bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Vitro Effects of Methylprednisolone over Oligodendroglial Cells: Foresight to Future Cell Therapies
Authors: Gómez-Pinedo Ulises , Matías-Guiu Jordi A. , Ojeda-Hernandez Denise , de la Fuente-Martin Sarah , Kamal Ola Mohamed-Fathy , Benito-Martin Maria Soledad , Selma-Calvo Belen , Montero-Escribano Paloma , Matías-Guiu Jorge
Published: May 2023

The implantation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells may be a useful therapeutic strategy for targeting remyelination. However, it is yet to be established how these cells behave after implantation and whether they retain the capacity to proliferate or differentiate into myelin-forming oligodendrocytes. One essential issue is the creation of administration protocols and determining which factors need to be well established. There is controversy around whether these cells may be implanted simultaneously with corticosteroid treatment, which is widely used in many clinical situations. This study assesses the influence of corticosteroids on the capacity for proliferation and differentiation and the survival of human oligodendroglioma cells. Our findings show that corticosteroids reduce the capacity of these cells to proliferate and to differentiate into oligodendrocytes and decrease cell survival. Thus, their effect does not favour remyelination; this is consistent with the results of studies with rodent cells. In conclusion, protocols for the administration of oligodendrocyte lineage cells with the aim of repopulating oligodendroglial niches or repairing demyelinated axons should not include corticosteroids, given the evidence that the effects of these drugs may undermine the objectives of cell transplantation.
Regulation of Primary Cilium Length by O-GlcNAc during Neuronal Development in a Human Neuron Model
Authors: Tian Jie L. , Huang Chia-Wei , Eslami Farzad , Mannino Michael Philip , Mai Rebecca Lee , Hart Gerald W.
Published: May 2023

The primary cilium plays critical roles in the homeostasis and development of neurons. Recent studies demonstrate that cilium length is regulated by the metabolic state of cells, as dictated by processes such as glucose flux and O-GlcNAcylation (OGN). The study of cilium length regulation during neuron development, however, has been an area left largely unexplored. This project aims to elucidate the roles of O-GlcNAc in neuronal development through its regulation of the primary cilium. Here, we present findings suggesting that OGN levels negatively regulate cilium length on differentiated cortical neurons derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cells. In neurons, cilium length increased significantly during maturation (after day 35), while OGN levels began to drop. Long-term perturbation of OGN via drugs, which inhibit or promote its cycling, during neuron development also have varying effects. Diminishing OGN levels increases cilium length until day 25, when neural stem cells expand and undergo early neurogenesis, before causing cell cycle exit defects and multinucleation. Elevating OGN levels induces greater primary cilia assembly but ultimately results in the development of premature neurons, which have higher insulin sensitivity. These results indicate that OGN levels and primary cilium length are jointly critical in proper neuron development and function. Understanding the interplays between these two nutrient sensors, O-GlcNAc and the primary cilium, during neuron development is important in paving connections between dysfunctional nutrient-sensing and early neurological disorders.
Intensive Care Clinicians’ Perspectives on Ethical Challenges Raised by Rapid Genomic Testing in Critically Ill Infants
Authors: Poogoda Sachini , Lynch Fiona , Stark Zornitza , Wilkinson Dominic , Savulescu Julian , Vears Danya , Gyngell Christopher
Published: May 2023

Rapid genomic testing (rGT) enables genomic information to be available in a matter of hours, allowing it to be used in time-critical settings, such as intensive care units. Although rGT has been shown to improve diagnostic rates in a cost-effective manner, it raises ethical questions around a range of different areas, including obtaining consent and clinical decision-making. While some research has examined the perspectives of parents and genetics health professionals, the attitudes of intensive care clinicians remain under-explored. To address this gap, we administered an online survey to English-speaking neonatal/paediatric intensivists in Europe, Australasia and North America. We posed two ethical scenarios: one relating to obtaining consent from the parents and the second assessing decision-making regarding the provision of life-sustaining treatments. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data. We received 40 responses from 12 countries. About 50–75% of intensivists felt that explicit parental consent was necessary for rGT. About 68–95% felt that a diagnosis from rGT should affect the provision of life-sustaining care. Results were mediated by intensivists’ level of experience. Our findings show divergent attitudes toward ethical issues generated by rGT among intensivists and suggest the need for guidance regarding ethical decision-making for rGT.
Bacterial Pathogens and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns of Urinary Tract Infections in Children during COVID-19 2019–2020: A Large Tertiary Care Center in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Altamimi Ibraheem , Almazyed Abeer , Alshammary Sami , Altamimi Abdulaziz , Alhumimidi Abdullah , Alnutaifi Raed , Malhis Mohammed , Altamimi Abdullah
Published: May 2023

