bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of Next Generation Sequencing to Define the Origin of Primary Myelofibrosis
Authors: Visani Giuseppe , Etebari Maryam , Fuligni Fabio , Di Guardo Antonio , Isidori Alessandro , Loscocco Federica , Paolini Stefania , Navari Mohsen , Piccaluga Pier Paolo
Published: March 2023

Primary myelofibrosis (PMF) is a chronic myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) characterized by progressive bone marrow sclerosis, extra-medullary hematopoiesis, and possible transformation to acute leukemia. In the last decade, the molecular pathogenesis of the disease has been largely uncovered. Particularly, genetic and genomic studies have provided evidence of deregulated oncogenes in PMF as well as in other MPNs. However, the mechanisms through which transformation to either the myeloid or lymphoid blastic phase remain obscure. Particularly, it is still debated whether the disease has origins in a multi-potent hematopoietic stem cells or instead in a commissioned myeloid progenitor. In this study, we aimed to shed light upon this issue by using next generation sequencing (NGS) to study both myeloid and lymphoid cells as well as matched non-neoplastic DNA of PMF patients. Whole exome sequencing revealed that most somatic mutations were the same between myeloid and lymphoid cells, such findings being confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Particularly, we found 126/146 SNVs to be the e same (including JAK2V617F), indicating that most genetic events likely to contribute to disease pathogenesis occurred in a non-commissioned precursor. In contrast, only 9/27 InDels were similar, suggesting that this type of lesion contributed instead to disease progression, occurring at more differentiated stages, or maybe just represented “passenger” lesions, not contributing at all to disease pathogenesis. In conclusion, we showed for the first time that genetic lesions characteristic of PMF occur at an early stage of hematopoietic stem cell differentiation, this being in line with the possible transformation of the disease in either myeloid or lymphoid acute leukemia.
Robotic versus Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy in the New Era: Systematic Review
Authors: Ruiz Guerrero Estefanía , Claro Ana Victoria Ojeda , Ledo Cepero María José , Soto Delgado Manuel , Álvarez-Ossorio Fernández José Luis
Published: March 2023

(1) Background: In recent years there have been advances in imaging techniques, in addition to progress in the surgery of renal tumors directed towards minimally invasive techniques. Thus, nephron-sparing surgery has become the gold standard for the treatment of T1 renal masses. The aim of this study is to investigate the benefits of robotic partial nephrectomy in comparison with laparoscopic nephrectomy. (2) Methods: We performed a systematic review according to the PRISMA criteria during September 2022. We included clinical trials, and cohort and case-control studies published between 2000 and 2022. This comprised studies performed in adult patients with T1 renal cancer and studies comparing robotic with open and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. A risk of bias assessment was performed according to the Newcastle—Ottawa scale. (3) Results: We observed lower hot ischemia times in the robotic surgery groups, although at the cost of an increase in total operative time, without appreciating the differences in terms of serious surgical complications (Clavien III–V). (4) Conclusions: Robotic partial nephrectomy is a safe procedure, with a shorter learning curve than laparoscopic surgery and with all the benefits of minimally invasive surgery.
Determinants for an Efficient Enzymatic Catalysis in Poly(Ethylene Terephthalate) Degradation
Authors: Castro-Rodríguez José Augusto , Rodríguez-Sotres Rogelio , Farrés Amelia
Published: March 2023

The enzymatic degradation of the recalcitrant poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) has been an important biotechnological goal. The present review focuses on the state of the art in enzymatic degradation of PET, and the challenges ahead. This review covers (i) enzymes acting on PET, (ii) protein improvements through selection or engineering, (iii) strategies to improve biocatalyst–polymer interaction and monomer yields. Finally, this review discusses critical points on PET degradation, and their related experimental aspects, that include the control of physicochemical parameters. The search for, and engineering of, PET hydrolases, have been widely studied to achieve this, and several examples are discussed here. Many enzymes, from various microbial sources, have been studied and engineered, but recently true PET hydrolases (PETases), active at moderate temperatures, were reported. For a circular economy process, terephtalic acid (TPA) production is critical. Some thermophilic cutinases and engineered PETases have been reported to release terephthalic acid in significant amounts. Some bottlenecks in enzyme performance are discussed, including enzyme activity, thermal stability, substrate accessibility, PET microstructures, high crystallinity, molecular mass, mass transfer, and efficient conversion into reusable fragments.
Nickel-Copper Oxide Catalysts Deposited on Stainless Steel Meshes by Plasma Jet Sputtering: Comparison with Granular Analogues and Synergistic Effect in VOC Oxidation
Authors: Jirátová Květa , Soukal Petr , Kapran Anna , Babii Timur , Balabánová Jana , Koštejn Martin , Čada Martin , Maixner Jaroslav , Topka Pavel , Hubička Zdeněk , Kovanda František
Published: March 2023

