bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combined Inhibition of Bcl2 and Bcr-Abl1 Exercises Anti-Leukemia Activity but Does Not Eradicate the Primitive Leukemic Cells
Authors: Massimino Michele , Vigneri Paolo , Stella Stefania , Tirrò Elena , Pennisi Maria Stella , Parrinello Laura Nunziatina , Vetro Calogero , Manzella Livia , Stagno Fabio , Di Raimondo Francesco
Published: December 2021

Background: The management of Philadelphia Chromosome-positive (Ph+) hematological malignancies is strictly correlated to the use of BCR-ABL1 tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). However, these drugs do not induce leukemic stem cells death and their persistence may generate a disease relapse. Published reports indicated that Venetoclax, a selective BCL2 inhibitor, could be effective in Ph+ diseases, as BCL2 anti-apoptotic activity is modulated by BCR-ABL1 kinase. We, therefore, investigated if BCL2 inhibition, alone or combined with Nilotinib, a BCR-ABL1 inhibitor, affects the primitive and committed Ph+ cells survival. Methods: We used Ph+ cells isolated from leukemic patients at diagnosis. To estimate the therapeutic efficacy of BCL2 and BCR-ABL1 inhibition we employed long-term culture, proliferation and apoptosis assay. Immunoblot was used to evaluate the ability of treatment to interfere with the down-stream targets of BCR-ABL1. Results: Blocking BCL2, we observed reduced proliferation and clonogenic potential of CML CD34-positive cells and this cytotoxicity was improved by combination with BCR-ABL1 inhibitor. However, BCL2 inhibition, alone or in combination regiment with BCR-ABL1 inhibitor, did not reduce the self-renewal of primitive leukemic cells, while strongly induced cell death on primary Ph+ Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). Conclusion: Our results suggest that primitive CML leukemic cells are not dependent on BCL2 for their persistence and support that committed CML and Ph + ALL cells are dependent by BCL2 and BCR-ABL1 cooperation for their survival. The antileukemic activity of BCL2 and BCR-ABL1 dual targeting may be a useful therapeutic strategy for Ph+ ALL patients.
Coping Strategies and Their Impact on Quality of Life and Physical Disability of People with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Cerea Silvia , Ghisi Marta , Pitteri Marco , Guandalini Maddalena , Strober Lauren B. , Scozzari Simona , Crescenzo Francesco , Calabrese Massimiliano
Published: December 2021

The aim of the study is to investigate the impact of coping strategies on Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) and physical disability assessed with the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) of people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). PwMS were asked to focus on “MS diagnosis” as the core stressor. One hundred eight pwMS completed the Coping Responses Inventory-Adult form (CRI-Adult), the Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-29 (MSQoL-29), and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). Multiple regression analyses (first block: EDSS, disease duration, and DASS-21) revealed that physical MSQoL-29 was positively associated with Alternative Rewards and negatively with Resigned Acceptance of the CRI-Adult. The mental MSQoL-29 was positively associated with Problem-Solving and negatively with Emotional Discharge. The Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS; first block: disease duration and general distress) was negatively associated with Positive Reappraisal. The Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) revealed that pwMS with lower physical disability showed higher scores in Positive Reappraisal and lower scores in Emotional Discharge than pwMS with a higher physical disability. Coping strategies can play a role on HRQoL and physical disability in pwMS above and beyond EDSS, disease duration, and general distress. Psychological interventions should be considered in pwMS since the time of diagnosis to promote engagement in adaptive coping strategies and contrast the maladaptive ones.
Postpartum Gray Matter Changes in the Auditory Cortex
Authors: Luders Eileen , Gaser Christian , Gingnell Malin , Engman Jonas , Sundström Poromaa Inger , Kurth Florian
Published: December 2021

After giving birth, a mother’s brain undergoes functional adaptations fostering the ability to properly respond to the needs of her newborn. Tuning into and understanding her baby’s crying is among the top skills required and executed in the early stages of motherhood. However, surprisingly little is known about potential changes in the anatomy of the maternal auditory cortex. Therefore, in this longitudinal study, we compared the brains of 14 healthy women between immediate postpartum (within 1–2 days of childbirth) and late postpartum (at 4–6 weeks after childbirth), focusing on areas of the primary, secondary, and higher auditory cortex. We observed significant volume increases within all auditory regions and subregions examined, which might reflect rapid adaptations of the mother’s brain in relation to reliably interpreting her newborn’s cries. There was also a trend for a larger postpartum increase within right-hemispheric regions compared to left-hemispheric regions that might be specifically linked to the ability to discern the pitch, sound, and volume of a baby’s crying. Follow-up research is warranted to replicate these findings and evaluate their current interpretation.
Patient Safety in a Box: Implementation and Evaluation of the Emergency Box in Geriatric and Parkinson Patients
Authors: Krey Lea , Lange Pia , Tran Anh Thu , Greten Stephan , Höglinger Günter U. , Wegner Florian , Krause Olaf , Klietz Martin
Published: December 2021

