bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Firm Size and Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Based Technology Adoption: The Role of Corporate Size in South Korean Construction Companies
Authors: Na Seunguk , Heo Seokjae , Choi Wonjun , Han Sehee , Kim Cheekyung
Published: April 2023

This research addresses the factors that impact the acceptance of AI-based technologies or products depending upon firm size in the construction industry, in which various corporates exist. In order to achieve the research goals, a technology acceptance model was applied to investigate the influencing factors in respect to adopting AI-based technologies or products. From the research results, technological and organizational factors were found to positively influence perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use. Corporate users perceived that technology is useful to their work and is easy to use when enough capital and education were invested prior to the company adopting AI-based technologies or products. It was found that perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness indicate satisfaction with new technology, and the higher the intention to use, the higher the satisfaction. In addition, as various information sharing and distribution channels increase, the frequency of use of new technologies or products also increases, not through traditional marketing, but through viral marketing via social media or promotion by influential persons or organizations. Furthermore, there are differences in the adoption of AI-based technologies or products depending on the size of the company.
Surveillance of Low-Grade Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Tumors Using Uromonitor: SOLUSION Trial
Authors: Azawi Nessn , Vásquez Juan Luis , Dreyer Thomas , Guldhammer Cathrine Silberg , Saber Al-Juboori Rami Muthanna , Nielsen Anna Munk , Jensen Jørgen Bjerggaard
Published: April 2023

Background: The surveillance of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) requires frequent cystoscopies, which are costly and uncomfortable for patients. Uromonitor is a validated non-invasive urinary test for detecting NMIBC recurrence. However, data on its clinical benefit in an NMIBC surveillance program is limited. Objective: To assess the diagnostic accuracy of Uromonitor in NMIBC surveillance and its potential to limit the number of cystoscopies. Design, Setting, and Participants: The study included 202 patients with previous low-grade (LG) NMIBC tumors. Newly diagnosed patients were scheduled for flexible cystoscopy and Uromonitor test at 4, 12, and 24 months from the time of diagnosis. Patients with tumors diagnosed before entering the study underwent cystoscopy and Uromonitor test at the start of the study and 12 and 24 months from inclusion in the study. Outcome Measurements and Statistical Analysis: Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV). Results and Limitations: Between February 2020 and October 2022, 202 patients were enrolled in the study. Of these patients, 171 met the eligibility criteria to perform the analysis, with a median age of 69 years, IQR (62–74), and 380 flexible cystoscopies with simultaneous Uromonitor tests. Overall, 39/171 (22.8%) patients had recurrences. Uromonitor showed a sensitivity of 89.7%, specificity of 96.2%, PPV of 72.9%, and NPV of 98.8%. In 28 cases, flexible cystoscopy was falsely positive, leading to surgery, where Uromonitor showed negative results. There were 13 cases of possible false positives for Uromonitor where flexible cystoscopy was negative. Conclusions: Uromonitor displays high diagnostic accuracy in detecting NMIBC recurrence with the potential for reducing the number of flexible cystoscopies in the follow-up of low- and intermediate-risk NMIBC. Patient Summary: We followed up on newly and previously diagnosed patients with LG NMIBC. We concluded that Uromonitor could potentially reduce the number of cystoscopies in NMIBC surveillance programs.
Persistent Immunity against SARS-CoV-2 in Individuals with Oncohematological Diseases Who Underwent Autologous or Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation after Vaccination
Authors: Rodríguez-Mora Sara , Pérez-Lamas Lucía , Sainero Miriam Solera , Torres Montserrat , Sánchez-Menéndez Clara , Corona Magdalena , Mateos Elena , Casado-Fernández Guiomar , Alcamí José , García-Pérez Javier , Pérez-Olmeda Mayte , Murciano-Antón María Aranzazú , López-Jiménez Javier , García-Gutiérrez Valentín , Coiras Mayte
Published: April 2023

The high morbimortality due to SARS-CoV-2 infection in oncohematological diseases (OHD) and hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients in the pre-vaccine era has made vaccination a priority in this group. After HSCT, the immune responses against common vaccines such as tetanus, varicella, rubella, and polio may be lost. However, the loss of immunity developed by COVID-19 vaccination after HSCT has not been completely defined. In this study, both humoral and cellular immunity against SARS-CoV-2 were analyzed in 29 individuals with OHD who were vaccinated before receiving allogeneic (n = 11) or autologous (n = 18) HSCT. All participants had low but protective levels of neutralizing IgGs against SARS-CoV-2 after HSCT despite B-cell lymphopenia and immaturity. Although antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity was impaired, direct cellular cytotoxicity was similar to healthy donors in participants with autologous-HSCT, in contrast to individuals with allogeneic–HSCT, which severely deteriorated. No significant changes were observed in the immune response before and after HSCT. During follow-up, all reported post-HSCT SARS-CoV-2 infections were mild. This data emphasizes that COVID-19 vaccination is effective, necessary, and safe for individuals with OHD and also supports the persistence of some degree of immune protection after HSCT, at least in the short term, when patients cannot yet be revaccinated.
Theranostics of Primary Prostate Cancer: Beyond PSMA and GRP-R
Authors: Schollhammer Romain , Quintyn Ranty Marie-Laure , de Clermont Gallerande Henri , Cavelier Florine , Valverde Ibai E. , Vimont Delphine , Hindié Elif , Morgat Clément
Published: April 2023

