bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Transfer Learning Architecture Based on a Support Vector Machine for Histopathology Image Classification
Authors: Fan Jiayi , Lee JangHyeon , Lee YongKeun
Published: July 2021

Recently, digital pathology is an essential application for clinical practice and medical research. Due to the lack of large annotated datasets, the deep transfer learning technique is often used to classify histopathology images. A softmax classifier is often used to perform classification tasks. Besides, a Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier is also popularly employed, especially for binary classification problems. Accurately determining the category of the histopathology images is vital for the diagnosis of diseases. In this paper, the conventional softmax classifier and the SVM classifier-based transfer learning approach are evaluated to classify histopathology cancer images in a binary breast cancer dataset and a multiclass lung and colon cancer dataset. In order to achieve better classification accuracy, a methodology that attaches SVM classifier to the fully-connected (FC) layer of the softmax-based transfer learning model is proposed. The proposed architecture involves a first step training the newly added FC layer on the target dataset using the softmax-based model and a second step training the SVM classifier with the newly trained FC layer. Cross-validation is used to ensure no bias for the evaluation of the performance of the models. Experimental results reveal that the conventional SVM classifier-based model is the least accurate on either binary or multiclass cancer datasets. The conventional softmax-based model shows moderate classification accuracy, while the proposed synthetic architecture achieves the best classification accuracy.
Spatial and Temporal Variation of NO2 Vertical Column Densities (VCDs) over Poland: Comparison of the Sentinel-5P TROPOMI Observations and the GEM-AQ Model Simulations
Authors: Kawka Marcin , Struzewska Joanna , Kaminski Jacek W.
Published: July 2021

The TROPOMI instrument aboard Sentinel-5P is a relatively new, high-resolution source of information about atmosphere composition. One of the primary atmospheric trace gases that we can observe is nitrogen dioxide. Thanks to TROPOMI capabilities (high resolution and short revisit time), one can describe regional and seasonal NO2 concentration patterns. Thus far, such patterns have been analysed by either ground measurements (which have been limited to specific locations and only to the near-surface troposphere layer) or numerical models. This paper compares the TROPOMI and GEM-AQ derived vertical column densities (VCD) over Poland, focusing on large point sources. Although well established in atmospheric science, the GEM-AQ simulations are always based on emission data, which in the case of the energy sector were reported by stack operators. In addition, we checked how cloudy conditions influence TROPOMI results. Finally, we tried to link the NO2 column number densities with surface concentration using boundary layer height as an additional explanatory variable. Our results showed a general underestimation of NO2 tropospheric column number density by the GEM-AQ model (compared to the TROPOMI). However, for the locations of the most significant point sources, we noticed a systematic overestimation by the GEM-AQ model (excluding spring and summer months when TROPOMI presents larger NO2 VCDs than GEM-AQ). For the winter months, we have found TROPOMI NO2 VCD results highly dependent on the choice of qa_value threshold.
A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Cross-Over Study to Evaluate the Efficacy of AqualiefTM Mucoadhesive Tablets in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Who Developed Radiation-Induced Xerostomia
Authors: Iacovelli Nicola Alessandro , Ingargiola Rossana , Facchinetti Nadia , Franceschini Marzia , Romanello Domenico Attilio , Bossi Paolo , Bergamini Cristiana , Alfieri Salvatore , Cavalieri Stefano , Baron Giovanna , Aldini Giancarlo , Locati Laura , Orlandi Ester
Published: July 2021

Xerostomia, the subjective complaint of dry mouth, is caused by therapeutic interventions or diseases. Nowadays, radiotherapy (RT) in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) stands out as one of the most important causes of xerostomia. Currently available therapies for the treatment of xerostomia are still less than optimal and xerostomia still represents an unmet clinical need. In this article, we present the results of a prospective clinical study with a new product, AqualiefTM, in patients treated with curative RT with or without chemotherapy for HNC. AqualiefTM is based on two main ingredients, carnosine and karkadé, which have acid buffering and antioxidant properties. The study was performed on 30 patients, with 4 of the patients being lost during the study period. Each patient received randomly one of the two treatments, AqualiefTM or placebo, for 8 days. After a 10-day wash-out period, each patient received the other treatment for a further 8 days. The results show that AqualiefTM stimulated salivation in these patients and reduced the pH drop that was observed in an equivalent placebo-treated population of patients. Moreover, no serious, treatment-related adverse events were observed. AqualiefTM has shown positive results, although with limitations due to unsuccessful trial accrual. Therefore, it may be further investigated as a tool for the treatment of RT-related xerostomia.
Stromal Cells Serve Drug Resistance for Multiple Myeloma via Mitochondrial Transfer: A Study on Primary Myeloma and Stromal Cells
Authors: Matula Zsolt , Mikala Gábor , Lukácsi Szilvia , Matkó János , Kovács Tamás , Monostori Éva , Uher Ferenc , Vályi-Nagy István
Published: July 2021

