bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Childhood Trauma and Mental Health Status in General Population: A Series Mediation Examination of Psychological Distress in COVID-19 Pandemic and Global Sleep Quality
Authors: Xie Min , Tang Yiguo , Zhu Ling , Dai Minhan , Wu Yulu , Huang Yunqi , Liu Yunjia , Xiao Liling , Li Tao , Wang Qiang
Published: December 2021

Background: Coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) has been coexisting with humans for almost 2 years, consistently impacting people's daily life, medical environment, and mental health. This study aimed to test the series mediation model triggered by childhood trauma, in which perceived psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic and sleep quality mediated the path sequentially and led to adverse mental health outcomes.

Methods: A cross-sectional design involving 817 participants were enrolled via WeChat online survey. Participants completed questionnaires, including demographic features, the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) questionnaire, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire, and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Pearson correlations and hierarchical multiple linear regression were employed to examine the association of childhood trauma and psychological stress of COVID-19, sleep quality, and mental health status. In addition, a series mediate analysis was carried out to examine sequence mediating effects of psychological impact of COVID-19 and sleep quality between childhood trauma and mental health status.

Results: The results showed that childhood trauma is positively and significantly related to psychological distress of COVID-19 pandemic, sleep quality, and mental health status (p < 0.05). Hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis shown that demographic features explained 4.4, 2.1, and 4.0% of the total variance in DASS-21, IES-R, and PSQI total scale scores, respectively. Adding childhood trauma significantly increased the model variance of DASS-21 (ΔR2 = 0.129, F = 126.092, p = 0.000), IES-R (ΔR2 = 0.062, F = 54.771, p = 0.000), and PSQI total scale scores (ΔR2 = 0.055, F = 48.733, p = 0.000), respectively. Moreover, the series mediation model showed that the perceived impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and sleep quality were sequential mediators between childhood trauma and mental health status (proportion explained: 49.17%, p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Amid the ravages of COVID-19, childhood trauma predicts poor mental health status, in part because of greater psychological impact related to COVID-19 and poorer global sleep quality. In order to improve mental health, future researchers should pay more attention to individuals with childhood trauma, for its association with greater stress related to life events and poorer sleep quality.
The Effect of Nursing Students' Self-Efficacy on Patient-Centered Communication During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Mediating Effect of Learning Burnout
Authors: Wang Jing , Zheng Qiuyue , Song Wei , Wei Ling
Published: December 2021

Background: The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak has put the global health system under the spotlight. As part of the medical workforce, nurses play an important role in interacting with and caring for patients; hence, patient-centered communication (PCC) has been emphasized in nursing education. Thus, it is worth investigating how future nurses perceive PCC and PCC-related factors under the special circumstances of COVID-19. For this purpose, the present study analyzed the mechanisms underlying the association between self-efficacy and nurse–patient communication tendency through learning burnout among nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: The general self-efficacy questionnaire, college students' learning burnout scale, and doctor–patient communication tendency scale were used to survey 2,231 nursing students in higher vocational medical colleges at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results: General self-efficacy can directly negatively correlate with the degree of nursing students' overall nurse–patient communication, including caring, sharing, and health promotion. Dejection from learning burnout partially mediated the relationships between self-efficacy and caring and between self-efficacy and sharing; it fully mediated the relationship between self-efficacy and health promotion. Reduced personal accomplishment partially mediated between self-efficacy and caring, while it fully mediated between self-efficacy and health promotion; however, it did not play a role in the sharing model.

Conclusion: Self-efficacy influences nurse–patient communication through learning burnout. Specifically, dejection and reduced personal accomplishment—two aspects of learning burnout—may compromise nursing students' willingness to engage in PCC. Thus, the importance of PCC, especially during critical health situations such as pandemics, should be emphasized further in future nursing education.
Alzheimer's Association Project VITAL: A Florida Statewide Initiative Using Technology to Impact Social Isolation and Well-Being
Authors: Prophater Lorna E. , Fazio Sam , Nguyen Lydia T. , Hueluer Gizem , Peterson Lindsay J. , Sherwin Kasia , Shatzer Julie , Branham Michelle , Kavalec Amy , O'Hern Karen , Stoglin Kristi , Tate Rio , Hyer Kathryn
Published: December 2021

