bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Sarcopenia on Clinical Outcomes in a Cohort of Caucasian Active Crohn’s Disease Patients Undergoing Multidetector CT-Enterography
Authors: Nardone Olga Maria , Ponsiglione Andrea , de Sire Roberto , Calabrese Giulio , Liuzzi Raffaele , Testa Anna , Guarino Alessia Dalila , Olmo Oriana , Rispo Antonio , Camera Luigi , Castiglione Fabiana
Published: August 2022

(1) Background: Sarcopenia has a high incidence in Crohn’s disease (CD) with considerable heterogeneity among ethnicities and variable impact on clinical outcomes. Aim: to assess the impact of sarcopenia on clinical outcomes in a cohort of Caucasian patients with active CD undergoing CT-enterography (CTE) for clinical assessment. We further investigated the prevalence of sarcopenia and its predictors. (2) Methods: Caucasian CD patients with moderate–severe clinical activity, who underwent CTE in an emergency setting, were retrospectively recruited. The skeletal muscle index (SMI) at the third lumbar vertebra was used to detect sarcopenia in the early stages. Clinical malnutrition was defined according to global clinical nutrition criteria. Clinical outcomes included the rate of surgery and infections within one year. (3) Results: A total of 63 CD patients (34 M; aged 44 ± 17 years) were recruited, and 48 patients (68.3%) were sarcopenic. Malnutrition occurred in 28 patients (44.4%) with a significant correlation between body mass index (BMI) and sarcopenia (r = 0.5, p < 0.001). The overall rate of surgery was 33%, without a significant difference between sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic (p = 0.41). The rate of infection in patients with sarcopenia was significantly higher than in non-sarcopenic (42%vs15%, p = 0.03). BMI (OR 0.73,95%, CI 0.57–0.93) and extraintestinal manifestations (EIM) (OR 19.2 95%, CI 1.05–349.1) were predictive of sarcopenia (p < 0.05). (4) Conclusions: Sarcopenia was associated with an increased rate of infections, and it was observed in 68.3% of the Caucasian cohort with active CD.
Convalescent Plasma for COVID-19: A Single Center Prospective Experience with Serial Antibody Measurements and Review of the Literature
Authors: Whang Sonia N. , Shah Vivek D. , Pu Lu , Sheth Parthiv , Lucas Gina N. , Lee Joanne , Lee Michael , Lacy Curtis , Duerksen-Hughes Penelope J. , Filippov Valeri , Lee David J. H. , Veltman Jennifer , Maken Kanwaljeet , Reeves Mark E. , Stevens Wesley Tait , Herrmann Paul , Cao Huynh , Lau Eric
Published: August 2022

Background: High-titer convalescent plasma given early for COVID-19 may decrease progression into a severe infection. Here, we reported a study of serial antibody measurements in patients who received CP at our center and performed a systematic review of randomized trials on CP. Methods: Our center participated in the Mayo Clinic Expanded Access Program for COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma. Patients diagnosed with COVID-19 by nasopharyngeal polymerase chain reaction at our center between April and August 2020 were included in the study if staffing was available for specimen collection. Through a colloidal gold immunochromatography assay, these patients’ IgM and IgG antibody responses were measured at baseline (Day 0) and after transfusion (Day 1, 2, etc.). Donor CP antibody levels were measured as well. Results: 110 serum specimens were obtained from 21 COVID-19 patients, 16 of whom received CP. The median time from developing symptoms to receiving CP was 11 days (range 4–21). In 9 of 14 (64%) cases where both recipient and donor CP antibody levels were tested, donor COVID-19 IgG was lower than that of the recipient. Higher donor antibody levels compared with the recipient (R = 0.71, p < 0.01) and low patient IgG before CP transfusion (p = 0.0108) correlated with increasing patient IgG levels from baseline to Day 1. Among all patients, an increased COVID-19 IgG in the short-term and longitudinally was positively correlated with improved clinical outcomes (ρ = 0.69, p = 0.003 and ρ = 0.58, p < 0.006, respectively). Conclusions: In a real-world setting where donor CP was not screened for the presence of antibodies, CP in donors might have less COVID-19 IgG than in recipients. An increase in patient antibody levels in the short term and longitudinally was associated with improved clinical outcomes.
Prevalence, Diversity, and Risk Factors for Cervical HPV Infection in Women Screened for Cervical Cancer in Belém, Pará, Northern Brazil
Authors: Monteiro Jacqueline Cortinhas , Tsutsumi Mihoko Yamamoto , de Carvalho Deivid Oliveira , da Silva Costa Elenice do Carmo , Feitosa Rosimar Neris Martins , Laurentino Rogério Valois , de Souza Fonseca Ricardo Roberto , Silvestre Rodrigo Vellasco Duarte , Oliveira-Filho Aldemir Branco , Machado Luiz Fernando Almeida
Published: August 2022

