bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Survey of CNN-Based Network Intrusion Detection
Authors: Mohammadpour Leila , Ling Teck Chaw , Liew Chee Sun , Aryanfar Alihossein
Published: August 2022

Over the past few years, Internet applications have become more advanced and widely used. This has increased the need for Internet networks to be secured. Intrusion detection systems (IDSs), which employ artificial intelligence (AI) methods, are vital to ensuring network security. As a branch of AI, deep learning (DL) algorithms are now effectively applied in IDSs. Among deep learning neural networks, the convolutional neural network (CNN) is a well-known structure designed to process complex data. The CNN overcomes the typical limitations of conventional machine learning approaches and is mainly used in IDSs. Several CNN-based approaches are employed in IDSs to handle privacy issues and security threats. However, there are no comprehensive surveys of IDS schemes that have utilized CNN to the best of our knowledge. Hence, in this study, our primary focus is on CNN-based IDSs so as to increase our understanding of various uses of the CNN in detecting network intrusions, anomalies, and other types of attacks. This paper innovatively organizes the studied CNN-IDS approaches into multiple categories and describes their primary capabilities and contributions. The main features of these approaches, such as the dataset, architecture, input shape, evaluated metrics, performance, feature extraction, and classifier method, are compared. Because different datasets are used in CNN-IDS research, their experimental results are not comparable. Hence, this study also conducted an empirical experiment to compare different approaches based on standard datasets, and the comparative results are presented in detail.
Long-Term Thermal Stress Analysis and Optimization of Contraction Joint Distance of Concrete Gravity Dams
Authors: Mirković Uroš , Kuzmanović Vladan , Todorović Goran
Published: August 2022

Results of the conducted research aiming to demonstrate the methodology of optimization of dam monolith length (distance between contraction joints), through monitoring the thermal tensile stresses during construction and service life of a concrete gravity dam that is built using the block method, are presented in this paper. A 3D space–time numerical model for phased thermal stress analysis is employed in a large concrete gravity dam case study. For the adopted block dimensions, schedule, and dynamics of construction and material parameters, the thermal stress analysis is conducted, taking into account the following: thermal physical properties of the material, the cement hydration process, heat exchange with the external environment and the reservoir, and self-weight of the structure. The main advantage of the proposed methodology is the possibility of controlling the cracks resulting from thermal tensile stresses in the monolith of a concrete gravity dam, by optimizing the monolith’s length to minimize the zones in which the tensile capacity of concrete is exceeded. The results obtained from the temperature field analysis show that the maximum temperature increase in the dam’s body results from the cement hydration process in combination with summer air temperatures in the construction phase. The aforementioned factors account for the increase in temperature of up to 45.0 °C, while during winter cooling of the structure occurs due to lower temperatures, especially in the surface zones. The results of the stress field analysis show that the extreme values of thermal tensile stresses are present in the process of a sudden or gradual cooling of the concrete when shrinkage occurs. Finally, it is shown that the reduction of the monolith length by 5.0 m (from 20.0 m to 15.0 m) results in a decrease in the extreme thermal tensile stress values by an average of 0.70 MPa (up to 12.0%) in winter and an average of 1.10 MPa (up to 20.0%) in summer; while for the entirety of the analyzed time period, results in a decrease in the extreme thermal tensile stress values by an average of 16.0% (0.93 MPa).
Association between Influenza and COVID-19 Viruses and the Risk of Atherosclerosis: Meta-Analysis Study and Systematic Review
Authors: Jalili Mahsa , Sayehmiri Kourosh , Ansari Nastaran , Pourhossein Behzad , Fazeli Maryam , Azizi Jalilian Farid
Published: August 2022

There is a lot of evidence to suggest that patients infected with the COVID-19 and influenza viruses are at risk of atherosclerosis. Additionally, there are heterogeneous studies on the risk of arthrosclerosis in patients infected with the influenza and COVID-19 viruses. We conducted a case–control and cross-sectional study and examined the association between the risk of atherosclerosis, and influenza virus (IV-A and IV-B) and COVID-19 infections in this study. We searched for keywords such as influenza virus, COVID-19 and atherosclerosis in English and Persian in well-known databases such as PubMed, SID, Magiran and Google Scholar. In this study, we analyzed the information using a meta-analysis, the random effect model, the I2 index and STAT (version 11.2). The results from the analysis of ten studies on influenza virus and nine studies on COVID-19 reviewed individually (totaling 6428 samples for influenza virus infections and 10,785 samples for COVID-19 infections) demonstrated a risk of arthrosclerosis in patients with influenza and COVID-19 infections, with an OR (odds ratio) = 0.45 ((95% CI): 0.25 to 0.64) and an OR (odds ratio) = 1.04 ((95% CI): 0.82 to 1.26), respectively. The present study provides new insights into the risk of atherosclerosis in patients infected with the COVID-19 and influenza viruses. Therefore, it seems necessary to consider different strategies for managing and eradicating viral infections among individuals.
Possible Impact of Early Spring Arctic Sea Ice on Meiyu Cessation over the Yangtze–Huaihe River Basin
Authors: Wang Jing , Fu Ning , Liang Ping , Li Mingcai
Published: August 2022