The imaging of Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA) is now widely used at the initial staging of prostate cancers in patients with a high metastatic risk. However, its ability to detect low-grade tumor lesions is not optimal. Methods: First, we prospectively performed neurotensin receptor-1 (NTS1) IHC in a series of patients receiving both [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-617 and [68Ga]Ga-RM2 before prostatectomy. In this series, PSMA and GRP-R IHC were also available (n = 16). Next, we aimed at confirming the PSMA/GRP-R/NTS1 expression profile by retrospective autoradiography (n = 46) using a specific radiopharmaceuticals study and also aimed to decipher the expression of less-investigated targets such as NTS2, SST2 and CXCR4. Results: In the IHC study, all samples with negative PSMA staining (two patients with ISUP 2 and one with ISUP 3) were strongly positive for NTS1 staining. No samples were negative for all three stains—for PSMA, GRP-R or NTS1. In the autoradiography study, binding of [111In]In-PSMA-617 was high in all ISUP groups. However, some samples did not bind or bound weakly to [111In]In-PSMA-617 (9%). In these cases, binding of [111n]In-JMV 6659 and [111In]In-JMV 7488 towards NTS1 and NTS2 was high. Conclusions: Targeting PSMA and NTS1/NTS2 could allow for the detection of all intraprostatic lesions.
Association of Suppressive Myeloid Cell Enrichment with Aggressive Oropharynx Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Yang Changlin , Garg Rekha , Fredenburg Kristanna , Weidert Frances , Mendez-Gomez Hector , Amdur Robert , Lee Ji-Hyun , Ku Jamie , Kresak Jesse , Staras Stephanie , Sikora Andrew G. , Wang Lily , McGrail Daniel , Mitchell Duane , Sayour Elias , Silver Natalie
Published: April 2023

Background: While immune-cell infiltrated tumors, such as human papillomavirus positive (HPV+) ororpharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCC) have been associated with an improved clinical prognosis, there is evidence to suggest that OPSCCs are also subjected to increased immunoregulatory influence. The objective of this study was to assess whether patients with clinically aggressive OPSCC have a distinct immunosuppressive immune signature in the primary tumor. Methods: This retrospective case-control study analyzed 37 pre-treatment tissue samples from HPV+ and HPV-negative OPSCC patients treated at a single institution. The cases were patients with known disease recurrence and the controls were patients without disease recurrence. An mRNA-expression immune-pathway profiling was performed, and correlated to clinical outcomes. The TCGA head and neck cancer database was utilized to make comparisons with the institutional cohort. Results: In our cohort, HPV-negative and HPV+ patients with known disease recurrence both had significantly increased suppressive monoctyte/macrophage and granulocyte cell-expression-profile enrichment. Similar findings were found in the TCGA cohort when comparing HPV-negative to positive patients. Conclusions: our study demonstrates that patients with recurrent HPV+ OPSCC had suppressive monocyte/macrophage and granulocyte immune-cell enrichment, similar to those seen in the more aggressive HPV-negative OPSCC.
Temozolomide and Lomustine Induce Tissue Factor Expression and Procoagulant Activity in Glioblastoma Cells In Vitro
Authors: Kapteijn Maaike Y. , Zwaan Shanna , ter Linden Esther , Laghmani El Houari , van den Akker Rob F. P. , Rondon Araci M. R. , van der Zanden Sabina Y. , Neefjes Jacques , Versteeg Henri H. , Buijs Jeroen T.
Published: April 2023

Glioblastoma (GBM) patients have one of the highest risks of venous thromboembolism (VTE), which is even further increased upon treatment with chemotherapy. Tissue factor (TF) is the initiator of the extrinsic coagulation pathway and expressed by GBM cells. In this study, we aimed to examine the effect of routinely used chemotherapeutic agents Temozolomide (TMZ) and Lomustine (LOM) on TF procoagulant activity and expression in GBM cells in vitro. Three human GBM cell lines (U-251, U-87, U-118) were exposed to 100 µM TMZ or 30 µM LOM for 72 h. TF procoagulant activity was assessed via an FXa generation assay and TF gene and protein expression through qPCR and Western blotting. The externalization of phosphatidylserine (PS) was studied using Annexin V flow cytometry. Treatment with TMZ and LOM resulted in increased procoagulant activity in all cell lines. Furthermore, both agents induced procoagulant activity in the supernatant and tumor-cell-secreted extracellular vesicles. In line, TF gene and protein expression were increased upon TMZ and LOM treatment. Additionally, PS externalization and induction of inflammatory-associated genes were observed. Overall, the chemotherapeutic modalities TMZ and LOM induced procoagulant activity and increased TF gene and protein expression in all GBM cell lines tested, which may contribute to the increased VTE risk observed in GBM patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Selected Serum Biomarkers (Leptin, Chromogranin A, CA19-9, CEA) in Patients with Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasm and Associations with Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Rosiek Violetta , Bocian-Jastrzębska Agnes , Kos-Kudła Beata
Published: April 2023