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common viral sexually transmitted infection of the reproductive tract, and cervical cancer is the most common HPV-related disease. This study estimated the prevalence, diversity of HPV genotypes, and associated risk factors in women screened for cervical cancer in northern Brazil. Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted in Belém, Pará, in the Amazon region of Brazil, and it included 162 women who were spontaneously undergoing a Pap-smear routine. Epidemiological, sexual, and health-related information was collected by interviews, and cervical samples were collected for cytological examination and HPV-DNA detection. HPV genotypes were classified as low risk (LR) and high risk (HR) by nucleotide sequencing. Results: In total, 17.3% (28/162) of the participants had HPV-DNA, and LR-HPV was the most prevalent (71.4%). Among the 13 different types of HPV detected, HPV-11 was found most frequently (12/28; 42.9%), followed by HPV-31 (3/28; 10.7%). Of the participants with cytological alterations, HPV infection was detected in only four: two were diagnosed with low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (15.4%), one with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (7.7%), and one with atypical squamous cells, cannot exclude high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (7.7%). Of the 61 women who presented a normal cytology, 13 (21.3%) had positive tests for HPV infection, 4 (8.2%) of which were positive for a high-risk genotype. Conclusion: The prevalence of HPV was high in Belém, Pará, and especially in women who had normal cytology results, which suggests the need for greater screening for HPV infection in women’s primary health care.
Synthesis and Characterization of a Novel Composite Scaffold Based on Hyaluronic Acid and Equine Type I Collagen
Authors: Lamparelli Erwin Pavel , Casagranda Veronica , Pressato Daniele , Maffulli Nicola , Della Porta Giovanna , Bellini Davide
Published: August 2022

Herein, the synthesis and characterization of a novel composite biopolymer scaffold—based on equine type I collagen and hyaluronic acid—were described by using a reaction in heterogeneous phase. The resulting biomimetic structure was characterized in terms of chemical, physical, and cytotoxicity properties using human-derived lymphocytes and chondrocytes. Firstly, FT-IR data proved a successful reticulation of hyaluronic acid within collagen structure with the appearance of a new peak at a wavenumber of 1735 cm−1 associated with ester carbonyl stretch. TGA and DSC characterizations confirmed different thermal stability of cross-linked scaffolds while morphological analysis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) suggested the presence of a highly porous structure with open and interconnected void areas suitable for hosting cells. The enzymatic degradation profile confirmed scaffold higher endurance with collagenase as compared with collagen alone. However, it was particularly interesting that the mechanical behavior of the composite scaffold showed an excellent shape memory, especially when it was hydrated, with an improved Young’s modulus of 9.96 ± 0.53 kPa (p ≤ 0.001) as well as a maximum load at 97.36 ± 3.58 kPa compared to the simple collagen scaffold that had a modulus of 1.57 ± 0.08 kPa and a maximum load of 36.91 ± 0.24 kPa. Finally, in vitro cytotoxicity confirmed good product safety with human lymphocytes (viability of 81.92 ± 1.9 and 76.37 ± 1.2 after 24 and 48 h, respectively), whereas excellent gene expression profiles of chondrocytes with a significant upregulation of SOX9 and ACAN after 10 days of culture indicated our scaffold’s ability of preserving chondrogenic phenotype. The described material could be considered a potential tool to be implanted in patients with cartilage defects.
Sugar-Triggered Burst Drug Releasing Poly-Lactic Acid (PLA) Microneedles and Its Fabrication Based on Solvent-Casting Approach
Authors: Kang Seongsu , Song Ji Eun , Jun Seung-Hyun , Park Sun-Gyoo , Kang Nae-Gyu
Published: August 2022

Microneedles have emerged as a novel transdermal delivery tool that enables the delivery of various products such as drugs, vaccines, or cosmetic ingredients. Although the demand for solid microneedles composed of biocompatible polymer is increasing, the manufacture of microneedles using poly-lactic acid (PLA) with rapid drug-releasing is yet to be established and the process is still in its infancy. Here, we propose a novel strategy for the fabrication of PLA solid microneedles which enable a drug to be burst-released based on a solvent-casting process. This approach offers extreme simplicity, broad geometric capability, cost-effectiveness, and scalability based on high fidelity-replicas. It was verified that microneedles of various heights (250–500 μm) could be fabricated with appropriate mechanical strength to penetrate the stratum corneum layer of skin. By adding sugar in the composition of PLA microneedle, it was observed that both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs can be rapidly released within 30 min. Our burst drug-releasing PLA microneedle having both characteristics of solid microneedle and soluble microneedle and its fabrication approach based on solvent-casting will contribute to getting microneedle technology close to commercialization and beyond existing technical limitations.
Two-in-One Nanoparticle Formulation to Deliver a Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor and microRNA for Targeting Metabolic Reprogramming and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Lo Yu-Li , Wang Tse-Yuan , Chen Chun-Jung , Chang Yih-Hsin , Lin Anya
Published: August 2022

