bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perceived Barriers and Facilitators to a Healthy Diet among Cancer Survivors: A Qualitative Exploration Using the TDF and COM-B
Authors: Keaver Laura , Douglas Pauline , O’Callaghan Niamh
Published: March 2023

Cancer survivors consider nutrition to be highly important and are motivated to seek information about lifestyle changes, including nutrition, to improve their long-term health. Despite this, suboptimal dietary intake is still reported. Understanding cancer-specific barriers and facilitators to healthy eating among this population could help develop targeted interventions for this group. This study explored the barriers and facilitators to following a healthy diet among cancer survivors using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) and COM-B model. Semi-structured focus groups with 20 cancer survivors were conducted between February and August 2021, which were transcribed verbatim. Seven key TDF domains accounted for 87% of all coded responses. These were (a) environmental context and resources; (b) knowledge; (c) behavioural regulation; (d) social/professional role and identity; (e) belief about consequences; (f) social influences; and (g) skills. Key barriers were lack of knowledge, non-specific or irrelevant information, environmental aspects, and family. Facilitators were awareness of the importance of nutrition, the health benefits of a plant-based diet, confidence in cooking skills, organisation, balance, family, time, and viewing themselves as someone who eats healthily and access to fresh produce. Enablement was the most prominently linked intervention function. This work can inform future interventions in this area and ensure they are end-user-centred.
Evaluation of the Efficacy of Low-Particle-Size Toothpastes against Extrinsic Pigmentations: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Butera Andrea , Pascadopoli Maurizio , Gallo Simone , Pardo Alessia , Stablum Giulia , Lelli Marco , Pandolfi Anna , Scribante Andrea
Published: March 2023

Stain-removing domiciliary protocols are focused on the elimination of dental extrinsic pigmentations by the application of abrasive toothpastes, extensively available in commerce. The goal of the present study is to evaluate the efficacy of two different stain removal molecule-formulated toothpastes by the reduction of clinical parameters: the micro-cleaning crystals and activated charcoal. A total of 40 participants with extrinsic dental pigmentations were enrolled and divided into two groups: a Control group, assigned to a toothpaste with micro-cleaning crystals (Colgate Sensation White); and a Trial group, with microparticle-activated charcoal toothpaste (Coswell Blanx Black). At T0 (baseline), T1 (10 days), T2 (1 month), and T3 (3 months), clinical parameters, including Lobene stain index calculated for intensity and extension, plaque control record, and bleeding on probing, were measured. Statistically significant differences were found in both groups (p < 0.05): a reduction of extrinsic pigmentation, both in intensity and extension, was obtained in the Control group, but their total elimination could be achieved only in the Trial group with the activated charcoal molecule, though without significant difference between the groups (p > 0.05). No intergroup differences were found for each timeframe for PCR, BoP, LSI-I, and LSI-E. Both tested toothpastes can be recommended for domiciliary oral hygiene of patients with extrinsic pigmentations.
Experimental and Numerical Considerations for the Motor-Propeller Assembly’s Air Flow Field over a Quadcopter’s Arm
Authors: Tofan-Negru Andra , Ștefan Amado , Grigore Lucian Ștefăniță , Oncioiu Ionica
Published: March 2023

The aim of the paper is to validate the analytical–numerical analysis method regarding the operating regime of the propellers of a quadcopter. The research aims to mark the flow areas whose numerical results differ from the experimental ones and to investigate the possible reasons for the discrepancies between the values. The paper presents the determination of the air velocity produced by the rotational movement of a quadcopter propeller for a stationary position of the drive motor. The velocities were determined both experimentally at various points located below the propeller plane using hot-wire anemometric probes and numerically using a time-lapse simulation with a rotating sliding table. The numerical simulations carried out consisted of the determination of the time variation of the velocity distribution developed by the propeller in the rotational movement for the different operating (power) cycles of the engine. In addition, a technique that utilizes reverse engineering to determine the propeller profile, the anemometric probe calibration, and the average velocity values measured at various points below the propeller plane for engine operating regimes that range from 60 to 90% are also presented.
Towards UAVs in Construction: Advancements, Challenges, and Future Directions for Monitoring and Inspection
Authors: Liang Han , Lee Seong-Cheol , Bae Woosung , Kim Jeongyun , Seo Suyoung
Published: March 2023

The use of UAVs for monitoring and inspection in the construction industry has garnered considerable attention in recent years due to their potential to enhance safety, efficiency, and accuracy. The development and application of various types of drones and sensors in the construction industry have opened up new data collection and analysis possibilities. This paper provides a thorough examination of the latest developments in the use of UAVs for monitoring and inspection in the construction industry, including a review of the current state of UAVs and an exploration of the types of drones and sensors applied and their applications. It also highlights the technological advancements in this field. However, as with any new technology, there are challenges and limitations that need to be addressed, such as regulatory and legal concerns, technical limitations, data processing challenges, training and expertise, and safety. Finally, we offer insights into potential solutions to these challenges, such as innovative sensors and imaging technologies, integration with other construction technologies, and the use of machine learning and AI for data analysis, which are some of the potential areas for future investigation, and highlight the prospects for drone-based construction inspection.
Qualitative Evaluation of Scaffolded Teaching Materials in Business Analysis Classes: How to Support the Learning Process of Young Entrepreneurs
Authors: Oe Hiroko , Tanaka Chizuru
Published: March 2023