In an industrial society, the proportion of geriatric people increases with rising age. These people are likely to use polypharmacy and experience medical emergencies. However, their emergency care can be complicated by unclear comorbidities and medication. The aim of this prospective interventional study was to assess the demand for a drug safety tool in clinical practice and to analyze whether the emergency box can improve acute care in a geriatric cohort. Therefore, emergency room (ER) doctors in a German tertiary hospital recorded the number of geriatric patients lacking medical information and its impact on diagnostics/treatment. Furthermore, the emergency box was distributed to patients on the neurological ward and their current drug safety concepts were assessed. After 6 months, we evaluated in a follow-up whether the tool was helpful in emergency cases. Our study revealed that 27.4% (n = 28) of the patients came to the ER without their medical information, which caused a relevant delay or possible severe complications in 11.8% (n = 12). The emergency box was perceived as easily manageable and 87.9% (n = 109) of the participants wanted to keep it after the study. Subjectively, participants benefitted in emergencies. In conclusion, the emergency box is a cheap tool that is easy to use. It can save valuable time in emergencies and increases the safety of geriatric patients.
Investigating Relationships between Preschool Children’s Perceived Competence, Motor Skills, and Physical Activity: A Cross-Lagged Panel Model
Authors: Ryu Suryeon , Lee Jung Eun , Liu Wenxi , McDonough Daniel J. , Gao Zan
Published: December 2021

Background: Motor skill competence (MSC) and perceived competence (PC) are primary correlates that are linked with physical activity (PA) participation, yet there is limited evidence of the mutual longitudinal or temporal associations between these variables in preschoolers. Therefore, this study’s purpose was to examine the bidirectional relationships between MSC and PA, MSC and PC, and PC and PA in preschoolers over time. Methods: The final sample were 61 preschoolers (Mage = 4.45 years, ranging from 4 to 5) from two underserved schools. MSC was assessed using the Test of Gross Motor Development, Second Edition (TGMD-2). PC was assessed using the Pictorial Scale of Perceived Competence and Social Acceptance for Young Children. PA was assessed using ActiGraph GT9X Link accelerometers during three consecutive school days. All assessments of MSC, PC, and PA were measured in identical conditions at schools at the baseline (T1) and the end of the eighth week (T2). We employed a cross-lagged model approach to understand the bidirectional relationships between MSC, PC, and PA. Results: The results showed that T1 MSC significantly predicted T2 MSC (p < 0.01) and T1 MSC significantly predicted T2 PA only in girls (p = 0.03). Additionally, a cross-lagged effect of T1 MSC and T2 PC was only observed in boys (p = 0.03). Lastly, a significant association for T1 moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and T2 PC was only observed in girls (p = 0.04). Conclusions: Bidirectional relationships between the variables were not observed in preschoolers. However, significant gender differences were observed in each cross-lagged model.
Managing the Unpredictable: Mechanistic Analysis and Clinical Recommendations for Lamotrigine Treatment after Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Porat Daniel , Azran Carmil , Kais Hasan , Dahan Arik
Published: December 2021

Bariatric surgery may alter the absorption and overall bioavailability of oral drugs. Lamotrigine is a major antiepileptic and mood stabilizer, that its use after bariatric surgery has not yet been studied. In this article, we provide a thorough mechanistic analysis of the effects of bariatric surgery on multiple mechanisms important for the absorption, bioavailability and overall pharmacokinetics of lamotrigine. Attributable to its pharmacokinetic properties and drug characteristics, the use of lamotrigine after bariatric surgery may be challenging. The complex situation in which some mechanisms may lead to increased drug exposure (e.g., decreased metabolism, weight loss) while others to its decrease (e.g., hampered dissolution/solubility, decreased gastric volume), may result in lowered, unchanged, or enhanced lamotrigine plasma levels after the surgery. We conclude with a set of clinical recommendations for lamotrigine treatment after bariatric surgery, aiming to allow better patient care, and emphasizing the extra caution that needs to be taken with these patients.
Efficacy and Safety of Tenofovir Disoproxil Orotate in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients Previously Treated with Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate: Multicenter, Open-Label, Prospective Study
Authors: Chang Young , Kim Sang-Gyune , Jeong Soung-Won , Jang Jae-Young , Yoo Jeong-Ju , Lee Sae-Hwan , Kim Young-Seok , Kim Hong-Soo , Lee Hyun-Woong , Park Suyeon
Published: December 2021

Background/Aim: We aimed to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of tenofovir disoproxilorotate (TDO) compared with that of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) in patients with chronic hepatitis B. Methods: This multicenter, open-label, prospective clinical trial (KCT0004185) was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TDO on switching from TDF for 24 weeks in virologically suppressed chronic hepatitis B patients. The primary efficacy endpoint was the maintenance of virologic response. Safety was assessed by evaluating major adverse events, changes in renal function, and occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Results: TDO treatment was not inferior in terms of virological response when compared with that on TDF treatment, with a noninferiority margin of −10% (risk difference, −3.17%; 95% confidence interval, −7.5%–1.15%). The biological response of TDO was also comparable to that of TDF, with no significant difference in the proportion of patients with normalized alanine transaminase levels. After 24 weeks of treatment, hepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg) significantly decreased to a mean titer of 3.91 log U/mL from 4.15 log U/mL at baseline (p = 0.01). There were no cases of grade 3 or higher adverse events and HCC. The mean estimated glomerular filtration rate increased from 91.09 mL/min to 93.34 mL/min (p = 0.056), and the mean serum level of phosphorus increased from 3.33 mg/dL to 3.44 mg/dL (p = 0.045), suggesting improvement in renal function with TDO treatment. Conclusion: In patients with chronic hepatitis B, the efficacy of TDO was noninferior to that of TDF, with a significant decrease in the HBcrAg titer and improved renal function.
Predictors of Mortality and Long-Term Outcome in Patients with Anterior STEMI: Results from a Single Center Study
Authors: Ferrante Giulia , Barbieri Lucia , Sponzilli Carlo , Lucreziotti Stefano , Salerno Uriarte Diego , Centola Marco , Verdoia Monica , Carugo Stefano
Published: December 2021

