bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Potential Route to Reduce Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Organ Preservation
Authors: Micó-Carnero Marc , Zaouali Mohamed Amine , Rojano-Alfonso Carlos , Maroto-Serrat Cristina , Ben Abdennebi Hassen , Peralta Carmen
Published: September 2022

The pathophysiological process of ischemia and reperfusion injury (IRI), an inevitable step in organ transplantation, causes important biochemical and structural changes that can result in serious organ damage. IRI is relevant for early graft dysfunction and graft survival. Today, in a global context of organ shortages, most organs come from extended criteria donors (ECDs), which are more sensitive to IRI. The main objective of organ preservation solutions is to protect against IRI through the application of specific, nonphysiological components, under conditions of no blood or oxygen, and then under conditions of metabolic reduction by hypothermia. The composition of hypothermic solutions includes osmotic and oncotic buffering components, and they are intracellular (rich in potassium) or extracellular (rich in sodium). However, above all, they all contain the same type of components intended to protect against IRI, such as glutathione, adenosine and allopurinol. These components have not changed for more than 30 years, even though our knowledge of IRI, and much of the relevant literature, questions their stability or efficacy. In addition, several pharmacological molecules have been the subjects of preclinical studies to optimize this protection. Among them, trimetazidine, tacrolimus and carvedilol have shown the most benefits. In fact, these drugs are already in clinical use, and it is a question of repositioning them for this novel use, without additional risk. This new strategy of including them would allow us to shift from cold storage solutions to cold preservation solutions including multitarget pharmacological components, offering protection against IRI and thus protecting today’s more vulnerable organs.
Current Understanding of Asthma Pathogenesis and Biomarkers
Authors: Habib Nazia , Pasha Muhammad Asghar , Tang Dale D.
Published: September 2022

Asthma is a heterogeneous lung disease with variable phenotypes (clinical presentations) and distinctive endotypes (mechanisms). Over the last decade, considerable efforts have been made to dissect the cellular and molecular mechanisms of asthma. Aberrant T helper type 2 (Th2) inflammation is the most important pathological process for asthma, which is mediated by Th2 cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-5, IL-4, and IL-13. Approximately 50% of mild-to-moderate asthma and a large portion of severe asthma is induced by Th2-dependent inflammation. Th2-low asthma can be mediated by non-Th2 cytokines, including IL-17 and tumor necrosis factor-α. There is emerging evidence to demonstrate that inflammation-independent processes also contribute to asthma pathogenesis. Protein kinases, adapter protein, microRNAs, ORMDL3, and gasdermin B are newly identified molecules that drive asthma progression, independent of inflammation. Eosinophils, IgE, fractional exhaled nitric oxide, and periostin are practical biomarkers for Th2-high asthma. Sputum neutrophils are easily used to diagnose Th2-low asthma. Despite progress, more studies are needed to delineate complex endotypes of asthma and to identify new and practical biomarkers for better diagnosis, classification, and treatment.
Composite Ceramics in the Na2O–CaO–SiO2–P2O5 System Obtained from Pastes including Hydroxyapatite and an Aqueous Solution of Sodium Silicate
Authors: Kaimonov Maksim , Safronova Tatiana , Shatalova Tatiana , Filippov Yaroslav , Tikhomirova Irina , Sergeev Nikollay
Published: September 2022

The new approach to obtaining ceramic materials in the Na2O–CaO–SiO2–P2O5 system based on the binder—an aqueous solution of sodium silicate and filler—hydroxyapatite was shown in current research. After heat treatment at 500 °C and 700 °C, the ceramic samples included non-reacted hydroxyapatite Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2, β-rhenanite β-NaCaPO4 and sodium calcium silicophosphate Na2Ca4(PO4)2SiO4. An increase in temperature to 900 °C and 1100 °C allowed to obtain ceramic materials with the following phases: devitrite Na2Ca3Si6O16, β-rhenanite β-NaCaPO4, β-wollastonite β-CaSiO3, and silicon dioxide SiO2. The strength of ceramic samples rose with increasing temperature from ≈7.0 MPa (bending) and ≈7.2 MPa (compression) at 500 °C to ≈9.5 MPa (bending) and ≈31.6 MPa (compression) at 1100 °C. At the same time, the apparent density decreased from 1.71 g/cm3 to 1.15 g/cm3. The top of the compressive strength equal to 31.6 MPa was observed when the apparent density was 1.15 g/cm3. Obtained ceramics consisted of biocompatible phases, widely studied in the literature; thus, it confirms the possibility of using an aqueous solution of sodium silicate in medical materials science.
Modelling of Lead Corrosion in Contact with an Anaerobic HCl Solution, Influence of the Corrosion Product Presence
Authors: Menut Martin , Lequien Florence
Published: September 2022

