bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding consumers' intention to use autonomous delivery vehicles during the COVID-19 pandemic: The stimulus-organism-response approach
Authors: chunhua Ju , zhirong HuHu , Shuo Wang
Published: March 2023

Autonomous delivery vehicles (ADVs) have attracted much attention since COVID-19. As an emerging last-mile delivery tool, the large-scale implementation of ADVs depends on consumers’ willingness to adopt them. However, until recently, research on user acceptance and adopting emerging technology has been relatively rare. The present study is the first that applies the stimulus-organism-response (S-O-R) model to investigate how stimulating factors (COVID-19 risk and human-computer interaction) affect consumers’ intention to use ADVs in last-mile delivery by triggering consumers’ inner states (delivery risk, price sensitivity, perceived enjoyment, trust in technology). Quantitative data based on university students in Zhejiang, China, was collected through an online survey platform (n = 298), and structural equation modeling was undertaken. The results reveal that COVID-19 risk and human-computer interaction can lead to adoption behaviors by triggering different inner states of consumers. Further, innovation is also considered to be one of the factors determining behavioral intention. The findings have profound theoretical and practical contributions to last-mile delivery and technology acceptance research.
The radiation- and chemo-sensitizing capacity of diclofenac can be predicted by a decreased lactate metabolism and stress response
Authors: Schwab Melissa , Dezfouli Ali Bashiri , Khosravi Mohammad , Alkotub Bayan , Birgani Mohammad Javad Tahmasebi , Multhoff Gabriele
Published: March 2023

Background
An enhanced aerobic glycolysis (Warburg effect) associated with an increase in lactic acid in the tumor microenvironment contributes to tumor aggressiveness and resistance to radiation and chemotherapy. We investigated the radiation- and chemo-sensitizing effects of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) diclofenac in different cancer cell types.
Methods
The effects of a non-lethal concentration of diclofenac was investigated on the MYC expression, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity and heat shock protein response in human colorectal (LS174T, LoVo), lung (A549), breast (MDA-MB-231) and adeno pancreatic (COLO357) carcinoma cells. Radiation- and chemo-sensitization of diclofenac was determined in clonogenic cell survival assays and in a xenograft tumor mouse model.
Results
We demonstrated that a non-lethal concentration of diclofenac affects the LDH activity, decreases MYC expression, reduces cytosolic Heat shock factor 1 (HSF1), Hsp70 and Hsp27 levels and membrane Hsp70 positivity in colorectal LS174T and LoVo cancer cells but not in lung A549 carcinoma cells, MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells and COLO357 pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells. The impaired lactate metabolism and stress response in diclofenac-sensitive colorectal cancer cell lines was associated with a significant increase in the sensitivity towards radiation and 5fluorouracil (5-FU), in vitro, and in a xenograft colon carcinoma mouse model diclofenac induces radio-sensitization, in vivo.
Conclusion
Our results suggest that a decrease in the LDH activity and/or stress response upon diclofenac treatment predicts its radiation/chemo-sensitizing capacity.
Dual chimeric antigen receptor T cells targeting CD38 and SLAMF7 with independent signalling demonstrate efficacy and safety in preclinical models of Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Roders Nathalie , Nakid-Cordero Cecilia , Raineri Fabio , Fayon Maxime , Abecassis Audrey , Choisy Caroline , Nelson Elisabeth , Maillard Claire , GARRICK David , Talbot Alexis , Fermand Jean-Paul , Arnulf Bertrand , BORIES JEAN-CHRISTOPHE
Published: March 2023

Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy for multiple myeloma (MM) targeting B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) induces high overall response rates. However, relapse still occurs and novel strategies for targeting MM cells by CAR-T are needed. SLAMF7 (CS1) and CD38 on tumour plasma cells represent potential alternative targets for CAR-T in MM, but their expression on activated T cells and other hematopoietic cells raises concerns about the efficacy and safety of such treatments. Here, we used CRISPR/Cas9 deletion of the CD38 gene in T cells and developed DCAR, a double CAR system targeting CD38 and CS1 through activation and co-stimulation receptors, respectively. We show that inactivation of CD38enhances the anti-MM activity of DCAR-T in vitro. Edited DCAR-T showed strong in vitro and in vivo responses specifically against target cells expressing both the CD38 and the CS1 antigens. Importantly, we provide evidence that, unlike anti-CD38 CAR-T, which elicited a rapid immune reaction against hematopoietic cells in a humanized mouse model, DCAR-T showed no signs of toxicity. Thus, DCAR-T could provide a safe and efficient alternative to treat MM patients.
Scalable Detector Design for a High-Resolution Fast-Neutron Radiography Panel
Authors: Young Christian , Browning Chloe , Thurber Ryan , Smalley Matthew , Liesenfelt Michael , Hayward Jason , McFarlane Nicole , Preston Jeff
Published: March 2023

