bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wearable Solutions for Stress Monitoring for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Cano Sandra , Franco Edgar , Apablaza Juan , García Matías
Published: August 2023

Research on wearable solutions for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been conducted to detect stress. However, studies on stress detection for an individual with ASD have been limited, especially on how it should design for individuals with ASD. Wearable solutions may be a tool for parents and caregivers for emotional monitoring for individuals with ASD who have a high risk of experiencing very stressful. However, wearable solutions for individuals with ASD may differ from those without ASD. Individuals with ASD have sensory sensitiveness; therefore, they do not tolerate any accessory type or discomfort to use. We used the Scopus, PubMed, WoS, and IEEE-Xplore databases to answer different research questions related to wearable solutions for individuals with ASD, physiological parameters, and algorithms of artificial intelligence used for stress detection studies found from 2013 to 2023. Our review found 34 articles; not all the studies considered individuals with ASD or were out of the scope.
Numerical Experiment and Design of a Two-Rod Crank Knee Press with an Internal Layout of the Motor Drive
Authors: Tuleshov Amandyk , Akhmetova Balzhan , Kuatova Moldir , Merkibayeva Bakhyt , Ibrayev Gulama-Garip Alisher
Published: August 2023

In crank presses, an important role is played by the presence of actuators with dwell, in which, with continuous movement of the input links, the output working link remains stationary at some part of the work. The use of a high-class structural group (fourth class) expands the functionality of the crank press, including it can ensure the link dwell of the working link on a given section of movement during the required period of time. As a result of the conducted research, four variants of actuators of the crank knee press were designed. Due to the rational choice of the positions of racks and crosshead guide, the best layout of the dimensions of the press mechanism has been achieved, changing the coordinates of the racks accordingly allows to design a mechanism with upper or lower dwells of the working links. When synthesizing (selecting) parameters such as: l_2 and h, it is possible to obtain a height of different duration. All this is shown on the basis of a numerical experiment based on kinematic analysis. In addition, the complex structure of the mechanism makes it possible to ensure the exact link dwell, which cannot be achieved due to the well-known knee presses based on the second-class mechanism [21].
Key Essentials during the Transition from the Acute Phase of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Rzymski Piotr , Pokorska-Śpiewak Maria , Jackowska Teresa , Kuchar Ernest , Nitsch-Osuch Aneta , Pawłowska Małgorzata , Babicki Mateusz , Jaroszewicz Jerzy , Szenborn Leszek , Wysocki Jacek , Flisiak Robert
Published: August 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has been met with an unprecedented response from the scientific community leading to the development, study, and authorization of vaccines and antivirals, ultimately reducing the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on global public health. However, SARS-CoV-2 is far from being eradicated, continues to evolve, and causes substantial health and economic burdens. In this paper, we posit essential points on SARS-CoV-2 and its management during the transition from the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. As discussed, despite Omicron (sub)variant(s) causing clinically milder infections, SARS-CoV-2 is far from being a negligible pathogen. It requires continued genomic surveillance, particularly if one considers that its future (sub)lineages do not necessarily have to be milder. Antivirals and vaccines remain the essential elements in COVID-19 management. However, the former could benefit from further development and improvements in dosing, while the seasonal administration of the latter requires simplification to increase interest and tackle vaccine hesitancy. It is also essential to ensure accessibility of COVID-19 pharmaceuticals and vaccines in low-income countries and improve the understanding of their use in the context of long-term goals of SARS-CoV-2 management. Regardless of location, the primary role of COVID-19 awareness and education must be played by healthcare workers who directly communicate with patients and serve as role models for healthy behaviors.
The capacity of Magnesium to Induce Osteoclast Differentiation Is Greatly Enhanced by the Presence of Zoledronic Acid
Authors: Ricchiuto Silvia , Palumbo Rossella , Lami Francesca , Gavioli Francesca , Caselli Lorenzo , Montanari Monica , Zappavigna Vincenzo , Anesi Alexandre , Zanocco-Marani Tommaso , Grande Alexis
Published: August 2023

Bisphosphonates (BPs) are successfully used to cure a number of bone diseases characterized by metabolic osteopenia, such as Osteoporosis, or neoplastic osteolysis, such as Multiple Myeloma and Bone Metastases. These drugs exert their therapeutic effect inducing a systemic osteoclast depletion that, in turn, is responsible for a reduced bone resorption. Unfortunately, in addition to their beneficial activity, BPs can also determine a frightening side effect known as Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ). It is generally believed that the inability of osteoclasts to get rid of inflamed / necrotic bone tissue represents the main physio-pathological aspect of ONJ. In principle, a therapeutic strategy able to elicit a local re-activation of osteoclast production could counteract ONJ and promote the healing of its lesions. We have previously demonstrated that Magnesium (Mg) is a powerful inducer of osteoclast differentiation. Using a model of Vitamin D3 – dependent osteoclastogenesis, based on the U937 cell line, here we show that, surprisingly, this property of Mg is greatly enhanced by the presence of Zoledronic Acid (ZA), chosen for our study because it is the most effective among BPs. This finding allow us to hypothesize that Mg might play an important role in the topical therapy of ONJ.
Testing the Emissions Reduction Effect of Carbon Pricing: A Predictive Analysis of the Role of Speculation
Authors: Isah Kazeem , Raheem Ibrahim , Adelakun Johnson
Published: August 2023

