated by peptide pheromones such as Cob, Ccf, and Cpd, plays a crucial role in coordinating biofilm development by targeting gene expression and regulation. Additionally, the regulation of extracellular DNA (eDNA) release has emerged as a fundamental component in biofilm formation. In E. faecalis, the autolysin N-acetylglucosaminidase and proteases such as gelatinase and serin protease are key players in this process, influencing biofilm development and virulence. Targeting eDNA may offer a promising avenue for intervention in biofilm-producing E. faecalis infections. Overall, gaining insights into the intricate mechanisms of biofilm formation in Enterococcus may provide directions for anti-biofilm therapeutic research, with the purpose of reducing the burden of Enterococcus-associated infections.
Insights into the SARS-CoV-2 ORF6 Mechanism of Action
Authors: Krachmarova Elena , Petkov Peicho , Lilkova Elena , Ilieva Nevena , Rangelov Miroslav , Todorova Nadezhda , Malinova Kristina , Hristova Rossitsa , Nacheva Genoveva , Gospodinov Anastas , Litov Leandar
Published: July 2023

ORF6 is responsible for suppressing the immune response of cells infected by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It is also the most toxic protein of SARS-CoV-2, and its actions are associated with the viral pathogenicity. Here, we study in silico and in vitro the structure of the protein, its interaction with RAE1 and the mechanism of action behind its high toxicity. We show both computationally and experimentally that SARS-CoV-2 ORF6, embedded in the cytoplasmic membranes, binds to RAE1 and sequesters it in the cytoplasm, thus depleting its availability in the nucleus and impairing nucleocytoplasmic mRNA transport. This negatively affects the cellular genome stability by compromising the cell cycle progression into the S-phase and by promoting the accumulation of RNA–DNA hybrids. Understanding the multiple ways in which ORF6 affects DNA replication may also have important implications for elucidating the pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 and developing therapeutic strategies to mitigate its deleterious effects on host cells.
Low Expression of the NRP1 Gene Is Associated with Shorter Overall Survival in Patients with Sonic Hedgehog and Group 3 Medulloblastoma
Authors: de Araújo Moisés Augusto , Malafaia Osvaldo , Ribas Filho Jurandir M. , Fratini Livia , Roesler Rafael , Isolan Gustavo R.
Published: July 2023

Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common type of malignant pediatric brain tumor. Neuropilin-1 (NRP1), encoded by the NRP1 gene, is a transmembrane glycoprotein overexpressed in several types of cancer. Previous studies indicate that NRP1 inhibition displays antitumor effects in MB models and higher NRP1 levels are associated with poorer prognosis in MB patients. Here, we used a large MB tumor dataset to examine NRP1 gene expression in different molecular subgroups and subtypes of MB. We found overall widespread NRP1 expression across MB samples. Tumors in the sonic hedgehog (SHH) subgroup showed significantly higher NRP1 transcript levels in comparison with Group 3 and Group 4 tumors, with SHH samples belonging to the α, β, Δ, and γ subtypes. When all MB subgroups were combined, lower NRP1 expression was associated with significantly shorter patient overall survival (OS). Further analysis showed that low NRP1 was related to poorer OS, specifically in MB subgroups SHH and Group 3 MB. Our findings indicate that patients with SHH and Group 3 tumors that show lower expression of NRP1 in MB have a worse prognosis, which highlights the need for subgroup-specific investigation of the NRP1 role in MB.
Serological and Molecular Characterization of Hepatitis C Virus-Related Cryoglobulinemic Vasculitis in Patients without Cryoprecipitate
Authors: Napodano Cecilia , Ciasca Gabriele , Chiusolo Patrizia , Pocino Krizia , Gragnani Laura , Stefanile Annunziata , Gulli Francesca , Lorini Serena , Minnella Gessica , Fosso Federica , Di Santo Riccardo , Romanò Sabrina , Basile Valerio , De Stefano Valerio , Rapaccini Gian Ludovico , Zignego Anna Linda , Di Stasio Enrico , Marino Mariapaola , Basile Umberto
Published: July 2023

