bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data Science in the Chemical Engineering Curriculum
Authors: Duever Thomas
Published: July 2023

With the increasing availability of large amounts of data, methods that fall under the term data science are becoming important assets for chemical engineers to use. Methods, broadly speaking, are needed to carry out three tasks, namely data management, statistical and machine learning and data visualization. While claims have been made that data science is essentially statistics, consideration of the three tasks previously mentioned make it clear that it is really broader than just statistics alone and furthermore, statistical methods from a data-poor era are likely insufficient. While there have been many successful applications of data science methodologies, there are still many challenges that must be addressed. For example, just because a dataset is large, does not necessarily mean it is meaningful or information rich. From an organizational point of view, a lack of domain knowledge and a lack of a trained workforce among other issues are cited as barriers for the successful implementation of data science within an organization. Many of the methodologies employed in data science are familiar to chemical engineers; however, it is generally the case that not all the methods required to carry out data science projects are covered in an undergraduate chemical engineering program. One option to address this is to adjust the curriculum by modifying existing courses and introducing electives. Other examples include the introduction of a data science minor or a postgraduate certificate or a Master’s program in data science.
Segmentation and Quantitative Analysis of Normal and Apoptotic Cells from Fluorescence Microscopy Images
Authors: Du Yuncheng , Budman Hector , Duever Thomas
Published: July 2023

Accurate and fast quantitative analysis of living cells from fluorescence microscopy images is useful for evaluations of experimental outcomes and cells culture protocols. An algorithm is developed in this work to automatically segment and discern apoptotic cells from normal cells. A coarse segmentation algorithm is proposed as a pre-filtering step that combines a range filter with a marching square method. This step provides approximate coordinates of cells’ positions in a two-dimensional matrix used to store cells’ image. With this information, the active contours without edges method is applied to identify cells’ boundaries and subsequently it is possible to extract the mean value of intensity within the cellular regions, the variance of pixels’ intensities in the vicinity of cells’ boundaries and the lengths of the boundaries. These morphological features are then employed as inputs to a support vector machine (SVM) classifier that is trained to distinguish apoptotic from normal viable states of cells. The algorithm is shown to be efficient in terms of computational time, quantitative analysis and differentiation accuracy, as compared to the use of the active contours method without the proposed coarse segmentation step.

 
Robust Self-Tuning Control under Probabilistic Uncertainty using Generalized Polynomial Chaos Models
Authors: Du Yuncheng , Budman Hector , Duever Thomas
Published: July 2023

A robust self-tuning controller for a chemical process is developed based on a generalized Polynomial Chaos (gPC) model that accounts for probabilistic time-invariant uncertainty. Using this model, it is possible to calculate analytical expressions of the one-step ahead predicted mean and variances of controlled and manipulated variables. The key idea is to consider these predicted values for performing online robust tuning of the controller through a quadratic optimization procedure. The gPC model is also used to identify overlap between consecutive probability density functions (PDFs) of manipulated variables and to find trade-offs between the aggressiveness of the self-tuning controller and robustness to uncertainty based on this overlap. The proposed methodology is illustrated by a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) system with stochastic variations in the inlet concentration. The efficiency of the proposed algorithm is quantified in terms of control performance and robustness.

 
Impacts on quality: Enjoyment factors in blind and low vision audience entertainment ratings: A qualitative study
Authors: Naraine Mala D. , Fels Deborah
Published: July 2023

Audio description (AD) is one of the main methods that people who are blind or low vision (B/LV) use to access film, television, and theatre content. AD is a second audio track inserted into the space(s) where speech is absent, which tends to be only a few seconds. Contained in that second track is an audio description of the important visual information contained within a specific scene. However, as there is insufficient time to describe all visual information, decisions about what is important to describe and how to present that information (style) to optimize a B/LV viewer’s entertainment experience are required. Most research to date has considered only short-term, single-episode experiences to gauge viewers’ reactions to the AD content. In addition, this research typically has used a monotone, single style of audio description, which is defined as “the conventional style” in this paper. We use an integrative style instead, that is defined as ‘AD designed to fit a specific show”, and differed between shows. We carried out a within-subjects longitudinal study with eight episodes of a dark comedy, using different description styles and describers in order to assess viewer engagement and preferences for AD describer style, language use, timing, and fit to the show. Twenty-four blind participants viewed and rated all eight episodes. Major findings included that most participants found the integrative style entertaining, a fit with the specific episodes, and enjoyable. Some participants, however, preferred the conventional style and struggled with the language and topic of a dark comedy and its associated descriptions.