The present study outlines the first steps in modelling lead corrosion upon contact with an anaerobic HCI solution. These developments, completed with COMSOL Multiphysics, were carried out in dimension 1 of space. This process took place across several stages such that each could be studied and validated. This article presents the governing equations, parameters, and results of these simulations. When lead is immersed in a deaerated HCl solution, its dissolution leads to saturation of the electrolyte with the consequent precipitation of corrosion product. The PbCl2 corrosion product is simulated with a porous domain using either fixed or variable porosity. The results show a PbCl2 development that takes place through growth in space as well as through densification. The simulation highlights the fact that the PbCl2 layer is more compact near the surface of the electrode in accordance with the place of creation of the lead ions. These simulation results are compared with experimental data that validate the first approach.
Thermal Transport Properties of Na2X (X = O and S) Monolayers
Authors: Yan Xinxin , Cao Wei , Li Haohuan
Published: September 2022

Motivated by the excellent functional thin film devices made from two-dimensional materials, we investigated the thermal transport properties of Na2X (X = O and S) monolayers using first-principle calculations. The thermal conductivity at room temperature was 1.055 W/mK and 1.822 W/mK for the Na2O monolayers and Na2S monolayers, respectively. The high thermal conductivity for the Na2S monolayers is mainly contributed to by in-plane transverse acoustic (TA) phonons. The group velocity for the Na2S monolayers exhibits lower group velocity and a larger phonon relaxation time than the Na2O monolayers. Our results are helpful for functional thin film devices made using Na2X (X = O and S) monolayers.
Comparison of K340 Steel Microstructure and Mechanical Properties Using Shallow and Deep Cryogenic Treatment
Authors: Jovičević-Klug Patricia , Tóth László , Podgornik Bojan
Published: September 2022

In this research, Böhler K340 cold work tool steel was subjected to three different heat treatment protocols, conventional heat treatment (CHT), shallow cryogenic treatment (SCT), and deep cryogenic treatment (DCT). The study compares the effect of SCT and DCT on the microstructure and consequently on the selected mechanical properties (micro- and macroscale hardness and impact toughness). The study shows no significant difference in macroscale hardness after the different heat treatments. However, the microhardness values indicate a slightly lower hardness in the case of SCT and DCT. Microstructure analysis with light (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicated a finer and more homogenous microstructure with smaller lath size and preferential orientation of the martensitic matrix in SCT and DCT samples compared to CHT. In addition, the uniform precipitation of more spherical and finer carbides is determined for both cryogenic treatments. Moreover, the precipitation of small dispersed secondary carbides is observed in SCT and DCT, whereas in the CHT counterparts, these carbide types were not detected. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) confirms that SCT and DCT are very effective in minimizing the amount of retained austenite down to 1.8 vol.% for SCT and even below 1 vol.% for the DCT variant.
Nanomechanical Characterization of High-Velocity Oxygen-Fuel NiCoCrAlYCe Coating
Authors: Zhou Feifei , Guo Donghui , Xu Baosheng , Wang Yiguang , Wang You
Published: September 2022

MCrAlY (M = Ni or/and Co) coatings have played an indispensable role in the high-temperature protection system for key components of aero-engines due to their excellent high-temperature oxidation and hot corrosion resistance. Nanoindentation is a useful and highly efficient method for characterizing the nanomechanical properties of materials. The rich information reflecting materials can be gained by load-displacement curves. In addition to common parameters such as elastic modulus and nanohardness, the indentation work and creep property at room temperature can also be extracted. Herein, nanomechanical properties of NiCoCrAlYCe coatings using high-velocity oxygen-fuel (HVOF) spraying were investigated systematically by nanoindentation. The microstructure of as-sprayed NiCoCrAlYCe coatings present mono-modal distribution. Results of nanoindentation reveal that the elastic modulus and nanohardness of NiCoCrAlYCe coatings are 121.08 ± 10.04 GPa and 6.09 ± 0.86 Gpa, respectively. Furthermore, the indentation work of coatings was also characterized. The elastic indentation work is 10.322 ± 0.721 nJ, and the plastic indentation work is 22.665 ± 1.702 nJ. The ratio of the plastic work to the total work of deformation during indentation is 0.687 ± 0.024, which can predict excellent wear resistance for NiCoCrAlYCe coatings. Meanwhile, the strain rate sensitivity determined by nanoindentation is 0.007 ± 0.001 at room temperature. These results can provide prediction of erosion resistance for MCrAlY coatings.
Morphology Modification of Mg2Si by Solution Treatment and Its Effects on the Mechanical Properties of TiB2/Mg-4Al-1.5Si Composites
Authors: Liu Jian , Chen Xiaogang , Wang Wuxiao , Qin Shaoyong , Xu Haoran
Published: September 2022