A novel method for the preparation of Ni-Cu oxide catalysts—deposition on stainless steel meshes using hollow cathode plasma jet sputtering—was studied. This method allows the preparation of thin oxide films. Consequently, the whole volume of the active phase is readily accessible for the reactants and can be employed in the catalytic reaction due to the negligible effect of internal diffusion. As a result, the activity of our sputtered catalyst was seven times higher in ethanol oxidation and 61 times higher in toluene oxidation than that of the corresponding granular catalyst. Moreover, due to stainless steel meshes used as a catalyst support, the pressure drop across the catalyst bed was lower. Finally, the catalytic activity of the sputtered Ni-Cu oxide catalyst with Ni:Cu molar ratio of 1:1 in ethanol oxidation was 1.7 times higher than that of the commercial EnviCat® VOC-1544 catalyst, while the amount of the active phase in the catalyst bed was 139 times lower. The outstanding performance of the Ni0.5Cu0.5 catalyst was ascribed to the synergistic effect between the copper and nickel components.
Diaphragm Ultrasound in Critically Ill Patients on Mechanical Ventilation—Evolving Concepts
Authors: Santana Pauliane Vieira , Cardenas Letícia Zumpano , Albuquerque Andre Luis Pereira de
Published: March 2023

Mechanical ventilation (MV) is a life-saving respiratory support therapy, but MV can lead to diaphragm muscle injury (myotrauma) and induce diaphragmatic dysfunction (DD). DD is relevant because it is highly prevalent and associated with significant adverse outcomes, including prolonged ventilation, weaning failures, and mortality. The main mechanisms involved in the occurrence of myotrauma are associated with inadequate MV support in adapting to the patient’s respiratory effort (over- and under-assistance) and as a result of patient-ventilator asynchrony (PVA). The recognition of these mechanisms associated with myotrauma forced the development of myotrauma prevention strategies (MV with diaphragm protection), mainly based on titration of appropriate levels of inspiratory effort (to avoid over- and under-assistance) and to avoid PVA. Protecting the diaphragm during MV therefore requires the use of tools to monitor diaphragmatic effort and detect PVA. Diaphragm ultrasound is a non-invasive technique that can be used to monitor diaphragm function, to assess PVA, and potentially help to define diaphragmatic effort with protective ventilation. This review aims to provide clinicians with an overview of the relevance of DD and the main mechanisms underlying myotrauma, as well as the most current strategies aimed at minimizing the occurrence of myotrauma with special emphasis on the role of ultrasound in monitoring diaphragm function.
NSCLC in the Era of Targeted and Immunotherapy: What Every Pulmonologist Must Know
Authors: Mitchell Carley L. , Zhang Annie L. , Bruno Debora S. , Almeida Francisco A.
Published: March 2023

The treatment of non-small cell lung cancer has dramatically changed over the last decade through the use of targeted therapies and immunotherapies. Implementation of these treatment regimens relies on detailed knowledge regarding each tumor’s specific genomic profile, underscoring the necessity of obtaining superior diagnostic tissue specimens. While these treatment approaches are commonly utilized in the metastatic setting, approval among earlier-stage disease will continue to rise, highlighting the importance of early and comprehensive biomarker testing at the time of diagnosis for all patients. Pulmonologists play an integral role in the diagnosis and staging of non-small cell lung cancer via sophisticated tissue sampling techniques. This multifaceted review will highlight current indications for the use of targeted therapies and immunotherapies in non-small cell lung cancer and will outline the quality of various diagnostic approaches and subsequent success of tissue biomarker testing. Pulmonologist-specific methods, including endobronchial ultrasound and guided bronchoscopy, will be examined as well as other modalities such as CT-guided transthoracic biopsy and more.
Extreme Sparse-Array Synthesis via Iterative Convex Optimization and Simulated-Annealing Expanded Array
Authors: Gu Boxuan , Jiang Rongxin , Liu Xuesong , Chen Yaowu
Published: March 2023

Sparse-array synthesis can considerably reduce the number of sensor elements while optimizing the beam-pattern response performance. The sparsity of an array is related to the degrees of freedom of the array elements. A sparse-array method based on iterative convex optimization and a simulated-annealing expanded array is proposed in this paper. This method transforms the sparse-array problem into a minimum l1 norm problem and obtains the sparse array by solving the convex optimization problem using the primal-dual algorithm. Meanwhile, to improve the degree of freedom, array elements are expanded using stochastic perturbation. According to the simulated-annealing algorithm, the closed array elements are reopened with a specific probability, which is iteratively thinned and expanded. The results show that the proposed method can obtain an extremely sparse array, which is better than that obtained using the existing methods.
Performance Optimization of a Blockchain-Enabled Information and Data Exchange Platform for Smart Grids
Authors: Amjad Mubashar , Taylor Gareth , Huang Zhengwen , Li Maozhen , Lai Chun Sing
Published: March 2023