The timing of the cessation of Meiyu is closely connected to the amount of Meiyu rainfall and the commencement of the rainy season in North China. Accurately forecasting the Meiyu withdrawal date (MWD) over the Yangtze–Huaihe River basin (YHRB) has significant implications for the prevention and mitigation of flooding in eastern China. This study observed an intimate out-of-phase relationship between MWD variations and early spring (March and April) Arctic Sea ice area (SIA) anomalies to the north of the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas, as well as SIA anomalies to the north of the Queen Elizabeth Islands (75° N–82° N, 170° E–130° W and 82° N–86° N, 130° W–80° W, respectively) on the interannual timescale. As such, these can be considered key Arctic Sea ice domains connected to Meiyu cessation in the YHRB. The Arctic SIA anomalies in the key domains persist from early spring to early summer (May and June), thus exerting a lag modulation effect on year-to-year changes in Meiyu cessation, which can be demonstrated through observational analysis and results from the Community Earth System Model Large Ensemble Numerical Simulation (CESM-LENS) project. Specifically, the preceding negative SIA anomalies in the key domains are linked to a planetary-scale Rossby wave-like pattern emanating over areas to the northwest of the Chukchi Sea. This tele-connected wave-like pattern is conducive to the generation and maintenance of a quasi-barotropic “north-low–south-high” meridional see-saw pattern over the East Asian–Western North Pacific sector in July, which is a pivotal circulation pattern responsible for delayed Meiyu termination. Furthermore, the situation is the opposite in response to increased sea ice in these key domains within the Arctic. This study proposes a significant cryospheric forcing indicator for Meiyu cessation over the YHRB, which may provide helpful information for operational forecasting of the withdrawal timing of the Meiyu over the YHRB.
Spatial Fuzzy C-Means Clustering Analysis of U.S. Presidential Election and COVID-19 Related Factors in the Rustbelt States in 2020
Authors: Wu Shianghau
Published: August 2022

The rustbelt states play a key role in determining the vote turnout in the U.S. elections. The current study attempts to utilize the spatial fuzzy C-means method to analyze the U.S. presidential election in the rustbelt states in 2020. We intend to explore that the U.S. presidential election had related factors, including COVID-19-related factors, such as the mask-wearing percentage and the COVID-19 death tolls in each county of the rust belt states. Contrary to the related literature, the study uses education level, number of house units, unemployment rate, household income, COVID-19-related factors and the share of Republican’s votes in the presidential election. The results indicate that spatial generalized fuzzy C-means analysis has better clustering results than the C-means clustering method. Moreover, the COVID-19 death toll in each county did not affect the Republican’s vote share in the rustbelt states, while the mask-wearing behavior in some regions had a negative impact on the Republican’s vote share.
Application of Heat-Enhancement for Improving the Sensitivity of Quartz Crystal Microbalance
Authors: Song Chenglong , Ma Zhihao , Li Chenglong , Zhang Hongxing , Zhu Zhiqiang , Wang Jie
Published: August 2022

The use of quartz crystal microbalance in trace mass detection is restricted by unsatisfactory sensitivity, especially in damping media, due to the worsening of the quality factor of the damping resonator. The enhancement of the sensor performance could be realized by increasing the innate resonant frequency of quartz oscillators. Herein, increased working temperature of QCM systems was proved to bring an enhancement of the original resonant frequency. In addition, the measurement of ion osmotic pressure, single layer formation and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) at different temperatures demonstrated that an increased working temperature could enhance the sensitivity and accuracy, suggesting a potential application in a series of trace detections.
Luminescent Aptamer-Based Bioassays for Sensitive Detection of Food Allergens
Authors: Calabria Donato , Zangheri Martina , Pour Seyedeh Rojin Shariati , Trozzi Ilaria , Pace Andrea , Lazzarini Elisa , Calabretta Maria Maddalena , Mirasoli Mara , Guardigli Massimo
Published: August 2022

The presence of hidden allergens in food products, often due to unintended contamination along the food supply chain (production, transformation, processing, and transport), has raised the urgent need for rapid and reliable analytical methods for detecting trace levels of such species in food products. Indeed, food allergens represent a high-risk factor for allergic subjects due to potentially life-threatening adverse reactions. Portable biosensors based on immunoassays have already been developed as rapid, sensitive, selective, and low-cost analytical platforms that can replace analyses with traditional bench-top instrumentation. Recently, aptamers have attracted great interest as alternative biorecognition molecules for bioassays, since they can bind a variety of targets with high specificity and selectivity, and they enable the development of assays exploiting a variety of transduction and detection technologies. In particular, aptasensors based on luminescence detection have been proposed, taking advantage of the development of ultrasensitive tracers and enhancers. This review aims to summarize and discuss recent efforts in the field of food allergen analysis using aptamer-based bioassays with luminescence detection.
Evidence of Audience Design in Amnesia: Adaptation in Gesture but Not Speech
Authors: Clough Sharice , Hilverman Caitlin , Brown-Schmidt Sarah , Duff Melissa C.
Published: August 2022

