bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real-time cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging for non-invasive characterisation of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: final outcomes of the HFpEF stress trial
Authors: Backhaus Sören J. , Schulz Alexander , Lange Torben , Schmidt-Schweda Lennart S. , Evertz Ruben , Kowallick Johannes , Hasenfuß Gerd , Schuster Andreas
Published: January 2024

Background

The diagnosis of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) remains challenging. Recently, the HFpEF Stress Trial demonstrated feasibility and accuracy of non-invasive cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) real-time (RT) exercise-stress atrial function imaging for early identification of HFpEF. However, no outcome data have yet been presented.

Methods

The HFpEF Stress Trial (DZHK-17) prospectively recruited 75 patients with dyspnea on exertion and echocardiographic preserved EF and signs of diastolic dysfunction (E/eʹ > 8). 68 patients entered the final study cohort and were characterized as HFpEF (n = 34) or non-cardiac dyspnea (n = 34) according to pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (HFpEF: PCWP rest: ≥ 15 mmHg stress: ≥ 25 mmHg). These patients were contacted by telephone and hospital charts were reviewed. The clinical endpoint was cardiovascular events (CVE).

Results

Follow-up was performed after 48 months; 1 patient was lost to follow-up. HFpEF patients were more frequently compared to non-cardiac dyspnea (15 vs. 8, p = 0.059). Hospitalised patients during follow-up had higher H2FPEF scores (5 vs. 3, p < 0.001), and impaired left atrial (LA) function at rest (p ≤ 0.002) and stress (p ≤ 0.006). Impairment of CMR-derived atrial function parameters at rest and during exercise-stress (p ≤ 0.003) was associated with increased likelihood for CVE. CMR-Feature Tracking LA Es/Ee (p = 0.016/0.017) and RT-CMR derived LA long axis strain (p = 0.003) were predictors of CVE independent of the presence of atrial fibrillation.

Conclusions

Left atrial function emerged as the strongest predictor for 4-year outcome in the HFpEF Stress Trial. A combination of rest and exercise-stress LA function quantification allows accurate diagnostic and prognostic stratification in HFpEF.

Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03260621.

Graphical abstract
Wasteaware adaptation to the context of a Latin American country: evaluation of the municipal solid waste management in Cali, Colombia
Authors: Giraldo-Almario Isabela , Rueda-Saa German , Uribe-Ceballos Jose Reinel
Published: January 2024

According to the World Bank report, Colombia generated 5.6% (13 million tons per year) of municipal solid waste in Latin America and the Caribbean in 2016. About 30% of this waste came from the three main cities of the country, Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali. Evaluation of the performance of municipal solid waste management systems is important for reducing environmental and public health impacts in cities. Wasteaware benchmark indicators have been used worldwide for monitoring those systems. The results of the adaptation of this methodology to the Context of a Latin American Country are presented in this research. The solid waste comprehensive management policy and regulatory framework in Colombia were considered. As a case study, the adaptation of Wasteaware was implemented using the data from the Cali solid waste management system for 2019. The results of the evaluation for Cali indicate that system presents a high overall performance (91%). Cali achieved the highest performance when compared to other Latin American cities. The implementation of this management instrument in Colombian cities will provide sufficient and relevant information regarding the municipal solid waste management systems. It is expected that this initiative will be replicated in other cities in Latin America.
Search-based Automatic Repair for Fairness and Accuracy in Decision-making Software
Authors: Hort Max , Zhang Jie M. , Sarro Federica , Harman Mark
Published: January 2024

Decision-making software mainly based on Machine Learning (ML) may contain fairness issues (e.g., providing favourable treatment to certain people rather than others based on sensitive attributes such as gender or race). Various mitigation methods have been proposed to automatically repair fairness issues to achieve fairer ML software and help software engineers to create responsible software. However, existing bias mitigation methods trade accuracy for fairness (i.e., trade a reduction in accuracy for better fairness). In this paper, we present a novel search-based method for repairing ML-based decision making software to simultaneously increase both its fairness and accuracy. As far as we know, this is the first bias mitigation approach based on multi-objective search that aims to repair fairness issues without trading accuracy for binary classification methods. We apply our approach to two widely studied ML models in the software fairness literature (i.e., Logistic Regression and Decision Trees), and compare it with seven publicly available state-of-the-art bias mitigation methods by using three different fairness measurements. The results show that our approach successfully increases both accuracy and fairness for 61% of the cases studied, while the state-of-the-art always decrease accuracy when attempting to reduce bias. With our proposed approach, software engineers that previously were concerned with accuracy losses when considering fairness, are now enabled to improve the fairness of binary classification models without sacrificing accuracy.
Study of the effect of keap1 on oxidative stress in human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Deng Hongrong , Chen Yunxia , Liu Huiwen , Wang Li , Xu Hao , Tan Bin , Yi Qin , Wang Rui , He Bolin , Tian Jie , Zhu Jing
Published: January 2024

Background

HucMSCs had shown promising efficacy in treating childhood diseases, but oxidative stress induced by the poor microenvironment at the site of damage resulted in low cell survival after transplantation, thus preventing the cells from maximizing therapeutic efficacy. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of keap1 in oxidative stress injury of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hucMSCs), and to provide theoretical support for improving the efficacy of stem cell therapy.

