bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Path Planning Method for Ship Collision Avoidance Considering Spatial–Temporal Interaction Effects
Authors: Wang Shuwu , Huang Ming , Chen Chen , Sun Jie , Ma Feng
Published: May 2022

Efficient and reliable path planning is crucial for smart ships when avoiding collisions with static and dynamic obstacles in complex marine environments. This research proposes a novel path planning method based on the fast marching method to specifically assist with safe navigation for autonomous ships. At the very beginning, a unified representation is specially produced to describe the path planning space based on the parametric fast marching speed function. In addition, the spatial–temporal interaction effects of dynamic obstacles are considered and integrated into the construction of planning space. Subsequently, a path optimization strategy is put forward based on the trajectory prediction of dynamic objects. Particularly, the effectiveness of the method has been validated and evaluated through a number of simulations, which proves that such a method is practical in narrow and crowded waterways.
Hydrodynamic Fingering Induced by Gel Film Formation in Miscible Fluid Systems: An Experimental and Mathematical Study
Authors: Nasir Muhammad , Yamaguchi Ryuhei , She Yun , Patmonoaji Anindityo , Mahardika Mohammad Azis , Wang Weicen , Li Zijing , Matsushita Shintaro , Suekane Tetsuya
Published: May 2022

Hydrodynamic fingering induced by gel formation shares common features with growing biofilms, bacterial colonies, and the instability of a confined chemical garden. Fluid displacement with gel formation is also essential in various engineering applications, including CO2 leakage remediation from storage reservoirs and enhanced oil recovery. We conducted Hele-Shaw cell displacement experiments for a miscible fluid system using skim milk and aqueous citric acid solution. This study aimed to investigate the effects of gel film formation on the fingering instability of a miscible fluid system and develop a mathematical model of the sequential growth of gel film formation at the fingertip. We found that the gel film formation thickens with time, resulting in instability at the interface. A distinctive fingering pattern, resembling tentacles, appears where miscibility is suppressed, and the growth of the finger is localized at the fingertip. The finger width remains constant with increasing flow rate, whereas the number of fingers increases linearly before the fingers merge. The gap width significantly limits the finger width. Finally, a mathematical model of sequential film thickness growth for a bubble-like fingertip structure was developed. This model is based upon the interplay between the diffusion of citric acid through the existing gel film formation and elongation of the fingertip. The model provides an understanding of the fundamental mechanism of the growth of the bubble-like fingertip.
Methodological Aspects in Study of Fat Stigma in Social Media Contexts: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Wanniarachchi Vajisha Udayangi , Mathrani Anuradha , Susnjak Teo , Scogings Chris
Published: May 2022

With increased obesity rates worldwide and the rising popularity in social media usage, we have witnessed a growth in hate speech towards fat/obese people. The severity of hate content has prompted researchers to study public perceptions that give rise to fat stigma from social media discourses. This article presents a systematic literature review of recent literature published in this domain to gauge the current state of research and identify possible research gaps. We have examined existing research (i.e., peer-reviewed articles that were systematically included using the EBSCO discovery service) to study their methodological aspects by reviewing their context, domain, analytical methods, techniques, tools, features and limitations. Our findings reveal that while recent studies have explored fat stigma content in social media, these mostly acquired manual analytical methods regardless of the evolved machine learning, natural language processing and deep learning methods. Although fat stigma in social media has gained enormous attention in current socio-psychological research, there exists a gap between how such research is conducted and what technologies are being applied, which limits in-depth investigations of fat stigma discussions.
Resource Optimization for 3D Video SoftCast with Joint Texture/Depth Power Allocation
Authors: Thabet Saqr Khalil Saeed , Osei-Mensah Emmanuel , Ahmed Omar , Seid Abegaz Mohammed , Bamisile Olusola
Published: May 2022

During wireless video transmission, channel conditions can vary drastically. When the channel fails to support the transmission bit rate, the video quality degrades sharply. A pseudo-analog transmission system such as SoftCast relies on linear operations to achieve a linear quality transition over a wide range of channel conditions. When transmitting 3D videos over SoftCast, the following issues arise: (1) assigning the transmission power to texture and depth maps to obtain the optimal overall quality and (2) handling 3D video data traffic by dropping and re-allocating resources. This paper solves the pseudo-analog transmission resource allocation problem and improves the results by applying the optimal joint power allocation. First, the minimum and the target distortion optimization problems are formulated in terms of a power–bandwidth pair versus distortion. Then, a minimum distortion optimization algorithm iteratively computes all the possible resource allocations to find the optimal allocation based on the minimum distortion. Next, the three-dimensional target distortion problem is divided into two subproblems. In the power-distortion problem, to obtain a target distortion, the algorithm exhaustively solves the closed form of the power resource under a predefined upper-bound bandwidth. For the bandwidth-distortion problem, reaching a target distortion requires solving iteratively for the bandwidth resource closed form, given a predefined power. The proposed resource control scheme shows an improvement in transmission efficiency and resource utilization. At low power usage, the proposed method could achieve a PSNR gain of up to 1.5 dB over SoftCast and even a 1.789 dB gain over a distortion-resource algorithm, using less than 1.4% of the bandwidth.
Indentation Hardness and Elastic Recovery of Some Hardwood Species
Authors: Sydor Maciej , Pinkowski Grzegorz , Kučerka Martin , Kminiak Richard , Antov Petar , Rogoziński Tomasz
Published: May 2022