Dysregulational EGFR, KRAS, and mTOR pathways cause metabolic reprogramming, leading to progression of gastric cancer. Afatinib (Afa) is a broad-spectrum tyrosine kinase inhibitor that reduces cancer growth by blocking the EGFR family. MicroRNA 125 (miR-125) reportedly diminishes EGFRs, glycolysis, and anti-apoptosis. Here, a one-shot formulation of miR-125 and Afa was presented for the first time. The formulation comprised solid lipid nanoparticles modified with mitochondrial targeting peptide and EGFR-directed ligand to suppress pan-ErbB-facilitated epithelial–mesenchymal transition and mTOR-mediated metabolism discoordination of glycolysis–glutaminolysis–lipids. Results showed that this cotreatment modulated numerous critical proteins, such as EGFR/HER2/HER3, Kras/ERK/Vimentin, and mTOR/HIF1-α/HK2/LDHA pathways of gastric adenocarcinoma AGS cells. The combinatorial therapy suppressed glutaminolysis, glycolysis, mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, and fatty acid synthesis. The cotreatment also notably decreased the levels of lactate, acetyl-CoA, and ATP. The active involvement of mitophagy supported the direction of promoting the apoptosis of AGS cells, which subsequently caused the breakdown of tumor-cell homeostasis and death. In vivo findings in AGS-bearing mice confirmed the superiority of the anti-tumor efficacy and safety of this combination nanomedicine over other formulations. This one-shot formulation disturbed the metabolic reprogramming; alleviated the “Warburg effect” of tumors; interrupted the supply of fatty acid, cholesterol, and triglyceride; and exacerbated the energy depletion in the tumor microenvironment, thereby inhibiting tumor proliferation and aggressiveness. Collectively, the results showed that the two-in-one nanoparticle formulation of miR-125 and Afa was a breakthrough in simplifying drug preparation and administration, as well as effectively inhibiting tumor progression through the versatile targeting of pan-ErbB- and mTOR-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction and dysregulated metabolism.
Awakening a Molecular Mummy: The Inter-and Intramolecular Photochemistry of Pyromellitic Diimides with Alkyl Carboxylates
Authors: Kramer Wolfgang H. , Razinoubakht Donya , Kaur Gurjit , Klein Axel , Garbe Simon , Neudörfl Jörg , Molitor Sabrina , Zimmer Anne , Griesbeck Axel G.
Published: August 2022

Pyromellitic acid diimides are not as chemically unreactive as conjecturable (and presupposed) from their numerous applications as electron acceptor units or electron carriers in molecular donor–acceptor dyads or triads. Similar to the corresponding phthalimides, electronically excited pyromellitic diimides oxidize alkyl carboxylates in aqueous solution via intermolecular electron transfer (PET) processes, which eventually results in radical–radical combination products, e.g., the benzylation product 6 from N,N′-dimethyl pyromellitic diimide 5. The analogous product 7 was formed with pivalic acid as tert-butyl radical source. One additional product 8 was isolated from alkylation/dearomatization and multiple radical additions, respectively, after prolonged irradiation. In intramolecular versions, from N-carboxyalkylated pyromellitic diimides 9a–e (C1 to C5-spaced), degradation processes were detected, e.g., the cyclization products 10 from the GABA substrate 9c. In sharp contrast to phthalimide photochemistry, the green pyromellitic diimide radical anion was detected here by UV-vis absorption (λabs = 720 nm), EPR (from 9d), and NMR spectroscopy for several intramolecular electron transfer examples. Only the yellow 1,4-quinodial structure is formed from intermolecular PET, which was deduced from the absorption spectra (λabs = 440 nm) and the subsequent chemistry. The pyromellitimide radical anion lives for hours at room temperature in the dark, but is further degraded under photochemical reaction conditions.
Synthesis and Evaluation of Thermoresponsive Renewable Lipid-Based Block Copolymers for Drug Delivery
Authors: Wang Huiqi , Ullah Aman
Published: August 2022

Polymeric micelle forming from self-assembly of amphiphilic macromolecules is one of the most potent drug delivery systems. Fatty acids, naturally occurring hydrophobic lipid components, can be considered as potential candidates for the fabrication of block copolymer micelles. However, examples of synthesis of responsive block copolymers using renewable fatty acids are scarce. Herein, we report the synthesis, characterization and testing of block copolymer micelles composed of a renewable fatty-acid-based hydrophobic block and thermoresponsive hydrophilic block for controlled drug delivery. The block copolymers of functionalized fatty acid and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) were prepared via consecutive microwave-assisted reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The block copolymers with variable hydrophobic block length self-assembled in aqueous media and formed spherical nanoparticles of ~30 nm with low critical micelle concentration (CMC). To demonstrate the proof-of-concept, carbamazepine (CBZ) was used as a hydrophobic model drug to evaluate the performance of these micelles as nanocarriers. The in vitro drug release tests were carried out below (25 °C) and above (37 °C) the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of the block copolymer. The drug release showed obvious temperature-triggered response and an accelerated drug release at 37 °C.
Natural Aging Life Prediction of Rubber Products Using Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm to Identify Acceleration Factor
Authors: Guo Xiaohui , Yuan Xiaojing , Hou Genliang , Zhang Ze , Liu Guangyong
Published: August 2022

