bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Way to Automatic Exploitation of Vulnerabilities and Validation of Systems Security through Security Chaos Engineering
Authors: Palacios Chavarro Sara , Nespoli Pantaleone , Díaz-López Daniel , Niño Roa Yury
Published: December 2022

Software is behind the technological solutions that deliver many services to our society, which means that software security should not be considered a desirable feature anymore but more of a necessity. Protection of software is an endless labor that includes the improvement of security controls but also the understanding of the sources that induce incidents, which in many cases are due to bad implementation or assumptions of controls. As traditional methods may not be efficient in detecting those security assumptions, novel alternatives must be attempted. In this sense, Security Chaos Engineering (SCE) becomes an innovative methodology based on the definition of a steady state, a hypothesis, experiments, and metrics, which allow to identify failing components and ultimately protect assets under cyber risk scenarios. As an extension of a previous work, this paper presents ChaosXploit, an SCE-powered framework that employs a knowledge database, composed of attack trees, to expose vulnerabilities that exist in a software solution that has been previously defined as a target. The use of ChaosXploit may be part of a defensive security strategy to detect and correct software misconfigurations at an early stage. Finally, different experiments are described and executed to validate the feasibility of ChaosXploit in terms of auditing the security of cloud-managed services, i.e., Amazon buckets, which may be prone to misconfigurations and, consequently, targeted by potential cyberattacks.
Evaluating the Performance of a Nonelectronic, Versatile Oxygenating Perfusion System across Viscosities Representative of Clinical Perfusion Solutions Used for Organ Preservation
Authors: Gonzalez Jose M. , Villarreal Carorina , Fasci Anjelyka , Rocco David Di , Salazar Sophia , Khalil Anis , Wearden Brandt , Oseghale Jessica , Garcia Mariana , Portillo Daniel J. , Hood R. Lyle
Published: December 2022

Introduction: On the United States’ Organ Transplantation Waitlist, approximately 17 people die each day waiting for an organ. The situation continues to deteriorate as the discrepancy between harvested organs and the number of patients in need is increasing. Static cold storage is the clinical standard method for preserving a harvested organ but is associated with several drawbacks. Machine perfusion of an organ has been shown to improve preservation quality as well as preservation time over static cold storage. While there are machine perfusion devices clinically available, they are costly and limited to specific organs and preservation solutions. This study presents a versatile oxygenating perfusion system (VOPS) that supplies oxygen and pulsatile perfusion. Materials and Methods: Experiments evaluated the system’s performance with a human kidney mimicking hydraulic analog using multiple compressed oxygen supply pressures and aqueous solutions with viscosities ranging from 1 to 6.5 cP, which simulated viscosities of commonly used organ preservation solutions. Results and Conclusions: The VOPS produced mean flow rates ranging from 0.6 to 28.2 mL/min and perfusion pressures from 4.8 to 96.8 mmHg, which successfully achieved the desired perfusion parameters for human kidneys. This work provides evidence that the VOPS described herein has the versatility to perfuse organs using many of the clinically available preservation solutions.
Soil Geochemical Properties Influencing the Diversity of Bacteria and Archaea in Soils of the Kitezh Lake Area, Antarctica
Authors: Li Qinxin , Wang Nengfei , Han Wenbing , Zhang Botao , Zang Jiaye , Qin Yiling , Wang Long , Liu Jie , Zhang Tao
Published: December 2022

It is believed that polar regions are influenced by global warming more significantly, and because polar regions are less affected by human activities, they have certain reference values for future predictions. This study aimed to investigate the effects of climate warming on soil microbial communities in lake areas, taking Kitezh Lake, Antarctica as the research area. Below-peak soil, intertidal soil, and sediment were taken at the sampling sites, and we hypothesized that the diversity and composition of the bacterial and archaeal communities were different among the three sampling sites. Through 16S rDNA sequencing and analysis, bacteria and archaea with high abundance were obtained. Based on canonical correspondence analysis and redundancy analysis, pH and phosphate had a great influence on the bacterial community whereas pH and nitrite had a great influence on the archaeal community. Weighted gene coexpression network analysis was used to find the hub bacteria and archaea related to geochemical factors. The results showed that in addition to pH, phosphate, and nitrite, moisture content, ammonium, nitrate, and total carbon content also play important roles in microbial diversity and structure at different sites by changing the abundance of some key microbiota.
Upcycling Fish By-Products into Bioactive Fish Oil: The Suitability of Microwave-Assisted Extraction
Authors: Pinela José , Fuente Beatriz de la , Rodrigues Matilde , Pires Tânia C. S. P. , Mandim Filipa , Almeida André , Dias Maria Inês , Caleja Cristina , Barros Lillian
Published: December 2022