Background: One of the most prevalent bacterial infections in children is urinary tract infection (UTI), which has become a major concern with increasing resistance of the pathogens to the routinely used antimicrobial agents. The aim of the study is to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of pediatric UTI-causing pathogens, including ESBL-producing bacteria, in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted to ascertain the frequency of isolation and the antimicrobial resistance pattern of uropathogens among children aged 0–15 years. The data from the urine cultures was collected during 2019–2020 at the King Fahad Medical City, a major tertiary hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A total of 1022 urine samples from patients diagnosed with urinary tract infections (UTIs) were collected for this study. Microbial species present in the samples were cultured and identified using standard biochemical techniques. To assess the resistance of these strains to antimicrobial drugs, an in vitro method was employed, and the criteria set by the Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI) were followed. In addition, a double-disc synergy test was conducted to identify strains of E. coli that produce extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL). Results: The predominant pathogens were E. coli (58.6%), followed by Klebsiella sp. (23.9%). E. coli isolates were more sensitive to meropenem and ertapenem in 99.2% of cases, followed by amikacin (99%). Klebsiella sp. were sensitive to amikacin in 97.1% of cases, followed by meropenem and ertapenem (92.2% in both). The highest sensitivities of antimicrobials toward ESBL were for meropenem and ertapenem (100% in both), followed by amikacin (99%). Conclusions: Our study recommends using local antibiotic sensitivity data for empirical UTI treatment. Amikacin, ertapenem, and meropenem are effective intravenous options. Cephalosporin, cefuroxime, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, and nitrofurantoin are suitable oral choices. No significant changes in antimicrobial susceptibility were observed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Further research is needed to assess potential pandemic-related alterations.
Digital Citizenship and Life Satisfaction in South Korean Adolescents: The Moderated Mediation Effect of Poverty
Authors: Lee Ju-Young , Lee Gyungjoo , Lee Il Hyun , Jun Won Hee , Lee Keelyong
Published: May 2023

This study examined the moderated mediation effect of poverty on the paths between enactive mastery experience in digital life and life satisfaction mediated by digital citizenship and digital life among Korean adolescents using structural equation modelling. This cross-sectional study involved a secondary data analysis of 2020 national data in The Report on the Digital Divide provided by the National Information Society Agency (NIA) of Korea. Data from 1084 Korean adolescents were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 26.0 and SPSS PROCESS macro. The results demonstrated a significant moderated mediation effect of poverty. Enactive mastery experience, which encompasses the self-knowledge, perceived task difficulty, and contextual factors of adolescents living in poverty, was associated with digital life and life satisfaction through the mediation of digital citizenship. For adolescents living in poverty, in contrast to their non-poor counterparts, enactive mastery experience in digital life and digital citizenship are two critical factors in life satisfaction. Therefore, institutional support enabling adolescents and their communities to forge partnerships is necessary to foster these two factors.
Monitoring Expression of Balance during Therapy in Children with Postural Disorders
Authors: Żurawski Arkadiusz , Śliwiński Zbigniew , Kozieł Dorota , Kiebzak Wojciech
Published: May 2023

In the literature, we find information about the impact of changes in the shape of the spine on the efficiency of equivalent reactions, and we also find information about the methods and effects of physiotherapy in improving equivalent reactions. However, there is a lack of publications showing the process of changes taking place over time and defining their nature at individual stages of treatment. The aim of this study is to present the process of monitoring the expression of balance in patients aged 8–12 years with postural disorders, in the course of the therapeutic process. The shape of the spine and the efficiency of equilibrium reactions in standing posture and during gait were assessed in all the subjects. The subjects were put into two groups: with a shape-of-spine disorder and without one. The recommended set of therapeutic activities in home conditions lasted about 20 min and was performed by the child with a parent’s supervision. The therapeutic program was based on elements of neurophysiological methods: Vojta and PNF. The following parameters were measured: the maximum movement of the center of pressure (CoP) in the frontal plane during gait, the maximum movement of the CoP in the sagittal plane, the movement of the CoP in the frontal plane in static conditions and the movement of the CoP in the sagittal plane in static conditions. Six statistically significant differences were recorded, and all of them were related to measurement I. The Friedman test result was statistically significant for all the indexes. Post hoc analyses were performed using the Dunn–Bonferroni test. The children with shape-of-spine disorders had a lower efficiency of equivalent reactions in relation to the children without disorders. The therapy with the application of neurophysiological methods in the treatment of shape-of-spine disorders improved equilibrium reactions in these patients. Long-lasting and thorough observations of the therapeutic process in children with shape-of-spine disorders should include the monitoring of the efficiency of equilibrium reactions.
COVID-19 Pandemic and Changes in Children’s Behavioral Problems: The Mediating Role of Maternal Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Doan Stacey N. , Burniston Anna Beth , Smiley Patricia , Liu Cindy H.
Published: May 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has been linked to a range of behavioral problems in children. To date, however, longitudinal studies with data prior to the pandemic are rare, and moreover, few studies have examined the family context. This is notable as evidence suggests that mothers were highly vulnerable to the effects of the pandemic, and stress proliferation models would argue that children’s wellbeing are undoubtedly affected by maternal wellbeing. In the current investigation, we examine changes in maternal depressive symptoms and children’s behavioral problems from prior to the pandemic to the first few months of COVID-19 in the U.S. The results suggest a significant increase in children’s internalizing problems and maternal depressive symptoms. Consistent with stress proliferation models, the relationship between COVID-19-related stressors and children’s behavioral problems were mediated by maternal mental health.
Oral Healthcare Practices and Awareness among the Parents of Autism Spectrum Disorder Children: A Multi-Center Study
Authors: Alqahtani Abdullah , Gufran Khalid , Alsakr Abdulaziz , Alnufaiy Banna , Al Ghwainem Abdulhamid , Bin Khames Yasser , Althani Rakan , Almuthaybiri Sultan
Published: May 2023

