bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A BDGIM-Based Phase-Smoothed Pseudorange Algorithm for BDS-3 High-Precision Time Transfer
Authors: Tang Jian , Lyu Daqian , Zeng Fangling
Published: October 2022

Single point positioning (SPP) can meet the requirements of the majority of real-time time transfer applications. Meanwhile, a single-frequency (SF) receiver is cheaper than a dual-frequency receiver. However, SPP performance can be greatly affected by large pseudorange observation noise. Phase smoothing the pseudorange is an effective approach to reduce pseudorange noise. Since the classical phase-smoothed pseudorange algorithm does not account for the effect of ionosphere delay, we propose a BDGIM-based phase-smoothed pseudorange algorithm to eliminate the ionospheric delay and apply it to BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS-3) SPP time transfer. In this paper, we first evaluate the performance of the BeiDou global ionospheric delay correction model (BDGIM) and compare it with that of the BeiDou Klobuchar model to determine if it is practical to incorporate the BDGIM into our suggested method. The performance of the BDGIM is better than that of the Klobuchar model. The mean RMS value of the BDGIM is 2.6 Total Electron Content Unit (TECU). The average ionospheric correction rate of the BDGIM is 75.5%. Then, we investigate the performance of the improved SF SPP time transfer. The performance of the improved SPP time transfer is much better than that of the traditional SPP time transfer. Compared with the traditional time transfer, the average Type A uncertainty of the improved time transfer is 2.08 ns, which is reduced by about 11.1% from the time transfer without it. Regarding frequency stability, the modified Allan deviations of the improved time transfer are 1.43E-12 and 1.68E-13 at 960 s and 61,440 s, with improvements of 51.2% and 59.9%, respectively.
Botnet Detection Employing a Dilated Convolutional Autoencoder Classifier with the Aid of Hybrid Shark and Bear Smell Optimization Algorithm-Based Feature Selection in FANETs
Authors: Abdulsattar Nejood Faisal , Abedi Firas , Ghanimi Hayder M. A. , Kumar Sachin , Abbas Ali Hashim , Abosinnee Ali S. , Alkhayyat Ahmed , Hassan Mustafa Hamid , Abbas Fatima Hashim
Published: October 2022

Flying ad hoc networks (FANETs) or drone technologies have attracted great focus recently because of their crucial implementations. Hence, diverse research has been performed on establishing FANET implementations in disparate disciplines. Indeed, civil airspaces have progressively embraced FANET technology in their systems. Nevertheless, the FANETs’ distinct characteristics can be tuned and reinforced for evolving security threats (STs), specifically for intrusion detection (ID). In this study, we introduce a deep learning approach to detect botnet threats in FANET. The proposed approach uses a hybrid shark and bear smell optimization algorithm (HSBSOA) to extract the essential features. This hybrid algorithm allows for searching different feature solutions within the search space regions to guarantee a superior solution. Then, a dilated convolutional autoencoder classifier is used to detect and classify the security threats. Some of the most common botnet attacks use the N-BaIoT dataset, which automatically learns features from raw data to capture a malicious file. The proposed framework is named the hybrid shark and bear smell optimized dilated convolutional autoencoder (HSBSOpt_DCA). The experiments show that the proposed approach outperforms existing models such as CNN-SSDI, BI-LSTM, ODNN, and RPCO-BCNN. The proposed HSBSOpt_DCA can achieve improvements of 97% accuracy, 89% precision, 98% recall, and 98% F1-score as compared with those existing models.
Recent Advances in Plant-Mediated Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles with Their Significant Biomedical Properties
Authors: Alhujaily Muhanad , Albukhaty Salim , Yusuf Mohammad , Mohammed Mustafa K. A. , Sulaiman Ghassan M. , Al-Karagoly Hassan , Alyamani Amal A. , Albaqami Jawaher , AlMalki Faizah A.
Published: October 2022

Compared to traditional physical and chemical approaches, nanobiotechnology and plant-based green synthesis procedures offer significant advantages, as well as having a greater range of medical and biotechnological applications. Nanoparticles of zinc oxide (ZnO NPs) have recently been recognized as a promising option for many industries, including optics, electrics, packaged foods, and medicine, due to their biocompatibility, low cytotoxicity, and cost-effectiveness. Several studies have shown that zinc ions are important in triggering cell apoptosis by promoting the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROSs) and releasing zinc ions (Zn2+), which are toxic to cells. The toxic nature of the chemicals used in the synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles limits their clinical utility. An overview of recent developments in green ZnO NP synthesis is presented in this review, emphasizing plant parts as reducing agents and their medical applications, including their antimicrobial, anticancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as key mechanisms of action for these applications to facilitate further research on the biomedical fields in the future.
Biomolecular Pathways of Cryoinjuries in Low-Temperature Storage for Mammalian Specimens
Authors: Fu Ying , Dang Wenjun , He Xiaocong , Xu Feng , Huang Haishui
Published: October 2022

