bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Commercial Free-Range Laying Hens’ Preferences for Shelters with Different Sunlight Filtering Percentages
Authors: Rana Md Sohel , Lee Caroline , Lea Jim M. , Campbell Dana L. M.
Published: February 2022

Extreme sunlight might be aversive to free-range laying hens, discouraging them from going outside. Range enrichment with artificial shelters may protect hens from sunlight and increase range use. The preferences of 34–40-week-old Hy-Line Brown laying hens for artificial shelters were assessed by counting the number of hens under three densities of individual shelters (three replicates/density) from video recordings for 14 to 17 days for two flocks. The artificial shelters used shade cloth marketed as blocking 50%, 70%, and 90% of ultraviolet light, although other sunlight wavelengths were also reduced. Different sunlight spectral irradiances (ultraviolet radiation (UVAB) (288–432 nm), photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) (400–700 nm), and total solar radiation (TSR) (285 nm–3000 nm), ambient temperature, and relative humidity were recorded with an on-site weather station. There was a significant interaction between sunlight-filtering shelter and time of day (both Flocks, p < 0.0001), i.e., hens preferred shelters with the highest amount of sunlight-filtering at most time points. Regression models showed that the most variance in shelter use throughout the day resulted from the ambient temperature in both flocks, while sunlight parameters had different degrees of effect depending on the shelter type and flock. However, fewer hens under the shelters during the midday period suggest that during periods of intense sunlight, hens prefer to remain indoors, and artificial structures might not be sufficient to attract more hens outside.
Rumen Fermentation of Feed Mixtures Supplemented with Clay Minerals in a Semicontinuous In Vitro System
Authors: Amanzougarene Zahia , Fondevila Manuel
Published: February 2022

Interest in using clays in the diets of ruminants to improve health and performance is increasing. The microbial fermentation of 65:35 (HC) or 35:65 (HF) concentrate:forage feeds, alone or with zeolite (Z), bentonite (B), or sepiolite (S), was studied in an in vitro semicontinuous culture system. The medium pH was allowed to drop for the first 6 h and was gradually buffered thereafter. For the HC diet, the medium pH was higher with Z throughout incubation (p < 0.05). Similar results were observed for the HF diet, but with lower differences between the additives. Throughout incubation, the volume of gas produced was higher with HC than HF (p < 0.05). The gas volume with S was the lowest (p < 0.05) for HC, whereas for HF it was lowest with B from 8 h onwards (p < 0.05). No treatment differences (p > 0.05) were observed in dry matter disappearance, microbial mass, or volatile fatty acids. However, the inclusion of B in HC reduced the ammonia concentration at 6 and 12 h with respect to C (p < 0.05). The inclusion of zeolite as an additive in the diets of ruminants stabilizes the rumen environment during the first stages of fermentation in terms of pH and ammonia concentration, especially in high-concentrate diets. The buffering effect of bentonite and sepiolite was lower, and both might reduce ruminal microbial fermentation, depending on the concentrate proportion.
Integrated Climate Action Planning (ICLAP) in Asia-Pacific Cities: Analytical Modelling for Collaborative Decision Making
Authors: Sethi Mahendra , Liu Li-Jing , Ayaragarnchanakul Eva , Suwa Aki , Avtar Ram , Surjan Akhilesh , Mittal Shilpi
Published: February 2022