Recently, it has become evident that mitochondrial transfer (MT) plays a crucial role in the acquisition of cancer drug resistance in many hematologic malignancies; however, for multiple myeloma, there is a need to generate novel data to better understand this mechanism. Here, we show that primary myeloma cells (MMs) respond to an increasing concentration of chemotherapeutic drugs with an increase in the acquisition of mitochondria from autologous bone marrow stromal cells (BM-MSCs), whereupon survival and adenosine triphosphate levels of MMs increase, while the mitochondrial superoxide levels decrease in MMs. These changes are proportional to the amount of incorporated BM-MSC-derived mitochondria and to the concentration of the used drug, but seem independent from the type and mechanism of action of chemotherapeutics. In parallel, BM-MSCs also incorporate an increasing amount of MM cell-derived mitochondria accompanied by an elevation of superoxide levels. Using the therapeutic antibodies Daratumumab, Isatuximab, or Elotuzumab, no similar effect was observed regarding the MT. Our research shows that MT occurs via tunneling nanotubes and partial cell fusion with extreme increases under the influence of chemotherapeutic drugs, but its inhibition is limited. However, the supportive effect of stromal cells can be effectively avoided by influencing the metabolism of myeloma cells with the concomitant use of chemotherapeutic agents and an inhibitor of oxidative phosphorylation.
Contribution of Heparan Sulphate Binding in CCL21-Mediated Migration of Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: del Molino del Barrio Irene , Meeson Annette , Cooke Katie , Malki Mohammed Imad , Barron-Millar Ben , Kirby John A. , Ali Simi
Published: July 2021

Chemokine receptor CCR7 is implicated in the metastasis of breast cancer to the lymph nodes. Chemokine function is dependent upon their binding to both cell-surface heparan sulphate (HS) and to their specific receptors; thus, the role of HS in CCR7-mediated lymph node metastasis was investigated by creating a non-HS binding chemokine CCL21 (mut-CCL21). Mut-CCL21 (Δ103–134) induced leukocyte chemotaxis in diffusion gradients but did not stimulate trans-endothelial migration of PBMCs (p < 0.001) and 4T1-Luc cells (p < 0.01). Furthermore, the effect of heparin and HS on the chemotactic properties of wild-type (WT) and mut-CCL21 was examined. Interestingly, heparin and HS completely inhibit the chemotaxis mediated by WT-CCL21 at 250 and 500 µg/mL, whereas minimal effect was seen with mut-CCL21. This difference could potentially be attributed to reduced HS binding, as surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy showed that mut-CCL21 did not significantly bind HS compared to WT-CCL21. A murine model was used to assess the potential of mut-CCL21 to prevent lymph node metastasis in vivo. Mice were injected with 4T1-Luc cells in the mammary fat pad and treated daily for a week with 20 µg mut-CCL21. Mice were imaged weekly with IVIS and sacrificed on day 18. Luciferase expression was significantly reduced in lymph nodes from mice that had been treated with mut-CCL21 compared to the control (p = 0.0148), suggesting the potential to target chemokine binding to HS as a therapeutic option.
Deregulation of Exo70 Facilitates Innate and Acquired Cisplatin Resistance in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer by Promoting Cisplatin Efflux
Authors: Zhao Yujie , Hong Xiaoting , Chen Xiong , Hu Chun , Lu Weihong , Xie Baoying , Zhong Linhai , Zhang Wenqing , Cao Hanwei , Chen Binbin , Liu Qian , Zhan Yanyan , Xiao Li , Hu Tianhui
Published: July 2021

Whilst researches elucidating a diversity of intracellular mechanisms, platinum-resistant epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) remains a major challenge in the treatment of ovarian cancer. Here we report that Exo70, a key subunit of the exocyst complex, contributes to both innate and acquired cisplatin resistance of EOC. Upregulation of Exo70 is observed in EOC tissues and is related to platinum resistance and progression-free survival of EOC patients. Exo70 suppressed the cisplatin sensitivity of EOC cells through promoting exocytosis-mediated efflux of cisplatin. Moreover, cisplatin-induced autophagy-lysosomal degradation of Exo70 protein by modulating phosphorylation of AMPK and mTOR, thereby reducing the cellular resistance. However, the function was hampered during prolonged cisplatin treatment, which in turn stabilized Exo70 to facilitate the acquired cisplatin resistance of EOC cells. Knockdown of Exo70, or inhibiting exocytosis by Exo70 inhibitor Endosidin2, reversed the cisplatin resistance of EOC cells both in vitro and in vivo. Our results suggest that Exo70 overexpression and excessive stability contribute to innate and acquired cisplatin resistance through the increase in cisplatin efflux, and targeting Exo70 might be an approach to overcome cisplatin resistance in EOC treatment.
A Conjugation Strategy to Modulate Antigen Binding and FcRn Interaction Leads to Improved Tumor Targeting and Radioimmunotherapy Efficacy with an Antibody Targeting Prostate-Specific Antigen
Authors: Vilhelmsson Timmermand Oskar , Örbom Anders , Altai Mohamed , Zedan Wahed , Holmqvist Bo , Safi Marcella , Tran Thuy A. , Strand Sven-Erik , Strand Joanna
Published: July 2021