Low-temperature preservation could effectively extend in vitro storage of biological materials due to delayed or suspended cellular metabolism and decaying as illustrated by the Arrhenius model. It is widely used as an enabling technology for a variety of biomedical applications such as cell therapeutics, assisted reproductive technologies, organ transplantation, and mRNA medicine. Although the technology to minimize cryoinjuries of mammalian specimens during preservation has been advanced substantially over past decades, mammalian specimens still suffer cryoinjuries under low-temperature conditions. Particularly, the molecular mechanisms underlying cryoinjuries are still evasive, hindering further improvement and development of preservation technologies. In this paper, we systematically recapitulate the molecular cascades of cellular injuries induced by cryopreservation, including apoptosis, necroptosis, ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). Therefore, this study not only summarizes the impact of low-temperature preservations on preserved cells and organs on the molecular level, but also provides a molecular basis to reduce cryoinjuries for future exploration of biopreservation methods, materials, and devices.
High DAPK1 Expression Promotes Tumor Metastasis of Gastric Cancer
Authors: Wang Qingshui , Weng Shuyun , Sun Yuqin , Lin Youyu , Zhong Wenting , Kwok Hang Fai , Lin Yao
Published: October 2022

Gastric cancer (GC) is a common upper gastrointestinal tumor. Death-associated protein kinase (DAPK1) was found to participate in the development of various malignant tumors. However, there are few reports on DAPK1 in gastric cancer. In this study, the TCGA and GEO datasets were used to explore the expression and role of DAPK1 in gastric cancer. The functions of DAPK1 in gastric cancer were determined by proliferation, migration and invasion assays. In addition, genes co-expressed with DAPK1 in gastric cancer were estimated through the WGCNA and correlation analysis. A DAPK1-related gene prognostic model was constructed using the Cox regression and lasso analyses. The expression of DAPK1 was significantly up-regulated in gastric cancer tissues. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that low expression of DAPK1 was a favorable prognostic factor of overall survival and disease-free survival for gastric cancer patients. Functional experiments demonstrated that DAPK1 can promote the migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells. WGCNA, correlation analysis, Cox regression, and lasso analyses were applied to construct the DAPK1-related prognostic model. The prognostic value of this prognostic model of DAPK1-related genes was further successfully validated in an independent database. Our results indicated that DAPK1 can promote gastric cancer cell migration and invasion and established four DAPK1-related signature genes for gastric cancer that could independently predict the survival of GC patients.
FDCSP Is an Immune-Associated Prognostic Biomarker in HPV-Positive Head and Neck Squamous Carcinoma
Authors: Wu Qingqing , Shao Tingru , Huang Guangzhao , Zheng Zenan , Jiang Yingtong , Zeng Weisen , Lv Xiaozhi
Published: October 2022

Background: Head and neck squamous carcinoma (HNSC) poses a major threat to human life. The role of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in the initiation and progression of HNSC is becoming more widely accepted. HPV-positive (HPV+) HNSC has shown unique responses to cancer therapies, which may be due to differences in immune cell infiltration. It is critical to determine how the immune responses to HPV in HNSC are regulated. Methods: Transcriptome data of HNSC from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were analyzed. Then, the CIBERSORT algorithm was used to calculate immune cell infiltration in HNSC. FDCSP expression level was detected by qPCR in the HNSC tissues collected from the Nanfang Hospital. Results: Follicular dendritic cell secreted protein (FDCSP) was highly expressed in HPV+ HNSC, and higher expression of FDSCP was associated with a favorable prognosis. In HPV+ HNSC samples, FDCSP significantly increased the proportion of T follicular helper cells (TFHs). FDCSP expression was also found to be associated with TP53 mutation status in HPV+ HNSC. The function of FDCSP was intimately connected to chemokine pathways, particularly with the C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 13 (CXCL13). We verified that the high expression of FDCSP in HPV+ HNSC and higher FDCSP is closely related to prognosis in HNSC samples we collected by qPCR. Conclusions: Collectively, these findings may provide fresh evidence that FDCSP is a potential chemokine-associated prognostic biomarker in HPV+ HNSC.
Unexpected Heterogeneity of Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma Patients with Plasmacytomas
Authors: Stork Martin , Sevcikova Sabina , Jelinek Tomas , Minarik Jiri , Radocha Jakub , Pika Tomas , Pospisilova Lenka , Spicka Ivan , Straub Jan , Pavlicek Petr , Jungova Alexandra , Knechtova Zdenka , Sandecka Viera , Maisnar Vladimir , Hajek Roman , Pour Ludek
Published: October 2022