Lack of social engagement and the resulting social isolation can have negative impacts on health and well-being, especially in senior care communities and for those living with dementia. Project VITAL leverages technology and community resources to create a network for connection, engagement, education, and support of individuals with dementia and their caregivers, and explores the impact of these interventions in reducing feelings of social isolation and increasing mood among residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through two phases, 600 personalized Wi-Fi-enabled iN2L tablets were distributed to 300 senior care communities (55% assisted living communities, 37% skilled nursing communities, 6% memory care communities, and 2% adult family-care homes) to connect and engage residents and their families. Different phases also included Project ECHO, a video-based learning platform, Alzheimer's Association virtual and online education and support for family caregivers, evidence-based online professional dementia care staff training and certification, and Virtual Forums designed to explore ways to build sustainable, scalable models to ensure access to support and decrease social isolation in the future. Tablet usage was collected over an 11-month period and an interim survey was designed to assess the effectiveness of the tablets, in preventing social isolation and increasing mood among residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 105 care community staff (whose community used the tablets) completed the survey and overall, these staff showed a high level of agreement to statements indicating that residents struggled with loneliness and mood, and that the tablet was useful in improving loneliness and mood in residents and allowing them to stay in touch with family and friends. Additional positive results were seen through a variety of other responses around the tablets and Project ECHO. Overall, the tablets were shown to be an effective way to engage residents and connect them with friends and family, as well as being a useful tool for staff members. A third phase is currently underway in the homes of people with dementia and their family caregivers, which includes tablets and direct access to Alzheimer's Association virtual and online education and support programs.
Prevention Practice of COVID-19 Using Personal Protective Equipment and Hand Hygiene Among Healthcare Workers in Public Hospitals of South Wollo Zone, Ethiopia
Authors: Keleb Awoke , Ademas Ayechew , Lingerew Mistir , Sisay Tadesse , Berihun Gete , Adane Metadel
Published: December 2021

Objective: The use of personal protective equipment and hand hygiene are often the most recommended line of defense against coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19). The purpose of this study is to determine the magnitude of compliance and associated factors of personal protective equipment (PPE) utilization and hand hygiene practice among healthcare workers in public hospitals of South Wollo Zone, Northeastern Ethiopia.

Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 489 healthcare workers in public hospitals of South Wollo Zone, Northeastern Ethiopia from June 15 to July 30, 2021. Proportional sample size allocation to each selected hospital followed by simple random sampling techniques were used to select the study participants using human resource records from each hospital. A pre-tested and structured self-administered questionnaire with WHO's standardized hand hygiene and PPE utilization observational checklist were used to collect data. Bivariate and multivariable analyses with 95% CI and p-value < 0.05 were employed to identify the associated factors of personal protective equipment utilization.

Results: About 32 and 22.3% of healthcare workers were compliant with personal protective equipment utilization and hand hygiene practice, respectively. Feedback for safety (AOR = 2.05; 95% CI: 1.26–3.35), training on COVID-19 prevention (AOR = 3.43; 95% CI: 2.01–5.86), and perception to infection risk (AOR = 1.98; 95% CI: 1.18–3.33) were significant factors of good compliance with personal protective equipment utilization.

Conclusion: The magnitude of good compliance with personal protective equipment utilization and hand hygiene was low. Interventions to promote personal protective equipment utilization and hand hygiene should focus on feedback for safety, training on COVID-19 prevention, and perception of infection risk.
Size-Specific Particulate Matter Associated With Acute Lower Respiratory Infection Outpatient Visits in Children: A Counterfactual Analysis in Guangzhou, China
Authors: Liang Zhenyu , Meng Qiong , Yang Qiaohuan , Chen Na , You Chuming
Published: December 2021

The burden of lower respiratory infections is primarily evident in the developing countries. However, the association between size-specific particulate matter and acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) outpatient visits in the developing countries has been less studied. We obtained data on ALRI outpatient visits (N = 105,639) from a tertiary hospital in Guangzhou, China between 2013 and 2019. Over-dispersed generalized additive Poisson models were employed to evaluate the excess risk (ER) associated with the size-specific particulate matter, such as inhalable particulate matter (PM10), coarse particulate matter (PMc), and fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Counterfactual analyses were used to examine the potential percent reduction of ALRI outpatient visits if the levels of air pollution recommended by the WHO were followed. There were 35,310 pneumonia, 68,218 bronchiolitis, and 2,111 asthma outpatient visits included. Each 10 μg/m3 increase of 3-day moving averages of particulate matter was associated with a significant ER (95% CI) of outpatient visits of pneumonia (PM2.5: 3.71% [2.91, 4.52%]; PMc: 9.19% [6.94, 11.49%]; PM10: 4.36% [3.21, 5.52%]), bronchiolitis (PM2.5: 3.21% [2.49, 3.93%]; PMc: 9.13% [7.09, 11.21%]; PM10: 3.12% [2.10, 4.15%]), and asthma (PM2.5: 3.45% [1.18, 5.78%]; PMc: 11.69% [4.45, 19.43%]; PM10: 3.33% [0.26, 6.49%]). The association between particulate matter and pneumonia outpatient visits was more evident in men patients and in the cold seasons. Counterfactual analyses showed that PM2.5 was associated with a larger potential decline of ALRI outpatient visits compared with PMc and PM10 (pneumonia: 11.07%, 95% CI: [7.99, 14.30%]; bronchiolitis: 6.30% [4.17, 8.53%]; asthma: 8.14% [2.65, 14.33%]) if the air pollutants were diminished to the level of the reference guidelines. In conclusion, short-term exposures to PM2.5, PMc, and PM10 are associated with ALRI outpatient visits, and PM2.5 is associated with the highest potential decline in outpatient visits if it could be reduced to the levels recommended by the WHO.
Quantitative Assessment of Clinician Assistance During Dynamic Rehabilitation Using Force Sensitive Resistors
Authors: Linde Margaux B. , Thoreson Andrew R. , Lopez Cesar , Gill Megan L. , Veith Daniel D. , Hale Rena F. , Calvert Jonathan S. , Grahn Peter J. , Fautsch Kalli J. , Sayenko Dimitry G. , Zhao Kristin D.
Published: December 2021

Background:Neuromodulation using epidural electrical stimulation (EES) has shown functional restoration in humans with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). EES during body weight supported treadmill training (BWSTT) enhanced stepping performance in clinical trial participants with paraplegia. Unfortunately, tools are lacking in availability to quantify clinician assistance during BWSTT with and without EES. Force sensitive resistors (FSRs) have previously quantified clinician assistance during static standing; however, dynamic tasks have not been addressed.