Metabolic abnormalities are well-known risk factors for many cancers, even though no clearly established link with pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (PanNENs) has yet been investigated. This research aimed to assess the serum levels of leptin, chromogranin A (CgA), carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9), and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in patients with PanNENs and to search for associations between PanNENs, these selected serum biomarkers, and metabolic abnormalities in the form of metabolic syndrome (MS). Second, we aimed to investigate whether MS increases the risk of PanNENs. The serum concentrations of biomarkers, metabolic parameters (glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides), and anthropometric measurements (weight, height, BMI) were assessed in 106 patients with PanNENs and 40 healthy volunteers. Patients with PanNENs showed higher serum concentrations of CA19-9, CEA, and CgA in comparison to controls (p < 0.001, p = 0.042, and p = 0.025, respectively). Statistically significant differences in CEA levels were found in PanNENs patients with MS (p = 0.043). PanNENs patients with a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 and who were female exhibited significantly higher leptin levels (p < 0.001 and p = 0.013, respectively). Additionally, this study reflects the importance of determining markers. Future research should focus on understanding the impact of metabolic disturbances on PanNENs and accounting for the relationship between PanNENs and MS, such as other malignancies.
Myocardial Strain during Surveillance Screening Is Associated with Future Cardiac Dysfunction among Survivors of Childhood, Adolescent and Young Adult-Onset Cancer
Authors: Bottinor Wendy J. , Deng Xiaoyan , Bandyopadhyay Dipankar , Coburn Gary , Havens Corey , Carr Melissa , Saurers Daniel , Judkins Chantelle , Gong Wu , Yu Chang , Friedman Debra L. , Borinstein Scott C. , Soslow Jonathan H.
Published: April 2023

Cardiovascular disease is a leading contributor to mortality among childhood, adolescent and young adult (C-AYA) cancer survivors. While serial cardiovascular screening is recommended in this population, optimal screening strategies, including the use of echocardiography-based myocardial strain, are not fully defined. Our objective was to determine the relationship between longitudinal and circumferential strain (LS, CS) and fractional shortening (FS) among survivors. This single-center cohort study retrospectively measured LS and CS among C-AYAs treated with anthracycline/anthracenedione chemotherapy. The trajectory of LS and CS values over time were examined among two groups of survivors: those who experienced a reduction of >5 fractional shortening (FS) units from pre-treatment to the most recent echocardiogram, and those who did not. Using mixed modeling, LS and CS were used to estimate FS longitudinally. A receiver operator characteristic curve was generated to determine the ability of our model to correctly predict an FS ≤ 27%. A total of 189 survivors with a median age of 14 years at diagnosis were included. Among the two survivor groups, the trajectory of LS and CS differed approximately five years from cancer diagnosis. A statistically significant inverse relationship was demonstrated between FS and LS −0.129, p = 0.039, as well as FS and CS −0.413, p < 0.001. The area under the curve for an FS ≤ 27% was 91%. Among C-AYAs, myocardial strain measurements may improve the identification of individuals with cardiotoxicity, thereby allowing earlier intervention.
Delay of Aortic Arterial Input Function Time Improves Detection of Malignant Vertebral Body Lesions on Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI Perfusion
Authors: Camelo Felipe , Peck Kyung K. , Saha Atin , Arevalo-Perez Julio , Lyo John K. , Tisnado Jamie , Lis Eric , Karimi Sasan , Holodny Andrei I.
Published: April 2023

Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE) is an emerging modality in the study of vertebral body malignancies. DCE-MRI analysis relies on a pharmacokinetic model, which assumes that contrast uptake is simultaneous in the feeding of arteries and tissues of interest. While true in the highly vascularized brain, the perfusion of the spine is delayed. This delay of contrast reaching vertebral body lesions can affect DCE-MRI analyses, leading to misdiagnosis for the presence of active malignancy in the bone marrow. To overcome the limitation of delayed contrast arrival to vertebral body lesions, we shifted the arterial input function (AIF) curve over a series of phases and recalculated the plasma volume values (Vp) for each phase shift. We hypothesized that shifting the AIF tracer curve would better reflect actual contrast perfusion, thereby improving the accuracy of Vp maps in metastases. We evaluated 18 biopsy-proven vertebral body metastases in which standard DCE-MRI analysis failed to demonstrate the expected increase in Vp. We manually delayed the AIF curve for multiple phases, defined as the scan-specific phase temporal resolution, and analyzed DCE-MRI parameters with the new AIF curves. All patients were found to require at least one phase-shift delay in the calculated AIF to better visualize metastatic spinal lesions and improve quantitation of Vp. Average normalized Vp values were 1.78 ± 1.88 for zero phase shifts (P0), 4.72 ± 4.31 for one phase shift (P1), and 5.59 ± 4.41 for two phase shifts (P2). Mann–Whitney U tests obtained p-values = 0.003 between P0 and P1, and 0.0004 between P0 and P2. This study demonstrates that image processing analysis for DCE-MRI in patients with spinal metastases requires a careful review of signal intensity curve, as well as a possible adjustment of the phase of aortic AIF to increase the accuracy of Vp.
Imaging the WHO 2021 Brain Tumor Classification: Fully Automated Analysis of Imaging Features of Newly Diagnosed Gliomas
Authors: Griessmair Michael , Delbridge Claire , Ziegenfeuter Julian , Bernhardt Denise , Gempt Jens , Schmidt-Graf Friederike , Kertels Olivia , Thomas Marie , Meyer Hanno S. , Zimmer Claus , Meyer Bernhard , Combs Stephanie E. , Yakushev Igor , Wiestler Benedikt , Metz Marie-Christin
Published: April 2023