Development of a scalable flat-panel neutron radiography device is needed to meet the nondestructive testing needs of a growing industrial market. Flood field images from a Cs-137 gamma source and a Cf-252 fission neutron source were generated using a detector composed of a 3-mm-thick sheet of EJ-200, and 3-mm-thick sheet of acrylic light spreader, an 8 × 8 array of SensL MICROFJ-60035-TSV SiPMs, and an IDEAS ROSSPAD readout module. The readout module can be tiled together with similar systems to create a panel of any size, and is only limited by the number of available Ethernet ports in a switching system. A collimated gamma line image demonstrated a 90% spatial resolution of approximately 0.47 line pairs per centimeter and a 10% spatial resolution of approximately 2.32 line pairs per centimeter. A neutron edge image demonstrated a 90% spatial resolution of approximately 0.70 line pairs per centimeter and a 10% spatial resolution of approximately 3.35 line pairs per centimeter. Both of these images show the ability to generate radiographs with sub-SiPM spatial resolution. Using these readout modules, a large-scale radiographic panel can be developed by tiling ROSSPAD modules together.
Curcumin suppresses melanoma cell migration through down-regulating NEDD4 and inhibiting the endocytic degradation of E-cadherin
Authors: Wo xiaoman , Zhang Zepeng , Cai Limin , Dong Yanyan , Qin Wenxin , Liu Tian , Ma Yanli , Wang Yu , Liu Jing , Zhao Wenran , Wang Yongchen
Published: March 2023

Objective Melanoma is one of the most aggressive cancers which tends to metastasize beyond the primary site. To block or delay cancer metastasis is critical for melanoma treatment. Curcumin exerts inhibiting the proliferation and metastasis of melanoma, while its anti-metastasis mechanism is not completely understood.
Methods The melanoma cell lines A375 and A875 were used in this experiment. Cell migration was determined by Transwell assay with curcumin. The expression of Neuronal precursor cell-expressed developmentally downregulated 4 (NEDD4), E-cadherin, and vimentin was determined by Western blotting and/or quantitative real-time PCR in the context of NEDD4 knockdown or overexpression or curcumin treatment. The endocytosis of E-cadherin was observed by fluorescence microscopy in the cells with NEDD4 (wild type or mutated) overexpression or curcumin treatment.
Results We demonstrated that curcumin inhibited the migration of melanoma cells through upregulating E-cadherin while inhibiting vimentin. The inhibited epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of the melanoma cells treated with curcumin was associated with the decreased expression of NEDD4. Knockdown of NEDD4 upregulated E-cadherin, while overexpression of NEDD4 depleted E-cadherin. Moreover, NEDD4 promoted the internalization and lysosomal degradation of E-cadherin, while curcumin strengthened the localization of E-cadherin in the plasma membrane and inhibited the delivery of E-cadherin to endosome. NEDD4 colocalized with the internalized E-cadherin, while mutated NEDD4, which still enhanced E-cadherin internalization, did not colocalize with E-cadherin.
Conclusions Taken together, curcumin’s inhibition on NEDD4 expression and E-cadherin endocytosis contributes to its anti-migration effect on melanoma cells.
The Mirror of the future: Building an InteractiveSmart Mirror with AI-based Virtual Assistant and Intruder Alert (Theft Detection)
Authors: N Nalini , Shetty Ashish , CM Abhishek
Published: March 2023

The smart mirror is a novel interactive device that integrates digital information and media content into a reflective surface. Unlike traditional mirrors, the smart mirror can display personalized information and real-time data such as weather, news, calendar events, and traffic updates, while still functioning as a regular mirror. The mirror uses a combination of voice control and a touch interface to enable users to interact with the display. Additionally, the smart mirror incorporates facial recognition technology to recognize the user and tailor content to their specific preferences. The mirror also has a built- in camera and PIR sensor that can be used to detect intruders. The smart mirror has a sleek, minimalist design that can fit in any modern home or office, and it offers a unique and innovative way to stay connected and informed while getting ready in the morning or throughout the day.
Comparative evaluation of unintentional extrusion of gutta-percha versus sealer on teeth presenting periapical radiolucency: a retrospective radiographic study on treatment outcome
Authors: Krikeli Eleni , Lambrianidis Theodoros , Molyvdas Ioannis , Mikrogeorgis Georgios
Published: March 2023

Objective:The purpose of this study is the radiographic evaluation of endodontically treated teeth presenting periapical radiolucency and unintentional overfilling with gutta-percha or sealer on treatment outcome and persistence of the extruded materials.Materials and Methods: After assessment using periapical index (PAI), 202 roots filled with gutta-percha and Roth 811 sealer, exhibiting unintentional overfilling and periapical radiolucency were selected. All cases had at least 1 year follow-up. Type of extruded material, periapical status, and removal/persistence of the extruded material were evaluated. Data were statistically analyzed using logistic and linear regression analysis.Results:Tooth location, follow-up period and type of the extruded material were the only factors that significantly affected the outcome (p<0.05). The persistence of extruded material was significantly affected by its type and the recall time (p<0.05).Conclusions:It can be concluded that posterior roots, overfilling with sealer compared to gutta-percha and cases with long recall period present a significantly better rate of complete healing.
Patterned non-determinism in communication complexity
Authors: Gavinsky Dmytro
Published: March 2023