Objective:To determine the validity of FSRs in measurements of force and duration to quantify clinician assistance and participant progression during BWSTT with EES in participants with SCI.

Design:A feasibility study to determine the effectiveness of EES to restore function in individuals with SCI.

Methods:Two male participants with chronic SCI were enrolled in a pilot phase clinical trial. Following implantation of an EES system in the lumbosacral spinal cord, both participants underwent 12 months of BWSTT with EES. At monthly intervals, FSRs were positioned on participants' knees to quantity forces applied by clinicians to achieve appropriate mechanics of stepping during BWSTT. The FSRs were validated on the benchtop using a leg model instrumented with a multiaxial load cell as the gold standard. The outcomes included clinician-applied force duration measured by FSR sensors and changes in applied forces indicating progression over the course of rehabilitation.

Results:The force sensitive resistors validation revealed a proportional bias in their output. Loading required for maximal assist training exceeded the active range of the FSRs but were capable of capturing changes in clinician assist levels. The FSRs were also temporally responsive which increased utility for accurately assessing training contact time. The FSRs readings were able to capture independent stance for both participants by study end. There was minimal to no applied force bilaterally for participant 1 and unilaterally for participant 2.

Conclusions:Clinician assistance applied at the knees as measured through FSRs during dynamic rehabilitation and EES (both on and off) effectively detected point of contact and duration of forces; however, it lacks accuracy of magnitude assessment. The reduced contact time measured through FSRs related to increased stance duration, which objectively identified independence in stepping during EES-enabled BWSTT following SCI.
Edible Insects as New Food Frontier in the Hospitality Industry
Authors: Ayieko Irene A. , Onyango Maria , Ngadze Ruth T. , Ayieko Monica A.
Published: December 2021

Entomophagy has led to the recognition of insects as playing a major role in improving global environmental health, food, and nutritional security. The processing methods have shown to greatly affect its acceptance and consumption. This review selectively summarizes the current trends related to consumption of edible insects among householders, the food and beverage industry consumers, and its prospects as a key attractant in tourism destinations. Its unconventional processing techniques have hindered its growth especially in the food business industry, thus influencing the food value chain in entomophagy. The paper reviews perceptions on insects' consumption by identifying already developed processing methods, emphasizing on the health benefits of entomophagy and its economic importance. A structured literature search is conducted to identify published studies on edible-insects product processing, food design, its acceptance, and consumption in the food industry. The literature search is focused on its acceptance as whole consumption or after product development and whether it can be accepted in the food industry in its new form. It was observed that Europe has the highest publications on acceptance, public perception, processing technology, and research trends. Africa tends to prefer whole consumption, as the Americans is still have not taken a stand. Results reveal that processing of the insects and incorporating other ingredients have greatly increased acceptance of edible insects. Therefore, we conclude that new food designs that incorporate insects as special ingredient should be promoted in main stream hotels to attract food and culture tourism.
Food Security and COVID-19: Impacts and Resilience in Singapore
Authors: Tortajada Cecilia , Lim Nicole Sher Wen
Published: December 2021

Across the world, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted food supply chains and threatened food security. Singapore is highly dependent on food imports and has an open economy that exposes it to volatile global markets, so it is acutely vulnerable to the effects of the pandemic on other countries, the effectiveness of measures taken by foreign governments to combat the spread of the virus and overall disruptions of international trade links. Proactive and reactive steps have been taken to protect Singapore's food supply chains against the adverse impacts of COVID-19. In this paper, we discuss food security in the city state, the impacts of COVID-19 in the population, the local production, and imports from two main trade partners: Malaysia and China. We conclude by acknowledging the complexity of achieving food security under the very difficult circumstances.
Land Equivalent Ratio of Cowpea–Sorghum Relay Intercrop as Affected by Different Cattle Manure Application Rates Under Smallholder Farming System
Authors: Parwada Cosmas , Chinyama Trust Antony
Published: December 2021