Anterior ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (A-STEMI) has the worst prognosis among all infarct sites due to larger infarct size and the higher cardiac enzyme release. We retrospectively analyzed 584 A-STEMI undergoing urgent coronary angiography from October 2008 to April 2019. The median follow-up time was 1774 days with a minimum of a 1-year follow-up for 498 patients. In-hospital mortality was 8.6%, while long-term, all-cause mortality and 1-year mortality were 18.8% and 6.8%, respectively. The main predictors for in-hospital mortality were ejection fraction (LV-EF), baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), female gender and cardiogenic shock (CS) at admission, while long-term predictors of mortality were age, coronary artery disease (CAD) extension and LV-EF. Patients presenting with CS (6.5%) showed a higher mortality rate (in-hospital 68.4%, long term 41.7%). Among 245 patients (42%) with multivessel disease (MVD), complete revascularization (CR) during the index procedure was performed in 42.8% of patients and more often in patients with CS at admission (19.1% vs. 6.1%, p = 0.008). Short- and long-term mortality were not significantly influenced by the revascularization strategy (CR/culprit only). Our study confirmed the extreme fragility of A-STEMI patients, especially in case of CS at admission. LV-EF is a powerful predictor of a poor outcome. In MVD, CR during p-PCI did not show any advantage for either long- or short-term mortality compared to the culprit-only strategy.
A Clinical Study on the Efficacy and Tolerability of a New Topical Gel and Toothpaste in Patients with Xerostomia: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: López Jornet Pia , Hernandez Laureano , Gomez García Francisco , Galera Molero Fe , Pons-Fuster López Eduardo , Tvarijonaviciute Asta
Published: December 2021

Objective: xerostomia is a very common problem in the general population. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of a new gel and toothpaste in patients with xerostomia, analyze the role of salivary cytokines as biomarkers of xerostomia and assess the possible changes in salivary cytokines following treatment. Materials and methods: A randomized, controlled double-blind clinical study was carried out in 73 patients with xerostomia divided into two groups: placebo and active treatment (cymenol; tocopheryl acetate; D-panthenol; Aloe barbadensis; citrate tribasic dihydrate; fluoride) with oral gel and toothpaste three times a day for four consecutive weeks. The Thomson Xerostomia Inventory was applied, with the assessment of oral quality of life (OHIP-14) at baseline and after four weeks of application of the product. Sialometry was also performed in both groups, with analysis of the IL-1b, IL-6, IL-8 and TNFa levels in saliva. Results: In the active treatment group, the xerostomia scores decreased significantly at the end of the study versus baseline, from 33.47 to 27.93 (p < 0.001). No significant decrease was recorded in the placebo group (34.5 to 32.75; p = 0.190). There were no adverse effects in either group. Regarding the saliva samples, the active treatment group showed significant differences in IL-6 concentration versus the control group (18.55 pg/mL (8–38.28) and 5.83 pg/mL (1.19–12.04), respectively; p = 0.002). No significant differences in salivary cytokines were observed in either the treatment group or the control group. Conclusions: The use of a new toothpaste and gel developed for patients with xerostomia proved effective, with greater symptom relief than in the placebo group. Further clinical studies involving longer time periods and larger samples are advisable in order to confirm the benefits of the described treatment.
Differential Effectiveness of Hypothermic Targeted Temperature Management According to the Severity of Post-Cardiac Arrest Syndrome
Authors: Kikutani Kazuya , Nishikimi Mitsuaki , Shimatani Tatsutoshi , Kyo Michihito , Ohshimo Shinichiro , Shime Nobuaki
Published: December 2021

International guidelines recommend targeted temperature management (TTM) to improve the neurological outcomes in adult patients with post-cardiac arrest syndrome (PCAS). However, it still remains unclear if the lower temperature setting (hypothermic TTM) or higher temperature setting (normothermic TTM) is superior for TTM. According to the most recent large randomized controlled trial (RCT), hypothermic TTM was not found to be associated with superior neurological outcomes than normothermic TTM in PCAS patients. Even though this represents high-quality evidence obtained from a well-designed large RCT, we believe that we still need to continue investigating the potential benefits of hypothermic TTM. In fact, several studies have indicated that the beneficial effect of hypothermic TTM differs according to the severity of PCAS, suggesting that there may be a subgroup of PCAS patients that is especially likely to benefit from hypothermic TTM. Herein, we summarize the results of major RCTs conducted to evaluate the beneficial effects of hypothermic TTM, review the recent literature suggesting the possibility that the therapeutic effect of hypothermic TTM differs according to the severity of PCAS, and discuss the potential of individualized TTM.
Linear Endobronchial Ultrasound in the Era of Personalized Lung Cancer Diagnostics—A Technical Review
Authors: Oezkan Filiz , Eisenmann Stephan , Darwiche Kaid , Gassa Asmae , Carbone David P. , Merritt Robert E. , Kneuertz Peter J.
Published: December 2021