While climate change has global causations and impacts, there is growing consensus on addressing the 2 °C challenge through local actions. However, at the local level, there is disintegrated knowledge on the following: (a) short-, mid- and long-term climate vulnerability, (b) economy and GHG structures and their future pathways, and (c) useful mitigation and adaptation undertaken elsewhere. We evaluate these gaps through a comprehensive review of scientific literature and policy approaches of urban-climate studies in the Asia-Pacific Region. Based on the research findings, we develop a collaborative research framework of an integrated climate action planning (ICLAP) model for evidence-based decision-making tool. It adopts an innovative methodology integrating knowledge and data from diverse analytics, as follows: (a) spatial: downscaling global/regional climate scenarios to forecast local climate variability (50 km × 50 km) for 2030 (SDG target) and 2050; (b) statistical: a meta-analysis of 49 five-million-plus cities to forecast economic, energy and GHG scenarios; (c) bibliometric: a systematic review of global urban climate interventions from Google Scholar that collectively aid cities on policy inputs for mid-term climate variability, GHG profiles and available solutions at their disposal. We conclude with a discussion on scientific and policy relevance of such a tool in fostering overall urban, regional and global sustainability.
High Spatial Resolution Assessment of the Effect of the Spanish National Air Pollution Control Programme on Street-Level NO2 Concentrations in Three Neighborhoods of Madrid (Spain) Using Mesoscale and CFD Modelling
Authors: Santiago Jose-Luis , Sanchez Beatriz , Rivas Esther , Vivanco Marta G. , Theobald Mark Richard , Garrido Juan Luis , Gil Victoria , Martilli Alberto , Rodríguez-Sánchez Alejandro , Buccolieri Riccardo , Martín Fernando
Published: February 2022

Current European legislation aims to reduce the air pollutants emitted by European countries in the coming years. In this context, this article studies the effects on air quality of the measures considered for 2030 in the Spanish National Air Pollution Control Programme (NAPCP). Three different emission scenarios are investigated: a scenario with the emissions in 2016 and two other scenarios, one with existing measures in the current legislation (WEM2030) and another one considering the additional measures of NAPCP (WAM2030). Previous studies have addressed this issue at a national level, but this study assesses the impact at the street scale in three neighborhoods in Madrid, Spain. NO2 concentrations are modelled at high spatial resolution by means of a methodology based on computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations driven by mesoscale meteorological and air quality modelling. Spatial averages of annual mean NO2 concentrations are only estimated to be below 40 µg/m3 in all three neighborhoods for the WAM2030 emission scenarios. However, for two of the three neighborhoods, there are still zones (4–12% of the study areas) where the annual concentration is higher than 40 µg/m3. This highlights the importance of considering microscale simulations to assess the impacts of emission reduction measures on urban air quality.
Seasonal Temperature Extremes in the North Eurasian Regions Depending on ENSO Phase Transitions
Authors: Mokhov Igor I. , Timazhev Alexander V.
Published: February 2022

Seasonal anomalies of surface air temperature were analyzed for the North Eurasian regions in mid-latitudes using long-term data from the end of the 19th century with an assessment of El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) effects. In particular, temperature anomalies in the spring–summer months for the European (ER) and Asian (AR) Russian regions for different phase transitions of the ENSO phenomena were estimated using the Niño3, Niño3.4 and Niño4 indices. The largest frequency of the extremely high-temperature and drought conditions in spring–summer months in ER was detected for years starting in the El Niño phase with the transition to the La Niña phase at the end of the year. Such conditions were realized in ER in summer 2010 (“Russian heatwave”). The corresponding largest frequency of high temperature in AR was obtained for conditions with the continuation of the El Niño phase during the whole year. Such conditions in AR were noted, in particular, in the summer of 2015, with an extremely high temperature and extremely low precipitation in the Lake Baikal basin.
Silica Nanoparticle Internalization Improves Chemotactic Behaviour of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Acting on the SDF1α/CXCR4 Axis
Authors: Vitale Emanuela , Rossin Daniela , Perveen Sadia , Miletto Ivana , Lo Iacono Marco , Rastaldo Raffaella , Giachino Claudia
Published: February 2022