In multiple myeloma (MM), malignant plasma cells infiltrate the bone marrow. In some cases, plasma cells migrate out of the bone marrow creating either para-skeletal plasmacytomas (PS) or infiltrating soft tissues as extramedullary plasmacytomas (EMD). The aim of this study was to define risk groups in newly diagnosed MM (NDMM) patients with PS and EMD plasmacytomas. In total, 523 NDMM patients with PS plasmacytomas and 196 NDMM patients with EMD plasmacytomas were diagnosed in the Czech Republic between 2004 and 2021 using modern imaging methods. Patients’ data were analyzed from the Registry of Monoclonal Gammopathies of the Czech Myeloma Group. In NDMM patients with PS plasmacytomas, we found a subgroup with <5% of bone-marrow plasma cells to have the best prognosis (mPFS: 58.3 months (95% CI: 33.0–NA); mOS: not reached). The subgroup with >5% of bone-marrow plasma cells and ≥3 plasmacytomas had the worst prognosis (mPFS: 19.3 months (95% CI: 13.4–28.8), p < 0.001; mOS: 27.9 months (95% CI: 19.3–67.8), p < 0.001). Our results show association between tumor burden and prognosis of NDMM patients with plasmacytomas. In the case of PS plasmacytomas, NDMM patients with low BM PC infiltration have an excellent prognosis.
Method Presentation of a New Integrated Orthodontic-Conservative Approach for Minimally Invasive Full Mouth Rehabilitation: Speed Up Therapy
Authors: Foschi Davide , Abate Andrea , Maspero Cinzia , Solimei Luca , Lanteri Claudio , Lanteri Valentina
Published: October 2022

The materials available today allow for extensive oral rehabilitations in a non-invasive way, and often an orthodontic preparation is useful and, thanks to the use of clear aligners, is predictable and comfortable. A preliminary study of the wax-up, mock-up, and set-up allow the clinician to plan every aspect of the treatment in detail. Furthermore, the procedure offers the patient an intuitive and understandable view of the expected final result. The new proposed method, called “speed up therapy”, allows for the integration of the orthodontic set-up with the mock-up technique, simulating the occlusal and aesthetic components of the planned restoration, in all details. The clinical case presented, demonstrates step by step the predictability and clinical reliability of the proposed procedure. The final clinical result coincides exactly with the initial mock-up and demonstrates that the proposed method is predictable and reliable. The correct execution of the technique is rigorously customized, and its success is operator dependent, both for the clinical aspects and for the dental laboratory. Thus, the visualization of the objectives of the treatment constitutes a decisive support for the clinician and provides the patient with the possibility of benefiting from an immediate improvement by making it easier for them to accept a treatment plan. The visualization also includes an orthodontic phase that potentially lengthens the treatment but makes the realization more conservative and predictable.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis—The Complex Phenotype—From an Epidemiological Perspective: A Focus on Extrapyramidal and Non-Motor Features
Authors: Urso Daniele , Zoccolella Stefano , Gnoni Valentina , Logroscino Giancarlo
Published: October 2022

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common motor neuron disease (MND) and has emerged, among the disorders, with the largest increase in incidence in Western countries. Although the typical clinical phenotype of ALS involves simultaneous upper and lower motor neurons, there is growing evidence that the neurodegeneration during the course of the disease can also involve other motor and non-motor regions. In this review, we analyzed and discussed available data from epidemiological population-based studies on extrapyramidal and non-motor features during the course of ALS.
Prognostic Significance of STING Immunoexpression in Relation to HPV16 Infection in Patients with Squamous Cell Carcinomas of Oral Cavity and Oropharynx
Authors: Biesaga Beata , Smolarczyk Ryszard , Mucha-Małecka Anna , Czapla Justyna , Ryś Janusz , Małecki Krzysztof
Published: October 2022

Infection with HPV16 in cancers of the oral cavity (OCSCC) and oropharynx (OPSCC) is, today, an important etiological and prognostic factor. Patients with HPV-positive OPSCC have a better prognosis than uninfected patients. However, in over 40% of these patients, cancer progression is noticed. Their identification is particularly important due to the ongoing clinical trials regarding the possibility of de-escalation of anticancer treatment in patients with HPV-positive OPSCC. Some studies suggest that there is possibility to differentiate prognosis of HPV16-positive patients by STING (Stimulator of Interferon Genes) immunoexpression. The aim of the present study was to analyze the influence of STING immunoexpression on overall (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) of patients with HPV16-positive and -negative OCSCC and OPSCC. The study was performed in a group of 87 patients with OCSCC and OPSCC for which in our earlier study active HPV16 infection was assessed by P16 expression followed by HPV DNA detection. To analyze STING immunoexpression in tumor area (THS) and in adjacent stromal tissues (SHS) H score (HS) was applied. In the subgroup with HPV16, active infection patients with tumors with THS had significantly better DFS (p = 0.047) than those without THS. In this subgroup, TSH did not significantly influence OS, and SHS did not significantly correlate with OS and DFS. In the subgroup of patients without active HPV16 infection, THS and SHS also did not significantly influence patients’ survival. Presented results indicated prognostic potential of tumor STING immunoexpression in patients with active HPV16 infection in cancers of oral cavity and oropharynx.
The Criteria for Assessing the Safety of Buildings with a Reinforced Concrete Frame during an Earthquake after a Fire
Authors: Tamrazyan Ashot , Matseevich Tatiana
Published: October 2022