Speakers design communication for their audience, providing more information in both speech and gesture when their listener is naïve to the topic. We test whether the hippocampal declarative memory system contributes to multimodal audience design. The hippocampus, while traditionally linked to episodic and relational memory, has also been linked to the ability to imagine the mental states of others and use language flexibly. We examined the speech and gesture use of four patients with hippocampal amnesia when describing how to complete everyday tasks (e.g., how to tie a shoe) to an imagined child listener and an adult listener. Although patients with amnesia did not increase their total number of words and instructional steps for the child listener, they did produce representational gestures at significantly higher rates for the imagined child compared to the adult listener. They also gestured at similar frequencies to neurotypical peers, suggesting that hand gesture can be a meaningful communicative resource, even in the case of severe declarative memory impairment. We discuss the contributions of multiple memory systems to multimodal audience design and the potential of gesture to act as a window into the social cognitive processes of individuals with neurologic disorders.
The Importance of Positive Psychological Factors among People Living with HIV: A Comparative Study
Authors: Rivera-Picón Cristina , Benavente-Cuesta María Hinojal , Quevedo-Aguado María Paz , Rodríguez-Muñoz Pedro Manuel
Published: August 2022

We aim to identify the differences in psychological well-being, resilience, and coping strategies between healthy subjects and HIV patients. The design followed in this work was empirical, not experimental, and cross-sectional with a correlational objective. The sample included a total of 399 participants (199 patients with HIV and 200 without pathology). The instruments applied for data collection were as follows: a questionnaire on socio-demographic data, the Psychological Well-being Scale, the Resilience Scale and the Coping Strategies Questionnaire. The study period was from February 2018 to January 2020. Patients with HIV had a significantly lower score than healthy subjects, in the resilience factors of perseverance and self-confidence. Subjects with HIV scored less in all dimensions of psychological well-being, with the exception of the dimension of autonomy. Finally, it was observed that HIV-positive subjects used rational coping strategies less frequently than healthy subjects, based on social support seeking and problem-solving coping. However, HIV patients scored higher in emotional coping strategies than healthy individuals.
The Association between Video Game Type and Aggressive Behaviors in Saudi Youth: A Pilot Study
Authors: Aleissa Majid A. , Alenezi Shuliweeh , Saleheen Hassan N. , Bin Talib Sumayyah R. , Khan Altaf H. , Altassan Shatha A. , Alyahya Ahmed S.
Published: August 2022

Video gaming is a popular source of entertainment among children and adolescents. Although the Middle East is home to one of the fastest growing communities of video game users, most of the research established on this topic has been carried out through small scale studies. Our aim in this study is to assess the prevalence of video game use and its association with aggressive behaviors among adolescents in Saudi Arabia. This is a cross-sectional study involving boys and girls (aged 15–18 years) in both private and public secondary high schools in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Each participant completed a self-administered modified version of the aggression questionnaire, which consisted of 29 items scored on a 5-point Likert scale. This questionnaire assessed aggressive behaviors domains: physical aggression, anger, hostility, and verbal aggression and types of videogames and time of use. A total of 485 students were included in this study. The mean age of participants was 16.5 ± 0.9 years; 48% were boys. Adolescents who participated in action games had higher mean verbal (p < 0.01) and physical aggression (p < 0.01) scores. Adventure game players had significantly higher mean scores in all four types of aggressive behavior (p < 0.01). Participants who played simulation games had higher mean verbal aggressiveness (p < 0.01). Adolescents who participated in sports games had greater mean levels of anger (p = 0.01) and physical aggression (p = 0.01). Those who played strategy/puzzle games reported significantly higher mean scores of anger (p < 0.01), hostility (p = 0.01), and verbal aggression (p = 0.01). Females were more likely to show higher mean anger (p < 0.01) scores, whereas males were more likely to show higher mean physical aggression scores (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Our results do suggest that playing video games increases adolescent aggressive behaviors, which has been supported by other studies. We recommend educating parents on the pros and cons of playing video games and that parents schedule and limit the time their children spend playing video games.
Stability and Resilience—A Systematic Approach
Authors: Mayar Khalilullah , Carmichael David G. , Shen Xuesong
Published: August 2022

Stability and resilience are two crucial concepts to the proper functioning and understanding of the behavior of both natural and man-made systems exposed to perturbations and change. However, although the two have covered a similar territory within dynamic systems, the terminology and applications differ significantly. This paper presents a critical analysis of the two concepts by first collating the wealth of modern stability concept literature within dynamics systems and then linking it to resilience thinking, defined as adaptation where the system has the ability to respond perturbations and change through passive and active feedback structures. A lumped mass and simple pendulum, two simple linear and nonlinear dynamic systems following a state-space approach from modern control systems theory, are used to support the analysis and application. The research findings reveal that the two overarching categories of engineering resilience and socio-ecological resilience (extended ecological resilience) are in fact a reinvention of a closed-loop system dynamic stability with different types of active feedback mechanisms. Additionally, structural stability describes some vital aspects of social–ecological resilience such as critical thresholds where, under change, a system loses the ability to return to the starting form or move to another suitable form through active feedback mechanisms or direct management actions.
Toughness, Reinforcing Mechanism, and Durability of Hybrid Steel Fiber Reinforced Sulfoaluminate Cement Composites
Authors: Cui Kai , Chang Jun , Sabri Mohanad Muayad Sabri , Huang Jiandong
Published: August 2022

