bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the Prognostic Capacity of a Novel Survival Marker in Patients with Sinonasal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Brkic Faris F. , Stoiber Stefan , Al-Gboore Sega , Quint Clemens , Schnoell Julia , Scheiflinger Alexandra , Heiduschka Gregor , Brunner Markus , Kadletz-Wanke Lorenz
Published: October 2022

Sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SNSCC) is a malignant tumor associated with poor survival, and easily obtainable prognostic markers are of high interest. Therefore, we aimed to assess the prognostic value of a novel survival index (SI) combining prognostic values of clinical (T and N classifications and invasion across Ohngren’s line), inflammatory (neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio), and nutritional (albumin and body-mass index) markers. All patients with primarily treated SNSCC between 2002 and 2020 (n = 51) were included. Each of the six SI components was stratified into a low- (0) and high-risk (1) categories. Subsequently, the cohort was stratified into low- (SI of 0–2) and high-risk SI groups (SI of 3–6). Overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were compared between patients with low- and high-risk SI. The log-rank test was used to test for statistical significance. Overall, the mortality rate was 41.2% (n = 21), and the recurrence rate was 43.1% (n = 22). We observed significantly better OS in patients with low-risk SI (n = 24/51, 47.1%, mean OS: 7.9 years, 95% confidence interval (CI): 6.3–9.6 years) than in high-risk SI (n = 27/51, 52.9%, mean OS: 3.4 years, 95% CI: 2.2–4.5 years; p = 0.013). Moreover, we also showed that patients with low-risk SI had a longer DFS than patients with high-risk SI (mean DFS: 6.4, 95% CI: 4.8–8.0 vs. mean DFS: 2.4 years, 95% CI 1.3–3.5, p = 0.012). The SI combines the prognostic capacity of well-established clinical, radiologic, inflammatory, and nutritional prognosticators and showed prognostic potential in our cohort of SNSCC patients.
Effect of Curcumin on Attenuation of Liver Cirrhosis via Genes/Proteins and Pathways: A System Pharmacology Study
Authors: Mahmoudi Ali , Atkin Stephen L. , Jamialahmadi Tannaz , Banach Maciej , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: October 2022

Background: Liver cirrhosis is a life-threatening seqsuel of many chronic liver disorders of varying etiologies. In this study, we investigated protein targets of curcumin in liver cirrhosis based on a bioinformatics approach. Methods: Gene/protein associations with curcumin and liver cirrhosis were probed in drug–gene and gene–diseases databases including STITCH/DGIdb/DisGeNET/OMIM/DISEASES/CTD/Pharos and SwissTargetPrediction. Critical clustering groups (MCODE), hub candidates and critical hub genes in liver cirrhosis were identified, and connections between curcumin and liver cirrhosis-related genes were analyzed via Venn diagram. Interaction of hub genes with curcumin by molecular docking using PyRx-virtual screening tools was performed. Results: MCODE analysis indicated three MCODEs; the cluster (MCODE 1) comprised 79 nodes and 881 edges (score: 22.59). Curcumin database interactions recognized 318 protein targets. Liver cirrhosis genes and curcumin protein targets analysis demonstrated 96 shared proteins, suggesting that curcumin may influence 20 candidate and 13 hub genes, covering 81% of liver cirrhosis critical genes and proteins. Thirteen shared proteins affected oxidative stress regulation, RNA, telomerase activity, cell proliferation, and cell death. Molecular docking analysis showed the affinity of curcumin binding hub genes (Binding affinity: ΔG < −4.9 kcal/mol). Conclusions: Curcumin impacted on several critical liver cirrhosis genes mainly involved in extracellular matrix communication, focal adhesion, and the response to oxidative stress.
Change in Nutritional Status during Hospitalization and Prognosis in Patients with Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Sunaga Akihiro , Hikoso Shungo , Yamada Takahisa , Yasumura Yoshio , Tamaki Shunsuke , Yano Masamichi , Hayashi Takaharu , Nakagawa Yusuke , Nakagawa Akito , Seo Masahiro , Kurakami Hiroyuki , Yamada Tomomi , Kitamura Tetsuhisa , Sato Taiki , Oeun Bolrathanak , Kida Hirota , Sotomi Yohei , Dohi Tomoharu , Okada Katsuki , Mizuno Hiroya , Nakatani Daisaku , Sakata Yasushi ,   on behalf of the OCVC-Heart Failure Investigators
Published: October 2022

The impact of changes in nutritional status during hospitalization on prognosis in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) remains unknown. We examined the association between changes in the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) and prognosis during hospitalization in patients with HFpEF stratified by nutritional status on admission. Nutritional status did and did not worsen in 348 and 349 of 697 patients with high GNRI on admission, and in 142 and 143 of 285 patients with low GNRI on admission, respectively. Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed no difference in risk of the composite endpoint, all-cause death, or heart failure admission between patients with high GNRI on admission whose nutritional status did and did not worsen. In contrast, patients with low GNRI on admission whose nutritional status did not worsen had a significantly lower risk of the composite endpoint and all-cause death than those who did. Multivariable analysis revealed that worsening nutritional status was independently associated with a higher risk of the composite endpoint and all-cause mortality in patients with low GNRI on admission. Changes in nutritional status during hospitalization were thus associated with prognosis in patients with malnutrition on admission, but not in patients without malnutrition among those with HFpEF.
The Effect of Alternating High-Sucrose and Sucrose Free-Diets, and Intermittent One-Day Fasting on the Estrous Cycle and Sex Hormones in Female Rats
Authors: Sadowska Joanna , Dudzińska Wioleta , Dziaduch Izabela
Published: October 2022

