bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pre- and Intraoperative Visualization of GRPR-Expressing Solid Tumors: Preclinical Profiling of Novel Dual-Modality Probes for Nuclear and Fluorescence Imaging
Authors: Verhoeven Marjolein , Handula Maryana , van den Brink Lilian , de Ridder Corrina M. A. , Stuurman Debra C. , Seimbille Yann , Dalm Simone U.
Published: April 2023

Image-guided surgery using a gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR)-targeting dual-modality probe could improve the accuracy of the resection of various solid tumors. The aim of this study was to further characterize our four previously developed GRPR-targeting dual-modality probes that vary in linker structures and were labeled with indium-111 and sulfo-cyanine 5. Cell uptake studies with GRPR-positive PC-3 cells and GRPR-negative NCI-H69 cells confirmed receptor specificity. Imaging and biodistribution studies at 4 and 24 h with 20 MBq/1 nmol [111In]In-12-15 were performed in nude mice bearing a PC-3 and NCI-H69 xenograft, and showed that the probe with only a pADA linker in the backbone had the highest tumor-to-organ ratios (T/O) at 24 h after injection (T/O > 5 for, e.g., prostate, muscle and blood). For this probe, a dose optimization study with three doses (0.75, 1.25 and 1.75 nmol; 20 MBq) revealed that the maximum image contrast was achieved with the lowest dose. Subsequently, the probe was successfully used for tumor excision in a simulated image-guided surgery setting. Moreover, it demonstrated binding to tissue sections of human prostate, breast and gastro-intestinal stromal tumors. In summary, our findings demonstrate that the developed dual-modality probe has the potential to aid in the complete surgical removal of GRPR-positive tumors.
Adefovir Dipivoxil as a Therapeutic Candidate for Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma: Targeting RET and STAT3 Proto-Oncogenes
Authors: Alqahtani Tariq , Kumarasamy Vishnu , Alghamdi Sahar Saleh , Suliman Rasha Saad , Bin Saleh Khalid , Alrashed Mohammed A. , Aldhaeefi Mohammed , Sun Daekyu
Published: April 2023

Aberrant gene expression is often linked to the progression of various cancers, making the targeting of oncogene transcriptional activation a potential strategy to control tumor growth and development. The RET proto-oncogene’s gain-of-function mutation is a major cause of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), which is part of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2) syndrome. In this study, we used a cell-based bioluminescence reporter system driven by the RET promoter to screen for small molecules that potentially suppress the RET gene transcription. We identified adefovir dipivoxil as a transcriptional inhibitor of the RET gene, which suppressed endogenous RET protein expression in MTC TT cells. Adefovir dipivoxil also interfered with STAT3 phosphorylation and showed high affinity to bind to STAT3. Additionally, it inhibited RET-dependent TT cell proliferation and increased apoptosis. These results demonstrate the potential of cell-based screening assays in identifying transcriptional inhibitors for other oncogenes.
Predictors for Survival of Patients with Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Unknown Primary in the Head and Neck Region
Authors: Wagner Steffen , Langer Christine , Wuerdemann Nora , Reiser Susanne , Abing Helen , Pons-Kühnemann Jörn , Prigge Elena-Sophie , von Knebel Doeberitz Magnus , Gattenlöhner Stefan , Waterboer Tim , Schroeder Lea , Arens Christoph , Klussmann Jens Peter , Wittekindt Claus
Published: April 2023

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) status is the most important predictor of survival in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). In patients with cervical lymph node metastases of squamous cell carcinoma of unknown origin (CUPHNSCC), much less is known. Methods: We assessed a consecutive cohort of CUPHNSCC diagnosed from 2000–2018 for HPV DNA, mRNA, p16INK4a (p16) expression, and risk factors to identify prognostic classification markers. Results: In 32/103 (31%) CUPHNSCC, p16 was overexpressed, and high-risk HPV DNA was detected in 18/32 (56.3%). This was mostly consistent with mRNA detection. In recursive partitioning analysis, CUPHNSCC patients were classified into three risk groups according to performance status (ECOG) and p16. Principal component analysis suggests a negative correlation of p16, HPV DNA, and gender in relation to ECOG, as well as a correlation between N stage, extranodal extension, and tobacco/alcohol consumption. Conclusions: Despite obvious differences, CUPHNSCC shares similarities in risk profile with OPSCC. However, the detection of p16 alone appears to be more suitable for the classification of CUPHNSCC than for OPSCC and, in combination with ECOG, allows stratification into three risk groups. In the future, additional factors besides p16 and ECOG may become important in larger studies or cases with special risk profiles.
DSCC_Net: Multi-Classification Deep Learning Models for Diagnosing of Skin Cancer Using Dermoscopic Images
Authors: Tahir Maryam , Naeem Ahmad , Malik Hassaan , Tanveer Jawad , Naqvi Rizwan Ali , Lee Seung-Won
Published: April 2023