As a low-carbon ecological cement-based material, SAC (sulfoaluminate cement) has become a research hotspot. This study developed a SAC-based high-performance concrete material with good durability and high toughness. The mechanical properties of different scales of MSF (macro steel fiber) and mSF (micro steel fiber) reinforced sulfoaluminate cement-based composites were mainly studied, including their compressive strength, flexural strength, toughness index, and toughness ratio, and their resistance to sulfate erosion was characterized. The results show that adding MSF and HSF (hybrid steel fibers) can significantly improve concrete’s compressive and flexural strength compared with the Plain group. The compressive strength of SSF1 (1% MSF) and SSF2 (1.5% MSF) increased by 10.9%, 19.6%, and the compressive strength of HSF1 (0.1% mSF, 1.4% MSF), HSF2 (0.2% mSF, 1.3%MSF), HSF3 (0.3% mSF, 1.2% MSF), and HSF4 (0.5% mSF, 1.0% MSF) increased by 23.9%, 33.7%, 37.0%, 29.3%, respectively, while the flexural strength of HSF1, HSF2, HSF3, and HSF4 groups increased by 51.4%, 84.9%, 88.1%, and 64.2%. Compared with the single steel fiber (SSF) group, the HSF group has higher initial crack strength, equivalent flexural strength, toughness index, and toughness ratio. Hybrid fibers have a higher synergistic effect when mSF content is 0.2–0.3% and MSF content is 1.2–1.3%. The mechanism of multi-scale reinforcement of hybrid-steel-fiber-enhanced sulfoaluminate cement-based composites was researched. MSF bridges macro-cracks, mSF bridges micro-cracks, and these two different scales of steel fibers, through filling, bridging, anchoring, pulling off, and pulling out, improve the toughness of composite materials. The mechanism of sulfate corrosion resistance of sulfoaluminate cement-based composites was obtained. SO42− entered the matrix and reacted and formed AFt, filling the matrix’s pores. The whole process is similar to the self-healing process of concrete.
Energy-Efficient Retrofitting under Incomplete Information: A Data-Driven Approach and Empirical Study of Sweden
Authors: Feng Kailun , Lu Weizhuo , Wang Yaowu , Man Qingpeng
Published: August 2022

The building performance simulation (BPS) based on physical models is a popular method to estimate the expected energy-savings of energy-efficient building retrofitting. However, many buildings, especially the older building constructed several decades ago, do not have full access to complete information for a BPS method. Incomplete information generally comes from the information that is missing, such as the U-value of part building components, due to incomplete documentation or component deterioration over time. It also comes from the case-specific incomplete information due to different documentation systems. Motivated by the available big data of real-life building performance datasets (BPDs), a data-driven approach is proposed to support the decision-making of building retrofitting selections under incomplete information conditions. The data-driven approach constructed a Performance Modelling with Data Imputation (PMDI) with integrated backpropagation neural networks, fuzzy C-means clustering, principal component analysis, and trimmed scores regression. An empirical study was conducted on real-life buildings in Sweden, and the results validated that the PMDI method can model the performance ranges of energy-efficient retrofitting for family house buildings with more than 90% confidence. For a target building in Stockholm, the suggested retrofitting measure is expected to save energy by 12,017~17,292 KWh/year.
Macromechanical Failure Criteria: Elasticity, Plasticity and Numerical Applications for the Non-Linear Masonry Modelling
Authors: Nastri Elide , Todisco Paolo
Published: August 2022

Sometimes it is difficult to choose the most appropriate failure criterion for the problem analyzed. For brittle materials, attention must be paid to the availability of experimental data and the calibration of the representative parameters, within the chosen failure criterion. The work herein presented, starting with an overview on machromechanical failure criteria, analysed in the Haigh-Westergaard Stress Space, investigates the suitability of Mohr-Coulomb, Drucker-Prager and Concrete Damaged Plasticity failure criteria of masonry structures, underlining their specific characteristics and implementation in FEM simulations. The Pavia Door Wall experimental campaign under pseudo-static cyclic test is considered as benchmark study. The results of the experimental tests are compared with a FE model developed with ABAQUS computer program considering several failure criteria and equivalent frame approach. Among the investigated failure criteria Concrete Damaged Plasticity is able to capture the actual behaviour of the masonry walls under monotonic excitation. In particular, thanks to the adaptability of the Guo’s model in the definition and calibration of the uniaxial behavior, the model suitability in catching the variation of the cohesion and the evolution of the damage is better in comparison with the other addressed failure criteria.
Comparison Study of the Heating Energy Demand for a Multi-Storey Residential Building in Romania Using Steady-State and Dynamic Methods
Authors: Pescari Simon , Stoian Valeriu Augustin , Merea Mircea , Pitroaca Alexandru
Published: August 2022