TiB2/Mg-4Al-1.5Si magnesium matrix composites were prepared by semi-solid stirring assisted ultrasonic treatment, the primary Mg2Si phases in the composites exhibit polygon with sharp corners, and the eutectic Mg2Si phases appear thin Chinese-script or short-strip shape. To reduce stress concentration around the sharp corners (tips) of the Mg2Si phases, the morphology of the Mg2Si phases was further modified by solution treatment at 420 °C for 24 h, and the effects of the morphology modification of the Mg2Si phases on the mechanical properties of the composites were investigated. The results showed that after the solution treatment, the sharp corners of the primary Mg2Si phases were blunted, and the partial branches of the eutectic Mg2Si phases were dissolved into particles. The Vickers-hardness, ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation of the composites were increased by 11.50%, 33.28%, 28.57%, and 27.17% compared with those of unmodified composites, respectively. The solution treatment exhibits a more significant strengthening effect for the composites in hardness, ultimate tensile strength, and yield strength compared with the matrix alloys.
Writer Performance Optimization with Shingled Rounded Corner and Exchange Coupled Composite Media
Authors: Xie Guoqiang , Wu Yuan
Published: September 2022

The shingled magnetic recording (SMR) with exchange coupled composite (ECC) media is a feasible method to achieve the areal density of multi-Tera-bit/in2. However, a rounded corner is inevitable due to deviations from the fabrication process of a shingled writer. The rounded corner is modeled and characterized by two parameters: the rounded angle (θ) and the corner length (L). This paper investigates the influence of the rounded corner effect on the field distribution, writing capability, bit error rate (BER), and erase band width (EBW) of SMR. The analysis suggests that an optimized structure of rounded corner can increase the write field gradient and reduce the stray field to avoid adjacent track encroachment. The results show that if the shingled rounded corner writer with θ = 40° and L = 3 nm is elaborately constructed, the write field gradient can attain a peak value of 552 Oe/nm, and the write performance of the recording system can be improved.
The Large-Scale Investigation and Analysis of Lophodermium piceae in Subalpine Areas Based on Satellite Multi-Spectral Remote Sensing
Authors: Luo Xin , Feng Qian , Jia Yuzhen , Chen Hongyan , Song Yiyun , Xu Wenbo
Published: September 2022

Picea asperata, a common tree species in the subalpine areas of Li County, Sichuan Province, China, is susceptible to Lophodermium piceae. Remote sensing has the advantages of large-scale, fast information acquisition, and low cost, which can overcome the shortcomings of ground survey. Hence, we used Landsat 8 satellite multi-spectral images and forest resource distribution data to investigate and analyze this forest disease at a large scale. Firstly, we extracted the spatial distribution information of Picea asperata and chose a temporal sequence indicator to establish a regression model and obtained a significantly negative correlation between the damage degree of plants and the change rate of normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). Accordingly, the investigation results of the disease have good consistency with the ground survey data in spatial distribution and damage degree. On this basis, a temporal regression analysis was performed by combining the remote sensing investigation results with climate variables, and canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) was utilized in the spatial comprehensive analysis of Lophodermium piceae with terrain, soil and forest stand factors. Conclusively, this study effectively coped with the difficulties in full investigation and analysis of Lophodermium piceae in ecologically fragile subalpine areas of Western Sichuan. It is of important reference value in the early warning and monitoring of this disease, and also provides objective and reliable information support for ecological restoration and management planning in the Wenchuan earthquake-stricken areas.
Can Larix sp. Mill. Provide Suitable Habitats for Insects and Lichens Associated with Stems of Picea abies (L.) H. Karst. in Northern Europe?
Authors: Lynikienė Jūratė , Gedminas Artūras , Marčiulynas Adas , Marčiulynienė Diana , Menkis Audrius
Published: September 2022

Recent observations suggest that climate change affects the growth conditions and range of tree species distribution in Europe. This may also have a major effect on communities of different organisms associated with these tree species. We aimed to determine whether Larix sp. could provide suitable habitats to insects and lichens associated with P. abies to conserve their biodiversity under climate change. The study sites were 10 Larix sp. and 10 P. abies forest stands in Lithuania. Both living and dead trees were included. Sticky traps, bark sheets, and exit hole methods were used for the assessment of insects. Independent plots on tree stems were established for the assessment of lichens. There were 76 and 67 different insect species on dead and living P. abies, respectively, using sticky traps. Similarly, there were 64 and 68 on dead and living Larix sp., respectively. The overall community of xylophagous insects consisted of nine and eight species, which were detected using the bark sheet and exit hole methods, respectively. The bark area colonized by lichens was 34.3% on dead P. abies and 63.2% on dead Larix sp., and 40.4% on living P. abies and 78.0% on living Larix sp. Taken together, the results demonstrate that native P. abies and introduced Larix sp. support similar diversity of stem-associated insect and lichen species.
Review of the Cyanobacterial Genus Phormidesmis (Leptolyngbyaceae) with the Description of Apatinema gen. nov.
Authors: Davydov Denis , Vilnet Anna
Published: September 2022