Skin cancer is one of the most lethal kinds of human illness. In the present state of the health care system, skin cancer identification is a time-consuming procedure and if it is not diagnosed initially then it can be threatening to human life. To attain a high prospect of complete recovery, early detection of skin cancer is crucial. In the last several years, the application of deep learning (DL) algorithms for the detection of skin cancer has grown in popularity. Based on a DL model, this work intended to build a multi-classification technique for diagnosing skin cancers such as melanoma (MEL), basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanocytic nevi (MN). In this paper, we have proposed a novel model, a deep learning-based skin cancer classification network (DSCC_Net) that is based on a convolutional neural network (CNN), and evaluated it on three publicly available benchmark datasets (i.e., ISIC 2020, HAM10000, and DermIS). For the skin cancer diagnosis, the classification performance of the proposed DSCC_Net model is compared with six baseline deep networks, including ResNet-152, Vgg-16, Vgg-19, Inception-V3, EfficientNet-B0, and MobileNet. In addition, we used SMOTE Tomek to handle the minority classes issue that exists in this dataset. The proposed DSCC_Net obtained a 99.43% AUC, along with a 94.17%, accuracy, a recall of 93.76%, a precision of 94.28%, and an F1-score of 93.93% in categorizing the four distinct types of skin cancer diseases. The rates of accuracy for ResNet-152, Vgg-19, MobileNet, Vgg-16, EfficientNet-B0, and Inception-V3 are 89.32%, 91.68%, 92.51%, 91.12%, 89.46% and 91.82%, respectively. The results showed that our proposed DSCC_Net model performs better as compared to baseline models, thus offering significant support to dermatologists and health experts to diagnose skin cancer.
MR Vascular Fingerprinting with Hybrid Gradient–Spin Echo Dynamic Susceptibility Contrast MRI for Characterization of Microvasculature in Gliomas
Authors: Venugopal Krishnapriya , Arzanforoosh Fatemeh , van Dorth Daniëlle , Smits Marion , van Osch Matthias J. P. , Hernandez-Tamames Juan A. , Warnert Esther A. H. , Poot Dirk H. J.
Published: April 2023

Characterization of tumor microvasculature is important in tumor assessment and studying treatment response. This is possible by acquiring vascular biomarkers with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) based on dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC). We propose magnetic resonance vascular fingerprinting (MRVF) for hybrid echo planar imaging (HEPI) acquired during the first passage of the contrast agent (CA). The proposed approach was evaluated in patients with gliomas, and we simultaneously estimated vessel radius and relative cerebral blood volume. These parameters were also compared to the respective values estimated using the previously introduced vessel size imaging (VSI) technique. The results of both methods were found to be consistent. MRVF was also found to be robust to noise in the estimation of the parameters. DSC-HEPI-based MRVF provides characterization of microvasculature in gliomas with a short acquisition time and can be further improved in several ways to increase our understanding of tumor physiology.
Biosynthesis and Significance of Fatty Acids, Glycerophospholipids, and Triacylglycerol in the Processes of Glioblastoma Tumorigenesis
Authors: Korbecki Jan , Bosiacki Mateusz , Gutowska Izabela , Chlubek Dariusz , Baranowska-Bosiacka Irena
Published: April 2023

One area of glioblastoma research is the metabolism of tumor cells and detecting differences between tumor and healthy brain tissue metabolism. Here, we review differences in fatty acid metabolism, with a particular focus on the biosynthesis of saturated fatty acids (SFA), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) by fatty acid synthase (FASN), elongases, and desaturases. We also describe the significance of individual fatty acids in glioblastoma tumorigenesis, as well as the importance of glycerophospholipid and triacylglycerol synthesis in this process. Specifically, we show the significance and function of various isoforms of glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferases (GPAT), 1-acylglycerol-3-phosphate O-acyltransferases (AGPAT), lipins, as well as enzymes involved in the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylserine (PS), phosphatidylinositol (PI), and cardiolipin (CL). This review also highlights the involvement of diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase (DGAT) in triacylglycerol biosynthesis. Due to significant gaps in knowledge, the GEPIA database was utilized to demonstrate the significance of individual enzymes in glioblastoma tumorigenesis. Finally, we also describe the significance of lipid droplets in glioblastoma and the impact of fatty acid synthesis, particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), on cell membrane fluidity and signal transduction from the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR).
Gradient Coating of Laser Cladding TiB2/Ti-Based Alloy on Titanium Alloy Surface
Authors: Lin Yinghua , Wang Haibo , Zhang Mingxing , Lin Hui , Yan Dengqiang , Lin Qinghua , Kang Xin , Wang Xinlin
Published: April 2023