The purpose of the study was to measure the Brinell hardness (HB) of six wood species and evaluate the ability to recover the depth of the imprint (self-re-deformation). Straight-grain clear samples of ash, beech, alder, birch, iroko, and linden wood were prepared. Measurements were made in the three main reference timber cross-sections: radial (R), tangential (T), and axial/longitudinal (L) and with two measuring loads of 30 kG and 100 kG (294.2 N and 980.7 N). The tested wood species could be classified into hard (ash, beech), medium-hard (alder, birch, iroko), and soft (linden) wood species. The HBs of each tested wood species differed in the cross-sections, i.e., side hardness (R, T) and end hardness (L). Higher HB values were obtained at 100 kG load in all species and all three cross-sections. The lowest influence of the measurement force value on the HB value was revealed for the soft wood species (linden: 107–118%). This influence was visible for the other five medium-hard and hard wood species, ranging from 125% to 176%. The percentage of temporary imprint in total imprint depth (x/H) varied from 12 to 33% (linden 12–18%—the lowest self-re-deformation ability; beech 25–33%—the highest self-re-deformation ability). The results of this study underline that the higher the density of the wood, the higher the Brinell hardness, and, simultaneously, the greater the measurement force used, the higher the Brinell hardness measured. The ability of self-re-deformation in wood’s R and T cross-sections depends on the wood density and the measuring force used. In contrast, this ability only depends on the wood density in the L cross-section. Those observations imply that the compaction of the cell structure during side compression is mainly non-destructive, while the longitudinal deformation of the cell structure (the buckling of cell walls and fracture of ends of the cells) is to a great degree destructive and irreversible. These results can be used in the construction and furniture sectors, especially when designing products and planning the woodworking of highly loaded wood floors and furniture elements.
A Better Mechanistic Understanding of Big Data through an Order Search Using Causal Bayesian Networks
Authors: Yoo Changwon , Gonzalez Efrain , Gong Zhenghua , Roy Deodutta
Published: May 2022

Every year, biomedical data is increasing at an alarming rate and is being collected from many different sources, such as hospitals (clinical Big Data), laboratories (genomic and proteomic Big Data), and the internet (online Big Data). This article presents and evaluates a practical causal discovery algorithm that uses modern statistical, machine learning, and informatics approaches that have been used in the learning of causal relationships from biomedical Big Data, which in turn integrates clinical, omics (genomic and proteomic), and environmental aspects. The learning of causal relationships from data using graphical models does not address the hidden (unknown or not measured) mechanisms that are inherent to most measurements and analyses. Also, many algorithms lack a practical usage since they do not incorporate current mechanistic knowledge. This paper proposes a practical causal discovery algorithm using causal Bayesian networks to gain a better understanding of the underlying mechanistic process that generated the data. The algorithm utilizes model averaging techniques such as searching through a relative order (e.g., if gene A is regulating gene B, then we can say that gene A is of a higher order than gene B) and incorporates relevant prior mechanistic knowledge to guide the Markov chain Monte Carlo search through the order. The algorithm was evaluated by testing its performance on datasets generated from the ALARM causal Bayesian network. Out of the 37 variables in the ALARM causal Bayesian network, two sets of nine were chosen and the observations for those variables were provided to the algorithm. The performance of the algorithm was evaluated by comparing its prediction with the generating causal mechanism. The 28 variables that were not in use are referred to as hidden variables and they allowed for the evaluation of the algorithm’s ability to predict hidden confounded causal relationships. The algorithm’s predicted performance was also compared with other causal discovery algorithms. The results show that incorporating order information provides a better mechanistic understanding even when hidden confounded causes are present. The prior mechanistic knowledge incorporated in the Markov chain Monte Carlo search led to the better discovery of causal relationships when hidden variables were involved in generating the simulated data.
DYT-PRKRA Mutation P222L Enhances PACT’s Stimulatory Activity on Type I Interferon Induction
Authors: Vaughn Lauren S. , Frederick Kenneth , Burnett Samuel B. , Sharma Nutan , Bragg D. Cristopher , Camargos Sarah , Cardoso Francisco , Patel Rekha C.
Published: May 2022