Human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC)-based therapy is an emerging resource in regenerative medicine. Despite the innate ability of hMSCs to migrate to sites of injury, homing of infused hMSCs to the target tissue is inefficient. It was shown that silica nanoparticles (SiO2-NPs), previously developed to track the stem cells after transplantation, accumulated in lysosomes leading to a transient blockage of the autophagic flux. Since CXCR4 turnover is mainly regulated by autophagy, we tested the effect of SiO2-NPs on chemotactic migration of hMSCs along the SDF1α/CXCR4 axis that plays a pivotal role in directing MSC homing to sites of injury. Our results showed that SiO2-NP internalization augmented CXCR4 surface levels. We demonstrated that SiO2-NP-dependent CXCR4 increase was transient, and it reversed at the same time as lysosomal compartment normalization. Furthermore, the autophagy inhibitor Bafilomycin-A1 reproduced CXCR4 overexpression in control hMSCs confirming the direct effect of the autophagic degradation blockage on CXCR4 expression. Chemotaxis assays showed that SiO2-NPs increased hMSC migration toward SDF1α. In contrast, migration improvement was not observed in TNFα/TNFR axis, due to the proteasome-dependent TNFR regulation. Overall, our findings demonstrated that SiO2-NP internalization increases the chemotactic behaviour of hMSCs acting on the SDF1α/CXCR4 axis, unmasking a high potential to improve hMSC migration to sites of injury and therapeutic efficacy upon cell injection in vivo.
Editorial of the Special Issue: “Soft and Hard Tissue Regeneration”
Authors: Barbeck Mike , Alkildani Said , Jung Ole
Published: February 2022

In general, only a total of four tissue classes are distinguished: the covering tissue (epithelial tissue), the connective and supporting tissue (connective tissue, fatty tissue, bone, and cartilage), the muscle tissue, and the nervous tissue [...]
Feasibility of a Telerehabilitation Adaptation of the Be Clear Speech Treatment Program for Non-Progressive Dysarthria
Authors: Whelan Brooke-Mai , Theodoros Deborah , Cahill Louise , Vaezipour Atiyeh , Vogel Adam P. , Finch Emma , Farrell Anna , Cardell Elizabeth
Published: February 2022

This study evaluated the feasibility and outcomes of a telerehabilitation adaptation of the Be Clear speech treatment program for adults with non-progressive dysarthria to determine clinical delivery viability and future research directions. Treatment effects on speech clarity, intelligibility, communication effectiveness, and participation, as well as psychosocial outcomes in 15 participants with non-progressive dysarthria, were explored. Intervention involved daily 1-h online sessions (4 days per week for 4 weeks, totalling 16 sessions) and daily home practice. Outcome measures were obtained at baseline (PRE), post-treatment (POST), and 12 weeks following treatment (FUP). Feasibility measures targeting participant satisfaction, treatment adherence and fidelity, and technical viability were also employed. The programme was feasible concerning technical viability and implementation, treatment adherence and fidelity. High levels of participant satisfaction were reported. Increases in overall ratings of communication participation and effectiveness were identified at POST and FUP. Reductions in speech rate were identified at FUP. Improvements in aspects of lingual and laryngeal function were also noted after treatment. Over time, improvements relating to the negative impact of dysarthria were identified. Naïve listeners perceived negligible changes in speech clarity following treatment. Online delivery of the Be Clear speech treatment program was feasible, and some positive speech benefits were observed. Due to the small sample size included in this research, statistically significant findings related to speech outcomes must be interpreted with caution. An adequately powered randomised controlled trial of Be Clear online is warranted to evaluate treatment efficacy.
Modulating Behavioural and Self-Reported Aggression with Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation: A Literature Review
Authors: Knehans Ruben , Schuhmann Teresa , Roef David , Nelen Hans , à Campo Joost , Lobbestael Jill
Published: February 2022

Aggressive behaviour is at the basis of many harms in society, such as violent crime. The efforts to explain, study, and possibly reduce aggression span various disciplines, including neuroscience. The specific brain networks which are involved in the modulation of aggressive behaviour include cortical asymmetry and brain areas such as the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC), and the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (VMPFC). Recent non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) research suggests that both transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) can play a role in the modulation of aggressive behaviour by directly changing brain activity. In this review, we systematically explore and discuss 11 experimental studies that aimed to modulate aggressive behaviour or self-reported aggression using NIBS. Out of these 11 studies, nine significantly up- or downregulated aggression by using tDCS or cTBS targeting the DLPFC, VLPFC or VMPFC. The potential applications of these findings span both the clinical and the forensic psychological domains. However, the results are limited by the methodological heterogeneity in the aggression measures used across the studies, and by their generally small sample sizes. Future research should consider improving the localization and specificity of NIBS by employing neuro-navigational instruments and standardized scoring methods.
Sex Differences in the Effect of Vitamin D on Fatigue in Palliative Cancer Care—A Post Hoc Analysis of the Randomized, Controlled Trial ‘Palliative-D’
Authors: Klasson Caritha , Helde Frankling Maria , Warnqvist Anna , Sandberg Carina , Nordström Marie , Lundh-Hagelin Carina , Björkhem-Bergman Linda
Published: February 2022