The technology of the TiB2/TiB cladding layer addresses the issue of the insufficient wear resistance of cup-shaped parts composed of titanium alloy materials. In order to eliminate the cracking problem of laser cladding TiB2/Ti-based alloy, 30%TiB2/Ti-based alloy gradient coating was prepared on the surface of titanium alloy by laser cladding in this study. The results revealed that the microstructure of the matrix and the cladding layer is metallurgically bonded. The microstructures of the cladding layer appear as rod-like and coarse-grained features on the surface, and fine needle-like and small-grained morphologies inside. The fine needle-like TiB precipitated in situ from the melt has a flat interface with Ti and exhibits a low degree of interfacial mismatch, while the interface between small particle-like TiB and Ti is wavy and has a high degree of interfacial mismatch. The gradual increase in the amount of TiB is present from the surface to the bottom of the cladding layer, while the amount of unmelted TiB2 particles decreases. The chemical structure of the cladding layer is mainly presented as TiB2, TiB and α-Ti phases. The maximum hardness of the cladding layer is 725 HV0.2, where it is more than twice the hardness of the substrate. The fretting wear resistance of the cladding layer is better than that of the titanium alloy substrate under low loads (50 N–100 N), while a high load (more than 150 N) triggers a reverse outcome.
Proposal for a System for the Identification of the Concentration of Students Who Attend Online Educational Models
Authors: Villegas-Ch. William , García-Ortiz Joselin , Urbina-Camacho Isabel , Mera-Navarrete Aracely
Published: April 2023

Currently, e-learning has revolutionized the way students learn by offering access to quality education in a model that does not depend on a specific space and time. However, due to the e-learning method where no tutor can directly control the group of students, they can be distracted for various reasons, which greatly affects their learning capacity. Several scientific works try to improve the quality of online education, but a holistic approach is necessary to address this problem. Identifying students’ attention spans is important in understanding how students process and retain information. Attention is a critical cognitive process that affects a student’s ability to learn. Therefore, it is important to use a variety of techniques and tools to assess student attention, such as standardized tests, behavioral observation, and assessment of academic achievement. This work proposes a system that uses devices such as cameras to monitor the attention level of students in real time during online classes. The results are used with feedback as a heuristic value to analyze the performance of the students, as well as the teaching standards of the teachers.
Constitutive Innate Immunity of Migrant and Resident Long-Nosed Bats (Leptonycteris yerbabuenae) in the Drylands of Mexico
Authors: Rivera-Ruiz David A. , Flores-Martínez José Juan , Rosales Carlos , Herrera Montalvo Luis Gerardo
Published: April 2023

In contrast to birds, the relationship between migration and immunity has been scarcely studied in bats. We examined how the expression of the humoral portion of the constitutive immunity varied in a bat with partial, sex-biased migration: the lesser long-nosed bat (Leptonycteris yerbabuenae (Phyllostomidae)). The lesser long-nosed bat is a nectarivorous species distributed in the arid and semi-arid regions of North and Central America. We evaluated the bacteria-killing abilities (BKAs) of the plasma of male and female lesser long-nosed bats on the Pacific coast in different periods of the year. Because adult males are resident, they were used to explore the effect of reproductive activity on BKA, and we predicted higher values in mating males (i.e., individuals presenting scrotal testicles and a fresh dorsal patch). In contrast to males, most females migrate to cactus deserts in northern Mexico during pregnancy and lactation, and then return to the dry forests of west-central Mexico to mate. We predicted that the combined effect of breeding and migration would have an adverse effect on BKA; therefore, migratory pregnant and lactating females were expected to exhibit a lower BKA than mating females in west-central Mexico. We compared the BKAs of females captured in October and December in central Mexico, and we predicted that migratory females that had recently arrived in October should exhibit a lower BKA than females captured two months later. In addition, we compared the BKAs between lactating females and young in northern Mexico and predicted lower values in recently born individuals. We found that the BKAs of males were higher in reproductive individuals than in non-reproductive individuals. We found a significant difference in the BKAs between females at the two extremes of their migratory range: the values of pregnant females in Sonora and females in December were higher than those of females captured in October. Finally, we found no difference in BKAs between lactating females and young individuals. Our findings indicate that the basal levels of the innate humoral component are heightened in mating males, that this response is reduced in females that recently returned to their mating grounds, and that the constitutive immunity of young individuals matures early, probably in anticipation of the potential to encounter pathogens during their migration to west-central Mexico.
A Current Review of Machine Learning and Deep Learning Models in Oral Cancer Diagnosis: Recent Technologies, Open Challenges, and Future Research Directions
Authors: Dixit Shriniket , Kumar Anant , Srinivasan Kathiravan
Published: April 2023

Cancer is a problematic global health issue with an extremely high fatality rate throughout the world. The application of various machine learning techniques that have appeared in the field of cancer diagnosis in recent years has provided meaningful insights into efficient and precise treatment decision-making. Due to rapid advancements in sequencing technologies, the detection of cancer based on gene expression data has improved over the years. Different types of cancer affect different parts of the body in different ways. Cancer that affects the mouth, lip, and upper throat is known as oral cancer, which is the sixth most prevalent form of cancer worldwide. India, Bangladesh, China, the United States, and Pakistan are the top five countries with the highest rates of oral cavity disease and lip cancer. The major causes of oral cancer are excessive use of tobacco and cigarette smoking. Many people’s lives can be saved if oral cancer (OC) can be detected early. Early identification and diagnosis could assist doctors in providing better patient care and effective treatment. OC screening may advance with the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) techniques. AI can provide assistance to the oncology sector by accurately analyzing a large dataset from several imaging modalities. This review deals with the implementation of AI during the early stages of cancer for the proper detection and treatment of OC. Furthermore, performance evaluations of several DL and ML models have been carried out to show that the DL model can overcome the difficult challenges associated with early cancerous lesions in the mouth. For this review, we have followed the rules recommended for the extension of scoping reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA-ScR). Examining the reference lists for the chosen articles helped us gather more details on the subject. Additionally, we discussed AI’s drawbacks and its potential use in research on oral cancer. There are methods for reducing risk factors, such as reducing the use of tobacco and alcohol, as well as immunization against HPV infection to avoid oral cancer, or to lessen the burden of the disease. Additionally, officious methods for preventing oral diseases include training programs for doctors and patients as well as facilitating early diagnosis via screening high-risk populations for the disease.
Effect of Systemic Prednisone Treatment on Changes of Inflammation Markers in Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Wierzchowska Malgorzata , Kalińczak-Górna Paulina , Zwolińska Magdalena , Ligmanowska Joanna , Durślewicz Justyna , Zwierz Aleksander , Malinowski Bartosz , Wiciński Michał , Burduk Paweł
Published: April 2023