DYT-PRKRA (dystonia 16 or DYT-PRKRA) is caused by mutations in the PRKRA gene that encodes PACT, the protein activator of interferon (IFN)-induced double-stranded (ds) RNA-activated protein kinase (PKR). PACT participates in several cellular pathways, of which its role as a PKR activator protein during integrated stress response (ISR) is the best characterized. Previously, we have established that the DYT-PRKRA mutations cause enhanced activation of PKR during ISR to sensitize DYT-PRKRA cells to apoptosis. In this study, we evaluate if the most prevalent substitution mutation reported in DYT-PRKRA patients alters PACT’s functional role in induction of type I IFNs via the retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) signaling. Our results indicate that the P222L mutation augments PACT’s ability to induce IFN β in response to dsRNA and the basal expression of IFN β and IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) is higher in DYT-PRKRA patient cells compared to cells from the unaffected controls. Additionally, IFN β and ISGs are also induced at higher levels in DYT-PRKRA cells in response to dsRNA. These results offer a new avenue for investigations directed towards understanding the underlying molecular pathomechanisms in DYT-PRKRA.
Cerebral Iron Deposition in Neurodegeneration
Authors: Dusek Petr , Hofer Tim , Alexander Jan , Roos Per M. , Aaseth Jan O.
Published: May 2022

Disruption of cerebral iron regulation appears to have a role in aging and in the pathogenesis of various neurodegenerative disorders. Possible unfavorable impacts of iron accumulation include reactive oxygen species generation, induction of ferroptosis, and acceleration of inflammatory changes. Whole-brain iron-sensitive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques allow the examination of macroscopic patterns of brain iron deposits in vivo, while modern analytical methods ex vivo enable the determination of metal-specific content inside individual cell-types, sometimes also within specific cellular compartments. The present review summarizes the whole brain, cellular, and subcellular patterns of iron accumulation in neurodegenerative diseases of genetic and sporadic origin. We also provide an update on mechanisms, biomarkers, and effects of brain iron accumulation in these disorders, focusing on recent publications. In Parkinson’s disease, Friedreich’s disease, and several disorders within the neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation group, there is a focal siderosis, typically in regions with the most pronounced neuropathological changes. The second group of disorders including multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis shows iron accumulation in the globus pallidus, caudate, and putamen, and in specific cortical regions. Yet, other disorders such as aceruloplasminemia, neuroferritinopathy, or Wilson disease manifest with diffuse iron accumulation in the deep gray matter in a pattern comparable to or even more extensive than that observed during normal aging. On the microscopic level, brain iron deposits are present mostly in dystrophic microglia variably accompanied by iron-laden macrophages and in astrocytes, implicating a role of inflammatory changes and blood–brain barrier disturbance in iron accumulation. Options and potential benefits of iron reducing strategies in neurodegeneration are discussed. Future research investigating whether genetic predispositions play a role in brain Fe accumulation is necessary. If confirmed, the prevention of further brain Fe uptake in individuals at risk may be key for preventing neurodegenerative disorders.
Low Density Lipoprotein Exposure of Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells Blunts Toll-like Receptor 7/9 Signaling via NUR77
Authors: Christ Anette , Goossens Pieter G. , Wijnands Erwin , Jin Han , Legein Bart , Oth Tammy , Isaacs Aaron , Stoll Monika , Vanderlocht Joris , Lutgens Esther , Daemen Mat J. A. P. , Zenke Martin , Biessen Erik A. L.
Published: May 2022

Background: Pathogens or trauma-derived danger signals induced maturation and activation of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) is a pivotal step in pDC-dependent host defense. Exposure of pDC to cardiometabolic disease-associated lipids and proteins may well influence critical signaling pathways, thereby compromising immune responses against endogenous, bacterial and viral pathogens. In this study, we have addressed if hyperlipidemia impacts human pDC activation, cytokine response and capacity to prime CD4+ T cells. METHODS AND RESULTS: We show that exposure to pro-atherogenic oxidized low-density lipoproteins (oxLDL) led to pDC lipid accumulation, which in turn ablated a Toll-like receptor (TLR) 7 and 9 dependent up-regulation of pDC maturation markers CD40, CD83, CD86 and HLA-DR. Moreover, oxLDL dampened TLR9 activation induced the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in a NUR77/IRF7 dependent manner and impaired the capacity of pDCs to prime and polarize CD4+ T helper (Th) cells. CONCLUSION: Our findings reveal profound effects of dyslipidemia on pDC responses to pathogen-derived signals.
Myxomavirus Serp-1 Protein Ameliorates Inflammation in a Mouse Model of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Andre Alexander B. , Zhang Liqiang , Nix Jalen D. , Elmadbouly Nora , Lucas Alexandra R. , Wilson-Rawls Jeanne , Rawls Alan
Published: May 2022