Background: The humanized monoclonal antibody (mAb) hu5A10 specifically targets and internalizes prostate cancer cells by binding to prostate specific antigen (PSA). Preclinical evaluations have shown that hu5A10 is an excellent vehicle for prostate cancer (PCa) radiotheranostics. We studied the impact of different chelates and conjugation ratios on hu5A10′s target affinity, neonatal fc-receptor interaction on in vivo targeting efficacy, and possible enhanced therapeutic efficacy. Methods: In our experiment, humanized 5A10 (hu5A10) was conjugated with DOTA or DTPA at a molar ratio of 3:1, 6:1, and 12:1. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) was used to study antigen and FcRn binding to the antibody conjugates. [111In]hu5A10 radio-immunoconjugates were administered intravenously into BALB/c mice carrying subcutaneous LNCaP xenografts. Serial Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) images were obtained during the first week. Tumors were harvested and radionuclide distribution was analyzed by autoradiography along with microanatomy and immunohistochemistry. Results: As seen by SPR, the binding to PSA was clearly affected by the chelate-to-antibody ratio. Similarly, FcRn (neonatal fc-receptor) interacted less with antibodies conjugated at high ratios of chelator, which was more pronounced for DOTA conjugates. The autoradiography data indicated a higher distribution of radioactivity to the rim of the tumor for lower ratios and a more homogenous distribution at higher ratios. Mice injected with ratio 3:1 111In-DOTA-hu5A10 showed no significant difference in tumor volume when compared to mice given vehicle over a time period of 3 weeks. Mice given a similar injection of ratio 6:1 111In-DOTA-hu5A10 or 6:1 111In-DTPA-hu5A10 or 12:1 111In-DTPA-hu5A10 showed significant tumor growth retardation. Conclusions: The present study demonstrated that the radiolabeling strategy could positively modify the hu5A10′s capacity to bind PSA and complex with the FcRn-receptor, which resulted in more homogenous activity distribution in tumors and enhanced therapy efficacy.
Prostate Cancer in 2021: Novelties in Prognostic and Therapeutic Biomarker Evaluation
Authors: Cimadamore Alessia , Mazzucchelli Roberta , Lopez-Beltran Antonio , Massari Francesco , Santoni Matteo , Scarpelli Marina , Cheng Liang , Montironi Rodolfo
Published: July 2021

The 2021 novelties in prognostic and therapeutic tissue markers in patients with prostate cancer (PCa) can be subdivided into two major groups. The first group is related to prognostic markers based on morphological and immunohistochemical evaluations. The novelties in this group can then be subdivided into two subgroups, one involving morphologic evaluation only, i.e., PCa grading, and the other involving both morphologic and immunohistochemical evaluations, i.e., aggressive variant PCa (AVPCa). Grading concerns androgen-dependent PCa, while AVPCa represents a late phase in its natural history, when it becomes androgen-independent. The novelties of the other major group are related to molecular markers predicting significant disease or response to therapy. This group mainly includes novelties in the molecular evaluation of PCa in tissue material and liquid biopsies.
Piezo1 Mechanosensitive Ion Channel Mediates Stretch-Induced Nppb Expression in Adult Rat Cardiac Fibroblasts
Authors: Ploeg Meike C. , Munts Chantal , Prinzen Frits W. , Turner Neil A. , van Bilsen Marc , van Nieuwenhoven Frans A.
Published: July 2021

In response to stretch, cardiac tissue produces natriuretic peptides, which have been suggested to have beneficial effects in heart failure patients. In the present study, we explored the mechanism of stretch-induced brain natriuretic peptide (Nppb) expression in cardiac fibroblasts. Primary adult rat cardiac fibroblasts subjected to 4 h or 24 h of cyclic stretch (10% 1 Hz) showed a 6.6-fold or 3.2-fold (p < 0.05) increased mRNA expression of Nppb, as well as induction of genes related to myofibroblast differentiation. Moreover, BNP protein secretion was upregulated 5.3-fold in stretched cardiac fibroblasts. Recombinant BNP inhibited TGFβ1-induced Acta2 expression. Nppb expression was >20-fold higher in cardiomyocytes than in cardiac fibroblasts, indicating that cardiac fibroblasts were not the main source of Nppb in the healthy heart. Yoda1, an agonist of the Piezo1 mechanosensitive ion channel, increased Nppb expression 2.1-fold (p < 0.05) and significantly induced other extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling genes. Silencing of Piezo1 reduced the stretch-induced Nppb and Tgfb1 expression in cardiac fibroblasts. In conclusion, our study identifies Piezo1 as mediator of stretch-induced Nppb expression, as well as other remodeling genes, in cardiac fibroblasts.
Regenerative Potential of Blood-Derived Products in 3D Osteoarthritic Chondrocyte Culture System
Authors: Kuten-Pella Olga , De Luna Andrea , Kramer Karina , Neubauer Markus , Nehrer Stefan , Lacza Zsombor
Published: July 2021