Cyanobacteria are crucial components of biological soil crusts of polar landscapes and carry out many functions in subaerial environments. Simple untapered filamentous cyanobacteria are typically in the terrestrial biotopes. They appear to be a group with an abundance of cryptic taxa. We isolated 23 strains of cyanobacteria from the different habitats of the Arctic and temperate zone, from 10 locations in order to characterize their morphological and genotypic diversity. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted on the 16S and 16S–23S ITS rRNA gene regions using Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood. A morphological comparison of the isolated strains with similar known species, as well as its phylogenetic analyses, revealed that they belong to three species of the genus Phormidesmis (P. nigrescens, P. pristley, and P. communis)—and to the previously unknown genus of Leptolyngbyaceae. Using an integrative approach, we provide here a description of a new taxon Apatinema gen. nov.
Wind Pressure Distribution on the Façade of Stand-Alone Atypically Shaped High-Rise Building Determined by CFD Simulation and Wind Tunnel Tests
Authors: Ivánková Oľga , Hubová Oľga , Macák Marek , Vojteková Eva , Konečná Lenka Bujdáková
Published: September 2022

The investigation of wind pressure distribution on a façade of an atypically shaped 162 m tall building is discussed in this paper. The horizontal cross-section was changed with the height of the structure (the square in the bottom part and the polygon in the top). The surface of the structure was smooth. A structural system was created using a combination of the tube structural system and exoskeleton structure. The building was stand-alone, located in urban terrain. In this case, the information in standards were not sufficient for its design. Therefore, other available tools had to be used for the determination of required input parameters (mean external pressure coefficients). At first, wind tunnel tests (WT) were performed on a reduced-scale model (1:300). Then, the obtained results were compared with data from a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation. The accuracy of the simulation was evaluated by the method of three metrics. Short descriptions of the reduced-scale model, boundary layer wind tunnel, used measuring devices, and the methodology of tests are mentioned. The aim of this research was to identify the influence of the shape modification on the values of mean external pressure coefficients (in the comparison with the original shape, which was the cuboid). In the case of the cuboid, good agreement between the values determined by the CFD and the values from Eurocode was achieved. Larger discrepancies occurred on the roof. The modification of the total shape of the structure from the cuboid to atypical structure had the positive effect on the mean values of external pressure coefficients cpe. These values were smaller (at some levels significantly). Mainly, this effect was noticeable on the leeward side. For the wind directions 0° and 180°, the changes of the values were relatively large. For the other two wind directions (45° and 67.5°), the values on the windward sides were similar. The large advantage of this atypical structure is that the negative pressures on side walls and leeward side are smaller in the comparison with the cuboid. This is very useful for the fixing of façade components, where the values of negative pressures are larger than the positive pressures on the cladding in the larger heights.
How Significant Are Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2 Test Findings When Only an N2 Gene Is Detected?
Authors: So Min-Kyung , Chung Hae-Sun , Lee Duk Hee , Lee Miae
Published: September 2022

The rapid identification of patients infected with COVID-19 during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is critical to operating emergency rooms effectively. Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2 (Xpert) assays are increasingly being used in the rapid screening of COVID-19. We evaluated the clinical performance of Xpert by comparing findings with those of qRT-PCR evaluations and included the clinical features of patients visiting the emergency department. Positive results with Xpert testing (n = 370) were compared with qRT-PCR findings, demonstrating a 91.9% intertest agreement. We reviewed the subsequent COVID-19 test results and SARS-CoV-2 infection histories for individuals showing discrepancies in Xpert and qRT-PCR testing and determined whether the findings were true-positive or false-positive. The true-positive rate for Xpert testing was 95.4% (353/370); the remaining 17 samples (4.6%) were false-positive. All false-positive data for Xpert testing showed N2 signals amplified to Ct values of ≥40 with no E gene signals. Rapid Xpert testing is highly sensitive and shows a good performance overall in challenging situations, such as an emergency room. However, we considered the possibility of false-positive Xpert results given an N2 gene signal only, especially given high Ct values. We recommend interpreting test data with caution and considering retesting over time.
Microbiological and Clinical Findings of SARS-CoV-2 Infection after 2 Years of Pandemic: From Lung to Gut Microbiota
Authors: Russo Alessandro , Serapide Francesca , Quirino Angela , Tarsitano Maria Grazia , Marascio Nadia , Serraino Riccardo , Rotundo Salvatore , Matera Giovanni , Trecarichi Enrico Maria , Torti Carlo
Published: September 2022

Early recognition and prompt management are crucial for improving survival in COVID-19 patients, and after 2 years of the pandemic, many efforts have been made to obtain an early diagnosis. A key factor is the use of fast microbiological techniques, considering also that COVID-19 patients may show no peculiar signs and symptoms that may differentiate COVID-19 from other infective or non-infective diseases. These techniques were developed to promptly identify SARS-CoV-2 infection and to prevent viral spread and transmission. However, recent data about clinical, radiological and laboratory features of COVID-19 at time of hospitalization could help physicians in early suspicion of SARS-CoV-2 infection and distinguishing it from other etiologies. The knowledge of clinical features and microbiological techniques will be crucial in the next years when the endemic circulation of SARS-CoV-2 will be probably associated with clusters of infection. In this review we provide a state of the art about new advances in microbiological and clinical findings of SARS-CoV-2 infection in hospitalized patients with a focus on pulmonary and extrapulmonary characteristics, including the role of gut microbiota.
Craniomaxillofacial Fibrous Dysplasia Improved Cosmetic and Occlusal Problem by Comprehensive Treatment: A Case Report and Review of Current Treatments
Authors: Ono Kisho , Yoshioka Norie , Kunisada Yuki , Nakamura Tomoya , Nakamura Yuko , Obata Kyoichi , Ibaragi Soichiro , Minagi Shogo , Sasaki Akira
Published: September 2022