Relationships between diet, sex hormone concentrations, and the estrous cycle are important from the perspective of infertility and estrogen-dependent disease prevention and treatment. Four dietary interventions reflecting modern eating behaviors were explored. The study involved 50 female rats divided into five feeding groups. The impact of the amount of sucrose consumed (9% and 18% of the dietary energy content), alternating high-sucrose and sucrose-free diets, and a high-sucrose diet combined with intermittent one-day fasting on the estrous cycle and sex hormone concentrations in female rats was assessed. Even low amounts of dietary sucrose (9% of the dietary energy content) were found to lead to increased estradiol (E2) concentrations and decreased progesterone (Pg) concentrations. A high-sucrose diet, even when periodically applied, additionally led to a reduced concentration of luteinizing hormone (LH). The largest changes in the hormones tested were observed with one-day fasting coupled with the high-sucrose diet; in addition, the estrous phase was shortened and the estrous cycle was disrupted. The results of this study show that both the amount of dietary sucrose and also its uptake pattern affect the estrous cycle and sex hormone concentrations in female rats.
Characterization of Carboxylic Acid Reductase from Mycobacterium phlei Immobilized onto Seplite LX120
Authors: Basri Rose Syuhada , Rahman Raja Noor Zaliha Raja Abd. , Kamarudin Nor Hafizah Ahmad , Latip Wahhida , Ali Mohd Shukuri Mohamad
Published: October 2022

A multi-domain oxidoreductase, carboxylic acid reductase (CAR), can catalyze the one-step reduction of carboxylic acid to aldehyde. This study aimed to immobilize bacterial CAR from a moderate thermophile Mycobacterium phlei (MpCAR). It was the first work reported on immobilizing bacterial CAR onto a polymeric support, Seplite LX120, via simple adsorption. Immobilization time and protein load were optimized for MpCAR immobilization. The immobilized MpCAR showed optimal activity at 60 °C and pH 9. It was stable over a wide range of temperatures (10 to 100 °C) and pHs (4–11), retaining more than 50% of its activity. The immobilized MpCAR also showed stability in polar solvents. The adsorption of MpCAR onto the support was confirmed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis. The immobilized MpCAR could be stored for up to 6 weeks at 4 °C and 3 weeks at 25 °C. Immobilized MpCAR showed great operational stability, as 59.68% of its activity was preserved after 10 assay cycles. The immobilized MpCAR could also convert approximately 2.6 mM of benzoic acid to benzaldehyde at 60 °C. The successfully immobilized MpCAR on Seplite LX120 exhibited improved properties that benefit green industrial processes.
Recent Advances in Smart Hydrogels Prepared by Ionizing Radiation Technology for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Yang Jinyu , Rao Lu , Wang Yayang , Zhao Yuan , Liu Dongliang , Wang Zhijun , Fu Lili , Wang Yifan , Yang Xiaojie , Li Yuesheng , Liu Yi
Published: October 2022

Materials with excellent biocompatibility and targeting can be widely used in the biomedical field. Hydrogels are an excellent biomedical material, which are similar to living tissue and cannot affect the metabolic process of living organisms. Moreover, the three-dimensional network structure of hydrogel is conducive to the storage and slow release of drugs. Compared to the traditional hydrogel preparation technologies, ionizing radiation technology has high efficiency, is green, and has environmental protection. This technology can easily adjust mechanical properties, swelling, and so on. This review provides a classification of hydrogels and different preparation methods and highlights the advantages of ionizing radiation technology in smart hydrogels used for biomedical applications.
Fire Retardancy and Dielectric Strength of Cyclotriphosphazene Compounds with Schiff Base and Ester Linking Units Attached to the Electron-Withdrawing Side Arm
Authors: Usri Siti Nur Khalidah , Jamain Zuhair , Makmud Mohamad Zul Hilmey
Published: October 2022

