bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RBM8A Promotes Glioblastoma Growth and Invasion Through the Notch/STAT3 Pathway
Authors: Lin Yan , Wei Lei , Hu Beiquan , Zhang Jinyan , Wei Jiazhang , Qian Zhongrun , Zou Donghua
Published: November 2021

Background

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a prevalent brain malignancy with an extremely poor prognosis, which is attributable to its invasive biological behavior. The RNA-binding motif protein 8A (RBM8A) has different effects on various human cancers. However, the role of RBM8A in GBM progression remains unclear.

Methods

We investigated the expression levels of RBM8A in 94 GBM patients and explored the correlation between RBM8A expression and patient prognosis. Using in vitro and in vivo assays, combined with GBM sequencing data from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA), we examined whether and how RBM8A contributes to GBM progression.

Results

RBM8A was up-regulated in GBM tissues, and its higher expression correlated with worse prognosis. Knockdown of RBM8A inhibited GBM progression and invasion ability both in vitro and in vivo. On the contrary, overexpression of RBM8A promoted GBM progression and invasion ability. Enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes in GBM data identified the Notch1/STAT3 network as a potential downstream target of RBM8A, and this was supported by molecular docking studies. Furthermore, we demonstrated that RBM8A regulates the transcriptional activity of CBF1. The γ-secretase inhibitor DAPT significantly reversed RBM8A-enhanced GBM cell proliferation and invasion, and was associated with down-regulation of p-STAT3 and Notch1 protein. Finally, the gene set variance analysis score of genes involved in regulation of the Notch1/STAT3 network by RBM8A showed good diagnostic and prognostic value for GBM.

Conclusions

RBM8A may promote GBM cell proliferation and migration by activating the Notch/STAT3 pathway in GBM cells, suggesting that RBM8A may serve as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of GBM.
Gene Signatures and Cancer-Immune Phenotypes Based on m6A Regulators in Breast Cancer
Authors: Zhao Guanghui , An Junhua , Pu Qian , Geng Wenwen , Song Haiyun , Zhao Qianqian , Gao Haidong
Published: November 2021

The N6-methyladenosine (m6A) has been considered as a new layer of epitranscriptomic regulation on mRNA processing, stability, and translation. However, potential roles of m6A RNA methylation modification in tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) of breast cancer are yet fully understood. In this study, we comprehensively evaluated the genetic variations and transcript expressions of 15 m6A regulators in 1,079 breast cancer samples from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. We validated major regulators had significantly differential mRNA and protein expression in tumor tissue compared to normal tissues from 39 pairs of clinical breast cancer samples with different molecular subtypes, and especially high expression of m6A readers YTHDF1 and YTHDF3 predicted poor survival. Two clusters of breast cancer patients identified by the 15 m6A regulators’ pattern showed distinct overall survival, immune activation status, and immune cell infiltration, and clinical samples confirmed the diversity of lymphocytic infiltration. The profiles of these two clusters accorded with that of two classical cancer-immune phenotypes, immune-excluded and immune-inflamed phenotypes, it suggested that m6A regulators-based patterns might serve as crucial mediators of TIME in breast cancer. Moreover, the m6A phenotype-related gene signatures could also be survival predictor in breast cancer. Therefore, comprehensive evaluation of tumor m6A modification pattern will contribute to enhance our understanding of the characterization of immune cell infiltration in the tumor microenvironment and promote the responsiveness of breast cancer to immunotherapy.
Point Prevalence and Associated Factors of Hip Displacement in Pediatric Patients With Mitochondrial Disease
Authors: Kim Sungmin , Lee Young-Mock , Park Kun-Bo , Lee Minsu , Park Hoon
Published: November 2021

Objective:Mitochondrial disease is a multisystem disorder resulting from mitochondrial dysfunction. Although musculoskeletal system is vulnerable to mitochondrial dysfunction, little information is available on orthopedic issues such as hip displacement and scoliosis in patients with mitochondrial disease. We aimed to examine the point prevalence of hip displacement and investigate the associated factors in patients with mitochondrial disease.

Methods:We retrospectively reviewed the medical records and plain radiographs of patients diagnosed with mitochondrial disease between January 2006 and January 2019 at a single institution. Data, including patient age, sex, follow-up duration, syndromic diagnosis, and gross motor function were collected. Migration percentage was measured on the radiographs. The clinical and radiologic variables were compared between patients classified according to the presence of hip displacement and motor function level.

Results:We included 225 patients (135 men, 90 women). The mean age at the latest follow-up was 11.1 years, and the mean follow-up duration was 7.0 years. Hip displacement was noted in 70 (31.1%) patients. The proportion of patients with Leigh disease (p= 0.007) and the ratio of non-ambulators (p< 0.001) were higher among patients with hip displacement. The proportion of patients with Leigh disease was higher in the non-ambulators than the ambulators.