Exchanging information and data within smart grids is crucial to improve interoperability among system users. Traditional cloud-based data exchange schemes are centralized on a single trusted third-party platform. The schemes consequently suffer from single-point failure, a lack of data protection, and uncontrolled access. Blockchain enables data exchange in a decentralised and secure manner. A new platform is proposed in this work for exchanging data within smart grids using blockchain. It allows users to securely exchange data without losing ownership. This platform provides solutions to three critical problems: privacy, scalability, and user ownership. Particularly, the blockchain-based smart contract technology gives participants the programmability to access data. All interactions are authenticated and recorded by the other participants in the tamper-resistant blockchain network. Furthermore, the performance of the proposed blockchain platform is enhanced by integrating it with an artificial neural network (ANN). The proposed method is used to predict the network’s throughput and latency, and the network administrator uses these predicted values to change the network’s settings for a high throughput and low latency. Throughout the results, the proposed model achieves performance improvements in blockchain-enabled information and data exchange and adapts well to the dynamics of smart grids.
Reliability Analysis of FinFET Based High Performance Circuits
Authors: Navaneetha Alluri , Bikshalu Kalagadda
Published: March 2023

In the VLSI industry, the ability to anticipate variability tolerance is essential to understanding the circuits’ potential future performance. The cadence virtuoso tool is used in this study to assess how PVT fluctuations affect various fin-shaped field effect transistor (FinFET) circuits. In this research, high-performance FinFET-based circuits at 7 nm are discussed with a variation in temperature and voltage. The idea behind the technology is the improvement of power dissipation and delay reduction at the rise of temperature and reduced supply voltage. With the use of a multi-gate predictive model, simulation is carried out employing diverse domino logic at the 7 nm technology node of FinFET files. The proposed set-reset logic circuit and high-speed cascade circuit method shows less power dissipation and delay compared to the existing current mirror footed domino, high-speed clocked delay, and modified high-speed clocked delay with a variation of temperature and supply voltage. For the proposed set-reset logic circuit and high speed cascade circuit, a Monte Carlo simulation is done to find the mean and standard deviation. FinFET simulations are run on the suggested circuit for the reduction of delay for the rise of temperature and reduction of supply voltage from 0.7 V to 0.3 V. In comparison, the proposed method results in a maximum power decrease compared to existing ones. Compared to the existing one, proposed techniques achieve a maximum delay and area reduction.
Dual-Filter Architecture for Blind Feedback Recovery of the Symbol Timing in Bandlimited Optical Intensity Channels
Authors: Gappmair Wilfried , Schlemmer Harald
Published: March 2023

Reliable recovery of transmission parameters is of paramount importance not only for radio frequency receivers, but also for optical wireless communication solutions. This paper discusses a feedback algorithm for recovering the symbol timing in the context of a bandlimited optical intensity link. The link is determined by a PAM scheme and pulse shaping with squared raised cosine or double jump functions. When preambles or pilot sequences are not available to the receiver, non-data-aided (blind) recovery concepts are useful for tracking smaller variations of the timing error affecting the payload data. The current state-of-the-art solution uses a Gardner detector with two samples per symbol, although this introduces a non-negligible amount of inter-symbol interference resulting in an error floor. To avoid this drawback, the authors propose a dual-filter approach which includes an appropriately designed filter operated in parallel to the receiver filter. Despite the additional complexity of the dual-filter architecture, the recovery loop is very simple and requires only one sample per symbol, representing the lowest degree of complexity in this respect. Open-loop characteristic, jitter performance, and acquisition behavior of the suggested recovery loop are investigated.
Image Analysis of Spatial Differentiation Characteristics of Rural Areas Based on GIS Statistical Analysis
Authors: Chen Lu , Wang Hongying , Meng Jing
Published: March 2023

In rural geographic studies, the topic of multi-functions of rural regions has been gaining growing interest. Geographic areas with a complicated arrangement of activities of society and nature and the regional landscape noticeably articulate spatial differentiations. The image analysis and classification study of the spatial differentiation characteristics and patterns of rural regions are the basis of efficient governance and arrangements of village space, which play leading roles in rural revitalization and new-type urbanization policy. With rapid urban–rural transformation, rural development faces challenges under the progressive drive of accurate urban–rural integration development. Therefore, this paper proposes a spatial differentiation model based on a sociophysical information system and geographic information system, which is used to study rural development planning and land classification. The data are taken from the dataset of ucsd for analyzing the rural geographical data. The gis is a computer-aided system for analyzing, acquiring, displaying, and storing rural geographic information. This article discusses several noteworthy features of rural settlement distribution using a gis-based information processing approach and image analysis.
Fuzzy-Based Efficient Control of DC Microgrid Configuration for PV-Energized EV Charging Station
Authors: Abraham Dominic Savio , Chandrasekar Balaji , Rajamanickam Narayanamoorthi , Vishnuram Pradeep , Ramakrishnan Venkatesan , Bajaj Mohit , Piecha Marian , Blazek Vojtech , Prokop Lukas
Published: March 2023