The seafood industry is often left out of the food waste discussion, but this sector is no exception, as it generates large amounts of various by-products. This study aimed to explore the potential of the microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) technique to obtain high-quality oil from fish by-products. The independent variables, which were time (1–30 min), microwave power (50–1000 W), and solid/liquid ratio (70–120 g/L) were combined in a 20-run experimental design coupled with the response surface methodology (RSM) for process optimization. The obtained oil yield values were fitted to a quadratic equation to build the theoretical models, which were statistically validated based on statistical criteria and used to predict the optimal MAE condition. The oil yields were significantly affected by the three independent variables through linear, quadratic, and/or interactive effects. Compared to a conventional Soxhlet extraction (SE), the optimal MAE conditions allowed between 60 and 100% of oil to be recovered in less than 19 min and with less solvent consumption. The fatty acid profiles of the oils obtained through SE and optimized MAE were characterized by gas chromatography with flame ionizing detection (GC-FID) after a derivatization process. These oils were constituted mainly of health, beneficial unsaturated fatty acids, such as oleic, docosahexaenoic (DHA), linoleic, and eicosapentaenoic (EPA) acids, which were not affected (p > 0.05) by the extraction methods. Interestingly, the oils obtained through MAE showed the best microbial growth inhibition results may have been due to thermolabile compounds, preserved via this unconventional non-thermal method. The oils also exhibited anti-inflammatory effects via nitric oxide production inhibition and cytotoxic potential especially, against breast and gastric adenocarcinoma cells. However, the threshold of toxicity should be further investigated. Overall, this work emerges as a future-oriented approach to upcycling fish by-products into high-quality oils that can be used in the formulation of pet food and other products.
The Potential Utility of Circulating Oncofetal H19 Derived miR-675 Expression versus Tissue lncRNA-H19 Expression in Diagnosis and Prognosis of HCC in Egyptian Patients
Authors: Abdelsattar Shimaa , Sweed Dina , Kamel Hala F. M. , Kasemy Zeinab A. , Gameel Abdallah M. , Elzohry Hassan , Ameen Omnia , Elgizawy Eman Ibrahim , Sallam Ahmed , Mosbeh Asmaa , Abdallah Mahmoud S. , Khalil Fatma O. , Al-Amodi Hiba S. , El-Hefnway Sally M.
Published: December 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Interestingly, lncRNA-H19 acts independently in HCC and influences miR-675 expressions. We aimed to assess the potential utility of tissue lncRNA-H19 versus miR-675 expressions as a non-invasive biomarker for HCC diagnosis and prognosis in Egyptian patients. Ninety-one HCC patients and 91 controls included in this study were investigated for expression of lncRNA-H19 and miR675 using RT-qPCR. Our results showed that the expression of lncRNA-H19 and microRNA-675 were higher in patients than in controls (p < 0.001 for both). Additionally, lncRNA-H19 expression was higher in tumorous than in non-tumorous tissue (p < 0.001). Linear regression revealed that miR-675 expression was a significantly higher positive predictor than lncRNA-H19 for tumor size, pathologic grade, and AFP level; similarly, for cyclin D1 and VEGF protein expression. By using the ROC curve, the sensitivity of miR-675 was higher than lncRNA-H19 for discriminating HCC from controls (95–89%, respectively) and the sensitivity of lncRNA-H19 was higher in tumorous than in non-tumorous tissues (76%). The high expressions of both were associated with low OS (p < 0.001, 0.001, respectively). Oncofetal H19-derived miR-675 expression could be considered a potential noninvasive diagnostic and prognostic biomarker, outstanding the performance of the expression of tissue lncRNA-H19 for HCC.
Different Forms of Disorder in NMDA-Sensitive Glutamate Receptor Cytoplasmic Domains Are Associated with Differences in Condensate Formation
Authors: Basak Sujit , Saikia Nabanita , Kwun David , Choi Ucheor B. , Ding Feng , Bowen Mark E.
Published: December 2022

The N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-sensitive glutamate receptor (NMDAR) helps assemble downstream signaling pathways through protein interactions within the postsynaptic density (PSD), which are mediated by its intracellular C-terminal domain (CTD). The most abundant NMDAR subunits in the brain are GluN2A and GluN2B, which are associated with a developmental switch in NMDAR composition. Previously, we used single molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer (smFRET) to show that the GluN2B CTD contained an intrinsically disordered region with slow, hop-like conformational dynamics. The CTD from GluN2B also undergoes liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) with synaptic proteins. Here, we extend these observations to the GluN2A CTD. Sequence analysis showed that both subunits contain a form of intrinsic disorder classified as weak polyampholytes. However, only GluN2B contained matched patterning of arginine and aromatic residues, which are linked to LLPS. To examine the conformational distribution, we used discrete molecular dynamics (DMD), which revealed that GluN2A favors extended disordered states containing secondary structures while GluN2B favors disordered globular states. In contrast to GluN2B, smFRET measurements found that GluN2A lacked slow conformational dynamics. Thus, simulation and experiments found differences in the form of disorder. To understand how this affects protein interactions, we compared the ability of these two NMDAR isoforms to undergo LLPS. We found that GluN2B readily formed condensates with PSD-95 and SynGAP, while GluN2A failed to support LLPS and instead showed a propensity for colloidal aggregation. That GluN2A fails to support this same condensate formation suggests a developmental switch in LLPS propensity.
What Is the Temperature Acceptance in Home-Office Households in the Winter?
Authors: Clèries Tardío Elisenda , Ortiz Joana , Borghero Luca , Salom Jaume
Published: December 2022