Despite providing some critical financial services to support the operation of Emissions Trading Systems (ETS), such as increasing market liquidity and price visibility and allowing operators to hedge against future fluctuations, there is growing concern about the potential threat of financial actors' speculation behaviour to the ETS's effectiveness. To confirm or alleviate the fear associated with such concern, we employ both ex-post and ex-ante approaches to determine the role of speculation in the emission reduction effect of the ETS and its forecasting power in predicting climate change. In addition to confirming carbon prices and the speculation behaviour of the emissions non-compliance actors in the ETS as accurate predictors of climate change, we also show that they both matter in the emission reduction effect of the ETS. We use several verifiable econometric approaches to select the Feasible Quasi Generalised Least Squares (FQGLS) as the best estimator for addressing some of the biases in climate change predictability. We demonstrate that a predictive model combining the complementing dynamics of the EST emissions compliance and emissions non-compliance features forecasts climate change more accurately. We demonstrate the robustness of our findings for both in-sample and out-of-sample forecasts and across different forecast horizons by using alternative approaches to evaluate forecast performance.
The Use of Circulating Tumor DNA Assays and Liquid Biopsies in Pediatric Brain Tumors: A Review
Authors: Abdalla Doaa M. , Abdalla Eiman M. , Almekkawi Ahmad K. , Ahmed Rasha E. , Minasian Tanya , El Ahmadieh Tarek Y.
Published: August 2023

Pediatric brain tumors are the leading cause of cancer-related death in children. Diagnosis cur-rently relies on surgical biopsy to obtain tumor tissue for histological analysis. There is a great need for less invasive approaches to molecularly profile tumors and monitor therapeutic response. Liquid biopsy analysis of circulating tumor biomarkers in biofluids like cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood offers a promising minimally invasive strategy. This review discusses recent advances in developing liquid biopsy assays using next-generation sequencing, digital PCR, and emerging techniques to detect circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), cells (CTCs), and exosomes in pediatric brain tumors. The ability to use these circulating biomarkers for non-invasive diagnosis, thera-peutic targeting, tracking response to therapy, and understanding resistance mechanisms is ex-amined. Technical and clinical validation challenges to translate liquid biopsies into routine clin-ical practice are also discussed.
Anti-fibronectin Aptamer Modifies Blood Clot Pattern and Stimulates Osteogenesis. An Ex Vivo Study
Authors: Da Costa Natacha Malu Miranda , Parisi Ludovica , Ghezzi Benedetta , Elviri Lisa , Scombatti de Souza Sergio Luis , Novaes Jr. Arthur Belém , De Oliveira Paulo Tambasco , Macaluso Guido Maria , Palioto Daniela Bazan
Published: August 2023

Background: Scaffold (SCA) functionalization with aptamers (APT) provides adsorption of specific bioactive molecules on biomaterials surface. The aim of this study was to observe if SCA enriched with anti-fibronectin APT can favor coagulum (PhC) and osteoblasts (OSB) differentiation. Methods: 20 ug of APT was functionalized on SCA by simple adsorption. For PhC formation, SCAs were inserted into rat calvaria defects for 17 hours. Following proper transportation (Buffer solution-PB), OSB (UMR-106 lineage) were seeded over PhC + SCAs with and without APT. Cells and PhC morphology, PhC cell population, protein labelling and gene expression were observed in different time points. Results: The APT induced higher ALP and BSP immunolabeling in OSB. CD90, CD45 and CD44 expression was more detected in APT group than when scaffolds were not functionalized. Additionally, an enriched and dense fibrin network and different cell types were observed, with more OSB and white blood cells in PhC formed on SCA with APT. The gene expression showed higher TGF-β1 detection in SCA with APT. Conclusions: The SCA functionalization with fibronectin aptamers provides a selective expression of proteins related to coagulation pattern and osteo differentiation. Additionally, aptamers increase TGF-β1 gene expression, which is highly associated with improvements in regenerative therapies.
Random Authentication Node Selection Mechanism in Block Network for Meta-Mobility Service Data Reliability
Authors: Kim Jinsu , Choi Eunsun , Kim Byung-Gyu , Park Namje
Published: August 2023

. Various elements such as evolutions in IoT services resulting from sensoring by vehicle parts and advances in small communication technology devices have significantly impacted the mass spread of mobility services that are provided to users in need of limited resources. In particular, business models are progressing away from one-off cost towards longer term cost as represented by shared services utilizing kick-boards or bicycles and subscription services for vehicle software. Advances in shared mobility services as described are calling for solutions that can enhance reliability of data aggregate by users leveraging mobility services in the next-generation mobility areas. However, mining process to renew status, ensures continued network communication and block creation demands high performance in public block chain. This thesis proposes random certificate node selection mechanism in block network that creates blocks via node that has tokens issued for block creation and lets only specific nodes selected by encrypting token information acquires token.
Research of Tool Deformations Influence in the Direction of Cutting and Feeding on the Stabilization of Vibration Activity during Metal Processing on Metal-Cutting Machines
Authors: Viktor Lapshin , Ilia Turkin , Ilia Dudinov
Published: August 2023