 
Value Relevance of GRI Economic and Ethics/Integrity Disclosure among Listed Manufacturing Firms in Nigeria: The Role of Ownership Concentration
Authors: Orshi Teryima Samuel , Yunusa Abdulateef , Okpe James Uchenna
Published: July 2023

This study evaluates the value relevance of GRI Economic and Ethics/Integrity Disclosures among listed Manufacturing Firms in Nigeria. It also investigates the role of ownership concentration in influencing the value relevance of GRI disclosures. The study adopted the purposive sampling technique to select a sample of 43 listed Manufacturing Firms on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) for the 8-year period from 2014–2021. The study used the Ohlson (1995) model to analyze the value relevance of GRI Economic and Ethics/Integrity Disclosures. The results of the study showed that GRI Economic Disclosure, Ethics/Integrity Disclosure and Ownership Concentration are value relevant in the Nigerian listed Manufacturing Firms. Further, the study found that ownership concentration has a significant moderating influence on the value relevance of GRI Economic and Ethics/Integrity Disclosures among listed Manufacturing Firms in Nigeria. The results of the study provide evidence that listed Manufacturing Firms should pay special attention to GRI Economic and Ethics/Integrity Disclosures in order to enhance firm value and investor decision-making. The study contributes to the extant literature by being the first to investigate the value relevance of GRI Economic and Ethics/Integrity Disclosures and the role of ownership concentration among listed Manufacturing Firms in Nigeria. The study recommends that listed Manufacturing Firms should respond to the GRI Economic and Ethics/Integrity Disclosure requirements in order to enhance firm value.
Penerapan Metode Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) Untuk Pengendalian Persediaan Biji Kedelai di UMKM XYZ
Authors: Habibie Mohammad Wildan , Widyaningrum Dzakiyah
Published: July 2023

UMKM XYZ merupakan usaha produksi tahu yang berdiri dari 2009. Jenis Tahu yang diproduksi pada UMKM XYZ yaitu tahu mentah yang dipasarkan disekitar lokasi produksi. UMKM XYZ ini memutuhkan biji kedelai sebanyak 250-300 kg untuk memproduksi tahu setiap hari yang menghasilkan 16 kotak tahu dengan isi setiap kotaknya 180 biji. Karena permintaan tahu yang fluktuatif UMKM sering kekurangan stok (stock out) biji kedelai dikarenakan pemesanan biji kedelai yang tidak terjadwal dan kuantitas pemesanan biji kedelai yang kurang tepat. Dari permasalahan yang dialami UMKM XYZ peneliti menggunakan metode EOQ untuk menentukan jadwal pemesanan dan kuantitas pemesanan biji kedelai yang tepat, serta untuk meminimalisir biaya penyimpanan dari bahan baku. Dari hasil penelitian diperoleh kuantitas order sebesar 1.104 kg dan didapatkan Safety Stock  sebesar 2.388 kg dengan nilai Reorder Point 4.348 kg.
Borrelia Infected Neoplastic Glial Cells in Five Patients With Glioblastoma Multiformae
Authors:   Molecular Interrogation Laboratory of Naples, Naples, Florida 34114, USA, MacDonald Alan B
Published: July 2023

Glioblastoma multiformae (GBM) is a primary malignancy of brain astrocytes. Transcranial stereotactic biopsy specimens from five deceased and anonymous patients with GBM were retrieved from archival storage two years after the death of the patients. All patients were residents of the Long Island, New York metropolitan region where borrelia burgdorferi and borrelia miyamotoi infections are hyperendemic. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using two DNA probes specific for genes of burgdorferi borrelia and an additional FISH method study with two DNA probes specific for miyamotoi borrelia each and individually produced high signal borrelia DNA hybridizations inside malignant cells in brain biopsies from all five decedents. Bright signal bacterial DNA hybridizations inside live borrelia spirochetes were found at all levels in serial sections of tumor biopsy fragments in low magnification imaging and outright invasion of the nuclei of individual tumor cells in high resolution imaging. Herein is the first report of a cluster of GBM patients with universal borrelia microbe invasion of neoplastic glial cells.
The Use of Low-Level Laser Therapy (LL LT) in the Symptomatic Treatment of Vulvar Cancer IV st.
Authors:   Eternity Medicine Institute, Dubai, UAE, Mikhaylov Vladimir A. , Lobanov M.V ,   Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia, Mikhailov D.V ,   Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia, Latyshev G.M ,   Bauman Moscow State Technical University, Russia
Published: July 2023

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) is a malignant tumor originating from keratinocytes in the epidermis, which seriously affects people's life safety. Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are molecular chaperones that help maintain protein stability and are involved in tumor activities. However, there is currently no systematic study of HSPs in CSCC. In this study, we used qPCR and WB to explore the expression of 14 HSPs at mRNA and protein levels in human immortalized keratinocytes HACAT cells, human CSCC cell lines COLO-16 and SCL-1 cells, and collected human CSCC samples for histological verification. Eventually, we found that the expression levels of different HSPs in CSCC were different. HSPB6, HSPB8 and HSPB11 showed no dysregulation in CSCC. HSPB4, HSPB5, HSPB7, HSPB10 and HSP40 were significantly upregulated in CSCC cells, while HSPB1, HSPB9, HSP60, HSP70, HSP90 and HSP100 were significantly downregulated. In summary, we validated the expression of 14 common HSPs in CSCC, which may lay the foundation for the study of HSPs in CSCC.
EEG -guided Characterization, Monitoring, and Therapy for Neurological and Neurocognitive Sequelae of COVID‐19 and Long COVID
Authors:   Medeia Inc, Santa Barbara, CA, USA, Danev Slav , Lakey Tori R ,   Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California Irvine, California, USA, Lakey Jonathan RT , Lakeya Jonathan ,   Department of Surgery, University of California Irvine, California, USA,   4 Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California Irvine, California, USA
Published: July 2023