Fibrous dysplasia (FD) is a fibrous lesion of immature bone, with an incidence of 10–20% in the head and neck region. Most cases are monostotic, but when a lesion occurs on the maxillofacial region and spreads to the surrounding bone, it is classified as polyostotic, despite its localized occurrence. In some cases, surgical intervention is required to improve the cosmetic or functional disturbance of a FD in the maxillofacial region, but it is necessary to confirm symmetry of the maxillofacial region in real time, and a surgical support system is required to compensate. Furthermore, prosthetic intervention is considered when postoperative acquired defects occur or further cosmetic or occlusal function improvement is needed. A comprehensive approach by an oral surgeon and a maxillofacial prosthodontist is necessary for the successful treatment and rehabilitation of such patients. In this article, we describe the case of a craniomaxillofacial FD patient with facial asymmetry and denture incompatibility with improved quality of life measures by integrating surgical treatment using a navigation system and postoperative prosthetic rehabilitation. We also discuss recent diagnostic methods and treatment strategies for craniomaxillofacial FD in the literature.
Role of Polyamines as Biomarkers in Lymphoma Patients: A Pilot Study
Authors: Coradduzza Donatella , Ghironi Adriana , Azara Emanuela , Culeddu Nicola , Cruciani Sara , Zinellu Angelo , Maioli Margherita , De Miglio Maria Rosaria , Medici Serenella , Fozza Claudio , Carru Ciriaco
Published: September 2022

Lymphomas represent a heterogeneous and widely diversified group of neoplastic diseases rising from a variety of lymphoid subsets at heterogeneous differentiation stages. These lymphoproliferative disorders lead to the clinicopathological complexity of the classification of lymphoid neoplasms, describing to date more than 40 categories of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) and 5 categories of Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL). Inflammation has been shown to play a key role in the evolution of cancer diseases, and it might be interesting to understand their role also in the context of lymphoid neoplasms. Among circulating biomarkers, the role of polyamines belonging to the arginine and lysine metabolism is relevant. Through modern analytical methods, such as mass spectrometry (MS), we are enabled to increase knowledge and improve our understanding of cancer metabolism. In this study, high-resolution mass spectrometry was used in combination with high-performance liquid chromatography (LC-HRMS) to measure serum levels of polyamines and identify possible diagnostic circulating biomarkers, potentially allowing a more accurate assessment of the diagnostic stratification of lymphoma patients and robust comparisons between different patient groups.
Characterization of Exosomes and Exosomal RNAs Isolated from Post-Mortem Body Fluids for Molecular Forensic Diagnosis
Authors: Kim So-Yeon , Jang Sinae , Lee Sookyoung , Park Jong-Tae , Lee Su-Jin , Kim Hyung-Seok
Published: September 2022

Exosomes have been mainly studied for their potential applications in biomarker detection and drug delivery for diagnosis and treatment. However, in the field of forensic research, the potential value of exosomes derived from post-mortem body fluids has not been investigated to date. Here, we isolated the exosomes and exosomal RNAs from post-mortem body fluids, including cardiac blood, pericardial fluid, and urine. We also compared commercial exosome isolation kits to determine the optimal method for post-mortem exosome isolation. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), the Agilent bioanalyzer system, and western blotting were used to evaluate the efficiencies of alternative isolation methods and the characteristics of isolated exosomes. There were no significant differences between exosomes obtained from post-mortem and ante-mortem body fluids in the expression of exosome surface markers or morphology. The exosomes were well-preserved even under simulated post-mortem conditions. Among the isolation procedures tested, the membrane affinity column-based method was the most suitable for post-mortem exosomal RNA isolation. These results suggest that exosomes are well-preserved in post-mortem body fluids and could be utilized for forensic diagnosis.
Problems of Tourist Mobility in Remote Areas of Natural Value—The Case of the Hajnowka Poviat in Poland and the Zaoneshye Region in Russia
Authors: Szymanska Elzbieta
Published: September 2022

Tourist destinations are often inaccessible due to mobility problems. The purpose of this paper is to identify the mobility problems of tourist destinations in remote areas of natural value. The research was carried out in the following two tourist destinations with the above-mentioned values: in the Zaoneshye Region in Russia and the Hajnówka Poviat, which includes the priceless resources of the Polish part of the Białowieża Forest. The research was conducted using a survey method. Respondents could download the survey questionnaire onto their mobile devices (smartphone, tablet) by scanning a QR code or provide their answers to the questionnaire on paper or to an interviewer, who recorded them in an electronic version. The respondent group consisted of tourists visiting both regions for tourism purposes. The survey was carried out between 2019 and 2021. The results showed that the car is the preferred means of transport in both regions, and that road works are somewhat or completely necessary. Additionally, tourists in the Hajnowka Poviat travel a lot on foot or by bicycle, as there are more cycling and pedestrian paths available. In contrast, tourists visiting the Zaoneshye Region suggest providing more facilities for tourism and better and more efficient communication.
Experiential Learning in Biomedical Engineering Education Using Wearable Devices: A Case Study in a Biomedical Signals and Systems Analysis Course
Authors: Montesinos Luis , Santos-Diaz Alejandro , Salinas-Navarro David E. , Cendejas-Zaragoza Leopoldo
Published: September 2022