Conclusion:One-third of patients with mitochondrial disease developed hip displacement. Hip displacement was more common in non-ambulators or patients with hypertonia. Careful and serial monitoring for hip problems is required for non-ambulatory patients with mitochondrial disease who have increased muscle tone.
Modified Gegen Qinlian Decoction Regulates Treg/Th17 Balance to Ameliorate DSS-Induced Acute Experimental Colitis in Mice by Altering the Gut Microbiota
Authors: Wang Yifan , Zhang Jiaqi , Xu Lin , Ma Jing , Lu Mengxiong , Ma Jinxin , Liu Zhihong , Wang Fengyun , Tang Xudong
Published: November 2021

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by chronic pathology associated with extensive intestinal microbial dysregulation and intestinal inflammation. Thus, efforts are underway to manipulate the gut microbiome to improve inflammatory pathology. Gegen Qinlian decoction (GQD), a traditional Chinese medicine prescription, has been widely utilized for treating diarrhea and ulcerative colitis (UC) for thousands of years. However, the underlying mechanism of its efficacy and whether its protective effect against colitis is mediated by the gut microbiota are poorly understood. In the present study, our data demonstrated that modified GQD (MGQD) administration significantly improved the pathological phenotypes and colonic inflammation challenged by DSS in mice, which were specifically manifested as reduced loss of body weight, shortening of colon length, DAI score, histological score and suppressed inflammatory response. 16S rRNA sequencing and targeted metabonomics analysis showed that MQGD altered the diversity and community landscape of the intestinal microbiota and the metabolic profiles. In particular, MQGD significantly boosted the abundance of the intestinal microbiota producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are causally associated with promoting the development of Treg cells and suppressing the differentiation of pro-inflammatory Th17 cells. More importantly, transferring fecal microbiota from MGQD-treated or healthy controls exhibited equivalent alleviative effects on colitis mice. However, this protective effect could not be replicated in experiments of mice with depleted intestinal microbes through broad-spectrum antibiotic cocktails (ABX), further supporting the importance of SCFA-producing gut microbiota in the beneficial role of MGQD. In general, MGQD therapy has the potential to remodel the intestinal microbiome and reestablish immune homeostasis to ameliorate DSS-induced colitis.
Potential Role for Combined Subtype-Selective Targeting of M1 and M3 Muscarinic Receptors in Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases
Authors: Tolaymat Mazen , Sundel Margaret H. , Alizadeh Madeline , Xie Guofeng , Raufman Jean-Pierre
Published: November 2021

Despite structural similarity, the five subtypes comprising the cholinergic muscarinic family of G protein-coupled receptors regulate remarkably diverse biological functions. This mini review focuses on the closely related and commonly co-expressed M1R and M3R muscarinic acetylcholine receptor subtypes encoded respectively by CHRM1 and CHRM3. Activated M1R and M3R signal via Gq and downstream initiate phospholipid turnover, changes in cell calcium levels, and activation of protein kinases that alter gene transcription and ultimately cell function. The unexpectedly divergent effects of M1R and M3R activation, despite similar receptor structure, distribution, and signaling, are puzzling. To explore this conundrum, we focus on the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and liver because abundant data identify opposing effects of M1R and M3R activation on the progression of gastric, pancreatic, and colon cancer, and liver injury and fibrosis. Whereas M3R activation promotes GI neoplasia, M1R activation appears protective. In contrast, in murine liver injury models, M3R activation promotes and M1R activation mitigates liver fibrosis. We analyze these findings critically, consider their therapeutic implications, and review the pharmacology and availability for research and therapeutics of M1R and M3R-selective agonists and antagonists. We conclude by considering gaps in knowledge and other factors that hinder the application of these drugs and the development of new agents to treat GI and liver diseases.
Oxalic Acid Preharvest Treatment Improves Colour and Quality of Seedless Table Grape ‘Magenta’ Upregulating on-Vine Abscisic Acid Metabolism, Relative VvNCED1 Gene Expression, and the Antioxidant System in Berries
Authors: García-Pastor María E. , Giménez María J. , Serna-Escolano Vicente , Guillén Fabián , Valero Daniel , Serrano María , García-Martínez Santiago , Terry Leon A. , Alamar M. Carmen , Zapata Pedro J.
Published: November 2021

Graphical Abstract 1

Experimental design for oxalic acid preharvest treatment and main results from a metabolomic approach on increasing colour and quality of table grape.
After the Pandemic: The Future of Italian Medicine. The Psychological Impact of COVID-19 on Medical and Other Healthcare-Related Degrees Students
Authors: De Micheli Giacomo , Vergani Laura , Mazzoni Davide , Marton Giulia
Published: November 2021

Objective: The study aimed to explore the psychological symptoms and the readiness to fight the pandemic of the new generation of healthcare professionals: medical and other healthcare degree students.

Methods: We enrolled 509 medical and healthcare-related degree students during the second outbreak of COVID-19 in Italy. We have examined their psychological symptoms using the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and their readiness to fight the pandemic together with their academic career status, their relationship with the university, and their emotional reactions to the pandemic with Visual Analog Scales.