The purpose of this study is to determine the differences between the steady-state energetic method and the dynamic energetic method in a multi-storey residential building in Romania. For both methods, there are two values for the heating energy demand, one obtained with the theoretical U value and g value according to Romanian Methodology Mc 001/1-2006 and one with the real U value and g value obtained from in situ measurements. The results of our study revealed a difference between the steady-state method and the dynamic method in both cases of approximately 20%. Because the heating energy demand needs to decrease in value according to European legislation and the classical energy demand determination is shallow, as it does not take into account some important factors, it is important to use a method that produces accurate values so the economic factor does not become overwhelming.
Policy Implications for Promoting the Adoption of Cogeneration Systems in the Hotel Industry: An Extension of the Technology Acceptance Mode
Authors: Man Siu Shing , Lee Wilson Ka Ho , Wong Ka Po , Chan Alan Hoi Shou
Published: August 2022

The use of cogeneration systems in the hotel industry leads to economic and environmental benefits, but its acceptance in the industry remains low. Hence, this study aimed to examine the factors that influence cogeneration system acceptance amongst hotel management. A cogeneration system acceptance model (CoSAM) was proposed by integrating the technology acceptance model with perceived cost, perceived benefit, risk perception, environmental awareness and facilitating conditions. The validity of the CoSAM was investigated using structural equation modelling based on 499 data points collected from hotel management personnel. Results showed that the intention to use the systems of hotel management personnel was positively determined by attitude towards using cogeneration systems, which was directly affected by perceived usefulness, risk perception and perceived benefit. Moreover, with perceived usefulness as a mediator, facilitating conditions and environmental awareness indirectly influenced attitude towards using cogeneration systems positively, while perceived cost indirectly influenced the attitude negatively. Based on the findings of this study, policy implications for promoting the adoption of cogeneration systems in the hotel industry were provided, thus saving energy and reducing the energy costs of hotels. This study is the first to remarkably contribute an in-depth understanding of the factors affecting cogeneration system acceptance to the literature.
What Drives the Intelligent Construction Development in China?
Authors: Yan Xiaoli , Zhou Yingxue , Li Tao , Zhu Feifei
Published: August 2022

Intelligent construction (IC) integrates intelligent technologies with the construction industry to improve efficiency and sustainability. IC development involves many driving factors, but only the critical factors play essential roles. Thus, it is necessary to identify these key factors to understand and promote IC development thoroughly. Although there are many studies on IC-related technologies, a focus on identifying the driving factors of IC is lacking. We aimed to identify the key driving factors for IC development, analyze the relationship between the key factors and IC, and then produce general laws to guide IC by conducting an empirical study in China. We employed a five-stage research design and proposed the following general laws of how the key factors drive the development of IC: (1) initially, there exits the opportunity that drives companies to generate IC; (2) subsequently, the planning and pressure of a firm strategy, structure, and rivalry further drive companies to try to develop IC; (3) afterward, government policy vigorously promotes IC practices of the participating companies and accelerates the development of IC; and (4) finally, the market forces begin to play a leading role, and companies spontaneously carry out IC activities when the policy effect reaches a certain level. The findings indicate that policies to promote IC development should be consistent with its development stage, and the key driving factors of different stages should be paid attention to. Although the context of this study is China, the findings can provide references for IC’s development globally.
An International Comparison of Presentation, Outcomes and CORONET Predictive Score Performance in Patients with Cancer Presenting with COVID-19 across Different Pandemic Waves
Authors: Wysocki Oskar , Zhou Cong , Rogado Jacobo , Huddar Prerana , Shotton Rohan , Tivey Ann , Albiges Laurence , Angelakas Angelos , Arnold Dirk , Aung Theingi , Banfill Kathryn , Baxter Mark , Barlesi Fabrice , Bayle Arnaud , Besse Benjamin , Bhogal Talvinder , Boyce Hayley , Britton Fiona , Calles Antonio , Castelo-Branco Luis , Copson Ellen , Croitoru Adina , Dani Sourbha S. , Dickens Elena , Eastlake Leonie , Fitzpatrick Paul , Foulon Stephanie , Frederiksen Henrik , Ganatra Sarju , Gennatas Spyridon , Glenthøj Andreas , Gomes Fabio , Graham Donna M. , Hague Christina , Harrington Kevin , Harrison Michelle , Horsley Laura , Hoskins Richard , Hudson Zoe , Jakobsen Lasse H. , Joharatnam-Hogan Nalinie , Khan Sam , Khan Umair T. , Khan Khurum , Lewis Alexandra , Massard Christophe , Maynard Alec , McKenzie Hayley , Michielin Olivier , Mosenthal Anne C. , Obispo Berta , Palmieri Carlo , Patel Rushin , Pentheroudakis George , Peters Solange , Rieger-Christ Kimberly , Robinson Timothy , Romano Emanuela , Rowe Michael , Sekacheva Marina , Sheehan Roseleen , Stockdale Alexander , Thomas Anne , Turtle Lance , Viñal David , Weaver Jamie , Williams Sophie , Wilson Caroline , Dive Caroline , Landers Donal , Cooksley Timothy , Freitas André , Armstrong Anne C. , Lee Rebecca J. ,   on behalf of the ESMO Co-Care
Published: August 2022