The long-term effect of the newly emerged COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) virus has not been fully understood. It has been reported that several patients experienced neurological and neurocognitive problems after getting infected by the COVID-19 virus. This paper will review how the COVID-19 virus has impacted the brain, will aim to detect the location of COVID-19 in the brain, and will determine if the neurological complications are a result of “direct” or “indirect” effects of the virus on brain cells. Additionally, we will focus on the neurocognitive impact of COVID‐19 and the potential of digital electroencephalography (EEG), quantitative EEG (QEEG) and standardized low resolution brain electromagnetic tomography (sLORETA) to be able to capture, assess, monitor, characterize and facilitate the treatment of both neurological and neurocognitive sequelae seen in COVID‐19 and long COVID.
Multidisciplinary Management of Nasal Dermoid with Intracranial Extension
Authors:   Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA, Briney Kristen , Estrella Catrina ,   College of Mount Saint Vincent, Riverdale, New York, USA, Mody Shaan ,   Rutgers University, Camden, New Jersey, USA, Kalyoussef Evelyne ,   Department of Otolaryngology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA, Nimchinsky Esther A ,   Department of Neuroradiology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA, Mazzola Catherine A ,   New Jersey Pediatric Neuroscience Institute, Morristown, New Jersey, USA
Published: July 2023

Nasal dermoids are rare congenital lesions present in 1/20,000 to 1/40,000 patients. Only about 10% of these congenital lesions have an associated tract or tail with an intracranial extension. The intracranial component of the mass predisposes the child to risks of meningitis and abscess formation. We aim to discuss the etiology of dermoid cysts as well as neurosurgical approaches for the management of cases with intracranial extension, which include both endoscopic and open surgical approaches. We present an 18-month-old boy who underwent a bifrontal craniotomy and resection of his nasal dermoid with intracranial extension. This case report and review of the literature exemplify the collaboration between pediatric otorhinolaryngologists and neurosurgeons to successfully remove nasal dermoids specifically presenting with intracranial extensions.
Vascular Retinal Event Secondary to Ocular Ischemic Syndrome, Improved With QIAPI 1: Case Report
Authors:   Human Photosynthesis Research Center, Aguascalientes 20000, México., Solís Herrera Arturo , Solís Arias Paola E. ,   Human Photosynthesis Research Center, Aguascalientes 20000, México.
Published: July 2023

Ocular ischemic syndrome (OIS) is a rare condition, which is caused by ocular hypoperfusion due to stenosis or occlusion of the common or internal carotid arteries. Atherosclerosis is the major cause of changes in the carotid arteries. Since OIS is associated with atherosclerosis, patients usually have other related co-morbidities. Hypertension is found in 73% of the patients and diabetes mellitus in 56%. The first case of OIS was reported in 1963 by Hedges as a case with retinal hemorrhages and venous dilatation in a patient with complete occlusion of the internal carotid artery (ICA). The only therapy is to treat the neovascular complications. Recent studies suggest that OIS is associated with a significant risk of cerebrovascular, ocular, and systemic morbidity. OIS has a poor visual prognosis. It is imperative that the clinician be aware of the signs and symptoms of carotid disease to facilitate prompt diagnosis and appropriate referral, because OIS may be the presenting sign of serious ischemic cerebrovascular and ischemic heart disease. The 5-year mortality rate in OIS patients is as high as 40%. Most deaths are due to cardiac disease Controversy in the management of OIS arises from the fact that most patients reported in the literature are part of small retrospective series or case reports. Besides the uncertainty about the physio-pathogenic of the disease. Pan-retinal photocoagulation (PRP) is the accepted treatment for retinal ischemia predisposing to neovascularization due to retinal ischemia supposedly triggers the production of angiogenic growth factors. However, the main stimulus to abnormal angiogenesis is hypoxia more than ischemia, and opposite the best antiangiogenic factor is high levels of oxygen in tissues. Thereby, our discovery about the unexpected capacity of several organic molecules of the human body that can take the oxygen from intracellular water, like in plants, open a new way to treat these difficult cases, improving the prognosis.
Anti-Oxidative Property of Pennisetum Glaucum (Poaceae) Supplement Contributes To Its Anti- Convulsant Activity In Pentylenetetrazole- Kindled Wistar Rats
Authors:   Department of Human Physiology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria, Muhammad HD , Dawud FA ,   Department of Human Physiology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria, Yau J ,   Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria, Abdulazeez J ,   Department of Human Physiology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Oxidative stress is one of the prime pathogenic factors going on in both human epilepsy and experimental epileptogenic models. PTZ-Seizure has been associated with over production of superoxide anion, reduced GSH levels, increased lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation in the hippocampus. Methodology: Forty male wistar rats were divided into 5 groups (normal saline, 200 mg/kg sodium valporate, 25% PMS, 50 % PMS and 100 % PMS) with each group receiving PTZ (35 mg/kg) on every alternate day for 30 days. Thirty minutes after each PTZ injection rats were observed for seizure behavior using the Racine scale. The hippocampal tissues were isolated, homogenized and used to determine SOD, CAT, GSH and MDA level. Result: This result revealed significant increase in the mean hippocampal SOD activity of PTZ-kindled wistar rats fed with PMS [25% (18.90 ± 1.08), 50% (18.90 ± 1.08, 24.90 ± 1.37) and 100 % (11.06 ± 0.58 IU/ mg protein) when compared to normal saline group (8.84 ± 0.96 IU/ mg protein). PM Supplementation increased mean CAT activity at 25% and 50% [25% (12.68 ± 0.68), 50% (8.74 ± 0.92) and 100% (15.66 ± 1.12 µg/ mg protein)] Vs normal saline treated group (9.60 ± 0.72 µg/ mg protein). A significant increase in mean hippocampal GSH concentration was seen in all the PMS fed wistar rats [25 % (29.52 ± 0.44), 50 % (24.42 ± 1.51) and 100 % (40.32 ± 1.43 µg/ mg protein)] when compared to normal saline (10.88 ± 0.32 µg/ mg protein). PTZ-kindled wistar rats fed with PMS [25% (86.62 ± 2.81), 50% (73.86 ± 3.26) and 100% (73.56 ± 1.82 nmol/ mg protein) showed significant decrease in the mean concentration of hippocampal MDA when compared to normal saline (119.90 ± 2.34 nmol/ mg protein). Conclusion: Supplementation with PG inhibits hippocampal redox imbalance and reinforces it antioxidant system.
Effect of bariatric surgery, physical activity, and weight regain on the prevalence of metabolic risk factors
Authors:   Integrated Responsibility Center for Bariatric Surgery and Metabolic Diseases, Hospital Espírito Santo de Évora, Évora, Portugal, dos Santos Cláudia Amaro , Carvalho Manuel Gonçalves ,   Integrated Responsibility Center for Bariatric Surgery and Metabolic Diseases, Hospital Espírito Santo de Évora, Évora, Portugal
Published: July 2023