The purpose of this study is to test the usefulness of the scaffolding materials and to provide practical recommendations for entrepreneurship education. Following the framework of social learning theory and a semi-structured questionnaire that was developed based on the results of a literature review concerning entrepreneurial creativity and competency issues, a thematic analysis was conducted to analyse how the template materials developed alongside the affected motivation and learning outcomes of the author’s learners. The results highlighted the following. The participants recognised that the established model of business analysis taught in lectures is a generic model that discards non-economic factors and real business situations, and that potential entrepreneurs in developing countries should pay more attention to the sociocultural context of which they are potentially or explicitly aware. The participants also appreciated that the scaffolding materials helped them understand the general conceptual model in a familiar and practical context, and that the process and output of filling out the template stimulated class discussion, deepened their understanding, and influenced their own awareness. Furthermore, they greatly appreciated that the process of discussing the template allowed them to share and reflect on their own entrepreneurial activities through storytelling, which enhanced their learning through the propagation of their own awareness. Thus, the development of scaffolding materials that focus on reflection could play an important role in reinforcing the learning outcomes of business analysis and imprinting them in students’ minds by encouraging them to think critically about prominent models in textbooks. The results of this study suggest that social learning theory can serve as an effective guide for the design, review, and improvement of learning support measures.
A −31.7 dBm Sensitivity 0.011 mm2 CMOS On-Chip Rectifier for Microwave Wireless Power Transfer
Authors: Hashimoto Takuma , Nekozuka Hikaru , Toeda Yoshitaka , Otani Masayuki , Fukuoka Yasuhiko , Tanzawa Toru
Published: March 2023

This paper pursued both the lower operating power limit and small area of on-chip rectifiers for microwave wireless power transfer (MWPT). RF–DC charge pump rectifiers can operate in the fast switching limit at a high frequency of 920 MHz even with a small stage capacitor Cin of 100 fF, which contributes to an area reduction in the on-chip rectifiers. Circuit design starts with Cin determined as small as possible, followed by the determination of switching transistors and the number of stages. Even at an extremely low input power of 1 μW, wiring resistance in RF inputs is critical. Routing of the RF inputs is designed in line with stage capacitors. Bonding pad structure also affects the lower input power limit. Ground-shielded pad design can reduce the lower limit. Various types of RF–DC charge pump rectifiers are fabricated in 65 nm CMOS. An ultra-low-power diode RF–DC charge pump rectifier with 32 stages had a lower input power limit of −31.7 dBm at an output voltage of 1.0 V. Its small silicon area of 0.011 mm2 allows RF–DC rectifiers to be integrated in sensor ICs. More advanced technology providing MIM capacitors with higher capacitance density and placing switching MOSFETs under the MIM capacitors will further reduce the area of RF–DC charge pump rectifiers, allowing them to be integrated in sensor ICs.
Valorization of Delonix regia Pods for Bioethanol Production
Authors: Iqbal Zafar , Siddiqua Adarsh , Anwar Zahid , Munir Muhammad
Published: March 2023

Delonix regia (common name: Flame tree) pods, an inexpensive lignocellulosic waste matrix, were successfully used to produce value-added bioethanol. Initially, the potentiality of D. regia pods as a lignocellulosic biomass was assessed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), which revealed the presence of several functional groups belonging to cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, implying that D. regia pods could serve as an excellent lignocellulosic biomass. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and Central Composite Design (CCD) were used to optimize pretreatment conditions of incubation time (10–70 min), H2SO4 concentration (0.5–3%), amount of substrate (0.02–0.22 g), and temperature (45–100 °C). Then, RSM-suggested 30 trials of pretreatment conditions experimented in the laboratory, and a trial using 0.16 g substrate, 3% H2SO4, 70 min incubation at 90 °C, yielded the highest amount of glucose (0.296 mg·mL−1), and xylose (0.477 mg·mL−1). Subsequently, the same trial conditions were chosen in the downstream process, and pretreated D. regia pods were subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis with 5 mL of indigenously produced cellulase enzyme (74 filter per unit [FPU]) at 50 °C for 72 h to augment the yield of fermentable sugars, yielding up to 55.57 mg·mL−1 of glucose. Finally, the released sugars were fermented to ethanol by Saccharomyces cerevisiae, yielding a maximum of 7.771% ethanol after 72 h of incubation at 30 °C. Conclusively, this study entails the successful valorization of D. regia pods for bioethanol production.
Hybrid Sausages Using Pork and Cricket Flour: Texture and Oxidative Storage Stability
Authors: Han Xiaocui , Li Binbin , Puolanne Eero , Heinonen Marina
Published: March 2023