We define and study the model of patterned non-determinism in bipartite communication complexity, denoted by PNPX↔Y. It generalises the known models UPX↔Y and FewPX↔Y through relaxing the constraints on the witnessing structure of the underlying NPX↔Y -protocol.
It is shown that for the case of total functions PNPX↔Y equals PX↔Y (similarly to UPX↔Y and FewPX↔Y). Moreover, the corresponding exhaustive witness-searching problem – determining the full set of witnesses that lead to the acceptance of a given input pair – also has an efficient deterministic protocol.
Structurally, the possibility of efficient exhaustive PNPX↔Y -search summarises the above results and can be stated like this: if f1, . . . . ,fm are bipartite total Boolean functions with efficient deterministic protocols, then for every input (x, y) the set {i|fi (x, y) = ⊤} can be found by a deterministic protocol of cost poly-logarithmic in n and the total number of such sets for these fi’s.
Finally, the possibility of efficient exhaustive PNPX↔Y -search is used to analyse certain three-party communication regime (under the “number in hand” input partition): The corresponding three-party model is shown to be as strong qualitatively as the weakest among its two-party amplifications obtained by allowing free communication between a pair of players.
Experiences of cystic fibrosis newborn screening and genetic counseling
Authors: Foil Kimberly , Christon Lillian , Kerrigan Cheryl , Flume Patrick A. , Drinkwater Jaclyn , Szentpetery Sylvia
Published: March 2023

The South Carolina cystic fibrosis (CF) newborn screening (NBS) program changed in 2019 to include CFTR genotyping for babies with top 4% immunoreactive trypsinogen, which improves sensitivity and timeliness, but increases carrier detection. Carrier identification has genetic implications for the family and parents of NBS+ babies have increased emotional distress. Genetic counseling (GC) may increase parent understanding and reduce anxiety yet is not uniformly offered at CF centers. We report our early results after implementing GC for NBS+ families at the time of sweat chloride testing (SCT). Sixteen mothers participated in an online survey about their experience. The child’s pediatrician notified 10 (62.5%) of the NBS+ result. Parents felt they were notified in a timely manner (68.8%), by someone knowledgeable about NBS (62.5%), SCT (62.5%), CF (43.8%), and genetics (43.8%) and who cared about them (81.3%). Parents felt worried (81.3%), confused (81.3%), empowered (25%) and other (sad, shocked, scared, overwhelmed, devastated, defeated). Most (87.5%) sought additional information before SCT. Sadness and anxiety increased transiently with NBS+ result; bondedness with the baby was not affected. Nine mothers received GC with suggestion of reduced distress. Knowledge was high among both cohorts. GC was rated very helpful, informative, comforting, and minimally distracting. Data from this single-center study suggest benefit of GC and that families would value earlier contact with an expert.
Differential Cognitive and Behavioral Development from 6 to 24 Months in Autism and Fragile X Syndrome
Authors: Mullin Lindsay J. , Rutsohn Joshua , Gross Julia L. , Caravella Kelly E. , Weisenfeld Leigh Anne , Flake Lisa , Botteron Kelly N. , Dager Stephen R. , Estes Annette M. , Pandey Juhi , Schultz Robert T. , John Tanya St. , Wolff Jason J. , Shen Mark D. , Piven Joseph , Hazlett Heather C. , Girault Jessica B.
Published: March 2023

Background: Specifying early developmental differences among neurodevelopmental disorders with distinct etiologies but similar clinical phenotypes is critical to improving early identification and tailored intervention during the first years of life. Recent studies have uncovered important differences between infants with fragile X syndrome (FXS) and infants with familial history (FH) of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who go on to develop autism themselves (FH-ASD), including differences in brain development and behavioral symptomology. However, there have been no studies investigating differential developmental skill profiles in FXS and FH-ASD infants.
Methods: The current study contrasted longitudinal trajectories of verbal (expressive and receptive language) and nonverbal (gross and fine motor, visual reception) skills in infants with FXS and FH-ASD infants, compared to typically developing controls and FH infants who did not develop ASD (FH-nonASD).
Results: Infants with FXS showed delays in developmental composite scores compared to FH-ASD (and FH-nonASD and control) infants as early as 6 months of age. At 12 months an ordinal pattern was established between groups on all domains tested, such that controls > FH-nonASD > FH-ASD > FXS. This pattern persisted through 24 months.
Conclusions: Our results demonstrate detectable delays by 6 months in FXS, whereas FH-ASD infants were indistinguishable from typically developing infants until 12 months. This highlights an earlier onset of global cognitive delays in FXS and, conversely, a protracted period of more subtly emerging delays in FH-ASD. Divergent neural and cognitive development in infancy between FXS and FH-ASD add to our understanding of important distinctions in the development and behavioral phenotype of these two groups.
Adipose tissue IL-18 production is independent of caspase-1 and caspase-11
Authors: Román-Domínguez Luis , Salazar-León Jonathan , Pérez-Martínez Leonor , Pedraza-Alva Gustavo
Published: March 2023