Prolonged B cells stimulation due to the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) can result in autoimmunity, stigmatized by rising levels of cryoglobulins (CGs), the rheumatoid factor (RF), and free light chains (FLC) of immunoglobulins (Ig) associated with a range of symptoms, from their absence to severe cryoglobulinemic vasculitis and lymphoma. Here, we aimed to identify an immunological signature for the earliest stages of vasculitis when cryoprecipitate is still not detectable. We firstly analyzed the IgG subclasses, FLC, and RF in 120 HCV-RNA-positive patients divided into four groups according to the type of cryoprecipitate and symptoms: 30 asymptomatic without cryoprecipitate (No Cryo), 30 with vasculitis symptoms but without CGs that we supposed were circulating but still not detectable (Circulating), 30 type II and 30 type III mixed cryoglobulinemia (Cryo II and Cryo III, respectively). Our results revealed that patients with supposed circulating CGs displayed a pattern of serological parameters that closely resembled Cryo II and Cryo III, with a stronger similarity to Cryo II. Accordingly, we analyzed the groups of Circulating and Cryo II for their immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) and T-cell receptor (TCR) gene rearrangements, finding a similar mixed distribution of monoclonal, oligoclonal, and polyclonal responses compared to a control group of ten HCV-RNA-negative patients recovered from infection, who displayed a 100% polyclonal response. Our results strengthened the hypothesis that circulating CGs are the origin of symptoms in HCV-RNA-positive patients without cryoprecipitate and demonstrated that an analysis of clonal IGH and TCR rearrangements is the best option for the early diagnosis of extrahepatic complications.
Synchronization between Attractors: Genomic Mechanism of Cell-Fate Change
Authors: Tsuchiya Masa , Brazhnik Paul , Bizzarri Mariano , Giuliani Alessandro
Published: July 2023

Herein, we provide a brief overview of complex systems theory approaches to investigate the genomic mechanism of cell-fate changes. Cell trajectories across the epigenetic landscape, whether in development, environmental responses, or disease progression, are controlled by extensively coordinated genome-wide gene expression changes. The elucidation of the mechanisms underlying these coherent expression changes is of fundamental importance in cell biology and for paving the road to new therapeutic approaches. In previous studies, we pointed at dynamic criticality as a plausible characteristic of genome-wide transition dynamics guiding cell fate. Whole-genome expression develops an engine-like organization (genome engine) in order to establish an autonomous dynamical system, capable of both homeostasis and transition behaviors. A critical set of genes behaves as a critical point (CP) that serves as the organizing center of cell-fate change. When the system is pushed away from homeostasis, the state change that occurs at the CP makes local perturbation spread over the genome, demonstrating self-organized critical (SOC) control of genome expression. Oscillating-Mode genes (which normally keep genome expression on pace with microenvironment fluctuations), when in the presence of an effective perturbative stimulus, drive the dynamics of synchronization, and thus guide the cell-fate transition.
Reduced Cell Adhesion on LightPLAS-Coated Implant Surfaces in a Three-Dimensional Bioreactor System
Authors: Böker Kai Oliver , Gätjen Linda , Dölle Christopher , Vasic Katarina , Taheri Shahed , Lehmann Wolfgang , Schilling Arndt Friedrich
Published: July 2023

Most implants used in trauma surgery are made of steel and remain inside the body only temporarily. The strong tissue interaction of such implants sometimes creates problems with their explantation. Modified implant surfaces, which decrease tissue attachment, might allow an easier removal and therefore a better outcome. Such a modification must retain the implant function, and needs to be biocompatible and cost-effective. Here, we used a novel VUV-light (Vacuum-Ultraviolett)-based coating technology (LightPLAS) to generate coated stainless-steel plates. The tested LightPLAS coating only had an average thickness of around 335 nm, making it unlikely to interfere with implant function. The coated plates showed good biocompatibility according to ISO 10993-5 and ISO 10993-12, and reduced cell adhesion after four different time points in a 2D cell culture system with osteoblast-like MG-63 cells. Furthermore, we could show decreased cell adhesion in our 3D cell culture system, which mimics the fluid flow above the implant materials as commonly present in the in vivo environment. This new method of surface coating could offer extended options to design implant surfaces for trauma surgery to reduce cell adhesion and implant ingrowth. This may allow for a faster removal time, resulting in shorter overall operation times, thereby reducing costs and complication rates and increasing patient wellbeing.
An Overview of Sport Participation and Exercise Prescription in Mitral Valve Disease
Authors: Perone Francesco , Peruzzi Mariangela , Conte Edoardo , Sciarra Luigi , Frati Giacomo , Cavarretta Elena , Pingitore Annachiara
Published: July 2023

The incidence of heart valve disease (HVD) has been rising over the last few decades, mainly due to the increasing average age of the general population, and mitral valve (MV) disease is the second most prevalent HVD after calcific aortic stenosis, but MV disease is a heterogeneous group of different pathophysiological diseases. It is widely proven that regular physical activity reduces all-cause mortality rates, and exercise prescription is part of the medical recommendations for patients affected by cardiovascular diseases. However, changes in hemodynamic balance during physical exercise (including the increase in heart rate, preload, or afterload) could favor the progression of the MV disease and potentially trigger major cardiac events. In young patients with HVD, it is therefore important to define criteria for allowing competitive sport or exercise prescription, balancing the positive effects as well as the potential risks. This review focuses on mitral valve disease pathophysiology, diagnosis, risk stratification, exercise prescription, and competitive sport participation selection, and offers an overview of the principal mitral valve diseases with the aim of encouraging physicians to embody exercise in their daily practice when appropriate.