We aim to predict the natural aging life of 8016 ethylene propylene rubber accurately and quickly. Based on the time-temperature equivalent superposition principle, the artificial bee colony algorithm was introduced to calculate the acceleration factor of the accelerated aging test, and the calculation of the acceleration factor was considered an optimization problem, which avoided the error superposition problem caused by data fitting at each temperature. Based on the traditional Arrhenius equation, a power exponential factor was introduced to consider the non-Arrhenius phenomenon during the rubber aging process. Finally, the aging prediction curve of 8106 ethylene propylene rubber at 25 °C was obtained. The prediction results show that the artificial bee colony algorithm can quickly and accurately identify the acceleration factor of the accelerated aging test. The dispersion coefficients between the predicted and measured results of the improved and traditional Arrhenius equations are 1.0351 and 1.6653, respectively, which indicates that the improved Arrhenius equation is more advantageous in predicting the long-term aging process of rubber products.
Small Diameter Cell-Free Tissue-Engineered Vascular Grafts: Biomaterials and Manufacture Techniques to Reach Suitable Mechanical Properties
Authors: Rodríguez-Soto María A. , Polanía-Sandoval Camilo A. , Aragón-Rivera Andrés M. , Buitrago Daniel , Ayala-Velásquez María , Velandia-Sánchez Alejandro , Peralta Peluffo Gabriela , Cruz Juan C. , Muñoz Camargo Carolina , Camacho-Mackenzie Jaime , Barrera-Carvajal Juan Guillermo , Briceño Juan Carlos
Published: August 2022

Vascular grafts (VGs) are medical devices intended to replace the function of a blood vessel. Available VGs in the market present low patency rates for small diameter applications setting the VG failure. This event arises from the inadequate response of the cells interacting with the biomaterial in the context of operative conditions generating chronic inflammation and a lack of regenerative signals where stenosis or aneurysms can occur. Tissue Engineered Vascular grafts (TEVGs) aim to induce the regeneration of the native vessel to overcome these limitations. Besides the biochemical stimuli, the biomaterial and the particular micro and macrostructure of the graft will determine the specific behavior under pulsatile pressure. The TEVG must support blood flow withstanding the exerted pressure, allowing the proper compliance required for the biomechanical stimulation needed for regeneration. Although the international standards outline the specific requirements to evaluate vascular grafts, the challenge remains in choosing the proper biomaterial and manufacturing TEVGs with good quality features to perform satisfactorily. In this review, we aim to recognize the best strategies to reach suitable mechanical properties in cell-free TEVGs according to the reported success of different approaches in clinical trials and pre-clinical trials.
Improving the Ionic Conductivity of PEGDMA-Based Polymer Electrolytes by Reducing the Interfacial Resistance for LIBs
Authors: Jin Lei , Jang Giseok , Lim Hyunmin , Zhang Wei , Park Sungjun , Jeon Minhyuk , Jang Hohyoun , Kim Whangi
Published: August 2022

Polymer electrolytes (PEs) based on poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) have gained increasing interest in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and are expected to solve the safety issue of commercial liquid electrolytes due to their excellent thermal and mechanical stability, suppression of lithium dendrites and shortened battery assembly process. However, challenges, such as high interfacial resistance between electrolyte and electrodes and poor ionic conductivity (σ) at room temperature (RT), still limit the use of PEO-based PEs. In this work, an in situ PEO-based polymer electrolyte consisting of polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate (PEGDMA) 1000, lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI) and DMF is cured on a LiFePO4 (LFP) cathode to address the above-mentioned issues. As a result, optimized PE shows a promising σ and lithium-ion transference number (tLi+) of 6.13 × 10−4 S cm−1 and 0.63 at RT and excellent thermal stability up to 136 °C. Moreover, the LiFePO4//Li cell assembled by in situ PE exhibits superior discharge capacity (141 mAh g−1) at 0.1 C, favorable Coulombic efficiency (97.6%) after 100 cycles and promising rate performance. This work contributes to modifying PEO-based PE to force the interfacial contact between the electrolyte and the electrode and to improve LIBs’ performance.
Expression Analysis of BIRC3 as One Target Gene of Transcription Factor NF-κB for Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Luo Qiulan , Zhu Hui , Li Yun , Wu Qinghan , Sun Junjun , Zhou Fei
Published: August 2022

Esophageal cancer (ESCA) is one of the highest lethal malignancy tumors worldwide. Baculoviral IAP repeat-containing protein 3 (BIRC3) is the main inhibitor of apoptosis in many malignancies. The aim of this study was to clarify how BIRC3 acts in ESCA cells. Through TNMplot and GEPIA2 analysis, BIRC3 was found abundantly expressed in ESCA cells. The quantitative RT-PCR assay confirmed BIRC3 was pronouncedly induced in all used ESCA cell lines. In addition, proinflammatory cytokines TNFα and IL-1β were shown to have promotion effects on BIRC3 expression in ESCA cells. These promotive effects were blocked when the function of NF-κB was inhibited by bay 11-7082, which indicates the expression of the BIRC3 gene was regulated via the NF-κB transcription pathway in ESCA. Moreover, bioinformatics analysis showed that the BIRC3 gene had many NF-κB binding cis-elements. Chromatin immunoprecipitation was then performed and it was found that NF-κB directly interacts with cis-elements of the BIRC3 gene. In conclusion, our data proved that the high expression level of BIRC3 maintained the survival of ESCA cells. BIRC3 was up-regulated by proinflammatory cytokine TNFα and IL-1β through the NF-κB signaling pathway, and this may be helpful for esophageal cancer prevention and therapy.
Motion Planning of an Inchworm Robot Based on Improved Adaptive PSO
Authors: Wang Binrui , Wang Jianxin , Huang Zhenhai , Zhou Weiyi , Zheng Xiaofei , Qi Shunan
Published: August 2022