Major advances in molecular profiling for available targeted treatments and immunotherapy for lung cancer have significantly increased the complexity of tissue-based diagnostics. Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspirations (EBUS-TBNA) are commonly performed for diagnostic biopsies and lymph node staging. EBUS-TBNA has increasingly become one of the main sources of tumor cells for molecular analyses. As a result, there is a growing need for high quality EBUS-TBNA samples with adequate cellularity. This has increased the technical demands of the procedure and has created additional challenges, many of which are not addressed in the current EBUS guidelines. This review provides an overview of current evidence on the technical aspects of EBUS-TBNA in light of comprehensive sample processing for personalized lung cancer management. These include sonographic lymph node characterization, optimal needle choice, suction biopsy technique, and the role of rapid on-site evaluation. Attention to these technical details will be important to maximize the throughput of EBUS-TBNA biopsies for molecular testing.
Incidence and Mortality of Emergency Patients Transported by Emergency Medical Service Personnel during the Novel Corona Virus Pandemic in Osaka Prefecture, Japan: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Katayama Yusuke , Tanaka Kenta , Kitamura Tetsuhisa , Takeuchi Taro , Nakao Shota , Nitta Masahiko , Iwami Taku , Fujimi Satoshi , Uejima Toshifumi , Miyamoto Yuuji , Baba Takehiko , Mizobata Yasumitsu , Kuwagata Yasuyuki , Shimazu Takeshi , Matsuoka Tetsuya
Published: December 2021

Although the COVID-19 pandemic affects the emergency medical service (EMS) system, little is known about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the prognosis of emergency patients. This study aimed to reveal the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the EMS system and patient outcomes. We included patients transported by ambulance who were registered in a population-based registry of patients transported by ambulance. The endpoints of this study were the incident number of patients transported by ambulance each month and the number of deaths among these patients admitted to hospital each month. The incidence rate ratio (IRR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) using a Poisson regression model with the year 2019 as the reference were calculated. A total of 500,194 patients were transported in 2019, whereas 443,321 patients were transported in 2020, indicating a significant decrease in the number of emergency patients transported by ambulance (IRR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.88–0.89). The number of deaths of emergency patients admitted to hospital was 11,931 in 2019 and remained unchanged at 11,963 in 2020 (IRR: 1.00, 95% CI: 0.98–1.03). The incidence of emergency patients transported by ambulance decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, but the mortality of emergency patients admitted to hospital did not change in this study.
Early Association Factors for Depression Symptoms in Pregnancy: A Comparison between Spanish Women Spontaneously Gestation and with Assisted Reproduction Techniques
Authors: Ramiro-Cortijo David , Soto-Balbuena Cristina , Rodríguez-Muñoz María F.
Published: December 2021

Women with assisted reproduction techniques (ART) have a different psychological profile than women with a spontaneous pregnancy. These differences may put the former group at higher risk for depressive symptomatology. Our aim was to determine what sociodemographic factors and psychological variables interact with early depressive symptoms in pregnant women with ART. This is a cross-sectional, non-interventional, and observational study where a total of 324 women were analyzed in the first trimester of pregnancy at the Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias (Spain). Women completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item Scale, the Resilience inventory, the General concerns (ad hoc scale), the Stressful life events, and the prenatal version of Postpartum Depression Predictors Inventory-Revised (PDPI-R), including socioeconomic status, pregnancy intendedness, self-esteem, partner support, family support, friends support, marital satisfaction, and life stress. According to our models, women undergoing ART had significantly increased the PHQ-9 scores (β = 6.75 ± 0.74; p-value < 0.001). Being single also increased the PHQ-9 score. Related to the psychological variables, anxiety (β = 0.43 ± 0.06; p-value < 0.001) and stressful life events (β = 0.17 ± 0.06; p-value = 0.003) increased PHQ-9 scores. In contrast, resilience (β = −0.05 ± 0.02; p-value = 0.004), self-esteem (β = −1.21 ± 0.61; p-value = 0.048), and partner support (β = −1.50 ± 0.60; p-value = 0.013) decreased PHQ-9 scores. We concluded that women undergoing ART need interventions to reduce anxiety and stressful life events, and to improve resilience, self-esteem, and emotional partner support to prevent depressive symptomatology during this important phase in their lives.
Alumina, Zirconia and Their Composite Ceramics with Properties Tailored for Medical Applications
Authors: Burger Wolfgang , Kiefer Gundula
Published: December 2021