Inflammation in the adipose tissue resulting from imbalanced caloric intake and energy expenditures promotes the metabolic alteration observed in obesity. This inflammatory process is initiated by the production of inflammatory cytokines like IL-1b and IL-18. Opposing functions for these cytokines on the metabolism have been documented. While IL-1b promotes insulin resistance and diabetes, IL-18 promotes energy expenditures and regulates food intake. The production of IL-1b and IL-18 in the adipose tissue of obese mice was thought to be mediated by caspase-1 upon activation of the Nlrp3 inflammasome in response to lipid excess, and by the Nlrp1b inflammasome activation in response to energy excess, respectively. However, this is not the case, here we show that IL-18 production in the adipose tissue is independent of caspase-1 activity. Together, our results indicate that in response to metabolic stress signals IL-18 production is mediated by the Nlrp1b inflammasome in a caspase-1-independent manner while the Nlrp3-mediated IL-1b production is caspase-1 dependent.
Evaluation of the Breathing Mode by Infrared Thermography
Authors: Telson Yasmim Carvalho , Furlan Renata Maria Moreira Moraes , Porto Matheus Pereira , Ferreira Rafael Augusto Magalhães , Motta Andréa Rodrigues
Published: March 2023

Objective
To analyze breathing modes with infrared thermography.
Methods
Cross-sectional observational exploratory study conducted in 20 female participants with a mean age of 26.0 years. The thermograms were made following the principles of the American Academy of Thermology and the Brazilian Thermology Society. The camera FLIR A315 (FLIR Inc., Santa Barbara, CA) was used for the tests. The recordings consisted of the participants breathing normally through the nose for 2 minutes and simulating oral/oronasal breathing for another 2 minutes. The thermograms were analyzed with the FLIR Tools software. An ellipse was placed between the nostrils and the lip commissures to obtain the mean temperatures. The collection was made by two independent researchers, and the normalized non-dimensional temperature was calculated.
Results
The temperature in nasal breathing is higher than in oral/oronasal breathing both for inhaling and exhaling when measured in the region of the mouth. The exhaling temperatures were higher than the inhaling ones in oral/oronasal breathing (through the nose and the mouth) and nasal breathing (only through the nose). The temperature difference between exhaling and inhaling (ΔT) was greater in oral/oronasal breathing when measured in the region of the mouth.
Conclusion
The thermographic assessment of breathing modes may be made by comparing the mean temperatures of the mouth, using an ellipse.
A Novel M-Log Chaos Method for Enhanced Security Blended with Pristine d-Hybrid LSB Approach for Reducing Image Degradation Hinged on Huffman Compression of English Text for Payload Improvement
Authors: Raghuvanshi Devvrat , Joshi Kamaldeep , Nandal Rainu , Sehrawat Harkesh , Singh Surender , Singh Srishti
Published: March 2023

Pretext & Motivations: Spatial domain-based image steganography is the stowing away technique in which disguised data is hidden directly inside the pixel intensities of an unclassified image. After a systematic literature review based on the PRISMA framework, it was realized that no single disquisition has covered all three acreages together i.e., improved payload capacity, augmented security, and reduced image degradation. Chaotic method was restricted to be used as fodder for searching techniques or diffusion of disguised data within the CI. In the proffered approach, a novel use of chaotic function as bombs that can be used to guard the real message is explored.
Proffered Method: The proffered method can be divided into two parts: Insertion of secret text (Huffman compression + novel M-Log chaos bombs embedding + d-Hybrid 3-LSB) and extracting the recondite message out (diffusing chaos bombs + decompressing the message).
Results: Efficient developments were achieved by the proffered method in all three acreages i.e., Payload improvement of 40%, mean PSNR of 45.8981 and mean SSIM of 0.9931, and 32% image degradation reduction.
Conclusion and Future Scope: The proposed method used Huffman compression to clinch the up-scaled payload. Chaotic function values, along with a modulus function, were used to feed into a novel bomb generator equation [ ], which fosters locus for stashing chaos bombs in any image. When triggered by the attacker, these bombs caused permanent marring of recondite data, denying the intruder access to disguised information. As an additional element, image degradation caused was reduced by the pristine d-hybrid method. For future studies, the use of multidimensional chaotic functions and different searching techniques for identifying ideal locations for stashing chaos bombs can be explored.
Study on Maintenance of Eyeball Morphology by Foldable Capsular Vitreous Body in Severe Ocular Trauma
Authors: Li Shanyu , Wang Xiaoxuan , Dou Zhixia , Jia Jinchen
Published: March 2023

Objectives: Explore the feasibility and safety of using foldable capsular vitreous body (FCVB) in managing severe ocular trauma and silicone oil-dependent eyes.
Methodology: This is a retrospective study that analyzed 61 ocular trauma patients (61 eyes) that were presented to the Department of Eye Emergency, Hebei Eye Hospital from May 1, 2018, to May 31, 2019, which included 51 male patients (51 eyes) and 10 female patients (10 eyes) with an average age of (44.98 ±14.60) years old. The oldest patient was 75 years old and the youngest was 8 years old. These cases represented 51 eyes with severe eyeball rupture and 10 eyes with severe, complicated ocular trauma, which became silicone oil-dependent after the operation. These patients received FCVB implants and their visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and the changes on their eye axis, cornea, retina, and the state of FCVB were recorded after the operation.
Results: The operations were successful for all patients and the implants were in the correct positions upon the completion of the operation. All 61 patients cleared a follow-up window of 1-6 months with no reports of significant changes in their visual acuity. Among the patients, 91.8% reported normal intraocular pressure, the retinal reattachment rate reached 100%, and the eyeball atrophy control rate reached 100%. There was no report of rupture of the FCVB allergies to silicone, intraocular infection, intraocular hemorrhage, silicone oil emulsification, or sympathetic ophthalmia.
Conclusions: Foldable capsular vitreous bodies (FCVBs) designed to mimic natural vitreous bodies are suitable as long-term ocular implants that can provide sustained support for the retina without the need for any special postoperative postures. Their barrier function may effectively prolong the retention time of the filling medium and prevent various complications caused by direct contact of the eye tissues with the filling medium.
On the difference between type I and type II superconductors
Authors: Köbler Ulrich
Published: March 2023