In the randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial ‘Palliative-D’, vitamin D treatment of 4000 IE/day for 12 weeks reduced opioid use and fatigue in vitamin-D-deficient cancer patients. In screening data from this trial, lower levels of vitamin D were associated with more fatigue in men but not in women. The aim of the present study was to investigate possible sex differences in the effect of vitamin D in patients with advanced cancer, with a specific focus on fatigue. A post hoc analysis of sex differences in patients completing the Palliative-D study (n = 150) was performed. Fatigue assessed with the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS) was reduced in vitamin-D-treated men; −1.50 ESAS points (95%CI −2.57 to −0.43; p = 0.007) but not in women; −0.75 (95%CI −1.85 to 0.36; p = 0.18). Fatigue measured with EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL had a borderline significant effect in men (−0.33 (95%CI −0.67 to 0.03; p = 0.05)) but not in women (p = 0.55). The effect on fatigue measured with ESAS in men remained the same after adjustment for opioid doses (p = 0.01). In conclusion, the positive effect of the correction of vitamin D deficiency on fatigue may be more pronounced in men than in women. However, studies focused on analyzing sex differences in this context must be performed before firm conclusions can be drawn.
Molecular Systems Architecture of Interactome in the Acute Myeloid Leukemia Microenvironment
Authors: Ayyadurai V. A. Shiva , Deonikar Prabhakar , McLure Kevin G. , Sakamoto Kathleen M.
Published: February 2022

A molecular systems architecture is presented for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) to provide a framework for organizing the complexity of biomolecular interactions. AML is a multifactorial disease resulting from impaired differentiation and increased proliferation of hematopoietic precursor cells involving genetic mutations, signaling pathways related to the cancer cell genetics, and molecular interactions between the cancer cell and the tumor microenvironment, including endothelial cells, fibroblasts, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, bone marrow stromal cells, and immune cells (e.g., T-regs, T-helper 1 cells, T-helper 17 cells, T-effector cells, natural killer cells, and dendritic cells). This molecular systems architecture provides a layered understanding of intra- and inter-cellular interactions in the AML cancer cell and the cells in the stromal microenvironment. The molecular systems architecture may be utilized for target identification and the discovery of single and combination therapeutics and strategies to treat AML.
Characterization of Cellular and Acellular Analytes from Pre-Cystectomy Liquid Biopsies in Patients Newly Diagnosed with Primary Bladder Cancer
Authors: Shishido Stephanie N. , Sayeed Salmaan , Courcoubetis George , Djaladat Hooman , Miranda Gus , Pienta Kenneth J. , Nieva Jorge , Hansel Donna E. , Desai Mihir , Gill Inderbir S. , Kuhn Peter , Mason Jeremy
Published: February 2022