This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of the parents of autistic children toward oral health and the practice of oral hygiene habits. A questionnaire was constructed, validated, and distributed to the parents of autistic children at different autistic centers. The questionnaire was divided into three parts: demographic information on the parents of autistic children, the knowledge and attitudes of parents toward oral health, and the practice of oral hygiene habits in the current population. A total of 206 responses were collected. Irrespective of the parents’ educational and employment statuses, most second children were diagnosed with autism, and most of the parents have four or more children. In terms of knowledge and attitudes toward oral health, a total of 90.30% of the patients were aware of the oral healthcare of their child, and 55.80% of parents take them to the dentist for checkups. Moreover, the response to the practice of oral hygiene habits from the parents was positive, and most of the parents assist in the oral hygiene practices of their autistic children. This study showed that most of the parents appeared to have satisfactory knowledge about oral health practices for autistic children. However, additional studies should also be conducted.
Multi-Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) in 2023: Is It Time to Forget about It?
Authors: La Torre Francesco , Taddio Andrea , Conti Chiara , Cattalini Marco
Published: May 2023

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is defined as a clinically serious condition requiring hospitalization involving fever, multi-system organ dysfunction, and an increase in inflammatory biomarkers. The syndrome was originally described as a post-infectious complication of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, which usually causes COVID-19. During the COVID-19 pandemic, not only did the virus undergo mutations but vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 were also developed. Both these conditions led to a decrease in the incidence of MIS-C. This narrative review summarizes the recent updates for MIS-C, particularly regarding the change in incidence, the link between the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine and MIS-C, and new updates of MIS-C treatments.
Reverse Engineering Analysis of Optical Properties of (Ti,Cu)Ox Gradient Thin Film Coating
Authors: Domaradzki Jarosław , Mazur Michał , Wojcieszak Damian , Wiatrowski Artur , Mańkowska Ewa , Chodasewicz Paweł
Published: May 2023

Analysis of the optical properties of a gradient (Ti,Cu)Ox thin film is presented in this paper. The thin film was prepared using reactive co-sputtering of Ti and Cu targets. The desired elemental concentration profiles of Cu and Ti versus the thin film thickness were obtained by changing the power delivered to the magnetron equipped with Cu, while the powering of the magnetron equipped with the Ti target was maintained at a constant level during the film deposition. Optical properties were analysed using the reverse engineering method, based on simultaneously measured optical transmittance and reflectance. Detailed microstructure analysis performed using transmission electron microscopy investigations revealed that the thin film consisted of at least four areas with different structural properties. Finding a satisfying fit of theoretical to experimental data required taking into account the heterogeneity in the material composition and microstructure in relation to the depth in the prepared gradient thin film. On the basis of the built equivalent layer stack model, the composition profile and porosity at the cross-section of the prepared gradient film were evaluated, which agreed well with the obtained elemental and microscopy studies.
Enhancement of Dopamine Electrochemical Detection with Manganese Doped Crystalline Copper Oxide
Authors: Guţoiu Simona , Pogăcean Florina , Măgeruşan Lidia , Miclăuş Maria Olimpia , Grad Oana , Pană Ioan-Ovidiu , Pruneanu Stela
Published: May 2023

Manganese doped crystalline copper oxide (CuO:Mn) and undoped CuO were prepared at room temperature by the hydrothermal method. The complete physico-chemical characterization of the materials was performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission/scanning electron microscopy (TEM/SEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Furthermore, their analytical applicability was tested in electrochemical experiments for a dopamine assay. According to the morphological investigation, the materials had a flat structure with nearly straight edges. The XRD analysis proved the formation of the CuO phase with good crystallinity, while the Mn doping was determined by XPS to be around 1 at.%. Under optimized conditions, at pH 5.0, the CuO:Mn modified electrode (CuO:Mn/SPE) showed a high signal for dopamine oxidation, with a linear response in the 0.1–1 µM and 1–100 µM ranges and a low limit of detection of 30.3 nM. Five times higher sensitivity for manganese doped copper oxide in comparison with the undoped sample was achieved. The applicability of the developed CuO:Mn/SPE electrode was also tested in a commercially available pharmaceutical drug with good results, suggesting that the developed sensor has promising biomedical application potential.
Low-Pressure Cold Spray Deposition Window Derived from a One-Dimensional Analytical Model
Authors: Martínez-Flores Mónica , Cervantes-Cabello José Javier , Barba-Pingarrón Arturo
Published: May 2023