A series of compounds with Schiff base and ester linking units attached to the electron-withdrawing side arm (Cl, NO2, and OH) have been successfully synthesized through four schemes of the chemical route. These compounds were characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy (NMR), and Carbon, Hydrogen and Nitrogen (CHN) elemental analysis. The epoxy resin was used as a matrix of molding to observe the refinement of fire-retardant properties of the modified cyclotriphosphazene compounds. The fire-retardant testing was done using Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI). The LOI value of pure epoxy resin was increased from 22.75% to 24.71% when incorporated with 1 wt.% of hexasubstituted cyclotriphosphazene (HCCP). Interestingly, all the final compounds gave a positive increment in the LOI value and the highest LOI value was obtained from the compound containing a nitro side arm with LOI value of 26.90%. In order to understand the thermal stability of these compounds, Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) was carried out. The compound with the nitro group at the terminal end has the highest char residue which is 34.2% at 700 °C. This indicated that the presence of the nitro withdrawing group was able to enhance the fire retardancy of the materials. Based on SEM observation, the shape of the final compound’s char residue demonstrated the formation of a porous protective layer with a dense surface. The dielectric property was conducted according to ASTM D149 AC breakdown voltage to determine its dielectric strength. The results showed that the highest dielectric strength value belonged to the compound containing a nitro group side arm with 24.41 kV/mm−1 due to the π electron delocalization.
Modifications of Textile Materials with Functional Silanes, Liquid Silicone Softeners, and Silicone Rubbers—A Review
Authors: Chruściel Jerzy J.
Published: October 2022

General information concerning different kinds of chemical additives used in the textile industry has been described in this paper. The properties and applications of organofunctional silanes and polysiloxanes (silicones) for chemical and physical modifications of textile materials have been reviewed, with a focus on silicone softeners, silane, and silicones-based superhydrophobic finishes and coatings on textiles composed of silicone elastomers and rubbers. The properties of textile materials modified with silanes and silicones and their practical and potential applications, mainly in the textile industry, have been discussed.
Fabric Insert Injection Molding for the Preparation of Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene/High-Density Polyethylene Two-Component Self-Reinforced Composites
Authors: Wang Jian , Wang Da , Mao Qianchao , Chen Jinnan
Published: October 2022

The fabric insert injection molding approach can be applied to produce easily recyclable self-reinforced polymer composites (SrCs) whose reinforcement and matrix are from the same polymer. However, the mechanical properties of the SrCs are usually limited due to the poor impregnation of the inserted fabric. In this work, the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fabrics were used as the insert, and the high-density polyethylene (HDPE) melt was injected to fill the mold cavity and impregnate the fabrics. The UHMWPE/HDPE two-component SrCs were prepared. The large difference of melting temperatures between UHMWPE and HDPE can establish a wide processing temperature window, and thus the impregnation of the fabric can be improved by increasing temperature. The tensile strength and modulus of the UHMWPE/HDPE SrCs were up to 148 and 1132 MPa, respectively. The peel strength could be up to 35.2 N/cm. The influences of four main injection molding parameters, including the injection temperature, injection pressure/packing pressure, injection velocity, and packing time, were investigated. The temperature, pressure, viscosity, and density of the matrix in the mold cavity were calculated by the numerical simulation to indicate the impregnation process during the fabric insert injection molding process.
Experimental Study of the Effects of Pre-Chamber Geometry on the Combustion Characteristics of an Ammonia/Air Pre-Mixture Ignited by a Jet Flame
Authors: Cui Zechuan , Tian Jiangping , Zhang Xiaolei , Yin Shuo , Long Wuqiang , Song Hui
Published: October 2022

In the future, ammonia is expected to become a carbon-free fuel for internal combustion engines. However, the flammability of ammonia is poorer compared to conventional fuels such as gasoline and diesel fuel. Pre-chamber jet ignition may be an effective way to ensure stable ignition and enhance the combustion of ammonia. In this paper, the effects of pre-chamber geometric parameters, including volume and orifice diameter, on the jet ignition and combustion processes were studied using visualization methods, combined with pressure acquisition. The results showed that ignition energy increased and the jet duration was prolonged with the increase in pre-chamber volume, resulting in a higher maximum pressure and pressure rise rate in the main chamber. The jet characteristics of a larger volume pre-chamber exhibited higher stability when the ambient parameters were changed. The smaller volume pre-chamber showed the superiority of a shorter flame propagation distance inside the pre-chamber, which advanced the timing of the jet appearance and shortened the ignition delay when the flammability of the pre-mixture was adequate. The larger pre-chamber orifice diameter caused an earlier jet ignition timing, shorter ignition delay, and higher ignition location. The jet duration for the pre-chamber with a smaller orifice was longer, which was beneficial for increasing the pressure rise rate in the main chamber. Too small a pre-chamber orifice led to ignition failure in the main chamber.
Is There a Right to Hope That God Exists? Evil and the Principle of Non-Parity
Authors: Mariña Jacqueline
Published: October 2022

In this paper, I respond to James Sterba’s recent book ‘Is a Good God Logically Possible?’ I show that Sterba concludes that God is not logically possible by ignoring three important issues: (a) the different functions of leeway indeterminism (and the political freedom presupposed by it) and autonomy (the two are very different things, even though both go under the name of freedom), (b) the differences in the conditions of agency in God and in creatures, (there is non-parity in how each must apply the single moral law), and (c) the non-parity between our knowledge and God’s. I provide a brief summary of Sterba’s arguments, and I develop the following points: 1. Sterba’s argument against a Free-Will Defense hinges on his conflation of political freedom and autonomy; 2. Sterba’s crucial premise for his argument against soul-making theodicies (namely, that the “Pauline Principle” should be applied univocally across God and creatures) is false; 3. Sterba’s arguments against skeptical theism depend on his assumption that our knowledge is comparable to that of God. In each case, Sterba either does not recognize non-parity between God and creatures or does not recognize the difference between the profane (e.g., political matters) and the sacred, (e.g., spiritual matters having to do with the inner nature of the soul’s development).
‘Existential’ in Scandinavian Healthcare Journals: An Analysis of the Concept and Implications for Future Research
Authors: Nygaard Marianne Rodriguez , Austad Anne , Sørensen Torgeir , Synnes Oddgeir , McSherry Wilfred
Published: October 2022