Patients with cancer have been shown to have increased risk of COVID-19 severity. We previously built and validated the COVID-19 Risk in Oncology Evaluation Tool (CORONET) to predict the likely severity of COVID-19 in patients with active cancer who present to hospital. We assessed the differences in presentation and outcomes of patients with cancer and COVID-19, depending on the wave of the pandemic. We examined differences in features at presentation and outcomes in patients worldwide, depending on the waves of the pandemic: wave 1 D614G (n = 1430), wave 2 Alpha (n = 475), and wave 4 Omicron variant (n = 63, UK and Spain only). The performance of CORONET was evaluated on 258, 48, and 54 patients for each wave, respectively. We found that mortality rates were reduced in subsequent waves. The majority of patients were vaccinated in wave 4, and 94% were treated with steroids if they required oxygen. The stages of cancer and the median ages of patients significantly differed, but features associated with worse COVID-19 outcomes remained predictive and did not differ between waves. The CORONET tool performed well in all waves, with scores in an area under the curve (AUC) of >0.72. We concluded that patients with cancer who present to hospital with COVID-19 have similar features of severity, which remain discriminatory despite differences in variants and vaccination status. Survival improved following the first wave of the pandemic, which may be associated with vaccination and the increased steroid use in those patients requiring oxygen. The CORONET model demonstrated good performance, independent of the SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Treatment Outcomes of Computer Tomography-Guided Brachytherapy in Cervical Cancer in Hong Kong: A Retrospective Review
Authors: Chan Wing-Lok , Cheng Matthew Ho-Fai , Wu Jacky Tsun-Kit , Choi Cheuk-Wai , Tse Rosa Piu-Ying , Ho Patty Piu-Ying , Cheung Emina Edith , Cheung Andy , Test Ka-Yu , Chan Karen Kar-Loen , Ngan Hexane Yuen-Sheung , Siu Steven Wai-Kwan , Ngan Roger Kai-Cheong , Lee Anne Wing-Mui
Published: August 2022

(1) Background: To report the long-term clinical outcomes of computer-tomography (CT)-guided brachytherapy (BT) for locally advanced cervical cancer. (2) Methods: A total of 135 patients with FIGO stage IB-IVA cervical cancer treated with definitive radiotherapy +/− chemotherapy with an IGABT boost at Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, between November 2013 and December 2019 were included. Treatment included pelvic radiotherapy 40 Gy/20 Fr/4 weeks +/− chemotherapy then CT-guided BT (7 Gy × 4 Fr) and a sequential parametrial boost. The primary outcome was local control. Secondary outcomes were pelvic control, distant metastasis-free survival, overall survival (OS) and late toxicities. (3) Results: The median follow-up was 53.6 months (3.0–99.6 months). The five-year local control, pelvic control, distant metastasis-free survival and OS rates were 90.7%, 84.3%, 80.0% and 87.2%, respectively. The incidence of G3/4 long-term toxicities was 6.7%, including proctitis (2.2%), radiation cystitis (1.5%), bowel perforation (0.7%), ureteric stricture (0.7%) and vaginal stenosis and fistula (0.7%). Patients with adenocarcinomas had worse local control (HR 5.82, 95% CI 1.84–18.34, p = 0.003), pelvic control (HR 4.41, 95% CI 1.83–10.60, p = 0.001), distant metastasis-free survival (HR 2.83, 95% CI 1.17–6.84, p = 0.021) and OS (HR 4.38, 95% CI: 1.52–12.67, p = 0.003) rates. Distant metastasis-free survival was associated with HR-CTV volume ≥ 30 cm3 (HR 3.44, 95% CI 1.18–9.42, p = 0.025) and the presence of pelvic lymph node (HR 3.44, 95% CI 1.18–9.42, p = 0.025). OS was better in patients with concurrent chemotherapy (HR 4.33, 95% CI: 1.40–13.33, p = 0.011). (4) Conclusions: CT-guided BT for cervical cancer achieved excellent long-term local control and OS. Adenocarcinoma was associated with worse clinical outcomes. (4) Conclusion: CT-guided BT for cervical cancer achieved excellent long-term local control and OS. Adenocarcinoma was associated with worse clinical outcomes.
Nanoscale Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework (ZIF)–8 in Cancer Theranostics: Current Challenges and Prospects
Authors: Xie Hongxin , Liu Xinyu , Huang Zhengrong , Xu Liexi , Bai Rui , He Fajian , Wang Mengqin , Han Linzhi , Bao Zhirong , Wu Yuzhou , Xie Conghua , Gong Yan
Published: August 2022