Urinary bladder cancer (BCa) is the 10th most frequent cancer in the world, most commonly found among the elderly population, and becomes highly lethal once cells have spread from the primary tumor to surrounding tissues and distant organs. Cystectomy, alone or with other treatments, is used to treat most BCa patients, as it offers the best chance of cure. However, even with curative intent, 29% of patients experience relapse of the cancer, 50% of which occur within the first year of surgery. This study aims to use the liquid biopsy to noninvasively detect disease and discover prognostic markers for disease progression. Using the third generation high-definition single cell assay (HDSCA3.0), 50 bladder cancer patient samples and 50 normal donor (ND) samples were analyzed for circulating rare events in the peripheral blood (PB), including circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and large extracellular vesicles (LEVs). Here, we show that (i) CTCs and LEVs are detected in the PB of BCa patients prior to cystectomy, (ii) there is a high heterogeneity of CTCs, and (iii) liquid biopsy analytes correlate with clinical data elements. We observed a significant difference in the incidence of rare cells and LEVs between BCa and ND samples (median of 74.61 cells/mL and 30.91 LEVs/mL vs. 34.46 cells/mL and 3.34 LEVs/mL, respectively). Furthermore, using classification models for the liquid biopsy data, we achieved a sensitivity of 78% and specificity of 92% for the identification of BCa patient samples. Taken together, these data support the clinical utility of the liquid biopsy in detecting BCa, as well as the potential for predicting cancer recurrence and survival post-cystectomy to better inform treatment decisions in BCa care.
Hormonal Therapy for Gynecological Cancers: How Far Has Science Progressed toward Clinical Applications?
Authors: Mitra Saikat , Lami Mashia Subha , Ghosh Avoy , Das Rajib , Tallei Trina Ekawati , Fatimawali  , Islam Fahadul , Dhama Kuldeep , Begum M. Yasmin , Aldahish Afaf , Chidambaram Kumarappan , Emran Talha Bin
Published: February 2022

In recent years, hormone therapy has been shown to be a remarkable treatment option for cancer. Hormone treatment for gynecological cancers involves the use of medications that reduce the level of hormones or inhibit their biological activity, thereby stopping or slowing cancer growth. Hormone treatment works by preventing hormones from causing cancer cells to multiply. Aromatase inhibitors, anti-estrogens, progestin, estrogen receptor (ER) antagonists, GnRH agonists, and progestogen are effectively used as therapeutics for vulvar cancer, cervical cancer, vaginal cancer, uterine cancer, and ovarian cancer. Hormone replacement therapy has a high success rate. In particular, progestogen and estrogen replacement are associated with a decreased incidence of gynecological cancers in women infected with human papillomavirus (HPV). The activation of estrogen via the transcriptional functionality of ERα may either be promoted or decreased by gene products of HPV. Hormonal treatment is frequently administered to patients with hormone-sensitive recurring or metastatic gynecologic malignancies, although response rates and therapeutic outcomes are inconsistent. Therefore, this review outlines the use of hormonal therapy for gynecological cancers and identifies the current knowledge gaps.
Endocrine Fibroblast Growth Factors in Relation to Stress Signaling
Authors: Shimizu Makoto , Sato Ryuichiro
Published: February 2022

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) play important roles in various growth signaling processes, including proliferation, development, and differentiation. Endocrine FGFs, i.e., atypical FGFs, including FGF15/19, FGF21, and FGF23, function as endocrine hormones that regulate energy metabolism. Nutritional status is known to regulate the expression of endocrine FGFs through nuclear hormone receptors. The increased expression of endocrine FGFs regulates energy metabolism processes, such as fatty acid metabolism and glucose metabolism. Recently, a relationship was found between the FGF19 subfamily and stress signaling during stresses such as endoplasmic reticulum stress and oxidative stress. This review focuses on endocrine FGFs and the recent progress in FGF studies in relation to stress signaling. In addition, the relevance of the stress–FGF pathway to disease and human health is discussed.
Epigenetic Alterations in Immune Cells of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Therapeutic Implications
Authors: Adams David E. , Shao Wen-Hai
Published: February 2022

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder that is characterized by autoantibody production and dysregulated immune cell activation. Although the exact etiology of SLE remains unknown, genetic, hormonal, and complex environmental factors are known to be critical for pathologic immune activation. In addition to the inherited genetic predisposition, epigenetic processes that do not change the genomic code, such as DNA methylation, histone modification, and noncoding RNAs are increasingly appreciated to play important roles in lupus pathogenesis. We herein focus on the up-to-date findings of lupus-associated epigenetic alterations and their pathophysiology in lupus development. We also summarize the therapeutic potential of the new findings. It is likely that advances in the epigenetic study will help to predict individual disease outcomes, promise diagnostic accuracy, and design new target-directed immunotherapies.
The Role of Glucocorticoids in the Treatment of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS-C)—Data from POLISH MIS-C Registry
Authors: Gowin Ewelina , Toczyłowski Kacper , Sulik Artur , Wysocki Jacek , Januszkiewicz-Lewandowska Danuta
Published: February 2022