Poor soil fertility is a major challenge to crop production in the communal farming areas of Zimbabwe. Intercropping legumes and cereals is a common soil fertility management technology among the farmers. A 3-year field experiment was conducted to evaluate cowpea–sorghum relay intercropping advantages in response to different cattle manure application rates. A 3 × 4 factorial experiment laid in a completely randomized block design (CRBD) with three replicates was conducted. The treatments were three cropping systems (sorghum sole, cowpea sole, and cowpea–sorghum intercrop) and four cattle manure application rates (0, 50, 75, and 100%). Crop growth rate (CGR), grain yield, harvest index (HI), relative competitive ability of each crop, and land equivalent ratio (LER) were measured. Analysis of variance and non-linear regression analyses were done to determine the yield benefits of cowpea–sorghum intercrop and estimate the relative competitive ability, respectively. Application of >75% cattle manure in a cowpea–sorghum intercrop enhanced the sorghum grain yield (75%) and HI (125%) of unmanured cowpea–sorghum plots. Cowpeas had higher CGR (159.6, 166.7 and 149.5 g m−2 day−1 at 7, 21, and 35 days after planting, respectively) at >75% cattle manure application rates on both intercrop and sole cropping than sorghum but with lower grain yield (1.4 t ha−1). Intraspecific competitive stress in sorghum was reduced at a high (>75%) quantity of manure applied. The effects of the intraspecific competition in cowpea were stronger (0.693) on grain yield than biomass at >75% manure application rates. The LER was >1 in all the treatments and was highest (2.73) under the cowpea–sorghum relay intercrop without cattle manure. Cattle manure application at 75% in a cowpea–sorghum intercrop enhanced the grain yield in sorghum and vegetative growth in cowpeas. It is therefore recommended to use the >75% cattle manure application rate in the intercrop if one wants higher grain in sorghum and high biomass in cowpeas possibly for fodder. Further studies are recommended to quantify the rate of increase in available N under the cowpea–sorghum relay intercrop with >75% cattle manure application rates.
Bladder Cancer Sample Handling and Reporting: Pathologist's Point of View
Authors: Mazzucchelli Roberta , Marzioni Daniela , Tossetta Giovanni , Pepi Laura , Montironi Rodolfo
Published: December 2021

The aim of this narrative review is to provide adequate information on handling and reporting of the bladder cancer samples to improve the closely collaboration between pathologists and urologists. The main (but not exclusive) research tool used was PubMed and 87 references were selected and quoted in the text. We have considered handling of biopsies, transurethral resection (TUR), and cystectomy specimens to summarize the different methods of sampling and the related issues. Moreover, we considered and discussed the main prognostic factors, such as histological tumor type, grade, and stage of bladder cancer, that should be described in the pathological report. In addition, critical issues encountered in the interpretation of histological samples were discussed.
Measurement of Pulmonary Artery Wave Reflection Before and After Mitral Valvuloplasty in Canine Patients With Pulmonary Hypertension Caused by Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease
Authors: Yoshida Tomohiko , Shimada Kazumi , Hamabe Lina , Uchide Tsuyoshi , Tanaka Ryou , Matsuura Katsuhiro
Published: December 2021

Background: Pulmonary arterial wave reflection provides novel information about pulmonary artery hemodynamics in pulmonary hypertension (PH). PH is common in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD), though research examining the relationship between pulmonary arterial wave reflection and MMVD with PH is lacking.

Hypothesis/Objective: This study investigated conventional echocardiographic parameters and pulmonary artery wave reflection parameters before and after mitral valvuloplasty in canine patients with PH due to MMVD. The parameters were backward pressure (Pb), forward pressure (Pf), and the reflection coefficient calculated as the ratio of peak Pb to peak Pf (RC).

Animals: The study subjects were 10 client-owned dogs receiving mitral valvuloplasty for MMVD with PH.

Methods: Conventional echocardiographic parameters and pulmonary artery wave reflection parameters were measured before and after mitral valvuloplasty. The relationships between pulmonary artery wave reflection parameters and echocardiographic parameters, estimation of pulmonary artery systolic pressure, and right atrium pressure (RAP) gained by catheter in mitral valvuloplasty were also investigated. Post-operative echocardiography and the measurement of pulmonary arterial wave reflection were performed 2 weeks after mitral valvuloplasty.

Results: The parameters of normalized left ventricular internal diameter at end-diastole (LVIDDN), E velocity, and the estimation of pulmonary artery systolic pressure were significantly reduced post-operatively compared with baseline measurements (p < 0.05). Post-operative Pb decreased significantly compared with pre-operative measurements (8.8 ± 5.9 to 5.0 ± 3.2 mmHg, p = 0.037) as did RC (0.37 ± 0.15 to 0.22 ± 0.11, p < 0.01). A statistically significant positive correlation existed between wave reflection parameters and RAP, an estimation of pulmonary artery systolic pressure.

Conclusions: Results demonstrate that mitral valvuloplasty can be used to treat secondary PH caused by MMVD, resulting in the improvement of post-operative echocardiographic and wave reflection parameters and a decrease in the right afterload. In some patients, some degree of vascular admittance mismatch persisted, despite the improvement of left atrial pressure. This may be indicative of residual pulmonary arterial disease, which may continue to adversely affect interactions between the right ventricle and the vasculature.
High-Resolution LiDAR Digital Elevation Model Referenced Landslide Slide Observation with Differential Interferometric Radar, GNSS, and Underground Measurements
Authors: Wang Kuo-Lung , Lin Jun-Tin , Chu Hsun-Kuang , Chen Chao-Wei , Lu Chia-Hao , Wang Jyun-Yen , Lin Hsi-Hung , Chi Chung-Chi
Published: December 2021