Electric vehicles (EVs) are considered as the leading-edge form of mobility. However, the integration of electric vehicles with charging stations is a contentious issue. Managing the available grid power and bus voltage regulation is addressed through renewable energy. This work proposes a grid-connected photovoltaic (PV)-powered EV charging station with converter control technique. The controller unit is interfaced with the renewable energy source, bidirectional converter, and local energy storage unit (ESU). The bidirectional converter provides a regulated output with a fuzzy logic controller (FLC) during charging and discharging. The fuzzy control is implemented to maintain a decentralized power distribution between the microgrid DC-link and ESU. The PV coupled to the DC microgrid of the charging station is variable in nature. Hence, the microgrid-based charging is examined under a range of realistic scenarios, including low, total PV power output and different state of charge (SOC) levels of ESU. In order to accomplish the effective charging of EV, a decentralized energy management system is created to control the energy flow among the PV system, the battery, and the grid. The proposed controller’s effectiveness is validated using a simulation have been analyzed using MATLAB under various microgrid situations. Additionally, the experimental results are validated under various modes of operation.
Optimization of the Electrochemical Discharge of Spent Li-Ion Batteries from Electric Vehicles for Direct Recycling
Authors: Lee Hyunseok , Kim Yu-Tack , Lee Seung-Woo
Published: March 2023

Numerous studies have been conducted on spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) recycled from electric vehicles. Research on pre-processing techniques to safely disassemble spent LIB packs has mainly focused on water-based discharge methods, such as salt-water discharge. However, salt-water discharge corrodes the electrodes and case, causing internal contamination. Therefore, we propose an electrical discharge process that is suitable for the direct recycling and safe disassembly of spent Li-ion batteries. Spent LIBs from electric vehicles (EV) that were scrapped after EV operation were recovered and electrochemically discharged to voltages of 0, 1, 2, and 2.5 V. These discharged spent LIBs were analyzed through X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The spent LIB with a state-of-health (SoH) of 66.8% exhibited significantly increased swelling and bulging when over-discharged. Notably, the discharging of the spent battery to 0 V increased the thickness of the cell by 115%, which could result in a fire and/or explosion. After being discharged to 0 V, the voltage was able to recover to 2.689 V. The appropriate voltage for the discharge process was estimated to be 2.5 V. The proposed electrical discharge process will be suitable for the direct recycling of spent LIBs in the form of pouch cells.
Assessment of Accident-Tolerant Fuel with FeCrAl Cladding Behavior Using MELCOR 2.2 Based on the Results of the QUENCH-19 Experiment
Authors: Marková Tereza Abrman , Lomonaco Guglielmo , Mazzini Guido , Ševeček Martin
Published: March 2023

To ensure the applicability of accident-tolerant fuels, their behaviors under various accidental conditions must be assessed. While the dependences of the behavior of single physical parameters can be investigated in single- or separate-effect experiments, and more complex phenomena can be investigated using integral-effect tests, the behavior of an entire system as complex as a nuclear power plant core must be investigated using computer code modeling. One of the most commonly used computer codes for the assessment of severe accidents is MELCOR 2.2. In version 18019, the authors enabled the modeling of the behavior of the nuclear fuel with FeCrAl cladding (namely, alloy B136Y3) for the first time, using the GOX model. The ability of this model to reasonably accurately predict the behavior of FeCrAl cladding in accident conditions with quenching was verified in this work by modeling the QUENCH-19 experiment carried out in the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology on the QUENCH experimental device and by subsequent comparison of the MELCOR calculation results with the experiment. This article proves that the GOX model can be used to evaluate the behavior of FeCrAl cladding and that the results can be considered conservative.
Low-Field Benchtop NMR Spectroscopy for Quantification of Aldehydic Lipid Oxidation Products in Culinary Oils during Shallow Frying Episodes
Authors: Gibson Miles , Percival Benita Claire , Edgar Mark , Grootveld Martin
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Toxic aldehydic lipid oxidation products (LOPs) arise from the thermo-oxidative deterioration of unsaturated fatty acids present in heated culinary oils when exposed to high-temperature frying episodes, and currently these effects represent a major public health concern. Objectives: In this study, we investigated the applications of low-field (LF), benchtop NMR analysis to detect and quantify toxic aldehyde species in culinary oils following their exposure to laboratory-simulated shallow frying episodes (LSSFEs) at 180 °C. Four culinary oils of variable fatty acid (FA) composition were investigated to determine the analytical capabilities of the LF NMR instrument. Oil samples were also analysed using a medium-field (400 MHz) NMR facility for comparative purposes. Results: Aldehydes were quantified as total saturated and total α,β-unsaturated classes. The time-dependent production of α,β-unsaturated aldehydes decreased in the order chia > rapeseed ≈ soybean > olive oils, as might be expected from their polyunsaturated and monounsaturated FA (PUFA and MUFA, respectively) contents. A similar but inequivalent trend was found for saturated aldehyde concentrations. These data strongly correlated with medium-field 1H NMR data obtained, although LF-determined levels were significantly lower in view of its inability to detect or quantify the more minor oxygenated aldehydic LOPs present. Lower limit of detection (LLOD) values for this spectrometer were 0.19 and 0.18 mmol/mol FA for n-hexanal and trans-2-octenal, respectively. Aldehydic lipid hydroperoxide precursors of aldehydic LOPs were also detectable in LF spectra. Conclusions: We therefore conclude that there is scope for application of these smaller, near-portable NMR facilities for commercial or ‘on-site’ quality control determination of toxic aldehydic LOPs in thermally stressed frying oils.
Consumers’ Preference for the Consumption of the Fresh Black Slavonian Pig’s Meat
Authors: Jelić Milković Sanja , Lončarić Ružica , Kralik Igor , Kristić Jelena , Crnčan Ana , Djurkin Kušec Ivona , Canavari Maurizio
Published: March 2023