Focusing on the motion energy consumption of a self-developed inchworm robot’s peristaltic gait, based on the “error tracking” of cubic polynomial programming in Cartesian space and seventh polynomial programming in joint space, we propose an optimal motion planning method of energy consumption considering both kinematic and dynamic constraints. Firstly, we offer a mathematical description of the energy consumption and space curve similarity operator. Secondly, we describe the mathematical models of the robot trajectory and path that were established in terms of their dynamics and kinematics. Then, we propose a motion planning method based on improved adaptive particle swarm optimization (PSO) to accelerate the convergence speed of the algorithm and ensure the accuracy of the model calculation. Finally, we outline the simulation test carried out to measure the inchworm-like robot’s creeping gait. The results show that the motion path obtained by using the planning method proposed in this paper is the one with the least energy consumption by the robot among all the comparison paths. Moreover, compared with other algorithms, it was found that the result obtained by using the algorithm proposed in this paper is the one with the shortest solution time and the lowest energy consumption under the same iteration times. The calculation results verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the planning method.
Optimal Configuration of Array Elements for Hybrid Distributed PA-MIMO Radar System Based on Target Detection
Authors: Qi Cheng , Xie Junwei , Zhang Haowei , Ding Zihang , Yang Xiao
Published: August 2022

This paper establishes a hybrid distributed phased array multiple-input multiple-output (PA-MIMO) radar system model to improve the target detection performance by combining coherent processing gain and spatial diversity gain. First, the radar system signal model and array space configuration model for the PA-MIMO radar are established. Then, a novel likelihood ratio test (LRT) detector is derived based on the Neyman–Pearson (NP) criterion in a fixed noise background. It can jointly optimize the coherent processing gain and spatial diversity gain of the system by implementing subarray level and array element level optimal configuration at both receiver and transmitter ends in a uniform blocking manner. On this basis, three typical optimization problems are discussed from three aspects, i.e., the detection probability, the effective radar range, and the radar system equipment volume. The approximate closed-form solutions of them are constructed and solved by the proposed quantum particle swarm optimization-based stochastic rounding (SR-QPSO) algorithm. Through the simulations, it is verified that the proposed optimal configuration of the hybrid distributed PA-MIMO radar system offers substantial improvements compared to the other typical radar systems, detection probability of 0.98, and an effective range of 1166.3 km, which significantly improves the detection performance.
High-Frequency Channel Modeling Based on the Multi-Source Ionospheric Assimilation Model
Authors: Lv Mingjie , Zhou Chen , Liu Tongxin , Qiao Jiandong , Qiao Wei , Li Chen , Wang Junming , Zhu Jianhua
Published: August 2022

In this paper, we explored how to more accurately predict the quality of high-frequency links and how to better research and improve the capabilities of high-frequency communication, reconnaissance, and positioning systems. Based on the background electron density generated by the ionospheric assimilation model and 3D ray-tracing technology, more realistic and accurate high-frequency channel parameters with physical meanings were obtained. On this basis, a complete high-frequency channel model that can be used for simulation and prediction was constructed. First, the ionospheric assimilation model, the high-frequency channel model, and the method used for calculating the parameters of the high-frequency channel model based on the background electron density generated by the multi-source ionospheric assimilation model are introduced. Then, the HF oblique sounding experiment and experimental data processing are introduced. Finally, the modeling and simulation of the high-frequency channel are compared with the HF oblique sounding experimental results. The simulation results showed that the modeling results of the high-frequency channel based on the multi-source ionospheric assimilation model proposed in this paper were similar to the HF oblique sounding experimental results. The average deviation of the difference between the simulation results and the experimental ones of the group path, the group path broadening, and the Doppler frequency shift are 29.2200 km, 17.3456 km, and 0.2121 Hz, respectively. The group delay, Doppler frequency shift, and delay broadening results calculated by the high-frequency channel model simulation were relatively accurate and could be used in high-frequency channel quality reporting and prediction, high-frequency reconnaissance and geolocation, and high-frequency radar frequency selection and positioning, etc.
Evaluation of the Capability of ExoMars-TGO NOMAD Infrared Nadir Channel for Water Ice Clouds Detection on Mars
Authors: Ruiz Lozano Luca , Karatekin Özgür , Dehant Véronique , Bellucci Giancarlo , Oliva Fabrizio , D’Aversa Emiliano , Carrozzo Filippo , Altieri Francesca , Thomas Ian , Willame Yannick , Robert Séverine , Vandaele Ann , Daerden Frank , Ristic Bojan , Patel Manish , López Moreno José
Published: August 2022