It is shown that for the metals that get superconducting, the heat capacity above the transition temperature, TSC, is given by a sequence of power function of absolute temperature and not, as for the metals that get not superconducting (Au, Ag, Cu…), by a superposition of a linear and a cubic term of absolute temperature. The two heat capacities have to be attributed to the relevant bosons in the critical range at T = 0. For the metals that get superconducting, the two boson fields interact and single power functions of absolute temperature result. Since the interaction details and the proportion between the heat capacities of the two boson fields change with temperature, the temperature dependence of the observed heat capacity is given by a sequence of power functions with different rational exponents. Each power function holds over a finite temperature range. A change of the exponent is a typical crossover event. From analyses of available experimental heat capacity data, the exponents of α = 1/2, 1, 3/2, 2, 3 and 4 could firmly be established. As the zero-field heat capacity of all superconductors, the critical field of the type I superconductors, BC(T), exhibits critical behaviour at T = 0 only but not at the transition temperature, TSC. The superconducting transition, therefore, is not into a long-range ordered state. For all type I superconductors the critical exponent of BC(T) at T = 0 seems to be ε = 2. The lower and upper critical fields, BC1(T) and BC2(T), of the type II superconductors exhibit critical behaviour not only at T = 0 but additionally at TSC, as it is common for lang-range ordered systems. The experimentally identified critical exponents at T = 0 are ε = 3/2, 4/2, 5/2, 6/2 and 8/2. At T = TSC, the identified critical exponents are β = 2/3, 3/4 and 1. The large BC1 and BC2 values indicate that the two Cooper-pair electrons of the type II superconductors are much stronger coupled compared to the type I superconductors, remarkably, without a corresponding increase of TSC. The diameter of the Cooper-pairs of the type II superconductors and, therefore, their diamagnetic moments are correspondingly small. At the critical field BC1, the diamagnetic moment of the individual Cooper-pair is no longer large enough that only one layer of Cooper-pairs next to the inner surface of the sample is sufficient to shield an applied magnetic field completely. The external field then penetrates the superconductor as an ordered flux-line lattice. As the critical behaviour of BC1 and BC2 at TSC suggest, the flux-line lattice has the character of a long-range ordered system.
Assessment of optimal growth conditions for biomass and exopolysaccharides production in the thermotolerant cyanobacterium Phormidium sp. ETS-05
Authors: Zampieri Raffaella Margherita , Caldara Fabrizio , Rocca Nicoletta La
Published: March 2023

Phormidium sp. ETS-05 is one of the target cyanobacteria species conferring anti-inflammatory properties to the therapeutic muds applied by spas of the Euganean Thermal District (Italy) to treat arthro-rheumatic pathologies. The beneficial mud is prepared by spas following a traditional method, called maturation, leading to the growth of a specific microbiota on natural raw clay irrigated by flowing thermal water at 37–47°C for about two months. The effectiveness of the mud is related to heat, to electrolytes and to bioactive molecules synthetized by the microbiota. A clear role in the anti-inflammatory activity of the muds has been demonstrated for the exopolysaccharides, EPS, produced by the entire microbiota and Phormidium sp. ETS-05. Considering the interest in this species, we assessed its optimal growth conditions to obtain the higher EPS production in relation to temperature, light spectra and intensity and nitrogen availability. Biomass and pigments production were also taken in consideration, as other high value compounds can be obtained in parallel with EPS. We found the exposure to a temperature of 45°C under white light at 100 µmol photons m− 2 s− 1 as optimal to reach the higher biomass (1.13 g L− 1) and an average production of 75 mg gDW−1 phycocyanin and of 150 mg gDW−1 EPS for Phormidium sp. ETS-05 cultured in lab-scale photobioreactors for 9 days. Putative genes linked with EPS assembly and export have been also identified in its genome, some of which have been investigated for their expression levels, opening to the possibility of biotechnologically boost EPS production.
The inertia and storage impact on the Mexican network frequency
Authors: Ramirez Juan M
Published: March 2023

This paper suggests the subtle effect of getting suitable ancillary services to properly manipulate the frequency within the Mexican interconnected system (MIS), composed of 158 generators, 2022 buses, and 3025 lines.
Studies are carried out to assess the frequency behaviour in the different control areas of the MIS under sudden load increments. The primary purpose is to determine the frequency deviation level and forecast the capacity required by energy storage technologies with rapid response to restore it to its nominal value quickly.
Likewise, hinged on reserve values required, it is provided by storage technologies. Finally, the diminution in polluting emissions is quantified.
Reduction in Utility Consumption in a Biorefinery Using Energy Integration Through Heat Exchanger Networks
Authors: Monteiro Fernanda Carlos , Sarrouh Boutros
Published: March 2023