Intra-articular injection of different types of blood-derived products is gaining popularity and clinical importance in the treatment of degenerative cartilage disorders such as osteoarthritis. The regenerative potential of two types of platelet-rich plasma (PRP), prepared in the presence of EDTA (EPRP) and citrate (CPRP) and an alternative blood product-hyperacute serum (hypACT) was evaluated using a 3D osteoarthritic chondrocyte pellet model by assessing the metabolic cell activity, cartilage-related gene expression and extracellular matrix deposition within the pellets. Chondrocyte viability was determined by XTT assay and it revealed no significant difference in metabolic activity of OA chondrocyte pellets after supplementation with different blood products. Nevertheless, the selection of blood products influenced the cartilage-related genes expression, ECM morphology and the tissue quality of pellets. Both PRP types had a different biological effect depending upon concentration and even though CPRP is widely used in clinics our assessment did not reveal good results in gene expression either tissue quality. HypACT supplementation resulted in superior cartilage-related genes expression together with tissue quality and seemed to be the most stable product since no remarkable changes were observed between the two different concentrations. All in all, for successful regenerative therapy, possible molecular mechanisms induced by blood-derived products should be always carefully investigated and adapted to the specific medical indications.
Compression Helps Deep Learning in Image Classification
Authors: Yang En-Hui , Amer Hossam , Jiang Yanbing
Published: July 2021

The impact of JPEG compression on deep learning (DL) in image classification is revisited. Given an underlying deep neural network (DNN) pre-trained with pristine ImageNet images, it is demonstrated that, if, for any original image, one can select, among its many JPEG compressed versions including its original version, a suitable version as an input to the underlying DNN, then the classification accuracy of the underlying DNN can be improved significantly while the size in bits of the selected input is, on average, reduced dramatically in comparison with the original image. This is in contrast to the conventional understanding that JPEG compression generally degrades the classification accuracy of DL. Specifically, for each original image, consider its 10 JPEG compressed versions with their quality factor (QF) values from {100,90,80,70,60,50,40,30,20,10}. Under the assumption that the ground truth label of the original image is known at the time of selecting an input, but unknown to the underlying DNN, we present a selector called Highest Rank Selector (HRS). It is shown that HRS is optimal in the sense of achieving the highest Top k accuracy on any set of images for any k among all possible selectors. When the underlying DNN is Inception V3 or ResNet-50 V2, HRS improves, on average, the Top 1 classification accuracy and Top 5 classification accuracy on the whole ImageNet validation dataset by 5.6% and 1.9%, respectively, while reducing the input size in bits dramatically—the compression ratio (CR) between the size of the original images and the size of the selected input images by HRS is 8 for the whole ImageNet validation dataset. When the ground truth label of the original image is unknown at the time of selection, we further propose a new convolutional neural network (CNN) topology which is based on the underlying DNN and takes the original image and its 10 JPEG compressed versions as 11 parallel inputs. It is demonstrated that the proposed new CNN topology, even when partially trained, can consistently improve the Top 1 accuracy of Inception V3 and ResNet-50 V2 by approximately 0.4% and the Top 5 accuracy of Inception V3 and ResNet-50 V2 by 0.32% and 0.2%, respectively. Other selectors without the knowledge of the ground truth label of the original image are also presented. They maintain the Top 1 accuracy, the Top 5 accuracy, or the Top 1 and Top 5 accuracy of the underlying DNN, while achieving CRs of 8.8, 3.3, and 3.1, respectively.
Assessment and Prediction of Water Resources Vulnerability Based on a NRS-RF Model: A Case Study of the Song-Liao River Basin, China
Authors: Chen Weizhong , Chen Yan , Feng Yazhong
Published: July 2021

The vulnerability of water resources is an important criterion for evaluating the carrying capacity of water resources systems under the influence of climate change and human activities. Moreover, assessment and prediction of river basins’ water resources vulnerability are important means to assess the water resources security state of river basins and identify possible problems in future water resources systems. Based on the constructed indicator system of water resources vulnerability assessment in Song-Liao River Basin, this paper uses the neighborhood rough set (abbreviated as NRS) method to reduce the dimensionality of the original indicator system to remove redundant attributes. Then, assessment indicators’ standard values after dimensionality reduction are taken as the evaluation sample, and the random forest regression (abbreviated as RF) model is used to assess the water resources vulnerability of the river basin. Finally, based on data under three different future climate and socio-economic scenarios, scenario predictions are made on the vulnerability of future water resources. The results show that the overall water resources vulnerability of the Song-Liao River Basin has not improved significantly in the past 18 years, and the overall vulnerability of the Song-Liao River Basin is in the level V of moderate to high vulnerability. In the future scenario 1, the overall water resources vulnerability of the river basin will improve, and it is expected to achieve an improvement to the level III of moderate to low vulnerability. At the same time, the natural vulnerability and vulnerability of carrying capacity will increase significantly in the future, and the man-made vulnerability will increase slowly, which will deteriorate to the level V of moderate to high vulnerability under Scenario 3. Therefore, taking active measures can significantly reduce the vulnerability of nature and carrying capacity, but man-made vulnerability will become a bottleneck restricting the fragility of the overall water resources of the river basin in the future.
Optimal Sizing and Energy Management of Microgrids with Vehicle-to-Grid Technology: A Critical Review and Future Trends
Authors: Ouramdane Oussama , Elbouchikhi Elhoussin , Amirat Yassine , Sedgh Gooya Ehsan
Published: July 2021