Although in 1977 the first ceramic composite material had been introduced into the market, it was a long time before composite materials were qualified for medical applications. For a long period high purity alumina ceramics have been used as ball-heads and cups. Because of their brittleness, in 1986 yttria stabilized zirconia has been introduced into this application, because of higher strength and fracture toughness. However, due to its hydrothermal instability this material disappeared in orthopaedic applications in 2000. Meanwhile a composite materials based on an alumina matrix with dispersed metastable tetragonal zirconia particles and in-situ formed hexagonal platelets became the standard material for ceramic ball-heads, because of their excellent mechanical strength, hardness and improved fracture toughness. Especially fracture toughness can be improved further by special material formulations and tailored microstructure. It has been shown that a mixed stabilisation of zirconia by yttria and ceria with dispersed alumina and hexagonal platelets overcomes the hydrothermal instability and excellent materials properties can be achieved. Such materials do have big potential to be used in dental applications. Furthermore, these materials also can be seen as a new generation for ball-heads, because of their enhanced fracture toughness. All materials are described within these articles. In order to achieve the required properties of the materials, special raw materials are required. Therefore, it is quite important to understand and know the raw material manufacturing procedures.
Molar Septum Expansion with Osseodensification for Immediate Implant Placement, Retrospective Multicenter Study with Up-to-5-Year Follow-Up, Introducing a New Molar Socket Classification
Authors: Bleyan Samvel , Gaspar João , Huwais Salah , Schwimer Charles , Mazor Ziv , Mendes José João , Neiva Rodrigo
Published: December 2021

The ideal positioning of immediate implants in molar extraction sockets often requires the osteotomy to be in the interradicular septum, which can be challenging in some cases, with traditional site preparation techniques. Patients who had undergone molar tooth extraction and immediate implant placement at five different centers, and followed up between August 2015 and September 2020, were evaluated. Inclusion criteria were use of the osseodensification technique for implant site preparation. The primary outcome was septum width measurement pre-instrumentation and osteotomy diameter post expansion. Clinical outcomes, such as implant insertion torque (ISQ) and implant survival rate, were also collected. A total of 131 patients, who received 145 immediate implants, were included. The mean overall septum width at baseline was 3.3 mm and the mean osteotomy diameter post instrumentation was 4.65 mm. A total of ten implants failed: seven within the healing period and three after loading; resulting in a cumulative implant survival rate of 93.1%. This retrospective study showed that osseodensification is a predictable method for immediate implant placement with interradicular septum expansion in molar extraction sockets. Furthermore, it allowed the introduction of a new molar socket classification. In the future, well-designed controlled clinical studies are needed to confirm these results and further explore the potential advantages of this technique.
Recent Advancements in the Technologies Detecting Food Spoiling Agents
Authors: Saini Reena V. , Vaid Prachi , Saini Neeraj K. , Siwal Samarjeet Singh , Gupta Vijai Kumar , Thakur Vijay Kumar , Saini Adesh K.
Published: December 2021

To match the current life-style, there is a huge demand and market for the processed food whose manufacturing requires multiple steps. The mounting demand increases the pressure on the producers and the regulatory bodies to provide sensitive, facile, and cost-effective methods to safeguard consumers’ health. In the multistep process of food processing, there are several chances that the food-spoiling microbes or contaminants could enter the supply chain. In this contest, there is a dire necessity to comprehend, implement, and monitor the levels of contaminants by utilizing various available methods, such as single-cell droplet microfluidic system, DNA biosensor, nanobiosensor, smartphone-based biosensor, aptasensor, and DNA microarray-based methods. The current review focuses on the advancements in these methods for the detection of food-borne contaminants and pathogens.
Revealing Underdrawings in Wall Paintings of Complex Stratigraphy with a Novel Reflectance Photoacoustic Imaging Prototype
Authors: Chaban Antonina , Tserevelakis George J. , Klironomou Evgenia , Fontana Raffaella , Zacharakis Giannis , Striova Jana
Published: December 2021

Revealing precious hidden features by a completely non-invasive approach is one of the crucial issues in the Heritage Science field. In this regard, concealed fresco paintings still represent an analytical challenge. This paper addresses the specific issue in wall painting diagnostics by the photoacoustic (PA) imaging technique, already proven to be efficient in revealing underdrawings and internal stratigraphy in movable paintings on paper and canvas. A newly set-up reflection PA prototype was applied here for the first time to probe the charcoal, graphite and sinopia hidden sketch drawings in concealed (gypsum, limewash, overpainted) wall paintings. The results presented here push forward the frontiers of the PA imaging technique and point to its potential effectiveness of revealing hidden underdrawings in historical wall paintings with complex stratigraphy.
Comparison of Different Image Data Augmentation Approaches
Authors: Nanni Loris , Paci Michelangelo , Brahnam Sheryl , Lumini Alessandra
Published: December 2021

Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have gained prominence in the research literature on image classification over the last decade. One shortcoming of CNNs, however, is their lack of generalizability and tendency to overfit when presented with small training sets. Augmentation directly confronts this problem by generating new data points providing additional information. In this paper, we investigate the performance of more than ten different sets of data augmentation methods, with two novel approaches proposed here: one based on the discrete wavelet transform and the other on the constant-Q Gabor transform. Pretrained ResNet50 networks are finetuned on each augmentation method. Combinations of these networks are evaluated and compared across four benchmark data sets of images representing diverse problems and collected by instruments that capture information at different scales: a virus data set, a bark data set, a portrait dataset, and a LIGO glitches data set. Experiments demonstrate the superiority of this approach. The best ensemble proposed in this work achieves state-of-the-art (or comparable) performance across all four data sets. This result shows that varying data augmentation is a feasible way for building an ensemble of classifiers for image classification.
Pumping Rate and Size of Demosponges—Towards an Understanding Using Modeling
Authors: Larsen Poul S. , Riisgård Hans Ulrik
Published: December 2021

Filter-feeding sponges pump large amounts of water and contribute significantly to grazing impact, matter transport and nutrient cycling in many marine benthic communities. For ecological studies it is therefore of interest to be able to estimate the pumping rate of different species from their volume size or osculum cross-sectional area by means of experimentally determined allometric correlations. To help understand allometric data correlations and observed large variations of volume-specific pumping rate among species we developed a model that determines the pumping rate as a function of the size (volume) of a tubular-type demosponge described by 4 geometric length scales. The model relies on a choanocyte-pump model and standard pressure loss relations for flow through the aquiferous system, and density and pumping rate per choanocyte is assumed to be constant. By selecting different possibilities for increase of the length scales, which may also simulate different growth forms, we demonstrate that the model can imitate the experimental allometric correlations. It is concluded that the observed dependence of pumping rate on size is primarily governed by the hydraulics of pump performance and pressure losses of the aquiferous system rather than, e.g., decreasing density of choanocytes with increasing sponge size.
Numerical Performance Model for Tensioned Mooring Tidal Turbine Operating in Combined Wave-Current Sea States
Authors: Fu Song , Johnstone Cameron
Published: December 2021

This study proposes the design of a tidal turbine station keeping system based on the adoption of a tensioned mooring system. Damping is introduced to investigate its effect on the reduction in the peak load experienced by tidal turbines during their operational lives in high-energy wave–current environments. A neutrally buoyant turbine is supported using a tensioned cable-based mooring system, where tension is introduced using a buoy fully submersed in water. The loads on the turbine rotor blades and buoy are calculated using a wave and current-coupled model. A modelling algorithm is proposed based on inverted pendulums, which respond to various sea state conditions, to study the behaviour of the system as well as the loads on blades. The results indicate that the tensioned mooring system reduces the peak thrust on the turbine and validates the applicability of the model.
Remote Sensing of the Coastline Variation of the Guangdong–Hongkong–Macao Greater Bay Area in the Past Four Decades
Authors: Hu Ruirui , Yao Lijun , Yu Jing , Chen Pimao , Wang Dongliang
Published: December 2021

In this study, a combination of example-based feature extraction and visual interpretation was applied to analyze the coastline variations in the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area (GHMGBA) from the past four decades based on the Landsat satellite remote sensing image data from 1987–2018, using ENVI and ArcGIS software. The results showed that the total length of the coastline of the GHMGBA increased in the past four decades, rising from 1291 km in 1987 to 1411 km in 2018. Among these, artificial coastline increased by 450 km, while the other coastline types decreased. The type of coastline that decreased the most was bedrock coastline, by a total of 172 km. The silty coastline disappeared, and almost all of it was converted to artificial coastline. Variations in the coastline of the GHMGBA were mainly connected to human activities and showed an overall trend of advancing towards the ocean. Dynamic monitoring of coastline variations can provide a reference for the protection of natural resources, sustainable marine development and rational planning of the coastal zone.
Collision Avoidance Algorithm for USV Based on Rolling Obstacle Classification and Fuzzy Rules
Authors: Song Lifei , Shi Xiaoqian , Sun Hao , Xu Kaikai , Huang Liang
Published: December 2021

Dynamic collision avoidance between multiple vessels is a task full of challenges for unmanned surface vehicle (USV) movement, which has high requirements on real-time performance and safety. The difficulty of multi-obstacle collision avoidance is that it is hard to formulate the optimal obstacle avoidance strategy when encountering more than one obstacle threat at the same time; a good strategy to avoid one obstacle sometimes leads to threats from other obstacles. This paper presents a dynamic collision avoidance algorithm for USVs based on rolling obstacle classification and fuzzy rules. Firstly, potential collision probabilities between a USV and obstacles are calculated based on the time to the closest point of approach (TCPA). All obstacles are given different priorities based on potential collision probability, and the most urgent and secondary urgent ones will then be dynamically determined. Based on the velocity obstacle algorithm, four possible actions are defined to determine the basic domain in the collision avoidance strategy. After that, the Safety of Avoidance Strategy and Feasibility of Strategy Adjustment are calculated to determine the additional domain based on fuzzy rules. Fuzzy rules are used here to comprehensively consider the situation composed of multiple motion obstacles and the USV. Within the limited range of the basic domain and the additional domain, the optimal collision avoidance parameters of the USV can be calculated by the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. The PSO algorithm utilizes both the characteristic of pursuance for the population optimal and the characteristic of exploration for the individual optimal to avoid falling into the local optimal solution. Finally, numerical simulations are performed to certify the validity of the proposed method in complex traffic scenarios. The results illustrated that the proposed method could provide efficient collision avoidance actions.
Maritime Cyber Security: A Global Challenge Tackled through Distinct Regional Approaches
Authors: Karamperidis Stavros , Kapalidis Chronis , Watson Tim
Published: December 2021