Methods

The hucMSCs were treated with hypoxic low-sugar-free serum (GSDH) to mimic the damaged site microenvironment after implantation. Adenoviral overexpression of keap1 gene of hucMSCs was performed in vitro, and cell proliferation ability was detected by CCK8 assay, crystal violet staining assay, and cell cycle assay. Cellular redox level was assessed by Amplex Red, MDA, and GSH/GSSG kit. Mitochondrial morphology was evaluated by mitotracker Red staining. ATP production was estimated by ATP detection kit. The mRNA and protein expression levels were tested by western blotting and RT-qPCR.

Results

GSDH treatment substantially upregulated keap1 expression. Subsequently, we found that overexpression of keap1 notably inhibited cell proliferation and caused cells to stagnate in G1 phase. At the same time, overexpression of keap1 induced the production of large amounts of H2O2 and the accumulation of MDA, but suppressed the GSH/GSSG ratio and the expression of antioxidant proteins NQO1 and SOD1, which caused oxidative stress damage. Overexpression of keap1 induced cells to produce a large number of dysfunctional mitochondria resulting in reduced ATP production. Moreover, Overexpression of keap1 significantly decreased the IKKβ protein level, while upregulating IkB mRNA levels and downregulating P50 mRNA levels.

Conclusions

Overexpression of keap1 may induce oxidative stress injury in hucMSCs by down-regulating IKKβ expression and inhibiting NF-κB pathway activation. This implies the importance of keap1 in hucMSCs and it may be a potential gene for genetic modification of hucMSCs.
Marian Zdziechowski’s work On Cruelty (1928–1938). Between past and present
Authors: Przebinda Grzegorz
Published: January 2024

The following article begins with my recollection of the only academic conference on Zdziechowski that was organised still under the communist regime in the autumn of 1984 at the Jagiellonian University and ends with a description of the discussion on the genesis and power of evil, with the participation of Czesław Miłosz and Leszek Kołakowski, which was triggered in Poland immediately after the publication of the last edition of On Cruelty in 1993. On Cruelty was first published in 1928 in the journal Przegla̧d Współczesny [Contemporary Review] in Krakow, a second time in 1938 in the volume of articles In the Face of the End, Krakow 1938, and a third – and so far last – time also in Krakow in 1993. On Cruelty, published three times but so far only in Polish, has never been thoroughly analysed or even discussed, which is why this article focuses on discussing it and related questions about the origins and nature of evil, mainly in Europe and Asia, from the earliest times to the present. Zdziechowski was particularly outraged when the cruelty he condemned was justified by religion, especially Christianity (Catholic and Protestant). From these condemnations, he described the activities of the Inquisition, the witch trials, cruelty to animals, and – in the introduction – the “psychology of cruelty.” At the same time, however, he meticulously listed the names of those political and spiritual leaders in Europe and Asia, theologians and thinkers, who, over many centuries, up to the present day, have resolutely spoken out against evil, including cruelty, within and outside the Church. A separate and important issue is Zdziechowski’s attitude to Tsarist Russia and Bolshevism, as outlined in his work On Cruelty. On the one hand, he pointed out that at least two rulers of Russia before 1917 – Ivan the Terrible and Peter the Great – had made major contributions to the history of cruelty in Europe and Asia. But Bolshevism, which Zdziechowski condemned in the strongest terms, was in his eyes not a continuation of pre-1917 Russian despotism, but emanated from the depths of Asia.
A Detailed Study of Boiling Phenomena in Forced Convective Quenching Experiments
Authors: Cruces-Reséndez R. , Hernández-Morales B. , Guzmán J. E. V.
Published: January 2024

A detailed study at the microscopic level of the transient behavior of boiling phenomena during quenching of an AISI 304 stainless steel, conical-end, cylindrical probe in flowing water at 60 °C was conducted using high-speed video recordings and cooling curve data acquisition. Two free-stream velocities (0.2 and 0.6 m/s) and two initial probe temperatures (850 and 950 °C) were investigated. It was complemented by video recordings at 60 fps to calculate the wetting front velocity. Surface heat flux histories at the thermocouple positions were estimated by solving the corresponding Inverse Heat Conduction Problem. As the water velocity increases the duration of the vapor film at each thermocouple position shortens and the difference among cooling curves at the thermocouple positions decreases. Increasing the initial temperature increases the duration of the vapor film stage. The wetting front velocity increased from 4 to 6 m/s. The time to reach the maximum surface heat flux at the position of the thermocouple closest to the probe tip ranged from 9.7 to 18 s. Undulations at the vapor-liquid interface that appear periodically and propagate in the direction of quenchant flow were observed early during the vapor film stage. Later, before the collapse of the vapor film, a kind of a shock wave was generated at the probe tip which modified the appearance of the film. Once the Leidenfrost temperature is reached, a wetting front (which consists of many small bubbles that coalesce rapidly in a very small area) is formed and travels in the direction of quenchant flow while fewer and larger bubbles nucleate and grow upstream. The nucleation, growth and detachment of the larger bubbles was studied; as the free-stream velocity decreases larger values of bubble maximum diameter and half-life time were observed, while the initial temperature has a marginal effect on these quantities.
Hydrophobic phytic acid conversion layers for corrosion protection of steel surfaces
Authors: Weinert Michelle , Gutmann Jochen S. , Dornbusch Michael
Published: January 2024