Biomedical engineering (BME) is one of the fastest-growing engineering fields worldwide. BME professionals are extensively employed in the health technology and healthcare industries. Hence, their education must prepare them to face the challenge of a rapidly evolving technological environment. Biomedical signals and systems analysis is essential to BME undergraduate education. Unfortunately, students often underestimate the importance of their courses as they do not perceive these courses’ practical applications in their future professional practice. In this study, we propose using blended learning spaces to develop new learning experiences in the context of a biomedical signals and systems analysis course to enhance students’ motivation and interest and the relevance of the materials learned. We created a learning experience based on wearable devices and cloud-based collaborative development environments such that the students turned daily-life scenarios into experiential learning spaces. Overall, our results suggest a positive impact on the students’ perceptions of their learning experience concerning relevance, motivation, and interest. Namely, the evidence shows a reduction in the variability of such perceptions. However, further research must confirm this potential impact. This confirmation is required given the monetary and time investment this pedagogical approach would require if it were to be implemented at a larger scale.
Dispositional Resilience as Mediator in Psychological Stress on Healthcare Workers: A Multi-Group Analysis of Frontline and Non-Frontline Workers
Authors: Platania Silvia , Gruttadauria Stefania Valeria , Morando Martina
Published: September 2022

The experiences of healthcare workers (HCWs) during COVID-19 have been characterized by psychological symptoms such as stress, anxiety and depression, compassion fatigue and post-traumatic stress, which are long-lasting. The general picture of HCWs, especially frontline workers, is that of a physically and psychologically exhausted group. The aim of the study was to examine the potential mediating role of dispositional resilience in the impact of depression, anxiety and stress on professional quality of life among HCWs during the pandemic period. We also investigated possible differences between the frontline and non-frontline HCWs. The study enrolled 487 participants from public Italian hospitals. The variables of stress and anxiety predicted all factors related to professional quality of life, against depression which positively predicted only burnout and secondary traumatic Stress. Resilience was an important mediator in all these paths and the multigroup analysis suggested statistically significant differences between frontline and non-frontline HCWs. Results emphasised the importance of caring and concern for frontline HCWs to improve their quality of life, satisfaction and have positive impacts on the quality of service and care provided. There is a need to reflect on the necessity to develop projects and protocols that address health emergencies in advance.
Computer System for the Capture and Preparation of Cytopathological Reports for Cervical Cancer Detection and His Utility in Training for Health Personnel
Authors: Gutiérrez-Enríquez Sandra Olimpia , Guerrero-Zacarías Miriam Celeste , Oros-Ovalle Cuauhtémoc , Terán-Figueroa Yolanda , Acuña-Aradillas Jorge Martín
Published: September 2022

Health information systems and training are tools that support process management. The current study describes the results of the implementation of technological innovation in the process of the capture and preparation of cytopathological reports. The electronic system was structured based on national standards regarding cervical cancer control. PHP was used to design the software and MYSQL was used for the structure of the database. The total number of health personnel assigned to the cytology department participated, along with a pathologist, who made the records of the patients who came for cervical cytology to a university health center in San Luis Potosi, Mexico. The system was evaluated based on the indicators of structure, process, and results. Structure: comply with the official Mexican regulations for the registration of cervical cancer and electronic health information systems. Process: all records were legible and accurate, with varying percentages of completeness in the patient identification sections (46%) and alternate contact data (80%). Result: percentages above 80% were obtained in the satisfaction of the professionals who used the system. The system was effective as it yielded readable and accurate data that made the process of information capture and delivery of cervical screening results more efficient and faster.
A Study on Secret Key Rate in Wideband Rice Channel
Authors: Del Prete Simone , Fuschini Franco , Barbiroli Marina
Published: September 2022

Standard cryptography is expected to poorly fit IoT applications and services, as IoT devices can hardly cope with the computational complexity often required to run encryption algorithms. In this framework, physical layer security is often claimed as an effective solution to enforce secrecy in IoT systems. It relies on wireless channel characteristics to provide a mechanism for secure communications, with or even without cryptography. Among the different possibilities, an interesting solution aims at exploiting the random-like nature of the wireless channel to let the legitimate users agree on a secret key, simultaneously limiting the eavesdropping threat thanks to the spatial decorrelation properties of the wireless channel. The actual reliability of the channel-based key generation process depends on several parameters, as the actual correlation between the channel samples gathered by the users and the noise always affecting the wireless communications. The sensitivity of the key generation process can be expressed by the secrecy key rate, which represents the maximum number of secret bits that can be achieved from each channel observation. In this work, the secrecy key rate value is computed by means of simulations carried out under different working conditions in order to investigate the impact of major channel parameters on the SKR values. In contrast to previous works, the secrecy key rate is computed under a line-of-sight wireless channel and considering different correlation levels between the legitimate users and the eavesdropper.
LNFCOS: Efficient Object Detection through Deep Learning Based on LNblock
Authors: Hwang Beomyeon , Lee Sanghun , Han Hyunho
Published: September 2022