In the paper, there was researched sensitivity of the criteria for evaluation of seismic resistance of reinforced structures (modes and frequencies of oscillations, displacements, and strains) in relation to various position of fire impact as exemplified by three-span five-storey reinforced concrete space frame. The relevance of the study is justified, the degree of the problem’s development is grounded. There were analyzed the main lines of the research connected with experimental and numerical testing of both discrete structures and full-sized buildings. Numerical analysis was conducted by means of the software complex Ansys, the linear-spectral method was used. Fire impact is simulated by means of damages to reinforced concrete members in one of the building’s units. 16 variants of points of fire outbreak were considered. According to the calculation results, it was stated that for all the variants of fire outbreak frequencies of self-oscillations for reinforced concrete frames after the fire had been found lower than for the non-damaged frame. The modal analysis has shown that the type of longitudinal and bending oscillations had undergone changes. The maximum amplitude of frames’ oscillations after the fire was found insignificantly lower than for the non-damaged frame. Within the floor of fire outbreak location, the displacement increased immensely so that led to failure to comply with the value of inter-floor shifts and the increase of the 2nd order effects. Redistribution of bending moments in reinforced concrete framings was observed. The loading in damaged members decreased due to the members’ strain capacity whereas the extra loading is added to the adjacent members. If compared with the case of the frame non-damaged by fire, overloading of columns can reach up to 20%. Conceptual description of fracture behavior of the frame is outlined assuming its non-linear behavior. The possible lines of further development are set for the methods of seismic analysis of the buildings with reinforced concrete frame after the event of fire.
HER2-Low Status Does Not Affect Survival Outcomes of Patients with Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) Undergoing First-Line Treatment with Endocrine Therapy plus Palbociclib: Results of a Multicenter, Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Carlino Francesca , Diana Anna , Ventriglia Anna , Piccolo Antonio , Mocerino Carmela , Riccardi Ferdinando , Bilancia Domenico , Giotta Francesco , Antoniol Giulio , Famiglietti Vincenzo , Feliciano Salvatore , Cangiano Rodolfo , Lobianco Lorenzo , Pellegrino Benedetta , De Vita Ferdinando , Ciardiello Fortunato , Orditura Michele
Published: October 2022

Background: Approximately 45–50% of breast cancers (BCs) have a HER2 immunohistochemical score of 1+ or 2+ with negative in situ hybridization, defining the “HER2-low BC” subtype. No anti-HER2 agents are currently approved for this subgroup in Europe, where treatment is still determined by HR expression status. In this study, we investigated the prognostic significance of HER2-low status in HR+/HER2- metastatic BC (MBC) patients treated with endocrine therapy (ET) plus palbociclib as first line. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study including 252 consecutive HR+/HER2- MBC patients who received first-line ET plus palbociclib at six Italian Oncology Units between March 2016 and June 2021. The chi-square test was used to assess differences in the distribution of clinical and pathological variables between the HER-0 and HER2-low subgroups. Survival outcomes, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), were calculated by the Kaplan–Meier method, and the log-rank test was performed to estimate the differences between the curves. Results: A total of 165 patients were included in the analysis: 94 (57%) and 71 (43%) patients had HER2-0 and HER2-low disease, respectively. The median age at treatment start was 64 years. No correlation between patients and tumor characteristics and HER2 status was found. Median PFS (mPFS) for the entire study cohort was 20 months (95% CI,18–25 months), while median OS (mOS) was not reached at the time of analysis. No statistically significant differences, in terms of PFS (p = 0.20) and OS (p = 0.1), were observed between HER2-low and HER2-0 subgroups. Conclusions: In our analysis, HR+ MBC patients with low HER2 expression who received first-line treatment with ET plus Palbociclib reported no statistically different survival outcomes compared to HER2-0 patients. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm the clinical role of HER2 expression level.
Heparanase: A Novel Therapeutic Target for the Treatment of Atherosclerosis
Authors: Nguyen Tien K. , Paone Stephanie , Chan Enoch , Poon Ivan K. H. , Baxter Amy A. , Thomas Shane R. , Hulett Mark D.
Published: October 2022

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death and disability worldwide, and its management places a huge burden on healthcare systems through hospitalisation and treatment. Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the arterial wall resulting in the formation of lipid-rich, fibrotic plaques under the subendothelium and is a key contributor to the development of CVD. As such, a detailed understanding of the mechanisms involved in the development of atherosclerosis is urgently required for more effective disease treatment and prevention strategies. Heparanase is the only mammalian enzyme known to cleave heparan sulfate of heparan sulfate proteoglycans, which is a key component of the extracellular matrix and basement membrane. By cleaving heparan sulfate, heparanase contributes to the regulation of numerous physiological and pathological processes such as wound healing, inflammation, tumour angiogenesis, and cell migration. Recent evidence suggests a multifactorial role for heparanase in atherosclerosis by promoting underlying inflammatory processes giving rise to plaque formation, as well as regulating lesion stability. This review provides an up-to-date overview of the role of heparanase in physiological and pathological processes with a focus on the emerging role of the enzyme in atherosclerosis.
Dietary Interventions of Salmon and Silver Carp Phospholipids on Mice with Metabolic Syndrome Based on Lipidomics
Authors: Chen Hongbiao , Li Yun , Yi Ping , Cao Hui , Wang Qi , Zhao Xiuju
Published: October 2022