The topic of microgrids (MGs) is a fast-growing and very promising field of research in terms of energy production quality, pollution reduction and sustainable development. Moreover, MGs are, above all, designed to considerably improve the autonomy, sustainability, and reliability of future electrical distribution grid. At the same time, aspects of MGs energy management, taking into consideration distribution generation systems, energy storage devices, electric vehicles, and consumption components have been widely investigated. Besides, grid architectures including DC, AC, or hybrid power generation systems, energy dispatching problems modelling, operating modes (islanded or grid connected), MGs sizing, simulations and problems solving optimization approaches, and other aspects, have been raised as topics of great interest for both electrical and computer sciences research communities. Furthermore, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and government policies and incentives have paved the way to massive electric vehicle (EV) deployment. Hence, several research studies have been conducted to investigate the integration of EVs in national power grid and future MGs. Specifically, EV charging stations’ bi-directional power flow control and energy management have been considerably explored. These issues index challenging research topics, which are in most cases still under progress. This paper gives an overview of MGs technology advancement in recent decades, taking into consideration distributed energy generation (DER), energy storage systems (ESS), EVs, and loads. It reviews the main MGs architecture, operating modes, sizing and energy management systems (EMS) and EVs integration.
Forecasting the Volatility of Crude Oil: The Role of Uncertainty and Spillovers
Authors: Gupta Rangan , Pierdzioch Christian
Published: July 2021

We use a dataset for the group of G7 countries and China to study the out-of-sample predictive value of uncertainty and its international spillovers for the realized variance of crude oil (West Texas Intermediate and Brent) over the sample period from 1996Q1 to 2020Q4. Using the Lasso estimator, we found evidence that uncertainty and international spillovers had predictive value for the realized variance at intermediate (two quarters) and long (one year) forecasting horizons in several of the forecasting models that we studied. This result holds also for upside (good) and downside (bad) variance, and irrespective of whether we used a recursive or a rolling estimation window. Our results have important implications for investors and policymakers.
An Approximate Transfer Function Model for a Double-Pipe Counter-Flow Heat Exchanger
Authors: Bartecki Krzysztof
Published: July 2021

The transfer functions G(s) for different types of heat exchangers obtained from their partial differential equations usually contain some irrational components which reflect quite well their spatio-temporal dynamic properties. However, such a relatively complex mathematical representation is often not suitable for various practical applications, and some kind of approximation of the original model would be more preferable. In this paper we discuss approximate rational transfer functions G^(s) for a typical thick-walled double-pipe heat exchanger operating in the counter-flow mode. Using the semi-analytical method of lines, we transform the original partial differential equations into a set of ordinary differential equations representing N spatial sections of the exchanger, where each nth section can be described by a simple rational transfer function matrix Gn(s), n=1,2,…,N. Their proper interconnection results in the overall approximation model expressed by a rational transfer function matrix G^(s) of high order. As compared to the previously analyzed approximation model for the double-pipe parallel-flow heat exchanger which took the form of a simple, cascade interconnection of the sections, here we obtain a different connection structure which requires the use of the so-called linear fractional transformation with the Redheffer star product. Based on the resulting rational transfer function matrix G^(s), the frequency and the steady-state responses of the approximate model are compared here with those obtained from the original irrational transfer function model G(s). The presented results show: (a) the advantage of the counter-flow regime over the parallel-flow one; (b) better approximation quality for the transfer function channels with dominating heat conduction effects, as compared to the channels characterized by the transport delay associated with the heat convection.
Performance Optimizations with Single-, Bi-, Tri-, and Quadru-Objective for Irreversible Atkinson Cycle with Nonlinear Variation of Working Fluid’s Specific Heat
Authors: Shi Shuangshuang , Ge Yanlin , Chen Lingen , Feng Huijun
Published: July 2021

Considering nonlinear variation of working fluid’s specific heat with its temperature, finite-time thermodynamic theory is applied to analyze and optimize the characteristics of an irreversible Atkinson cycle. Through numerical calculations, performance relationships between cycle dimensionless power density versus compression ratio and dimensionless power density versus thermal efficiency are obtained, respectively. When the design parameters take certain specific values, the performance differences of reversible, endoreversible and irreversible Atkinson cycles are compared. The maximum specific volume ratio, maximum pressure ratio, and thermal efficiency under the conditions of the maximum power output and maximum power density are compared. Based on NSGA-II, the single-, bi-, tri-, and quadru-objective optimizations are performed when the compression ratio is used as the optimization variable, and the cycle dimensionless power output, thermal efficiency, dimensionless ecological function, and dimensionless power density are used as the optimization objectives. The deviation indexes are obtained based on LINMAP, TOPSIS, and Shannon entropy solutions under different combinations of optimization objectives. By comparing the deviation indexes of bi-, tri- and quadru-objective optimization and the deviation indexes of single-objective optimizations based on maximum power output, maximum thermal efficiency, maximum ecological function and maximum power density, it is found that the deviation indexes of multi-objective optimization are smaller, and the solution of multi-objective optimization is desirable. The comparison results show that when the LINMAP solution is optimized with the dimensionless power output, thermal efficiency, and dimensionless power density as the objective functions, the deviation index is 0.1247, and this optimization objective combination is the most ideal.
An Integrated Approach to Risk and Impacts of Geo-Resources Exploration and Exploitation
Authors: Gargiulo Maria Vittoria , Garcia Alexander , Paulillo Andrea , Amoroso Ortensia , Salzano Ernesto , Capuano Paolo
Published: July 2021