There are limited data on Croatian consumers’ preferences and willingness to pay for fresh meat from the Black Slavonian pig. The survey was conducted on a sample of n = 410 Croatian consumers, using a hypothetical choice experiment to examine how food attributes and information treatment influence consumers’ decisions regarding fresh ham meat of the Black Slavonian pig. The hypothetical choice experiment was conducted using fresh boneless pork ham with three attributes (price, colour and geographical information) as the focuses of the product. Croatian consumers were randomly assigned to one of two treatment options (control or information) in an online survey to investigate the role of information. Our results indicate that Croatian consumers have a clear preference for fresh boneless ham from the Black Slavonian pig produced in both production systems and labelled as reared in continental Croatia and with a protected designation of origin (PDO) label, compared with fresh boneless ham produced from conventionally reared pigs (intensive rearing—indoor rearing) without the label. The results show that the information given to consumers about the production system, meat colour and geographical information positively influenced consumer choice. Appropriate labelling and information about the product can positively influence consumers’ preferences, which indicates the importance of highlighting the traditional characteristics (production system, darker colour of the meat and production area) of fresh meat from Black Slavonian pig on the label in promotional activities.
Screening and Evaluation of Active Compounds in Polyphenol Mixtures by a Novel AAPH Offline HPLC Method and Its Application
Authors: Wu Zhaoyang , Zuo Guanglei , Lee Soo-Kyeong , Kang Sung-Mo , Lee Sang-Youn , Noreen Saba , Lim Soon-Sung
Published: March 2023

In this study, we developed a novel offline high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method based on 2,2′-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH) radicals for antioxidant screening in 20 polyphenolic compounds and used the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity assay to evaluate their antioxidant activity. Compared to the existing offline HPLC methods based on 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), the offline HPLC method based on the AAPH radical is more sensitive. Additionally, we applied this method to Lepechinia meyenii (Walp.) Epling extract and screened out seven antioxidants, caffeic acid, hesperidin, rosmarinic acid, diosmin, methyl rosmarinate, diosmetin, and n-butyl rosmarinate, which are known antioxidants. Therefore, this study provides new insights into the screening of antioxidants in natural extracts.
Price Competition with Differentiated Products on a Two-Dimensional Plane: The Impact of Partial Cartel on Firms’ Profits and Behavior
Authors: Stoykov Stanislav , Kostov Ivan
Published: March 2023

A numerical procedure capable of obtaining the equilibrium states of oligopoly markets under several assumptions is presented. Horizontal and vertical product differentiation were included by taking into account Euclidean distance in a two-dimensional space and quality characteristics of the product. Different quality preferences of consumers were included in the model. Firms implement two strategies in the market: profit maximization and market share maximization. Numerical discretization of a two-dimensional area was performed for computing the equilibrium prices which allows one to consider any market area and any location of the firms. Four scenarios of oligopoly markets were developed by combining both strategies from one side and competitive behavior and a partial cartel agreement from another side. The main differences between the scenarios are outlined. Profits, market shares and equilibrium prices are presented and compared. The influence of collusion, the existence of participants with a market share maximization strategy and consumer preferences on the firm’s profits and equilibrium prices were examined. Cases whereby firms prefer to leave the cartel were investigated. Best locations for the setting of a new store for profit maximization are shown and discussed.
The Differential Role of Executive Apathy in Alzheimer’s Disease Dementia, Mild Cognitive Impairment and Healthy Cognitive Ageing
Authors: Mougias Michalis , Beratis Ion N. , Moustaka Kleio , Alexopoulos Panagiotis , Assimakopoulos Konstantinos
Published: March 2023

The objective of the present work was to compare the levels of executive, emotional, and initiation apathy in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), mild Alzheimer’s disease dementia (ADD), and cognitively intact healthy controls (HCs). Fifty-two patients with mild ADD, 40 individuals with MCI, and 37 cognitively intact individuals were included in the current study. The participants were consecutive visitors to the Outpatient Memory Clinic of “Nestor” Alzheimer’s Center. The symptoms of apathy were measured with the dimensional apathy scale. Analyses showed that ADD patients had significantly higher degrees of executive, emotional, initiation, and overall apathy compared with both the MCI group and the HCs. Additionally, a significant difference was observed in the dimension of executive apathy between individuals with MCI and the HCs. In conclusion, the dimension of executive apathy was the most sensitive measure regarding the differentiation of individuals with mild ADD or MCI and HCs. Hence, detailed evaluation of executive apathy in older individuals referred to a memory clinic may provide useful information contributing to their diagnostic categorization and to the differentiation between neurocognitive disorders and healthy cognitive ageing.
Dancing with the Sniper: Rasha Abbas and the “Art of Survival” as an Aesthetic Strategy
Authors: Schramm Moritz
Published: March 2023