The article is devoted to the issues of assessing the impact of changes in the delay value in the feed direction, what determines the regenerative nature of self-excitation of the cutting system, on the dynamics of metal processing on metal-cutting machines. It is this interconnected model of the cutting system that allows to identify the main dynamic effects that occur in the cutting system, including the effect of vibrations regeneration when cutting along the track. The article also has a section dedicated to the experiment on a real metalworking machine, on which vibrations of the top of the cutting wedge of the tool were measured and based on these data, a real calculation of the delay time and the magnitude of the change in the area of the cut layer was carried out, due to variations in the real feed. The conducted studies have shown that in addition to the vibrations of the cutting tool in the direction of feeding, the vibration activity of the tool in the direction of cutting plays an essential role in ensuring the regenerative effect. The delay time constant of the operator is formed, which determines the real value of the feed during cutting.
Active Coral Restoration to Preserve the Biodiversity of a Highly Impacted Reef
Authors: Pancrazi Irene , Feairheller Kayla , Ahmed Hassan , Di Napoli Carolina , Montefalcone Monica
Published: August 2023

Maldivian coral reefs have been experiencing significant degradation due to a combination of global climate change and local anthropogenic pressures. To enforce the conservation of coral reefs worldwide, coral restoration is becoming a popular tool to restore ecosystems actively. In the Maldives, restoration interventions are performed only around touristic islands, where there are economic resources available to support these projects. Unfortunately, on local islands, coral restoration does not benefit from the same support and is rarely boosted. A challenging coral restoration intervention has been performed, for the first time, a on a local island of the Maldives affected by intense human pressures that caused the degradation of its reefs. A total of 242 coral fragments were collected from impacted colonies and transferred to the coral nursery of the island. Survival and growth rates of the fragments were monitored for 12 months. After one year, a survival rate of 70.2% was recorded. Although this rate might appear lower when compared to other restoration experiences, it is very promising considering the origin of the fragments and the poor quality of the environment where they have been transplanted. Some potential threats to the success of this restoration have also been identified, i.e., water temperature anomaly, diseases and parasites, the latter being the leading causes of coral mortality. The procedure presented here is comparatively less expensive than the typical relocation of entire coral colonies from donor healthy reefs to degraded reefs, thus providing an opportunity and a viable option also for local islands to restore their reefs and preserve local biodiversity.
Gender-Based Clinical, Therapeutic Strategies and Prognosis Differences in Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Quesada Aurelio , Quesada-Ocete Javier , Quesada-Ocete Blanca , Del Moral-Ronda Victor , Jiménez-Bello Javier , Rubini-Costa Ricardo , Lavie Carl J. , Morin Daniel P. , De la Guía-Galipienso Fernando , Rubini-Puig Ricardo , Sanchis-Gomar Fabian
Published: August 2023

Background: There is limited data on gender-based differences in atrial fibrillation (AF) treatment and prognosis. Our aim was to examine gender-related differences in medical attention in emergency department (ED) and follow-up (FU) among patients diagnosed with an AF episode and to determine whether there are gender-related differences in clinical characteristics, therapeutic strategies and long-term adverse events in this population.
Methods: We performed a retrospective observational study of patients who presented to a tertiary hospital ER for AF from 2010-2015, with a minimum FU of one year. Data on medical attention received, mortality and other adverse outcomes were collected and analyzed.
Results: Among the 2 013 patients selected, 1232 (60%) was female. Women were less likely than men to be evaluated by a cardiologist during the ED visit (11.5% vs. 16.6%, p=0.001) and were less likely to be admitted (5.9% vs. 9.5%, p<0.05). Electrical cardioversion was performed more frequently in men, both during the first episode (3.4% vs. 1.2%, p=0.001) and during FU (15.9% vs. 10.6%, p<0.001), in spite of a lower AF recurrence rate in women (9.9% vs 18.1%). During FU, women had more hospitalizations for heart failure (26.2% vs. 16.1%, p<0.001).
Conclusions: In patients with AF, although no gender differences in mortality, there were significant differences in clinical outcomes, medical attention received, and therapeutic strategies. Women underwent fewer attempts at cardioversion, had a lower probability of being evaluated by cardiologists and showed a higher probability of hospitalization for heart failure. Being alert to these iniquities should facilitate to adopt measures to correct them.
Exploring Ethical Boundaries: Can ChatGPT Be Prompted to Give Advice on How to Cheat in University Assignments?
Authors: Spennemann Dirk H.R.
Published: August 2023

Generative artificial intelligence (AI), in particular large language models such as ChatGPT have reached public consciousness with a wide-ranging discussion of their capabilities and suitability for various professions. The extant literature on the ethics of generative AI revolves around its usage and application, rather than the ethical framework of the responses provided. In the education sector, concerns have been raised with regard to the ability of these language models to aid in student assignment writing with the potentially concomitant student misconduct of such work is submitted for assessment. Based on a series of ‘conversations’ with multiple replicates, using a range of discussion prompts, this paper examines the capability of ChatGPT to provide advice on how to cheat in assessments. Since its public release in November 2022, numerous authors have developed ‘jailbreaking’ techniques to trick ChatGPT into answering questions in ways other than the default mode. While the default mode activates a safety awareness mechanism that prevents ChatGPT from providing unethical advice, other modes partially or fully bypass the this mechanism and elicit answers that are outside expected ethical boundaries. ChatGPT provided a wide range of suggestions on how to best cheat in university assignments, with some solutions common to most replicates (‘plausible deniability,’ language adjustment of contract written text’). Some of ChatGPT’s solutions to avoid cheating being detected were cunning, if not slightly devious. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Evaluation of Blood Cultures of SARS-CoV-2 Positive and Negative Adult Patients
Authors: Akgün Karapınar Bahar , Çaklovica Küçükkaya İlvana , Bölükbaşı Yasemin , Küçükkaya Sertaç , Erköse Genç Gonca , Erturan Zayre , Ağaçfidan Ali , Öngen Betigül
Published: August 2023