The present work aims to propose the implementation of a heat exchanger network in a second-generation ethanol production plant from sugarcane bagasse, with the aim of reducing environmental impacts and production costs, such as water and energy. Six cases with different configurations of heat exchangers were proposed and the mass balance of each case was calculated to quantify the consumption of steam and water in each equipment. With the results obtained through the energy balance calculations, it was possible to evaluate the best case, that is, the scenario that presented lower second-generation ethanol production costs. By using the proper heat exchanger network, there was a reduction in the consumption of hot utility by 26.27% and cold utility by 44.70%, making the second generation ethanol production process more economical and favorable for implementation.
Comparative Study between Topical Metformin 30% cream and Topical Adapalene 0.1 % cream in the Treatment of Acanthosis Nigricans (Clinicodermoscopic study)
Authors: Atallah Rabie Bedir , Aboelwafa Hany Othman , Elkhodary Sabrean Badawy
Published: March 2023

Background: Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is a skin disorder with high prevalence. Dermatologists usually prescribe topical keratolytic, laser approaches, or chemical peels for aesthetic reasons. Adapalene is a topical retinoid with high degree of success in treating AN. Metformin is an insulin sensitizer that was suggested as a treatment modality for AN by targeting the insulin resistance associated with AN.
Aim of the work: Compare the safety and effectiveness of topical 30% metformin cream versus topical adapalene 0.1 cream) in treatment of AN.
Patients and methods: The current included 40cases with AN. Cases were randomly distributed into two groups (Each of 20 patients),
Results: Between the examined groups, there is a statistically substantial variation with relation to improvement degree for all dermoscopic findings assessed after treatment. The degree of dermoscopic improvement was better in the adapalene group. Also, the degree of clinical improvement was better in the adapalene group. The mean ANASI score changed from 32.4 to 27.8 pre and post-operative for metformin group and from 26.8 to 18.4 for adapalene group. Percent of change is higher among adapalene group without a statistically significant difference between them.
Conclusion: adapalene 0.1% cream was more effective for treating acanthosis nigricans than Metformin 30% cream, but it caused more local complications. Regarding the likelihood of recurrence, no variation between the two therapeutic regimens was found.
Analysis of the Impact of the Policy on Enforcing Activity Restrictions Communities in Toll Road Construction and Operations Financing Cibitung-Cilincing
Authors: Barus Lita Sari , Primantara Pamuka P , Safira Fidan
Published: March 2023

Construction of toll roads as an alternative access to community activities is one of the sectors affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. This study observed how pandemic could affect the toll road construction. We focus on the Cibitung-Cilincing toll road which will run from 2019 to 2022. The Covid-19 pandemic has increased the cost of toll road construction. This study elaborate the components affected in the construction of the Cibitung-Cilincing Toll Road during the Covid-19 Pandemic. Using qualitative survey and quantitative method of multiple linear regression analysis, it is known that the most affected component is the concrete structure. The results of this study indicate that the components of the cost of pavement, earthworks and structural steel works are the components that are most significantly affected.
Multilingual Speech Recognition Initiative for African Languages
Authors: Mohamed Naira Abdou , Benelallam Imade , Allak Anass , Gaanoun Kamel
Published: March 2023

This paper summarizes a speech recognition initiative for African languages. More precisely, we propose innovative approaches that address the low-resource property of these languages. For both monolingual and multilingual systems, our methods rely on self-supervised pre-trained models for multiple languages. We tested our method on seven African languages and dialects: Amharic, Darija, Fongbe, Sudanese, Swahili, Wolof, and Yoruba. We first trained monolingual models that were used as baselines, and then proposed proof-of-concepts for systems that handle multiple languages. Our multilingual systems were based on three scenarios: (a) we trained a single model by concate-nating the multilingual corpora; (b) we discussed this first model by testing another joint model that predicts the spoken language using language-specific tokens before the text transcription; and (c) we fed a one-hot encoder vector to the latent feature extractions before training the single model and for inference. For this purpose, a language identification model is required. We also investigated the impact of lexical ambiguity by removing diacritics from text in some languages.
An investigation on turnover intention antecedents amongst the academician in universities
Authors: Malik Azam
Published: March 2023

Employees’ decision to quit their present job or company is a turnover intention. The number of employees joining and leaving an organization in a specific period is regarded as employee turnover. This study aims to examine the factors influencing faculty members’ intentions to leave universities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The population includes academicians from various universities in Saudi Arabia. The primary data were gathered using random sampling methods; 140 responses investigating various demographics and other factors were obtained from academicians of various universities. The present study chose five constructs: job satisfaction, job stress, work engagement, organizational commitment, and turnover intention. The statistical tools were used to conduct statistics examinations. The mean, correlation, and regressions were used to analyze the data gathered. The results showed a significant association between work engagement, job stress, job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and turnover intention. Job stress and turnover intention were not shown to be significantly correlated. Other variables showed significant relationships with the turnover intention of university academicians.
AcknowledgmentThis project was supported by the Deanship of Scientific Research at Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University under research project No 2021/02/18733.
The effectiveness of Interferon-Ophthalmo, an antiviral and immunotropic drug, in the treatment of adenoviral ophthalmic infections
Authors: Yani E. V. , Pozdnyakova V. V. , Seliverstova K. E.
Published: March 2023