Results: We retrieved a GHQ mean of 21.65 (SD = 40.63) and readiness to fight the pandemic mean of 53.58 (SD = 31.49). Perceived control affects variables: a negative effect on psychological symptoms and a positive effect on the willingness to fight the pandemic. The other variables with an impact were stress, loneliness, and anger that had a significant and positive impact on psychological symptoms. Age and concern for patients had a significant positive impact on readiness to fight for the pandemic, while years of attendance had a significant but negative impact.

Conclusion: Universities and Institutions should consider the impact of the pandemic on students, in particular, for its effect on their mental health.
The Perception of Physical Activity and Sports Professionals’ Competence in Working With Individuals With Disabilities in Spain
Authors: Gutiérrez-Conejo María , González-Rivera María-Dolores , Campos-Izquierdo Antonio
Published: November 2021

The importance of professional competence lies in the effective application of job-oriented knowledge and skills which guarantee one’s successful adaptation to the work. This study analyzes the perception of the importance of physical activity and sports (PAS) professionals’ competence in working with individuals with disabilities in Spain. As a descriptive quantitative study, face-to-face interviews were conducted through a survey to extract the data. The sample consisted of 214 PAS professionals working with people with disabilities. According to the results, the analyzed constituents of professional competence are important for adequate performance (>65%), with the exception of competences of leadership and use of new technologies (<50%). It was also found that the perceived importance of each element of professional competence varies according to age, experience and training. Based on the obtained results, the degree of importance of each constituent of professional competence and its implication for the access of people with disabilities to high-quality physical activity and sports services was determined.
The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 vs. the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression in Assessing Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Ma Simeng , Yang Jun , Yang Bingxiang , Kang Lijun , Wang Peilin , Zhang Nan , Wang Wei , Zong Xiaofen , Wang Ying , Bai Hanping , Guo Qingshan , Yao Lihua , Fang Li , Liu Zhongchun
Published: November 2021

Background: The Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD-17) has been used for several decades to assess the severity of depression. Multiple studies have documented defects in this scale and deemed it unsuitable for clinical evaluation. The HAMD-6, which is the abbreviated version of HAMD-17, has been shown to be effective in assessing the core symptoms of depression with greater sensitivity than HAMD-17. And the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) is suggested as an effective alternative to the HAMD-17 because of its simplicity and ease-of-use.

Methods: Research was completed involving 1,741 participants having major depressive disorder. Cronbach's alpha, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and weighted Kappa analysis was used to determine the reliability of the scales. Pearson correlation analysis and factor analysis were used to analyze validity. Item response theory (IRT) was used to analyze psychological characteristics of items in both the HAMD-17 and PHQ-9.

Results: Reliability analysis showed that the Cronbach's alpha of the HAMD-17, HAMD-6 and PHQ-9 were 0.829, 0.764, and 0.893 respectively, and the ICC of the three scales ranged from 0.606 to 0.744. The Kappa score of the consistency of depression severity assessment was 0.248. Validity analysis showed that the PHQ-9 was a single factor structure, and the total score of the scale was strongly correlated with the HAMD-17 (r = 0.724, P < 0.001). The IRT analysis showed that the discrimination parameters of the PHQ-9 were higher than that of the HAMD-17 in all dimensions. The HAMD-6 had the lowest measurement accuracy in distinguishing the severity of depression, while the PHQ-9 had the highest measurement accuracy.

Conclusion: Results showed that the PHQ-9 was satisfactory in terms of reliability, validity and distinguishing the severity of depression. It is a simple, rapid, effective and reliable tool which can be used as an alternative to the HAMD-17 to assess the severity of depression.
Challenges to Employing Shared Decision Making With Adults Under Community Supervision Who Have a Mental Illness
Authors: Matejkowski Jason
Published: November 2021

Adults under community corrections supervision and who have a mental illness (MI) are expected to comply with conditions of release which often include involvement with supportive social services. The rates of technical violation, arrest, and incarceration that result from failure to comply with these mandates are exceedingly high. Shared decision making among officer-supervisors and client-supervisees is a promising approach to promote engagement in community corrections services among supervisees who have MI. This paper reviews recent research on shared decision making and identifies three barriers to its implementation in this context: (1) a lack of role clarity, (2) a predilection for risk avoidance, and (3) stigma toward supervisees. Empirically supported recommendations are suggested to aid in overcoming these obstacles, facilitate shared decision making, and promote recovery among this population: (1) unification of supervisor rehabilitative and public safety roles, (2) maximizing opportunities for self-determination through low-stakes events and/or enhancement of supervisee strengths and capabilities, and (3) supervisor training in principles of mental health recovery.
Medication Adherence and Associated Factors in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Structural Equation Model
Authors: Huang Jing , Ding Shenglan , Xiong Shuyuan , Liu Zhiping
Published: November 2021

Background: The number of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) is increasing. Medication treatment is of great importance to stabilize blood glucose. Previous studies have reported that neuroticism, self-efficacy, and social support are factors associated with medication adherence, but few studies have fully investigated the mechanisms between these factors and medication adherence in patients with T2D.