Bacteremia and fungemia are significant causes of morbidity and mortality which frequently occur as co-infections with viral respiratory infections including SARS-CoV-2. It was aimed to evaluate the microorganisms isolated from blood cultures of SARS-CoV-2 positive and negative patients and investigate their antimicrobial resistance patterns. A retrospective analysis was performed with the total number of 22,944 blood cultures sent to the laboratory between November 2020 and December 2021. Blood cultures were performed on the BD Bactec automated system. Identification was performed using conventional methods, VITEK-2 and MALDI-TOF MS. Antibacterial/antifungal susceptibility tests were performed according to EUCAST/CLSI recommendations. SARS-CoV-2 tests were performed with RT-PCR. It was detected 1,630 culture positivity belonging to 652 patients. Totally 633 of 652 patients were tested for SARS-CoV-2; 118 (18.6%) were positive and 515 (81.3%) were negative. The bacteria and fungi isolated at the high-est rate in SARS-CoV-2 positive patients were methicillin-resistant coagulase negative staphylococci (MR-CoNS) (21.5%), Escherichia coli (12.4%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (12.4%), Candida albicans (1.65%) and Candida glabrata complex (1.65%); while in negative patients, E. coli (21.3%), MR-CoNS (13.5%), K. pneumoniae (12.05%), C. albicans (2.1%), Candida parapsilosis (1.1%) and Candida tropicalis (0.9%). The fact that the most common isolate was MR-CoNS in SARS-CoV-2 positive patients (p = 0.028); the detection of Acinetobacter baumannii was more frequent (p = 0.001) and the isolation of carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae was at a higher rate than in SARS-CoV-2 negative patients; also, the increase in multidrug-resistant strains indicate that healthcare-associated infec-tions should not be disregarded while focusing on the outbreak.
Influence of Reaction Time on Silver Nanoparticles-Catalyzed Oxidation of 3,3’,5,5’-Tetramethylbenzidine
Authors: Hormozi Jangi Saeed Reza
Published: August 2023

Influence of reaction time on silver nanoparticles-catalyzed oxidation of 3,3’,5,5’-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) was evaluated via probing the oxidation process by recording the UV-Visible absorbance of the resulting colored products of TMB oxidation by hydrogen peroxide in the presence of silver nanoparticles as peroxides mimics. The time curve of the oxidation process was constructed, revealed that the concentration of the oxidation product was increased by increasing the reaction time and then levled off because the nanozyme active nodes were saturated after a certain reaction time and consequently the steady-state condition can be observed. The maximal activity of the silver nanozymes was achieved after a very short reaction time as short as 3.0 min and after this time, the color intensity of the oxidation products remained constant, revealing saturation of active nodes of nanoparticles with nanozyme-substrate.
Evaporation of Small Sessile Drop Deposited on Horizontal Solid Surface: New Exact Solutions and Approximations
Authors: Lebedev-Stepanov Peter , Savenko Olga
Published: August 2023

Evaporating liquid sessile drop deposited on horizontal surface is an important object of applications (printing technologies, electronics, sensorics, medical diagnostics, hydrophobic coatings, etc.) and theoretical investigations (microfluidics, self-assembly of nanoparticle, crystallization of the solute, etc.). The arsenal of formulas for calculating the slow evaporation of an axisymmetric drop of capillary dimensions deposited on a flat solid surface is reviewed. Such characteristics as vapor density, evaporation flux density, total evaporation rate are considered. Exact solutions obtained in the framework of the Maxwellian model, in which the evaporation process of the drop is limited by vapor diffusion from the drop surface to the surrounding air, are presented. The summary covers both well-known results obtained during the last decades and new results published by us in the last few years, but practically unknown to the wide scientific community. The newest formulas, not yet published in refereed publications, concerning exact solutions for a number of specific contact angles are also presented. In addition, new approximate solutions are presented for the first time (total evaporation rate and mass loss per unit surface area per unit time in the whole range of contact angles ), which can be used in modeling without requiring significant computational resources.
Zero-Emission Truck Powertrains for Regional and Long-Haul Missions
Authors: Pihlatie Mikko , Ranta Mikaela , Rahkola Pekka , Åman Rafael
Published: August 2023