Remote work can have many benefits when set up properly. Nevertheless, the preferences of home workers’ comfort havenot been profoundly studied yet. Therefore, this study aims to understand their accepted Indoor Environmental Quality values in winter based on self-reported comfort. In this regard, 26 households in Catalonia’s Mediterranean region were monitored and surveyed for separated periods of 15 days during from 22 November 2021 to 6 March 2022. Measurements including temperature, temperature, CO2 and Relative Humidity levels were data logged in their most used workspace. Results show that most people work between 18 °C to 20 °C and find those temperatures acceptable. Common spaces used as homeoffices are on average 0.8 °C warmer and there are 470 ppm lower CO2 concentrations. Families with children or teenagers and especially women tend to have a warmer mean operative temperature. The comparison between theoretical thermal comfort models (Fanger and Adaptive) to direct vote perception from a sample of spaces and conditions shows low correlation with real perception having the Adaptive model a better prediction of votes. In general, people report feeling more comfortable at the office, although a high number of participants feel indifferent or reckon that depends on other factors.
Integrated Adsorption-Photocatalytic Decontamination of Oxytetracycline from Wastewater Using S-Doped TiO2/WS2/Calcium Alginate Beads
Authors: Kumar Rajeev , Ansari Mohammad Omaish , Taleb Md Abu , Oves Mohammad , Barakat Mohamed A. , Alghamdi Mansour A. , Al Makishah Naief H.
Published: December 2022

Integrated wastewater treatment processes are needed due to the inefficient removal of emerging pharmaceuticals by single methods. Herein, an adsorbent-photocatalyst integrated material was fabricated by coupling calcium alginate with sulfur-doped TiO2/tungsten disulfide (S-TiO2/WS2/alginate beads) for the removal of oxytetracycline (OTC) from aqueous solution by an integrated adsorption-photocatalysis process. The semiconductor S-TiO2/WS2 hybrid photocatalyst was synthesized with a hydrothermal method, while the integrated adsorbent-photocatalyst S-TiO2/WS2/alginate beads were synthesized by blending S-TiO2/WS2 with sodium alginate using calcium chloride as a precipitating agent. The physicochemical characteristics of S-TiO2/WS2/alginate beads were analyzed using X-ray diffraction , scanning electron microscopy, elemental mapping, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The integrated adsorption-photocatalysis process showed enhanced removal from 92.5 to 72%, with a rise in the OTC concentration from 10 to 75 mg/L respectively. The results demonstrated that the adsorption of OTC onto S-TiO2/WS2/alginate beads followed the Elovich kinetic model and Redlich–Peterson isotherm models. The formations of H-bonds, cation bridge bonding, and n-π electron donor-acceptor forces were involved in the adsorption of OCT onto S-TiO2/WS2/alginate beads. In the integrated adsorption-photocatalysis, surface-adsorbed OTC molecules were readily decomposed by the photogenerated active radical species (h⁺, O2•−, and HO•). The persulfate addition to the OTC solution further increased the photocatalysis efficacy due to the formation of additional oxidizing species (SO4•⁻, SO4⁻). Moreover, S-TiO2/WS2/alginate beads showed favorable efficiency and sustainability in OTC removal, approaching 78.6% after five cycles. This integrated adsorption-photocatalysis process offered significant insight into improving efficiency and reusability in water treatment.
Abdominal Compartment Syndrome in Acute Pancreatitis: A Narrative Review
Authors: Zarnescu Narcis Octavian , Dumitrascu Ioana , Zarnescu Eugenia Claudia , Costea Radu
Published: December 2022

Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) represents a severe complication of acute pancreatitis (AP), resulting from an acute and sustained increase in abdominal pressure >20 mmHg, in association with new organ dysfunction. The harmful effect of high intra-abdominal pressure on regional and global perfusion results in significant multiple organ failure and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. There are several deleterious consequences of elevated intra-abdominal pressure on end-organ function, including respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, neurologic, and renal effects. It is estimated that about 15% of patients with severe AP develop intra-abdominal hypertension or ACS, with a mortality rate around 50%. The treatment of abdominal compartment syndrome in acute pancreatitis begins with medical intervention and percutaneous drainage, where possible. Abdominal compartment syndrome unresponsive to conservatory treatment requires immediate surgical decompression, along with vacuum-assisted closure therapy techniques, followed by early abdominal fascia closure.
Does Uncertainty Boost Exports? A Study on the Effect of Innovation and Marketing Capabilities in a Small and Innovation-Intensive Sector
Authors: Vieira Jorge , Frade Rui , Martinho Filipa , Martinho Domingos
Published: December 2022

The main goal of this research is to study the impact of uncertainty on export performance, from a resource-based perspective. Despite the ample research on how economies behave during periods of high uncertainty, there is still a poor understanding of how this affects smaller sectors, particularly the most exposed to global competition. In this paper, we perform an evaluation of export performance for the Portuguese pharmaceuticals sector (PPI), before and after a period of considerable uncertainty. This study’s results show strong incremental performance gains, during this period. It also confirmed the importance of marketing capabilities, innovation and networking resources in developing international businesses.
Intelligent Planning Modeling and Optimization of UAV Cluster Based on Multi-Objective Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Yang Jian , Huang Xuejun
Published: December 2022