Purpose: To explore the prevalence of medication adherence and the factors associated with medication adherence in patients with T2D.

Methods: A cross-sectional study consisting of 483 patients with T2D was conducted from July to December 2020. Questionnaires containing sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-8 (MMAS-8), the neuroticism subscale of the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire-Revised Short Scale (EPQ-RS), the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and the Diabetes Management Self-efficacy Scale (DMSES) were used to collect data. The structural equation model (SEM) was used to test the hypotheses.

Results: This study included 305 (63.1%) medication adherence and 178 (36.9%) medication non-adherence patients with T2D. Social support directly influenced medication adherence (β = 0.115, P = 0.029) and indirectly influenced medication adherence through self-efficacy (β = 0.044, P = 0.016). Self-efficacy directly influenced medication adherence (β = 0.139, P = 0.023). Neuroticism indirectly affected medication adherence through social support (β = −0.027, P = 0.023) and self-efficacy (β = −0.019, P = 0.014). Moreover, there was a sequential mediating effect of social support and self-efficacy on the relationship between neuroticism and medication adherence (β = −0.010, P = 0.012). After controlling for age and gender, similar results were obtained. The model fit indices showed a good fit.

Conclusions: The medication adherence of patients with T2D needs to be improved. Neuroticism, social support, and self-efficacy had direct or indirect effects on medication adherence in patients with T2D. Healthcare providers should comprehensively develop intervention programs based on neuroticism, social support, and self-efficacy to improve medication adherence in patients with T2D.
A Case-Control Study of Contextual Factors for SARS-CoV-2 Transmission
Authors: Leite Andreia , Leão Teresa , Soares Patrícia , Severo Milton , Moniz Marta , Lucas Raquel , Aguiar Pedro , Meireles Paula , Lunet Nuno , Nunes Carla , Barros Henrique
Published: November 2021

Background: Knowledge on the settings and activities associated with a higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission is essential to inform decision-making. We thus designed a case-control study to identify relevant settings for community transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in Portugal.

Methods: We evaluated 1,088 cases, identified through the national surveillance system, and 787 community controls, recruited using random digit dialing. Sociodemographic characteristics, individual protective measures, and activities or visited settings were obtained through telephone interview. We report sex-, age-, education-, and citizenship-adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).

Results: Household overcrowding (aOR = 1.47; 95% CI 1.14–1.91) and work in senior care (4.99; 1.30–33.08) increased while working remotely decreased the risk of infection (0.30; 0.22–0.42). Going to restaurants/other dining spaces (0.73; 0.59–0.91), grocery stores (0.44; 0.34–0.57) or hair salons (0.51; 0.39–0.66), or the use of public transportation did not present a higher risk of infection (0.98; 0.75–1.29), under existing mitigation strategies. Lower education ( ≤ 4 years vs. tertiary education: 1.79; 1.33–2.42) and no Portuguese citizenship (5.47; 3.43–9.22) were important risk factors.

Conclusions: The utilization of public transportation, restaurants, and commercial spaces was not associated with increased risk of infection, under capacity restrictions, physical distancing, use of masks, and hygiene measures. Overcrowding, foreign citizenship, low education and working on-site were positively associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Hydropic Ear Disease: Correlation Between Audiovestibular Symptoms, Endolymphatic Hydrops and Blood-Labyrinth Barrier Impairment
Authors: de Pont Lisa M. H. , van Steekelenburg Josephine M. , Verhagen Thijs O. , Houben Maartje , Goeman Jelle J. , Verbist Berit M. , van Buchem Mark A. , Bommeljé Claire C. , Blom Henk M. , Hammer Sebastiaan
Published: November 2021

Research Objective: To investigate the correlation between clinical features and MRI-confirmed endolymphatic hydrops (EH) and blood-labyrinth barrier (BLB) impairment.

Study Design: Retrospective cross-sectional study.

Setting: Vertigo referral center (Haga Teaching Hospital, The Hague, the Netherlands).

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed all patients that underwent 4 h-delayed Gd-enhanced 3D FLAIR MRI at our institution from February 2017 to March 2019. Perilymphatic enhancement and the degree of cochlear and vestibular hydrops were assessed. The signal intensity ratio (SIR) was calculated by region of interest analysis. Correlations between MRI findings and clinical features were evaluated.

Results: Two hundred and fifteen patients with MRI-proven endolymphatic hydrops (EH) were included (179 unilateral, 36 bilateral) with a mean age of 55.9 yrs and median disease duration of 4.3 yrs. Hydrops grade is significantly correlated with disease duration (P < 0.001), the severity of low- and high-frequency hearing loss (both P < 0.001), and the incidence of drop attacks (P = 0.001). Visually increased perilymphatic enhancement was present in 157 (87.7%) subjects with unilateral EH. SIR increases in correlation with hydrops grade (P < 0.001), but is not significantly correlated with the low or high Fletcher index (P = 0.344 and P = 0.178 respectively). No significant differences were found between the degree of EH or BLB impairment and vertigo, tinnitus or aural fullness.