(1) Objective: We aimed to evaluate the effect of treatment with prednisone on nasal and systemic periostin and eotaxin expression, IgE in plasma and eosinophils in tissue. (2) Methods: We compared the values of nasal and systemic periostin, eotaxin, IgE and eosinophils in tissue in patients treated with only nasal steroids before FESS, group 1, with those treated with an oral steroid–prednisone, group 2. (3) Results: A statistically significant decrease in the level of periostin, eotaxin and IgE in plasma was achieved in patients treated with prednisone one week before and after surgery (in sequence: p < 0.0476, p < 0.0006, p < 0.0031). In patients treated with steroids, we also observed a lower level of periostin in the epithelium (p < 0.044), eotaxin in the stroma (p limit value < 0.075) and eosinophils (p < 0.031) in the tissues collected during the operation. (4) Conclusions: Systemic steroid treatment with prednisone distinctly decreases periostin, eotaxin and IgE expression in plasma. We also observed a lower level of periostin in the epithelium, eotaxin in the stroma and eosinophils in the tissues. We need more attempts to find inflammatory markers associated with chronic rhinosinusitis. Identifying drugs that decrease inflammatory parameters would allow for more targeted therapy.
Chitotriosidase and Neopterin as Two Novel Potential Biomarkers for Advanced Stage and Survival Prediction in Gastric Cancer—A Pilot Study
Authors: Nechita Vlad-Ionuţ , Hajjar Nadim Al , Drugan Cristina , Cătană Cristina-Sorina , Moiş Emil , Nechita Mihaela-Ancuţa , Graur Florin
Published: April 2023

Gastric cancer is the fifth type of neoplasia most frequently diagnosed and the fourth cause of death among other cancers. Prevalence is around two times higher for males than females. Chitotriosidase and neopterin are two molecular biomarkers with potential diagnostic and prognostic use in malignant pathology. We conducted a longitudinal prospective cohort study on thirty-nine patients with gastric adenocarcinoma, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.78 and an average age of 64.3 ± 9.97 years. No statistically significant differences in biomarker levels at presentation were observed between curative-intent surgery (28 patients) and advanced cases, suited only for palliative procedures (11 patients). Biomarker values were not significantly different for the advanced T stage and the presence of metastasis (p > 0.05—Mann Whitney test). The patients that died in the first 30 days after surgery did not present significantly different values at baseline, in comparison with those that had longer survival times, though a significant cut-off value was observed for chitotriosidase activity at 310 nmol/mL/h [AUC (area under the curve) = 0.78; 95% CI (0.61–0.92)]. The cut-off values corresponding to death after the first year, tumor invasion, and metastasis were not statistically significant. In the COX multivariate model, neopterin did not validate itself as a prognostic biomarker, however, chitotriosidase activity before surgery was significantly associated with overall survival (HR = 1.0038, p = 0.03). We conclude that chitotriosidase may have the potential to improve the prognostic model for gastric adenocarcinoma.
Unpredictable and Poisson Stable Oscillations of Inertial Neural Networks with Generalized Piecewise Constant Argument
Authors: Akhmet Marat , Tleubergenova Madina , Nugayeva Zakhira
Published: April 2023

A new model of inertial neural networks with a generalized piecewise constant argument as well as unpredictable inputs is proposed. The model is inspired by unpredictable perturbations, which allow to study the distribution of chaotic signals in neural networks. The existence and exponential stability of unique unpredictable and Poisson stable motions of the neural networks are proved. Due to the generalized piecewise constant argument, solutions are continuous functions with discontinuous derivatives, and, accordingly, Poisson stability and unpredictability are studied by considering the characteristics of continuity intervals. That is, the piecewise constant argument requires a specific component, the Poisson triple. The B-topology is used for the analysis of Poisson stability for the discontinuous functions. The results are demonstrated by examples and simulations.
Performance Comparison of Different Flat Plate Solar Collectors by Means of the Entropy Generation Rate Using Computational Fluid Dynamics
Authors: Ramírez-Minguela J. J. , Rangel-Hernández V. H. , Alfaro-Ayala J. A. , Elizalde-Blancas F. , Ruiz-Camacho B. , López-Núñez O. A. , Alvarado-Rodríguez C. E.
Published: April 2023