Aim: To analyze the effect of bariatric surgery, physical activity and weight regain on the prevalence of metabolic risk factors. Method: Observational study with retrospective data collection. The study had the participation of 84 individuals submitted to bariatric gastric bypass surgery with follow-up of more than five years. Data collection was carried out in the form of a telephone interview to which data from the patients' clinical process were added. An evolutionary analysis was performed regarding associated health data and comortities, namely metabolic risk factors (diabetes, dyslipidemia and mean blood pressure) at baseline (before surgery), one year and 5 years after surgery. Results: We observed a relative improvement in the values of metabolic risk factors one year after surgery, which was maintained at five years after surgery with statistically significant values (p <0.007). This result may translate a positive effect of surgical intervention. In addition, the evolution of the prevalence of metabolic risk factors after surgical intervention is not influenced by weight regain or physical activity. Discussion: All the comortities present a decrease with significance to the 1st and 5th year, related to the surgery itself, regardless of weight regain and the practice of physical activity, which confirms the efficacy of surgery as the most effective factor in the treatment of the comortities. Conclusions: We did not obtain a relationship between metabolic syndrome and physical activity, or weight regain, which shows how effective surgery is in combating the comorbidity. .
Infero-Auricular Folded Flap for The Reconstruction of a Full-Thickness Defect of The Earlobe
Authors:   Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Private clinic, Turkey, Zuhour Moath , İsmayilzade Majid ,   Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Private clinic, Turkey, Kaya Yiğitcan ,   Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Necmettin Erbakan University Meram Faculty of Medicine, Konya, Turkey, Tekecik Mahmut ,   Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Necmettin Erbakan University Meram Faculty of Medicine, Konya, Turkey, Dadacı Mehmet ,   Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Necmettin Erbakan University Meram Faculty of Medicine, Konya, Turkey
Published: July 2023

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of malignant cutaneous tumor. Chronic exposure to sunlight is the main factor in its etiology. The main treatment goals in the management of BCC are total removal of the lesion, preservation of healthy tissue, preservation of function and obtaining aesthetically acceptable results. Posteroauricular/preauricular advancement flaps, biloble flaps, helical rim advancement flaps and revolving door flaps are among the flaps used in ear reconstruction. In this study, we present a case of the reconstruction of a full-thickness ear lobe defect with a postro-inferiorly based flap. The patient did not develop any recurrence within the 3 years follow-up period. .
Segmental muscle innervation as a basic anatomophysiological knowledge for diagnostic procedure of neuromuscular disorders and thus, a way for accurate EMG diagnosis of single root injury. Retrospective study in patients with radicular symptoms
Authors:   Divison of Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Clinical Science, Neurosciences, University Hospital, 90185 Umeå, Sweden, Kwast-Rabben Olga , Heikkilä Hannu ,   Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Satakunta Central Hospital, Sairaalantie 5, 28500 Pori, Finland, Fagerlund Markku ,   Department of Radiation Science, Diagnostic Radiology, Neuroradiology (retired), University Hospital, 90185 Umeå, Sweden, Nordh Erik ,   Divison of Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Clinical Science, Neurosciences, University Hospital, 90185 Umeå, Sweden
Published: July 2023