The concept of ‘existential’, used frequently in Scandinavian healthcare journals, is associated with various, often unclear, meanings, highlighting the need for a more accurate understanding of the concept. In this integrative review we analyse how the concept has been used in Scandinavian healthcare journals from 1984 to 2020, exploring the trajectory of the concept, its definitions and its applications. A secondary aim is to offer some clarity regarding how the concept may be used in future healthcare research and provide a definition of ‘existential’ based on our findings. Our findings show that while the concept is increasingly used, it is rarely defined, and there appears to be no consensus on the concept’s meaning. We categorise applications of the concept into five overarching themes: (1) Suffering and re-orientation, (2) Meaning and meaninglessness, (3) Existential philosophy in relation to health (4) Existential questions as approaches to care and (5) Usage and demarcation of existential, spiritual and religious concepts. Based on the findings, we propose a definition of the concept of ‘existential’ in the healthcare context. The study contributes to, and underscores advantages and limitations of, the use of the concept in healthcare research.
Understanding Water Level Changes in the Great Lakes by an ICA-Based Merging of Multi-Mission Altimetry Measurements
Authors: Chen Wei , Shum C. K. , Forootan Ehsan , Feng Wei , Zhong Min , Jia Yuanyuan , Li Wenhao , Guo Junyi , Wang Changqing , Li Quanguo , Liang Lei
Published: October 2022

Accurately monitoring spatio-temporal changes in lake water levels is important for studying the impacts of climate change on freshwater resources, and for predicting natural hazards. In this study, we applied multi-mission radar satellite altimetry data from the Laurentian Great Lakes, North America to optimally reconstruct multi-decadal lake-wide spatio-temporal changes of water level. We used the results to study physical processes such as teleconnections of El Niño and southern oscillation (ENSO) episodes over approximately the past three-and-a-half decades (1985–2018). First, we assessed three reconstruction methods, namely the standard empirical orthogonal function (EOF), complex EOF (CEOF), and complex independent component analysis (CICA), to model the lake-wide changes of water level. The performance of these techniques was evaluated using in-situ gauge data, after correcting the Glacial Isostatic Adjustment (GIA) process using a contemporary GIA forward model. While altimeter-measured water level was much less affected by GIA, the averaged gauge-measured water level was found to have increased up to 14 cm over the three decades. Our results indicate that the CICA-reconstructed 35-year lake level was more accurate than the other two techniques. The correlation coefficients between the CICA reconstruction and the in situ water-level data were 0.96, 0.99, 0.97, 0.97, and 0.95, for Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario, respectively; ~7% higher than the original altimetry data. The root mean squares of errors (RMSE) were 6.07 cm, 4.89 cm, 9.27 cm, 7.71 cm, and 9.88 cm, respectively, for each of the lakes, and ~44% less than differencing with the original altimetry data. Furthermore, the CICA results indicated that the water-level changes in the Great Lakes were significantly correlated with ENSO, with correlation coefficients of 0.5–0.8. The lake levels were ~25 cm higher (~30 cm lower) than normal during EI Niño (La Niña) events.
Terrestrial Laser Scanning in Assessing the Effect of Different Thinning Treatments on the Competition of Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) Forests
Authors: Ronoud Ghasem , Poorazimy Maryam , Yrttimaa Tuomas , Luoma Ville , Huuskonen Saija , Hynynen Jari , Hyyppä Juha , Saarinen Ninni , Kankare Ville , Vastaranta Mikko
Published: October 2022

Thinning is a forest management activity that regulates the competition between the trees within a forest. However, the effect of different thinning treatments on competition is largely unexplored, especially because of the difficulty in measuring crown characteristics. This study aimed to investigate how different type and intensity thinning treatments affect the stem- and crown-based competition of trees based on terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) point clouds. The research was conducted in three study sites in southern Finland where the Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) is the dominant tree species. Nine rectangular sample plots of varying sizes (1000 m2 to 1200 m2) were established within each study site, resulting in 27 sample plots in total. The experimental design of each study site included two levels of thinning intensities and three thinning types, resulting in six different thinning treatments. To assess the competition between the trees, six distance-dependent competition indices were computed for each tree. The indices were based on diameter at breast height (DBH) (CIDBH), height (CIH), maximum crown diameter (CIMCD), crown projection area (CICA), crown volume (CICV), and crown surface area (CICS). The results showed that for both moderate and intensive intensities, the competition decrease was 45.5–82.5% for thinning from below, 15.6–73.6% for thinning from above, and 12.8–66.8% for systematic thinning when compared with control plots. In most cases, the crown- and stem-based metrics were affected by thinning treatments significantly when compared with control plots at a 95% confidence interval. Moreover, moderate from-below and from-above thinning showed no statistical difference with each other in both crown- and stem-based competition indices except for CIDBH (p-value ≤ 0.05). Our results confirm the great potential of TLS point clouds in quantifying stem- and crown-based competition between trees, which could be beneficial for enhancing ecological knowledge on how trees grow in response to competition.
Potential of ALOS2 Polarimetric Imagery to Support Management of Poplar Plantations in Northern Italy
Authors: Vaglio Laurin Gaia , Mattioli Walter , Innocenti Simone , Lombardo Emanuela , Valentini Riccardo , Puletti Nicola
Published: October 2022