Zero-emission trucks for regional and long haul missions are an option for fossil-free freight. The viability of such powertrains and system solutions was studied conceptually in project ESCALATE for trucks with GVW of 40 tonnes and beyond through various prime mover combinations. The study covers battery and fuel cell power sources with different degrees of battery electric as well as H2 and fuel cell operation. As a design basis, two different missions with a single-charge/H2 refill were analysed. The first mission was the VECTO long haul profile repeated up to 750 km, whereas the second was a real 520 km on-road mission in Finland. Based on the simulated energy consumption on the driving cycle, on-board energy demand was estimated, and the initial single-charge operational scenarios were analysed with five different power source topologies. The traction motors of the tractor were dimensioned so that a secondary mission of GVW up to 76 tons on a shorter route can be operated. Based on the powertrain and vehicle model, various infrastructure options for charging and H2 refuelling strategy as well as various operative scenarios with indicative total cost of ownership (TCO) were analysed.
Diagnostic Potential of MicroRNA-1, MicroRNA-21, and MicroRNA-29 as Novel Biomarkers for Early Development of Myocardial Fibrosis in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Andrianto Andrianto , Al-Farabi Makhyan Jibril , Arifitrianto Muhammad Gani , Juwita Rahima Ratna , Firmansyah Okky Wahyu , Intan Ryan Enast , Fadila Asiyah Nurul , Tiyantara Muhammad Surya , Suryawan I Gde Rurus , Ardiana Meity , Rahmianti Nia Dyah , Pikir Budi Susetyo , Nugraha Ricardo Adrian
Published: August 2023

This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic potential of circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) for detecting early myocardial fibrosis development in HFpEF patients. This observational study used a case-control research design. Peripheral blood samples were isolated from 25 HFpEF patients and 25 normal patients. They were measured for NTproBNP levels using ELISA, as well as MicroRNA-1, 21, and 29 levels using RT-PCR. All patients also underwent echocardiography for global longitudinal strain (GLS) to measure the myocardial fibrosis progression. Data were analyzed using SPSS 25.0. HFpEF patients had significantly higher GLS compared to the normal patients (-13±2.4% vs -19±3.2%; p < 0.05), suggesting HFpEF patients tended to have myocardial fibrosis. HFpEF patients also had significantly higher microRNA-1 and microRNA-21 compared to the normal patients (p < 0.05), but they had lower microRNA-1 (p < 0.05). There was a positive correlation between microRNA-1 (r = 0.753; p < 0.05) and microRNA-21 (r = 0.675; p < 0.05) and an inverse correlation with microRNA-29 (r = -0.653; p < 0.05) based on the GLS findings. By using a GLS cutoff of -15% for myocardial fibrosis, microRNA-1, microRNA-21, and microRNA-29 were found to be able to predict myocardial fibrosis based on GLS with a specificity of 78% and sensitivity of 75%. Increasing microRNA-1 and microRNA-21 followed by decreasing microRNA-29 in HFpEF patients suggest early myocardial fibrosis.
Clinical Outcomes of Upfront Primary Tumor Resection in Synchronous Unresectable Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Shin Ji Eun , An Ho Jung , Shim Byoung Yong , Kim Hyunho , Park Hyung Soon , Cho Hyeon-Min , Kye Bong-Hyeon , Yoo Ri Na , Moon Ji-Yeon , Kim Sung Hwan , Lee Jonghoon , Lee Hyo Chun , Jung Ji-Han , Lee Kang-Moon , Lee Ji Min
Published: August 2023

The role of upfront primary tumor resection (PTR) in patients with unresectable metastatic col-orectal cancer (CRC) without severe symptoms remains controversial. We retrospectively ana-lyzed the role of PTR in overall survival (OS) in different subgroups. Among 331 patients diag-nosed with synchronous metastatic CRC between 2010 and 2020, 223 were analyzed. The PTR group (n = 42) showed better performance (p = 0.038); higher frequencies of right-sided origin (p = 0.014), T4 stage (p = 0.005), M1a stage (p = 0.015), and <2 organ metastases (p = 0.002); and re-ceived fewer targeted agents (p < 0.001) than the chemotherapy group (n = 181). The PTR group showed longer OS (20.5 versus 14.0 months, p = 0.016), but PTR was marginally related to OS in multivariate analysis (p = 0.060). Male sex (p = 0.022), good performance status (p = 0.07), left-sided tumor (p = 0.069), low serum carcinoembryonic antigen level (p = 0.092), T3 stage (p = 0.029), M1a stage (p = 0.025), <2 organ metastases (p = 0.017), and administration of targeted agents, especially bevacizumab (p = 0.024), were related to survival benefit after PTR. Upfront PTR should be considered when selecting patients with favorable prognoses for bevacizumab administration.
The Nexus between Unemployment and Entrepreneurship in Namibia: Empirical Evidence of Refugee and Schumpeter Effects
Authors: Nautwima Johanna Pangeiko , Asa Asa Romeo , Atiku Sulaiman Olusegun
Published: August 2023

: There remains no acquiescence that confirms the extent to which unemployment and entrepreneurship influence each other in developing countries. Thus, an incessant invite for further debate attracted the need to assess the relationship between unemployment and entrepreneurship in terms of business formation in Namibia Given that, this study examines the relationship between unemployment and entrepreneurial activities in Namibia. Time series data were collected from the World Bank database to investigate the relationship between unemployment and entrepreneurship in Namibia. Unit root test was conducted using both the Augmented Dickey-Fuller test and the Phillips-Perron test to measure stationarity of the data and found all the variables to have no unit root after the first difference. Thus, we employed the Johansen-Juselius test of cointegration, and the results revealed the absence of a long-run relationship between the variables. Hence, we performed a vector autoregressive (VAR) model to estimate the short-run relationships and found that Namibia exhibit both the refugee and Schumpeter effects. Finally, the direction of causality between the variables was measured using the Pairwise Granger causality test and the results revealed that none of the variables was proven to granger cause the other, concluding that they are all independent of each other. Therefore, in pursuit of unemployment mitigation, we recommend policymakers to focus on other aspects beyond entrepreneurship when devising policies without jeopardizing the ease of business start-up procedures. This will incentivize entrepreneurial activities, which can eventually address other macroeconomic issues beyond unemployment.
Study of the Removal Efficiency of Chromium Ions using a Membrane by Electro Kinetic Technique from Sludge
Authors: Hadi Nabaa Shakir , Awadh Huda
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Aims: In recent years, electro kinetic (EK) remediation has become more popular as a novel method for removing chromium contamination from soil. This approach, however, is ineffective since it uses both cationic and anionic forms of chromium. In this work, a membrane –based technique was employed to increase the efficiency of the electro kinetic removal of chromium.