Low-pressure cold spray (LPCS) coating deposition requires the consideration of multiple parameters to define spraying conditions. The use of a parameter window provides an integral approach to achieving this goal. In this work, an LPCS deposition window for zinc powders was obtained through the development of a one-dimensional analytical model of fluid and particle interaction. The model considers powder particle injection downstream of the nozzle and follows the particle from injection to impact. The model equations relate the particle velocity (vp) to the process parameters, such as the gas pressure (P0) and temperature (T0), particle size (dp) and stand-off distance (SoD). The values of the particle velocity (vp) at the nozzle exit and during the “free-jet”, as well as the drag coefficient (Cd), were calculated using experimental spraying conditions for Cu and Al that have previously been documented in LPCS studies. The model’s accuracy and applicability to other materials were confirmed upon comparing the results with those in the aforementioned studies. Moreover, the definition of the model equations allowed for the identification of three new parameters: (γ) the maximum ideal particle velocity, (β) the capacity to accelerate the powder particle inside the nozzle and (α) the deceleration of the particle in the free-jet zone. These parameters have not previously been published and allow for comparative evaluation between LPCS processes.
Verification of the Simulated Carburizing Process in Different Bore Sizes
Authors: Rumony András , Szlancsik Attila , Kovács Dorina
Published: May 2023

Carburizing is one of the leading surface treatments in the industry. For this study, 20MnCr5 steel was gas carburized and quenched in real circumstances and simulated with Simufact software. The research investigated the dimensions and types of bores. A through and blind bore was used in this study to analyze how the geometry affects the created layer and, additionally, it takes into account the placement in the heat treatment furnace. An optical microscope and Vickers hardness tester were used to detect the changes in microstructure and measure the layer thickness. After the experiments, a simulation calculated the same variables to compare and validate the results to each other. It can be stated that the placement in the chamber did not influence the form of the high carbon content layer. The simulation and the measured results were in good agreement. The maximum hardness difference was 17%, but the calculated layer thicknesses were always between the measured data. For example, in the case of a small blind bore, the calculated layer thickness was 1.68 ± 0.18 mm, while the measured value was 1.54 ± 0.37 mm. Additionally, the hardness change in depth was similar in both cases. After this validation process, the residual stresses and plastic strains were determined. The maximum residual stresses were similar for every case, namely around 1900 MPa, while the maximum plastic strain was measured in a small blind bore with a value of 0.18. The minimum plastic strain was 0.04 in the through bore.
The Future of Commodities
Authors: Chevallier Julien
Published: May 2023

Asset markets have long contained a section devoted to commodities, breaking them into «soft», «grains», «metals», «energy», etc [...]
Correction: Guo et al. Dopamine-Grafted Hyaluronic Acid Coated Hyperbranched Poly(β-Amino Esters)/DNA Nano-Complexes for Enhanced Gene Delivery and Biosafety. Crystals 2021, 11, 347
Authors: Guo Man , Meng Yingcai , Qin Xiaoqun , Zhou Wenhu
Published: May 2023

In the original article [...]
Mesomorphic Investigation of Binary Mixtures of Liquid Crystal Molecules with Different Mesogenic Architectonics
Authors: Alamro Fowzia S. , Ahmed Hoda A. , Khushaim Muna S. , Bedowr Noha S. , Al-Kadhi Nada S.
Published: May 2023

Different binary phase diagrams, made from two differently substituted three-rings azo/ester and azomethine/ester compounds of the same terminal alkoxy side chain of six carbons, as opposed to the other terminal polar substituent, which can either donate electrons or withdraw electrons including H. The thermal behavior of the prepared derivatives was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry and phases identified by polarized optical microscope. The first group of the binary mixtures was made from laterally F-substituted azo/ester derivatives and their laterally neat analogues. The second group of binary mixtures was made from laterally methoxy-substituted azomethine/ester derivatives and their laterally neat analogues. The final type of investigated phase diagrams was made from the laterally substituted azo and azomethine components bearing different lateral polar groups and different mesogenic moieties. Results were reviewed using phase diagrams that were produced and it was found that different mesomorphic characteristics were seen to depend on the mesogenic component as well as lateral and terminal polar groups. In all cases, these mixtures have been determined to have low melting-temperature eutectic compositions, while linear or negative deviation of nematic or smectic isotropic composition temperature dependence was observed.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and Spectral Datasets in South Africa for Precision Agriculture
Authors: Munghemezulu Cilence , Mashaba-Munghemezulu Zinhle , Ratshiedana Phathutshedzo Eugene , Economon Eric , Chirima George , Sibanda Sipho
Published: May 2023