Background: The fifth version of the World Health Organization (WHO) classification of tumors of the central nervous system (CNS) in 2021 brought substantial changes. Driven by the enhanced implementation of molecular characterization, some diagnoses were adapted while others were newly introduced. How these changes are reflected in imaging features remains scarcely investigated. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 226 treatment-naive primary brain tumor patients from our institution who received extensive molecular characterization by epigenome-wide methylation microarray and were diagnosed according to the 2021 WHO brain tumor classification. From multimodal preoperative 3T MRI scans, we extracted imaging metrics via a fully automated, AI-based image segmentation and processing pipeline. Subsequently, we examined differences in imaging features between the three main glioma entities (glioblastoma, astrocytoma, and oligodendroglioma) and particularly investigated new entities such as astrocytoma, WHO grade 4. Results: Our results confirm prior studies that found significantly higher median CBV (p = 0.00003, ANOVA) and lower median ADC in contrast-enhancing areas of glioblastomas, compared to astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas (p = 0.41333, ANOVA). Interestingly, molecularly defined glioblastoma, which usually does not contain contrast-enhancing areas, also shows significantly higher CBV values in the non-enhancing tumor than common glioblastoma and astrocytoma grade 4 (p = 0.01309, ANOVA). Conclusions: This work provides extensive insights into the imaging features of gliomas in light of the new 2021 WHO CNS tumor classification. Advanced imaging shows promise in visualizing tumor biology and improving the diagnosis of brain tumor patients.
Au Nanoparticles Supported on Mn- or/and La-Doped CeO2 Nanorods for One-Step Oxidative Esterification of Methacrolein and Methanol to Methyl Methacrylate
Authors: Zhang Haojian
Published: April 2023

Mn- or/and La-doped CeO2 nanorods supporting Au catalysts were prepared using the hydrothermal method and deposition precipitation (DP) method and applied to the direct oxidative esterification of methacrolein (MAL) and methanol into methyl methacrylate (MMA). Various characterization techniques such as N2-physical adsorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), H2 temperature programmed reduction (TPR) and CO2 temperature programmed desorption (TPD) were utilized to analyze the structural properties, reducibility and basicity of Au catalysts. The catalyst with Mn doping only showed the best performance, and particularly the highest conversion, while the catalyst with Mn and La doping showed the highest selectivity.
Cannabis Pharmacogenomics: A Path to Personalized Medicine
Authors: Babayeva Mariana , Loewy Zvi G.
Published: April 2023

Cannabis and related compounds have created significant research interest as a promising therapy in many disorders. However, the individual therapeutic effects of cannabinoids and the incidence of side effects are still difficult to determine. Pharmacogenomics may provide the answers to many questions and concerns regarding the cannabis/cannabinoid treatment and help us to understand the variability in individual responses and associated risks. Pharmacogenomics research has made meaningful progress in identifying genetic variations that play a critical role in interpatient variability in response to cannabis. This review classifies the current knowledge of pharmacogenomics associated with medical marijuana and related compounds and can assist in improving the outcomes of cannabinoid therapy and to minimize the adverse effects of cannabis use. Specific examples of pharmacogenomics informing pharmacotherapy as a path to personalized medicine are discussed.
Intrafibrillar Growth of Hydroxyapatite Nanocrystals in Multiscale Collagen
Authors: Xue Bingyu , Li Yidi , Fu Zhengyi , Ping Hang , Wang Kun
Published: April 2023

Collagen fibrils hierarchically assemble from microscale to macroscale, which endows the natural composite bone with good mechanical properties and remodeling functions. Revealing the intrafibrillar growth process of hydroxyapatite nanocrystals of collagen will guide the research of bone repair or collagen-based composites. Herein, we investigated the mineralization of multiscale collagen matrices and strongly proved the intrafibrillar hydroxyapatite nanocrystals in the collagen fibrils. The hydroxyapatite nanocrystals were deposited within collagen fibrils with co-orientation along the (002) crystal plane, which is the longitude of the fibril. The whole growth process was captured by TEM to demonstrated the five stages of the intrafibrillar growth process of hydroxyapatite nanocrystals. The infiltration and transformation of amorphous calcium phosphate in isolated collagen fibrils are both demonstrated. The intrafibrillar growth process of hydroxyapatite nanocrystals in collagen film was also investigated, showing that the growth area of collagen films increased linearly with time and the growth process. By studying the in situ mineralization under different reaction conditions, the kinetic equation of the mineralized area of collagen film under each condition was obtained, and the optimal hydroxyapatite mineralized solution was proved to be a solution with polyacrylic acid of 50 μG/mL and a pH of 7.5. Our work provides more detailed information of the growth process of HAP nanocrystals during the mineralization of collagen at different scales and would contribute to future research on the formation process of more minerals in collagen.
Crystal Structure, Hirshfeld Surface Analysis, and Computational Study of Quinolin-8-yl 4-Chlorobenzoate: Insights from Spectroscopic, Thermal, and Antitumor Properties
Authors: Castillo Juan-Carlos , Becerra Diana , Macías Mario A.
Published: April 2023