As part of the payload of the 2016 ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO) mission, the Nadir and Occultation for MArs Discovery (NOMAD) suite instrument has been observing the Martian atmosphere since March 2018. NOMAD is mainly dedicated to the study of trace atmospheric species taking advantage of a high-spectral resolution. We demonstrate that when NOMAD is observing in nadir mode, i.e., when the line-of-sight points to the centre of Mars, it can be also exploited to detect ice. In this study we present a method based on the investigation of nadir observations of the NOMAD infrared channel, acquired during Mars Years 34 and 35 (March 2018 to February 2021). We take advantage of the strong water ice absorption band at 2.7 µm by selecting the diffraction orders 167, 168, and 169. We derive the Frost and Clouds Index (FCI), which is a good proxy for ice mapping, and obtain latitudinal-seasonal maps for water ice clouds. FCI is sensitive to the Polar Hood clouds. Nevertheless, detections in the Aphelion Cloud Belt (ACB) are limited. This is consistent with previous observations showing different physical properties between the two main Martian atmospheric structures and making the ACB less detectable in the infrared. We hence derive the infrared nadir channel sensitivity limit for the detection of these clouds.
Effective Connectivity in Spinal Cord Injury-Induced Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Kumari Radha , Jarjees Mohammed , Susnoschi-Luca Ioana , Purcell Mariel , Vučković Aleksandra
Published: August 2022

Aim: The aim of this study was to differentiate the effects of spinal cord injury (SCI) and central neuropathic pain (CNP) on effective connectivity during motor imagery of legs, where CNP is typically experienced. Methods: Multichannel EEG was recorded during motor imagery of the legs in 3 groups of people: able-bodied (N = 10), SCI with existing CNP (N = 10), and SCI with no CNP (N = 20). The last group was followed up for 6 months to check for the onset of CNP. Source reconstruction was performed to obtain cortical activity in 17 areas spanning sensorimotor regions and pain matrix. Effective connectivity was calculated using the directed transfer function in 4 frequency bands and compared between groups. Results: A total of 50% of the SCI group with no CNP developed CNP later. Statistically significant differences in effective connectivity were found between all groups. The differences between groups were not dependent on the frequency band. Outflows from the supplementary motor area were greater for the able-bodied group while the outflows from the secondary somatosensory cortex were greater for the SCI groups. The group with existing CNP showed the least differences from the able-bodied group, appearing to reverse the effects of SCI. The connectivities involving the pain matrix were different between able-bodied and SCI groups irrespective of CNP status, indicating their involvement in motor networks generally. Significance: The study findings might help guide therapeutic interventions targeted at the brain for CNP alleviation as well as motor recovery post SCI.
An Investigation of Mechanical Properties of Fly Ash Based Geopolymer and Glass Fibers Concrete
Authors: Abbas Syed Nasir , Qureshi Muhammad Irshad , Abid Malik Muneeb , Zia Asad , Tariq Muhammad Atiq Ur Rehman
Published: August 2022

This paper presents an innovative approach towards the development of a green concrete. The geopolymer is an environmentally friendly construction/repairing material. In addition, glass fibers are helpful to influence the strength properties and to reduce hair line cracks and bleeding in concrete. This study is based on the use of fly ash and glass fibers as a partial replacement of cement and, subsequently, its effect on compressive strength and split tensile strength of concrete. The geopolymer is manufactured after the process of geopolymerization between class F fly ash and alkali activator fluid (sodium silicate and sodium hydroxide). In geopolymer concretes (GPC), an inorganic polymer called aluminosilicate will act as a binder, the same as conventional concrete has Portland cement (OPC)-generated C-S-H gel. The glass fibers are added in the ratios of 3%, 6%, and 10% by weight of cement. To check the effect of geopolymer and glass fibers on compressive strength and split tensile strength of concrete, concrete cubes of size 150 × 150 × 150 mm and concrete cylinders of size 150 × 300 mm with or without geopolymer and glass fibers were casted and cured for 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. The compressive strength and split tensile strength of all concrete cubes and cylinders were determined by compression testing machine. The findings of the research study revealed that concrete having geopolymer and glass fibers used as a partial replacement of cement showed lesser strength as compared to conventional concrete. Concrete having glass fibers showed reduced workability and more segregation as compared to geopolymer concrete and normal concrete. However, the concrete made either with geopolymer or glass fibers is economical as compared to conventional concrete.
Work Alienation, Deviant Workplace Behavior and Performance in Public Sector
Authors: García-Contreras Rigoberto , Muñoz-Chávez Juana Patricia , Muñoz-Chávez Rosa Leticia , Lezama-León Evangelina , Barrios-Quiroz Héctor
Published: August 2022

The aim of this article is to analyze the level of association and effect between work alienation, deviant workplace behavior, and performance in public sector organizations. Based on a literature review and relying on the theoretical perspective of the knowledge-based view strategy, the hypotheses were formulated. The method consisted of a cross-sectional study in Mexican public organizations, and a multivariate analysis of structural equation modeling (SEM) was performed. The results confirmed the association between work alienation, deviant workplace behavior, and performance. Furthermore, findings showed a high and positive relationship between work alienation and organizational performance within the context. The originality lies in the positive incidence among the variables under study within the public sector context; this is not consistent with what is suggested by the related literature.
Checkerboard Barriers Attenuate Soil Particle Loss and Promote Nutrient Contents of Soil
Authors: Li Haonian , Meng Zhongju , Dang Xiaohong , Yang Puchang
Published: August 2022