The possibility for a good conversion protection based on phytic acid (PA) solutions is described many times in the literature.1,2 The latest results show that PA cannot improve the corrosion protective properties with an organic coating,2 although PA conversion layers without organic coatings have already successfully been applied on different surfaces and the development of layers with enhanced corrosion protective behavior was possible.3,4 The reason why PA does not work together with an organic coating is based on the hydrophilic surface and therefore the low contact angle of the PA conversion layer.2 One solution is to modify PA directly and/or change the solution properties to increase the hydrophobic properties. In this work, a new and innovative way to synthesize a new type of sustainable organic PA-based conversion layers on steel, which works completely without titanium or zirconium and is a new approach for hydrophobic conversion layers, is presented.5 The results prove the formation of a pure PA-based conversion layer on the surface. The infrared (IR), Raman, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy verified the new synthesis products and by means of the vibration spectroscopy, the resulting conversion layers. To analyze the new physical properties, the contact angle of the conversion layers was detected. By means of the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), the electrochemical stability of the conversion was studied and with cyclic voltammetry (CV), the solidity ratio was investigated. At last, the corrosion protective performance of the layers in combination with an E-coat in the salt spray test (SST) was examined. All modified PA-based conversion layers in combination with E-coats increased the corrosion protective properties in relation to industrial used phosphate conversion layers of steel surfaces. The overall result is a new kind of hydrophobic phytic acid-based conversion layer which shows advanced anticorrosion and coatability properties compared to other layers based on PA. The results if the EIS measurements show that the resistance of the coating significantly increased, and diffusion could be suppressed by coating the metal surface with PA conversion layers. The comparison of the SST results for the reference and the modified PA underline these observations. The overall SST rating increased by 2 and the delamination went down to 1.9 mm while the corrosion was 0.1, comparable to phosphated steel.
Modulation of autophagy and apoptosis can contribute to the anticancer effect of Abemaciclib/Celecoxib combination in colon cancer cells
Authors: Alian Dalia Mohamed Elsayed , Helmy Maged W. , Haroun Medhat , Moussa Nermine
Published: January 2024

Drug resistance and recurrence represent a great challenge in colorectal cancer management, highlighting the urgent need for novel therapeutics. Our objective is to evaluate the influence of Abemaciclib, Celecoxib, and their combination on both the autophagic and apoptotic machinery in an attempt to unravel the interplay between them in HCT-116 and Caco-2 cell lines. The MTT assay was used to assess the GI50 of the drugs. ELIZA was used to determine the protein levels of Beclin-1, LC3, Cox-2, and Bcl-2. Active Caspase-3 was determined by a colorimetric assay. Gene expression levels of ATG5, LC3, Beclin-1, and p62 were assessed by quantitative real-time PCR. In HCT-116 cells, the GI50s for Abemaciclib and Celecoxib were 15.86 and 92.67 μM, respectively, while for Caco-2 cells, the GI50s were 7.85 and 49.02 μM for Abemaciclib and Celecoxib, respectively. Upon treatment of HCT-116 and Caco-2 cells with Abemaciclib, Celecoxib, and their combinations, ATG5, p62, LC3, and Beclin-1 gene expression levels were up-regulated. The protein levels of Beclin-1, LC3, and Caspase-3 were significantly increased, while Bcl-2 was decreased in both cell lines due to single and combined treatments. Both drugs, either alone or in combination, decreased the migration ability of the cells in both cell lines. To conclude, the treatment protocol has the potential to induce cell cycle arrest, diminish the potentiality of cells for migration, and initiate apoptotic and autophagic cell death. Further research is recommended to unravel the potential antitumor effects of Abemaciclib/Celecoxib combination in different cancer types.
Digitalisierung als Herausforderung für die Schulsozialarbeit?
Authors: Schleck Oliver
Published: January 2024