Poplar is one of the most widespread fast-growing forest species. In Northern Italy, plantations are characterized by large interannual fluctuations, requiring frequent monitoring to inform on wood supply and to manage the stands. The use of radar satellite data is proving useful for forest monitoring, being weather independent and sensitive to the changes in forest canopy structure, but it has been scarcely tested in the case of poplar. Here, L-band ALOS2 (Advanced Land Observing Satellite-2) dual-pol data were tested to detect clear-cut plantations in consecutive years. ALOS2 quad-pol data were used to discriminate among different age classes, a much complex task than detecting poplar plantations extent. Results from different machine learning algorithms indicate that with dual-pol data, poplar forest can be discriminated from clear-cut areas with 80% overall accuracy, similar to what is usually obtained with optical data. With quad-pol data, four age classes were classified with moderate overall accuracy (73%) based on polarimetric decompositions, three 3 age classes with higher accuracy (87%) based on HV band. Sources of error are represented by poplar areas of intermediate age when stems, branches and leaves were not developed enough to detect by scattering mechanisms. This study demonstrates the feasibility of monitoring poplar plantations with satellite radar, which represents a growing source of information thanks to already-planned future satellite missions.
Path-Tracking Control Strategy of Unmanned Vehicle Based on DDPG Algorithm
Authors: Yao Jialing , Ge Zhen
Published: October 2022

This paper proposes a deep reinforcement learning (DRL)-based algorithm in the path-tracking controller of an unmanned vehicle to autonomously learn the path-tracking capability of the vehicle by interacting with the CARLA environment. To solve the problem of the high estimation of the Q-value of the DDPG algorithm and slow training speed, the controller adopts the deep deterministic policy gradient algorithm of the double critic network (DCN-DDPG), obtains the trained model through offline learning, and sends control commands to the unmanned vehicle to make the vehicle drive according to the determined route. This method aimed to address the problem of unmanned-vehicle path tracking. This paper proposes a Markov decision process model, including the design of state, action-and-reward value functions, and trained the control strategy in the CARLA simulator Town04 urban scene. The tracking task was completed under various working conditions, and its tracking effect was compared with the original DDPG algorithm, model predictive control (MPC), and pure pursuit. It was verified that the designed control strategy has good environmental adaptability, speed adaptability, and tracking performance.
Modulating Heart Rate Variability through Deep Breathing Exercises and Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation: A Study in Healthy Participants and in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis or Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Jensen Mette Kjeldsgaard , Andersen Sally Søgaard , Andersen Stine Søgaard , Liboriussen Caroline Hundborg , Kristensen Salome , Jochumsen Mads
Published: October 2022

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are associated with an impaired autonomic nervous system and vagus nerve function. Electrical or physiological (deep breathing—DB) vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) could be a potential treatment approach, but no direct comparison has been made. In this study, the effect of transcutaneous auricular VNS (taVNS) and DB on vagal tone was compared in healthy participants and RA or SLE patients. The vagal tone was estimated using time-domain heart-rate variability (HRV) parameters. Forty-two healthy participants and 52 patients performed 30 min of DB and 30 min of taVNS on separate days. HRV was recorded before and immediately after each intervention. For the healthy participants, all HRV parameters increased after DB (SDNN + RMSSD: 21–46%), while one HRV parameter increased after taVNS (SDNN: 16%). For the patients, all HRV parameters increased after both DB (17–31%) and taVNS (18–25%), with no differences between the two types of VNS. DB was associated with the largest elevation of the HRV parameters in healthy participants, while both types of VNS led to elevated HRV parameters in the patients. The findings support a potential use of VNS as a new treatment approach, but the clinical effects need to be investigated in future studies.
Review of Navigation Assistive Tools and Technologies for the Visually Impaired
Authors: Messaoudi Mohamed Dhiaeddine , Menelas Bob-Antoine J. , Mcheick Hamid
Published: October 2022