Methods: Chromium removal from polluted sludge was studied in four bench-scale experiments, two of which used distilled water (EK-1, EK2 & Membrane) and two of which used acetic acid as a catholyte (EK-3, EK4 &Membrane).

Results: The pH, total chromium, and fractionation of chromium in the sludge were measured after remediation. In the EK-1, EK-2 & Membrane and EK-3, EK-4 & Membrane trials, the average removal efficiency of total chromium was 47.6%, 58.6%, and 74.4%, 79.6%, respectively.

Conclusion: In contrast to the electro kinetic remediation strategy, which left approximately 80% of the sludge neutral or alkaline after treatment, the use of the membrane created acidic soil conditions throughout the sludge. For example, the high field intensity used in the membrane tests may have helped to facilitate chromium desorption, dissolution and separation from the sludge, as well as enhance chromium mobility. The findings show that the membrane can improve the effectiveness of chromium removal from sludge when utilized in the EK remediation process.
Application of Machine Learning and Deep Learning Models for Prostate Cancer Diagnosis using Medical Images: A Systematic Review
Authors: Olabanjo Olusola , WUSU Ashiribo , Asokere Mauton , Afisi Oseni , Okugbesan Basheerat , Olabanjo Olufemi , Folorunso Olusegun , Mazzara Manuel
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the deadliest and most common causes of malignancy and death in men worldwide, more specifically with higher prevalence and mortality in developing countries. Factors such as age, family history, race and certain genetic mutations are some of the factors contributing to the occurrence of PCa in men. The recent advances in technology and algorithms gave rise to the computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) of PCa. With the availability of medical image datasets and emerging trends in state-of-the-art machine and deep learning techniques, there is a growth in recent related publications.
Materials and Methods: In this study, we present a systematic review of PCa diagnosis with medical images using machine learning and deep learning techniques. We conducted a thorough review through relevant studies indexed in four databases (IEEE, PubMed, Springer and ScienceDirect) using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. With well-defined search terms, a total of 608 articles were identified and 77 met the final inclusion criteria. Key elements in the included papers were presented and conclusions were drawn from them.
Results: Findings showed that the United States has the most research in PCa diagnosis with machine learning, Magnetic Resonance Images are the most used datasets and transfer learning is the most used method of diagnosing PCa in recent times. In addition, some available PCa datasets and some key considerations for choice of loss function in the deep learning models were presented. The limitations and lessons learnt were discussed and some key recommendations were made.
Conclusion: The discoveries and the conclusions of this work have been organized so as to enable researchers in the same domain to use this work and make crucial implementation decisions.
TBA for Sensing Toxic Cations: A Critical Analysis of Structural and Electrical Properties
Authors: Alfinito Eleonora
Published: August 2023

Food and drinks can be contaminated with pollutants such as lead and strontium and this poses a serious danger to human health. For this reason, a number of effective sensors have been developed for the rapid and highly selective detection of such contaminants. TBA, a well-known aptamer developed to selectively target and thereby inhibit the protein of clinical interest -thrombin, is receiving increasing attention for sensing applications, particularly for the sensing of different cations. Indeed, TBA, in the presence of these cations, folds into the stable G-quadruplex structure. Furthermore, different cations produce small but significant changes in this structure that result in changes in the electrical responses that TBA can produce. In this article we produce an overview of the expected data regarding the use of TBA in the detection of lead and strontium, calculating the expected electrical response using different measurement techniques. Finally, we conclude that the TBA should perform better as a detector of strontium rather than lead.
Toxicity Assessment of Four Formulated Pyrethroid-Containing Binary Insecticides in Two Resistant Adult Tarnished Plant Bug (Lygus lineolaris) Populations
Authors: Du Yuzhe , Zhu Yucheng , Scheibener Shane , Portilla Maribel
Published: August 2023