The area of Taiwan is 70% hillsides. In addition, the topography fluctuates wildly, and it is active in earthquakes and young orogenic movements. Landslides are a widespread disaster in Taiwan. However, landslides are not a disaster until someone enters the mountain area for development. Therefore, landslide displacement monitoring is the primary task of this study. Potential landslide areas with mostly slate geological conditions were selected as candidate sites in this study. The slate bedding in this area is approximately 30 to 75 degrees toward the southeast, which means that creep may occur due to gravity deformation caused by high-angle rock formation strikes. In addition, because the research site is located in a densely vegetated area, the data noise is very high, and it is not easy to obtain good results. This study chose ESA Sentinel-1 data for analysis and 1-m LiDAR DEM as reference elevation. The 1-m LiDAR DEM with high accuracy can help to detect more complex deformation from DInSAR. The Sentinel-1 series of satellites have a regular revisit period. In addition, the farm areas of roads, bridges, and buildings in the study area provided enough reflections to produce good coherence. Sentinel-1 images from March 2017 to June 2021 were analyzed, obtaining slope deformation and converting it to the vertical direction. Deformation derived from SAR is compared with other measurements, including GNSS and underground slope inclinometer. The SBAS solution process provides more DInSAR pairs to overcome the problem of tremendous noise and has increased accuracy. Moreover, the SBAS method’s parameter modification derives more candidate points in the vegetated area. The vertical deformation comparison between the GNSS installation location and the ascending SBAS solution’s vertical deformation is consistent. Moreover, the reliable facing of the slope toward the SAR satellite is discussed. Due to the limitations of the GNSS stations, this study proposes a method to convert the observed deformation from the slope inclinometer and convert it to vertical deformation. The displacement of the slope indicator is originally a horizontal displacement. It is assumed that it is fixed at the farthest underground, and the bottom-to-top movement is integrated with depth. The results show that the proposed equation to convert horizontal to vertical displacement fits well in this condition. The activity of landslides within the LiDAR digital elevation model identified as scars is also mapped.
Mechanical Behavior of Sand Mixed with Rubber Aggregates
Authors: Benjelloun Mohamed , Bouferra Rachid , Ibouh Hassan , Jamin Frederic , Benessalah Ismail , Arab Ahmed
Published: December 2021

The main objective of this study is to compare the mechanical behavior of two sands (Hostun or Dune sands) mixed with crushed rubber obtained from used tires. However, it is essential to ensure that his geotechnical application do not result in long-term negative impacts on the environment. The chemical properties of these two sands are given by energy dispersive analysis X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. The mineral composition of these two sands is performed by X-ray diffractometry. The morphological characteristics of the sand grains are given by the analysis of the images of the two sands given by the scanning electron microscope. This study is based on 120 direct shear tests performed on sand-rubber aggregate mixtures. The results show that the rubber content of the aggregates has a significant effect on the shear strength of sand-rubber mixtures in both cases of sand. In fact, the shear strength of the sand-rubber mixture increases with increasing crushed rubber up to 20% for different normal stresses. The analysis of the test results also shows the effect of the angular shape of the sand grains on the interparticle friction. The contribution of the structure effect in the mobilized friction is analyzed by comparing the shear test results of Hostun and dune sand mixtures.
An Overview of Challenges Associated with Automatic Detection of Concrete Cracks in the Presence of Shadows
Authors: Pal Mayur , Palevičius Paulius , Landauskas Mantas , Orinaitė Ugnė , Timofejeva Inga , Ragulskis Minvydas
Published: December 2021

Detection and assessment of cracks in civil engineering structures such as roads, bridges, dams and pipelines are crucial tasks for maintaining the safety and cost-effectiveness of those concrete structures. With the recent advances in machine learning, the development of ANN- and CNN-based algorithms has become a popular approach for the automated detection and identification of concrete cracks. However, most of the proposed models are trained on images taken in ideal conditions and are only capable of achieving high accuracy when applied to the concrete images devoid of irregular illumination conditions, shadows, shading, blemishes, etc. An overview of challenges related to the automatic detection of concrete cracks in the presence of shadows is presented in this paper. In particular, difficulties associated with the application of deep learning-based methods for the classification of concrete images with shadows are demonstrated. Moreover, the limitations of the shadow removal techniques for the improvement of the crack detection accuracy are discussed.
Classification of Breast Cancer in Mammograms with Deep Learning Adding a Fifth Class
Authors: Castro-Tapia Salvador , Castañeda-Miranda Celina Lizeth , Olvera-Olvera Carlos Alberto , Guerrero-Osuna Héctor A. , Ortiz-Rodriguez José Manuel , Martínez-Blanco Ma. del Rosario , Díaz-Florez Germán , Mendiola-Santibañez Jorge Domingo , Solís-Sánchez Luis Octavio
Published: December 2021