In the last few decades, a growing dissatisfaction with traditional approaches can be observed in migration and refugee studies. In particular, the widespread focus on the “refugee” and “migrant” as exclusive objects of study has been criticized for its underlying tendency of repeating the binary polarization between migrant and non-migrant, native and foreign as well as majority and minority. This chapter considers the short stories of Syrian journalist and writer Rasha Abbas against this background. Instead of reducing her stories to the depiction of flight and exile, this chapter explores her stories as aesthetic expressions of what can be called the “art of survival”—the concept focusing on strategies of empowerment and tactics to regain autonomy. In Abbas’ prose, this “art of survival” is achieved and expressed through the blending of times and spaces as well as the aesthetic transformation of reality into surreal realms. Experiences of war, displacement, exile, and patterns of exclusion in the new homeland merge into complex pictures of the human capacity to reframe and reinvent a given reality. When viewed from this perspective, the surreal and psychedelic nature of her writing intensifies the power of aesthetic freedom, thus helping overcome traditional representations of migrants and refugees in cultural expressions and literature.
Effects of Low-Level Laser Therapy and Bracket Systems on Root Resorption during Orthodontic Treatment: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Shahid Fazal , Nowrin Shifat A , Alam Mohammad Khursheed , Khamis Mohd Fadhli , Husein Adam , Rahman Norma Ab
Published: March 2023

This study aimed to assess the outcomes of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) with the conventional bracket (CB) and self-ligating (SL) bracket systems on root resorption (RR) during orthodontic treatment. A total of 32 patients were included in this randomized clinical trial. All the patients were randomly divided into four individual groups (SLL: self-ligating laser, CBL: conventional bracket laser, SLNL: self-ligating non-laser, CBNL: conventional bracket non-laser). RR was measured from the cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) radiographs which were taken at two stages of the orthodontic treatment: pre-treatment (T1) and after leveling and alignment stage (T2). Wilcoxon rank test for the comparison was conducted to compare the RR at T1 and T2 stages within each group and showed a significant difference (p < 0.05) for various variables. Mann Whitney test compared the RR in laser and non-laser groups irrespective of the bracket systems and exhibited no significant differences except the left lateral incisor. Moreover, CB and SL groups showed no significant difference in RR among any tooth. Kruskal Wallis test was performed to compare the RR among all groups which presented no significant differences. LLLT and bracket systems have no consequences on RR until the leveling and alignment stage of orthodontic treatment.
The Cataloging and Conservation of Digital Survey in Archaeology: A Photogrammetry Protocol in the Context of Digital Data Curation
Authors: Lauro Vittorio , Lombardo Vincenzo
Published: March 2023

The technological advancement of software and hardware and the lowering of the prices of instrumentation has made photogrammetry the preferred instrument for surveying activities in archaeological projects. Consequently, archaeological datasets have been enriched with 3D models of archaeological finds and structures. Each project has developed its work pipeline for raw data acquisition and the elaboration of models and their archiving and dissemination. In most cases, the pipeline is the result of empirical experimentation and is designed to act within the specific context of the project. To date, we still lack a shared method for a photogrammetric survey that derives from the specific design and techniques/contexts. This paper aims at proposing an approach for a shared 3D survey workflow for photogrammetry in archaeology. The general approach relies on the digital data curation framework for cultural heritage and encompasses several specialized tasks. We describe the general functions and processes and how they can be implemented in a practical workflow. As a proof of concept, we show how a preliminary release of the workflow has been applied in the context of the BeArchaeo project, for the acquisition, processing, export, modeling, archiving, and indexing of 3D models, resulting from photogrammetric surveys. A long-term aim is a methodological approach for different endeavors of cultural heritage.
Constructing the Landscape Ecological Security Pattern in the Dawen River Basin in China: A Framework Based on the Circuit Principle
Authors: Li Jianchun , Shan Rong , Yuan Wenhua
Published: March 2023

With the rapid development of urbanization, land cover, and land use patterns have greatly changed in China, which has damaged the landscape structure, affected the energy balance and material flow within the system, and reduced the value of ecosystem services. The construction of landscape ecological security patterns could promote species exchange between biological groups and increase material and energy exchange between landscape elements. Few studies have focused on the randomness of species to migration path, thus failing to objectively reflect the process of species migration and diffusion. Therefore, circuit theory was used in this study to better match the random selection of migration paths by species. In this paper, 14 typical mammal species from the Dawen River basin of the lower Yellow River in China were selected as examples, and the conclusions were as follows: (1) The ecological sources of the Dawen River basin were 49, with forest land and lakes as the main sources, and they were crucial to the stability of the regional ecological security pattern. A total of 128 ecological corridors were identified, among which 83 were key corridors and the rest were potential corridors. The key corridors throughout the whole region need priority protection and can be used as a core area for the observation and monitoring of natural resources. (2) Based on the circuit principle, 32 pinch points and 21 barrier points were identified, indicating that regional habitat connectivity must be further improved. (3) Four types of zones were determined, and optimization measures were proposed. (4) On the basis of conceptual protection, the ecological protection network of the Dawen River basin was built to enhance ecological resilience. The landscape ecological security pattern of the Dawen River basin was constructed from the three levels of points, corridors, and areas. Based on the concept of regional ecological security, a resource optimization strategy for ecological security patterns was proposed, which is significant for maintaining the integrity of watershed ecosystems.
Flat Versus Simulated Mountain Trail Running: A Multidisciplinary Comparison in Well-Trained Runners
Authors: Skroce Kristina , Bettega Simone , D’Emanuele Samuel , Boccia Gennaro , Schena Federico , Tarperi Cantor
Published: March 2023