Ausgehend von der Annahme, dass Fragen rund um digitale Medien und deren Implikationen für pädagogische Überlegungen zunehmend bedeutsam werden für das aus professionstheoretischer Perspektive anspruchsvolle Arbeitsfeld der Schulsozialarbeit, beschäftigt sich das hier vorgestellte Dissertationsprojekt mit dem in der Alltagspraxis eingelagerten Wissen, den Haltungen sowie den Handlungsorientierungen sozialpädagogischer Akteur*innen in Schule im Hinblick auf Digitalisierung. Mittels narrativ-fundierter Einzelinterviews werden die subjektiven Ausführungen von Schulsozialarbeiter*innen zu diesen Dimensionen erhoben und mithilfe der Dokumentarischen Methode analysiert. Neben theoretischen Bezugspunkten sowie den grundlegenden Forschungsfragen werden die methodisch-methodologischen Überlegungen des Forschungsprojekts skizziert.
Psychometric Properties of the Mindfulness in Teaching Scale in a Sample of Portuguese Teachers
Authors: Barata-Gonçalves Miguel , Pires Luís , Carona Carlos , Damas Carlos A. M. de C. e , Coimbra Daniela , de Lima Margarida Pedroso , Frank Jennifer L. , Oliveira Albertina L.
Published: January 2024

Objectives

In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in scientific research examining the impact of mindfulness on teacher well-being and its implications for education. Thus, it is vital to have psychometrically robust measures suitable for educational settings. The current study aimed to validate a Portuguese version of the Mindfulness in Teaching Scale (MTS-PT).

Method

The MTS-PT was administered to a sample of teachers (n = 863), along with self-report measures and indicators of teacher well-being: job satisfaction, positive and negative affect, loneliness and positive solitude, self-compassion, and dispositional mindfulness. We examined the MTS-PT factorial validity, the reliability of its facets, convergent and divergent validity, factorial invariance, and assessed mean differences of its scores across teachers’ sociodemographic characteristics.

Results

Confirmatory Factor Analysis supported the original 2-related-factor structure of the MTS distinguishing Teacher Intrapersonal Mindfulness and Teacher Interpersonal Mindfulness. This model was invariant across sex, teaching years and educational levels taught by the participating teachers. Inferential tests revealed that more experienced teachers reported higher levels of intrapersonal mindfulness while elementary school teachers reported higher levels of interpersonal mindfulness. Reliability values were adequate to good in both dimensions. The MTS-PT subscales correlated positively with teacher well-being indicators, and inversely with negative affect and loneliness.

Conclusions

Overall, findings support the psychometric adequacy of the MTS-PT, suggesting that it is a reliable and valid self-report measure of teachers’ mindfulness. This instrument can bring relevant insights about teachers’ mindfulness facets and provide useful indications for the development and assessment of mindfulness-based interventions for teachers.
Enhanced Catalytic Performance of Carbon Nitride-Functionalized Titanium Dioxide through Efficient Oxygen Vacancy Defect Engineering for Electrochemical Recognition of Epinephrine
Authors: Saha Chandan , Ghosh Sarit K. , Kumari Pooja , Perla Venkata K. , Singh Harishchandra , Mallick Kaushik
Published: January 2024

Oxygen defect engineering is a reliable and efficient approach to modulate the electronic structure of metal oxides for the improvement of catalytic efficiency. In this work, carbon nitride supported titanium dioxide nanoparticle, with the space group of I41/amd, was prepared using a high temperature synthesis route. Transmission electron microscope study revealed that titanium dioxide particle were dispersed uniformly on the carbon nitride network. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis predicted the formation of oxygen defects in the matrix of titanium oxide, and it also indicated the presence of titanium ions with mixed valence states. The synthesized hybrid system was evaluated as an electrocatalyst for the electrochemical detection of epinephrine using cyclic voltammetric and square wave voltammetric techniques. A custom-made device was also fabricated using synthesized hybrid material for the purpose of evaluating the electrochemical sensing of epinephrine in a pharmaceutical sample.
Risk maturity model for the maritime authorities: a Delphi study to design the R-Mare matrix model
Authors: Laine Valtteri , Valdez-Banda Osiris , Goerlandt Floris
Published: January 2024

Maritime authorities have the administrative responsibility for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine and atmospheric pollution caused by ships. This responsibility involves various tasks that can be supported through effective risk management, but currently, there are no models available to evaluate its level of maturity in maritime administrations. To fill this gap and respond to the needs identified by maritime authorities, this article introduces a new risk maturity model called the R-Mare matrix. This model is built on recent scientific knowledge in the field of risk management, and it has been designed in close cooperation with end-users and maritime risk management experts using the Delphi methodology. As a result of this process, the article provides a qualitative risk maturity matrix specifically tailored to support the self-evaluation of maritime authorities. The matrix consists of 17 state-of-the-art risk management attributes, a five-step risk maturity scale, and associated risk maturity grid descriptions. These elements can be used to evaluate the current risk management performance of maritime authorities, identify areas for improvement, and develop a plan to achieve a higher level of maturity. Overall, the R-Mare matrix model represents an important step forward in this field while laying the foundation for further development.
β-carboline derivative Z86 attenuates colorectal cancer cell proliferation and migration by directly targeting PI3K
Authors: Nie Shiyun , Chang Lizhong , Huang Ying , Zhou Heyang , Yang Qianqing , Kong Lingmei , Li Yan
Published: January 2024

Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3Ks) are lipid kinases widely involved in cell proliferation, metastasis and differentiation. Constitutive activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling are well confirmed in colorectal cancers (CRCs). In this study, we identified isopropyl 9-ethyl-1-(naphthalen-1-yl)-9 H-pyrido[3,4-b] indole-3-carboxylate (Z86), as a novel PI3Kα inhibitor with the IC50 value of 4.28 µM. The binding of Z86 to PI3Kα was further confirmed with DARTS and CETSA assay. Immunofluorescence analysis and western blotting data demonstrated that Z86 effectively attenuated PI3K/AKT pathway. Z86 caused dramatic proliferation inhibition of CRCs through G0/G1 cycle arrest rather than apoptosis induction. Besides, the migration of CRCs was also relieved by Z86. The present study not only identified Z86 as a novel PI3Kα inhibitor with potent inhibitory efficiency on PI3K-mediated CRCs growth and migration, but also elucidated a reasonable molecular mechanism of Z86 in the Wnt signaling pathway inhibition.

Graphical Abstract
Hypothalamic-Ovarian axis and Adiposity Relationship in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Physiopathology and Therapeutic Options for the Management of Metabolic and Inflammatory Aspects
Authors: Lonardo Maria Serena , Cacciapuoti Nunzia , Guida Bruna , Di Lorenzo Mariana , Chiurazzi Martina , Damiano Simona , Menale Ciro
Published: January 2024

Purpose of Review

The goal of the present review is to address the main adiposity-related alterations in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) focusing on hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (H-P-O) axis and to provide an overview of nutraceutical and pharmacological therapeutic strategies.

Recent Findings

Female reproduction is a complex and delicate interplay between neuroendocrine signals involving the H-P-O axis. Elements that disrupt the balance of these interactions can lead to metabolic and reproductive disorders, such as PCOS. This disorder includes menstrual, metabolic, and biochemical abnormalities as well as hyperandrogenism, oligo-anovulatory menstrual cycles, insulin resistance, and hyperleptinemia which share an inflammatory state with other chronic diseases. Moreover, as in a self-feeding cycle, high androgen levels in PCOS lead to visceral fat deposition, resulting in insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia, further stimulating ovarian and adrenal androgen production.

In fact, regardless of age and BMI, women with PCOS have more adipose tissue and less lean mass than healthy women. Excessive adiposity, especially visceral adiposity, is capable of affecting female reproduction through direct mechanisms compromising the luteal phase, and indirect mechanisms as metabolic alterations able to affect the function of the H-P-O axis.

The intricate crosstalk between adiposity, inflammatory status and H-P-O axis function contributes to the main adiposity-related alterations in PCOS, and alongside currently available hormonal treatments, nutraceutical and pharmacological therapeutic strategies can be exploited to treat these alterations, in order to enable a more comprehensive synergistic and tailored treatment.
Prenatal Exposure to Cannabis: Effects on Childhood Obesity and Cardiometabolic Health
Authors: Moore Brianna F.
Published: January 2024

Purpose of Review

To consolidate information on the obesogenic and cardiometabolic effects of prenatal exposure to cannabis.

Recent Findings

A PubMed search strategy updated from January 1, 2014, through 14 June 2023, produced a total of 47 epidemiologic studies and 12 animal studies. Prenatal exposure to cannabis is consistently associated with small for gestational age and low birth weight. After birth, these offspring gain weight rapidly and have increased adiposity and higher glucose (fat mass percentage) in childhood. More preclinical and prospective studies are needed to deepen our understanding of whether these associations vary by sex, dose, timing, and composition of cannabis (e.g., ratio of delta-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol [Δ9-THC] to cannabidiol [CBD]). Addressing these gaps may help to solidify causality and identify intervention strategies.

Based on the available data, clinicians and public health officials should continue to caution against cannabis use during pregnancy to limit its potential obesogenic and adverse cardiometabolic effects on the offspring.
The 2023 Earthquake in Türkiye and Implications for China’s Response to Catastrophe
Authors: Shi Peijun , Liu Lianyou , Fang Weihua , Liu Jifu , Wu Jidong , Jiang Lu , Chen Bo , Zhang Gangfeng , Zheng Hao , Zhang Yintong
Published: January 2024