Background: An accurate identification of the injured nerve roots by EMG in patients with symptomatic CSD requires that the examined muscles are innervated by a single nerve root. In the present retrospective study, the authors address the question of whether such innervation of chosen muscles in the upper extremity can be identified. Methods: Scored EMG results of chosen muscles with the hypothesized innervation by C6, C7 or C8 nerve roots, collected from 42 patients, were compiled as single EMG variables and compared with the respective MRI data, possibly responsible for injury of those roots, using Spearman’s rho (SRC) analysis. Subsequently, each EMG variable was adopted as specific diagnostic method for single root injury and tested for its specificity and then sensitivity in relation to the data of the highest ranked MRI, used as a ‘gold standard method’ Results: SRC results showed positive rank correlation, with the highest p-values, between EMG and the respective MRI variables, in 64 included extremities. Consequently, the assumed EMG-C6, -C7 and -C8 methods showed a high specificity (97% - 100%) against the respective highest ranked MRI. The relative sensitivity of the EMG methods calculated in this way were 38% for the C6-root, 87% for the C7 and 50% for the C8. Conclusions: The results corroborate the presumed innervation of the chosens muscles by single C6, C7, or C8 nerve root, thus allowing the use of needle EMG examination of those muscles for accurate identification of injured single nerve roots in patients with symptomatic CSD.
Diagnosis Of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Mildly Elevated Faecal Calprotectin: Observation From A Clinical Audit In District Hospital In The UK
Authors:   Internal Medicine resident, Mid Cheshire NHS Trust, UK, Shakeer Shamnad
Published: July 2023

Faecal Calprotectin (FC) is a marker to diagnose inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), that is ulcerative colitis & Crohn’s disease. Identifying IBD from other gut related disorder is of prime importance in managing the condition. FCis cheap and non-invasive, it also helps in assessing the further need of any possible invasive procedure such as colonoscopy or imaging studies. The main objective of this observational study was to diagnose new IBD in mildly raised FC value (60ug/g-300ug/g). This study was done in a district-level hospital in the UK. During the study, we noticed that a large number of patients had numerous investigations including colonoscopy and MRI imaging, and only one patient was diagnosed with new IBD in mildly elevated FC. These findings were presented at gastroenterology audit meeting held at our hospital. For further improvement of clinical practice and to reduce number of invasive investigation, below recommendation can be followed.
Free Milieus, Creative People: An Investigation of Creative City Policy in Istanbul from the Perspective of Governmentality
Authors: Hayal Orhan
Published: July 2023

This paper analyzes the creative city policy for Istanbul, which has recently become a popular throughout the world. Cities are expected to be creative milieus that foster free circulation of people, ideas, and interactions for economic growth, global competitiveness, and social development. Drawing on Foucault and governmentality studies, this paper first argues that the creative city policy is a neoliberal political rationality that seeks to stimulate individuals' creative capacities through structuring urban space. Neoliberalism includes the de-governmentalization of state and the active participation of non-state actors in the governing processes. Second, using examples from street gentrification, industrial heritage re-functioning, and co-working spaces in Istanbul, this paper dissects how creativity, freedom, and economic growth intersect in urban space and how a broad coalition of political parties, state agencies, local authorities, non-governmental organizations, small-scale cultural entrepreneurs, and creative professionals have been formed around the creative city. As a result, creative city policy is a form of governmentality that includes official documents as well as spatial strategies of a heterogeneous coalition of state and non-state actors.
Thinking Bateson with Deleuze and Guattari: Response-ability of Artisans-Artists-Designers in the Anthropocene
Authors: jagodzinski jan
Published: July 2023

In this essay I bring Gregory Bateson together with Deleuze and Guattari (primarily with the latter) to show their ecological compatibility, especially with Guattari’s ecosophy. I do this against the backdrop of the Anthropocene which presents us not only with a ‘climate’ of post-truth and political corruption, but also with the so-called climate crisis. In the context of these two broad examinations, I ask what can an artisan-artist-designer do given this problematic context? My reply is to call on ‘speculative design’ by an ‘avant-garde without authority’ to expose the symptoms of the Anthropocene era.
Assessing the usefulness of a newly proposed metabolic score for visceral fat in predicting future diabetes: results from the NAGALA cohort study
Authors: Yang Ruijuan , Kuang Maobin , Qiu Jiajun , Yu Changhui , Sheng Guotai , Zou Yang
Published: July 2023

Objective

Visceral adipose tissue assessment holds significant importance in diabetes prevention. This study aimed to explore the association between the newly proposed Metabolic Score for Visceral Fat (METS-VF) and diabetes risk and to further assess the predictive power of the baseline METS-VF for the occurrence of diabetes in different future periods.

Methods

This longitudinal cohort study included 15,464 subjects who underwent health screenings. The METS-VF, calculated using the formula developed by Bello-Chavolla et al., served as a surrogate marker for visceral fat obesity. The primary outcome of interest was the occurrence of diabetes during the follow-up period. Established multivariate Cox regression models and restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression models to assess the association between METS-VF and diabetes risk and its shape. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to compare the predictive power of METS-VF with body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), and visceral adiposity index (VAI) for diabetes, and time-dependent ROC analysis was conducted to assess the predictive capability of METS-VF for the occurrence of diabetes in various future periods.