In the arid and semi-arid regions of the world, checkerboard barriers play a vital role in ecological restoration. However, the improvement of soil quality in the later stages of lattice barrier-laying is an issue that is not yet known. This study selected dunes lined with Salix psammophila (SL) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) checkerboard barriers in the desert zone of an arid zone, and no-barrier dunes were used as the control area. We assessed the soil properties of different dunes’ windward slopes using a combination of particle size characteristics and soil nutrients and using soil nutrients to build a soil quality index (SQI). The laying of checkerboard barriers has a positive effect on the accumulation of fine soil particles and the improvement of soil quality. It ultimately leads to an increase in fractal dimension in the 0–2 cm and 2–4 cm soil layers. SQI and soil nutrients show consistent trends. The SQI of the different dune types follows the order: SL (0.22) > HDPE (0.14) > CK (0.12). We also found an interaction between soil nutrients and particle characteristics through statistical analysis. With a comprehensive assessment of checkerboard barriers installed on dunes, SL can provide better soil restoration benefits.
FLOW-3D Model Development for the Analysis of the Flow Characteristics of Downstream Hydraulic Structures
Authors: Kim Beom-Jin , Hwang Jae-Hong , Kim Byunghyun
Published: August 2022

Hydraulic structures installed in rivers inevitably create a water level difference between upstream and downstream regions. The potential energy due to this difference in water level is converted into kinetic energy, causing high-velocity flow and hydraulic jumps in the river. As a result, problems such as scouring and sloping downstream may occur around the hydraulic structures. In this study, a FLOW-3D model was constructed to perform a numerical analysis of the Changnyeong-Haman weir in the Republic of Korea. The constructed model was verified based on surface velocity measurements from a field gate operation experiment. In the simulation results, the flow discharge differed from the measured value by 9–15 m3/s, from which the accuracy was evaluated to be 82–87%. The flow velocity was evaluated with an accuracy of 92% from a difference of 0.01 to 0.16 m/s. Following this verification, a flow analysis of the hydraulic structures was performed according to boundary conditions and operation conditions for numerous scenarios. Since 2018, the Changnyeong-Haman weir gate has been fully opened due to the implementation of Korea’s eco-environmental policy; therefore, in this study, the actual gate operation history data prior to 2018 was applied and evaluated. The evaluation conditions were a 50% open gate condition and the flow discharge of two cases with a large difference in water level. As a result of the analysis, the actual operating conditions showed that the velocity and the Froude number were lower than the optimal conditions, confirming that the selected design was appropriate. It was also found that in the bed protection section, the average flow velocity was high when the water level difference was large, whereas the bottom velocity was high when the gate opening was large. Ultimately, through the reviewed status survey data in this study, the downstream flow characteristics of hydraulic structures along with adequacy verification techniques, optimal design techniques such as procedures for design, and important considerations were derived. Based on the current results, the constructed FLOW-3D-based model can be applied to creating or updating flow analysis guidelines for future repair and reinforcement measures as well as hydraulic structure design.
Correction: Lee et al. In the Eyes of the Beholder: The Effect of the Perceived Authenticity of Sanfang Qixiang in Fuzhou, China, among Locals and Domestic Tourists. Sustainability 2021, 13, 12353
Authors: Lee Gyehee , Lin Xiao , Choe Yunseon , Li Wenya
Published: August 2022

The authors would like to make the following corrections to the published paper [...]
Exploring Marketing Insights for Healthcare: Trends and Perspectives Based on Literature Investigation
Authors: Popa Adela Laura , Ţarcă Naiana Nicoleta , Sasu Dinu Vlad , Bodog Simona Aurelia , Roşca Remus Dorel , Tarcza Teodora Mihaela
Published: August 2022

The study aims to provide a series of information that will contribute to the understanding of the concept of healthcare marketing and other associated concepts from the perspective of how research in the field has evolved. We aim to quantify the scientific interest in the field of healthcare marketing and to extract aspects that will contribute to a better understanding of the trends that characterize the specific vision of this topic. The research involves a bibliometric analysis, and the conduct of the study is based on the investigation of the academic literature from the Scopus and PubMed databases based on the PRISMA methodology. The study investigates 1077 papers published between 2000 and 2022. According to our study, the most productive countries in the field of healthcare marketing academic publications are the United States, the United Kingdom, and India. As research themes, the study revealed that customer/patient satisfaction, medical tourism, social marketing, and hospital-related marketing topics are highlighted based on cluster analysis of authors keywords. We also discuss the significant lack of research to clarify the use of the concepts such as patient/client/customer in healthcare marketing and to understand the role of prevention services as essential in sustainable healthcare.
Spatial–Temporal Characteristics and Driving Factors of the Coupling Coordination between Population Health and Economic Development in China
Authors: Tang Hui , Chen Yun , Ao Rongjun , Shen Xue , Shi Guoning
Published: August 2022