This study aimed to study the functionalities of cricket flour (CF) and the effects of the addition of CF on the texture and oxidative stability of hybrid sausages made from lean pork and CF. Functional properties of CF, including protein solubility, water-holding capacity, and gelling capacity, were examined at different pHs, NaCl concentrations, and CF contents in laboratory tests. The protein solubility of CF was significantly affected by pH, being at its lowest at pH 5 (within the range 2–10), and the highest protein solubility toward NaCl concentrations was found at 1.0 M (at pH 6.8). A gel was formed when the CF content was ≥10%. A control sausage was made from lean pork, pork fat, salt, phosphate, and ice water. Three different hybrid sausages were formulated by adding CF at 1%, 2.5%, and 5.0% levels on top of the base (control) recipe. In comparison to control sausage, the textural properties of the CF sausages in terms of hardness, springiness, cohesiveness, chewiness, resilience, and fracturability decreased significantly, which corresponded to the rheological results of the raw sausage batter when heated at a higher temperature range (~45–80 °C). The addition of CF to the base recipe accelerated both lipid and protein oxidation during 14 days of storage, as indicated by the changes in TBARS and carbonyls and the loss of free thiols and tryptophan fluorescence intensity. These results suggest that the addition of CF, even at low levels (≤5%), had negative effects on the texture and oxidative stability of the hybrid sausages.
Improved Particle Swarm Optimization Fractional-System Identification Algorithm for Electro-Optical Tracking System
Authors: Guo Tong , Deng Jiuqiang , Mao Yao , Zhou Xi
Published: March 2023

When an electro-optical tracking system (ETS) needs higher control precision, system identification can be considered to improve the accuracy of the system, so as to improve its control effect. The fractional system model of ETS can describe the characteristics of the system better and improve the accuracy of the system model. Therefore, this paper presents a fractional system identification algorithm for ETS that is based on an improved particle swarm optimization algorithm. The existence of the fractional order system of ETS was verified by identification experiments, and the fractional order system model was obtained. Under the same conditions, PI controllers were designed based on a fractional order system and an integer order system, respectively. The results verify the superiority of fractional order system in ETS.
Aspect-Based Sentiment Analysis with Dependency Relation Weighted Graph Attention
Authors: Jiang Tingyao , Wang Zilong , Yang Ming , Li Cheng
Published: March 2023

Aspect-based sentiment analysis is a fine-grained sentiment analysis that focuses on the sentiment polarity of different aspects of text, and most current research methods use a combination of dependent syntactic analysis and graphical neural networks. In this paper, a graph attention network aspect-based sentiment analysis model based on the weighting of dependencies (WGAT) is designed to address the problem in that traditional models do not sufficiently analyse the types of syntactic dependencies; in the proposed model, graph attention networks can be weighted and averaged according to the importance of different nodes when aggregating information. The model first transforms the input text into a low-dimensional word vector through pretraining, while generating a dependency syntax graph by analysing the dependency syntax of the input text and constructing a dependency weighted adjacency matrix according to the importance of different dependencies in the graph. The word vector and the dependency weighted adjacency matrix are then fed into a graph attention network for feature extraction, and sentiment polarity is predicted through the classification layer. The model can focus on syntactic dependencies that are more important for sentiment classification during training, and the results of the comparison experiments on the Semeval-2014 laptop and restaurant datasets and the ACL-14 Twitter social comment dataset show that the WGAT model has significantly improved accuracy and F1 values compared to other baseline models, validating its effectiveness in aspect-level sentiment analysis tasks.
Micro-Scale Experimental Approach for the Seismic Performance Evaluation of RC Frames with Improper Lap Splices
Authors: Javed Ali , Krishna Chaitanya , Ali Khawaja , Afzal Muhammad Faheem Ud Din , Mehrabi Armin , Meguro Kimiro
Published: March 2023

Reinforced concrete (RC) frames are an integral part of modern construction as they resist both gravity and lateral loads in beams and columns. However, the construction methodologies of RC frames are vulnerable to non-engineering defects, particularly in developing countries. The most common non-engineering defect occurs due to improper lap splice, which can compromise the structural integrity. This research demonstrates an easy, low-cost, and verifiable experimental technique incorporating micro-concrete to evaluate the seismic performance of a completely engineered RC frame with the defect of improper lap splice. The micro-concrete was prepared by using the locally available material for a target compressive strength and then two scaled-down RC frames (1/16 scale) were prepared, including one proper frame and another with improper lap splice. Finally, these frames were tested on a shake table to study their behavior under various seismic loading conditions. This study quantifies the severity of high-risk structural systems due to non-engineering defects. The experimental results demonstrate that improper lap splice can alter the frame’s damage points, triggering the failure of the whole structure.
Spectroscopic, Anti-Cancer Activity, and DFT Computational Studies of Pt(II) Complexes with 1-Benzyl-3-phenylthiourea and Phosphine/Diamine Ligands
Authors: Mohamed Dina Saadi , Al-Jibori Subhi A. , Behjatmanesh-Ardakani Reza , Faihan Ahmed S. , Yousef Tarek A. , Alhamzani Abdulrahman G. , Abou-Krisha Mortaga M. , Al-Janabi Ahmed S. M. , Hsiao Benjamin S.
Published: March 2023