Remote sensing data play a crucial role in precision agriculture and natural resource monitoring. The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can provide solutions to challenges faced by farmers and natural resource managers due to its high spatial resolution and flexibility compared to satellite remote sensing. This paper presents UAV and spectral datasets collected from different provinces in South Africa, covering different crops at the farm level as well as natural resources. UAV datasets consist of five multispectral bands corrected for atmospheric effects using the PIX4D mapper software to produce surface reflectance images. The spectral datasets are filtered using a Savitzky–Golay filter, corrected for Multiplicative Scatter Correction (MSC). The first and second derivatives and the Continuous Wavelet Transform (CWT) spectra are also calculated. These datasets can provide baseline information for developing solutions for precision agriculture and natural resource challenges. For example, UAV and spectral data of different crop fields captured at spatial and temporal resolutions can contribute towards calibrating satellite images, thus improving the accuracy of the derived satellite products.
DCDC2-Related Ciliopathy: Report of Six Polish Patients, Novel DCDC2 Variant, and Literature Review of Reported Cases
Authors: Lipiński Patryk , Ciara Elżbieta , Jurkiewicz Dorota , Mekrouda Magda , Cielecka-Kuszyk Joanna , Jurkiewicz Elżbieta , Płoski Rafał , Pawłowska Joanna , Jankowska Irena
Published: May 2023

Introduction: The increasing usage of NGS technology has enabled the discovery of new causal genes in ciliopathies, including the DCDC2 gene. The aim of our study was to present the clinical, pathological and molecular report of six patients (from three unrelated families) with DCDC2 biallelic pathogenic variants. A detailed overview of the reported patients with DCDC2-related disease was provided. Material and methods: A retrospective chart review of the clinical, biochemical, pathological (liver histology) and molecular features of the study group was performed. The database PubMed (MEDLINE) was searched for relevant studies. Results: All the patients presented with cholestatic jaundice and elevated GGT; the mean age was 2 months. The initial liver biopsy was performed in four children at a mean age of 3 months (age range: 2–5 months). In all of them, features of cholestasis, portal fibrosis and mild portal inflammation were observed; in three of them ductular proliferation was observed. One patient had undergone liver transplantation (LTx) at 8 years of age. At hepatectomy, a biliary-pattern cirrhosis was observed. Only one patient presented with features of renal disease. Whole exome sequencing was performed in all patients at the last follow-up visit (mean age 10 years). Three different variants (one novel) in the DCDC2 gene were identified in the study group. With our six patients, a total of 34 patients with DCDC2-related hepatic ciliopathy were identified. The main clinical presentation of DCDC2-related ciliopathy was liver disease in the form of neonatal sclerosing cholangitis. The predominance of early and severe liver disease associated with no or mildly expressed kidney involvement was observed. Conclusions: Our findings expand the molecular spectrum of pathogenic DCDC2 variants, provide a more accurate picture of the phenotypic expression associated with molecular changes in this gene and confirm a loss of functional behaviour as the mechanism of disease.
Autopsy for Medical Diagnostics: Finding the Cause of Sudden Unexpected Death through Investigation of the Cardiac Conduction System by Serial Sections
Authors: Ottaviani Giulia , Ramos Simone G.
Published: May 2023

Sudden unexpected death (SUD) is a fatal event that occurs in an apparently healthy subject in a way that such an abrupt outcome could have not been predicted. SUD—including sudden intrauterine unexplained death (SIUD), sudden neonatal unexpected death (SNUD), sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), sudden unexpected death of the young (SUDY), and sudden unexpected death in the adult (SUDA)—occurs as the first manifestation of an unknown underlying disease or within a few hours of the presentation of a disease. SUD is a major unsolved, shocking form of death that occurs frequently and can happen at any time without warning. For each case of SUD, a review of clinical history data and performance of a complete autopsy, particularly focused on the study of the cardiac conduction system, were carried out according to the necropsy protocol devised by the Lino Rossi Research Center, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy. Research cases collected and selected for this study were represented by 75 SUD victims that were subdivided into 15 SIUD, 15 SNUD, 15 SUDY, and 15 SUDA victims. After a routine autopsy and clinical history analysis, death remained unexplained, and hence a diagnosis of SUD was assigned to 75 subjects, which included 45 females (60%) and 30 (40%) males ranging in age from 27 gestational weeks to 76 years. Serial sections of the cardiac conduction system disclosed frequent congenital alterations of the cardiac conduction system in fetuses and infants. An age-related significant difference in distribution among the five age-related groups was detected for the following anomalies of the conduction system: central fibrous body (CFB) islands of conduction tissue, fetal dispersion, resorptive degeneration, Mahaim fiber, CFB cartilaginous meta-hyperplasia, His bundle septation, sino-atrial node (SAN) artery fibromuscular thickening, atrio-ventricular junction hypoplasia, intramural right bundle branch, and SAN hypoplasia. The results are useful for understanding the cause of death for all SUD cases that were unexpected and would have otherwise remained unexplained, so as to motivate medical examiners and pathologists to perform more in-depth studies.
Mouse Tracking as a Method for Examining the Perception and Cognition of Digital Maps
Authors: Krassanakis Vassilios , Misthos Loukas-Moysis
Published: May 2023