The number of metabolic syndromes (MetS) is increasing, and a fish phospholipid diet can reduce the risk of MetS. In this study, the changes in lipid metabolism of colon contents were analyzed by extensive lipidomics in mice with metabolic syndrome by fish phospholipid diet, and mice were randomly divided into experimental groups with different diet types by establishing a MetS model. After 14 weeks, the mice were sacrificed and the serum and colon contents were collected. Ultra-high liquid phase tandem mass spectrometry was used for broadly targeted lipidomic analysis, and the qualitative and quantitative detection of lipid metabolism changes in the colonic contents of mice. Under the intervention of fish phospholipids, MetS mice were significantly inhibited, serum total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG) decreased, serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) levels were improved, fasting blood glucose and insulin levels decreased, and inflammatory factors decreased. Through screening, it was found that thirty-three lipid metabolites may be key metabolites and five have significantly changed metabolic pathways. Modularizing lipid metabolites, it is possible to understand the extent to which different types and concentrations of fish phospholipids affect metabolic syndrome. Therefore, our study may provide new therapeutic clues for improving MetS.
Low-Tech Test for Mercury Detection: A New Option for Water Quality Assessment
Authors: Komova Nadezhda S. , Serebrennikova Kseniya V. , Berlina Anna N. , Zherdev Anatoly V. , Dzantiev Boris B.
Published: October 2022

Mercury pollution is a global environmental problem, especially in low-resource areas where artisanal iron mining is taking place and industrialization is on the rise. Therefore, there is a demand for simple methods for the determination of toxic metals at low. In this study, an on-field membrane lateral flow test system for sensitive and specific detection of Hg2+ in natural waters matrix is proposed. For this purpose, mercaptosuccinic acid (MSA) conjugated with protein-carrier (bovine serum albumin) was pre-impregnated in the test zone of the strip and used as a capping agent for mercury complexation. Quantitative evaluation of the analyte was provided by the use of gold nanoparticles stabilized with Tween-20 as a detecting agent. The sensing principle relies on the formation of Au–Hg nanoalloy during the migration of a solution containing Hg2+ along the strip, followed by capture in the test zone with the formation of a colored complex. Under optimum conditions, the proposed lateral flow test exhibited the linear correlation between color intensity in the test zone from the concentration of Hg2+ in the range of 0.04–25 ng/mL. The total analysis time was 11 min, without the need for the usage of additional instrumentation. The detection limit was estimated to be 0.13 ng/mL, which is 45 times lower than the WHO guidelines. The applicability of the proposed lateral flow test was confirmed by the analysis of natural waters, with the recoveries ranging from 70 to 120%. Due to the high affinity of Au to Hg and the use of a capping agent for mercury complexing, the developed system demonstrates high selectivity toward Hg2+. Compared to existing analytical methods, the proposed approach can be easily implemented and is characterized by economy and high analytical performance.
Long-Term Survival and Kidney Function in Pediatric Patients Following Liver Transplantation: A 15-Year Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Son Rin , Suh Sung Yun , Cho Yoon Sook , Rhie Sandy Jeong
Published: October 2022

Long-term preservation of kidney function after liver transplantation (LT) has not been well studied. We thus evaluated the rates of kidney function preservation and long-term survival after pediatric LT. We also investigated the risk factors associated with the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). We conducted a retrospective study of 184 pediatric patients who had undergone LT from 2003 to 2018 at a university hospital. We collected demographics, primary indications for LT, liver disease scores, renal function test results, immunosuppressive drug prescriptions, and diagnosis of post-LT complications. The 15-year survival rate was 90.8%. Furthermore, the rate of kidney function preservation at 14 years post-LT in patients at high risk of renal disease was 79.3%, and that in those with less risk of kidney diseases was 96.0%. Arterial hypertension was an independent risk factor associated with CKD progression. However, when arterial hypertension was excluded, the use of cyclosporine and liver disease with renal involvement were risk factors for CKD progression. We found that kidney function after pediatric LT was well preserved. We encourage the early detection of underlying kidney involvement, routine monitoring of renal function for high-risk patients, active control of hypertension, and appropriate immunosuppressive regimens for pediatric patients with LT.
Advanced Electric Battery Power Storage for Motors through the Use of Differential Gears and High Torque for Recirculating Power Generation
Authors: Vattanapuripakorn Wenich , Sonsupap Sathapon , Khannam Khomson , Bamrungwong Natthakrit , Kaewkhiaw Prachakon , Sarasamkan Jiradanai , Bubphachot Bopit
Published: October 2022

Electricity has become one of the most important factors contributing to both the livelihoods of individuals and global economic development. Most electricity generation is still derived from burning fossil fuels that contribute to environmental degradation. The aim of this research, through innovative design, was to create clean circular technology through the utilization of electronic devices that control and send optimally timed commands to two 72-volt batteries (DC) that store and distribute energy. This new form of electric power generation was adapted to be used with a three-way differential gear system. The speed of transmission was adjusted, and shaft rotation was connected to a 7.5 kw/h DC power motor with two 15 kw/h alternators in three phases to generate high torque power at the desired rate of 3000 RPM and electricity. The first set of alternators generated the electrical energy to be distributed. The circuit system of battery set one was used for storage and slowly fed to the motor, which was kept continuously running for hours. The second alternator distributed the generated voltage to the secondary battery, which stored backup power and provided the main power to the grid. This system is especially appealing for those looking to improve energy efficiency and contribute to the green economy, as this system can be applied to power charging stations for electric vehicles or used as a backup power source for buildings.
The Impact of Financial Development and Macroeconomic Fundamentals on Nonperforming Loans among Emerging Countries: An Assessment Using the NARDL Approach
Authors: Syed Aamir Aijaz , Kamal Muhammad Abdul , Grima Simon , Ullah Assad
Published: October 2022