In this work, a numerical analysis of three different flat plate solar collectors was conducted using their entropy generation rates. Specifically, the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) technique was used to compare the detailed performance of conventional and zigzag tube geometries of flat plate solar collectors (FPCs) in terms of their entropy generation rates. The effects of fluid viscosity, heat transfer, and heat loss of the flat plate solar collectors were considered for the local and global entropy generation rate analyses. Variations on the inlet volumetric flow rate of the FPCs from 1.0 to 9.0 L/min were simulated under the average solar radiation for one year in the state of Guanajuato, Mexico. The results illustrate and discuss the temperatures, pressures, and global entropy generation rates for volumetric flow variations. The velocity, temperature, and pressure distributions and the maps of the local entropy generation rates inside the collectors are presented and analyzed for the case with a flow rate of 3.0 L/min. These results demonstrate that the zigzag geometries achieved higher outlet temperatures and greater entropy generation rates than the conventional geometry for all the volumetric flow rates considered.
Unanimity, Coexistence, and Rigidity: Three Sides of Polarization
Authors: Galam Serge
Published: April 2023

Political polarization is perceived as a threat to democracies. Using the Galam model of opinion dynamics deployed in a five-dimensional parameter space, I show that polarization is the byproduct of an essential hallmark of a vibrant democratic society, namely open and informal discussions among agents. Indeed, within a homogeneous social community with floaters, the dynamics lead gradually toward unanimity (zero entropy). Polarization can eventually appear as the juxtaposition of non-mixing social groups sharing different prejudices about the issue at stake. On the other hand, the inclusion of contrarian agents produces a polarization within a community that mixes when their proportion x is beyond a critical value xc=16≈0.167 for discussing groups of size three and four. Similarly, the presence of stubborn agents also produces a polarization of a community that mixes when the proportion of stubborn agents is greater than some critical value. For equal proportions of stubborn agents a along each opinion, ac=29≈0.22 for group size four against ac=14=0.25 for group size three. However, the evaluation of the proportion of individual opinion shifts at the attractor 12 and indicates that the polarization produced by contrarians is fluid with a good deal of agents who keep shifting between the two opposed blocks (high entropy). That favors a coexistence of opposite opinions in a divided community. In contrast, the polarization created by stubborn agents is found to be frozen with very few individuals shifting opinion between the two opinions (low entropy). That yields a basis for the emergence of hate between the frozen opposed blocks.
Application and Development of QKD-Based Quantum Secure Communication
Authors: Lai Junsen , Yao Fei , Wang Jing , Zhang Meng , Li Fang , Zhao Wenyu , Zhang Haiyi
Published: April 2023

Quantum key distribution (QKD) protocols have unique advantages of enabling symmetric key sharing with information-theoretic security (ITS) between remote locations, which ensure the long-term security even in the era of quantum computation. QKD-based quantum secure communication (QSC) enhancing the security of key generation and update rate of keys, which could be integrated with a variety of cryptographic applications and communication protocols, has become one of the important solutions to improve information security. In recent years, the research on QKD has been active and productive, the performance of novel protocol systems has been improved significantly, and the feasibility of satellite-based QKD has been experimentally verified. QKD network construction, application exploration, and standardization have been carried out in China as well as other countries and regions around the world. Although QKD-based QSC applications and industrialization are still in the initial stage, the research and exploration momentum is positive and more achievements could be expected in the future.
Conceptions and Attitudes of Pre-School and Primary School Teachers towards STEAM Education in Spain
Authors: Ortiz-Revilla Jairo , Ruiz-Martín Ángela , Greca Ileana M.
Published: April 2023

STEAM education postulates integrated problem-solving-based learning of its disciplines. Although positive results are being reported, there are some difficulties with its implementation. The purpose of this research is to analyze the conceptions and attitudes of Early Childhood and Primary School teachers in Spain towards this educational approach, as well as to determine the initial relationship with their training and experience. A multiple case study with 11 teachers was conducted using a reflection protocol, a photo-elicitation, and a semi-structured interview. All teachers presented an integrated profile. Although they explicitly acknowledged cognitive, affective, and logistical obstacles, a positive relationship was detected between their level of training, experience in STEAM education, and conception of STEAM. Based on this evidence, some recommendations are proposed to optimize the conceptions of the STEAM approach and the usual practices of the teaching staff.
Improved Repetitive Control for an LCL-Type Grid-Tied Inverter with Frequency Adaptive Capability in Microgrids
Authors: Zhang Hongwei , Zhao Qiangsong , Wang Shuanghong , Yue Xuebin
Published: April 2023