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is an X-linked disease afflicting 1 in 3500 males that is characterized by muscle weakness and wasting during early childhood, and loss of ambulation and death by early adulthood. Chronic inflammation due to myofiber instability leads to fibrosis, which is a primary cause of loss of ambulation and cardiorespiratory insufficiency. Current standard of care focuses on reducing inflammation with corticosteroids, which have serious adverse effects. It is imperative to identify alternate immunosuppressants as treatments to reduce fibrosis and mortality. Serp-1, a Myxoma virus-derived 55 kDa secreted glycoprotein, has proven efficacy in a range of animal models of acute inflammation, and its safety and efficacy has been shown in a clinical trial. In this initial study, we examined whether pegylated Serp-1 (PEGSerp-1) treatment would ameliorate chronic inflammation in a mouse model for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Our data revealed a significant reduction in diaphragm fibrosis and increased myofiber diameter, and significantly decreased pro-inflammatory M1 macrophage infiltration. The M2a macrophage and overall T cell populations showed no change. These data demonstrate that treatment with this new class of poxvirus-derived immune-modulating serpin has potential as a therapeutic approach designed to ameliorate DMD pathology and facilitate muscle regeneration.
Diagnoses Based on C-Reactive Protein Point-of-Care Tests
Authors: Pohanka Miroslav
Published: May 2022

C-reactive protein (CRP) is an important part of the immune system’s reaction to various pathological impulses such as bacterial infections, systemic inflammation, and internal organ failures. An increased CRP level serves to diagnose the mentioned pathological states. Both standard laboratory methods and simple point-of-care devices such as lateral flow tests and immunoturbidimetric assays serve for the instrumental diagnoses based on CRP. The current method for CRP has many flaws and limitations in its use. Biosensor and bioassay analytical devices are presently researched by many teams to provide more sensitive and better-suited tools for point-of-care tests of CRP in biological samples when compared to the standard methods. This review article is focused on mapping the diagnostical relevance of CRP, the applicability of the current analytical methods, and the recent innovations in the measurement of CRP level.
Moral Observer-Licensing in Cyberspace
Authors: Ran Yawei , Hou Yubo , Dong Zhiwen , Wang Qi
Published: May 2022

Moral observer-licensing happens when observers condone actors’ morally questionable conduct due to the actors’ history of moral behaviors. In four studies (N = 808), we investigated this phenomenon in the context of cyberspace and its contributing factors and boundary conditions. The pilot study determined what participants perceived as typically moral and immoral behaviors in cyberspace. Then, in Study 1, participants condemned a story character’s online immoral behavior less often when they were informed of the character’s prior online moral behavior than when they were not, which indicates moral observer-licensing in cyberspace. Study 2 confirmed the presence of moral observer-licensing in cyberspace and further demonstrated that a character’s prior moral or immoral behavior online respectively reduces or intensifies the perceived negativity of the character’s subsequent immoral behavior. Finally, Study 3 showed that participants who identified with the victim in a hypothetical scenario showed less forgiveness and more condemnation of a character’s immoral behavior than those who identified with the perpetrator or the bystander. These findings are of theoretical and practical significance for our understanding of cyber ethics.
ATF6 Activation Reduces Amyloidogenic Transthyretin Secretion through Increased Interactions with Endoplasmic Reticulum Proteostasis Factors
Authors: Mesgarzadeh Jaleh , Romine Isabelle , Smith-Cohen Ethan , Grandjean Julia , Kelly Jeffery , Genereux Joseph , Wiseman R.
Published: May 2022

The extracellular aggregation of destabilized transthyretin (TTR) variants is implicated in the onset and pathogenesis of familial TTR-related amyloid diseases. One strategy to reduce the toxic, extracellular aggregation of TTR is to decrease the population of aggregation-prone proteins secreted from mammalian cells. The stress-independent activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR)-associated transcription factor ATF6 preferentially decreases the secretion and subsequent aggregation of destabilized, aggregation-prone TTR variants. However, the mechanism of this reduced secretion was previously undefined. Here, we implement a mass-spectrometry-based interactomics approach to identify endoplasmic reticulum (ER) proteostasis factors involved in ATF6-dependent reductions in destabilized TTR secretion. We show that ATF6 activation reduces amyloidogenic TTR secretion and subsequent aggregation through a mechanism involving ER retention that is mediated by increased interactions with ATF6-regulated ER proteostasis factors including BiP and PDIA4. Intriguingly, the PDIA4-dependent retention of TTR is independent of both the single TTR cysteine residue and the redox activity of PDIA4, indicating that PDIA4 retains destabilized TTR in the ER through a redox-independent mechanism. Our results define a mechanistic basis to explain the ATF6 activation-dependent reduction in destabilized, amyloidogenic TTR secretion that could be therapeutically accessed to improve treatments of TTR-related amyloid diseases.
Recent Advances in Microglia Modelling to Address Translational Outcomes in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Cuní-López Carla , Stewart Romal , Quek Hazel , White Anthony R.
Published: May 2022

Neurodegenerative diseases are deteriorating conditions of the nervous system that are rapidly increasing in the ageing population. Increasing evidence suggests that neuroinflammation, largely mediated by microglia, the resident immune cells of the brain, contributes to the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Hence, microglia are considered a major therapeutic target that could potentially yield effective disease-modifying treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. Despite the interest in studying microglia as drug targets, the availability of cost-effective, flexible, and patient-specific microglia cellular models is limited. Importantly, the current model systems do not accurately recapitulate important pathological features or disease processes, leading to the failure of many therapeutic drugs. Here, we review the key roles of microglia in neurodegenerative diseases and provide an update on the current microglial plaforms utilised in neurodegenerative diseases, with a focus on human microglia-like cells derived from peripheral blood mononuclear cells as well as human-induced pluripotent stem cells. The described microglial platforms can serve as tools for investigating disease biomarkers and improving the clinical translatability of the drug development process in neurodegenerative diseases.
Two Models of the Development of Social Withdrawal and Social Anxiety in Childhood and Adolescence: Progress and Blind Spots
Authors: Gazelle Heidi
Published: May 2022