This paper compares cardiopulmonary and neuromuscular parameters across three running aerobic speeds in two conditions that differed from a treadmill’s movement: flat condition (FC) and unpredictable roll variations similar to mountain trail running (URV). Twenty well-trained male runners (age 33 ± 8 years, body mass 70.3 ± 6.4 kg, height 1.77 ± 0.06 m, V˙O2max 63.8 ± 7.2 mL·kg−1·min−1) voluntarily participated in the study. Laboratory sessions consisted of a cardiopulmonary incremental ramp test (IRT) and two experimental protocols. Cardiopulmonary parameters, plasma lactate (BLa−), cadence, ground contact time (GT) and RPE values were assessed. We also recorded surface electromyographic (sEMG) signals from eight lower limb muscles, and we calculated, from the sEMG envelope, the amplitude and width of peak muscle activation for each step. Cardiopulmonary parameters were not significantly different between conditions (V˙O2: p = 0.104; BLa−: p = 0.214; HR: p = 0.788). The amplitude (p = 0.271) and width (p = 0.057) of sEMG activation peaks did not change between conditions. The variability of sEMG was significantly affected by conditions; indeed, the coefficient of variation in peak amplitude (p = 0.003) and peak width (p < 0.001) was higher in URV than in FC. Since the specific physical demands of running can differ between surfaces, coaches should resort to the use of non-traditional surfaces, emphasizing specific surface-related motor tasks that are normally observed in natural running environments. Seeing that the variability of muscle activations was affected, further studies are required to better understand the physiological effects induced by systematic surface-specific training and to define how variable-surface activities help injury prevention.
The Allocation Change of Rural Land Consolidation Type Structure under the Influence Factors of Different Geographical and Economic Development of China
Authors: Zhao Qinglei , Jiang Guanghui , Wang Mingzhu
Published: March 2023

Land consolidation structure reflects land consolidation function, and studies about its spatio-temporal change and driving mechanism can serve for regional management and control land consolidation. At present, the analysis of regional differences, time changes, and driving factors of land consolidation type structure change is relatively lacking. Based on the data of provincial acceptance projects from 2000 to 2014, this paper analyzes the spatio-temporal change of rural land consolidation type structure in China, discusses the impact of relevant policies, and identifies the socio-economic driving factors in key regions by employing correlation analysis and the PLSR (partial least squares regression) method. The results showed that from 2000 to 2014, the proportional increase of land arrangement in China was significantly correlated with the proportional decrease of land reclamation (R2 = 0.93), and the proportional decrease of land development (R2 = 0.99) showed an obvious co-evolution pattern of increase and decrease; TILC (The area of land development/The area of land arrangement) decreased from 2.14 to 0.91 in 2002–2003. Since 2003, the dominant type of land consolidation in China has gradually changed from land development to land arrangement. However, the proportion of land development in QT (Qinghai-Tibet), JY (Jin-Yu), and FGH (Fujian-Guangdong-Hainan) areas is still more than 40%; the change of land consolidation type structure was influenced by policies, social and economic factors, such as urbanization rate, fixed assets investment, industrial proportion, and population density, and the regional difference was significant: the eastern section (JZS, Jiangsu-Zhejiang-Shanghai) is the industry proportion, the central area (HHAJ, Hunan-Hubei-Anhui-Jiangxi) is grain production and fixed assets investment, the western region (NW, Northwest China) has the urbanization rate, grain production, population density, and fixed assets investment. Land consolidation structure should be configured differentially in each region based on the identification of regional function orientation and comprehensive consideration of regional resource endowment and development needs and directions to improve the efficiency of land consolidation.
Understanding the Interplay between Air Pollution, Biological Variables, and Major Depressive Disorder: Rationale and Study Protocol of the DeprAir Study
Authors: Borroni Elisa , Pesatori Angela Cecilia , Nosari Guido , Monti Paola , Ceresa Alessandro , Fedrizzi Luca , Bollati Valentina , Buoli Massimiliano , Carugno Michele
Published: March 2023

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a serious and disabling condition, whose etiological mechanisms are not fully understood. The aim of the DeprAir study is to verify the hypothesis that air pollution exposure may exacerbate neuroinflammation with consequent alterations in DNA methylation of genes involved in circadian rhythms and hormonal dysregulation, resulting in the worsening of depressive symptoms. The study population consists of 420 depressed patients accessing the psychiatry unit of the Policlinico Hospital (Milan, Italy), from September 2020 to December 2022. Data collection is still ongoing for about 100 subjects. For each participant demographic and lifestyle information, depression history and characteristics, as well as blood samples, were collected. MDD severity was assessed through five rating scales commonly used in clinical practice to assess the severity of affective symptoms. Exposure to particulate and gaseous air pollutants is assigned to each subject using both air pollution monitoring station measurements and estimates derived from a chemical transport model. DeprAir is the first study investigating in a comprehensive picture whether air pollution exposure could be an important modifiable environmental factor associated with MDD severity and which biological mechanisms mediate the negative effect of air pollution on mental health. Its results will represent an opportunity for preventive strategies, thus entailing a tremendous impact on public health.
Relationship between Burden, Quality of Life and Difficulties of Informal Primary Caregivers in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Analysis of the Contributions of Public Policies
Authors: Gaspar Tania , Raimundo Marta , de Sousa Sofia Borges , Barata Marta , Cabrita Tulia
Published: March 2023