Geo-resources are widely exploited in our society, with huge benefits for both economy and communities. Nevertheless, with benefits come risks and impacts. Understanding how such risks and impacts are intrinsically borne in a given project is of critical importance for both industry and society. In particular, it is crucial to distinguish between the specific impacts related to exploiting a given energy resource and those shared with the exploitation of other energy resources. A variety of different approaches can be used to identify and assess such risks and impacts. In particular, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and risk assessments (RAs) are the most commonly adopted. Although both are widely used to support decision making in environmental management, they are rarely used in combination perhaps because they have been developed by largely different groups of specialists. By analyzing the structure and the ratio of the two tools, we have developed an approach for combining and harmonizing LCA and MRA; the resulting protocol envisages building MRA upon LCA both qualitatively and quantitatively. We demonstrate the approach in a case study using a virtual site (based on a real one) for geothermal energy production.
Application Method of a Simplified Heat and Moisture Transfer Model of Building Construction in Residential Buildings
Authors: Kim Joowook , Brandemuehl Michael J.
Published: July 2021

Several building energy simulation programs have been developed to evaluate the indoor conditions and energy performance of buildings. As a fundamental component of heating, ventilating, and air conditioning loads, each building energy modeling tool calculates the heat and moisture exchange among the outdoor environment, building envelope, and indoor environments. This paper presents a simplified heat and moisture transfer model of the building envelope, and case studies for building performance obtained by different heat and moisture transfer models are conducted to investigate the contribution of the proposed steady-state moisture flux (SSMF) method. For the analysis, three representative humid locations in the United States are considered: Miami, Atlanta, and Chicago. The results show that the SSMF model effectively complements the latent heat transfer calculation in conduction transfer function (CTF) and effective moisture penetration depth (EMPD) models during the cooling season. In addition, it is found that the ceiling part of a building largely constitutes the latent heat generated by the SSMF model.
The Causal Linkage between Energy Price and Food Price
Authors: Kirikkaleli Dervis , Darbaz Ibrahim
Published: July 2021

This paper aims to reveal the causal relationship between energy prices and food prices and whether this relationship is similar in the food sub-groups forming the food price index used. As food prices more than doubled during the 2008 economic crisis, this relationship has received considerable attention from researchers. Many researches have been conducted to determine the causes and consequences of the 2008 food price crisis. Researches are mainly focused on crude oil and bio-energy in terms of “energy”. This research is not only differentiated by the data used but also by the methodology employed. The study attempts to add new findings to the empirical food price literature by utilizing relatively newly developed methods, namely Toda–Yamamoto causality, Fourier Toda–Yamamoto causality, and spectral BC causality tests. The spectral BC causality test clearly reveals that there is bidirectional causality between the energy price index and food price indexes (grains, other food, and oils) at different frequencies.
Pseudo-Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Kinetic Models of the NaOH-Catalyzed Methanolysis Reaction for Biodiesel Production
Authors: Zabala Silvia , Reyero Inés , Campo Idoia , Arzamendi Gurutze , Gandía Luis M.
Published: July 2021

Methanolysis of vegetable oils in the presence of homogeneous catalysts remains the most important process for producing biodiesel. However, there is still a lack of accurate description of the reaction kinetics. This is in part due to the complexity of the reacting system in which a large number of interconnected reactions take place simultaneously. In this work, attention is focused on the biphasic character of the reaction medium, formed by two immiscible liquid phases. The behavior of the phases is investigated regarding their physicochemical properties, mainly density and mutual solubility of the components, as well as composition. In addition, two kinetic models with different level of complexity regarding the biphasic character of the reaction medium have been developed. It has been found that a heterogeneous model considering the presence of the two phases and the distribution of the several compounds between them is indispensable to get a good description of the process in terms of oil conversion and products yields. The model captures the effects of the main variables of an isothermal batch methanolysis process: methanol/oil molar ratio, reaction time and catalyst concentration. Nevertheless, some adjustment is still required as concerns modelling of the saponification reactions and catalyst deactivation.
Forecasting Variations in Profitability and Silviculture under Climate Change of Radiata Pine Plantations through Differentiable Optimization
Authors: González-Rodríguez Miguel A. , Vázquez-Méndez Miguel E. , Diéguez-Aranda Ulises
Published: July 2021