Repetitive control (RC), which can track any periodic signal with a known integer period with zero steady-state error, is widely used for current control of grid-tied inverters in microgrids. However, the inherent one fundamental period time delay, leads to poor dynamic performance. Furthermore, the performance of conventional RC (CRC) will degrade when operating at a high variation grid frequency. Therefore, this paper proposes a frequency adaptive improved RC (FA-IRC) for grid-tied inverters. The improved RC (IRC) consists of a repetitive controller with a modified internal model filter, plus a proportional controller. In comparison to the CRC, the IRC has a good dynamic response, because it provides a higher gain and a wider bandwidth at the resonant frequency. Moreover, to achieve the frequency adaptability of the IRC, a fractional delay, based on a finite impulse response (FIR) filter, is built into the IRC system, to ensure that the resonant frequency of the IRC is approximately equal to the actual grid frequency and harmonic frequency. Stability analysis and characteristic analysis of the FA-IRC system are reported in this paper. Simulations are conducted, to demonstrate the validity of the proposed method.
Energy-Constrained UAV Data Acquisition in Wireless Sensor Networks with the Age of Information
Authors: Xiong Jinxuan , Li Zhimin , Li Hongzhi , Tang Lin , Zhong Shaohong
Published: April 2023

This paper considers a wireless sensor network (WSN) assisted by the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in the Internet of Things (IoT). The UAV departs from the data center to the ground node to collect sensor node data as a relay. Under the constraints of battery energy, the UAV will travel to and from the data center repeatedly and transmit the collected sensor node data. The freshness of the node data received by the data center is measured by the Age of Information (AoI) as a performance metric. A genetic algorithm is used to plan the flight trajectory of the UAV. To ensure the data’s integrity and accuracy in a single sensor node, the UAV continuously collects sensor node data when the distance from the sensor node is less than the minimum acquisition distance. Through simulation experiments, we analyzed the influence of changing acquisition distance, the initial battery capacity, acquisition success probability, and transmission power on the peak age of information and the average age of information.
Multiple Load Forecasting of Integrated Energy System Based on Sequential-Parallel Hybrid Ensemble Learning
Authors: You Wenxia , Guo Daopeng , Wu Yonghua , Li Wenwu
Published: April 2023

Accurate multivariate load forecasting plays an important role in the planning management and safe operation of integrated energy systems. In order to simultaneously reduce the prediction bias and variance, a hybrid ensemble learning method for load forecasting of an integrated energy system combining sequential ensemble learning and parallel ensemble learning is proposed. Firstly, the load correlation and the maximum information coefficient (MIC) are used for feature selection. Then the base learner uses the Boost algorithm of sequential ensemble learning and uses the Bagging algorithm of parallel ensemble learning for hybrid ensemble learning prediction. The grid search algorithm (GS) performs hyper-parameter optimization of hybrid ensemble learning. The comparative analysis of the example verification shows that compared with different types of single ensemble learning, hybrid ensemble learning can better balance the bias and variance and accurately predict multiple loads such as electricity, cold, and heat in the integrated energy system.
Acoustic Noise Reduction in an 8/6 Switched Reluctance Machine Using Structural Design
Authors: Juarez-Leon Francisco , Emery Nathan , Bilgin Berker
Published: April 2023

Today, switched reluctance motors (SRMs) represent a promising technology for the long-term sustainability of electrified transportation, mainly due to their simpler structure, lower production cost, and robust configuration compared to other motor technologies. Notwithstanding, high acoustic noise and torque ripple are two performance imperfections that have prevented the widespread implementation of SRMs. This paper presents different structural design techniques to reduce the acoustic noise of an 8/6 SRM, while maintaining the electromagnetic performance of the machine. For each technique, a corresponding multiphysics FEA analysis of the motor’s performance is presented. The accuracy of the multiphysics model is confirmed experimentally using acoustic noise measurements obtained from a four-phase 8/6 SRM. Then, several structural techniques have been investigated on the 8/6 SRM represented in two main categories: stator-housing modifications and rotor modifications. The best design strategies are then combined to improve the acoustic noise level of the 8/6 SRM while maintaining its performance.
Simple and Robust MPPT Current Control of a Wound Rotor Synchronous Wind Generator
Authors: Dube Lucky , Garner Graham C. , Garner Karen S. , Kamper Maarten J.
Published: April 2023

In the search for efficient non-permanent magnet variable-speed wind generator solutions, this paper proposes a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) current-control method for a wound rotor synchronous wind generator. The focus is on direct-drive, medium-speed wind generators. In the proposed method, the currents of the wound rotor synchronous generator (WRSG) are optimally adjusted according to the generator speed to ensure maximum power generation from the wind turbine without needing information on wind speed. The design, modeling, and simulation of the MPPT current controllers are done in Matlab/Simulink with the WRSG in the synchronous reference frame. The controller is put to the test using different wind speed profiles between cut-in and rated speeds. The simulation results indicate that the proposed current control method is simple, effective, and robust, suggesting its practical implementation. To validate the simulation results, experimental work on a 4.2 kW WRSG prototype system is presented to demonstrate the stability and robustness of the MPPT current control method in operating the turbine at or near the maximum power point.
Financial, Economic, and Environmental Analyses of Upgrading Reverse Osmosis Plant Fed with Treated Wastewater
Authors: Nazari Chamaki Foroogh , Jenkins Glenn P. , Hashemipour Majid
Published: April 2023