The relationship between financial development indicators and non-performing loans (NPLs) has garnered significant attention, especially in emerging countries. The puzzle of whether financial sector development increases or decreases Non-performing Loans (NPL)s has not been resolved to the satisfaction of the curious mind. This research attempts to answer the above question by studying the asymmetric and symmetric association between financial sector development and NPLs, by utilizing the novel non-linear autoregressive distribution lag (NARDL) and the linear autoregressive distribution lag (ARDL) approach. Moreover, to make the study inclusive, we have added a series of proxies to measure financial sector development and macroeconomic vulnerabilities. Our main findings confirm that financial sector development and NPLs move together in the long run, and there is significant evidence of the asymmetric relationship. We infer that NPLs react differently to the negative and positive shocks of financial development and macroeconomic variables both in the short and long run. In the long-run positive shocks in financial intermediation, banking efficiency, banking depth, banking stability index, and banking non-interest income significantly impact the NPLs in emerging countries. The positive shocks of financial sector development (financial intermediation and size of banks) increase NPLs in emerging countries and vice-versa. Furthermore, regarding the macroeconomic variables, the positive shock of inflation, unemployment, and interest rate positively affect NPLs. The empirical analysis also concludes that in the long-run foreign bank presence is an insignificant factor affecting NPLs in the selected countries. This study emphasizes that, unlike the linear model, the non-linear model provides a more realistic and robust result by highlighting hidden asymmetries, which will help policymakers make appropriate strategic decisions.
A Proactive Explainable Artificial Neural Network Model for the Early Diagnosis of Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Aljameel Sumayh S.
Published: October 2022

Early diagnosis of thyroid cancer can reduce mortality, and can decrease the risk of recurrence, side effects, or the need for lengthy surgery. In this study, an explainable artificial neural network (EANN) model was developed to distinguish between malignant and benign nodules and to understand the factors that are predictive of malignancy. The study was conducted using the records of 724 patients who were admitted to Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University. The dataset contained the patients’ demographic information, nodule characteristics, blood test findings, and thyroid characteristics. The performance of the model was evaluated using the metrics of accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, F1 score, and area under the curve (AUC). The SMOTEENN combined sampling method was used to correct for a significant imbalance between malignant and benign nodules in the dataset. The proposed model outperformed a baseline study, with an accuracy of 0.99 and an AUC of 0.99. The proposed EANN model can assist health care professionals by enabling them to make effective early cancer diagnoses.
Numerical Analysis of Deformation Characteristics of Elastic Inhomogeneous Rotational Shells at Arbitrary Displacements and Rotation Angles
Authors: Dmitriev Vladimir G. , Danilin Alexander N. , Popova Anastasiya R. , Pshenichnova Natalia V.
Published: October 2022

Adequate mathematical models and computational algorithms are developed in this study to investigate specific features of the deformation processes of elastic rotational shells at large displacements and arbitrary rotation angles of the normal line. A finite difference method (FDM) is used to discretize the original continuum problem in spatial variables, replacing the differential operators with a second-order finite difference approximation. The computational algorithm for solving the nonlinear boundary value problem is based on a quasi-dynamic form of the ascertainment method with the construction of an explicit two-layer time-difference scheme of second-order accuracy. The influence of physical and mechanical characteristics of isotropic and composite materials on the deformation features of elastic spherical shells under the action of surface loading of “tracking” type is investigated. The results of the studies conducted have shown that the physical and mechanical characteristics of isotropic and composite materials significantly affect the nature of the deformation of the clamped spherical shell in both the subcritical and post-critical domains. The developed mathematical models and computational algorithms can be applied in the future to study shells of rotation made of hyperelastic (non-linearly elastic) materials and soft shells.
Advanced and Biomedical Applications of Schiff-Base Ligands and Their Metal Complexes: A Review
Authors: Soroceanu Alina , Bargan Alexandra
Published: October 2022

Because of their importance in a variety of interdisciplinary study domains, Schiff-base ligands have performed a significant role in the evolution of contemporary coordination chemistry. This almost-comprehensive review covers all the aspects and properties of complexes, starting from the Schiff-base ligands. Our work is centered on the eloquent advances that have been developed since 2015, with special consideration to recent developments. Schiff-base ligands and their complexes are adaptable compounds obtained from the condensation of two compounds: a carbonyl with an amino. The correspondent metal complexes have been shown to have antifungal, antibacterial, antioxidant, antiproliferative, and antiviral properties. This review begins with a short introduction to Schiff-base ligands and their metal complexes. It stands out in the recent advancements in the Schiff-base coordination chemistry domain and its future prospects as a potential bioactive core. Additionally, the review contains knowledge about the antioxidant, redox, and catalytic activities of the Schiff-base complexes, with important future applications in the obtaining of new compounds and materials.
Assessing Genetic Diversity and Searching for Selection Signatures by Comparison between the Indigenous Livni and Duroc Breeds in Local Livestock of the Central Region of Russia
Authors: Chernukha Irina , Abdelmanova Alexandra , Kotenkova Elena , Kharzinova Veronika , Zinovieva Natalia
Published: October 2022