Breast cancer is one of the diseases of most profound concern, with the most prevalence worldwide, where early detections and diagnoses play the leading role against this disease achieved through imaging techniques such as mammography. Radiologists tend to have a high false positive rate for mammography diagnoses and an accuracy of around 82%. Currently, deep learning (DL) techniques have shown promising results in the early detection of breast cancer by generating computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) systems implementing convolutional neural networks (CNNs). This work focuses on applying, evaluating, and comparing the architectures: AlexNet, GoogLeNet, Resnet50, and Vgg19 to classify breast lesions after using transfer learning with fine-tuning and training the CNN with regions extracted from the MIAS and INbreast databases. We analyzed 14 classifiers, involving 4 classes as several researches have done it before, corresponding to benign and malignant microcalcifications and masses, and as our main contribution, we also added a 5th class for the normal tissue of the mammary parenchyma increasing the correct detection; in order to evaluate the architectures with a statistical analysis based on the received operational characteristics (ROC), the area under the curve (AUC), F1 Score, accuracy, precision, sensitivity, and specificity. We generate the best results with the CNN GoogLeNet trained with five classes on a balanced database with an AUC of 99.29%, F1 Score of 91.92%, the accuracy of 91.92%, precision of 92.15%, sensitivity of 91.70%, and specificity of 97.66%, concluding that GoogLeNet is optimal as a classifier in a CAD system to deal with breast cancer.
A New Approach on Transforms: Formable Integral Transform and Its Applications
Authors: Saadeh Rania Zohair , Ghazal Bayan fu’ad
Published: December 2021

In this paper, we introduce a new integral transform called the Formable integral transform, which is a new efficient technique for solving ordinary and partial differential equations. We introduce the definition of the new transform and give the sufficient conditions for its existence. Some essential properties and examples are introduced to show the efficiency and applicability of the new transform, and we prove the duality between the new transform and other transforms such as the Laplace transform, Sumudu transform, Elzaki transform, ARA transform, Natural transform and Shehu transform. Finally, we use the Formable transform to solve some ordinary and partial differential equations by presenting five applications, and we evaluate the Formable transform for some functions and present them in a table. A comparison between the new transform and some well-known transforms is made and illustrated in a table.
Growth and Expression of Virulence Genes of Listeria monocytogenes during the Processing of Dry-Cured Fermented “Salchichón” Manufactured with a Selected Lactilactobacillus sakei
Authors: Martín Irene , Alía Alberto , Rodríguez Alicia , Gómez Francisco , Córdoba Juan J.
Published: December 2021

The effect of the dry-cured fermented processing of “salchichón” inoculated with a selected strain of Lactilactobacillus sakei (205) on the growth and transcriptional response of three virulence genes (plcA, hly, and iap) of Listeria monocytogenes was evaluated. For this, three different batches of “salchichón” were analyzed: batch B (inoculated only with L. sakei), batch L (inoculated only with L. monocytogenes), and batch L + B (inoculated with both microorganisms). Sausages were ripened for 90 days according to a traditional industrial process. The processing of “salchichón” provoked a reduction in L. monocytogenes counts of around 2 log CFU/g. The downregulation of the expression of the three genes was found at the end of ripening when the water activity (aw) of “salchichón” was <0.85 aw. The combined effect on the reduction in L. monocytogenes counts together with the downregulation in the expression of the virulence genes throughout the “salchichón” processing could be of great interest to control the hazard caused by the presence of this pathogenic bacterium.
Towards the De Novo Design of HIV-1 Protease Inhibitors Based on Natural Products
Authors: Chávez-Hernández Ana L. , Juárez-Mercado K. Eurídice , Saldívar-González Fernanda I. , Medina-Franco José L.
Published: December 2021

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) continues to be a public health problem. In 2020, 680,000 people died from HIV-related causes, and 1.5 million people were infected. Antiretrovirals are a way to control HIV infection but not to cure AIDS. As such, effective treatment must be developed to control AIDS. Developing a drug is not an easy task, and there is an enormous amount of work and economic resources invested. For this reason, it is highly convenient to employ computer-aided drug design methods, which can help generate and identify novel molecules. Using the de novo design, novel molecules can be developed using fragments as building blocks. In this work, we develop a virtual focused compound library of HIV-1 viral protease inhibitors from natural product fragments. Natural products are characterized by a large diversity of functional groups, many sp3 atoms, and chiral centers. Pseudo-natural products are a combination of natural products fragments that keep the desired structural characteristics from different natural products. An interactive version of chemical space visualization of virtual compounds focused on HIV-1 viral protease inhibitors from natural product fragments is freely available in the supplementary material.
Inhibition of Autophagy Promotes Hemistepsin A-Induced Apoptosis via Reactive Oxygen Species-Mediated AMPK-Dependent Signaling in Human Prostate Cancer Cells
Authors: Kim Kwang-Youn , Yun Un-Jung , Yeom Seung-Hee , Kim Sang-Chan , Lee Hu-Jang , Ahn Soon-Cheol , Park Kwang-Il , Kim Young-Woo
Published: December 2021