As a flight tool integrating carrier and reconnaissance, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are applied in various fields. In recent years, mission planning and path optimization have become the most important research focuses in the field of UAVs. With the continuous maturity of artificial intelligence technology, various search algorithms have been applied in the field of unmanned aerial vehicles. However, these algorithms have certain defects, which lead to problems, such as large search volume and low efficiency in task planning, and cannot meet the requirements of path planning. The objective optimization algorithm has a good performance in solving optimization problems. In this paper, the intelligent planning model of UAV cluster was established based on multi-objective optimization algorithm, and its path is optimized. In the aspect of modeling, this paper studied and analyzed online task planning, search rules and cluster formation control using an agent-based intelligent modeling method. For mission planning and optimization, it combined multi-objective optimization algorithm to build the model from three aspects of mission allocation, route planning and planning evaluation. The final simulation results showed that the UAV cluster intelligent planning modeling method and path optimization method based on multi-objective optimization algorithm met the requirements of route design and improved the path search efficiency with 2.26% task completion satisfaction.
Application and Research of IoT Architecture for End-Net-Cloud Edge Computing
Authors: Zhang Yongqiang , Yu Hongchang , Zhou Wanzhen , Man Menghua
Published: December 2022

At the edge of the network close to the source of the data, edge computing deploys computing, storage and other capabilities to provide intelligent services in close proximity and offers low bandwidth consumption, low latency and high security. It satisfies the requirements of transmission bandwidth, real-time and security for Internet of Things (IoT) application scenarios. Based on the IoT architecture, an IoT edge computing (EC-IoT) reference architecture is proposed, which contained three layers: The end edge, the network edge and the cloud edge. Furthermore, the key technologies of the application of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in the EC-IoT reference architecture is analyzed. Platforms for different EC-IoT reference architecture edge locations are classified by comparing IoT edge computing platforms. On the basis of EC-IoT reference architecture, an industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) edge computing solution, an Internet of Vehicles (IoV) edge computing architecture and a reference architecture of the IoT edge gateway-based smart home are proposed. Finally, the trends and challenges of EC-IoT are examined, and the EC-IoT architecture will have very promising applications.
Stability Analysis for Single-Lane Traffic with a Relay Controller in a Closed Loop
Authors: Patrascu Monica , Constantinescu Vlad
Published: December 2022

Rule-based relay controllers are common in single-lane urban traffic control systems and introduce significant nonlinearity. In this paper, we analyze the closed-loop stability for a traffic process with a relay controller and negative feedback, with respect to several time delays present in the plant. First, we derive models for the road segment and the controller. Second, we investigate the system stability based on describing the function analysis. Finally, we present the numerical results.
Dry Anaerobic Digestion of Brewer’s Spent Grains toward a More Sustainable Brewery: Operational Performance, Kinetic Analysis, and Bioenergy Potential
Authors: Sganzerla William Gustavo , Costa Josiel Martins , Tena-Villares Miriam , Buller Luz Selene , Mussatto Solange I. , Forster-Carneiro Tania
Published: December 2022

Industrial beer production generates brewer’s spent grains (BSG) as a primary solid waste. The disposal of industrial waste can cause negative environmental side effects, including greenhouse gas emissions. This study evaluated the dry anaerobic digestion (AD) of BSG for bioenergy recovery as a solution toward a more sustainable brewery. The laboratory-scale agitated tank batch reactor (6.8 L) was started up with BSG (25%), mesophilic inoculum (45%), and water (30%). The experimental results showed 82.12% solids biodegradation, 57.38% soluble chemical oxygen demand removal, and an accumulated methane yield of 10.53 L CH4 kg−1 TVS. The methane production efficiency was evaluated by the modified Gompertz, Cone, and first-order kinetic models. The Cone model fitted methane evolution better than the modified Gompertz and first-order kinetic models. The biogas produced from the dry AD of BSG could generate electricity (0.133 MWh ton−1) and heat (598.45 MJ ton−1), mitigating 0.0099 and 0.0335 tCO2eq ton−1 BSG, respectively, for electricity and heat. The implementation of dry AD could supply 7.38% of the electricity and 6.86% of the heat required for beer production. Finally, in a biorefinery concept, dry AD can be an alternative route for solid waste management and bioenergy recovery, contributing to reduce the environmental impact of breweries.
Comparison of Milk Odd- and Branched-Chain Fatty Acids among Human, Dairy Species and Artificial Substitutes
Authors: Carta Silvia , Correddu Fabio , Battacone Gianni , Pulina Giuseppe , Nudda Anna
Published: December 2022

The aim of the study was to compare odd and branched-chain fatty acids (OBCFA) of milk from sheep, goat, cow, buffalo, donkey, human, and formula milk. Ruminant, monogastric, and human milks have different concentrations of these fatty acids (FA). To highlight the differences on OBCFA, a total of 282 individual milk samples were analyzed by gas chromatography. The OBCFA were found higher in ruminant than non-ruminant milks (p < 0.05). Among ruminants, sheep milk had the highest OBCFA (4.5 g/100 g of total FAME), whereases the lowest values were found in formula milk (0.18 g/100 g of total FAME). Regarding individual linear odd-chain FA (linear-OCFA), C11:0 was found higher in donkey milk than others, while sheep and buffalo milks had the greatest concentration of C15:0. Among BCFA, the iso-BCFA were higher than anteiso-BCFA in all considered milks. The isoC17:0 showed the highest concentration in all milks except for donkey and buffalo, which showed higher concentration of isoC16:0 than others. In conclusion, ruminant milks are different in terms of these FA compared to human milk and its substitutes. However, the greatest differences were found with formula milk, suggesting that this product needs the implementation of these FA to be more similar to human milk composition.
Knowledge about the Origins of Uncertainties from the Pre-Project Phase of Road Projects
Authors: Shabani Rouzbeh , Torp Olav , Klakegg Ole Jonny , Johansen Agnar
Published: December 2022