Adenoviral conjunctivitis (AVC) is treated with pathogenetically determined immunotropic drugs, the most commonly used of which are combined eye drops that include recombinant human interferon alpha-2b and diphenhydramine hydrochloride. In 2020, Russia registered the first domestic generic of the original, called Interferon-Ophthalmo eye drops. Purpose: to compare the effectiveness and safety of InterferonOphthalmo and the original interferon alpha-2b + diphenhydramine drug (Ophthalmoferon) in AVC patients. Material and methods. The study included 30 patients (60 eyes) aged 18–75 years with a clinically confirmed AVC, divided into the main group and the control group, each having 15 patients. The main group received Interferon-Ophthalmo, while the control group received Ophthamoferon. The treatment procedures were identical, with the follow-up period of 15 days. Clinical manifestations of AVC were assessed according to multiple parameters: complaints of eyelid edema, eye redness, lacrimation, itching, foreign body sensation, severity of conjunctival edema and hyperemia, follicular reaction in the lower conjunctival fornix, and hemorrhages. Results. The comparative assessment of the proportion of cases of clinical recovery, performed on the 7th and the 15th days of AVC therapy, confirms the same effectiveness of the two drugs. Conclusion. Interferon-Ophthalmo has a high clinical efficacy comparable with that of the original drug Interferon alpha-2b + Diphenhydramine and can be recommended for the treatment of patients with adenoviral ophthalmic infections.
Hypromellose improves mydriasis dynamics by phenylephrine in a rabbit experimental model
Authors: Blinova E. V. , Poluosmak G. K. , Litvin E. A. , Blinov D. S. , Shiсh M. V. , Vavilova O. S. , Vasilkina O. V. , Shich E. V.
Published: March 2023

Purpose: to determine the main characteristics of the mydriatic effect of drug formulations of phenylephrine, containing and not containing hypromellose, hyaluronic acid as an auxiliary component, in a comparative in vivo study, as well as to study their local bioavailability and the effect on the mucous membrane of the eye. Materials and methods. The studies were carried out on 40 adult male Soviet Chinchilla rabbits. The research model involved the mydriatic impact and the local irritant effect of the drug when instilled into the awake rabbit’s conjunctival sac. The peak concentration of phenylephrine, which is part of all formulations studied, was determined in the aqueous humor of the anterior chamber of the animal's eye at the 5-minute point by high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometric detection. Results. A single instillation of 1 drop of a 2.5% solution of phenylephrine hydrochloride containing hypromellose as an excipient is superior in depth, rate of reaching the maximum mydriatic effect and its duration to the formulation that does not contain hypromellose as an excipient. Only in a few cases, drug formulations containing hypromellose caused an insignificant weak reaction of eyelid closure, in contrast to a moderate local irritant reaction of the rabbit's eye occurring when phenylephrine solution without hypromellose is instilled. Peak concentrations of phenylephrine in the aqueous humor of the anterior chamber of the eye determined 5 minutes after instillation of 1 drop of 2.5% phenylephrine solutions containing hypromellose significantly exceed those occurring when phenylephrine drugs of the same concentration that do not contain hypromellose are instilled. Conclusion. The inclusion of hypromellose as an auxiliary substance into the formulation of phenylephrine eye drops optimizes the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of the active substance due to faster penetration into the eye anterior chamber aqueous humor, increasing local bioavailability and prolonging the exposure time. In addition, the absence of a local irritating effect of such forms on the eye tissues may also be explained by the presence of hypromellose.
Meibomitis. Clinical cases
Authors: Sukhomlinov A. E. , Baranov V. I. , Kruchinina A. A.
Published: March 2023

Meibomitis (M) is an inflammation of the meibomian gland (MG) with the involvement of the surrounding tissue. One of the causes of M is an obstructed outflow of fat secretion, complicated by an accompanying infection. The authors propose a new algorithm for the treatment of M (complex conservative therapy, probing of the meibomian gland with an eyelash, and dissection) and offer a classification of meibomitis, which provides a better understanding of the various forms and stages of the disease. Practical application of the proposed treatment algorithm and the classification of M are illustrated by four clinical cases, which reveal the possible causes of M, unusual forms of its manifestation, and open new possibilities of eyelash probing of the meibomian gland.
Clinical manifestation, course and treatment results of Coats disease in children
Authors: Kogoleva L. V. , Ivanova M. S. , Demchenko E. N. , Sudovskaya T. V. , Bobrovskaya Ju. A. , Kokoeva N. Sh. , Makarova A. A.
Published: March 2023