This commentary features a review of two recently reformulated models of the development of child and adolescent: (1) social withdrawal by Rubin and Chronis-Tuscano 2021, and (2) social anxiety by Spence and Rapee 2016. The articles that present these reformulated models now cover advances made during the prior 12 to 18 years of research, including increased knowledge of genetic vulnerability to anxiety and longitudinal patterns of development, and acknowledgement of multiple pathways towards and away from the development of social withdrawal or social anxiety (i.e., equifinality, multifinality). However, these reformulated models also contain several blind spots. The model of social withdrawal development would be improved by explicitly referring to peer treatment (not only attitudinal peer rejection), especially peer exclusion; and incorporating the potential development of clinically significant anxiety in childhood (not only adolescence) and delays in developmental milestones in adulthood. The model of social anxiety development would be improved by featuring social withdrawal as a proximal affective-behavioral profile (rather than a temperament) and drawing upon the literature on social withdrawal and its links to peer relations. Overall, there is a continuing lack of integration between developmental and clinical research and models of the development of social withdrawal and social anxiety.
A Data-Driven Framework for Probabilistic Estimates in Oil and Gas Project Cost Management: A Benchmark Experiment on Natural Gas Pipeline Projects
Authors: Mittas Nikolaos , Mitropoulos Athanasios
Published: May 2022

Nowadays, the Oil and Gas (O&G) industry faces significant challenges due to the relentless pressure for rationalization of project expenditure and cost reduction, the demand for greener and renewable energy solutions and the recent outbreak of the pandemic and geopolitical crises. Despite these barriers, the O&G industry still remains a key sector in the growth of world economy, requiring huge capital investments on critical megaprojects. On the other hand, the O&G projects, traditionally, experience cost overruns and delays with damaging consequences to both industry stakeholders and policy-makers. Regarding this, there is an urgent necessity for the adoption of innovative project management methods and tools facilitating the timely delivery of projects with high quality standards complying with budgetary restrictions. Certainly, the success of a project is intrinsically associated with the ability of the decision-makers to estimate, in a compelling way, the monetary resources required throughout the project’s life cycle, an activity that involves various sources of uncertainty. In this study, we focus on the critical management task of evaluating project cost performance through the development of a framework aiming at handling the inherent uncertainty of the estimation process based on well-established data-driven concepts, tools and performance metrics. The proposed framework is demonstrated through a benchmark experiment on a publicly available dataset containing information related to the construction cost of natural gas pipeline projects. The findings derived from the benchmark study showed that the applied algorithm and the adoption of a different feature scaling mechanism presented an interaction effect on the distribution of loss functions, when used as point and interval estimators of the actual cost. Regarding the evaluation of point estimators, Support Vector Regression with different feature scaling mechanisms achieved superior performances in terms of both accuracy and bias, whereas both K-Nearest Neighbors and Classification and Regression Trees variants indicated noteworthy prediction capabilities for producing narrow interval estimates that contain the actual cost value. Finally, the evaluation of the agreement between the performance rankings for the set of candidate models, when used as point and interval estimators revealed a moderate agreement (a=0.425).
Multi Cancer Early Detection by Using Circulating Tumor DNA—The Galleri Test. Reply to Klein et al. The Promise of Multicancer Early Detection. Comment on “Pons-Belda et al. Can Circulating Tumor DNA Support a Successful Screening Test for Early Cancer Detection? The Grail Paradigm. Diagnostics 2021, 11, 2171”
Authors: Pons-Belda Oscar D. , Fernandez-Uriarte Amaia , Diamandis Eleftherios P.
Published: May 2022

We recently published some concerns with new technologies which are based on circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) for early cancer detection. Most of our published criticism, including a commentary in this journal, has focused on tests developed by the biotechnology company GRAIL (their commercial product is also known as The Galleri Test). Scientists from GRAIL provided explanations and rebuttals to our criticism. They also posed some questions. Here, we reiterate our position and provide rebuttals, explanations and answers to these questions. We believe that constructive scientific debates, like this one, can profoundly contribute to advancements in scientific fields such as early cancer detection.
Diagnosis of Central Sensitization and Its Effects on Postoperative Outcomes following Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kim Man Soo , Kim Jae Jung , Kang Ki Ho , Kim Min Jun , In Yong
Published: May 2022