Indigenous pig breeds are mainly associated with the adaptive capacity that is necessary to respond adequately to climate change, food security, and livelihood needs, and natural resources conservation. Livni pigs are an indigenous fat-type breed farmed in a single farm in the Orel region and located in the Central European part of the Russian Federation. To determine the genomic regions and genes that are affected by artificial selection, we conducted the comparative study of two pig breeds with different breeding histories and breeding objectives, i.e., the native fat-type Livni and meat-type Duroc breeds using the Porcine GGP HD BeadChip, which contains ~80,000 SNPs. To check the Livni pigs for possible admixture, the Landrace and the Large White breeds were included into the study of genetic diversity as these breeds participated in the formation of the Livni pigs. We observed the highest level of genetic diversity in Livni pigs compared to commercial breeds (UHE = 0.409 vs. 0.319–0.359, p < 0.001; AR = 1.995 vs. 1.894–1.964, p < 0.001). A slight excess of heterozygotes was found in all of the breeds. We identified 291 candidate genes, which were localized within the regions under putative selection, including 22 and 228 genes, which were specific for Livni and Duroc breeds, respectively, and 41 genes common for both breeds. A detailed analysis of the molecular functions identified the genes, which were related to the formation of meat and fat traits, and adaptation to environmental stress, including extreme temperatures, which were different between breeds. Our research results are useful for conservation and sustainable breeding of Livni breed, which shows a high level of genetic diversity. This makes Livni one of the valuable national pig genetic resources.
ECG Classification Based on Wasserstein Scalar Curvature
Authors: Sun Fupeng , Ni Yin , Luo Yihao , Sun Huafei
Published: October 2022

Electrocardiograms (ECG) analysis is one of the most important ways to diagnose heart disease. This paper proposes an efficient ECG classification method based on Wasserstein scalar curvature to comprehend the connection between heart disease and the mathematical characteristics of ECG. The newly proposed method converts an ECG into a point cloud on the family of Gaussian distribution, where the pathological characteristics of ECG will be extracted by the Wasserstein geometric structure of the statistical manifold. Technically, this paper defines the histogram dispersion of Wasserstein scalar curvature, which can accurately describe the divergence between different heart diseases. By combining medical experience with mathematical ideas from geometry and data science, this paper provides a feasible algorithm for the new method, and the theoretical analysis of the algorithm is carried out. Digital experiments on the classical database with large samples show the new algorithm’s accuracy and efficiency when dealing with the classification of heart disease.
Maximum Profit Output Configuration of Multi-Reservoir Resource Exchange Intermediary
Authors: Chen Lingen , Xia Shaojun
Published: October 2022

A model of a multi-reservoir resource exchange intermediary also defined as a commercial engine is proposed according to analogies and similarities between thermodynamics and economics. The optimal configuration of a multi-reservoir commercial engine with a maximum profit output objective is determined by applying optimal control theory. The optimal configuration consists of two instantaneous constant commodity flux processes and two constant price processes, and the configuration is independent of a number of economic subsystems and commodity transfer law qualitatively. The maximum profit output needs some economic subsystems to never contact with the commercial engine during commodity transfer processes. Numerical examples are provided for a three-economic-subsystem commercial engine with linear commodity transfer law. The effects of price changes of an intermediate economic subsystem on the optimal configuration of a three-economic-subsystem and the performance of optimal configuration are discussed. The research object is general, and the results can provide some theoretical guidelines for operations of actual economic processes and systems.
Corporate Tax Avoidance and Investment Efficiency: Evidence from the Enforcement of Tax Amnesty in Indonesia
Authors: Ngelo Agnes Aurora , Permatasari Yani , Harymawan Iman , Anridho Nadia , Kamarudin Khairul Anuar
Published: October 2022

This study examines the investment efficiency of firms engaging in tax avoidance in Indonesia. We test 2064 firm-year observations of Indonesian listed firms from 2010–2019 and document a positive relationship between tax avoidance and investment efficiency. This study also considers a unique setting of Indonesia as one of the few developing countries that implement tax amnesty. Thus, we test the variables in the period of prime tax amnesty implementation in Indonesia. We document significant results only in the firms that did not participate in tax amnesty during the implementation period. Nevertheless, the results are consistent in several alternative measurements and robust to the Propensity Score Matching regression to handle potential endogeneity. In addition, we discover that the investment efficiency of tax avoidance is salient in both firms prone to underinvestment and overinvestment. These findings extend the literature on tax avoidance and corporate investment. Based on the results, tax authorities should be stricter in handling tax avoidance practices because this practice has a cost-benefit trade-off that allows firms to obtain benefits at the expense of the state’s income if not managed properly.
Economic Downturns, Urban Growth and Suburban Fertility in a Mediterranean Context
Authors: Nickayin Samaneh Sadat , Chelli Francesco , Turco Rosario , Nosova Bogdana , Vavoura Chara , Salvati Luca
Published: October 2022