In recent deep-learning-based real-time object detection methods, the trade-off between accuracy and computational cost is an important consideration. Therefore, based on the fully convolutional one-stage detector (FCOS), which is a one-stage object detection method, we propose a light next FCOS (LNFCOS) that achieves an optimal trade-off between computational cost and accuracy. In LNFCOS, the loss of low- and high-level information is minimized by combining the features of different scales through the proposed feature fusion module. Moreover, the light next block (LNblock) is proposed for efficient feature extraction. LNblock performs feature extraction with a low computational cost compared with standard convolutions, through sequential operation on a small amount of spatial and channel information. To define the optimal parameters of LNFCOS suggested through experiments and for a fair comparison, experiments and evaluations were conducted on the publicly available benchmark datasets MSCOCO and PASCAL VOC. Additionally, the average precision (AP) was used as an evaluation index for quantitative evaluation. LNFCOS achieved an optimal trade-off between computational cost and accuracy by achieving a detection accuracy of 79.3 AP and 37.2 AP on the MS COCO and PASCAL VOC datasets, respectively, with 36% lower computational cost than the FCOS.
RSU-Aided Optimal Member Replacement Scheme with Improved Mobility Prediction for Vehicular Clouds in VANETs
Authors: Nam Youngju , Choi Hyunseok , Shin Yongje , Mugerwa Dick , Lee Euisin
Published: September 2022

The technique of vehicular clouds is considered an attractive approach in VANETs, because it provides a requester vehicle the ability to use resources of neighborhood vehicles (called cloud member vehicles) to construct a vehicular cloud to use next-generation vehicular applications during driving. Generally, member vehicles can move along different routes from the route of the requester vehicle in intersections and, as a result, leave the vehicular cloud. Then, the leaving member vehicle should be replaced by new member vehicles at intersections to reconstruct the vehicular cloud. However, identifying optimal replacement vehicles among many vehicles at intersections is a very difficult task involving minimizing the waste of resources of vehicles due to their irregular mobility. Thus, we propose an optimal member replacement scheme that finds optimal replacement vehicles through the improved mobility prediction of vehicles by borrowing the computational ability of RSUs on intersections. The proposed scheme first makes an improved mobility prediction model by combining both the trajectory prediction of vehicles using the Markov model and the location prediction of vehicles using the Gaussian distribution. Through the improved mobility prediction model, the proposed scheme then determines the leaving member vehicles and calculates their own leaving time. Next, the proposed scheme addresses the problem to find optimal replacement vehicles to minimize the waste resource and solves it through an integer linear programming. For the performance evaluation of the proposed scheme, we implement it in an NS-3 simulator, which includes the Manhattan mobility model, to reflect the mobility of vehicles on roads. Simulation results conducted in various environments verify that the proposed scheme achieves better performance than the existing scheme.
A Multi-Agent-Based Defense System Design for Multiple Unmanned Surface Vehicles
Authors: Zhang Shangyan , Ran Weizhi , Liu Geng , Li Yang , Xu Yang
Published: September 2022

Defense systems are usually deployed to protect high-value targets or hot spots that are integral parts of the modern battlefield environment. However, in coastal defense operations (due to the variability of the maritime environment and the sustainability of combat), limited operational capabilities, the need for efficient coordination, and protracted combat are peculiarly challenging to meet by traditional manned fleets. In contrast, with lower costs, unmanned fleets can organize an autonomous defense against enemy targets that are capable of rapid response. This paper focuses on the typical defense scenario; we analyzed and modeled the objective functions of the intelligent defense system and propose a hierarchical distributed multi-agent-based system design scheme. Finally, to test the system’s performance, we established simulation verification experiments in a typical scenario and compared the system based on the traditional central architecture. The results show that, in a defense operation, the hierarchically-distributed multi-agent-based system shows improvements in system decision-making efficiency and interception effect.
A Development of a Robust Machine for Removing Irregular Noise with the Intelligent System of Auto-Encoder for Image Classification of Coastal Waste
Authors: Wan Shiuan , Lei Tsu Chiang
Published: September 2022