Central sensitization (CS) has been extensively researched as a cause of persistent pain after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This systematic review study sought to investigate the diagnosis of CS in patients who underwent TKA for knee osteoarthritis (OA) and the effect of CS on clinical outcomes after TKA. Three comprehensive databases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library, were searched for studies that evaluated the outcomes of TKA in knee OA patients with CS. Data extraction, risk of bias assessment, and (where appropriate) meta-analysis were performed. The standardized mean difference (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval was used to assess the different scales of pain. A total of eight studies were selected, including two retrospective studies and five prospective observational studies. One study used additional randomized controlled trial data. Five studies were finally included in the meta-analysis. All studies had a minimum follow-up period of 3 months. The Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI), whole-body pain diagram, and quantitative sensory testing (QST) were used for measuring CS. The pooled analysis showed that patients with CS had more severe postoperative pain after TKA (SMD, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.40–0.90; p < 0.01) with moderate heterogeneity (I2 = 60%). In patients who underwent TKA with knee OA, CSI is most often used for the diagnosis of CS, and the QST and whole-body pain diagram are also used. CS is closely associated with more severe and persistent pain after TKA.
Autonomous UAS-Based Agriculture Applications: General Overview and Relevant European Case Studies
Authors: Merz Mariann , Pedro Dário , Skliros Vasileios , Bergenhem Carl , Himanka Mikko , Houge Torbjørn , Matos-Carvalho João P. , Lundkvist Henrik , Cürüklü Baran , Hamrén Rasmus , Ameri Afshin E. , Ahlberg Carl , Johansen Gorm
Published: May 2022

Emerging precision agriculture techniques rely on the frequent collection of high-quality data which can be acquired efficiently by unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The main obstacle for wider adoption of this technology is related to UAS operational costs. The path forward requires a high degree of autonomy and integration of the UAS and other cyber physical systems on the farm into a common Farm Management System (FMS) to facilitate the use of big data and artificial intelligence (AI) techniques for decision support. Such a solution has been implemented in the EU project AFarCloud (Aggregated Farming in the Cloud). The regulation of UAS operations is another important factor that impacts the adoption rate of agricultural UAS. An analysis of the new European UAS regulations relevant for autonomous operation is included. Autonomous UAS operation through the AFarCloud FMS solution has been demonstrated at several test farms in multiple European countries. Novel applications have been developed, such as the retrieval of data from remote field sensors using UAS and in situ measurements using dedicated UAS payloads designed for physical contact with the environment. The main findings include that (1) autonomous UAS operation in the agricultural sector is feasible once the regulations allow this; (2) the UAS should be integrated with the FMS and include autonomous data processing and charging functionality to offer a practical solution; and (3) several applications beyond just asset monitoring are relevant for the UAS and will help to justify the cost of this equipment.
Testability Evaluation in Time-Variant Circuits: A New Graphical Method
Authors: Bindi Marco , Piccirilli Maria Cristina , Luchetta Antonio , Grasso Francesco , Manetti Stefano
Published: May 2022

DC–DC converter fault diagnosis, executed via neural networks built by exploiting the information deriving from testability analysis, is the subject of this paper. The networks under consideration are complex valued neural networks (CVNNs), whose fundamental feature is the proper treatment of the phase and the information contained in it. In particular, a multilayer neural network based on multi-valued neurons (MLMVN) is considered. In order to effectively design the network, testability analysis is exploited. Two possible ways for executing this analysis on DC–DC converters are proposed, taking into account the single-fault hypothesis. The theoretical foundations and some applicative examples are presented. Computer programs, based on symbolic analysis techniques, are used for both the testability analysis and the neural network training phase. The obtained results are very satisfactory and demonstrate the optimal performances of the method.
Comprehensive Overview of Backpropagation Algorithm for Digital Image Denoising
Authors: Singh Abha , Kushwaha Sumit , Alarfaj Maryam , Singh Manoj
Published: May 2022

Artificial ANNs (ANNs) are relatively new computational tools used in the development of intelligent systems, some of which are inspired by biological ANNs, and have found widespread application in the solving of a variety of complex real-world problems. It boasts enticing features as well as remarkable data processing capabilities. In this paper, a comprehensive overview of the backpropagation algorithm for digital image denoising was discussed. Then, we presented a probabilistic analysis of how different algorithms address this challenge, arguing that small ANNs can denoise small-scale texture patterns almost as effectively as their larger equivalents. The results also show that self-similarity and ANNs are complementary paradigms for patch denoising, as demonstrated by an algorithm that effectively complements BM3D with small ANNs, surpassing BM3D at a low cost. Here, one of the most significant advantages of this learning technique is that, once taught, digital images may be recovered without prior knowledge of the degradation model (noise/blurring) that caused the digital image to become distorted.
Numerical Investigation of 3D Flow Properties around Finite Emergent Vegetation by Using the Two-Phase Volume of Fluid (VOF) Modeling Technique
Authors: Amina  , Tanaka Norio
Published: May 2022