On 6 February 2023, two 7.8 magnitude earthquakes consecutively hit south-central Türkiye, causing great concern from all governments, the United Nations, academia, and all sectors of society. Analyses indicate that there is also a high possibility of strong earthquakes with a magnitude of 7.8 or above occurring in the western region of China in the coming years. China is a country that is highly susceptible to catastrophic disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and other natural calamities, which can cause significant damages to both human life and property, as well as widespread impacts on the society. Currently, China’s capacity for disaster prevention and control is still limited. In order to effectively reduce the impact of catastrophic disasters, ensure the safety of people’s lives and property to the greatest extent possible, maintain social stability in high-risk areas, and ensure high-quality and sustainable regional development, it is urgent to improve the seismic resistance level of houses and critical infrastructure in high earthquake risk zones and increase the earthquake-resistant design level of houses in high-risk fault areas with frequent seismic activities; significantly enhance the ability to defend against extreme weather and ocean disasters in economically developed areas along the southeastern coast, as well as the level of fortification in response to extreme meteorological and hydrological disasters of coastal towns/cities and key infrastructure; vigorously enhance the emergency response capacity and disaster risk prevention level in western and ethnic minority regions; comprehensively improve the defense level of residential areas and major infrastructure in high geological hazard risk zones with flash floods, landslides, and mudslides; systematically promote national disaster prevention and mitigation education; and greatly enhance the societal disaster risk reduction ability, including catastrophic insurance.
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: Updates and Current Evidence
Authors: Her Yeng F. , Kubrova Eva , Dombovy-Johnson Marissa , ElSaban Mariam , Mostert Karson , D’Souza Ryan S.
Published: January 2024

Purpose of Review

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a debilitating condition that manifests with sensory, neurologic, autonomic, and/or trophic impairment. In addition to manifesting with severe neuropathic pain, CRPS is associated with poor quality of life and higher annual healthcare costs. This systematic review appraises the current body of evidence on all treatment modalities for CRPS.

Recent Findings

In patients with CRPS-related pain, there is level I evidence supporting modest to moderate improvement in pain intensity from physical therapy, occupational therapy, massage therapy, acupuncture, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), although changes in functionality were inconsistent. Topical medications such as eutectic mixture of local anesthetic (EMLA) and ketamine cream were associated with decreased allodynia and hyperalgesia. Inconsistency was present in the current literature in terms of the analgesic effects of gabapentinoids for CRPS. Patients who received intramuscular or intravenous bisphosphonate therapy may achieve modest to moderate improvement in pain intensity and functionality. Systemic steroid and ketamine provided only short-term pain reduction. In terms of interventional therapy, there was an association of modest to moderate improvement in pain with sympathetic ganglion block, sympathectomy, dorsal column spinal cord stimulation, dorsal root ganglion stimulation, and peripheral nerve stimulation, although the level of evidence was limited.

In summary, the purpose of this systematic review is to equip the clinician with important updates on conservative, pharmacologic, and interventional treatment modalities for CRPS-related pain.
A Review on Biocompatibility of Dental Restorative and Reconstruction Materials
Authors: Paqué Pune Nina , Özcan Mutlu
Published: January 2024

Purpose of Review

Confusion exists on the correct terminology and definitions associated with biocompatibility, including terms such as toxicity, health effects, and allergies. Therefore, this review aims to provide clarity by structuring and summarizing the current terminology, outlining the existing testing methods for each concept, and offering examples within dental material groups.

Recent Findings

New materials, such as nanomaterials and engineered living materials (ELM), have entered the dental field, requiring a deeper understanding of their biocompatibility. Additionally, recent regulatory changes, such as the European Medical Device Regulation (EU MDR), underscore the importance of standardized terminology and testing methods in this evolving landscape.

Measurements in biocompatibility are essential in biomedical applications, involving the interaction between materials and living tissues (host). Testing methods include in vitro, in vivo, clinical, and ex vivo approaches. While thresholds and guidelines, such as NOEL and LOAEL, ensure safe biomaterial use, dental materials, such as alloys, polymers, ceramics, and nanomaterials, exhibit varying biocompatibility and toxicity levels influenced by factors such as release rates, degradation, and chemical interactions. Nanoparticles hold promise but raise concerns about oxidative stress and long-term health effects. Regulatory bodies (i.e., FDA and EU MDR) play crucial roles in ensuring product safety. In conclusion, the dynamic field of dental materials requires ongoing adaptation, rigorous testing, and adherence to regulations for the safe and effective use of emerging technologies in dentistry.
Particle flow numerical study of size effect on uniaxial compressive strength of natural building stone
Authors: Yiouta-Mitra Paraskevi , Svourakis Konstantinos , Nomikos Pavlos
Published: January 2024

The fundamental influence of specimen size and micromechanical parameters on macroscopic structural behavior of natural building stone is investigated by particle flow numerical analysis. Laboratory tests of Dionysos marble cylindrical specimens under uniaxial compressive loading are simulated with a focus on the fracture development, failure mode and uniaxial compressive strength. Two series of simulations are performed with the PFC2D code, one to define the effects of different rates of deformation on the uniaxial compressive strength and fracturing of the specimens and the other to investigate the behavior of the specimens with the variation of five different parameters; platens velocity, specimen size, particle size distribution, standard deviation of randomized shear and normal strength as a micro-parameter and the ratio of shear to normal particle bonding strength. The specimen sizes also include rarely investigated smaller than NX dimensions. On selected specimens, the fracture development and the failure mode is depicted and discussed, and conclusions are drawn about the shear to tensile failure frequency and the crack patterns.
UAV Head-On Situation Maneuver Generation Using Transfer-Learning-Based Deep Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Hwang Insu , Bae Jung Ho
Published: January 2024