Chemotherapy is an essential strategy for cancer treatment. On the other hand, consistent exposure to chemotherapeutic drugs induces chemo-resistance in cancer cells through a variety of mechanisms. Therefore, it is important to develop a new drug inhibiting chemo-resistance. Although hemistepsin A (HsA) is known to have anti-tumor effects, the molecular mechanisms of HsA-mediated cell death are unclear. Accordingly, this study examined whether HsA could induce apoptosis in aggressive prostate cancer cells, along with its underlying mechanism. Using HsA on two prostate cancer cell lines, PC-3 and LNCaP cells, the cell analysis and in vivo xenograft model were assayed. In this study, HsA induced apoptosis and autophagy in PC-3 cells. HsA-mediated ROS production attenuated HsA-induced apoptosis and autophagy after treatment with N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), a ROS scavenger. Moreover, autophagy inhibition by 3-MA or CQ is involved in accelerating the apoptosis induced by HsA. Furthermore, we showed the anti-tumor effects of HsA in mice, as assessed by the reduced growth of the xenografted tumors. In conclusion, HsA induced apoptosis and ROS generation, which were blocked by protective autophagy signaling.
Characterization of Existing Steel Racks via Dynamic Identification
Authors: Bernuzzi Claudio , Pellegrino Claudia , Simoncelli Marco
Published: December 2021

Steel storage racks are widely used in logistics for storing materials and goods. Rack design is carried out by adopting the so-called design-assisted-by-testing procedure. In particular, experimental analyses must be carried out by rack producers on the key structural components in order to adopt the design approach proposed for the more traditional carpentry frames. For existing racks, i.e., those in-service for decades, it is required to evaluate the load carrying capacity in accordance with the design provisions currently in use. The main problem in several cases should be the appraisal of the key component performance, owing to the impossibility to obtain specimens from in-service racks without reduction or interruption of the logistic flows. To overcome this problem, a quite innovative procedure for the identification of the structural unknowns of existing racks has been proposed in the paper. The method is based on in-situ modal identification tests combined with extensive numerical analyses. To develop the procedure, cheap measurement systems are required, and they could be immediately applied to existing racks. A real case study is discussed, showing the efficiency of the procedure in the evaluation of the effective elastic stiffness of beam-to-column joints and base plate connections, that are parameters which remarkably affect the rack performance. The structural unknowns have been determined based on four sets of modal tests (two configurations on the longitudinal direction and two in the transversal direction) plus 9079 iterative structural analyses. The results obtained were then directly compared with experimental component tests, showing differences lower than 9%.
Prognostic Value of HER2-Low Expression in Non-Metastatic Triple-Negative Breast Cancer and Correlation with Other Biomarkers
Authors: Jacot William , Maran-Gonzalez Aurélie , Massol Océane , Sorbs Charlotte , Mollevi Caroline , Guiu Séverine , Boissière-Michot Florence , Ramos Jeanne
Published: December 2021

HER2-low breast cancer (i.e., HER 1+ or 2+, without gene amplification) is an emerging subtype for which very few data are available, especially within the triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) group. Our aim was to evaluate HER2 expression and its prognostic value in a large retrospective series of patients with non-metastatic TNBC (median age: 57.7 years; range: 28.5–98.6). Among the 296 TNBC samples, 83.8% were HER2 0, 13.5% were HER2 1+, and 2.7% were HER2 2+ (HercepTestTM and 2018 ASCO/CAP guidelines for HER2 scoring). CK5/6 and/or EGFR-expressing androgen receptors and FOXA1-expressing tumors were classified as basal-like (63.8%) and molecular apocrine-like (MA, 40.2%), respectively. Compared with HER2 0 tumors, HER2 1+/2+ tumors exhibited a lower histological grade (1/2) (35.4% vs. 18.2%, p = 0.007) and MA profile (57.5% vs. 36.7%, p = 0.008). Moreover, patients with HER2 1+/2+ tumors were older (p = 0.047). After a median follow-up of 9.7 years, HER2 2+ tumors (compared with HER2 0/1+ tumors) were associated with worse relapse-free survival (RFS) (HR = 3.16, 95% CI [1.27; 7.85], p = 0.034) in a univariate analysis. Overall survival (OS) and RFS were not different in the HER2 0 and 1+/2+ groups. HER2 levels were not significantly associated with OS or RFS in a multivariate analysis.
High Catalytic Activity of Pt/Al2O3 Catalyst in CO Oxidation at Room Temperature—A New Insight into Strong Metal–Support Interactions
Authors: Kocemba Ireneusz , Śmiechowicz Izabela , Jędrzejczyk Marcin , Rogowski Jacek , Rynkowski Jacek Michał
Published: December 2021

The concept of very strong metal–support interactions (VSMSI) was defined in regard to the interactions that influence the catalytic properties of catalysts due to the creation of a new phase as a result of a solid-state chemical reaction between the metal and support. In this context, the high catalytic activity of the 1%Pt/Al2O3 catalyst in the CO oxidation reaction at room temperature was explained. The catalyst samples were reduced at different temperatures ranging from 500 °C to 800 °C and characterized using TPR, O2/H2 titration, CO chemisorption, TPD-CO, FTIR-CO, XRD, and TOF-SIMS methods. Based on the obtained results, it was claimed that with very high temperature reduction (800 °C), nonstoichiometric platinum species [Pt(Cl)Ox] strongly anchored to Al2O3 surface are formed. These species act as the oxygen adsorption sites.
Meningeal Lymphatics: An Immune Gateway for the Central Nervous System
Authors: Tavares Gabriel A. , Louveau Antoine
Published: December 2021