To succeed with projects, we need to understand and manage uncertainty. Uncertainties impact a project’s cost, time, and quality performance. The project’s front end is challenging for decision makers due to the high level of uncertainty. This paper identifies the most common uncertainties and their origin in the pre-project phase of large road projects. It also analyses the changes in these factors over 20 years. Document studies collected information about uncertainty factors identified in the early phase of 90 large road projects. The research strategy was explanatory, and data were collected from quality assurance reports from a population of large Norwegian road projects. The project cost varies between USD 30 million and over USD 2 billion. Then, 15-factor groups were established for categorising uncertainties. This study shows a rise in uncertainty factors with operational origins and a decrease in uncertainty factors with strategic and contextual origins over the last 20 years. Identifying and understanding common uncertainties and their origins provides policymakers, practitioners, and researchers with useful insights for policy revision and investment decision making and facilitates a proper focus regarding uncertainty analyses in the front end of road projects.
The Value of Delta Middle Cerebral Artery Peak Systolic Velocity for the Prediction of Twin Anemia-Polycythemia Sequence—Analysis of a Heterogenous Cohort of Monochorionic Twins
Authors: de Sainte Fare Anthea , Bedei Ivonne , Wolter Aline , Schenk Johanna , Widriani Ellydda , Keil Corinna , Koehler Siegmund , Bahlmann Franz , Strizek Brigitte , Gembruch Ulrich , Berg Christoph , Axt-Fliedner Roland
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Twin anemia-polycythemia sequence (TAPS) is a complication in monochorionic-diamniotic (MCDA) twin pregnancies. This study analyzes whether the prenatal diagnosis using delta middle cerebral artery-peak systolic velocity (MCA-PSV) > 0.5 multiples of the median (MoM) (delta group) detects more TAPS cases than the guideline-based diagnosis using the MCA-PSV cut off levels of >1.5 and <1.0 MoM (cut-off group), in a heterogenous group of MCDA twins. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 348 live-born MCDA twin pregnancies from 2010 to 2021 with available information on MCA-PSV within one week before delivery and hemoglobin-values within 24 h postnatally were considered eligible. Results: Among postnatal confirmed twin pairs with TAPS, the cut-off group showed lower sensitivity than the delta group (33% vs. 82%). Specificity proved higher in the cut-off group with 97% than in the delta group at 86%. The risk that a TAPS is mistakenly not recognized prenatally is higher in the cut-off group than in the delta group (52% vs. 18%). Conclusions: Our data shows that delta MCA-PSV > 0.5 MoM detects more cases of TAPS, which would not have been diagnosed prenatally according to the current guidelines. In the collective examined in the present study, TAPS diagnostics using delta MCA-PSV proved to be a more robust method.
New Landmarks to Slow the Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Simonini Marco , Vezzoli Giuseppe
Published: December 2022

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a serious condition whose incidence is steadily rising, particularly in the Western world, due to the increasing prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, and obesity, which are nowadays the major causes of CKD in the Western population, as well as the aging of the population [...]
Correction: Tamura et al. Interrelations between Gut Microbiota Composition, Nutrient Intake and Diabetes Status in an Adult Japanese Population. J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11, 3216
Authors: Tamura Ayumi , Murabayashi Masaya , Nishiya Yuki , Mizushiri Satoru , Hamaura Kiho , Ito Ryoma , Ono Shoma , Terada Akihide , Murakami Hiroshi , Tanabe Jutaro , Yanagimachi Miyuki , Tokuda Itoyo , Sawada Kaori , Ihara Kazushige , Daimon Makoto
Published: December 2022

There was an error in the original publication [...]
Effectiveness of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in SARS-CoV-2 Pneumonia: The Primary Results of a Randomised Clinical Trial
Authors: Siewiera Jacek , Brodaczewska Klaudia , Jermakow Natalia , Lubas Arkadiusz , Kłos Krzysztof , Majewska Aleksandra , Kot Jacek
Published: December 2022

Mortality in COVID-19 is mainly associated with respiratory failure, cytokine storm, and macrophage activation. Oxygenation and anti-inflammatory effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) suggest that it is a promising adjunct treatment for COVID-19. Repeated sessions of HBO with standard COVID-19 therapy were used to reduce the inflammation and increase oxygenation. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of HBOT in avoiding the replacement ventilation and/or ECMO and its effect on the inflammatory process. Twenty-eight moderate-to-severe COVID-19 patients were randomized into control or HBOT group. HBOT patients participated in 5 hyperbaric sessions (60 min). Before and after each session blood gas levels and vital parameters were monitored. Blood samples were collected for extended biochemical tests, blood morphology and immunological assays. There were 3 deaths in the control, no deaths in the HBOT group. No adverse events leading to discontinuation of HBOT were observed and patients receiving HBOT required lower oxygen delivery. We observed decrease in CRP, ferritin and LDH and increase in CD3 in HBOT group compared to control. This study confirmed the feasibility and safety of HBOT in patients with COVID-19 and indicated HBOT can lead to alleviation of inflammation and partial restoration of T cell responses.
Narrative Review of Classification Systems Describing Laryngeal Vascularity Using Advanced Endoscopic Imaging
Authors: Kántor Peter , Staníková Lucia , Švejdová Anna , Zeleník Karol , Komínek Pavel
Published: December 2022