The visually impaired suffer greatly while moving from one place to another. They face challenges in going outdoors and in protecting themselves from moving and stationary objects, and they also lack confidence due to restricted mobility. Due to the recent rapid rise in the number of visually impaired persons, the development of assistive devices has emerged as a significant research field. This review study introduces several techniques to help the visually impaired with their mobility and presents the state-of-the-art of recent assistive technologies that facilitate their everyday life. It also analyses comprehensive multiple mobility assistive technologies for indoor and outdoor environments and describes the different location and feedback methods for the visually impaired using assistive tools based on recent technologies. The navigation tools used for the visually impaired are discussed in detail in subsequent sections. Finally, a detailed analysis of various methods is also carried out, with future recommendations.
Modelling and Control Design of a Non-Collaborative UAV Wireless Charging System
Authors: Allama Oussama , Habaebi Mohamed Hadi , Khan Sheroz , Elsheikh Elfatih A. A. , Suliman F. M.
Published: October 2022

This study proposes an analytical model of a WPT system with three orthogonal transmitter coils organised to produce a concentrated and controlled omnidirectional magnetic field suited for charging a moving, rotating load, providing maximal energy transfer without receiving end feedback. In order to create a realistic 3D WPT simulation system and a precise controller design, the mutual coupling values in terms of the receiver angular positions are modelled using the Ansys software. In using the established model of the 3DWPT system, an extremum seeking control (ESC) is used to maximize the power transfer utilizing the input power as an objective function assigned with specified parametric values defining the WPT model. The output power transmitted by the sending-end coils to a load of a moving UAV rotating in orbit is displayed. According to simulation results, when the receiver UAV speed is close to 2250 deg/s, the controller can accomplish a maximum power transfer of 2.6w in almost 1ms.
A Two-Stage Deep Generative Model for Masked Face Synthesis
Authors: Lee Seungho
Published: October 2022

Research on face recognition with masked faces has been increasingly important due to the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic. To make face recognition practical and robust, a large amount of face image data should be acquired for training purposes. However, it is difficult to obtain masked face images for each human subject. To cope with this difficulty, this paper proposes a simple yet practical method to synthesize a realistic masked face for an unseen face image. For this, a cascade of two convolutional auto-encoders (CAEs) has been designed. The former CAE generates a pose-alike face wearing a mask pattern, which is expected to fit the input face in terms of pose view. The output of the former CAE is readily fed into the secondary CAE for extracting a segmentation map that localizes the mask region on the face. Using the segmentation map, the mask pattern can be successfully fused with the input face by means of simple image processing techniques. The proposed method relies on face appearance reconstruction without any facial landmark detection or localization techniques. Extensive experiments with the GTAV Face database and Labeled Faces in the Wild (LFW) database show that the two complementary generators could rapidly and accurately produce synthetic faces even for challenging input faces (e.g., low-resolution face of 25 × 25 pixels with out-of-plane rotations).
Virtual Reality—A Supplement to Posturography or a Novel Balance Assessment Tool?
Authors: Rosiak Oskar , Puzio Anna , Kaminska Dorota , Zwolinski Grzegorz , Jozefowicz-Korczynska Magdalena
Published: October 2022

Virtual reality (VR) is a well-established technology in medicine. Head-mounted displays (HMDs) have made VR more accessible in many branches of medical research. However, its application in balance evaluation has been vague, and comprehensive literature on possible applications of VR in posture measurement is scarce. The aim of this review is to conduct a literature search on the application of immersive VR delivered using a head-mounted display in posturographic measurements. A systematic search of two databases, PubMed and Scopus, using the keywords “virtual reality” and “posturography,” was performed following PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews. Initial search results returned 89 non-duplicate records. Two reviewers independently screened the abstracts. Sixteen papers fulfilled the inclusion criteria and none of the exclusion criteria and were selected for complete text retrieval. An additional 16 records were identified from citation searching. Ultimately, 21 studies were included in this review. virtual reality is often used as additional visual stimuli in static and dynamic posturography evaluation. Only one study has attempted to evaluate a VR environment in a head-mounted display as an independent method in the assessment of posture. Further research should be conducted to assess HMD VR as a standalone posturography replacement.
Modulation of Lower-Limb Muscle Activity in Maintaining Unipedal Balance According to Surface Stability, Sway Direction, and Leg Dominance
Authors: Promsri Arunee
Published: October 2022

Determining temporal similarity in shape between electromyographic (EMG) and center-of-pressure (COP) signals reflects neuromuscular control in terms of which relevant muscles are involved in maintaining balance. The current study aimed to investigate a cross-correlation between seven lower-limb EMG activities and COP displacements, simultaneously measured in 25 young adults unipedally balancing on stable and multiaxial-unstable surfaces. The effect of surface stability, sway direction, and leg dominance was then tested on two EMG–COP correlation levels: individual muscles and groups (patterns) of multi-muscles involved in postural sway, as determined by principal component analysis (PCA). The results show that two factors demonstrate their effects only at the level of individual muscles: sway direction (p ≤ 0.003) and leg dominance (p = 0.003). Specifically, the semitendinosus, tibialis anterior, peroneus longus, and soleus correlate more with the mediolateral postural sway than with the anteroposterior postural sway, except for the gastrocnemius medialis. Additionally, balancing on the non-dominant leg shows a lower correlation between the semitendinosus and postural sway than on the dominant leg. The current findings suggest that when achieving unipedal equilibrium, the postural control system may be constrained the most in the specific muscles of the least steady conditions, e.g., the frontal plane and non-preferred leg.
Innovation of Family-Owned Enterprises and Government Subsidies: From A Policy-Oriented Perspective
Authors: Zhao Kai , Wu Wanshu
Published: October 2022