The study aimed to characterize and understand the difficulties experienced by informal caregivers from a bio-psychosocial and environmental perspective, taking into account the socio-demographic and health characteristics of the informal caregiver and the person cared for, quality of life, perceived burden, social support, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the informal caregiver and the person cared for. The participants were 371 informal primary caregivers, 80.9% female, aged between 25 and 85 years, mean 53.17 (SD = 11.45) years. Only 16.4% of the informal caregivers benefited from monitoring and training for informal caregiver skills; 34.8% received information on the rights of the person being cared for; 7.8% received advice or guidance on the rights and duties of the informal caregiver; 11.9% of the caregivers benefited from psychological support; and 5.7% participated in self-help groups. A convenience sample was used, and data were collected via an online questionnaire. The main findings show that the major difficulties experienced by caregivers are related to social constraints, the demands of caring, and the reactions of the person cared for. The results reveal that the burden of the main informal caregivers is explained by the level of education, quality of life, level of dependence of the person cared for, level of difficulties, and social support. The COVID-19 pandemic impacted caregiving by increasing the perceived difficulty of accessing support services, such as consultations, services, and support; causing distress feelings in the caregiver, such as, anxiety and worry; increasing the needs and symptoms of the person cared for; and increasing the degree of isolation, for both, the informal caregiver and the person cared for.
Research on Seawater Intrusion Suppression Scheme of Minjiang River Estuary
Authors: Wang Ziyuan , Guan Yiqing , Zhang Danrong , Niyongabo Alain , Ming Haowen , Yu Zhiming , Huang Yihui
Published: March 2023

Seawater intrusion in the Minjiang River estuary has gravely endangered the water security of the surrounding area in recent years. Previous studies mainly focused on exploring the mechanism of intrusion, but failed to provide a scheme for suppressing seawater intrusion. The three most relevant determinants to chlorine level, which represented the strength of seawater intrusion, were determined using Pearson correlation analysis as being the daily average discharge, daily maximum tidal range, and daily minimum tidal level. Considering the lower requirement of sample data and the ability to handle high-dimensional data, the random forest algorithm was used to construct a seawater intrusion suppression model and was combined with a genetic algorithm. The critical river discharge for suppressing estuary seawater intrusion determined using this model. The critical river discharge was found to gradually increase with the maximum tidal range, which in three different tide scenarios was 487 m3/s, 493 m3/s, and 531 m3/s. The practicable seawater intrusion suppression scheme was built up with three phases to make it easier to regulate upstream reservoirs. In the scheme, the initial reading of river discharge was 490 m3/s, and it rose to 650 m3/s over six days, from four days before the high tide’s arrival to two days following it, and before falling down to 490 m3/s at the end. Verified with the 16 seawater intrusion events in the five dry years, this scheme could eliminate 75% of the seawater intrusion risk and effectively reduce the chlorine level for the remaining 25% of events.
Neuroprotective Effects of the Neural-Induced Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Secretome against Rotenone-Induced Mitochondrial and Endoplasmic Reticulum Dysfunction
Authors: Ramalingam Mahesh , Jang Sujeong , Hwang Jinsu , Kim Boeun , Cho Hyong-Ho , Kim Eungpil , Jeong Han-Seong
Published: March 2023

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have therapeutic effects on neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) known by their secreted molecules, referred to as the “secretome”. The mitochondrial complex I inhibitor, rotenone (ROT), reproduces α-synuclein (α-syn) aggregation seen in Parkinson’s disease (PD). In this present study, we examined the neuroprotective effects of the secretome from neural-induced human adipose tissue-derived stem cells (NI-ADSC-SM) during ROT toxicity in SH-SY5Y cells. Exposure to ROT significantly impaired the mitophagy by increased LRRK2, mitochondrial fission, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress (ERS). ROT also increased the levels of calcium (Ca2+), VDAC, and GRP75, and decreased phosphorylated (p)-IP3R Ser1756/total (t)-IP3R1. However, NI-ADSC-SM treatment decreased Ca2+ levels along with LRRK2, insoluble ubiquitin, mitochondrial fission by halting p-DRP1 Ser616, ERS by reducing p-PERK Thr981, p-/t-IRE1α, p-SAPK, ATF4, and CHOP. In addition, NI-ADSC-SM restored the mitophagy, mitochondrial fusion, and tethering to the ER. These data suggest that NI-ADSC-SM decreases ROT-induced dysfunction in mitochondria and the ER, which subsequently stabilized tethering in mitochondria-associated membranes in SH-SY5Y cells.