One of the most effective strategies to mitigate water shortages worldwide is to reuse treated wastewater for freshwater production employing reverse osmosis (RO) technology. This strategy is appropriate in urban areas of arid or semi-arid regions as it can provide a sustainable and reliable water source close to the consumers. One of the drawbacks of RO is the high variability of production costs due to the electricity intensity. In addition, depending on the electricity source, it can also result in substantial environmental costs. This study showed that upgrading pumping and RO membrane systems of a wastewater reuse plant in Cyprus can significantly alleviate these drawbacks in terms cost, water recovery rate, and air pollution. The water-recovery rate of the upgraded RO plant increased from 43.2 to 75 percent, which resulted in a substantial net financial benefit due to the reduction in the quantity of wastewater purchased and the increase in potable water produced. The upgraded system also reduced the electricity requirement from 3.63 kWh/m3 to 1.92 kWh/m3. Pollution emissions decreased substantially because of the reduction in electricity requirements. The beneficiaries of these lower emission costs are the residents of Cyprus and global society. Overall, the benefit of upgrading the plant is highly attractive with more than 65 percent annual real internal rates of return in financial and economic terms. Positive net present values are realized for all the scenarios considered.
Soil Macrofauna Disperse and Reconstruct Soil Nematode Communities: Takeaways from a Microcosm Study
Authors: Liu Tao , Wang Zixuan , Guan Huiling , Zhong Buqing , He Xinxing , Wang Yihan , Qi Yifei , Yan Wende , Lu Xiankai
Published: April 2023

Soil macrofauna is an important component of soil biodiversity and plays a key role in soil ecosystem function. Little work, however, has explored how macrofauna may contribute, directly or indirectly, to soil microfauna communities. In this study, we explored the impact of two classes of common soil macrofauna, earthworms (Eisenia foetida) and millipedes (Spirobolus walkeri), on soil nematode community diversity and structure. We found that earthworms and millipedes play an important role in maintaining soil nematode communities and increasing soil nutrients. Both earthworms and millipedes act as hosts for soil nematodes, and play a valuable role in dispersing and distributing these important microfauna throughout the soil landscape. We tested the efficacy of this strategy on multiple soil layers and found that layer does not have a significant influence on soil nematode community. These results suggest that soil nematode abundance, diversity, and structure are tightly linked to the existence of soil macrofauna, which may contribute to the maintenance mechanism of forest soil biodiversity.
An Update of Epigenetic Drugs for the Treatment of Cancers and Brain Diseases: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Sahafnejad Zahra , Ramazi Shahin , Allahverdi Abdollah
Published: April 2023

Epigenetics has long been recognized as a significant field in biology and is defined as the investigation of any alteration in gene expression patterns that is not attributed to changes in the DNA sequences. Epigenetic marks, including histone modifications, non-coding RNAs, and DNA methylation, play crucial roles in gene regulation. Numerous studies in humans have been carried out on single-nucleotide resolution of DNA methylation, the CpG island, new histone modifications, and genome-wide nucleosome positioning. These studies indicate that epigenetic mutations and aberrant placement of these epigenetic marks play a critical role in causing the disease. Consequently, significant development has occurred in biomedical research in identifying epigenetic mechanisms, their interactions, and changes in health and disease conditions. The purpose of this review article is to provide comprehensive information about the different types of diseases caused by alterations in epigenetic factors such as DNA methylation and histone acetylation or methylation. Recent studies reported that epigenetics could influence the evolution of human cancer via aberrant methylation of gene promoter regions, which is associated with reduced gene function. Furthermore, DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) in the DNA methylation process as well as histone acetyltransferases (HATs)/histone deacetylases (HDACs) and histone methyltransferases (HMTs)/demethylases (HDMs) in histone modifications play important roles both in the catalysis and inhibition of target gene transcription and in many other DNA processes such as repair, replication, and recombination. Dysfunction in these enzymes leads to epigenetic disorders and, as a result, various diseases such as cancers and brain diseases. Consequently, the knowledge of how to modify aberrant DNA methylation as well as aberrant histone acetylation or methylation via inhibitors by using epigenetic drugs can be a suitable therapeutic approach for a number of diseases. Using the synergistic effects of DNA methylation and histone modification inhibitors, it is hoped that many epigenetic defects will be treated in the future. Numerous studies have demonstrated a link between epigenetic marks and their effects on brain and cancer diseases. Designing appropriate drugs could provide novel strategies for the management of these diseases in the near future.
Outcomes and Clinical Characteristics of COVID-19 in Patients with Tuberculosis: A Retrospective Matched Cohort Study
Authors: Hartnady Zachary , Krehbiel Benjamin , Stenzel Ashley , Tierney David
Published: April 2023