Results

During a maximum follow-up period of 13 years, with a mean of 6.13 years, we observed that the cumulative risk of developing diabetes increased with increasing METS-VF quintiles. Multivariable-adjusted Cox regression analysis showed that each unit increase in METS-VF would increase the risk of diabetes by 68% (HR 1.68, 95% CI 1.13, 2.50), and further RCS regression analysis revealed a possible non-linear association between METS-VF and diabetes risk (P for non-linearity=0.002). In addition, after comparison by ROC analysis, we found that METS-VF had significantly higher predictive power for diabetes than other general/visceral adiposity indicators, and in time-dependent ROC analysis, we further considered the time-dependence of diabetes status and METS-VF and found that METS-VF had the highest predictive value for predicting medium- and long-term (6-10 years) diabetes risk.

Conclusion

METS-VF, a novel indicator for assessing visceral adiposity, showed a significantly positive correlation with diabetes risk. It proved to be a superior risk marker in predicting the future onset of diabetes compared to other general/visceral adiposity indicators, particularly in forecasting medium- and long-term diabetes risk.
Development of ground-level NO2 models in Vietnam using machine learning and satellite observations with ancillary data
Authors: Ngo Truong Xuan , Phan Hieu Dang Trung , Nguyen Thanh Thi Nhat
Published: July 2023

In this study, the aim was to create daily ground-level NO2 maps for Vietnam spanning from 2019 to 2021. To achieve this, various machine learning models (including the Mixed Effect Model, Neural Network, and LightGBM) were utilized to process satellite NO2 tropospheric columns from Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) and TROPOMI, as well as meteorological and land use maps and ground measurement NO2 data. The LightGBM model was found to be the most effective, producing results with a Pearson r of 0.77, RMSE of 7.93 μg/m³, and Mean Relative Error (MRE) of 42.6% compared to ground truth measurements. The annual average NO2 maps from 2019–2021 obtained by the LightGBM model for Vietnam were compared to a global product and ground stations, and it was found to have superior quality with Pearson r of 0.95, RMSE of 2.27 μg/m³, MRE of 9.79%, based on 81 samples.
Conceptualizing psychological resilience through resting-state functional MRI in a mentally healthy population: a systematic review
Authors: Tai Alan P. L. , Leung Mei-Kei , Geng Xiujuan , Lau Way K. W.
Published: July 2023

Conceptualizations and operational definitions of psychological resilience vary across resilience neuroimaging studies. Data on the neural features of resilience among healthy individuals has been scarce. Furthermore, findings from resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies were inconsistent across studies. This systematic review summarized resting-state fMRI findings in different modalities from various operationally defined resilience in a mentally healthy population. The PubMed and MEDLINE databases were searched. Articles that focused on resting-state fMRI in relation to resilience, and published before 2022, were targeted. Orbitofrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, insula and amygdala, were reported the most from the 19 included studies. Regions in emotional network was reported the most from the included studies. The involvement of regions like amygdala and orbitofrontal cortex indicated the relationships between emotional processing and resilience. No common brain regions or neural pathways were identified across studies. The emotional network appears to be studied the most in association with resilience. Matching fMRI modalities and operational definitions of resilience across studies are essential for meta-analysis.
Comparative study of ultrasonic-guided betamethasone local injection and extracorporeal shock wave therapy in post-stroke hemiplegic shoulder pain: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Zhang Jingjing , Mao Huiwen , Gao Fang , Li Yan , Yang Yang
Published: July 2023

Objective

This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided local injection (UGLI) of betamethasone around the shoulder and extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in patients with hemiplegic shoulder pain.

Method

Forty-two patients with hemiplegic shoulder pain were randomly divided into the UGLI group (N = 21) and the ESWT group (N = 21). In the UGLI group, betamethasone was injected at the pain point around the shoulder under ultrasonic localization. In the ESWT group, an extracorporeal shock wave was performed at the pain points around the shoulder for 20 min of time, once a week, for 4 consecutive weeks. Both groups received rehabilitation training. The visual analog scale (VAS) evaluation was performed at baseline, 1 h, 1 week, and 1 month after treatment. Furthermore, Neer shoulder joint function scores, upper limb Fugl–Meyer assessment (FMA), modified Barthel index (MBI), Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), the MOS-item short-form health survey (SF-36) scores, and serum expression level of cytokine were evaluated at baseline and 1 month after treatment.