Endoscopic methods are critical in the early diagnosis of mucosal lesions of the head and neck. In recent years, new examination methods and classification systems have been developed and introduced into clinical practice. All of these new techniques target the notion of optical biopsy, which tries to assess the nature of the lesion before histology examination. Many methods suffer from interpretation issues due to subjective interpretation of the findings. Therefore, multiple classification systems have been developed to assist the proper interpretation of mucosal findings and reduce the error rate. They provide various perspectives on the assessment and interpretation of mucosa changes. This article provides a comprehensive and critical view of the available classification systems as well as their advantages and disadvantages.
Development of a Systems Model for Assessing Pathways to Resilient, Sustainable, and Profitable Agriculture in New Zealand
Authors: Vannier Clémence , Cochrane Thomas A. , Zawar-Reza Peyman , Bellamy Larry
Published: December 2022

There is a clear research gap in understanding how future pathways and disruptions to the New Zealand (NZ) agricultural system will have an impact on the environment and productivity. Agriculture is in a period of significant change due to market disruptions, climate change, increasingly stringent environmental regulations, and emerging technologies. In NZ, agriculture is a key sector of the economy, therefore government and industry need to develop policies and strategies to respond to the risks and opportunities associated with these disruptors. To address this gap, there is a need to develop an assessment tool to explore pathways and interventions for increasing agricultural profitability, resilience, and sustainability over the next 5–30 years. A decision support tool was developed through Stella Architect, bringing together production, market values, land use, water use, energy, fertiliser consumption, and emissions from agricultural sectors (dairy, beef, sheep, cereals, horticulture, and forests). The parameters are customisable by the user for scenario building. Two future trend scenarios (Business as usual, Optimisation and technology) and two breakaway scenarios (Carbon farming, Reduction in dairy demand) were simulated and all met carbon emissions goals, but profitability differed. Future environmental regulations can be met by adjusting levers associated with technology, carbon offsets, and land use. The model supports the development and assessment of pathways to achieve NZ’s national agriculture goals and has the potential to be scaled globally.
Environmental Implications of Saline Efflorescence Associated with Metallic Mining Waste in a Mediterranean Region
Authors: Alcolea-Rubio Luis Alberto , Caparrós-Ríos Ana Vanessa , Robles-Arenas Virginia , García-García Cristóbal , García Gregorio , Millán Rocío , Pérez-Sanz Araceli , Rodríguez-Pacheco Roberto
Published: December 2022

Salt efflorescences from metal sulphides and their waste are important drivers of pollution both in and around mining areas. However, little is known about these supergene minerals, particularly in the mining areas of the Mediterranean. This study aims to characterise saline efflorescences and their leachates from a Mediterranean mining area located in Southeast Spain. The physicochemical characteristics were determined using stereomicroscopy and compositional analysis, with the following techniques: XRD, WDXRF and TG-MS. Additionally, to assess the risk and potential mobility of their analytes, the samples were subjected to the leaching test DIN 38414-S4. The results showed that the salt efflorescences presented a wide range of crystalline habits and colours. Sulphates were by far the largest mineral group, followed by silicates, oxides and sulphides. Their geochemistry was dominated by elements such as S or Fe, although other potentially toxic elements such as Cd, As, Zn, Pb, Ni and Cu were also present. Due to their high metal(loid) concentrations, the salt crusts studied may act as sources of environmental contaminants, demonstrating that their leachates pose a considerable risk to soil and drinking water quality. An analysis of the correlations and provenances of the components of the salt efflorescences revealed the possible presence of some rare supergene minerals of great interest, such as cuprocopiapite and Pb-As-jarosite.
Developing Green–Building Design Strategies in the Yangtze River Delta, China through a Coupling Relationship between Geomorphology and Climate
Authors: Zheng Yuan , Sun Yuan , Wang Zhu , Liang Feng
Published: December 2022

Many studies have developed green strategies and technologies for urban construction, but they sometimes ignored the intensive and dynamic relationships between people, buildings and the natural environment. This study focused on how to generate green building design strategies dealing with a coupling relationship between geomorphology and climate, which took an insight into the built environment in a particular locality of the Yangtze River Delta region in China. First, we imported climatic data from six cities into a bioclimatic evaluation tool, named ‘Weather Tool’, to assess the effectiveness of the existing passive design strategies (passive solar heating, thermal mass effects, exposed mass and night purge ventilation, natural ventilation, direct evaporative cooling and indirect evaporative cooling). Second, we employed the topological method to identify the characters of the vernacular dwellings by interpreting their adaptations to the local topographical and climatic conditions. Consequently, the green building design strategies in the Yangtze River Delta region were developed through the macro, middle and micro levels to examine group patterns, single-building forms and building components in a particular locality. The main findings were shown as follows: (1) the common passive strategies played a role with different effects in the Yangtze River Delta region, which acted as a basis for choosing the most effective strategies; (2) the local dwellings presented a comprehensively sustainable paradigm with architectural prototypes that could be selectively inherited and applied in contemporary design. (3) Those particular strategies, which were evaluated through bioclimatic tools and developed from the vernacular dwellings, gave specific suggestions on green building design in the Yangtze River Delta region, providing approaches for architects and developers to promote more environmentally responsive sustainable development.
In Defense of Literary Truth: A Response to Truth, Fiction, and Literature by Peter Lamarque and Stein Haugom Olsen to Inquire into No-Truth Theories of Literature, Pragmatism, and the Ontology of Fictional Objects
Authors: Pitari Paolo
Published: December 2022