Conclusion: The degree of EH positively correlates with disease duration, hearing loss and the incidence of drop attacks. The BLB is impaired in association with EH grade, but without clear contribution to the severity of audiovestibular symptoms.
Skin Mycobiota of the Captive Giant Panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) and the Distribution of Opportunistic Dermatomycosis-Associated Fungi in Different Seasons
Authors: Ma Xiaoping , Li Gen , Jiang Yaozhang , He Ming , Wang Chengdong , Gu Yu , Ling Shanshan , Cao Sanjie , Wen Yiping , Zhao Qin , Wu Rui , Zuo Zhicai , Zhong Zhijun , Peng Guangneng
Published: November 2021

Dermatomycosis is the second major cause of morbidity in giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca), and seriously endangers its health. Previous observations indicated that the occurrence of dermatomycosis in the giant panda varies in different seasons. The skin microbiota is a complex ecosystem, but knowledge on the community structure and the pathogenic potentials of fungi on the skin of the giant panda remains limited. In this study, samples from the giant panda skin in different seasons were collected, and the mycobiota were profiled by 18S rRNA gene sequencing. In total, 375 genera in 38 phyla were detected, with Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, Streptophyta, and Chlorophyta as the predominant phyla and Trichosporon, Guehomyces, Davidiella, Chlorella, Asterotremella, and Klebsormidium as the predominant genera. The skin mycobiota of the giant panda changed in the seasons, and the diversity and abundance of the skin fungi were significantly higher in spring, autumn, and summer than in the winter. Several dermatomycosis-associated fungi were detected as opportunists in the skin mycobiota of healthy giant pandas. Clinical dermatomycosis in the giant panda is observed more in summer and autumn. In this study, the results indicated that the high diversity and abundance of the skin fungi may have enhanced the occurrence of dermatomycosis in autumn and summer, and that dermatomycosis-associated fungi are the normal components of the skin mycobiota.
Identification and Validation of a Novel Major QTL Controlling Leaf Pubescence in the Chinese Wheat Landrace ‘Baimaomai’
Authors: Liu Zehou , Wang Qin , Wan Hongshen , Yang Fan , Li Shizhao , Yang Manyu , Luo Jiangtao , Zheng Jianmin , Deng Qingyan , Long Hai , Deng Guangbing , Yang Ning , Li Jun , Yang Wuyun
Published: November 2021

Leaf pubescence is an important trait closely associated with plant adaptability to specialized habitats. Baimaomai (BMM) is a wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) landrace originating from the high-altitude, drought-prone environment of Sichuan Province, China with long, dense leaf pubescence. A population of 234 recombinant inbred lines (F10) developed from the cross between Chuanmai104 (CM104), which lacks leaf pubescence, and BMM with pubescent leaves, was used to conduct a phenotypic evaluation of leaf pubescence. Three quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were detected on chromosome arms 7BS, 3DL and 3AL using a high-density wheat 50K single-nucleotide polymorphism array in four environments. The QTLs were designated QLp.saas-7BS, QLp.saas-3DL and QLp.saas-3AL. QLp.saas-3AL, derived from BMM, and QLp.saas-3DL, derived from CM104, were new minor-effect loci. QLp.saas-7BS, derived from BMM, was a novel major-effect locus detected in all environments and was localized in a 0.48 Mb interval on chromosome arm 7BS based on the wheat ‘Chinese Spring’ reference genome. QLp.saas-7BS explained up to 40.77% of the total phenotypic variance. KASP markers tightly linked to QLp.saas-7BS were developed and verified. The present results provide valuable information for further fine mapping, cloning, and marker-assisted selection with QLp.saas-7BS in wheat.
Co-Developing an Antibiotic Stewardship Tool for Dentistry: Shared Decision-Making for Adults with Toothache or Infection
Authors: Thompson Wendy , Sandoe Jonathan , Pavitt Sue , Walsh Tanya , Byrne-Davis Lucie
Published: November 2021

Dentistry is responsible for around 10% of antibiotic prescribing across global healthcare, with up to 80% representing inappropriate use. Facilitating shared decision-making has been shown to optimise antibiotic prescribing (antibiotic stewardship) in primary medical care. Our aim was to co-develop a shared decision-making antibiotic stewardship tool for dentistry. Dentists, patients and other stakeholders prioritised factors to include in the new tool, based on previous research (a systematic review and ethnographic study) about dentists’ decision-making during urgent appointments. Candidate behaviour-change techniques were identified using the Behaviour Change Wheel and selected based on suitability for a shared decision-making approach. A ‘think aloud’ study helped fine-tune the tool design and Crystal Marking ensured clarity of messaging. The resulting paper-based worksheet for use at point-of-care incorporated various behaviour change techniques, such as: ’information about (and salience of) health consequences’, ‘prompts and cues’, ‘restructuring the physical (and social) environment’ and ‘credible sources’. The think aloud study confirmed the tool’s acceptability to dentists and patients, and resulted in the title: ‘Step-by-step guide to fixing your toothache.’ Further testing will be necessary to evaluate its efficacy at safely reducing dental antibiotic prescribing during urgent dental appointments in England and, with translation, to other dental contexts globally.
Cellular Mechanisms and Therapies in Wound Healing: Looking toward the Future
Authors: Bacci Stefano
Published: November 2021