This paper investigates the influence effects of government subsidies on the innovation of family-owned enterprises in China through a panel data model and Heckman two-stage model, and explores the possible influence mechanisms of government subsidies on different innovation behaviors of family-owned enterprises through a mediation analysis method. It is found that government subsidies play a significant role in promoting innovation input, innovation quantity and innovation quality of family-owned enterprises. From the perspective of innovation quality, government subsidies are more beneficial to family-owned enterprises without “two jobs in one” or “2nd generation succession”. Compared with family-owned enterprises that have completed intergenerational inheritance, government subsidies are more conducive to enhancing the innovation quantity of family-owned enterprises that have not achieved “2nd generation succession”. We find also that government subsidies can indirectly improve the innovation quality of family-owned enterprises by increasing the proportion of state-owned shares and easing the financing constraints. By organically integrating two relatively independent research fields (effectiveness of government subsidy and innovation of family businesses), this paper opens up a new way of thinking for exploring the sustainability of family businesses.
Dynamic Monitoring and Ecological Risk Analysis of Lake Inundation Areas in Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Wang Dongchuan , Chai Hua , Wang Zhiheng , Wang Kangjian , Wang Hongyi , Long Hui , Gao Jianshe , Wei Aoze , Wang Sirun
Published: October 2022

Lake inundation is one of the most important hydrological factors affecting lake ecosystems. In order to accurately and timely grasp the spatio-temporal pattern of the lake inundation area, and reveal the ecological evolution of the lake landscape, this paper quantifies the inundation dynamics of lakes on the Tibetan Plateau in the past 20 years and analyzes the spatio-temporal characteristics of the inundation area from four aspects: the region, type, altitude and recharge mode of the lake. Combined with the water inundation frequency, the landscape inundation frequency index is constructed and applied to the landscape ecological risk index to explore the spatio-temporal dynamic changes of landscape ecological risk in the inundation area. The results show that the change of the lake-inundated area first decreases and then increases in 2000–2020, the salt lakes and low-altitude lakes have the largest inundation areas, accounting for 83.2% and 55.6% of the total inundated area, respectively; the change intensity of lake inundation frequency is relatively large, and the alternate changes of the lake water–land junction area are enhanced, and the area of permanent lake increases; inundation has the greatest impact on bare land and grassy landscapes; the study area is dominated by lower-risk and lowest-risk areas, accounting for 84.9% of the total area of risk areas, but most areas are transformed from lower-lowest risk to medium-higher risk. This study provides a case of dynamic monitoring of lake inundation areas, which is helpful to formulate ecological restoration and risk prevention measures in lake inundation areas, and can also be used for ecological risk research in similar areas.
Religious Tourists’ Satisfaction with Services and Their Impacts on Spirituality in the Post-COVID-19 Era
Authors: Hassan Thowayeb H. , Abdou Ahmed Hassan , Taha Shaimaa , Abdelmoaty Mostafa A. , Salem Amany E.
Published: October 2022

Islamic pilgrimage has social, political, and economic benefits, but there are major challenges in the management of large numbers of groups at one time. This spiritually healing journey is likely to be influenced by the overall experience and the quality of logistical services provided while performing the rituals. In the postpandemic period, challenges were more apparent in preventing the spread of infection while maintaining acceptable levels of spiritual atmosphere. Pilgrims’ characteristics might mediate or moderate the changes in spirituality based on individuals’ satisfaction with service quality. In the current study, we investigated the potential service quality predictors of spiritual satisfaction among Muslim pilgrims and investigated the potential mediators and/or moderators of such relationships. The results showed that higher spirituality satisfaction scores were independently associated with enhanced satisfaction with medical services, religious guidance, and the overall Hajj experience. These relationships were not mediated by any demographic characteristics. The Hajj experience significantly moderated the relationship between satisfaction with religious guidance and spirituality. It is recommended that the national authorities should ensure the highest levels of spiritual satisfaction via improving medical and guidance services to achieve the spiritual healing of pilgrims.
Decoupling of Economic Growth and Industrial Water Use in Hubei Province: From an Ecological–Economic Interaction Perspective
Authors: Chu Yijing , Wang Yingying , Zhang Zucheng , Dai Shengli
Published: October 2022