Results

After 1-h treatment, the UGLI group showed a greater effect on the degree of pain than the ESWT group (P = 0.017). After 4 consecutive weeks of intervention, the UGLI group showed a significant improvement in the serum level of cytokine expression compared with the ESWT group (P < 0.05). The range of motion (ROM) of the hemiplegic shoulder (P < 0.05) has no difference between the two groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

The ultrasonic-guided betamethasone local injection and extracorporeal shock wave both can improve hemiplegic shoulder pain. However, the UGLI can induce a more cytokine expression level.
Blink-related EEG oscillations are neurophysiological indicators of subconcussive head impacts in female soccer players: a preliminary study
Authors: Sattari Sahar , Kenny Rebecca , Liu Careesa Chang , Hajra Sujoy Ghosh , Dumont Guy A. , Virji-Babul Naznin
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Repetitive subconcussive head impacts can lead to subtle neural changes and functional consequences on brain health. However, the objective assessment of these changes remains limited. Resting state blink-related oscillations (BROs), recently discovered neurological responses following spontaneous blinking, are explored in this study to evaluate changes in BRO responses in subconcussive head impacts.

Methods

We collected 5-min resting-state electroencephalography (EEG) data from two cohorts of collegiate athletes who were engaged in contact sports (SC) or non-contact sports (HC). Video recordings of all on-field activities were conducted to determine the number of head impacts during games and practices in the SC group.

Results

In both groups, we were able to detect a BRO response. Following one season of games and practice, we found a strong association between the number of head impacts sustained by the SC group and increases in delta and beta spectral power post-blink. There was also a significant difference between the two groups in the morphology of BRO responses, including decreased peak-to-peak amplitude of response over left parietal channels and differences in spectral power in delta and alpha frequency range post-blink.

Discussion

Our preliminary results suggest that the BRO response may be a useful biomarker for detecting subtle neural changes resulting from repetitive head impacts. The clinical utility of this biomarker will need to be validated through further research with larger sample sizes, involving both male and female participants, using a longitudinal design.
Impact of music performance anxiety on cardiovascular blood pressure responses, autonomic tone and baroreceptor sensitivity to a western classical music piano-concert
Authors: Moreno-Gutiérrez Juan Ángel , de Rojas Leal Carmen , López-González Manuel Víctor , Chao-Écija Alvaro , Dawid-Milner Marc Stefan
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Music Performance Anxiety (MPA) is a prevalent condition among musicians that can manifest both psychologically and physiologically, leading to impaired musical performance. Physiologically, MPA is characterized by excessive muscular and/or autonomic tone. This study focuses on the cardiovascular blood pressure responses, autonomic tone and baroreceptor sensitivity changes that occur during musical performance due to MPA.

Methods

Six professional pianists perform a piece for piano written only for the left hand by Alexander Scriabin. The following parameters have been studied during the performance: ECG, non-invasive beat to beat continuous arterial blood pressure and skin conductance. Sympathetic and parasympathetic autonomic flow was studied with Wigner-Ville analysis (W-V) from R-R ECG variability, and baroreceptor sensitivity with the Continuous Wavelet Transform (CWT).

Results

During the concert a significant increase of heart rate, systolic, mean and diastolic arterial pressure were observed. No significant differences were found in skin conductance. The W-V analysis, which studies frequency changes in the time domain, shows a significant increase of sympathetic flow and a decrease of parasympathetic flow during the concert which is associated with a significant decrease in sympathetic and vagal baroreceptor sensitivity.

Discussion

The study of cardiac variability using the Wigner-Ville analysis may be a suitable method to assess the autonomic response in the context of MPA, and could be used as biofeedback in personalized multimodal treatments.
Mechanism of action of icaritin on uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma based on network pharmacology and experimental evaluation
Authors: Jin Yan-Bin , Liang Xiao-Chen , Cai Jun-Hong , Wang Kang , Wang Chen-Yang , Wang Wen-Hua , Chen Xiu-Li , Bao Shan
Published: July 2023

Background

Uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC) belongs to a group of epithelial malignant tumors. Icaritin is the main active compound of Epimedii Folium. Icaritin has been utilized to induce UCEC cells to death.

Methods

We wished to identify potential targets for icaritin in the treatment of UCEC, as well as to provide a groundwork for future studies into its pharmacologic mechanism of action. Network pharmacology was employed to conduct investigations on icaritin. Target proteins were chosen from the components of icaritin for UCEC treatment. A protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was established using overlapping genes. Analyses of enrichment of function and signaling pathways were undertaken using the Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) databases, respectively, to select “hub genes”. Finally, experiments were carried out to ascertain the effect of icaritin on endometrial cancer (HEC-1-A) cells.

Results

We demonstrated that icaritin has bioactive components and putative targets that are therapeutically important. Icaritin treatment induced sustained activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt pathway) and inhibited growth of HEC-1-A cells.