Despite the wealth of micro–macro data on short-term demographic dynamics, the impact of metropolitan growth and economic downturns on local fertility is still under-investigated in advanced economies. Recent studies in low-fertility contexts have assumed suburban birth rates as being systematically higher than urban and rural rates. This assumption (hereafter, known as the ‘suburban fertility hypothesis’) was grounded on stylized facts and spatial regularities that imply a significant role of both macro (contextual) and micro (behavioral) factors positively influencing fertility in suburban locations. To verify such a hypothesis from a macro (contextual) perspective, the present study compares the general fertility rate of urban, suburban, and rural settlements of the Athens’ metropolitan region (Greece) at various observation years between 1860 and 2020. Long-term Athens’ growth represented a sort of ‘quasi-experiment’ for Mediterranean Europe, linking sequential urban stages and distinctive waves of economic expansion and recession. Using multivariate exploratory analysis and global/local econometric models, a dominant ‘rural’ fertility regime was recorded for 1860 and 1884. A characteristic ‘urban’ fertility regime was, instead, found over a relatively long, intermediate period between 1956 and 1990. Higher fertility in suburban settlements (10 km away from downtown Athens, on average) was, finally, observed since 2000. Considering a sufficiently long-time interval, the existence of multiple fertility regimes along the distance gradient has demonstrated how fertility dynamics are intrinsically bonded with metropolitan growth, economic downturns, and social transformations in Mediterranean Europe.
Novus Projects: Innovative Ideas to Build New Opportunities upon Technology-Based Avenues in Higher Education
Authors: Portuguez-Castro May , Hernández-Méndez Rogelio Vicente , Peña-Ortega Luis Omar
Published: October 2022

This study describes a funding initiative that promotes educational innovation in a higher education institution in Mexico. This initiative, known as Novus, and carried out at Tecnologico de Monterrey, encourages professors to present educational innovation proposals by funding and monitoring research projects that promote student learning and competencies. These projects are based on digital technologies and pedagogies developed on the 26 campuses distributed throughout the country. This article presents a case study in which the historical data of Novus projects from 2012 to 2021 are reviewed. The results show that using digital technologies in these projects has favored more than 65,000 students on more than 1700 courses and the 1000 professors who teach these formative experiences. In addition, there are similar initiatives, especially in Latin America; however, they are still too few to contribute to improving student learning in an unprecedented time. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the digital transformation of educational institutions has been accelerated, with many challenges and obstacles. Therefore, showing the result of initiatives that favor the professionalization of teachers through technological projects based on evidence will illustrate the possibilities for higher education to develop these experiences. This study aims to communicate the main ideas and findings that originated in the projects created with this initiative and to show how these experiences have impacted the teaching-learning processes of university students through the innovation proposed by teachers. The dissemination of these results can generate interest so that other institutions understand the benefits of this initiative and can continue to generate new opportunities for these contexts.
Research Status of Intelligent Electric Vehicle Trajectory Planning and Its Key Technologies: A Review
Authors: Li Aijuan , Jiang Yuanshuai , Sun Xinnian , Chi Huajun , Niu Chuanhu , Liu Gang
Published: October 2022

Electrochemical energy storage technology has the characteristics of convenient use, fast response, and flexible configuration. At present, the energy storage technology used in smart electric vehicles is mainly electrochemical energy storage technology. In particular, the promotion of electrochemical energy storage technology in the field of smart electric vehicles is an effective way to achieve the goal of carbon neutrality. One of the most critical issues limiting the development and popularity of intelligent electric vehicles is the performance and range of power batteries; vehicle path planning is very important to the performance of power batteries and the driving range. Improved path planning algorithms can obviously shorten the path length and reduce the time of searching and planning a path under the condition of the same starting point and end point, that is, to increase the range of the power battery. On the premise of the comprehensive analysis of the intelligent electric vehicle’s grasp of environmental information, trajectory planning methods are divided into local trajectory planning and global trajectory planning methods. The main content of the trajectory planning method is given, the key technologies involved in the research are discussed, and its advantages and disadvantages are analyzed. Finally, the main development trends of intelligent electric vehicle trajectory planning technology in the future are proposed.
Durability Study of Embroidery Electrode Made of Stainless Steel Blended Yarn
Authors: Wang Tianyu , Xiao Xueliang , Wang Ao , Jiang Yun
Published: October 2022

“Tatami” is the most commonly used needle type in computer embroidery. Its uniform yarn, contact point and gap arrangement can greatly reduce the resistance of fabric electrodes (0.65 MΩ–4.9 MΩ) and the impedance between electrodes and human skin (2.455 MΩ), which can meet the requirements of intelligent wearable devices for long-time electrocardiogram monitoring. In this work, properties of a fabric electrode were tested. Its air permeability and wear resistance are good, although human sweat will lead to different degrees of resistance of stainless steel embroidery electrode. It will not change its performance too much. Generally speaking, the wearing performance and ECG (electrocardiogram) monitoring performance of the stainless steel embroidery electrode are stable.