Rational water use is the basis for sustainable development. The issue of how to use limited water resources to satisfy the high rate of economic development has attracted a great deal of attention from society. This paper presents a quantitative analysis of the intrinsic relationship between economic growth and industrial water use changes in Hubei Province based on panel data from 2004 to 2019. With the help of the Tapio decoupling model, the problem of decoupling the economic growth of Hubei Province and the water use of the three industries in 15 years was discussed. On the basis of Kaya’s extended identity, the Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index (LMDI) index decomposition method is used to evaluate the driving factors and steady state changes in the three industries’ water use. The results show that, with regard to the decoupling state, there are three decoupling states between economic growth and industrial water use in Hubei province: negative decoupling, strong decoupling, and weak decoupling, which showed a phase characteristic. From the decomposition of the factors, the industrial structure effect and the water intensity effect are the key factors that determine the decoupling of economic growth and industrial water use in Hubei Province, as well as the core driving force to promote the decoupling state. According to the development trend, Hubei Province needs to take into account the efficiency and affordability of water resources in the process of promoting social and economic development. Therefore, in line with the research outcomes, this study provides effective and feasible recommendations for promoting sustainable economic and social development in Hubei Province.
Environmental Regulation, Political Connections, and Corporate Green Investment
Authors: Zhu Rui , Liu Mengting , Long Liyu , Huo Congjia
Published: October 2022

Based on the implementation of China’s new Environmental Protection Law (the new EPL), using the difference-in-differences (DID) method and the PSM method, this paper examines the impact of changes in local environmental governance motivation on corporate environmental protection investments before and after the implementation of the new EPL. The results show that, before introducing the new EPL, the scale of green investment of politically connected enterprises was significantly lower than that of other enterprises; after the introduction of the new EPL, the increase in environmental protection investment by politically connected enterprises was significantly higher than that of other enterprises. This promotion effect is more potent for formally politically connected enterprises. Given this, we suggest that governments need to achieve fair law enforcement of environmental protection and avoid the distortion of ecological protection investment by political connections during economic transitions.
Sustainability Performance Appraisal for Airports Serving Tourist Islands
Authors: Karagkouni Aristi , Dimitriou Dimitrios
Published: October 2022

Air transport infrastructure development is crucial for economic and social growth. Regional airports connecting remote, tourist destinations such as islands provide important services and boost global and local commerce networks. Airport authorities intend to maximize expansion while limiting environmental impacts. Regional airports may achieve efficient environmental management by applying sustainable practices and developing long-term strategies. The purpose of this paper is the development of an in-depth comparison and assessment of the environmental sustainability performance of a number of regional airports in terms of the environmental impacts that are caused by their operations and their demand patterns. The evaluation methodology is based on the identification of evidence about the incorporation of key environmental management performance aspects in the environmental reports of the top five regional tourist airports in the Mediterranean islands. The most important finding was that airports, despite requiring an efficient and forward-thinking environmental management plan in order to address the environmental impact that they have, do not prioritize their environmental performance management issues. The conventional wisdom is to provide a framework for evaluating tourist airports’ performance toward environmental mitigation efforts, promote best practices, and benchmark sustainability for regions heavily dependent on tourism.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Organisation of Remote Work in IT Companies
Authors: Błaszczyk Michał , Popović Milan , Zajdel Karolina , Zajdel Radosław
Published: October 2022

Some events in world history have affected global social and economic processes significantly. One such event was undoubtedly the commencement of the COVID-19 pandemic. Being in lockdown with access to the Internet and tools that enable remote working enabled and, in fact, forced a change in the form of work to be fully remote, which was previously difficult to imagine in many organisations. As part of this study of the above phenomenon, research was conducted on employees of the IT sector in Poland. An analysis of survey data showed the impact of individual work modes on productivity ratings and collaboration with other team members; additionally, the findings may indicate behaviour changes among employees caused by employer enforcement of changes in work mode, and the importance of the work mode for employees when taking up employment. Although the end of the COVID-19 pandemic has been officially announced in Poland, its impact on the labour market has been significant. The present study shows the popularisation of remote working and a change in attitude towards this form of performing professional duties.
Development of Guidelines and Procedures for Value Addition to Improve Productivity and Sustainability: Case of Dates in Oman
Authors: Al-Hinai Alaa , Jayasuriya Hemanatha , Pathare Pankaj B.
Published: October 2022

The main global challenge nowadays is how to achieve food security with sharp population growth by considering long-term sustainability. Adding value to many agricultural products can improve product quality and farmer income, minimize waste, and address food security issues towards sustainability. In Oman, date palm is the most cultivated and consumed crop and has a high percentage of postharvest losses, which provokes more focus on arranging strategies to improve date production with quality and high productivity. This study aimed to develop guidelines and procedures for the value addition of dates in Oman, taking into account different farm categories (individual, group, SME) and four mechanization levels based on machinery used in different processing steps. Six date factories engaged in value addition in Oman and three popular value-added products from different date varieties were selected for the study. Nine value-addition guidelines/procedure sheets were developed, each with 13 features such as the mechanization level of each process, investment, technology transfer, and capacity-building needs. Among the results, the guidelines/procedure sheets for dates with nuts under the individual farm category of areas up to 0.84 ha and mechanization levels 1 and 2 will need an initial capital investment of 1500–3000 OMR, and the average value-addition benefit could reach a productivity uplift of up to 165% with 4550–7850 OMR annual net profit. The nine developed guidelines/procedure sheets will provide decision-making support for farmers, producers, and extension officers, and will contribute to improving product quality, farm income, productivity, and agricultural sustainability. The developed sheets will provide country-specific protocol developments and a significant contribution from this study is that all stakeholders are expected to benefit.