Background: Multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) is a condition related to COVID-19. It’s most significant feature is cardiac involvement. Methods: We have analyzed data from 42 hospitals in the Polish MIS-C Registry. To compare the effect of GCS on fever, we formed two groups: the first treated with IVIG and the second treated with IVIG+GCS. Results: There were 111 boys and 56 girls; the mean age was 8.57 years. All the patients were treated with IVIG: 76 patients with IVIG only, and 91 patients with IVIG+GCS. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups regarding age, gender, BMI, or inflammatory markers. Methylprednisolone was the most common drug (80%). Echocardiographic abnormalities on admission were more prevalent in the IVIG+GCS group. Mean time from IVIG infusion to subsidence of fever was 1.1 days, and 1.5 for those in the IVIG+GCS group. Conclusions: GCS are commonly used in the treatment of MIS-C patients in Poland. Various GCS regimens are used, from a single dose to a month-long therapy. Children with lower lymphocyte levels and cardiac abnormalities on an echocardiographic examination performed on admission were more likely to receive GCS+IVIG. The effect of GCS is difficult to access as patients were not randomly assigned to receive the treatment.
Can the Healthy Start Risk Screen Predict Perinatal Depressive Symptoms among High-Risk Women?
Authors: Wilson Roneé , Campos Adriana , Sandhu Mannat , Sniffen Sarah , Jones Rashida , Tackett Hope , Berry Estrellita , Louis-Jacques Adetola
Published: February 2022

Objectives: Early detection of depression in at-risk populations is critical for ensuring better maternal and child health outcomes. This study assessed whether Healthy Start Prenatal Risk Screening (HSPRS) could predict depressive symptoms in women enrolled in a Healthy Start (HS) program in under-resourced, high-risk communities of Hillsborough County. Methods: Data from HS participants were included for those who were evaluated using the HSPRS and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). A correlation analysis determined if the HSPRS score was associated with a positive EPDS screen, and HSPRS questions related to the participants psychosocial environment were assessed individually to determine their predictive potential. The crude odds ratio (OR) and adjusted OR (controlling for sociodemographic covariates) were calculated for each question of interest. Results: A total of 736 women were included, with 122 (16.5%) scoring 14 or greater on the EPDS, indicating probable depression risk. There were significant differences between women at risk for depression compared to those not at risk regarding maternal age (p-value = 0.03) and marital status (p-value = 0.01). There were no significant differences in education, ethnicity, or race. The total HSPRS score had a weak yet significant correlation with the EPDS score (r = 0.14, p-value = 0.0001), and seven individual HSPRS questions were significantly associated with risk for perinatal depression. Conclusions for Practice: By focusing on responses to key HSPRS questions rather than the overall score, women may receive access to much needed services more quickly, thereby reducing the risk for poorer maternal and developmental outcomes. Significance: A young maternal age and single marital status have been identified as risk factors for perinatal depression. Additionally, women from racial/ethnic minority groups or low-income populations are more likely to experience depression. Thus, in communities where women exhibit many pre-identified risk factors for perinatal depression, the ability to quickly identify those at the highest risk is imperative. This work indicates that among medically and socially high-risk mothers enrolled in a HS program, the overall HSPRS score was not as predictive of perinatal depression as individual responses to key questions. Attention to these responses could result in women receiving much needed services quicker.
Neighborhood-Level Inequalities in Dental Care of Adolescents and Young Adults in Southwestern Ontario
Authors: Abouseta Naima , Gomaa Noha , Dixon S. Jeffrey , Pani Sharat Chandra
Published: February 2022