Maritime cyber security is an emerging issue that requires immediate attention, according to the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Feedback received from global shipping professionals indicate that a common threat to the industry, such as cyber security, is dealt with differently among industry practitioners around the globe. Data collected from two targeted focus groups (one in Europe and the second in Asia, two leading groups in the maritime transport sector) demonstrated that, based on technology adoption maturity, cyber security is perceived differently between these groups. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted these differences. Our findings lead to useful intelligence that will inform key maritime decision makers, both in meeting the IMO requirements and preparing the organization to address cyber risks.
Assessment of Water Quality and Phytoplankton Structure of Eight Alexandria Beaches, Southeastern Mediterranean Sea, Egypt
Authors: Alprol Ahmed E. , Ashour Mohamed , Mansour Abdallah Tageldein , Alzahrani Othman M. , Mahmoud Samy F. , Gharib Samiha M.
Published: December 2021

This study aims to investigate the abundance, community, and structure of phytoplankton, physicochemical parameters, and some eutrophication state indices, to estimate the water quality of eight selected beaches along the Alexandria Coast, in the southeast of the Mediterranean Sea. The samples were collected monthly from 2019 to 2020. Nutrient values ranged from 1.54 to 33.21 µM for nitrate, 0.01 to 1.98 µM for nitrite, 0.12 to 9.45 µM for ammonia, 0.01 to 1.54 µM for phosphate, and 0.67 to 29.53 µM for silicate. Phytoplankton biomass was characterized by chlorophyll-a concentration, which fluctuated between 0.12 and 12.31 µg L−1. The annual phytoplankton average was 63.85 ± 17.83 × 103 cells L−1. Phytoplankton was highly diversified (228 taxa), and the most diversified group was diatoms (136 taxa), followed by a remarkably low number of Dinophyta (36 taxa). Diatoms reached maximum abundance in December. Meanwhile, a dense bloom of microalga Chlorella marina occurred in June on some beaches. High temperature, high dissolved inorganic nitrogen, and less-saline waters have supported green algal proliferation. The Shannon–Wiener diversity index (H’) showed that there was a qualitative seasonal difference in the composition of the phytoplankton community. Waters of beaches 1–3 were classified as between clean and moderately polluted; and beaches 4–8 varied between moderately and heavily polluted. The study revealed that human activities might have triggered the algal bloom and may be responsible for alterations in the Alexandria coast ecosystem.
Effects of the Installation Method, Loading Condition, and Failure Mechanism on the Behavior of Suction Piles under Monotonic Horizontal Loading
Authors: Lee Juhyung , Do Jinung
Published: December 2021

A suction pile is a promising option when floating offshore structures are deployed at deep and distant locations. A suction pile is typically used for the foundation system of a mooring system subjected to horizontal loading with a load inclination. In this study, the effects of installation method, loading position, and load inclination on the behavior of a suction pile under monotonic horizontal loading were evaluated via large-scale soil chamber testing. A series of horizontal load tests were performed by varying the loading position at pile embedded lengths of 1/4, 1/2, 2/3, and 3/4. A horizontal load test with a load inclination of 20° was conducted and compared with that of a load inclination of 0°. The failure mechanism of the suction piles under monotonic horizontal loading was assessed via particle image velocimetry (PIV) analysis. The movement of the suction pile during monotonic horizontal loading was elucidated in terms of the horizontal displacement, vertical displacement, and rotation angle. The results of this study show apparent differences between jacking and suction-installed piles and piles under different loading conditions. The PIV analysis shows that the rotational behavior under monotonic horizontal loading can be a critical point to affect the horizontal resistance of the suction pile.
Valorization Use of Amphipod Meal, Gammarus pulex, as a Fishmeal Substitute on Growth Performance, Feed Utilization, Histological and Histometric Indices of the Gut, and Economic Revenue of Grey Mullet
Authors: Ashour Mohamed , Abo-Taleb Hamdy A. , Hassan Abdel-Kader M. , Abdelzaher Othman F. , Mabrouk Mohamed M. , Elokaby Mohamed A. , Alzahrani Othman M. , Mahmoud Samy F. , El-feky Mohamed M. M. , Shaban Walaa M. , Mansour Abdallah Tageldein
Published: December 2021