The reaction between [PtCl2(L-L)] (L-L = dppe, dppp, dppb, dppf, Phen and Bipy) or [PtCl2(PPh3)2] with 1-benzyl-3-phenylthiourea (H2BPT) in a basic medium (CHCl3/EtOH) created new coordinated square planner Pt(II) complexes with [Pt(BPT)(L-L)] (1–4,6,7) and [Pt(BPT)(PPh3)2] (5) types. These complexes were fully characterized by analytical and spectroscopic techniques (i.e., IR, UV. Vis., 1H, and 31P NMR). The results indicated that the thiourea derivative ligand act as a dianion ligand bonded through both S and N atoms in a chelating mode or as a mono-anion ligand coordinated through a sulfur atom with Pt(II) ion. Cytotoxicity activity was performed by the MTT assay to determine anti-cancer activities against MCF-7 breast cancer cells. The study indicated that IC50 values for MCF-7 cells were 10.96–78.90 µM. Additionally, the complexes [Pt(BPT)(dppe)] (1), [Pt(BPT)(PPh3)2] (5), and [Pt(BPT)2(Bipy)] (7) were investigated theoretically, where their quantum parameters were evaluated using the Gaussian 09 program using the theory of B3LYP/Def2TZVP//B3LYP/Lanl2dz. The calculation results confirmed the optimized structures of the complexes square planar geometry. However, the calculated bond lengths and angles showed a slightly distorted square planar geometry due to the trans influence of the sulfur atom. Additionally, complexes of [Pt(BPT)(dppe)] (1) and [Pt(BPT)(PPh3)2] (5) showed higher stability compared to [Pt(BPT)2(Bipy)] (7), which can be attributed to the higher back-donation of (1) and (5) complexes. Furthermore, among the three complexes, the [Pt(BPT)2(Bipy)] (7) complex possessed the lowest HOMO–LUMO gap, which may be a good candidate as the photo-catalyst material.
Composition and Food Web Structure of Aphid-Parasitoid Populations on Plum Orchards in Chile
Authors: Alvarez-Baca Jeniffer , Montealegre Xiomara , Alfaro-Tapia Armando , Zepeda-Paulo Francisca , Van Baaren Joan , Lavandero Blas , Le Lann Cécile
Published: March 2023

By increasing plant diversity in agroecosystems, it has been proposed that one can enhance and stabilize ecosystem functioning by increasing natural enemies’ diversity. Food web structure determines ecosystem functioning as species at different trophic levels are linked in interacting networks. We compared the food web structure and composition of the aphid– parasitoid and aphid-hyperparasitoid networks in two differentially managed plum orchards: plums with inter-rows of oats as a cover crop (OCC) and plums with inter-rows of spontaneous vegetation (SV). We hypothesized that food web composition and structure vary between OCC and SV, with network specialization being higher in OCC and a more complex food web composition in SV treatment. We found a more complex food web composition with a higher species richness in SV compared to OCC. Quantitative food web metrics differed significantly among treatments showing a higher generality, vulnerability, interaction evenness, and linkage density in SV, while OCC presented a higher degree of specialization. Our results suggest that plant diversification can greatly influence the food web structure and composition, with bottom-up effects induced by plant and aphid hosts that might benefit parasitoids and provide a better understanding of the activity, abundance, and interactions between aphids, parasitoids, and hyperparasitoids in plum orchards.
Operative Digital Enhancement of Macular Pigment during Macular Surgery
Authors: Sandali Otman , Tahiri Joutei Hassani Rachid , Armia Balamoun Ashraf , Franklin Alan , Sallam Ahmed B. , Borderie Vincent
Published: March 2023

Purpose: To describe the feasibility of intraoperative digital visualization and its contribution to the enhancement of macular pigmentation visualization in a prospective series of macular surgery interventions. Materials and Methods: A prospective, single-center, single-surgeon study was performed on a series of 21 consecutive cases of vitrectomy for various types of macular surgery using a 3D visualization system. Two optimized filters were applied to enhance the visualization of the macular pigment (MP). For filter 1, cyan, yellow, and magenta color saturations were increased. Filter 2 differed from filter 1 only in having a lower level of magenta saturation for the green-magenta color channel. Results: Optimized digital filters enhanced the visualization of the MP and the pigmented epiretinal tissue associated with the lamellar and macular holes. In vitreomacular traction surgery, the filters facilitated the assessment of MP integrity at the end of surgery. Filter 1 enhanced MP visualization most strongly, with the MP appearing green and slightly fluorescent. Filter 2 enhanced MP visualization less effectively but gave a clearer image of the retinal surface, facilitating safe macular peeling. Conclusion: Optimized digital filters could be used to enhance MP and pigmented epiretinal tissue visualization during macular surgery. These filters open new horizons for future research and should be evaluated in larger series and correlated with intraoperative OCT.
Nailfold Videocapillaroscopy for Non-Invasive Assessment of Microcirculation and Prognostic Correlation with Endothelial Dysfunction, Cardiovascular Risk Factors, and Non-HLA Antibodies in Heart Transplant Recipients: A Pilot Study
Authors: Sikorska Dorota , Kamińska Dorota , Catar Rusan , Wu Dashan , Zhao Hongfan , Wang Pinchao , Kamhieh-Milz Julian , Banasik Mirosław , Kusztal Mariusz , Cielecka Magdalena , Zakliczyński Michał , Rutkowski Rafał , Korybalska Katarzyna , Heidecke Harald , Moll Guido , Samborski Włodzimierz
Published: March 2023