We report the time-efficient synthesis of quinolin-8-yl 4-chlorobenzoate (3) via an O-acylation reaction between 8-hydroxyquinoline (1) and 4-chlorobenzoyl chloride (2) mediated by triethylamine in acetonitrile under heating at 80 °C for 20 min in the Monowave 50 reactor. This protocol is distinguished by its short reaction time, operational simplicity, and clean reaction profile. The structure of 3 was fully characterized through a combination of analytical techniques, including NMR, IR, and UV–Vis spectroscopy, MS spectrometry, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry (TG), and crystallographic studies. Interestingly, X-ray diffraction analyses of 3 show that the crystal structure is characterized by C-H···N, C-H···O, Cl···π, and π···π interactions. The molecular conformation presents an orthogonal orientation between aromatic rings in the solid state. The calculated interaction energies using the CE-B3LYP model show that dispersion forces act in a higher proportion to build the crystal, which is consistent with the few short hydrogen interactions detected. Electrostatic potential maps suggest the formation of σ-holes over the Cl atoms. Although they can behave as both Lewis acid and base sites, Cl··Cl interactions are absent due to the shallow depth of these σ-holes. Quantum chemical descriptors and global reactivity descriptors were examined using the B3LYP method with the 6-31G(d,p) basis set implemented in CrystalExplorer. Finally, compound 3 exhibited low activity against HOP-92 and EKVX non-Small-cell lung and UO-31 Renal cancer cell lines, with a growth inhibition percentage (GI%) ranging from 6.2% to 18.1%.
Turnover and Natal Dispersal in the Finnish Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) Population
Authors: Kylmänen Aure , Karabanina Ekaterina , Ollila Tuomo , Ponnikas Suvi , Kvist Laura
Published: April 2023

Estimating turnover in a population provides information on population dynamics, such as dispersal and mortality. Dispersal increases genetic diversity and affects the genetic structure. Golden eagles are monogamous, tend to mate for life, and have strong nest site fidelity, which suggests low turnover rates. Here, we first studied genetic diversity and population structure in the Finnish golden eagle population using 11 microsatellite loci and a fragment of a mitochondrial DNA control region. We found no notable changes in genetic diversity during the 15-year study period and did not discover any population structure. Then, we examined the turnover rate using chick genotypes (N = 935) by estimating relatedness between chicks born in the same territory in different years. The results showed a turnover rate of 23%, which correlated with the breeding success of the previous year. Similarly, in the absence of turnover, the pair changed nest sites within a territory after an unsuccessful breeding. In addition, our dataset also revealed natal dispersal of ten individuals. Natal dispersal distance was 110 km on average (median 98 km); however, the distance seemed to vary depending on geographical location, being greater in Northern Finland than in Southern Finland.
Health Status of Stranded Common Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and Contamination by Immunotoxic Pollutants: A Threat to the Pelagos Sanctuary—Western Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Grattarola Carla , Minoia Lorenzo , Giorda Federica , Consales Guia , Capanni Francesca , Ceciarini Ilaria , Franchi Enrica , Ascheri Davide , Garibaldi Fulvio , Dondo Alessandro , Goria Maria , Serracca Laura , Varello Katia , Masoero Loretta , Di Francesco Cristina Esmeralda , Casalone Cristina , Marsili Letizia
Published: April 2023

Between 2019 and 2021, 21 bottlenose dolphins were found stranded dead along the Ligurian Pelagos Sanctuary coast (Italy). For 11 animals, out of a total of 14 recovered, the cause of death was classified as natural, anthropic, or not determined based on gross and histological pathology and ancillary testing. Hexachlorobenzene (HCB), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were examined in their blubber, and results were discussed according to their toxicological properties. All specimens showed the following trend: PCBs > DDTs >> HCB, and the levels of cancerogenic, mutagenic, and teratogenic organochlorine compounds (T-OCs) were >50% of total OCs. Immunosuppressant organochlorine compound (IS-OC) levels in 10 out of 11 animals were above 50% of the total OCs. PCB levels always exceeded the threshold of 17 mg/kg lipid weight for PCB-induced adverse health effects. The results suggest that bottlenose dolphins living in the Pelagos Sanctuary undergo a high level of exposure to pathogens and OCs, betraying the designation of the Cetacean Sanctuary and, consequently, of a region created for their conservation. Immune dysfunction and infectious disease susceptibility appear to be highly connected with high levels of OC xenobiotics. These data are useful to understand health and mortality trends in cetacean populations, as well as for developing policies for cetacean conservation and management in this important protected area of the Mediterranean.
Altered Lnc-EGFR, SNHG1, and LincRNA-Cox2 Profiles in Patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis: Impact on Disease Activity and Progression
Authors: Attia Mohamed S. , Ewida Heba A. , Abdel Hafez Mohamed Aly , El-Maraghy Shohda A. , El-Sawalhi Maha M.
Published: April 2023

Relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) is the most prevalent MS subtype. Ample evidence has indicated that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are crucial players in autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. This study investigated the expression of lnc-EGFR, SNHG1, and lincRNA-Cox2 in RRMS patients during active relapses and in remission. Additionally, the expression of FOXP3, a master transcription factor for regulatory T cells, and NLRP3-inflammasome-related genes were determined. Relationships between these parameters and MS activity and annualized relapse rate (ARR) were also evaluated. The study included 100 Egyptian participants: 70 RRMS patients (35 during relapse and 35 in remission) and 30 healthy controls. RRMS patients showed significant downregulation of lnc-EGFR and FOXP3 and dramatic upregulation of SNHG1, lincRNA-Cox2, NLRP3, ASC, and caspase-1 compared to controls. Lower serum TGF-β1 and elevated IL-1β levels were observed in RRMS patients. Notably, patients during relapses displayed more significant alterations than those in remission. Lnc-EGFR was positively correlated with FOXP3 and TGF-β1 and negatively correlated with ARR, SNHG1, lincRNA-Cox2, and NLRP3 inflammasome components. Meanwhile, SNHG1 and lincRNA-Cox2 were positively correlated with ARR, NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, and IL-1β. Excellent diagnostic performance for lnc-EGFR, FOXP3, and TGF-β1 was demonstrated, while all biomarkers exhibited strong prognostic potential for predicting relapses. Finally, the differential expression of lnc-EGFR, SNHG1, and lincRNA-Cox2 in RRMS patients, especially during relapses, suggests their involvement in RRMS pathogenesis and activity. Correlation between their expression and ARR implies relationships to disease progression. Our findings also highlight their promising roles as biomarkers for RRMS.
Myocardial Work Evaluation—A Useful Non-Invasive Method to Predict Coronary Artery Sub-Occlusion in a Patient with Unstable Angina and Multiple Myocardial Revascularization Interventions
Authors: Gheorghiu Alexandru , Arnautu Sergiu-Florin , Slovenski Milena , Malița Claudiu-Daniel , Tomescu Mirela-Cleopatra , Arnautu Diana-Aurora
Published: April 2023

Background: While lifestyle changes, management of coronary artery disease (CAD) risk factors, myocardial revascularization procedures, and medication can improve a patient’s prognosis, de novo native coronary lesions and in-stent restenosis (ISR) remain significant clinical concerns. ISR is more frequent with a bare-metal stent than with a drug-eluting stent and has been documented in around 12% of DES patients. Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) manifests as unstable angina in about 30% to 60% of ISR patients. Myocardial work imaging is a modern, non-invasive technique able to identify individuals with critical coronary artery lesions with high sensitivity and specificity. Case report: We present the case of a 72-year-old Caucasian gentleman with multiple cardiovascular risk factors, admitted to the Cardiology Clinic of Timișoara Municipal Hospital with unstable angina. From 1999 to 2021, the patient experienced two myocardial infarctions, a double aortocoronary bypass graft, and multiple percutaneous coronary interventions with 11 stent implantations, including 6 for ISR. Using two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography and myocardial work assessment, we detected that the lateral wall of the left ventricle had a severely impaired deformation pattern. Angio-coronarography was performed, and sub-occlusion of the posterolateral branch of the right coronary artery was found. Angioplasty was performed and a DES was inserted, with a good final angiographic result and complete release of symptoms. Conclusion: In patients with a history of multiple myocardial revascularization interventions and ISR, it is challenging to identify the critical ischemia region by non-invasive methods. Myocardial work imaging was beneficial in the detection of the altered deformation patterns indicating significant ischemia, its accuracy being superior to that of LV strain, as proven by coronary angiography. Urgent coronary angiography followed by angioplasty and stent implantation resolved the issue.
Geometric Structures Induced by Deformations of the Legendre Transform
Authors: Morales Pablo A. , Korbel Jan , Rosas Fernando E.
Published: April 2023

The recent link discovered between generalized Legendre transforms and non-dually flat statistical manifolds suggests a fundamental reason behind the ubiquity of Rényi’s divergence and entropy in a wide range of physical phenomena. However, these early findings still provide little intuition on the nature of this relationship and its implications for physical systems. Here we shed new light on the Legendre transform by revealing the consequences of its deformation via symplectic geometry and complexification. These findings reveal a novel common framework that leads to a principled and unified understanding of physical systems that are not well-described by classic information-theoretic quantities.
Household Economics, Information Sources and Annuity Choices: Annuitisation Preferences of Members of the Slovak Private Pension Pillar
Authors: Baláž Vladimír
Published: April 2023

This research uses representative survey data to elicit the annuitisation preferences of members of the Slovak-funded private pension pillar. The research explores the impact of socioeconomic and sociodemographic variables, as well as some exogenous factors on annuity choices. The following choices are analysed: (i) taking an annuity upon retirement; (ii) delaying the uptake of an annuity and accumulating savings beyond the official age of retirement; and (iii) leaving accumulated wealth to heirs (bequest motive). The paper provides some original contributions. Firstly, it relates annuity choices to intrafamily risk sharing. Attention is paid to household structure, income levels, and the presence of dependent children. Secondly, the importance of diverse information resources on the formation of annuity preferences is examined. We found that professional advice provided by financial institutions and government bodies was associated with higher probabilities of annuity uptake. A disproportional reliance on informal channels may explain the higher preference towards bequest motives in rural areas. Thirdly, annuity choices are studied in relation to alternative sources of income in old age. A combination of social security pensions and bequest-sharing arrangements may offset the need for the annuitisation of pension wealth.
Assistive Data Glove for Isolated Static Postures Recognition in American Sign Language Using Neural Network
Authors: Amin Muhammad Saad , Rizvi Syed Tahir Hussain , Mazzei Alessandro , Anselma Luca
Published: April 2023