Cancer severely threatens human health and has remained the leading cause of disease–related death for decades. With the rapid advancement of nanomedicine, nanoscale metal–organic frameworks are believed to be potentially applied in the treatment and biomedical imaging for various tumors. Zeolite imidazole framework (ZIF)–8 attracts increasing attention due to its high porosity, large specific surface area, and pH–responsiveness. The designs and modifications of ZIF–8 nanoparticles, as well as the strategy of drug loading, demand a multifaceted and comprehensive understanding of nanomaterial features and tumor characteristics. We searched for studies on ZIF–8–based nanoplatforms in tumor theranostics on Web of Science from 2015 to 2022, mainly focused on the research published in the past 3 years, summarized the progress of their applications in tumor imaging and treatment, and discussed the favorable aspects of ZIF–8 nanoparticles for tumor theranostics as well as the future opportunities and potential challenges. As a kind of metal–organic framework material full of potential, ZIF–8 can be expected to be combined with more therapeutic systems in the future and continue to contribute to all aspects of tumor therapy and diagnosis.
Kinetics of the Synthesis of Aluminum Boride by the Self-Propagating High-Temperature Synthesis Method
Authors: Aknazarov Sestager Khusainovich , Mutushev Alibek Zhumabekovich , Gonzalez-Leal Juan Maria , Bairakova Olga Stepanovna , Golovchenko Olga Yuryevna , Golovchenko Natalia Yuryevna , Ponomareva Elena Alexandrovna
Published: August 2022

The influence of certain factors on the kinetics of the process of obtaining aluminum borides (burning rate, ingot formation, and phase separation) was investigated. In this study, we report the registration of diboride using the SHS protocol. The synthesis of aluminum diboride from boric anhydride occurred by the aluminothermic method. The initial components were boron trioxide and aluminum in the form of powders. Researchers paid special attention to the degree of grinding of the charge fluxing substances. The influence this had on the rate of development of the degree of charge concentration was studied. To calculate the degree of charge, a composition was chosen according to the speed obtained from a number of experiments where melting was carried out with the following charge densities in g/cm3: 0.80; 1.08; 1.18; 1.74. The method of melting was ignition from above. The experimental results allowed us to conclude that the nature of the change in the combustion rate of the system, where there was an excess of the reducing agent in the charge, is the same. An increase in the combustion rate, where there was an excess of aluminum of up to 20%, was likely due to the fact that the reaction area of the charge components increased. In addition, an increase in speed can be explained by a decrease in heat losses due to a reduction in the melting time. With an increase in excess aluminum above 20% of the stoichiometry, the observed decrease in the combustion rate can be explained by a decrease in the specific heat of the process due to the melting of the excess aluminum, which played the role of a ballast.
Do Patient-Reported Quality-of-Life (QoL) Scales Provide an Adequate Assessment of Patients with Cryptoglandular Anal Fistulae? A Systematic Review of Measurement Instruments and Their Content Validity
Authors: Iqbal Nusrat , Shah Rishi , Alrubaiy Laith , Tozer Phil
Published: August 2022

Background: Cryptoglandular anal fistulae can significantly affect patient quality of life (QoL), making it essential to ensure that any study of fistula treatment assesses the impact on QoL. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the content validity of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) that assess QoL in patients with a fistula. Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and Scopus were searched and studies assessing the content validity of patient-reported QoL measurement instruments, or PROM development studies in patients with cryptoglandular anal fistulae, were included. Data were extracted from eligible studies to determine the instruments’ relevance, comprehensiveness, and comprehensibility, and their quality was assessed according to COnsensus-based Standards for the Selection of health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN). Results: Two PROM development studies were identified, both of which described the development of a disease-specific QoL measurement instrument for patients with cryptoglandular anal fistulae. The overall content validity of these instruments was inconsistent and supported by very low-quality evidence. There were no studies assessing the content validity of established QoL measurement instruments in patients with fistulae. Conclusions: This systematic review could not establish the content validity of the available QoL PROMs for patients with anal fistulae, due either to the absence of designated content validity studies or a lack of comprehensiveness of the available PROMs. This highlights an important gap in the literature that needs to be addressed to ensure high-quality outcome assessment in patients with fistulae.
Flexural Behavior of Precast RC Deck Panels with Cast-in-Place UHPFRC Connection
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Zhang Yang , Zhu Ping
Published: August 2022

Precast concrete bridge structures have been extensively used because of the mature construction techniques, fast construction, and their economy. Considerable practical applications, however, present certain disadvantages, such as cracking and water infiltration in their normal strength concrete (NSC, compressive strength 40 MPa) joints connecting prefabricated deck panels. Ultra-high performance fiber reinforced concrete (UHPFRC, compressive strength 143 MPa) has been proven highly effective in replacing the conventional cementitious grout materials in precast bridge structures. In the present study, three types of UHPFRC connections, rectangular, zigzag-shaped, and diamond-shaped, were experimentally evaluated on their flexural capacities, interface bonding performances, and failure modes through four-point bending tests (loading rate 0.1 kN/s). The results showed that all the UHPFRC connections exhibited apparently higher flexural capacities than an intact precast NSC member and had such strong UHPFRC-NSC interfacial bonding that the interfacial first-crack strengths were not less than the NSC member. Having the capability of modeling the UHPFRC connections and their interface properties, the developed finite element (FE) models of the precast slabs with UHPFRC connections produce numerical results in good agreement with the flexural tests. By means of the FE models, parametric investigations were carried out to make suggestions on optimizing the UHPFRC connection designs for practical use.
Design of a Sensorial-Instrumental Correlation Methodology for a Category of Cosmetic Products: O/W Emulsions
Authors: Imbart Sylvia , Laplanche Audrey , Ruzic Célia , Lavarde Marc , Marull-Tufeu Sylvie , Bernard Clémence , Pensé-Lhéritier Anne-Marie , Aoussat Améziane
Published: August 2022