Over the past several decades, the extensive use of pyrethroids has led to the development of resistance in many insect populations, including the economically damaging pest tarnished plant bug (TPB), Lygus lineolaris on cotton. To manage TPB resistance, several commercially formulated pyrethroid-containing binary mixtures, in combination with neonicotinoids or avermectin are recommended for TPB control and resistance management in the Mid-south USA. This study aimed to evaluate the toxicity and resistance risks of four formulated pyrethroid-containing binary mixtures (Endigo, Leverage, Athena, and Hero) on one susceptible and two resistant TPB populations which were field-collected in July (Field-R1) and October (Field-R2), respectively. Based on LC50 values, both resistant TPB populations displayed variable tolerance to the four binary mixtures, with Hero showing the highest resistance and Athena the lowest. Notably, the Field-R2 exhibited 1.5-3-fold higher resistance compared to the Field-R1 for all four binary insecticides. Moreover, both resistant TPB populations demonstrated significantly higher resistance ratios toward Hero and Leverage compared to their corresponding individual pyrethroid, while Endigo and Athena showed similar or lower resistance. This study also utilized the calculated additive index (AI) and co-toxicity coefficient (CTC) analysis, which revealed that the two individual components in Leverage exhibited antagonist effects against the two resistant TPB populations. In contrast, the two individual components in Endigo, Hero and Athena displayed synergistic interactions. Considering that Hero is a mixture of two pyrethroids which can enhance the development of TPB resistance, our findings suggest that Endigo and Athena are likely superior products for slowing down resistance development in TPB populations. This study provides valuable insight for selecting the most effective mixtures to achieve better TPB control through synergistic toxicity analysis, while simultaneously reducing economic and environmental risks associated with resistance development in the insect pest.
Human T-cell Leukemia Virus Type 1 Oncogenesis between Active Expression and Latency: A Possible Source for the Development of Therapeutic Targets
Authors: Marino-Merlo Francesca , Grelli Sandro , Mastino Antonio , Lai Michele , Ferrari Paola , Nicolini Andrea , Pistello Mauro , Macchi Beatrice
Published: August 2023

The human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is the only known human oncogenic retrovirus. HTLV-1 can cause a cancer called adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL). The virus is transmitted through body fluids of infected individuals, primarily breast milk, blood, and semen. At least 5–10 million people in the world are infected with HTLV-1. In addition to ATL, HTLV-1 infection can also cause HTLV-I-associated myelopathy (HAM /TSP). ATL is characterized by low viral ex-pression and poor prognosis. The oncogenesis triggered by HTLV-1 is extremely complex and the molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. However, viral regulatory proteins Tax and HTLV-1 bZIP factor (HBZ) have been shown to play key roles in the transformation of HTLV-1-infected T cells. Moreover, several studies have shown that the final fate of HTLV-1-infected transformed T cell clones is the result of a complex interplay of HTLV-1 oncogenic protein expression with cellular transcription factors that subvert the cell cycle and disrupt reg-ulated cell death, thereby exerting their transforming effects. This review provides updated in-formation on the mechanisms underlying the transforming action of HTLV-1 and the potential therapeutic targets to combat ATL.
Antibiotic Potentiation as a Promising Strategy to Combat Macrolide Resistance in Bacterial Pathogens
Authors: PAUL DEEPJYOTI , Chawla Meenal , Ahrodia Taruna , Narendrakumar Lekshmi , Das Bhabatosh
Published: August 2023

Antibiotics were once called miracle drugs which hit the market with astounding impact as it was considered the ultimate cure for infectious diseases in the mid-20th century. However, today nearly all bacteria that afflict humankind have become resistant to these wonder drugs once developed to stop them, imperilling the foundation of modern medicine. During the COVID pandemic, there was a surge in macrolide use to treat secondary infections and this persistent use of macrolide antibiotics has provoked the emergence of macrolide resistance. In view of the current dearth of new antibiotics in the pipeline, it is essential to find an alternative way to combat drug resistance. Antibiotic potentiators or adjuvants are non-antibacterial active molecules that, when combined with antibiotics, increase their activity. Thus, potentiating the existing antibiotics is one of the promising approaches to tackle and minimize the impact of antimicrobial resistance. Several natural and synthetic compounds have demonstrated effectiveness in potentiating macrolide antibiotics against MDR pathogens. The present review summarizes the different resistance mechanisms adapted by bacteria to resist macrolides and further emphasizes the major macrolide potentiators identified which could serve to revive the antibiotic and can be used for the reversal of macrolide resistance.
2-((4-Amino-5-((2,4-Dichlorophenoxy)Methyl)-4H-1,2,4-Triazol-3-yl)Thio)-1-(5-Methyl-1-(4-Nitrophenyl)-1H-1,2,3-Triazol-4-yl)Ethan-1-One
Authors: Abdel-Wahab Bakr F. , Mabied Ahmed F , Fettinger James C. , Farahat Abdelbasset A.
Published: August 2023

The reaction of 2-bromo-1-(5-methyl-1-(4-nitrophenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)ethan-1-one (1) with 4-amino-5-((2,4-dichlorophenoxy)methyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiol (2) in absolute ethanol in the presence of triethyl amine as catalyst gave 2-((4-amino-5-((2,4-dichlorophenoxy)methyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)thio)-1-(5-methyl-1-(4-nitrophenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)ethan-1-one (3) in 73% yield. The structure of the title heterocycle (3) was confirmed by X-ray single crystal diffraction and spectral analyses (NMR and IR).
Role of Intravascular Ultrasound and Optical Coherence Tomography in
Intra Coronary Imaging for Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Sarwar Maruf , Adedokun Stephen , Anantha Narayanan Mahesh
Published: August 2023

Coronary angiography, long considered the gold standard for coronary imaging, faces limitations in assessing coronary vessel wall anatomy and guiding percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Despite its prevalence, studies have demonstrated that it is suboptimal in estimating the severity of coronary disease and physiologic significance of stenosis. Intracoronary imaging techniques, such as intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and optical coherence tomography (OCT), offer promising alternatives to overcome these limitations.

This review delves into the nuances of IVUS and OCT, highlighting their strengths and limitations as adjuncts to PCI. IVUS, utilizing ultrasound technology, and OCT, based on near-infrared light, each provide unique insights into coronary pathology. They differ in terms of temporal and spatial resolution, influencing their capabilities in plaque characterization and vessel assessment. The discussion navigates their historical evolution, technical specifications, and clinical utility.