Early identification of allograft vasculopathy and the concomitant elimination of adverse risk factors is essential for improving the long-term prognosis of heart transplant (HTx) recipients with underlying cardiovascular disease (CVD). The major aim of this pilot study was to conduct a non-invasive imaging evaluation of the HTx patient microcirculation by employing nailfold video-capillaroscopy (NVC) in a well-characterized patient and control cohort, and to correlate these data with endothelial cell function, accompanied by studies of traditional cardiovascular risk factors and non-HLA antibodies in HTx recipients. Ten patients undergoing HTx (mean age of 38 ± 14 years) were recruited for the study and compared to a control group of 12 well-matched healthy volunteers (mean age 35 ± 5 years) with normal body mass index (BMI). Detailed medical records were collected from all individuals. NVC was performed using CapillaryScope 200 MEDL4N microscope. For functional readout and correlation analysis, endothelial cell network formation in conjunction with measurements of patient serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and non-HLA autoantibodies directed against the angiotensin II type-1-receptor (anti-AT1R-Ab), endothelin-1 type-A-receptor (anti-ETAR-Ab), protease-activated receptor-1 (anti-PAR-1-Ab), and VEGF-A (anti-VEGF-A-Ab) were studied. Our NVC analysis found that the average apical loop diameter of nailfold capillaries was significantly increased in HTx recipients (p = 0.001). In addition, HTx patients with more prominent changes in capillaroscopic patterns were characterized by the presence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors, and HTx patients had increased levels of anti-AT1R-ab, anti-ETAR-ab, and anti-VEGF-A-Ab (p = 0.017, p = 0.025, and p = 0.003, respectively). Capillary diameters most strongly correlated with elevated serum levels of troponin T and triglycerides (R = 0.69, p = 0.028 and R = 0.81, p = 0.004, respectively). In conclusion, we found that an abnormal NVC pattern in HTx patients is associated with traditional CVD risk factors and that NVC is a useful non-invasive tool to conveniently monitor changes in the microvasculature of HTx patients.
Efficacy of Lidocaine Infusion in High-Risk Vascular Surgery—A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Single-Center Clinical Trial
Authors: Gajniak Dariusz , Mendrala Konrad , Cyzowski Tomasz , Polak Michał , Gierek Danuta , Krzych Łukasz J.
Published: March 2023

Background: In perioperative pain control, adjuvants such as lidocaine can reduce opioid consumption in a specific type of surgery. The aim of this single-center prospective double-blinded randomized controlled trial was to determine opioid consumption in the perioperative period in patients receiving continuous lidocaine infusion. Methods: Patients undergoing elective abdominal aorta and/or iliac arteries open surgery were randomized into two groups to receive 1% lidocaine or placebo at the same infusion rate based on ideal body weight (bolus of 0.15 mL/kg during the induction of anesthesia followed by continuous infusion of 0.2 mL/kg/h during surgery; postoperatively 0.1 mL/kg/h for 24 h) additionally to standard opioid analgesia. Results: Total opioid consumption within 24 h after surgery was 89.2 mg (95%CI 80.9–97.4) in the lidocaine and 113.1 mg (95%CI 102.5–123.6) in the placebo group (p = 0.0007). Similar findings were observed in opioid consumption intraoperatively (26.7 mg (95%CI 22.2–31.3) vs. 35.1 mg (95%CI 29.1–41.2), respectively, p = 0.029) and six hours postoperatively (47.5 mg (IQR 37.5–59.5) vs. 60 mg (IQR 44–83), respectively, p = 0.01). Conclusions: In high-risk vascular surgery, lidocaine infusion as an adjunct to standard perioperative analgesia is effective. It may decrease opioid consumption by more than 20% during the first 24 h after surgery, with no serious adverse effects noted during the study period.
The Impact of KRAS Status on the Required Surgical Margin Width for Colorectal Liver Metastasis Resection
Authors: Iwaki Kentaro , Kaihara Satoshi , Koyama Tatsuya , Nakao Kai , Matsuda Shotaro , Toriguchi Kan , Kitamura Koji , Oshima Nobu , Kondo Masato , Hashida Hiroki , Kobayashi Hiroyuki , Uryuhara Kenji
Published: March 2023

Local recurrence after colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) resection severely affects survival; however, the required surgical margin width remains controversial. This study investigated the impact of KRAS status on surgical margin width and local recurrence rate (LRR) post-CRLM resection. Overall, 146 resected CRLMs with KRAS status (wild-type KRAS (wtKRAS): 98, KRAS mutant (mKRAS): 48) were included. The LRR for each group, R1 (margin positive) and R0 (margin negative), was analyzed by KRAS status. R0 was further stratified into Ra (margin ≥ 5 mm) and Rb (margin < 5 mm). Patients with local recurrence had significantly worse 5-year overall survival than those without local recurrence (p = 0.0036). The mKRAS LRR was significantly higher than wtKRAS LRR (p = 0.0145). R1 resection resulted in significantly higher LRRs than R0 resection for both wtKRAS and mKRAS (p = 0.0068 and p = 0.0204, respectively), and while no significant difference was observed in the Ra and Rb LRR with wtKRAS, the Rb LRR with mKRAS (33.3%) was significantly higher than Ra LRR (5.9%) (p = 0.0289). Thus, R0 resection is sufficient for CRLM with wtKRAS; however, CRLM with mKRAS requires resection with a margin of at least 5 mm to prevent local recurrence.
Outcomes and Complications of 33 Soft-Milled Cobalt-Chromium-Ceramic Full-Arch Screw-Retained Implant-Supported Prostheses: A Retrospective Study with up to 10-Year Follow-up
Authors: Heller Hadas , Beitlitum Ilan , Goldberger Tomer , Emodi-Perlman Alona , Levartovsky Shifra
Published: March 2023