This article aims to present the authors’ perspective regarding the challenges and opportunities of mouse-tracking methodology while performing experimental research, particularly related to the map-reading process. We briefly describe existing metrics, visualization techniques and software tools utilized for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of experimental mouse-movement data towards the examination of both perceptual and cognitive issues. Moreover, we concisely report indicative examples of mouse-tracking studies in the field of cartography. The article concludes with summarizing mouse-tracking strengths/potential and limitations, compared to eye tracking. In a nutshell, mouse tracking is a straightforward method, particularly suitable for tracking real-life behaviors in interactive maps, providing the valuable opportunity for remote experimentation; even though it is not suitable for tracking the actual free-viewing behavior, it can be concurrently utilized with other state-of-the-art experimental methods.
Clinical Features of COVID-19 Vaccine-Associated Autoimmune Hepatitis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Zhou Hao , Ye Qing
Published: May 2023

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is an inflammatory liver disease wherein the body’s immune system instigates an attack on the liver, causing inflammation and hepatic impairment. This disease usually manifests in genetically predisposed individuals and is triggered by stimuli or environments such as viral infections, environmental toxins, and drugs. The causal role of COVID-19 vaccination in AIH remains uncertain. This review of 39 cases of vaccine-related AIH indicates that female patients above the age of 50 years or those with potential AIH risk factors may be susceptible to vaccine-related AIH, and the clinical features of vaccine-associated AIH are similar to those of idiopathic AIH. These features commonly manifest in patients after the first dose of vaccination, with symptom onset typically delayed by 10–14 days. The incidence of underlying liver disease in patients with potential health conditions associated to liver disease is similar to that of patients without preexisting illnesses. Steroid administration is effective in treating vaccine-related AIH-susceptible patients, with most patients experiencing improvement in their clinical symptoms. However, care should be taken to prevent bacterial infections during drug administration. Furthermore, the possible pathogenic mechanisms of vaccine-associated AIH are discussed to offer potential ideas for vaccine development and enhancement. Although the incidence of vaccine-related AIH is rare, individuals should not be deterred from receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, as the benefits of vaccination significantly outweigh the risks.
Drone-Aided Networking with Massive Connectivity and High Spectral Efficiency Enabled
Authors: Bing Li , Hu Lanke , Gu Yating , Yin Yue
Published: May 2023

Drone-aided networking is considered a potential candidate for internet of things (IoT) networking in 5G and beyond, where drones are deployed to serve a large number of devices simultaneously for data collection, surveillance, remote sensing, etc. However, challenges arise due to massive connectivity requests as well as limited power budgets. To this end, this paper focuses on the design of drone-aided IoT networking, where a drone access point serves a large number of devices for efficient data transmission, collection, and remote sensing. Constant envelope signaling such as minimum shift keying (MSK) family is considered to avoid potential significant power inefficiency due to nonlinear distortion. To this end, code-domain non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) is developed and analyzed in terms of achievable sum spectral efficiency. Further, power allocation is derived based on the aforementioned analysis and is demonstrated to offer significantly improved performance in terms of sum spectral efficiency and user load. Simulation results confirm the feasibility of the proposed design and shows that the designed system can attain the promised performance using either simple convolutional code or complex polar code. The proposed system can be used in scenarios such as deep space communications, where MSK family signaling is adopted as well.
Assessing and Forecasting the Long-Term Impact of the Global Financial Crisis on Manufacturing Sales in South Africa
Authors: Makoni Tendai , Chikobvu Delson
Published: May 2023

Sales forecasting is a crucial aspect of any successful manufacturing organisation as it provides the foundation for investment, employment development, and innovation. The Global Financial Crisis (GFC) had a negative impact on the manufacturing sector in South Africa (SA) and the rest of the world. The objective of this paper is to analyse the trend of manufacturing sales before, during, and after the GFC and to quantify the impact of the GFC on the total manufacturing sales in SA. The time-series-based Box–Jenkins methodology is used to achieve the objective. The study used Statistic South Africa’s data on monthly total manufacturing sales in SA from January 1998 to December 2022. Total manufacturing sales exhibit strong seasonality. The ACF, PACF, and EACF plots, as well as the AIC, BIC, RMSE, and MAE, suggest the SARIMA(2,1,2)(2,1,1)12 model as the best model for explaining and forecasting manufacturing sales in SA. The SA manufacturing sector was negatively impacted by the GFC, as evidenced by the comparison between actual data and projections based on a historical path prior to the GFC. Manufacturing sales are recovering from the GFC but have not reached potential levels that could have been achieved without the crisis. The SA manufacturing sector may take time to reach the expected/projected sale levels that could have been achieved in the absence of the GFC.
Identification and Education of Students with Gifts and Talents Based on the Fuzzy Conception of Giftedness
Authors: Sak Ugur
Published: May 2023