The high professionalism of these publications consists, on the one hand, of revealing some of the mechanisms underlying wound healing and, on the other hand, of proposing alternative therapies for the fine control of inflammation following injury to avoid fibrotic scars or impaired wounds [...]
UAV Patrolling for Wildfire Monitoring by a Dynamic Voronoi Tessellation on Satellite Data
Authors: Giuseppi Alessandro , Germanà Roberto , Fiorini Federico , Delli Priscoli Francesco , Pietrabissa Antonio
Published: November 2021

Fire monitoring and early detection are critical tasks in which Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are commonly employed. This paper presents a system to plan the drone patrolling schedule according to a real-time estimation of a fire propagation index that is derived from satellite data, such as the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) measurement and the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) of the surveilled area. The proposed system employs a waypoint scheduling logic, derived from a dynamic Voronoi Tessellation of the area, that combines characteristics of the territory (e.g., vegetation density) with real-time measurements (e.g., wind speed and direction). The system is validated on a case study in Italy, in the municipality of the city of L’Aquila, on three different fire scenarios. In normal situations, the designed waypoint-based navigation system provided an effective monitoring of the area, enabling the early detection of starting fires. The developed solution also demonstrated good performance in tracking and anticipating the fire front advance, potentially providing a better situational awareness to emergency operators and support their response policies. Both the test environment and the simulator have been made open-source.
Equity Gaps in Education: Nine Points toward More Transparency
Authors: Ziegler Albert , Kuo Ching-Chih , Eu Sen-Peng , Gläser-Zikuda Michaela , Nuñez Miguelina , Yu Hsiao-Ping , Harder Bettina
Published: November 2021

The aim of this paper is to increase transparency in the scientific analysis of equity gaps in education. This should be useful in avoiding common ambiguities and misunderstandings in the discourse and in presenting the analyses results in a constructive way. We focused on a very basic aspect of transparency: Information availability. We identified nine topics related to the constitutive terms: “equity”, “gap”, and “education”, topics for which information is often only implicitly or selectively transmitted or not transmitted at all. Regarding the constitutive term “equity”, and as the possible sources of transparency problems, we analyzed (1) the type of equity model, (2) the underlying distribution model, and (3) the group concept between which equity gaps exist. For the clarification of the constitutive term “gap”, we addressed (4) the applicability issue, (5) the indicator issue, (6) the reference issue, and (7) the significance issue. The last two sources of transparency problems were related to the constitutive term “education” and referred to (8) the location of the equity gap within or outside education and (9) the characterization of the equity gap within education. For each of the nine topics, we highlight the biggest problems of understanding and propose solutions.
Dynamics of Shock Structure and Frontal Drag Force in a Supersonic Flow Past a Blunt Cone under the Action of Plasma Formation
Authors: Znamenskaya Irina , Chernikov Vladimir , Azarova Olga
Published: November 2021

The paper is devoted to the experimental and CFD investigation of a plasma formation impact on the supersonic flow over a body “blunt cone-cylinder”. In the experiments, a series of schlieren pictures of bow shock wave–blast waves non-stationary interaction was obtained with the use of high speed shadowgraphy. The accompanying calculations are based on the system of Euler equations. The freestream Mach number is 3.1. The plasmoid is modeled by the instantaneous release of energy into a bounded volume of gas, increasing the pressure in the volume. The research of the dynamics of a shock wave structure caused by the bow shock wave and blast flow interaction has been conducted. The significant value of energy released to a supersonic flow (500J) allowed constructing a diagram of the generation and dynamics of the resulting shock waves and contact discontinuities, as well as obtaining a significant drop in the drag force and stagnation pressure (up to 80%). The dynamics of a low density and high gas temperature zone, which becomes the main factor reducing the frontal body drag force, was researched. The dynamics of the front surface drag forces have been studied for different values of the plasmoid energy as well. Qualitative agreement of the numerical flow patterns with the experiment ones has been obtained.
Hilfer–Hadamard Fractional Boundary Value Problems with Nonlocal Mixed Boundary Conditions
Authors: Ahmad Bashir , Ntouyas Sotiris K.
Published: November 2021

This paper is concerned with the existence and uniqueness of solutions for a Hilfer–Hadamard fractional differential equation, supplemented with mixed nonlocal (multi-point, fractional integral multi-order and fractional derivative multi-order) boundary conditions. The existence of a unique solution is obtained via Banach contraction mapping principle, while the existence results are established by applying the fixed point theorems due to Krasnoselskiĭ and Schaefer and Leray–Schauder nonlinear alternatives. We demonstrate the application of the main results by presenting numerical examples. We also derive the existence results for the cases of convex and non-convex multifunctions involved in the multi-valued analogue of the problem at hand.
An Efficient Void Aware Framework for Enabling Internet of Underwater Things
Authors: Khasawneh Ahmad M. , Altalhi Maryam , Kumar Arvind , Aggarwal Geetika , Kaiwartya Omprakash , Khalifeh Ala’ , Al-Khasawneh Mahmoud Ahmad , Alarood Ala Abdulsalam
Published: November 2021