We examined whether the association of neighborhood-level socioeconomic status (SES) with the cost of dental care and dental care outcomes differs between adolescents and young adults. A total of 2915 patient records were split into two groups: adolescents (15 to 17 years of age) and young adults (18 to 24 years of age). Three dental care outcomes—routine oral evaluation (OEV-CH-A), utilization of preventive services (PRV-CH-A), and dental treatment services (TRT-CH-A)—were determined according to the Dental Quality Alliance (DQA) criteria. Associations of neighborhood SES and other sociodemographic variables with dental care outcomes and the cost of dental care were assessed using binary logistic and univariate linear regression models, respectively. Young adults had significantly lower PRV-CH-A and higher TRT-CH-A scores when compared to adolescents. We observed a significant negative association between TRT-CH-A and median household income in both adolescents and young adults. Utilization of dental treatment services was positively associated with the cost of care in both age groups, whereas utilization of preventive services was inversely associated with the cost of care in young adults, but not in adolescents. Neighborhood-level income was inversely associated with increased TRT-CH-A in both young adults and adolescents. In summary, young adults showed significantly worse preventive and treatment outcomes when compared to adolescents. Moreover, individuals from neighborhoods with a lower household income showed a significantly higher cost of dental care, yet worse treatment outcomes.
Effect of Molybdate on Corrosion Performance of Oxide Coating Produced on 7075 Al Alloy Using PEO
Authors: Ghorbani Rouhollah , Rahmati Maryam , Raeissi Keyvan , Hakimizad Amin , Santamaria Monica
Published: February 2022

In this research, plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) coatings were prepared on 7075 Al alloy in a silicate-based solution with Na2MoO4 additive using a unipolar waveform at constant current density. The coatings displayed micro-pores, micro-cracks, pancake-like and crater-like features, and also solidified molten oxide particles on the surface. The coatings were majorly composed of Al2O3 (γ, δ, and α), SiO2 (amorphous), and MoO3 phases, which confirms the incorporation of molybdenum in the case of additive-containing coatings. Molybdenum species were transported through cracks, channels, and micropores, as the ready access pathways into the coating and partly sealed the coating pores. The EIS technique was used to evaluate the long-term corrosion performance of the coatings up to 168 h of immersion in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution. The results showed that the barrier action of the PEO coatings was highly enhanced by adding Na2MoO4 due to the higher resistance that alumina achieved to chlorine absorption and also its higher stability by the incorporation of MoO3. The coating formed in the presence of 5 g L−1 Na2MoO4 showed the highest thickness and the lowest porosity percent (15.15%), which provided the highest corrosion performance at long immersion times.
Unraveling the Relationship between Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Friction Stir-Welded Copper Joints by Fuzzy Logic Neural Networks
Authors: Javidani Mousa , Heidarzadeh Akbar , Vatankhah Barenji Reza , Paidar Moslem , Jafarian Hamid Reza
Published: February 2022

In this study, fuzzy logic neural networks were employed to optimize the friction stir welding (FSW) process parameters in the joining of copper plates. The FSW parameters were considered as the input variables, for which micro-hardness, nano-hardness, and yield strength of the joints were the responses. The micro-hardness and nano-hardness were measured by Vickers hardness and nanoindentation tests, respectively. The microstructure and substructure of the joints were evaluated by optical, scanning electron, and orientation imaging microscopes. The optimum process parameters through which the maximum strength was achieved were the tool rotational rate of 560 rpm, tool traverse speed of 175 mm/min, and tool axial force of 2.27 kN. The low heat input joints, owing to the finer grain sizes, high density of dislocations, and larger Taylor factors, indicated greater strength relative to the high input joints. Microstructure characterization revealed that dominant strengthening mechanisms of the joints were dislocation density, texture effect, and grain boundary hardening.
Efficacy of Pazopanib in the Treatment of Metastatic Malignant Giant Cell Tumor of Soft Tissue: A Case Report
Authors: Iwai Tadashi , Oebisu Naoto , Hoshi Manabu , Takada Naoki , Nakamura Hiroaki
Published: February 2022