The recent (re)discovery of the meningeal lymphatic system has opened new theories as to how immune cells traffic and interact with the central nervous system (CNS). While evidence is accumulating on the contribution of the meningeal lymphatic system in both homeostatic and disease conditions, a lot remains unknown about the mechanisms that allow for interaction between the meningeal lymphatic system and immune cells. In this review, we synthesize the knowledge about the lymphatic immune interaction in the CNS and highlight the important questions that remain to be answered.
Roles of a Cryptochrome in Carbon Fixation and Sucrose Metabolism in the Liverwort Marchantia polymorpha
Authors: Li Tianhong , Zhang Li , Su Shengzhong , Li Sudi , Zhang Junchuan , Yang Zhenming , Zuo Zecheng
Published: December 2021

In vascular plants, cryptochromes acting as blue-light photoreceptors have various functions to adapt plants to the fluctuating light conditions on land, while the roles of cryptochromes in bryophytes have been rarely reported. In this study, we investigated functions of a single-copy ortholog of cryptochrome (MpCRY) in the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha. Knock-out of MpCRY showed that a large number of the mutant plants exhibited asymmetric growth of thalli under blue light. Transcriptome analyses indicated that MpCRY is mainly involved in photosynthesis and sugar metabolism. Further physiological analysis showed that Mpcry mutant exhibited a reduction in CO2 uptake and sucrose metabolism. In addition, exogenous application of sucrose or glucose partially restored the symmetrical growth of the Mpcry mutant thalli. Together, these results suggest that MpCRY is involved in the symmetrical growth of thallus and the regulation of carbon fixation and sucrose metabolism in M. polymorpha.
Browsers’ Private Mode: Is It What We Were Promised?
Authors: Hughes Kris , Papadopoulos Pavlos , Pitropakis Nikolaos , Smales Adrian , Ahmad Jawad , Buchanan William J.
Published: December 2021

Web browsers are one of the most used applications on every computational device in our days. Hence, they play a pivotal role in any forensic investigation and help determine if nefarious or suspicious activity has occurred on that device. Our study investigates the usage of private mode and browsing artefacts within four prevalent web browsers and is focused on analyzing both hard disk and random access memory. Forensic analysis on the target device showed that using private mode matched each of the web browser vendors’ claims, such as that browsing activity, search history, cookies and temporary files that are not saved in the device’s hard disks. However, in volatile memory analysis, a majority of artefacts within the test cases were retrieved. Hence, a malicious actor performing a similar approach could potentially retrieve sensitive information left behind on the device without the user’s consent.
A Singular Concept of Biodiversity Remains the Best Way to Address the Plural Values of Nature in Conservation Planning
Authors: Faith Daniel P.
Published: December 2021

The term “biodiversity” generally refers to living variation. Biodiversity has recognized anthropocentric values of insurance and investment. Values of “nature” include those of biodiversity and also many other aspects reflecting the scope of human-nature relationships. Systematic conservation planning methods can integrate this range of local to global values. Early case studies in Australia and Papua New Guinea show the potential for such approaches. Recently, there have been calls for a recasting of the concept of biodiversity to capture plurality of values. However, balance among sometimes conflicting values of nature is best-served by a singular biodiversity concept and definition focused on variety, because this enables effective integration with other values of nature. Attempts at pluralistic recastings of biodiversity in fact may promote neglect of global biodiversity values. Further, an extended analysis of the Papua New Guinea case study shows that it cannot be argued that focusing on localized values of nature for conservation will effectively address regional/global scale conservation needs.
Validation of Chinese Version of SKT (Syndrom Kurztest): A Short Cognitive Performance Test for the Assessment of Memory and Attention
Authors: Lu Yao , Hu Jingchao , Stemmler Mark , Guo Qihao
Published: December 2021

(1) Background: The SKT (Syndrom Kurztest) is a short cognitive performance test that consists of nine subtests and assesses deficits of memory and attention. This study was aimed at exploring the SKT target population in China and evaluating the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the SKT; (2) Methods: A total of 1624 patients aged over 60 years old were recruited in the Sixth People’s Hospital in Shanghai. The SKT raw scores were recorded. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was determined to assess the internal consistency reliability of the SKT. Principal factor analysis was performed to evaluate the factor structure of the SKT subtests. Correlation analyses were carried out to confirm the relationship between the modified SKT and standardized neuropsychological tests. The influence of age and educational years on SKT raw scores were detected using multiple regression analyses. Validations of the SKT subtests for detecting Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) from Negative Control(NC)(were determined by Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves; (3) Results: The internal consistency among the subtests’ scores was high: Cronbach’s α = 0.827. The SKT memory test provided a high predictive validity in detecting aMCI with a sensitivity of 90.1% and specificity of 79.3%. (4) Conclusions: Based on our experience with 1624 elderly patients in Shanghai, the Chinese version of SKT has good stability and may be a reliable and valid screening tool for detecting MCI.