The Internet of Underwater Things (IoUT) is an emerging area in marine science and engineering. It has witnessed significant research and development attention from both academia and industries due to its growing underwater use cases in oceanographic data collection, pollution monitoring, seismic monitoring, tactical surveillance, and assisted navigation for waterway transport. Information dissemination in the underwater network environment is very critical considering network dynamism, unattainable nodes, and limited resources of the tiny IoUT devices. Existing techniques are majorly based on location-centric beacon messages, which results in higher energy consumption, and wastage of computing resources in tiny IoUT devices. Towards this end, this paper presents an efficient void aware (EVA) framework for information dissemination in IoUT environment. Network architecture is modeled considering potential void region identification in the underwater network environment. An efficient void aware (EVA) information dissemination framework is proposed focusing on detecting void network region, and intelligent void aware data forwarding. The comparative performance evaluation attests to the benefits of the proposed framework in terms of energy consumption, network lifetime, packet delivery ratio, and end-to-end delay for information dissemination in IoUT.
Semantic-Based Assembly Precision Optimization Strategy Considering Assembly Process Capacity
Authors: Shi Xiaolin , Tian Xitian , Wang Gangfeng , Zhao Dongping
Published: November 2021

Assembly precision optimization is an important means to ensure product accuracy, including two aspects: on the one hand, the relevant deviations of out-of-tolerance key characteristics are reduced to the design tolerance range; on the other hand, the deviation fluctuation range of key characteristics with a large process capability index (Cp) can be extended to achieve the balance between accuracy, process capacity, and production cost. By virtue of the accumulated experience, a fast solution can be provided for the out-of-tolerance problem. Therefore, a semantic-based assembly precision optimization method considering process capacity is proposed in this paper. By constructing an ontology model between Cp and optimization strategy, a reasonable assembly precision optimization strategy can be pushed based on product accuracy analysis results. Firstly, an assembly precision optimization semantic model is established by association between analysis results, out-of-tolerance key characteristics, assembly process, and tolerance adjustment defined with Web Ontology Language (OWL) assertions. Furtherly, according to different Cp corresponding to different assembly success rates, Semantics Web Rule Language (SWRL) rules based on Cp are constructed to the push optimization strategy. Finally, the effectiveness of the model is illustrated by an aircraft inner flap.
Boosting Atomic Orbit Search Using Dynamic-Based Learning for Feature Selection
Authors: Elaziz Mohamed Abd , Abualigah Laith , Yousri Dalia , Oliva Diego , Al-Qaness Mohammed A. A. , Nadimi-Shahraki Mohammad H. , Ewees Ahmed A. , Lu Songfeng , Ali Ibrahim Rehab
Published: November 2021

Feature selection (FS) is a well-known preprocess step in soft computing and machine learning algorithms. It plays a critical role in different real-world applications since it aims to determine the relevant features and remove other ones. This process (i.e., FS) reduces the time and space complexity of the learning technique used to handle the collected data. The feature selection methods based on metaheuristic (MH) techniques established their performance over all the conventional FS methods. So, in this paper, we presented a modified version of new MH techniques named Atomic Orbital Search (AOS) as FS technique. This is performed using the advances of dynamic opposite-based learning (DOL) strategy that is used to enhance the ability of AOS to explore the search domain. This is performed by increasing the diversity of the solutions during the searching process and updating the search domain. A set of eighteen datasets has been used to evaluate the efficiency of the developed FS approach, named AOSD, and the results of AOSD are compared with other MH methods. From the results, AOSD can reduce the number of features by preserving or increasing the classification accuracy better than other MH techniques.
Observation of a Change in Human Attitude in a Decision Making Process Equipped with an Interference of a Third Party
Authors: Mahmood Asma , Raza Mohsan
Published: November 2021

In this paper, the attitudes of experts are observed for the possible changes after taking a certain decision. The decision is taken by two persons with different fields of expertise. There is also an annotation of such changes due to the interference of a third person, which is main idea of this paper. These observations are done by developing fuzzy soft differential equations with the help of optimum fuzzy soft constants (OFSCs), which are obtained through the ranking coefficients. The ranking of alternatives is based on the coefficients, which are obtained through a decision-making process. Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) is exploited to rank the alternatives, and the attitudes of resource persons are examined through phase portraits and line graphs of the respective system of differential equations. The utilization of TOPSIS is a practice of multi-criteria decision-making in the analysis of human behaviours. Dual hesitant fuzzy soft sets are taken to represent the initial data.
A Fractional-Order Chaotic Sparrow Search Algorithm for Enhancement of Long Distance Iris Image
Authors: Xiong Qi , Zhang Xinman , He Shaobo , Shen Jun
Published: November 2021