Purpose: to analyze the clinical manifestations, course, and results of treatment of Coats disease in children. Materials and methods. We performed a retrospective analysis of medical records of 59 patients with Coats retinitis (83 % were boys) who had been comprehensively examined and treated between 2018 and 2021. After the diagnosis was verified, the children were hospitalized for treatment. Retinal laser coagulation was performed on 61 eyes, angiogenesis inhibitors were administered on 1 eye, and 5 eyes received microsurgical interventions. Results. At the time of disease detection, the children’s age varied from 1 to 16 years. In 97 % of cases, the process was unilateral. An improvement of the anatomical condition and the eye-preserving effect were achieved in 87 %. Visual acuity could only be increased in 19 eyes (31.1 %), all with the initial or the advanced stages of Coats retinitis. Proceeding from our experience, the analysis of polymorphism of clinical manifestations, functional prognosis and differentiated approach to treatment depending on the prevailing clinical symptoms, we suggest a new variant of clinical classification of Coats retinitis. Conclusion. In order to ensure a timely diagnosis of the disease, a very thorough examination of patients in the first decade of life is required. Only an early diagnosis and timely treatment can help achieve not only an eye-preserving effect but also functional results.
Tear substitution therapy optimization of dry eye syndrome and cataract patients
Authors: Sakhnov S. N. , Yanchenko S. V. , Malyshev A. V. , Ceeva A. R. , Petrosyan L. M. , Baskakov O. A. , Kolomiec G. L.
Published: March 2023

Purpose: to evaluate the effectiveness of approaches to tear substitution in dry eye syndrome (DES) patients before cataract phacoemulsification (CPE). Material and methods. 60 DES and cataract patients who received preoperative therapy — tear substitute instillations (4 times a day, 1 month), were examined before CPE. They were divided into 2 groups each of which was subdivided into two subgroups. Group 1 included 30 mild DES patients with lipid deficiency who had a negative lipid interference test, meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), and aqua deficiency absence (Schirmer-1 test > 15 mm). The subgroup 1.1 (15 patients) received 0.18 % sodium hyaluronate (SH) instillations (Gilan comfort), while the other subgroup 1.2 received “fat-water” type emulsion instillations. Group 2 consisted of 30 moderate DES patients with lipid-aqua deficiency, who also had negative lipid interference test, MGD, and aqua deficiency presence. Subgroup 2.1 (15 patients) received 0.3 % sodium hyaluronate (SH) instillations (Gilan ultra comfort), while subgroup 2.2 patients received “fat-water” type emulsion instillations. We evaluated: the OSDI points, and tear break-up time (TBUT). Results. As a result of therapy, a positive effect of the therapy on OSDI and TBUT was observed in all subgroups. In group 1 , OSDI decrease and TBUT increase were more pronounced in subgroup 1.1 patients, however, this difference between subgroups was not statistically significant. In group 2, OSDI decrease and TBUT increase were more pronounced and statistically significant in subgroup 2.1 patients. Conclusion. In patients with mild DES and lipid deficiency, 0.18 % SH (Gilan comfort) demonstrated a positive effect on OSDI and TBUT comparable to the “fat-water” type emulsion. In moderate DES patients with lipid-aqua deficiency, 0.3 % SH (Gilan ultra comfort) demonstrated a statistically significant and more pronounced positive effect on OSDI and TBUT than the “fat-water” type emulsion.
Long-term results of orthokeratology correction combined with 0.01 % atropine instilliations in children and adolescents with progressive myopia of various degrees
Authors: Verzhanskaya T. Yu.
Published: March 2023

Purpose. To evaluate the effectiveness of control of myopia of various degrees in children and adolescents with the combined use of orthokeratology (OK) correction and ultralow-dose atropine instillations (0.01 %) over a long-term follow-up period (up to 3 years). Material and methods. Children and adolescents aged 11.0–13.5 with continuing progression of acquired myopia who wore nocturnal OK lens (OKL) were divided into three groups according to the duration of 0.01 % atropine application: group 1 comprised 58 children (116 eyes) who received the treatment for 6 months, group 2, 34 children (68 eyes), 8 months, group 3, 145 children (290 eyes), 36 months. The patients were examined before their OK-correction was supplemented by 0.01 % atropine instillations and every 6 months after it. The examination included visometry, refractometry, determination of reserves of relative accommodation reserve (RAR), objective accommodation response, pseudo accommodation (PA), measurement of axial length by optical biometry, anterior biomicroscopy, assessment of lens conditions; ophthalmoscopy under maximum mydriasis using binocular ophthalmoscope. Results. With atropine instillations, the yearly progression rate of myopia (YPR) in group 1 significantly decreased (by 1.6 times). the best effect showing in mild and moderate myopia. In group 2, after 18 months’ follow-up, YPR had significantly decreased (by 2.2 times). In group 3, after a 36 months’ observation, the maximum, 2.8-fold decrease in YPR was observed. The most marked and significant, 3.5-fold decrease in progression rate was observed in low myopia. In moderate myopia, the inhibitory effect of the combination of OKL/atropine combination showed a significant increase as the treatment duration became longer. In high myopia, progression rate fell insignificantly in the first 6 months, but over the whole period of observation, YPR showed a statistically significant, 1.6-fold decrease as compared to the initial level. RAR and PA remained at the levels they were before atropine instillations. Conclusion. OK correction combined with 0.01% atropine instillations produces a pronounced inhibitory effect in children with the most unfavourable course of myopia – progression continuing with night-time orthokeratology. The most pronounced effect was obtained in mild to moderate myopia. The longer the treatment period, the greater the effect of myopia stabilization. Over the 36 months’ period, 0.01% atropine showed no negative effect on the quality of visual functions of subjects wearing OK lenses.