Meta-analyses and adjusted observational studies suggest that both IVUS and OCT-guided PCI correlate with reduced cardiovascular risks compared to angiographic guidance alone. While IVUS has demonstrated consistent benefits in terms of clinical outcomes, the evidence supporting OCT is less robust. However, the utilization of these imaging modalities remains variable across regions, with increasing adoption in recent years, particularly in IVUS-guided PCIs.

Intravascular ultrasound's journey from early motion detection to current high-resolution mechanical systems is traced, including improvements in catheter size and compatibility. On the other hand, optical coherence tomography has advanced significantly, utilizing near infrared light to achieve unparalleled resolutions, albeit requiring temporary blood clearance for optimal imaging.

In conclusion, IVUS and OCT offer valuable insights into coronary pathophysiology and guide interventions with improved precision compared to traditional angiography. While IVUS remains more extensively utilized, OCT's growing potential is underscored by advancements in technology, culminating in enhanced imaging capabilities. Both modalities demonstrate comparable clinical outcomes, emphasizing the need for tailored imaging choices based on individual clinical scenarios. The continued refinement and broader integration of intravascular imaging are expected to play a pivotal role in optimizing coronary interventions and patient outcomes.
Predicting Forex Currency Fluctuations Using a Novel Bio-inspired Modular Neural Network
Authors: Bormpotsis Christos , Sedky Mohamed , Patel Asma
Published: August 2023

Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs) have been utilised to forecast the foreign exchange market (Forex). However, such models usually exhibit unstable behaviour, as data perturbations often downgrade the functionality of the entire network due to their monolithic architecture. Hence, this study proposes a novel neuroscience-informed modular network applied to the closing prices and the sentiments retrieved from Yahoo Finance and Twitter APIs, aiming to anticipate better price fluctuations in Euro to British Pound Sterling (EUR/GBP) rather than monolithic methods. The proposed model is based on a new modular CNN, replacing pooling layers with orthogonal kernel initialisation RNNs coupled with Monte Carlo Dropout (MCD), namely MCoRNNMCD. It combines two modules: i) a convolutional simple RNN and ii) a convolutional Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU), where orthogonality and MCD are added to reduce the overfitting, assessing each module's uncertainty. These parallel feature extraction modules concatenate their outputs to a final three-layer Artificial Neural Network (ANN) decision-making module. A comprehensive comparison viewing objective evaluation metrics such as the Mean Square Error (MSE) proved that the proposed MCoRNNMCD-ANN outperformed single CNN, LSTM, GRU, and the state-of-the-art hybrid BiCuDNNLSTM, CLSTM, CNN-LSTM, and LSTM-GRU in forecasting hourly EUR/GBP closing price fluctuations.
Data Pesawat Udara Tanpa Awak Untuk Pendukung Analisis Dinamika Pesisir dan Erosi Pantai
Authors: Fatchurohman Hendy , Indrawati Like , Ningtiyas Iswanti Rahayu , Nadhira Nur Anisa , Meliyasari Sasvita Gevi
Published: August 2023

Kawasan pesisir menjadi salah satu area yang paling rentan terhadap ancaman bencana akibat percepatan perubahan iklim. Salah satu ancaman yang hampir terjadi di seluruh Kawasan pesisir di dunia adalah erosi pantai. Kawasan Pesisir Kabupaten Bantul, DIY menjadi salah satu area yang terdampak cukup parah oleh erosi pantai. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk  (1) Mengetahui proses dinamika pesisir di Kawasan Pantai Pandansimo ; (2) Memetakan tingkat kecepatan abrasi di Pantai Pandansimo, dan (3)  Mengetahui penyebab utama dari proses erosi pantai yang terjadi. Citra satelit resolusi tinggi Pleiades dengan resolusi spasial 50cm digunakan untuk mengetahui perubahan garis pantasi secara temporal. Selain itu, citra satelit yang diperoleh dari Google Earth juga digunakan untuk analisis dari tahun 2010-2021.  Perubahan garis pantai dihitung menggunakan software DSAS. Data morfologi detail didapatkan dari hasil akuisisi foto udara menggunakan pesawat tanpa awak multirotor. Berdasarkan hasil analisi diketahui bahwa proses dinamika pesisir didominasi oleh proses erosi pantai.  Tercatat nilai kemunduran garis pantai rerata sebesar 2.46 meter/tahun. Erosi pantai yang terjadi disebabkan oleh beberapa faktor hidrodinamik dan morfodinamik seperti peningkatan kejadian gelombang ekstrem, berkurangnya suplai sedimen fluvial, dan fenomena perubahan iklim.
COVID-19: THE NEED FOR INCREASED RECOGNITION OF CUTANEOUS MANIFESTATIONS – LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Authors: A Odekunle , O Kafi , A Olaiya , O Olatunji
Published: August 2023

t has been over three years since the first case of covid-19 was discovered in Wuhan, China. Since then, there have been a lot of discussions around symptoms and sequelae of covid-19 such as respiratory, cardiac, and neurology problems. However, not a lot of attention has been drawn to skin manifestations of this disease despite the fact that the prevalence of covid-19 associated skin lesions could be as high as 20% in some countries (Tan et al., 2021)