This retrospective study assessed outcomes and complications related to implants and prostheses in edentulous patients treated with soft-milled cobalt-chromium-ceramic full-arch screw-retained implant-supported prostheses (SCCSIPs). After the final prosthesis was delivered, patients participated in an annual dental check-up program, including clinical and radiographic assessments. Outcomes of implants and prostheses were evaluated, and biological and technical complications were categorized as major or minor. Implant and prosthesis cumulative survival rates were assessed using the life table analysis. A total of twenty-five participants (mean age 63.6 ± 7.3 years) with 33 SCCSIPs were observed for a mean of 68.9 ± 27.9 months (range 1–10 years). A total of 7 out of 245 implants were lost, with no effect on prosthesis survival, leading to cumulative survival rates of 97.1% for implants and 100% for prostheses. The most recurrent minor and major biological complications were soft tissue recession (9%) and late implant failure (2.8%). Among 25 technical complications, porcelain fracture was the only major technical complication, requiring prosthesis removal (1%). Porcelain chipping was the most frequent minor technical complication, affecting 21 crowns (5.4%), which required polishing only. At the end of the follow-up, 69.7% of the prostheses were free of technical complications. Within the limitations of this study, SCCSIP showed promising clinical performance after 1–10 years.
Advances and Challenges in CRISPR/Cas-Based Fungal Genome Engineering for Secondary Metabolite Production: A Review
Authors: Wang Duoduo , Jin Shunda , Lu Qianhui , Chen Yupeng
Published: March 2023

Fungi represent an important source of bioactive secondary metabolites (SMs), which have wide applications in many fields, including medicine, agriculture, human health, and many other industries. The genes involved in SM biosynthesis are usually clustered adjacent to each other into a region known as a biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC). The recent advent of a diversity of genetic and genomic technologies has facilitated the identification of many cryptic or uncharacterized BGCs and their associated SMs. However, there are still many challenges that hamper the broader exploration of industrially important secondary metabolites. The recent advanced CRISPR/Cas system has revolutionized fungal genetic engineering and enabled the discovery of novel bioactive compounds. In this review, we firstly introduce fungal BGCs and their relationships with associated SMs, followed by a brief summary of the conventional strategies for fungal genetic engineering. Next, we introduce a range of state-of-the-art CRISPR/Cas-based tools that have been developed and review recent applications of these methods in fungi for research on the biosynthesis of SMs. Finally, the challenges and limitations of these CRISPR/Cas-based systems are discussed and directions for future research are proposed in order to expand their applications and improve efficiency for fungal genetic engineering.
The Prognostic Significance of FOXD1 Expression in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Jiang Wenmei , Li Yudong , Li Ruiyu , Chen Wenkuan , Song Ming , Zhang Quan , Chen Shuwei
Published: March 2023

It has been reported that forkhead box D1 (FOXD1) plays an established role in human early embryonic development and is broadly involved in various malignancies. However, there is limited information regarding FOXD1 expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). This present study aimed to explore the clinical significance of FOXD1 in patients with HNSCC. Tissue microarrays of 334 primary HNSCC patients who underwent surgery between 2008 and 2010 at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center were investigated by immunohistochemistry regarding FOXD1 expression. χ2 test was used to estimate the relationship of FOXD1 expression with clinicopathologic characteristics. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify FOXD1 expression as an independent prognostic indicator of overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). FOXD1 expression is closely associated with postoperative recurrence. HNSCC patients with high FOXD1 expression have poorer prognoses than the low-expression group (p < 0.05). According to multivariate analysis, FOXD1 was an independent prognostic factor for OS and DFS. The results revealed that FOXD1 could be a prognostic factor for HNSCC and might serve as a potential target for novel therapies.
Bayesian Statistics for Loan Default
Authors: Tham Allan , Kakamu Kazuhiko , Liu Shuangzhe
Published: March 2023

Bayesian inference has gained popularity in the last half of the twentieth century thanks to the wider applications in numerous fields such as economics, finance, physics, engineering, life sciences, environmental studies, and so forth. In this paper, we studied some key benefits of Bayesian inference and how they can be used in predicting loan default in the banking sector. Various traditional classification techniques are also presented to draw comparisons primarily in terms of the ease of interpretability and model performance. This paper includes the use of non-informative priors to attempt to arrive to the convergence of posterior distribution. Finally, with the Bayesian techniques proven to be an alternative to the classical approaches, the paper attempted to demonstrate that Bayesian techniques are indeed powerful in financial data analytics and applications.
Exploring the Impacts of Urbanization on Eco-Efficiency in China
Authors: Yuan Xinyue , Nie Yang , Zeng Liangen , Lu Chao , Yang Tingzhang
Published: March 2023