This article responds to the arguments put forth by Peter Lamarque and Stein Haugom Olsen in Truth, Fiction, and Literature: A Philosophical Perspective (1994). It argues that the said work is representative of the widespread tendency in literary theory today to discard the possibility of literary truth, and it provides counterarguments to the work’s main theses. Consequently, it criticizes the philosophy of pragmatism and its implications, and it offers a theory that defines fictional objects as existing and solves contradictions that commonly affect our debates on the ontology of fiction. The article does not provide a positive theory of literary truth, but it undermines its denials, which have become popular in recent decades.
Stability and Thermal Conductivity of Mono and Hybrid Nanoparticles Dispersion in Double-End Capped PAG Lubricant
Authors: Sharif Mohd Zaki , Azmi Wan Hamzah , Ghazali Mohd Fairusham , Zawawi Nurul Nadia Mohd , Hendrawati Tri Yuni
Published: December 2022

Stable nanolubricant mixtures are interrelated with thermal conductivity enhancement, thus improving heat transfer performance in automotive air conditioning (AAC) systems. This paper studies the stability and thermal conductivity of double-end capped polyalkylene glycol (PAG)-based nanolubricants specially designed for R1234yf refrigerant. Mono nanolubricants (Al2O3/PAG and SiO2/PAG) and hybrid nanolubricants (Al2O3–SiO2/PAG) were prepared using a two-step preparation method at different volume concentrations of 0.01 to 0.05%. The stability of these nanolubricants was observed by visual, UV-Vis spectrophotometer, and zeta potential. Thermal conductivity (k) was measured from 30 to 70 °C using a C-Therm thermal properties analyser. The results from the stability analysis show that all nanolubricants were confirmed in excellent stability conditions for more than six months with minimum visual sedimentation, more than 70% concentration ratio, and zeta potentials greater than 60 mV. The Al2O3–SiO2/PAG samples recorded the highest values of thermal conductivity increment, followed by the Al2O3/PAG and SiO2/PAG samples with 2.0%, 1.7%, and 1.5% enhancement. Hybrid nanolubricants have been shown to have greater potential in the AAC system because of their excellent stability and better property enhancement in thermal conductivity.
Nonlinear Systems: Dynamics, Control, Optimization and Applications to the Science and Engineering
Authors: Zhu Quanxin
Published: December 2022

Nonlinear phenomena frequently occur in many fields, such as physics, biology, and engineering [...]
Misdiagnosis and Mistreatment of a Rare Case of Intracranial Oncogenic Osteomalacia with an Altered Amino Acid Profile
Authors: Musacchio Estella , Michielin Alberto , Sartori Leonardo
Published: December 2022

Background. Oncogenic osteomalacia (OO), also known as tumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO), is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome caused by mesechymal tumors secreting fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23). Common in middle age, these tumors are often disclosed by progressive generalized bone pain and muscle weakness, along with an altered biochemical profile. Despite its characteristic presentation, the disease is often underrecognized with delayed onset of surgical or pharmacological intervention that can have serious repercussions on the patients’ health and quality of life. Case presentation. We describe the case of a 65-year-old Caucasian man presenting TIO with intracranial and spinal localizations and Fanconi-like aminoaciduria. The condition was misdiagnosed and mistreated for three years, leading to loss of self-sufficiency and depression. Following proper identification, the spinal mass was excised with complete remission of the functional symptoms. As it was not possible to remove the intracranial lesion, the patient was treated conservatively with calcitriol and phosphorous supplements that granted good metabolic control up to the time of a recent follow-up visit (at 5 years). Conclusions. The finding of an altered amino acid profile, not usually reported in these cases, should prompt clinicians to a wider usage of these molecules as suitable candidates for metabolic diseases. In addition to providing central information, they are easy to obtain and inexpensive to analyze. Such determination could help to speed up the diagnostic process, as a long-lasting history of misdiagnosis and mistreatments can lead primarily to clinical worsening, but also to the use of expensive, useless medications with side effects that contribute to poor patient health.
Comparison of Radiologic Results after Lateral Meniscal Allograft Transplantation with or without Capsulodesis Using an All-Soft Suture Anchor
Authors: Lee Dong Ryun , Woo Young Je , Moon Sung Gyu , Kim Woo Jong , Lee Dhong Won
Published: December 2022