Climate change might entail significant alterations in future forest productivity, profitability and management. In this work, we estimated the financial profitability (Soil Expectation Value, SEV) of a set of radiata pine plantations in the northwest of Spain under climate change. We optimized silvicultural interventions using a differentiable approach and projected future productivity using a machine learning model basing on the climatic predictions of 11 Global Climate Models (GCMs) and two Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs). The forecasted mean SEV for future climate was lower than current SEV (∼22% lower for RCP 4.5 and ∼29% for RCP 6.0, with interest rate = 3%). The dispersion of the future SEV distribution was very high, alternatively forecasting increases and decreases in profitability under climate change depending on the chosen GCM. Silvicultural optimization considering future productivity projections effectively mitigated the potential economic losses due to climate change; however, its ability to perform this mitigation was strongly dependent on interest rates. We conclude that the financial profitability of radiata pine plantations in this region might be significantly reduced under climate change, though further research is necessary for clearing the uncertainties regarding the high dispersion of profitability projections.
Role and Evolution of the Extracellular Matrix in the Acquisition of Complex Multicellularity in Eukaryotes: A Macroalgal Perspective
Authors: Kloareg Bernard , Badis Yacine , Cock J. Mark , Michel Gurvan
Published: July 2021

Multicellular eukaryotes are characterized by an expanded extracellular matrix (ECM) with a diversified composition. The ECM is involved in determining tissue texture, screening cells from the outside medium, development, and innate immunity, all of which are essential features in the biology of multicellular eukaryotes. This review addresses the origin and evolution of the ECM, with a focus on multicellular marine algae. We show that in these lineages the expansion of extracellular matrix played a major role in the acquisition of complex multicellularity through its capacity to connect, position, shield, and defend the cells. Multiple innovations were necessary during these evolutionary processes, leading to striking convergences in the structures and functions of the ECMs of algae, animals, and plants.
More Physical Activity after Concussion Is Associated with Faster Return to Play among Adolescents
Authors: Seehusen Corrine N. , Wilson Julie C. , Walker Gregory A. , Reinking Sarah E. , Howell David R.
Published: July 2021

Concussion management has evolved to de-emphasize rest in favor of early introduction of post-injury physical activity. However, the optimal quantity, frequency and intensity of physical activity are unclear. Our objective was to examine the association between objective physical activity metrics and clinical recovery after concussion. We prospectively enrolled a cohort of 32 youth athletes with concussion, evaluated within 14 days of injury and after return-to-play (RTP) clearance. For two weeks after enrollment, we quantified steps/day and exercise frequency, duration, and intensity via wrist-worn actigraphy. We grouped participants by RTP clearance timing (<28 days vs. ≥28 days). Seventeen (53%) participants required ≥28 days post-concussion for RTP clearance. Groups were similar in age (14.9 ± 1.9 vs. 15.4 ± 1.5 years; p = 0.38), proportion of females (47% vs. 40%; p = 0.69), and concussion history (59% vs. 47%; p = 0.49). During the study period, the RTP ≥ 28 days group took fewer steps/day (8158 ± 651 vs. 11,147 ± 4013; p = 0.02), exercised fewer days/week (2.9 ± 2.4 vs. 5.0 ± 1.9 days/week; p = 0.01), and exercised fewer total minutes/week (117 ± 122 vs. 261 ± 219 min/week; p = 0.03). Furthermore, we observed ≥10,251 average steps/day, ≥4 exercise sessions/week, and exercising ≥134 total minutes/week were optimal cutpoints to distinguish between groups. These findings support the benefit of physical activity during concussion recovery.
The Effect of Job Security on Deviant Behaviors in Diverse Employment Workplaces: From the Social Identity Perspective
Authors: Qin Chuanyan , Wu Kunjin , Liu Xiaolang , Liu Shanshi , Lu Wenzhu
Published: July 2021

Organizational scholars concur that job security can attach employees to a workplace and improve their job quality. The relationship between job security and employees’ deviant behaviors in the workplace, such as counterproductive work behavior (CWB), lacks insights into how or why this occurs, especially in a diversified employment context. To address these limitations, we developed a theoretical model of job security impact on employees’ CWB from the perspective of social identity. Analysis of employees (N = 208) and their supervisors in a China state-owned company were used to test the hypothesis. Results confirmed the negative relationship between job security and CWB; organizational identification partly mediates the relationship between job security and CWB. Moderated mediation analyses further indicate that the indirect effect of job security on CWB via organizational identification are stronger for temporary employees than for permanent employees. This article contributes to the understanding of job security’s impact on employees’ deviant behavior, practical implications and research aspects are discussed.
Ultra-Processed Food Availability and Noncommunicable Diseases: A Systematic Review
Authors: de Araújo Taissa Pereira , de Moraes Milena M. , Magalhães Vânia , Afonso Cláudia , Santos Cristina , Rodrigues Sara S. P.
Published: July 2021

Ultra-processed food (UPF) can be harmful to the population’s health. To establish associations between UPF and health outcomes, food consumption can be assessed using availability data, such as purchase lists or household budget surveys. The aim of this systematic review was to search studies that related UPF availability with noncommunicable diseases or their risk factors. PRISMA guidelines were used. Searches were performed in PubMed, EBSCO, Scopus and Web of Science in February 2021. The search strategy included terms related to exposure (UPF) and outcomes (noncommunicable diseases and their risk factors). Studies that assessed only food consumption at an individual level and did not present health outcomes were excluded. Two reviewers conducted the selection process, and a third helped when disagreement occurred. The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale was used to assess the studies’ quality; 998 records were analyzed. All 11 eligible studies were ecological and assessed overweight and obesity as a health outcome, only one showed no positive association with UPF availability. Two studies included the prevalence of diabetes as an outcome, however no significant association was found with UPF availability. Studies relating UPF availability and health outcomes are focused on overweight and obesity. It is necessary to further explore the relationship between other health outcomes and UPF availability using purchase or sales data.
Testing the Structural Validity of the Self-Stigma Scale in Relatives of People with Autism in the Spanish Context
Authors: Aguilar-Parra José M. , Megias Maria M. , Trigueros Rubén , Mercader Isabel , Fernández-Jiménez Carolina , Fernández-Campoy Juan M.
Published: July 2021