Promoting the coordinated development of population health and the economy is an important part of building a “Healthy China” and promoting high-quality economic development. Based on the systematic construction of the population health and economic development evaluation index system, this paper uses the coupled coordination model, geodetector, and geographically weighted regression (GWR) to comprehensively measure the population health level and economic development level at the provincial scale in China in 2000 and 2015, and reveals the spatial and temporal evolution characteristics of the coupled coordination relationship between the population health level and economic development level at the provincial scale in China from 2000 to 2015 and its driving factors. The results show the following: (1) China’s population health and economic development are in a high-level coupling stage, and the coupling level increases slightly with time; spatially, two types of running-in coupling and high-level coupling coexist; the coupling degree in the eastern and central regions tends to increase, while the coupling degree in the western region tends to weaken. (2) China’s population health and economic development are in a good coupling coordination stage as a whole, and the coupling coordination degree has an increasing trend; spatially, the coupling coordination degree shows high spatial differentiation characteristics in the east and low in the west; the good and high-quality coupling coordination type area tends to expand to the west, while the moderate coupling coordination type area tends to shrink to the west; there is also positive spatial agglomeration of coupling coordination degree, and the spatial agglomeration is gradually enhanced. (3) The coupling coordination of China’s population health and economic development is driven by multiple factors such as natural conditions, health resources, culture quality, and urbanization level; the interaction between factors is stronger than that of a single factor, and the driving effect of each factor also shows significant spatial heterogeneity. This study is intended to provide a scientific basis for promoting harmonious population health and economic development.
Genetic-Algorithm-Based Neural Network for Fault Detection and Diagnosis: Application to Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Systems
Authors: Hichri Amal , Hajji Mansour , Mansouri Majdi , Abodayeh Kamaleldin , Bouzrara Kais , Nounou Hazem , Nounou Mohamed
Published: August 2022

Modern photovoltaic (PV) systems have received significant attention regarding fault detection and diagnosis (FDD) for enhancing their operation by boosting their dependability, availability, and necessary safety. As a result, the problem of FDD in grid-connected PV (GCPV) systems is discussed in this work. Tools for feature extraction and selection and fault classification are applied in the developed FDD approach to monitor the GCPV system under various operating conditions. This is addressed such that the genetic algorithm (GA) technique is used for selecting the best features and the artificial neural network (ANN) classifier is applied for fault diagnosis. Only the most important features are selected to be supplied to the ANN classifier. The classification performance is determined via different metrics for various GA-based ANN classifiers using data extracted from the healthy and faulty data of the GCPV system. A thorough analysis of 16 faults applied on the module is performed. In general terms, the faults observed in the system are classified under three categories: simple, multiple, and mixed. The obtained results confirm the feasibility and effectiveness with a low computation time of the proposed approach for fault diagnosis.
County Economy, Population, Construction Land, and Carbon Intensity in a Shrinkage Scenario
Authors: Zeng Tianyi , Jin Hong , Gang Xu , Kang Zihang , Luan Jiayi
Published: August 2022

As the largest ecological background system and basic economic unit in China, counties are of great significance to China’s carbon emission reduction targets. This article conducts theoretical model construction and empirical test research from a contraction perspective, using population and built-up area change as variables and combining indicators of county scale structure in an attempt to find key scale structure elements and representative indicators that affect the carbon emission intensity of counties. By using data from 140 counties in Northeast China during the period of 2015–2020, an empirical study was conducted on population shrinkage clustering, county size structure, and carbon emission intensity. The results show that: (1) population shrinkage significantly increases the carbon intensity of counties, but the contribution of population shrinkage to carbon intensity is scale-heterogeneous, the contribution effect decreases with population size, and the effect on large counties is minimal; (2) population size and industrial structure are the main factors influencing carbon intensity in counties, both have a negative linear elasticity relationship, and GDP per capita is not included in the overall model and is only significant in large counties; (3) the relationship between total construction land and carbon intensity is an inverted U-shaped Kuznets curve, with a critical value of 30 km2, and the total construction land in most counties is below or close to the critical value.
Two-Layer Optimal Operation of AC–DC Hybrid Microgrid Considering Carbon Emissions Trading in Multiple Scenarios
Authors: Yan Laiqing , Zhao Yulin , Xue Tailin , Ma Ning , Li Zhenwen , Yan Zutai
Published: August 2022

To address the problem of low-carbon, optimal operation of AC–DC hybrid microgrids, a carbon trading mechanism is introduced and the impact of multiple uncertainties on system optimization is considered. Firstly, a two-layer model with the comprehensive economy of the hybrid microgrid as the upper layer and the respective optimal operation of the AC and DC sub-microgrids as the lower layer is established and the demand-side response is introduced, based on which the uncertainty of the scenery load is simulated using the multiscenario analysis method. Then, the baseline method is used to allocate carbon emission allowances to the system without compensation, and the actual carbon emissions of diesel engines, microcombustion engines, and fuel cells are considered to construct a hybrid microgrid. Finally, the model is solved using the CPLEX solver in conjunction with the calculation example, and the simulation verifies the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed strategy in coordinating and optimizing the economy and low carbon of the system. The results show that when the carbon trading mechanism is considered, the carbon emission of the hybrid microgrid is reduced by 4.95%, the output power of the diesel generator is reduced by 5.14%, the output power of the fuel cell is reduced by 18.22%, but the electricity purchase from the power grid is increased by 38.91%. In addition, the influence degrees of the model considering the uncertainty of renewable energy and load are simulated. Furthermore, the impact of different electricity price models on optimal operation is evaluated, and the results show that electricity price will affect electricity purchase from the power grid and further affect carbon emissions.