Background and Objectives: Studies analyzing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after simultaneously performing lateral meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT) and capsulodesis are currently rare. This study aimed to compare the MRI results between the group that performed lateral MAT alone and the group that performed both lateral MAT and capsulodesis simultaneously. Materials and Methods: A total of 55 patients who underwent lateral MAT with a 1-year follow-up MRI were included. The patients were divided into two groups according to the surgical procedure: group I (isolated lateral MAT, n = 26) and group C (combined lateral MAT and capsulodesis, n = 29). Differences between groups were compared regarding subjective knee scores, graft extrusion, graft signal, articular cartilage loss, and joint space width (JSW). Results: The subjective knee scores improved significantly in both groups (all, p < 0.001), and there were no significant differences in these scores between both groups at the 1-year follow-up. Group C showed less coronal graft extrusion at the 1-year follow-up (1.1 ± 1.7 mm vs. 2.4 ± 1.8 mm, p < 0.001). Pathologic coronal graft extrusion (≥3 mm) was found in seven (26.9%) patients in group I and three (10.3%) in group C. Concerning the graft signal, group C showed less grade 3 signal intensity in the posterior root of the graft. There were no significant differences in preoperative and postoperative cartilage status between groups. Regarding JSW, there were no significant differences in postoperative JSW between both groups. However, in group C, JSW significantly increased from 3.9 ± 0.4 mm to 4.5 ± 1.4 mm (p = 0.031). Conclusions: In lateral MAT, capsulodesis (open decortication and suture anchor fixation) could reduce graft extrusion without complications. In the future, large-volume and long-term prospective comparative studies are needed to confirm the clinical effects following capsulodesis.
Calcium Sulfate and Calcium Carbonate Scaling of Thin-Film Composite Polyamide Reverse Osmosis Membranes with Surface-Tethered Polyacrylic Acid Chains
Authors: Chen Yian , Cohen Yoram
Published: December 2022

The gypsum and calcite scaling propensities of the thin-film composite polyamide (PA-TFC) reverse osmosis (RO) membrane, modified with a tethered surface layer of polyacrylic acid (PAA) chains, was evaluated and compared to the scaling of selected commercial RO membranes. The tethered PAA layer was synthesized onto a commercial polyamide membrane (i.e., base-PA) via atmospheric pressure plasma-induced graft polymerization (APPIGP). The PAA nano-structured (SNS) base-PA membrane (SNS-PAA-PA) was scaled to a lesser degree, as quantified by a lower permeate flux decline and surface imaging, relative to the tested commercial membranes (Dow SW30, Toray SWRO, and BWRO). The cleaning of gypsum-scaled membranes with D.I. water flushing achieved 100% water permeability recovery for both the SNS-PAA-PA and Dow SW30 membranes, relative to 92–98% permeability restoration for the Toray membranes. The calcium carbonate scaling of SNS-PAA-PA membranes was also lower relative to the commercial membranes, but permeability recovery after D.I. water cleaning was somewhat lower (94%) but consistent with the level of surface scale coverage. In contrast, the calcite and gypsum-scaled membrane areas of the commercial membranes post-cleaning were significantly higher than for the SNS-PAA-PA membrane but with 100% permeability recovery, suggesting the potential for membrane damage when mineral scaling is severe.
Effects of Dietary L-TRP on Immunity, Antioxidant Capacity and Intestinal Microbiota of the Chinese Mitten Crab (Eriocheir Sinensis) in Pond Culture
Authors: Hou Mengna , Pang Yangyang , Niu Chao , Zhang Dongxin , Zhang Ying , Liu Zhiqiang , Song Yameng , Shi Aoya , Chen Qing , Zhang Junyan , Cheng Yongxu , Yang Xiaozhen
Published: December 2022

L-tryptophan (L-TRP) is an essential amino acid for the normal growth of crustaceans. As a nutritional supplement and antioxidant, L-TRP has the function of immune and antioxidant capacity regulation. From July to November, the effects of L-TRP on the immunity, antioxidant capacity and intestinal microflora of the Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) in pond culture were investigated. After feeding an L-TRP diet for 30 (named as August), 60 (named as September) and 106 (named as November) days, respectively, the activities of the immune and antioxidant enzymes in the hepatopancreas and hemolymph were evaluated, and the intestinal microbiota were profiled via high-throughput Illumina sequencing. The results showed that supplementation of L-TRP significantly increased the activities of AKP in the hepatopancreas in September, and significantly increased the activities of ACP in the hepatopancreas in August and September, and the hemolymph’s ACP activities also significantly increased in August and November (p < 0.05). Similarly, the activities of SOD, AOC and POD in the hepatopancreas significantly increased in September and November (p < 0.05) after feeding the L-TRP diet; meanwhile, the activities of SOD and AOC in the hemolymph also significantly increased in August (p < 0.05). However, in August, the L-TRP diet resulted in a significant increase in MDA activity in the hepatopancreas and hemolymph (p < 0.05). In addition, the results of the intestinal microbiota analysis showed that Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria were the dominant phyla in August, September and November, and Patescibacteria was the dominant phylum in September and November. After feeding the L-TRP diet, the richness of Cyanobacteria and Desulfobacterota significantly increased in August (p < 0.05), and the richness of Actinobacteriota significantly decreased in September (p < 0.05). Moreover, the L-TRP supplementation significantly reduced the abundance of ZOR0006 in the Firmicutes in September (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary L-TRP could improve the immunity and antioxidant ability and impact the intestinal health of E. sinensis at the early stage of pond culturing. However, long-term feeding of an L-TRP diet might have no positive impact on the activities of the immune, antioxidant enzymes and intestinal microbiota.