The validation of a cosmetic product is performed by physical analyses and sensory assessment. However, the recruitment of panelists takes a long time and is expensive. Moreover, to apply the product on the skin, microbiology analyses and safety are required but may not be not enough to avoid inflammatory reaction on the skin. The solution could be the substitution of sensory evaluation by instrumental measurement to predict the sensory profile before the panel. For the study, thirteen different skin care emulsions based on their composition and texture were carried out simultaneously by 12 expert panelists with a quantitative descriptive sensory evaluation profile and by rheological and textural methods. A statistical methodology was the applied to find correlation trends between both data sets. The methodology confirmed that the correlation between sensory assessment and instrumental parameters is a good solution to save time. The multiple factor analysis (MFA) showed the correlation between firmness with no visual residue attribute and the cohesion with sticky 1 min, which are evident but this methodology could be used for finding more complex correlations not found in literature.
The Spread of the Japanese Beetle in a European Human-Dominated Landscape: High Anthropization Favors Colonization of Popillia japonica
Authors: Della Rocca Francesca , Milanesi Pietro
Published: August 2022

The impact of invasive species is not limited to the loss of biodiversity; it also represents significant threats to agriculture on a global scale. The Japanese beetle Popillia japonica (native to Japan but an invasive agricultural pest in North America) recently occurred in the Po plain (Italy), one of the most cultivated areas in southern Europe. Thus, our aims were to identify (i) the main landscape predictors related to the occurrence of the Japanese beetle and (ii) the areas of potential invasion of the Japanese beetle in the two Northern Italian regions in which this invasive species currently occurs, Piedmont and Lombardy. Specifically, we combined Japanese beetle occurrences available in the citizen science online platform iNaturalist with high-resolution landscape predictors in an ensemble approach and averaged the results of Bayesian generalized linear and additive models developed with the integrated nested Laplace approximation (with stochastic partial differential equation). We found that the occurrence of the Japanese beetle was negatively related to the percentage of broadleaf forests and pastures, while it was positively related to sparse and dense human settlements as well as intensive crops. Moreover, the occurrence of the Japanese beetle increased in relation to the percentage of rice fields until a peak at around 50%. The Japanese beetle was likely to occur in 32.49% of our study area, corresponding to 16,000.02 km2, mainly located in the Po plain, low hills, and mountain valleys. We stress that the Japanese beetle is a high-risk invasive species in human-dominated landscapes. Thus, we strongly recommend that local administrations quickly enact pest management in order to reduce further spread.
The Variation in the Diastolic Period with Interventricular Septal Displacement and Its Relation to the Right Ventricular Function in Pulmonary Hypertension: A Preliminary Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Study
Authors: Yang Fan , Ren Wen , Wang Dan , Yan Yan , Deng Yuan-Lin , Yang Zhen-Wen , Yu Tie-Lian , Li Dong , Zhang Zhang
Published: August 2022

Background: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is known to alter the biventricular shape and temporal phases of the cardiac cycle. The presence of interventricular septal (IVS) displacement has been associated with the severity of PH. There has been limited cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) data regarding the temporal parameters of the cardiac cycle in PH. This study aimed to quantify the temporal changes in the cardiac cycle derived from CMR in PH patients with and without IVS displacement and sought to understand the mechanism of cardiac dysfunction in the cardiac cycle. Methods: Patients with PH who had CMR and right heart catheterization (RHC) examinations were included retrospectively. Patients were divided into an IVS non-displacement (IVSND) group and an IVS displacement (IVSD) group according to IVS morphology, as observed on short-axis cine CMR images. Additionally, age-matched healthy volunteers were included as the health control (HC). Temporal parameters, IVS displacement, ventricular volume and functional parameters were obtained by CMR, and pulmonary hemodynamics were obtained by RHC. The risk stratification of the PH patients was also graded according to the guidelines. Results: A total of 70 subjects were included, consisting of 33 IVSD patients, 15 IVSND patients, and 22 HC patients. In the IVSND group, only the right ventricle ejection fraction (RVEF) was decreased in the ventricular function, and no temporal change in the cardiac cycle was found. A prolonged isovolumetric relaxation time (IRT) and shortened filling time (FT) in both ventricles, along with biventricular dysfunction, were detected in the IVSD group (p < 0.001). The IRT of the right ventricle (IRTRV) and FT of the right ventricle (FTRV) in the PH patients were associated with pulmonary vascular resistance, right cardiac index, and IVS curvature, and the IRTRV was also associated with the RVEF in a multivariate regression analysis. A total of 90% of the PH patients in the IVSD group were stratified into intermediate- and high-risk categories, and they showed a prolonged IRTRV and a shortened FTRV. The IRTRV was also the predictor of the major cardiovascular events. Conclusions: The temporal changes in the cardiac cycle were related to IVS displacement and mainly impacted the diastolic period of the two ventricles in the PH patients. The IRT and FT changes may provide useful pathophysiological information on the progression of PH.