Sign language recognition is one of the most challenging tasks of today’s era. Most of the researchers working in this domain have focused on different types of implementations for sign recognition. These implementations require the development of smart prototypes for capturing and classifying sign gestures. Keeping in mind the aspects of prototype design, sensor-based, vision-based, and hybrid approach-based prototypes have been designed. The authors in this paper have designed sensor-based assistive gloves to capture signs for the alphabet and digits. These signs are a small but important fraction of the ASL dictionary since they play an essential role in fingerspelling, which is a universal signed linguistic strategy for expressing personal names, technical terms, gaps in the lexicon, and emphasis. A scaled conjugate gradient-based back propagation algorithm is used to train a fully-connected neural network on a self-collected dataset of isolated static postures of digits, alphabetic, and alphanumeric characters. The authors also analyzed the impact of activation functions on the performance of neural networks. Successful implementation of the recognition network produced promising results for this small dataset of static gestures of digits, alphabetic, and alphanumeric characters.
Endpoint Device Risk-Scoring Algorithm Proposal for Zero Trust
Authors: Park Ui Hyun , Hong Jeong-hyeop , Kim Auk , Son Kyung Ho
Published: April 2023

The rapid expansion of remote work following the COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated the development of more robust and secure endpoint device security solutions. Companies have begun to adopt the zero trust security concept as an alternative to traditional network boundary security measures, which requires that every device and user be considered untrustworthy until proven otherwise. Despite the potential benefits of implementing zero trust, the stringent security measures can inadvertently lead to low availability by denying access to legitimate users or limiting their ability to access necessary resources. To address this challenge, we propose a risk-scoring algorithm that balances confidentiality and availability by evaluating the user’s impact on resources. Our contributions include (1) summarizing the limitations of existing risk scoring systems in companies that implement zero trust, (2) proposing a dynamic importance metric that measures the importance of resources accessible to users within zero trust systems, and (3) introducing a risk-scoring algorithm that employs the dynamic importance metric to enhance both security and availability in zero trust environments. By incorporating the dynamic importance metric, our proposed algorithm provides a more accurate representation of risk, leading to better security decisions and improved resource availability for legitimate users. This proposal aims to help organizations achieve a more balanced approach to endpoint device security, addressing the unique challenges posed by the increasing prevalence of remote work.
Digital Management of Resource Efficiency of Fuel and Energy Companies in a Circular Economy
Authors: Vazhenina Larisa , Magaril Elena , Mayburov Igor
Published: April 2023

High-quality managerial decision-making is crucial for improving the resource efficiency of production companies in the context of digitalization. Currently, the use of modern methods and tools to manage the consumption and supply of resources of companies should consider the principles of a circular economy. This study focused on the development of a mechanism to manage resource efficiency in the fuel and energy sector. It used the methodological tools developed by the authors, including a comprehensive integral assessment of resource efficiency and a practice-oriented research methodology adapted for fuel and energy enterprises. Having analyzed the existing state of resource consumption, the authors discovered a disparity of indicators, methods and means in the applied assessment of the accounting, control and expenditure of energy resources. Using the analytic hierarchy process as a foundation, the authors applied a technique for identifying inefficient production processes at the fuel and energy enterprises level as a case study. With the proposed technique, the main areas of the inefficient use of resources were identified. They include the organization of accounting, control and rationing of resource consumption, supplying the resources to production, and measures to improve resource conservation. These areas were ranked by importance and priority. The calculations determined the most resource-intensive process—“Operation of equipment and technologies”. On this basis, the authors developed a methodology for resource efficiency management, including a number of digital technologies and tools. As a result of testing the developed mechanism in an oil and gas company based on the principles of a circular economy, the authors found reserves of the inefficient use of energy resources and searched for the best option for the development of an oil and gas company. Moreover, the proposed approach enabled the authors to determine the balanced growth of the company’s resource efficiency, develop managerial decisions for the its long-term development, and conduct its environmental and economic assessment.
Optimization of Energy Consumption of Industrial Robots Using Classical PID and MPC Controllers
Authors: Benotsmane Rabab , Kovács György
Published: April 2023