Recently, the demand for unmanned aerial vehicle technology has increased. In particular, AI pilots through reinforcement learning (RL) are more flexible than those using rule-based methods. Further, AI pilots with RL are expected to replace human pilots in the future. In a recent study, rather than completely replacing humans, studies on AI pilots are conducted toward the collaboration between man and unmanned aircraft. AI pilots have several advantages over humans. For example, on the one hand, human pilots avoid head-on situations due to collision. On the other hand, AI pilots may prefer head-on situations to finish the episode quickly. This study proposes a two-circle-based transfer learning method to demonstrate excellent performance in head-on situations. Based on the experimental results, the proposed two-circle-based multi-task transfer learning model outperforms the model without transfer learning-based RL. A study on transfer-learning-based learning technique has been conducted. However, it had a one-circle-based learning technique was specialized only for tail-chasing, limiting its application (Bae et al. in IEEE Access 11:26427–26440, 2023). Practically, the proposed two-circle-based learning technique outperforms the one-circle-based transfer learning technique in head-on situations.
Driving into the future: a cross-cutting analysis of distributed artificial intelligence, CCAM and the platform economy
Authors: Guerreiro Augusto Marc , Acar Benjamin , Soto Andrea Carolina , Sivrikaya Fikret , Albayrak Sahin
Published: January 2024

The future of driving is autonomous. It requires a comprehensive stack of embedded software components, enabled by open-source and proprietary platforms at different abstraction layers, and then operating within a larger ecosystem. Autonomous driving demands connectivity, cooperation and automation to form the cornerstone of autonomous mobility solutions. Platform economy principles have revolutionized the way we produce, deliver and consume products and services worldwide. More and more businesses in the field of mobility and transport appear to implement transaction, innovation, and integration platforms as core enablers for Mobility-as-a-Service and transport applications. Artificial intelligence approaches, especially those dealing with distributed systems, enable new mobility solutions, such as autonomous driving. This paper contributes to understanding the intertwining role between distributed artificial intelligence, autonomous mobility and the resulting platform ecosystem. A systematic literature review is applied, in order to identify the intersection between those aspects. Furthermore, the research project BeIntelli is considered as a hands-on application of our findings. Taking into account our analysis and the aforementioned research project, we pose a blueprint architecture for autonomous mobility. This architecture is the subject of further research. Our conclusions facilitate the development and implementation of future urban transportation systems and resulting mobility ecosystems in practice.
Comparative analysis of audio classification with MFCC and STFT features using machine learning techniques
Authors: Gourisaria Mahendra Kumar , Agrawal Rakshit , Sahni Manoj , Singh Pradeep Kumar
Published: January 2024

In the era of automated and digitalized information, advanced computer applications deal with a major part of the data that comprises audio-related information. Advancements in technology have ushered in a new era where cutting-edge devices can deliver comprehensive insights into audio content, leveraging sophisticated algorithms such such as Mel Frequency Cepstral Coefficients (MFCCs) and Short-Time Fourier Transform (STFT) to extract and provide pertinent information. Our study helps in not only efficient audio file management and audio file retrievals but also plays a vital role in security, the robotics industry, and investigations. Beyond its industrial applications, our model exhibits remarkable versatility in the corporate sector, particularly in tasks like siren sound detection and more. Embracing this capability holds the promise of catalyzing the development of advanced automated systems, paving the way for increased efficiency and safety across various corporate domains. The primary aim of our experiment is to focus on creating highly efficient audio classification models that can be seamlessly automated and deployed within the industrial sector, addressing critical needs for enhanced productivity and performance. Despite the dynamic nature of environmental sounds and the presence of noises, our presented audio classification model comes out to be efficient and accurate. The novelty of our research work reclines to compare two different audio datasets having similar characteristics and revolves around classifying the audio signals into several categories using various machine learning techniques and extracting MFCCs and STFTs features from the audio signals. We have also tested the results after and before the noise removal for analyzing the effect of the noise on the results including the precision, recall, specificity, and F1-score. Our experiment shows that the ANN model outperforms the other six audio models with the accuracy of 91.41% and 91.27% on respective datasets.
A Quantum-Like Tensor Compression Sentence Representation Based on Constraint Functions for Semantics Analysis
Authors: Yu Yan , Qiu Dong , Yan Ruiteng
Published: January 2024

To emphasize the semantic impact of local semantic and grammatical information among adjacent words in the input text, we establish a constraint functions-based quantum-like tensor compression sentence representation model by integrating the concept of extending the pure state-based density matrix to the mixed-state projection operator in quantum mechanics. The provided model highlights the semantic significance of mixed word associations in the input text, simultaneously reducing the reliance on information derived solely from dictionary statistics. We combine the correlation coefficient with the attention mechanism to establish the correlation coefficient between words. The quantum-like sentence representation based on pure state density matrix is extended to the projection operator of mixed states. Combining the acquisition of maximum in convex optimization, a constraint functions-based quantum-like text representation pruning model is established to reduce redundant information caused by dimensional expansion of tensor operations. The experimental results on SICK-2014, STS-benchmark, and STS-companion show that the provided model is more effective than the mainstream models in mining semantic information, especially more sensitive to the negative semantics of sentences.
Surveillance Compliance and Quality of Life Assessment Among Surgical Patients with Familial Adenomatous Polyposis Syndrome
Authors: Alhassan Noura , Helmi Hadeel , Alzamil Abdullah , Alshammari Afraj , Altamimi Atheer , Alshammari Sulaiman , Bin Traiki Thamer , Albanyan Saleh , AlKhayal Khayal , Zubaidi Ahmad , Al-Obeed Omar
Published: January 2024