The outcomes and characteristics of acute coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection in patients with tuberculosis (TB) represent an evolving area of literature. This retrospective cohort study (March 2020–January 2021) within a large United States health system evaluated clinical and demographic characteristics, illness severity, complications, and mortality associated with acute COVID-19 infection in patients with TB (n = 31) compared to a matched (1:3) COVID-19 cohort without TB (n = 93). In the COVID-19 + TB cohort, TB was active in 32% and latent in 65% of patients, most patients (55%) had pulmonary TB, and 68% had previously undergone treatment for their TB. Patients with COVID-19 + TB infection had higher rates of hospitalization (45% vs. 36%, p = 0.34), intensive care unit (ICU) stay (16% vs. 8%, p = 0.16), and need for mechanical ventilation (13% vs. 3% p = 0.06). Discordant with those higher rates of markers typically denoting more severe illness, TB patients with acute COVID-19 did not have longer length-of-stay (5.0 vs. 6.1 days, p = 0.97), in-hospital mortality (3.2% vs. 3.2%, p = 1.00), or 30-day mortality (6.5% vs. 4.3%, p = 0.63). This study, while having limitations for extrapolation, cautions the notion that patients with COVID-19 and TB infers worse outcomes and adds to the growing body of literature on the interaction between these two infections.
Child-Owned Poultry Intervention Effects on Hemoglobin, Anemia, Concurrent Anemia and Stunting, and Morbidity Status of Young Children in Southern Ethiopia: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Community Trial
Authors: Omer Anteneh , Hailu Dejene , Whiting Susan Joyce
Published: April 2023

Cereal-based diets contribute to anemia in Ethiopian children. Eggs have nutrients to boost hemoglobin levels as well as counter concurrent anemia and stunting (CAS) and morbidity status. A community trial, targeting 6–18 months old children, was conducted in Halaba. Two clusters were randomly selected and allocated to intervention (N = 122) and control (N = 121) arms. Intervention group (IG) children received egg-laying hens with caging in a cultural ceremony declaring child ownership of the chickens. Parents promised to feed eggs to the child. Health and agriculture extension workers promoted egg feeding, poultry husbandry, and sanitation to IG families. Control group (CG) had standard health and agriculture education. At baseline, groups were not different by hemoglobin, anemia, CAS, and morbidity status. Mean hemoglobin was 11.0 mg/dl and anemia prevalence was 41.6%. About 11.9% of children had CAS and 52.3% were sick. Using generalized estimating equations, the intervention increased hemoglobin by 0.53 g/dl (ß:0.53; p < 0.001; 95%CI: 0.28–0.79). IG children were 64% (p < 0.001; odds ratio [OR]:0.36; 95%CI: 0.24–0.54) and 57% (p = 0.007; OR: 0.43; 95%CI: 0.21–0.73) less likely to be anemic and have CAS, respectively, than CG, with no difference in morbidity. Child-owned poultry intervention is recommended in settings where anemia is high and animal-source food intake is low.
Knowledge, Implementation, and Gaps of Gender-Based Violence Management Guidelines among Health Care Workers
Authors: Mtaita Caroline , Safary Elvis , Simwanza Katanta , Mpembeni Rose , Likindikoki Samuel , Jahn Albrecht
Published: April 2023

(1) Background: Gender-based violence (GBV) is widespread globally and has a myriad of adverse effects but is vastly under-reported. Health care workers are among the first responders in GBV. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge of health workers with regard to GBV and related management guidelines and implementation. (2) Methods: The study employed a descriptive, sequential mix-method study, beginning with the quantitative part, followed by the qualitative component. Qualitative analysis was conducted using a content framework approach. (3) Results: More than two-thirds (71.79%) of health workers were found to be generally knowledgeable about gender-based violence; however, only 36.9% had good knowledge about gender-based violence management guidelines for gender-based violence and the mean value for all the items was less than 3 which indicates poor knowledge of the management guideline. Additionally, only 36.8% found the gender-based violence management guidelines useful and practical in clinical care for gender-based violence cases. (4) Conclusions: The finding of this study revealed that knowledge of gender-based violence management guideline was not adequate among health workers and rarely used during management of GBV cases. This calls for continuous training and specific refresher courses, including on-site practical sessions, professionals’ mentorship, and supervision.
Psychological Impact and Women’s Evaluation of the First-Trimester Pre-Eclampsia Screening and Prevention: ASPRE Trial
Authors: Nikčević Ana V. , Sacchi Chiara , Marino Claudia , O’Gorman Neil , Poon Liona C. , Nicolaides Kypros H.
Published: April 2023

Objective: This study aims to extend the understanding of the psychological impact of the first-trimester pre-eclampsia (PE) screening on women identified as high risk for preterm PE. We examined the differences between low- vs. high-risk women throughout pregnancy in: symptoms of distress (anxiety, depression, physical and mental health, and worry), health behaviour changes, the experience of pregnancy, and attitudes towards PE screening. Methods: This study was nested within the ASPRE trial. Pregnant women were screened for preterm-PE risk status in the first trimester; the assessments were carried out before the screening, in the second and in the third trimester (n = 155 low-risk women and N = 82 high-risk women in the second trimester). Results: The high-risk-for-PE women exhibited more depressive symptoms compared to the low-risk women in the second but not in the third trimester. No differences were observed between the two groups in other distress symptoms or in the women’s evaluation of their experience of pregnancy. The high-risk group reported greater health behaviour changes compared to the low-risk group, but this was moderated by depression levels. Conclusions: Overall, pregnant women reported positive attitudes towards first-trimester PE screening, despite transient depressive symptoms. This study offers supportive evidence concerning the appropriateness of PE screening in ethical terms.