The future of aquaculture development is directed toward high intensification to overcome the decline in natural fishing and to provide enough protein for the increasing world population. The spread of aquaculture production and intensification requires the search for high-quality, new efficient feed ingredients with low cost and sustainable importance. Therefore, the current study aimed to detect the effects of partial or total replacement of fishmeal with amphipod meal, Gammarus pulex, on growth performance, survival percent, feed utilization, histological alteration of intestine and liver, and economic yield of grey mullet, Mugil cephalus, fry. Five diets were formulated to contain 100% fishmeal (FM), or FM replaced with 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100% amphipod meal (APM) (D0, D25, D50, D75, and D100, respectively). A total of 300 grey mullet fry (0.097 ± 0.001 g), were divided into five groups (three replicates each) at an initial stocking density of 20 fry per aquaria (100 L). The aquarium’s water is renewed at a rate of 30% daily. During a 60-day experimental period, the feeding rate was 20% of body weight, which was introduced as five meals per day. Fish fed D50 achieved the highest significant values of final weight (1.80 g), weight gain (1.70 g), survival (86.67%), final length (4.47 cm), and length gain (2.06 cm). In addition, the feed utilization of diets containing increasing substitution levels of FM showed that the highest protein intake (0.82 g ish−1), protein efficiency ratio (0.83), protein productive value (30.65%), and the lowest significant feed conversion ratio (1.21) were recorded with D50. The dose-response study revealed that the best substitution levels could range between 50% and 75%. Histological observations confirmed that the highest number of goblet cells and intestinal villi were recorded in the group fed D50. No pathological effect was observed in the liver at all substitution levels. In terms of economic efficiency, the best economic conversion ratio was recorded in the group fed D50. This study confirmed that 50% partial substitution of FM with APM is the ideal replacement level for grey mullet fry. In addition, the use of a new renewable alternative, such as APM to substitute FM, could relieve the pressure on the capture of wild fish and reduce the environmental impact of inland aquaculture.
Numerical Study of the Action of Convection on the Volume and Length of the Flammable Zone Formed by Hydrogen Emissions from the Vent Masts Installed on an International Ship
Authors: Nam Hyeonsu , Kim Gun Woo , Lee Hyunyong , Choi Byung Chul , Roh Gilltae , Na Youngseung
Published: December 2021

International ships carrying liquefied fuel are strongly recommended to install vent masts to control the pressure of cargo tanks in the event of an emergency. However, the gas emitted from a vent mast may be hazardous for the crew of the ship. In the present study, the volume and length of the flammable zone (FZ) created by the emitted gas above the ship was examined. Various scenarios comprising four parameters, namely, relative wind speed, arrangement of vent masts, combination of emissions among four vent masts, and direction of emission from the vent-mast outlet were considered. The results showed that the convection acts on the volume and length of an FZ. The volume of an FZ increases when there is a reduction in convection reaching the FZ and when strong convection brings hydrogen from a nearby FZ. The length of the FZ is also related to convection. An FZ is elongated if the center of a vortex is located inside the FZ, because this vortex traps hydrogen inside the FZ. The length of an FZ decreases if the center of the vortex is located outside the FZ, as such a vortex brings more fresh air into the FZ.
The Rapidly Evolving Fudu Estuary Sandbar Lagoon Landform on the East Coast of the Bohai Sea: Recent Changes and Mechanism
Authors: Zhang Lianjie , Yan Jishun , Zhao Bo , Lin Xia , Wang Peng , Zhang Chi , Yu Yonghai , Zhang Pan
Published: December 2021

The Fudu Estuary Sandbar Lagoon is one of the most representative sandbar-lagoon landforms in China, and has undergone drastic evolution in recent years, accompanied by increased coastal engineering activities. The evolution process and its control factors are studied through remote sensing interpretation and coastal sediment transport calculations. During 2010–2021, the sandbar quickly extended at an average speed of 49.5 m/a, but the annual growth has shown a decreasing trend in both area and width, and the shoreline has retreated by 25–45 m. The recent changes are the result of the combined action of natural conditions and human activities. Coastal sediment transport from west to east under the action of W-oriented waves is the natural cause of extension. An estuary dam and artificial island block the sediment transport path, and the material for the new growth of the sandbar comes from the erosion of its west side, which has directly caused the retreat and narrowing of the sandbar. The reduction in sediments from the river further aggravates the shrinkage. It is predicted that the sandbar will continue its eastward extension to connect with the coast in about 2–3 years. The erosion status is unlikely to change before the sediment supply is restored. Measures such as dismantling the estuary dam are recommended.
Experimental Research on Cavitation Evolution and Movement Characteristics of the Projectile during Vertical Launching
Authors: Chen Siru , Shi Yao , Pan Guang , Gao Shan
Published: December 2021

Aiming at the problem of unsteady cavitation during a projectile’s vertical water-exit process, scaled model experiments were carried out based on the self-designed underwater launch platform and high-speed cameras, which focus on changes in cavitation shape and projectile posture. In this paper, the general process of the cavitation evolution and projectile’s movement is described; the relationship between the re-entry jet, local cavitation number and cavitation stability is discussed. Meanwhile, the effect of head forms and launch speeds on the cavitation evolution and movement characteristics is analyzed, including 60° cone, 90° cone and hemispherical head with velocity of 16.8 m/s, 18.5 m/s and 20.0 m/s, whose launch cavitation number is 0.714, 0.589 and 0.504. The results show that the attached cavities fall off from the bottom up under the influence of the end-re-entry jet and the shedding frequency declines when the launch cavitation number decreases. The cavitation growth of 60° cone is easily disturbed by the air mass near the launcher, the cavitation development of 90° cone is characterized by small-scale and high-frequency growth and shedding, while the hemispherical head is not prone to cavitation. Moreover, increasing the speed can improve the stability of cavitation development and the projectile’s movement.