It is of significant importance to conduct research on the relationship between urbanization and eco-efficiency (EE), for it can aid policy making for urban and regional sustainable development. This paper studied the effects of urbanization on the EE in 30 provinces of China from 2008 to 2019. Using the epsilon-based measure (EBM) model with undesirable outputs, this study measured the EE of China’s provinces before empirically analyzing the effects of urbanization on EE. Conclusions could be drawn: the annual mean EE of the eastern region was the highest (0.837), followed by those of the central region (0.653) and western region (0.570), and that of the northeast region remained the lowest (0.438). Zooming into the provinces and cities, the EEs of Beijing, Shanghai, and Fujian were at the production frontier surface, with a high level of EE during the study period, while those of Gansu, Ningxia, and Xinjiang were generally at a lower level. Empirical analysis showed that the effects of urbanization on EE in China presented a U-shaped relationship, having a negative correlation first and then reversing to a positive one. At present, China is in the early negative stage, and the turning point has yet to come. Considering the control variables, the economic development level, technological progress, and foreign direct investment have positively influenced eco-efficiency. Overall, the paper may shed light on related studies and provide relevant policy suggestions to promote EE through a new urbanization strategy.
Habitat Use and Positional Behavior of Northern Palm Squirrels (Funambulus pennantii) in an Urban Forest in Central Nepal
Authors: Perodaskalaki Anastasia , Rammou Dimitra-Lida , Thapamagar Tilak , Bhandari Shivish , Bhusal Daya Ram , Youlatos Dionisios
Published: March 2023

Urban forests impose significant challenges to the animals that inhabit them due to the altered properties of available substrates from anthropogenic interventions. To cope with these structural peculiarities, urban species exhibit behavioral adjustments to successfully exploit the urban habitat. The present study examined habitat use and positional behavior of northern palm squirrels (Funambulus pennantii) in the urban forests of Kathmandu, Nepal, to test such behavioral modifications. Between July and August 2018, we collected focal animal instantaneous data on the behavior, locomotor/postural mode, forest layer, tree crown part, and substrate type, size, and inclination use of four different individuals. Our results indicated a primarily arboreal species, mostly using the middle canopy layers and the intermediate and central tree parts. Moreover, tree branches and artificial substrates were commonly used that were mainly large and horizontal. Locomotion was dominated by quadrupedalism and claw climb, whereas postures by quadrupedal stand, and, to a lesser extent, sit and claw cling. Most of our initial predictions were only partly supported by our findings. This behavioral idiosyncrasy most likely reflects the adaptive flexibility of the species to human-modified habitats. In this way, northern palm squirrels apparently expanded their ecological niche and successfully persisted against anthropogenic pressures throughout their range. As urban expansion is inexorable, more research is required to understand the behavioral and ecological flexibility of animals that effectively exploit these impacted habitats.
The Measurements and Analysis of Spatial-Temporal Variations of Human Development Index Based on Planetary Boundaries in China: Evidence from Provincial-Level Data
Authors: Chen Siying , Tan Zhixiong , He Xingwang , Zhang Lichen
Published: March 2023

It is necessary to pursue the economic and social development of humanity to cope with the challenges of the global ecological environment within the constraints of planetary boundaries. For constructing the evaluation model of human development considering the earth pressure from the sub-national level, and observing the changes of human development level under the earth pressure in China in recent years, this paper constructs the PB-HDI (Planetary Boundaries-Human Development Index) index to measure the human development level under planetary boundaries in 30 Chinese provinces of 2010, 2014, 2017, and 2020; and carries out the analysis of evolutionary characteristics and spatial heterogeneity inspired by the path of balancing the relationship between environmental protection and economic development in China. We found: (1) the regional PB-HDI differences show a convergence trend, with a gradual decrease in low-level provinces; (2) the regional heterogeneity of PB-HDI is obvious. The differences between eastern provinces are the largest; (3) resources and environment constitute the outer circle of economic and social development, forming a “doughnut” inclusion pattern that discourages high-level development beyond the boundary and low-level development within the boundary. In general, there are significant differences in economic development, environmental protection level, social security capacity, industrial structure, innovation level, policy environment, and other basic conditions among different regions of China, and sustainable development paths need to be determined according to local conditions. This study is critical for expanding the application of the sub-national human development assessment for global stress and optimizing China’s sustainable development path.
Provincial Inclusive Green Growth Efficiency in China: Spatial Correlation Network Investigation and Its Influence Factors
Authors: Li Baitong , Li Jian , Liu Chen , Yao Xinyan , Dong Jingxuan , Xia Meijun
Published: March 2023