This study predicts how the Free Surface Level (FSL) variations around finite length vegetation affect flow structure by using a numerical simulation. The volume of fluid (VOF) technique with the Reynolds stress model (RSM) was used for the simulation. Multizone Hexahedral meshing was adopted to accurately track the free surface level with minimum numerical diffusion at the water–air interface. After the validation, finite length emergent vegetation patches were selected based on the aspect ratio (AR = vegetation width-length ratio) under constant subcritical flow conditions for an inland tsunami flow. The results showed that the generation of large vortices was predominated in wider vegetation patches (AR > 1) due to the increase and decrease in the FSL at the front and back of the vegetation compared to longer vegetation patches (AR ≤ 1), as this offered more resistance against the approaching flow. The wider vegetation patches (AR > 1) are favorable in terms of generating a large area of low velocity compared to the longer vegetation patch (AR < 1) directly downstream of the vegetation patch. On the other hand, it has a negative impact on the adjacent downstream gap region, where a 14.3–34.9% increase in velocity was observed. The longer vegetation patches (AR < 1) generate optimal conditions within the vegetation region due to great velocity reduction. Moreover, in all the AR vegetation cases, the water turbulent intensity was maximum in the vegetation region compared to the adjacent gap region and air turbulent intensity above the FSL, suggesting strong air entrainment over this region. The results of this study are important in constructing vegetation layouts based on the AR of the vegetation for tsunami mitigation.
Immunomodulatory Role of BLG-Derived Peptides Based on Simulated Gastrointestinal Digestion and DC-T Cell from Mice Allergic to Cow’s Milk
Authors: Ma Xin , Yang Fan , Meng Xuanyi , Wu Yong , Tong Ping , Gao Jinyan , Chen Hongbing , Li Xin
Published: May 2022

Peptides, but not whole protein, elicit an allergic reaction since food allergens should be consumed by digestion. In this study, we explored the remaining peptides after simulated digestion of cow’s milk in order to search for β-lactoglobulin (BLG)-derived peptides that could play an immunomodulatory role. As a major allergen in milk, BLG-derived peptides, 109 in total, were identified both from simulated infant and adult digestion in vitro. These peptides were mainly located in four regions, and they were synthesized as five peptides, namely, BLG1–14, BLG24–35, BLG40–60, BLG82–101, and BLG123–139. Then, the effect of peptides on the Caco-2 cell’s transport absorption, the co-stimulatory molecules of DC, and the T-cell phenotype was explored. The results suggested all peptides showed better transport absorption capacity with the apparent permeability coefficient higher than 2 × 10−6 cm·s−1. The ability of BLG40–60 for promoting lamina propria-derived DC cell (LPDC) maturation was observed by the increase in MHC II. Moreover, BLG1–14 and BLG40–60 directed activation of T lymphocytes towards a Th1 phenotype. This is the first report of the immunomodulatory potential of peptides in the sensitization of allergic reaction, and one peptide, BLG40–60, was regarded as an immunomodulatory peptide, one that should be further explored in an animal model in depth.
Sex Differences in Psychostimulant Abuse: Implications for Estrogen Receptors and Histone Deacetylases
Authors: Torres Oscar V.
Published: May 2022

Substance abuse is a chronic pathological disorder that negatively affects many health and neurological processes. A growing body of literature has revealed gender differences in substance use. Compared to men, women display distinct drug-use phenotypes accompanied by recovery and rehabilitation disparities. These observations have led to the notion that sex-dependent susceptibilities exist along the progression to addiction. Within this scope, neuroadaptations following psychostimulant exposure are thought to be distinct for each sex. This review summarizes clinical findings and animal research reporting sex differences in the subjective and behavioral responses to cocaine, methamphetamine, and nicotine. This discussion is followed by an examination of epigenetic and molecular alterations implicated in the addiction process. Special consideration is given to histone deacetylases and estrogen receptor-mediated gene expression.
Online Parenting Intervention for Children’s Eating and Mealtime Behaviors: Protocol of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Rathore Vatsna , Mitchell Amy E. , Morawska Alina , Tadakamadla Santosh Kumar
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Obesity and overweight are significant health problems among Australian children. Parents play a vital role in establishing healthy eating behaviors in their children. However, parents often experience difficulties in implementing effective parenting practices and lack confidence in their ability to help children adopt these behaviors. This trial will evaluate the efficacy of an online program, Healthy Habits Triple P, in improving children’s snacking and mealtime behaviors and related parenting practices. Methods and analysis: This is a single-blinded, randomized controlled trial for parents of young Australian children aged 2–6 years. Participants will be recruited through childcare centers, social media, online parent forums and existing networks. The participants in the intervention arm will receive access to a web-based parenting intervention in addition to nutrition-related information for parents published by the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia; those in the control arm will receive nutrition-related information only. After the completion of the study, the parenting intervention will be offered to the control arm. The primary outcome will be improvement in children’s eating habits. The secondary outcomes include parents’ self-efficacy, confidence, children’s mealtime behaviors and mealtime parenting strategies. Both primary and secondary outcomes will be evaluated through online-administered, validated parent-reported questionnaires. We will also undertake a quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the practicality and acceptability of the intervention.
Association of eHealth Literacy with Health Promotion Behaviors of Community-Dwelling Older People: The Chain Mediating Role of Self-Efficacy and Self-Care Ability
Authors: Wang Yinuo , Song Yuting , Zhu Yaru , Ji Heqian , Wang Aimin
Published: May 2022