The purpose of this article is to review the Fuzzy Conception of Giftedness (FCG) and discuss its implications for the identification and education of gifted students. According to the Fuzzy Conception of Giftedness, the manifestation of giftedness results from the interplay between personal dispositions and stimulus conditions; thus, giftedness exists in the interaction between a person and the environment (e.g., stimulus conditions). While a person is disposed to carry out actions, the environment is potent to allow these actions. In line with this proposition, the identification and education of gifted students should be built on interactions. Interactive models are useful to identify and educate students who have overachievement potential. The FCG proposes three components to define giftedness that could be used in identifying and educating gifted students: intellective and non-intellective dispositions, stimulus conditions, and interaction.
Study Habits Developed by Mexican Higher Education Students during the Complexity of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: George-Reyes Carlos Enrique , Glasserman-Morales Leonardo David , Rocha-Estrada Francisco Javier , Ruíz-Ramírez Jessica Alejandra
Published: May 2023

During the first 700 days of the COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico, higher education institutions adopted different types of technology-supported learning to provide continuity of teaching activities. The pandemic forced students to change their study habits to face the challenges of learning in the distance modality while using technologies for learning and knowledge. In this research, a questionnaire called “Survey of Study Habits for University Students after more than 700 days of the Pandemic in Mexico” was applied to inquire about habits that were strengthened or emerged in undergraduate and graduate university students who participated in non-face-to-face learning environments during the pandemic. The study involved 3000 students from public (n = 1500) and private (n = 1500) universities located in six areas of Mexico (comprising 32 states). The findings indicated that most of the students acquired at least one digital device and expanded their internet service, and perceived an improvement in their self-study skills and greater autonomous learning development.
Evaluation of VSC Impact on Power System Using Adequate P-Q Capability Curve
Authors: Brodzicki Michal , Klucznik Jacek , Czapp Stanislaw
Published: May 2023

Renewable energy sources, which are becoming increasingly popular, often use a voltage source converter (VSC) for connection to the power system. Assessing the effects of connecting such a source to the power system is essential to ensure the proper operation of the power system and the connected source. For this purpose, it is necessary to know the range of active and reactive power generation by the converter. The authors indicate that the interaction between the power system and the converter affects its range of available active and reactive power. Therefore, a strictly defined range of the converter’s generating capability should not be assumed as invariant, but its capability for a given operating condition of the power system should be determined iteratively. In order to confirm this thesis, the authors analyzed the operation of the VSC-based energy source in an example power system using the PowerFactory software. Extending the calculation procedure to include iterative determination of the converter’s available power range showed a significant influence of the system’s operating state on the converter’s generating capabilities. The results obtained in this work extend the knowledge, and thanks to them, the operation of VSC systems can be modelled more accurately.
A Shallow Pooled Weighted Feature Enhancement Network for Small-Sized Pine Wilt Diseased Tree Detection
Authors: Yu Mei , Ye Sha , Zheng Yuelin , Jiang Yanjing , Peng Yisheng , Sheng Yuyang , Huang Chongjing , Sun Hang
Published: May 2023

Pine wild disease poses a serious threat to the ecological environment of national forests. Combining the object detection algorithm with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) to detect pine wild diseased trees (PWDT) is a significant step in preventing the spread of pine wild disease. To address the issue of shallow feature layers lacking the ability to fully extract features from small-sized diseased trees in existing detection algorithms, as well as the problem of a small number of small-sized diseased trees in a single image, a Shallow Pooled Weighted Feature Enhancement Network (SPW-FEN) based on Small Target Expansion (STE) has been proposed for detecting PWDT. First, a Pooled Weighted Channel Attention (PWCA) module is presented and introduced into the shallow feature layer with rich small target information to enhance the network’s expressive ability regarding the characteristics of two-layer shallow feature maps. Additionally, an STE data enhancement method is introduced for small-sized targets, which effectively increases the sample size of small-sized diseased trees in a single image. The experimental results on the PWDT dataset indicate that the proposed algorithm achieved an average precision and recall of 79.1% and 86.9%, respectively. This is 3.6 and 3.8 percentage points higher, respectively, than the recognition recall and average precision of the existing state-of-the-art method Faster-RCNN, and 6.4 and 5.5 percentage points higher than those of the newly proposed YOLOv6 method.
Electrical Performance of Current Commercial Supercapacitors and Their Future Applications
Authors: Sirimanne Don Charles Uvindra , Kularatna Nihal , Arawwawala Nadee
Published: May 2023