At present, iris recognition has been widely used as a biometrics-based security enhancement technology. However, in some application scenarios where a long-distance camera is used, due to the limitations of equipment and environment, the collected iris images cannot achieve the ideal image quality for recognition. To solve this problem, we proposed a modified sparrow search algorithm (SSA) called chaotic pareto sparrow search algorithm (CPSSA) in this paper. First, fractional-order chaos is introduced to enhance the diversity of the population of sparrows. Second, we introduce the Pareto distribution to modify the positions of finders and scroungers in the SSA. These can not only ensure global convergence, but also effectively avoid the local optimum issue. Third, based on the traditional contrast limited adaptive histogram equalization (CLAHE) method, CPSSA is used to find the best clipping limit value to limit the contrast. The standard deviation, edge content, and entropy are introduced into the fitness function to evaluate the enhancement effect of the iris image. The clipping values vary with the pictures, which can produce a better enhancement effect. The simulation results based on the 12 benchmark functions show that the proposed CPSSA is superior to the traditional SSA, particle swarm optimization algorithm (PSO), and artificial bee colony algorithm (ABC). Finally, CPSSA is applied to enhance the long-distance iris images to demonstrate its robustness. Experiment results show that CPSSA is more efficient for practical engineering applications. It can significantly improve the image contrast, enrich the image details, and improve the accuracy of iris recognition.
Bibliometrics of Machine Learning Research Using Homomorphic Encryption
Authors: Chen Zhigang , Hu Gang , Zheng Mengce , Song Xinxia , Chen Liqun
Published: November 2021

Since the first fully homomorphic encryption scheme was published in 2009, many papers have been published on fully homomorphic encryption and its applications. Machine learning is one of the most interesting applications and has drawn a lot of attention from researchers. To better represent and understand the field of Homomorphic Encryption in Machine Learning (HEML), this paper utilizes automated citation and topic analysis to characterize the HEML research literature over the years and provide the bibliometrics assessments for this burgeoning field. This is conducted by using a bibliometric statistical analysis approach. We make use of web-based literature databases and automated tools to present the development of HEML. This allows us to target several popular topics for in-depth discussion. To achieve these goals, we have chosen the well-established Scopus literature database and analyzed them through keyword counts and Scopus relevance searches. The results show a relative increase in the number of papers published each year that involve both homomorphic cryptography and machine learning. Using text mining of articles titles, we have found that cloud computing is a popular topic in this field, which also includes neural networks, big data, and the Internet of Things. The analysis results show that China, the US, and India have generated almost half of all the research contributions in HEML. The citation statistics, keyword statistics, and topic analyses give us a quick overview of the development of the field, which can be of great help to new researchers. It is also possible to apply our methodology to other research areas, and we see great value in this approach.
Comparison and Explanation of Forecasting Algorithms for Energy Time Series
Authors: Zhang Yuyi , Ma Ruimin , Liu Jing , Liu Xiuxiu , Petrosian Ovanes , Krinkin Kirill
Published: November 2021

In this work, energy time series forecasting competitions from the Schneider Company, the Kaggle Online platform, and the American society ASHRAE were considered. These competitions include power generation and building energy consumption forecasts. The datasets used in these competitions are based on reliable and real sensor records. In addition, exogenous variables are accurately added to the dataset. All of these ensure the richness of the information contained in the dataset, which is crucial for energy management. Therefore, (1) We choose to study forecast models suitable for energy management on these energy datasets; (2) Forecast models including popular algorithm structures such as neural network models and ensemble models. In addition, as an innovation, we introduce the Explainable AI method (SHAP) to explain models with excellent performance indicators, thereby strengthening its trust and transparency; (3) The results show that the performance of the integrated model in these competitions is more stable and efficient, and in the integrated model, the advantages of LightGBM are more obvious; (4) Through the interpretation of SHAP, we found that the lagging characteristics of the building area and target variables are important features.
Hidden and Latent Factors’ Influence on Digital Technology Sustainability Development
Authors: Ginters Egils , Revathy Jagadeesh Chakkaravarthy
Published: November 2021

The modern world can be described as a sociotechnical system, the existence and development of which are determined by the successful interaction of technology and society. When introducing a technology, it is important to assess its potential sustainability. There are currently more than a hundred different sustainability assessment methods that allow for the sustainability of a technology to be predicted on the basis of a quantitative assessment of basic impact indicators. However, as the complexity of technology increases, there are hidden and latent factors inherent in technology that sooner or later affect the sustainability of technology and pose significant risks. Identifying these factors is particularly important for digital technologies, as they are the backbone of any other current technology. The aim of this article is to identify and explain the impact of a set of hidden and latent factors on the sustainability of digital technologies by using a system dynamics simulation and the possibilities offered by Bayesian networks. The results of this study are useful for technology sustainability researchers, technology authors, and investors.