In the digital age, electronic health literacy (eHealth literacy) of community-dwelling older people plays a potentially important role in their health behaviors which are critical for health outcomes. Researchers have documented that self-efficacy and self-care ability are related to this relationship. This study aimed to assess the relationship between eHealth literacy and health promotion behaviors among older people living in communities and explore the chain mediating role of self-efficacy and self-care ability. For this cross-sectional study, we used data from 425 older adults at 3 communities in Qingdao, Shandong Province in Northeastern China, from June to September 2021. Path analysis using the structural equation model was performed. We found that eHealth literacy was significantly associated with health promotion behaviors in older people. Additionally, eHealth literacy indirectly affected health promotion behaviors through self-efficacy and self-care ability, respectively. In addition, the chain mediation effect was identified in the relationship of eHealth literacy and health promotion behaviors: eHealth literacy→ self-efficacy→ self-care ability→ health promotion behaviors. These findings offer promising directions for developing interventions to modify older adults’ health behaviors through enhancing their eHealth literacy. These interventions should integrate components that target improving the self-efficacy and self-care ability of older people.
Seasonal Variation of Leaf Ca, Fe, and Mn Concentration in Six Olive Varieties
Authors: Manolikaki Ioanna , Digalaki Nektaria , Psarras Georgios , Tzerakis Constantinos , Sergentani Chrysi , Papamanolioudaki Anastasia , Tul Safiye , Koubouris Georgios
Published: May 2022

Leaf analysis is essential for diagnosing nutritional status and guiding fertilizer application. The present study aimed to investigate the appropriate time for leaf sampling and the effect of genotype on olive nutrition. We determined leaf nutrient concentrations of calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn) in five Greek (‘Amfissis’, ‘Chondrolia Chalkidikis’, ‘Koroneiki’, ‘Mastoidis’, and ‘Kalamon’) and one Spanish (‘Picual’) variety from May 2019 to April 2020. The concentrations of Ca, Fe, and Mn were significantly affected by genotype and season. The highest concentrations for all nutrients were determined in April, while the lowest were in May, June, and October. Leaf Ca concentration significantly increased progressively from May to September for all the varieties. Leaves of ‘Koroneiki’ had the highest Ca concentration. Iron concentrations were within the sufficiency thresholds for all the varieties during the whole experimental period, and ‘Mastoidis’ showed the highest concentration. Leaf Mn concentration for all the varieties increased from May to September with an instant decrease in June, apart from ‘Amfissis’. The varieties ‘Kalamon’ and ‘Chondrolia Chalkidikis’ were found to be above the Mn sufficiency threshold throughout the year. Variations among season and genotype depict the complexity of nutrient transportation in leaf tissues.
Evaluation by a Machine Learning System of Two Preparations for Small Bowel Capsule Endoscopy: The BUBS (Burst Unpleasant Bubbles with Simethicone) Study
Authors: Houdeville Charles , Leenhardt Romain , Souchaud Marc , Velut Guillaume , Carbonell Nicolas , Nion-Larmurier Isabelle , Nuzzo Alexandre , Histace Aymeric , Marteau Philippe , Dray Xavier
Published: May 2022

Background: Bubbles often mask the mucosa during capsule endoscopy (CE). Clinical scores assessing the cleanliness and the amount of bubbles in the small bowel (SB) are poorly reproducible unlike machine learning (ML) solutions. We aimed to measure the amount of bubbles with ML algorithms in SB CE recordings, and compare two polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based preparations, with and without simethicone, in patients with obscure gastro-intestinal bleeding (OGIB). Patients & Methods: All consecutive outpatients with OGIB from a tertiary care center received a PEG-based preparation, without or with simethicone, in two different periods. The primary outcome was a difference in the proportions (%) of frames with abundant bubbles (>10%) along the full-length video sequences between the two periods. SB CE recordings were analyzed by a validated computed algorithm based on a grey-level of co-occurrence matrix (GLCM), to assess the abundance of bubbles in each frame. Results: In total, 105 third generation SB CE recordings were analyzed (48 without simethicone and 57 with simethicone-added preparations). A significant association was shown between the use of a simethicone-added preparation and a lower abundance of bubbles along the SB (p = 0.04). A significantly lower proportion of “abundant in bubbles” frames was observed in the fourth quartile (30.5% vs. 20.6%, p = 0.02). There was no significant impact of the use of simethicone in terms of diagnostic yield, SB transit time and completion rate. Conclusion: An accurate and reproducible computed algorithm demonstrated significant decrease in the abundance of bubbles along SB CE recordings, with a marked effect in the last quartile, in patients for whom simethicone had been added in PEG-based preparations, compared to those without simethicone.