From the first patent of supercapacitors, the industry has experienced the commercialization of supercapacitors happening rapidly after the year 2000. Within the last 5 years, the electronics industry has gained access to at least four different types of commercially available supercapacitor families, namely, electrochemical double layer capacitors (EDLCs), hybrid supercapacitors, battery capacitors and pseudo capacitors. Over the same period after year 2000, there has been huge developments in the electrochemistry of supercapacitors based on new materials such as graphene and mechanisms such as tailoring pore sizes for electrolyte ion exchange to increase volumetric energy density. This paper compares the characteristics of three different types of supercapacitors for large energy applications and how supercapacitors can be useful in future DC-DC converters in renewable and micro-grid applications.
Implantable and Degradable Wireless Passive Protein-Based Tactile Sensor for Intracranial Dynamic Pressure Detection
Authors: Li Wanjing , Liu Andeng , Wang Yimeng , Qu Kui , Wen Hao , Zhao Jizhong , Shi Yating , Wang Hao , Ye Meidan , Guo Wenxi
Published: May 2023

Implantable sensors normally require devices with excellent biocompatibility and flexibility as well as wireless communication. Silk fibroin (SF) is an ideal material for implantable electronic devices due to its natural biodegradability and biocompatibility. In this work, we prepared SF protein materials with different force/chemical properties through mesoscopic regulation, and realized full protein replacement from substrate to dielectric elastomer for implantable sensors, so as to achieve controlled complete degradation. In wireless tests simulating intracranial pressure, the SF-based all-protein sensor achieved a sensitivity up to 4.44 MHz/mmHg in the pressure range of 0–20 mmHg. In addition, the sensor is insensitive to temperature changes and tissue environments, and can work stably in simulated body fluids for a long time. This work provides a wireless passive, all-protein material solution for implantable pressure sensors.
CNN-Transformer for Microseismic Signal Classification
Authors: Zhang Xingli , Wang Xiaohong , Zhang Zihan , Wang Zhihui
Published: May 2023

The microseismic signals of coal and rock fractures collected by underground sensors contain masses of blasting vibration signals generated by coal mine blasting, and the waveforms of the two signals are highly similar. In order to identify the true microseismic signals with a microseismic monitoring system quickly and accurately, this paper proposes a lightweight network model that combines a convolutional neural network (CNN) and transformer, named CCViT. Of these, the CNN is used to extract shallow features locally, and the transformer is used to extract deep features globally. Moreover, a modified channel attention module provides important channel information for the model and suppresses useless information. The experimental results on the dataset used in this paper show that the proposed CCViT model has significant advantages for floating point operations (FLOPs), parameter quantity, and accuracy compared to many advanced network models.
A Port-Hopping Technology against Remote Attacks and Its Effectiveness Evaluation
Authors: Yan Jiajun , Zhou Ying , Wang Tao
Published: May 2023

Traditional network defense approaches are insufficient to deal with new types of network threats. Active defense approaches based on software-defined networks helps to solve this problem, which includes random port-hopping technology. Existing port-hopping approaches have problems such as the inability to completely hide the service port and the complicated hopping mechanism. What is more, there is no strict demonstration of the security effectiveness evaluation of random port hopping and its influencing factors. In this paper, a hidden services port-hopping approach and several models are proposed to solve these existing problems. Firstly, the algorithm, protocol, and flow update process of the method are presented. Secondly, according to the conceptual model of network attack and the network attack and defense model, the mathematical model of network attack is proposed to evaluate the security effectiveness of random port hopping. Furthermore, the resource layer and attack surface are redefined and the conceptual model of random port hopping is proposed to reveal the security mechanism of random port hopping more figuratively. After that, the factors that influence the security effectiveness of random port hopping are analyzed. Finally, both experiments and theoretical analysis show that hidden services port hopping is an effective active defense technology and the factors that influence the probability of a successful attack include the time interval of port hopping, the size of port-hopping space, and the number of vulnerable ports.
Experimental Investigations of Forced Convection of Nanofluids in Smooth, Horizontal, Round Tubes: A Review
Authors: Cieśliński Janusz T. , Kozak Przemysław
Published: May 2023

A comprehensive review of published works dealing with experimental studies of forced convection heat transfer of nanofluids is presented. The survey is limited to straight, smooth, and round tubes. Moreover, only mono nanofluids exhibiting Newtonian behaviour are considered. Works on experimental research of forced convection in tubes are presented in a chronological order in the first part of the article. In this part, attention was paid to the influence of nanoparticles on the intensification of heat transfer. Information on the tested nanofluids, the measurement technique used, and the measurement range are presented in tabular form. Correlation equations proposed by individual researchers are also presented. In order to explain the controversy regarding the different influences of nanoparticles on the intensity of heat transfer during forced convection of nanofluids, the second part of the paper presents a comparison of the test results obtained by different researchers for the same nanofluid, possibly under the same thermal and flow conditions. Finally, the main conclusions are discussed.