Background

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) syndrome has a near-100% lifetime risk of colorectal cancer. Early surveillance and prophylactic surgery have been advocated to reduce this risk. However, the surveillance practices among FAP individuals in Saudi Arabia are unknown. We aimed to explore surveillance compliance in our population, as well as the disease impact on their quality of life (QoL).

Methods

All patients with FAP who underwent surgical resection at King Saud University Medical City between 2016 and 2022 were included. Demographic data, clinical features, family history, and compliance with surveillance were collected and analyzed. QoL questionnaires: Short-form health survey (SF-36) and European Organization for Research and Treatment (EORTC) were conducted by phone interview.

Results

A total of 14 patients were included with an average age of 25 years. Three patients (21.4%) were the first of their family members to develop FAP. Nine patients (64%) were untested for genetic mutation due to lack of referral to geneticists. The compliance rate toward both pre-operative colonoscopy and upper endoscopy were 78%. However, 38% and 27% compliance rates were observed toward initial and post-operative colonoscopy, respectively. The compliance rate was 14% toward thyroid ultrasound. QoL scores varied among patients, with a mean score above 60 across all SF-36 domains.

Conclusion

An overall poor compliance was observed among our participants, particularly toward thyroid ultrasound. Increased health awareness and patient education are essential. In addition, the importance of surveillance and genetic counseling should be emphasized among physicians treating these patients.
Global Cervical Cancer Incidence by Histological Subtype and Implications for Screening Methods
Authors: Wang Minmin , Huang Kepei , Wong Martin C. S. , Huang Junjie , Jin Yinzi , Zheng Zhi-Jie
Published: January 2024

Background

Cervical cancer is a major global health concern, disproportionately affecting women in developing countries. Cervical cancer has two primary subtypes, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and adenocarcinoma (AC), each with distinct characteristics and screening effectiveness. In this study, we aimed to estimate the global incidence of cervical cancer according to histological subtype to inform prevention strategies.

Methods

Using data from population-based cancer registries, we computed the rates of SCC, AC, and other specified histology among all cervical cancer cases by country and by 5-year age group. Proportions were subsequently applied to the estimated number of cervical cancer cases from the Global Cancer Observatory 2020. Age-standardized incidence rates were calculated.

Results

SCC accounted for 82.72% of global cervical cancer cases, with AC contributing 12.18%. The highest SCC incidence was in Sub-Saharan Africa (29.79 per 100,000 population). The AC incidence was highest in South-Eastern Asia (3.67 per 100,000 population). Age-specific trends showed SCC peaking at approximately age 55 years and AC plateauing after age 45 years.

Conclusions

This study provided a comprehensive estimate of cervical cancer incidence by histological subtype. SCC remained the dominant subtype globally, whereas the incidence of AC varied across regions. These findings highlighted the need for tailored prevention strategies, especially testing for human papillomavirus to detect AC in high burden areas.
Source apportionment of ambient PM2.5 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Authors: Tran Ngoc , Fujii Yusuke , Khan Md Firoz , Hien To Thi , Minh Tran Hoang , Okochi Hiroshi , Takenaka Norimichi
Published: January 2024

The emission sources of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) have not yet been fully identified in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Vietnam, presenting difficulties to authorities in controlling air pollution efficiently. To address this issue, this study explores the source apportionment of PM2.5 by the positive matrix factorization (PMF) model and identifies potential regional sources through the weighted concentration-weighted trajectory (WCWT) model based on the field observation data of PM2.5 in HCMC. 24-h PM2.5 samples were collected in central HCMC for a year (September 2019–August 2020). Herein, inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy was used to analyze trace elements, in addition to identifying PM2.5 mass and other chemical species, such as water-soluble ions and carbonaceous species, reported in our former study. The PMF results showed that PM2.5 in HCMC was dominated by anthropogenic-rich sources comprising biomass burning, coal combustion, transportation, and crustal origins (36.4% of PM2.5 mass), followed by secondary ammonium sulfate (18.4%), sea salt (13.7%), road dust (9.6%), and coal and crude oil combustion (9.4%). WCWT results suggested that the geological sources of PM2.5 were mainly from local areas and scattered to the northeast/southwest of HCMC. In addition, the long-range transport of PM2.5 from surrounding countries was revealed during the assembly restriction and lockdown period in 2020.

Graphical Abstract