Sometimes, relatives of children with autism experience feelings of guilt, abandonment and devaluation, as they tend to see themselves as the cause of their children’s illness. This causes social isolation and psychological discomfort. However, there are no scales that assess self-stigma. Therefore, the aim of the study is to show evidence of the validity and reliability of the Self-Stigma Scale in Relatives of People with Mental Illness in the Spanish context in relation to autism. A total of 287 progenitors participated in the study. For the validation and adaptation process, three confirmatory factor analyses, analysis of invariance across gender, reliability analysis and temporal stability, were carried out. The results revealed that the factor structure of the questionnaire was adequate, showing adequate levels of reliability.
Can Administrative Health Data Improve the Gold Standard? Evidence from a Model of the Progression of Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Nghiem Son , Williams Jonathan , Afoakwah Clifford , Huynh Quan , Ng Shu-kay , Byrnes Joshua
Published: July 2021

Background: Myocardial infarction (MI), remains one of the leading causes of death and disability globally but publications on the progression of MI using data from the real world are limited. Multistate models have been widely used to estimate transition rates between disease states to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of healthcare interventions. We apply a Bayesian multistate hidden Markov model to investigate the progression of MI using a longitudinal dataset from Queensland, Australia. Objective: To apply a new model to investigate the progression of myocardial infarction (MI) and to show the potential to use administrative data for economic evaluation and modeling disease progression. Methods: The cohort includes 135,399 patients admitted to public hospitals in Queensland, Australia, in 2010 treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Any subsequent hospitalizations of these patients were followed until 2015. This study focused on the sub-cohort of 8705 patients hospitalized for MI. We apply a Bayesian multistate hidden Markov model to estimate transition rates between health states of MI patients and adjust for delayed enrolment biases and misclassification errors. We also estimate the association between age, sex, and ethnicity with the progression of MI. Results: On average, the risk of developing Non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) was 8.7%, and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) was 4.3%. The risk varied with age, sex, and ethnicity. The progression rates to STEMI or NSTEMI were higher among males, Indigenous, or elderly patients. For example, the risk of STEMI among males was 4.35%, while the corresponding figure for females was 3.71%. After adjustment for misclassification, the probability of STEMI increased by 1.2%, while NSTEMI increased by 1.4%. Conclusions: This study shows that administrative health data were useful to estimate factors determining the risk of MI and the progression of this health condition. It also shows that misclassification may cause the incidence of MI to be under-estimated.
Adolescent Health Literacy and Neighbourhood Features: HBSC Findings from Czech Republic, Poland, and Slovakia
Authors: Kleszczewska Dorota , Porwit Katarzyna , Boberova Zuzana , Sigmund Eric , Vasickova Jana , Paakkari Leena
Published: July 2021

The role of supportive environments on health, wellbeing, and longevity has been widely recognized. However, there is no strong empirical evidence on the association between health literacy (HL) as a particular health-related competence and neighbourhoods. Therefore, the aim of the study was to assess the association between the features of neighbourhoods and the level of HL competencies of young people from three countries (Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia). Self-reported data from an international sample of 11,521 students aged 13–15 years participating in the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children Study (HBSC) in the year 2018 were included in the analyses. The level of HL shows a strong positive relationship with family wealth, and a significant relationship is maintained in all studied countries. Both social and structural features of neighbourhoods turned out to have an impact on students’ HL. However, HL is most clearly explained by the school environment. This study confirms the school effect on higher levels of HL competences in adolescents. This indicates the need to invest in schools located in less affluent areas to generally improve the level of education, implement modern health education combined with HL, and strengthen the social and health competencies of students.
Associations among Solo Dining, Self-Determined Solitude, and Depression in South Korean University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Jang Sunjoo , Lee Haeyoung , Choi Seunghye
Published: July 2021

Although solo dining motivated by self-determined solitude can be a positive and healthy experience for individuals, solo dining that is not motivated by self-determined solitude can trigger physical and mental health problems. This study examined the associations among solo dining, self-determined solitude, and depression in university students. Accordingly, an online survey was conducted on 372 university students. The results show that students who live alone, those in poor health, and those with more frequent solo dining experiences had higher depression scores than others. Whereas satisfaction with solo dining was high when voluntary solitude was high, female students displayed higher depression scores when they had low self-determined solitude or high non-self-determined solitude, and when they had a higher frequency of eating lunch alone, compared to their male counterparts. University undergraduates who live and dine alone, owing to non-self-determined solitude, are highly vulnerable to mental health problems, including depression. Hence, interventions that foster social connectedness and entail the identification of factors accounting for students’ non-self-determined solitude should be developed.