Industrial robots have a key role in the concept of Industry 4.0. On the one hand, these systems improve quality and productivity, but on the other hand, they require a huge amount of energy. Energy saving solutions have to be developed and applied to provide sustainable production. The purpose of this research is to develop the optimal control strategy for industrial robots in order to minimize energy consumption. Therefore, a case study was conducted for the development of two control strategies to be applied to the RV-2AJ Mitsubishi robot arm with 5 DOF, where the system is a nonlinear one. The first examined controller is the classical linear proportional integral derivative (PID) controller, while the second one is the linear model predictive control (MPC) controller. In our study, the performances of both the classical PID model and the linear MPC controller were compared. As a result, it was found that the MPC controller in the execution of the three defined reference trajectories [(1) curve motion, (2) N-shaped motion, and (3) circle motion] was always faster and required less energy consumption, whereas in terms of precision the PID succeeded in executing the trajectory more precisely than the MPC but with higher energy consumption. The main contribution of the research is that the performances of the two control strategies with regard to a complex dynamic system were compared in the case of the execution of three different trajectories. The evaluations show that the MPC controller is, on the one hand, more energy efficient; on the other hand, it provides a shorter cycle time compared to the PID controller.
Survey of Applications of Machine Learning for Fault Detection, Diagnosis and Prediction in Microclimate Control Systems
Authors: Daurenbayeva Nurkamilya , Nurlanuly Almas , Atymtayeva Lyazzat , Mendes Mateus
Published: April 2023

An appropriate microclimate is one of the most important factors of a healthy and comfortable life. The microclimate of a place is determined by the temperature, humidity and speed of the air. Those factors determine how a person feels thermal comfort and, therefore, they play an essential role in people’s lives. Control of microclimate parameters is a very important topic for buildings, as well as greenhouses, where adequate microclimate is fundamental for best-growing results. Microclimate systems require adequate monitoring and maintenance, for their failure or suboptimal performance can increase energy consumption and have catastrophic results. In recent years, Fault Detection and Diagnosis in microclimate systems have been paid more attention. The main goal of those systems is to effectively detect faults and accurately isolate them to a failing component in the shortest time possible. Sometimes it is even possible to predict and anticipate failures, which allows preventing the failures from happening if appropriate measures are taken in time. The present paper reviews the state of the art in fault detection and diagnosis methods. It shows the growing importance of the topic and highlights important open research questions.
Systematic Literature Review and Benchmarking for Photovoltaic MPPT Techniques
Authors: Abidi Hsen , Sidhom Lilia , Chihi Ines
Published: April 2023

There are a variety of maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithms for improving the energy efficiency of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. The mode of implementation (digital or analog), design simplicity, sensor requirements, convergence speed, range of efficacy, and hardware costs are the primary distinctions between these algorithms. Selecting an appropriate algorithm is critical for users, as it influences the electrical efficiency of PV systems and lowers costs by reducing the number of solar panels required to achieve the desired output. This research is relevant since PV systems are an alternative and sustainable solution for energy production. The main aim of this paper is to review the current advances in MPPT algorithms. This paper first undertakes a systematic literature review (SLR) of various MPPT algorithms, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses; a detailed summary of the related reviews on this topic is then presented. Next, quantitative and qualitative comparisons of the most popular and efficient MPPT methods are performed. This comparison is based on simulation results to provide efficient benchmarking of MPPT algorithms. This benchmarking validates that intelligent MPPTs, such as artificial neural network (ANN), fuzzy logic control (FLC), and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), outperform other approaches in tracking the MPPT of PV systems. Specifically, the ANN technique had the highest efficiency of 98.6%, while the ANFIS and FLC methods were close behind with efficiencies of 98.34% and 98.29%, respectively. Therefore, it is recommended that these intelligent MPPT techniques be considered for use in future photovoltaic systems to achieve optimal power output and maximize energy production.
Exploring the Potential of Portable Spectroscopic Techniques for the Biochemical Characterization of Roots in Shallow Landslides
Authors: Marzini Lorenzo , Ciofini Daniele , Agresti Juri , Ciaccheri Leonardo , D’Addario Enrico , Disperati Leonardo , Siano Salvatore , Osticioli Iacopo
Published: April 2023

In the present work, Raman, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and elemental Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) spectroscopic techniques were used for the assessment of the influence of plant root composition towards shallow landslide occurrence. For this purpose, analyses were directly carried out on root samples collected from chestnut forests of the Garfagnana basin (northern Apennines, Italy) in different areas devoid and affected by shallow landslides due to frequent heavy rain events. Results have highlighted a correlation between the biochemical constituents of wooden roots and the sampling areas. In particular, different content of lignin/cellulose, as well as minerals nutrients, have been detected in roots collected where shallow landslides occurred, with respect to more stable areas. The results achieved are in line with the scientific literature which has demonstrated the link between the chemical composition of roots with their mechanical properties and, in particular, tensile strength and cohesion. Finally, portable spectroscopic instrumentations were employed without the need for either any sample preparation for Raman and LIBS spectroscopy or minimal preparation for FTIR spectroscopy. This novel and fast approach has allowed achieving information on the content of the major constituents of the root cell, such as cellulose and lignin, as well as their mineral nutrients. This approach could be reasonably included among the vegetation protection actions towards instability, as well as for the evaluation of shallow landslide susceptibility, combining geological, vegetational and biochemical parameters with sustainability.
Advanced Eco-Friendly Wood-Based Composites II
Authors: Antov Petar , Lee Seng Hua , Lubis Muhammad Adly Rahandi , Kristak Lubos , Réh Roman
Published: April 2023

The ongoing twin transition of the wood-based panel industry towards a green, digital, and more resilient bioeconomy is essential for a successful transformation, with the aim of decarbonising the sector and implementing a circular development model, transforming linear industrial value chains to minimize pollution and waste generation, and providing more sustainable growth and jobs [...]