Conclusion

Our data provide a rationale for preclinical and clinical evaluations of icaritin for UCEC therapy.
Effect of silkworm pupae (Bombyx mori) protein on colon cancer in nude mice: inhibition of tumor growth, oxidative stress and inflammatory response
Authors: Zhou Yaxi , Ji Xiaojiao , Wang Diandian , Guo Yu , Zhao Jian , Yan Wenjie
Published: July 2023

Silkworm pupa (bombyx mori) protein (SPP) is a potential therapeutic bioactive substance that has anti-tumor activity against breast, liver, and gastric cancers. The aim of this study was to investigate the antitumor effect of SPP on colon cancer nude mice. Using a subcutaneous tumor formation method, we validated the therapeutic effect of SPP on colon cancer nude mice in vivo. Results showed that SPP was cytotoxic to tumor cells. SPP could protect the liver of the nude mice by lowering hepatic oxidative stress and regulating serum inflammation levels by decreasing TNF-α and IL-2 levels while in-creasing INF-γ levels. In addition, diminished Ki-67 protein, enhanced cleaved caspase-3 protein, di-minished Vimentin, enhanced E-cadherin. These findings suggested that SPP’s antitumor activity may be achieved by reducing inflammation, inhibiting tumor proliferation and metastasis, and inducing apoptosis in cancer cells. In the future, SPP could be used as an anticancer drug, potentially providing a new source of drugs for the treatment of colon cancer.
Assessing higher education students’ critical thinking with the PENCRISAL test - Portuguese short version: a psychometric study
Authors: Rivas Silvia F. , Franco Amanda , Vieira Rui Marques , Almeida Leandro S. , Saiz Carlos
Published: July 2023

The development of critical thinking in higher education is fundamental, preparing students to think well, find explanations, make decisions and solve problems. Given the importance of its promotion, its assessment is crucial, since the two are inseparable. Moreover, the number of instruments that are validated to assess critical thinking in the Portuguese language and culture are scarce. We present the validation psychometric study of the PENCRISAL test (short version) to the Portuguese language, a critical thinking assessment test for higher education students, designed and validated in Spain (full and short version), which presents adequate reliability and validity psychometric characteristics to assess key-dimensions of critical thinking. A sample of 225 Portuguese higher education students from three universities (two public and one private) performed a reduced version of the PANCRISAL test. The results obtained allowed replicating the Spanish reduced version in Portugal (only changing one of the six items), and the confirmatory factorial analysis permits to identify two factors intercorrelated, legitimizing the combination of the six items in a global score. This short version can be used as a screening test, and its potential is pointed out to assess students critical thinking to support teaching and research in higher education.
Social skills training using multiple humanoid robots for individuals with autism spectrum conditions
Authors: Takata Keiji , Yoshikawa Yuichiro , Muramatsu Taro , Matsumoto Yoshio , Ishiguro Hiroshi , Mimura Masaru , Kumazaki Hirokazu
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Social skills training (SST) is used to help individuals with autism spectrum conditions (ASC) better understand the perspectives of others and social interactions, develop empathy skills, and learn how to engage with others socially. However, many individuals with ASC cannot easily sustain high motivation and concentration during such an intervention when it is administered by humans. We developed a social skills training program using multiple humanoid robots (STUH), including an android robot, that aimed to enable individuals with ASC to become familiar with the perspectives of others and improve their sociability and empathy skills. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of STUH for these individuals.

Methods

In STUH, we prepared 50 social exercises that consisted of conversations and behavioral interactions between an android robot and a simple humanoid robot. We prepared another humanoid robot that featured a cartoon-like and mechanical design, which played the role of host. In the first half-session of STUH, participants worked on the exercise from the perspective of an outsider. In the second half-session of STUH, they simulated experience by using robots as their avatars. The intervention associated with STUH was conducted for five days in total. We conducted an analysis of variance (ANOVA) featuring the intervention time point as the independent variable to examine changes in each score on the sociability index items.

Results

In total, 14 individuals with ASC participated in the study. The results of multiple comparison tests using the Bonferroni method indicated that all sociability index items improved between preintervention and follow-up. Our program enabled the participants to become familiar with the perspectives of others and improve their sociability.

Discussion

Given the promising results of this study, future studies featuring long-term follow-up should be conducted to draw definitive conclusions about the efficacy of our training system.
Chronic conditions and multimorbidity among West African migrants in greater Barcelona, Spain
Authors: MacKinnon Marina J. , Picchio Camila A. , Nomah Daniel K. , Segura Ariadna Rando , Selm Lena van , Fernández Emma , Buti Maria , Lens Sabela , Forns Xavier , Rodriguez-Tajes Sergio , Pamplona Javier , Lopez Carmen , Rodriguez-Frías Francisco , Lazarus Jeffrey V.
Published: July 2023

Objectives

This study aimed to report the prevalence and identify potential risk factors of chronic conditions among West African migrants living in the greater Barcelona area, Spain, and explore the relationship between years of residence in Spain and chronic disease burden.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 436 adult African migrants who participated in a community-based hepatitis B virus (HBV) screening and vaccination program (HBV-COMSAVA) in the greater Barcelona area from 21 November 2020 to 22 January 2022. Data were analyzed using standard descriptive statistics and bivariable and multivariable logistic regression.

Results

HBV, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and metabolic risk factors, and multimorbidity prevalence were 9.17, 20.87, and 4.13%, respectively. Being male or having been previously tested for HBV were associated with higher odds of HBV positivity. Associated risk factors for NCDs and metabolic risk factors included living in Spain for >5 years, being female, and being aged ≥50 years.

Conclusion

The high prevalence of chronic conditions in migrant populations supports a need for early detection strategies and tailored public health interventions that aim to reduce the disease burden imposed on migrants and on health systems in host countries.