Currently, the seashore is threatened by the environment of climate change and increasing coastal waste. The past environmental groups used a large amount of manpower to manage the coast to maintain the seashore environment. The computational time cost and efficiency are not ideal for the vast area of the seashore. With the progress of GIS (Geographic Information System) technology, the ability of remote sensing technology can capture a wide range of data in a short period. This research is based on the application of remote sensing technology combined with machine learning to display the observation of our seashore. However, in the process of image classification, the seashore wastes are small, which required the use of high-resolution image data. Thus, how to remove the noise becomes a crucial issue in developing an image classifier machine. The difficulties include how to adjust the value of parameters for removing/avoiding noises. First, the texture information and vegetation indices were employed as ancillary information in our image classification. On the other hand, auto-encoder is a very good tool to denoise a given image; hence, it is used to transform high-resolution images by considering ancillary information to extract attributes. Multi-layer perceptron (MLP) and support vector machine (SVM) were compared for classifier performance in a parallel study. The overall accuracy is about 85.5% and 83.9% for MLP and SVM, respectively. If the AE is applied for preprocessing, the overall accuracy is increased by about 10–12%.
Long-Term Care Home Size Association with COVID-19 Infection and Mortality in Catalonia in March and April 2020
Authors: Zunzunegui Maria Victoria , Béland François , Rico Manuel , López Fernando J. García
Published: September 2022

We aim to assess how COVID-19 infection and mortality varied according to facility size in 965 long-term care homes (LTCHs) in Catalonia during March and April 2020. We measured LTCH size by the number of authorised beds. Outcomes were COVID-19 infection (at least one COVID-19 case in an LTCH) and COVID-19 mortality. Risks of these were estimated with logistic regression and hurdle models. Models were adjusted for county COVID-19 incidence and population, and LTCH types. Sixty-five per cent of the LTCHs were infected by COVID-19. We found a strong association between COVID-19 infection and LTCH size in the adjusted analysis (from 45% in 10-bed homes to 97.5% in those with over 150 places). The average COVID-19 mortality in all LTCHs was 6.8% (3887 deaths) and 9.2% among the COVID-19-infected LTCHs. Very small and large homes had higher COVID-19 mortality, whereas LTCHs with 30 to 70 places had the lowest level. COVID-19 mortality sharply increased with LTCH size in counties with a cumulative incidence of COVID-19 which was higher than 250/100,000, except for very small homes, but slightly decreased with LTCH size when the cumulative incidence of COVID-19 was lower. To prevent infection and preserve life, the optimal size of an LTCH should be between 30 and 70 places.
Unexpectedly, Creation of Temporary Water Bodies Has Increased the Availability of Food and Nesting Sites for Bees (Apiformes)
Authors: Twerd Lucyna , Sobieraj-Betlińska Anna , Kilińska Barbara , Waldon-Rudzionek Barbara , Hoffmann Renata , Banaszak Józef
Published: September 2022

Earthworks, such as embankments or excavations, because of their transient nature, usually do not play any important role in biodiversity protection and promotion in urban areas. However, the results of this study show that pits playing the role of infiltration basins, which are filled with water only in some periods, can provide bees with food resources and nesting sites. They are particularly important in habitats with simplified vegetation structures, e.g., in monoculture habitats. The attractiveness of infiltration basins and ditches as habitats for bees was assessed by comparing species richness and abundance of bee communities found there with those of coniferous forests—pine monocultures (where the reservoirs were created) and clearings. The species richness and abundance of bees in clearings, infiltration ditches, and basins were higher than in forests. Simultaneously, we found that an increase in woody vegetation coverage and the level of shading in the daytime had a negative effect on bee abundance. In contrast, it was positively affected by increasing the mean radius of a belt of predominantly open habitats around sampling sites (herbaceous plants and seedlings of woody plants <60%). In this case, food resources were not a limiting factor of bee occurrence in the study area.
Forest Biomass Policies and Regulations in the United States of America
Authors: Page-Dumroese Deborah S. , Franco Carlos Rodriguez , Archuleta James G. , Taylor Marcus E. , Kidwell Kraig , High Jeffrey C. , Adam Kathleen
Published: September 2022

Using woody biomass from public lands could attract private investments, increase carbon dioxide emission reductions from sustainably harvested low-grade wood to mitigate climate change, provide benefits for the environment, and support rural community economies. Available for use are about 210 million oven dry tons (in the western U.S. alone) of small-diameter wood and harvest residues that could be removed through hazard-fuel treatments and used for bioenergy and bioproducts; representing an economic value of approximately USD 5.97 billion (109). Reaching that utilization goal requires an assessment of current U.S. policies, regulations and directives influencing the use of forest biomass and identification of barriers, challenges, and potential opportunities associated with the use of woody biomass from public lands. One objective of this review is to support the implementation of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service (USDA-FS) new effort called “Confronting the Wildfire Crisis: A Strategy for Protecting Communities and Improving Resilience in America’s Forests”, but greater coordination of public policies (regulatory legislation, government subsidies, support programs) at different government levels could increase adoption of forest biomass for bioenergy and bioproducts while also promoting different supply chains for long-term biomass supplies and industry investments. Harmonizing the definition of key biomass terms used by different programs that support using forest biomass for bioenergy and other bioproducts, including the Renewable Fuel Standard, may increase forest biomass use from public lands.