Inclusive green growth efficiency (IGGE) analysis is an effective tool for improving coordinated economic, social, and environmental development. This study incorporated the game cross-efficiency DEA to measure the IGGE of 30 provinces in China. Then, the modified spatial gravity model and social network analysis model were applied to construct and analyze the spatial correlation network structure of the IGGE. The quadratic assignment procedure was used to mine the influencing factors that affect the formation and evolution of the spatial correlation network of the IGGE. The results are as follows. (1) During the study period, there were significant differences in the IGGE among the 31 provinces, among which the eastern provinces were higher than the central and western provinces. (2) The spatial correlation of the IGGE presented a complex and multi-threaded network structure, indicating that the IGGE has a noticeable cross-regional spillover effect. Beijing, Tianjin, Zhejiang, Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Guangdong played the role of the “net spillover” block. Qinghai, Guizhou, Guangxi, and the surrounding provinces played the role of the “primary beneficial”. The Yangtze delta and Pearl River Delta economic zone (primarily including Shanghai and Guangdong) acted as a “bridge” to the Yunnan–Guizhou region and the surrounding provinces. (3) The spatial adjacency, degree of openness, economic development, and environmental governance were the prominent factors influencing the formation and evolution of the IGGE spatial correlation network. This work provides an example of constructing an IGGE correlation network while considering various factors, such as the economy, population, and distance. It also could help policymakers clarify the IGGE spatial correlation pattern and the provinces’ roles and potential for IGGE synergic improvement.
Intake of Low Glycaemic Index Foods but Not Probiotics Is Associated with Atherosclerosis Risk in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Bykowska-Derda Aleksandra , Kałużna Małgorzata , Garbacz Agnieszka , Ziemnicka Katarzyna , Ruchała Marek , Czlapka-Matyasik Magdalena
Published: March 2023

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are at high cardiometabolic risk. The atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) strongly predicts atherosclerosis. Some studies suggest that probiotic intake may lower AIP. This study analysed the relationship between the frequency of dietary intake of low glycaemic index (prebiotic) and probiotic foods and atherosclerosis risk in women with PCOS. Methods: A total of 127 women were divided into two groups: AIP over 0.11 (highAIP) and AIP ≤ 0.11 (lowAIP). The KomPAN® questionnaire was used to measure food frequency intake; pro-healthy, non-healthy, low glycaemic and probiotic dietary indexes were calculated based on daily food consumption. Body composition was measured by air displacement plethysmography (BodPod). AIP was calculated as a logarithm of triglycerides and high-density lipoproteins from plasma. Results: The highAIP group was 63% less likely to consume low glycaemic index foods three or more times a day than the lowAIP group. The HighAIP group was also 62% less likely to consume buckwheat, oats, whole-grain pasta or coarse-ground grains at least a few times a week. Pro-healthy foods tended to be less frequently consumed by the highAIP group, when adjusted for BMI and age. Conclusion: Women with PCOS at high risk of atherosclerosis consumed less low glycaemic index foods than women with a low risk of atherosclerosis. Intake of high-fibre, low glycaemic index foods could prevent atherosclerosis in women with PCOS; however, the effect of probiotic food intake remains unclear.
Effect of the Stiffness of the Turntable Bearing Joint on the Dynamic Characteristics of the Five-Axis Machine Tool Rotary System
Authors: Wu Shi , Lei Weijie , Yu Tai , Dong Zeyu , Liu Taorui
Published: March 2023

The positioning accuracy and machining performance of the five-axis machine tool are significantly impacted by the dynamic characteristics of the rotary system of the two-axis rotary table machine. In this study, first, the stiffness of the joint bearing of the rotary table system is calculated, and the effect of bearing clearance and external load on the stiffness is analyzed. Second, considering the stiffness characteristics of the joint, the natural frequency and mode shapes of the turntable system are calculated. Finally, the influence of turntable angle and bearing stiffness on the dynamic characteristics of the turntable system is analyzed. The results show that the natural frequency of the rotary table system does not change obviously with the axial stiffness of the turntable bearing joint, but increases significantly with the increase in the radial stiffness. The first order natural frequency of the turntable decreases with the increase in the swing angle, and the change in the first order natural frequency is 77.43 Hz. The research results provide theoretical basis and guidance for machine tool design and use.
The New Solution Concept to Ill-Posed Bilevel Programming: Non-Antagonistic Pessimistic Solution
Authors: Li Xiang , Hu Tiesong , Wang Xin , Mahmoud Ali , Zeng Xiang
Published: March 2023

It is hardly realistic to assume that, under all decision circumstances, followers will always choose a solution that leads to the worst upper-level objective functional value. However, this generally accepted concept of the pessimistic solution to the ill-posed bilevel programming problems may lead to the leader’s attitude being more pessimistic vis à vis his anticipation of the follower’s decision being non-antagonistic. It will result in a wrong pessimistic solution and a greater potential of cooperation space between the leader and the followers. This paper presents a new concept of a non-antagonistic pessimistic solution with four numerical examples for bilevel programming problems from a non-antagonistic point of view. We prove that the objective function value of the non-antagonistic pessimistic solution generally dominates or is equal to the objective functional value of the pessimistic solution and the rewarding solution, and the maximum potential space for leader-follower cooperation can be overestimated in a generally applied pessimistic solution. Our research extends the concept of the pessimistic solution. It also sheds light on the insights that the non-antagonistic pessimistic solution can describe the practical potential of cooperation space between the leader and followers in non-antagonistic circumstances.