Giant cell tumor of soft tissue (GCT-ST), histologically resembling the GCT of the bone, is a rare tumor. The tumor has been categorized to have low malignancy. Few reports of local recurrence or distant metastasis and the use of chemotherapeutic agents for metastatic GCT-ST exist. Herein, we report the efficacy of pazopanib in a 78-year-old Japanese woman with GCT in the intrinsic back musculature with both post-operative local recurrence and lung metastasis. The patient visited the hospital with a three-month history of a palpable mass in the intrinsic back musculature. Following magnetic resonance imaging, the tumor predominantly exhibited slight hyperintensity on T2-weighted images and intense heterogeneous enhancement on contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images. A percutaneous needle biopsy was performed, and the pathological diagnosis was GCT-ST. The patient underwent surgery, and three months later she presented with not only local recurrence but also multiple lung metastases. The patient was immediately treated with pazopanib 400 mg once daily. One month after initiating treatment, a partial response in the pulmonary lesions was observed, and stable disease (SD) effects lasted for 11 months without severe adverse effects. Therefore, pazopanib treatment for metastatic malignant giant cell tumor of soft tissue achieved reasonable success.
Feeding Behavior, Shrinking, and the Role of Mucus in the Cannonball Jellyfish Stomolophus sp. 2 in Captivity
Authors: Camacho-Pacheco Alicia Verónica , Gómez-Salinas Laura Cristina , Cisneros-Mata Miguel Ángel , Rodríguez-Félix Demetrio , Díaz-Tenorio Lourdes Mariana , Unzueta-Bustamante Marco Linné
Published: February 2022

The importance of mucus produced by jellyfish species remains as understudied as their feeding behavior. Here, we study medusae under captivity, ascertain the role of mucus, and describe its feeding behavior. Between February and March 2019, live adult cannonball jellyfish, Stomolophus sp. 2, were collected in Las Guásimas Bay (Gulf of California, Mexico) and were offered fish eggs, mollusk “D” larvae, or Artemia nauplii in 4-day trials. Descriptions of feeding structures were provided for S. sp. 2. Digitata adhere food and scapulets fragment them, which, driven by water flow, pass via transport channels to the esophagus and the gastrovascular chamber where food is digested. Due to stress by handling, medusae produced mucus and water, lost feeding structures, and decreased in size. Based on our observations and a thorough literature review, we conclude that the production of mucus in S. sp. 2 plays several roles, facilitating capture and packing of prey, acting as a defense mechanism, and facilitating sexual reproduction; the latter improves the likelihood of a population persisting in the long run, because fertilized oocytes in mucus transform to planulae, settle, and transform into asexually reproducing polyps. Polyps live longer than the other life stages and are more resistant to adverse environmental conditions than the medusoid sexual stage.
Haphazard Intentional Sampling in Survey and Allocation Studies on COVID-19 Prevalence and Vaccine Efficacy
Authors: Miguel Miguel G. R. , Waissman Rafael P. , Lauretto Marcelo S. , Stern Julio M.
Published: February 2022

Haphazard intentional sampling is a method developed by our research group for two main purposes: (i) sampling design, where the interest is to select small samples that accurately represent the general population regarding a set of covariates of interest; or (ii) experimental design, where the interest is to assemble treatment groups that are similar to each other regarding a set of covariates of interest. Rerandomization is a similar method proposed by K. Morgan and D. Rubin. Both methods intentionally select good samples but, in slightly different ways, also introduce some noise in the selection procedure aiming to obtain a decoupling effect that avoids systematic bias or other confounding effects. This paper compares the performance of the aforementioned methods and the standard randomization method in two benchmark problems concerning SARS-CoV-2 prevalence and vaccine efficacy. Numerical simulation studies show that haphazard intentional sampling can either reduce operating costs in up to 80% to achieve the same estimation errors yielded by the standard randomization method or, the other way around, reduce estimation errors in up to 80% using the same sample sizes.
A Bounded Measure for Estimating the Benefit of Visualization (Part I): Theoretical Discourse and Conceptual Evaluation
Authors: Chen Min , Sbert Mateu
Published: February 2022

Information theory can be used to analyze the cost–benefit of visualization processes. However, the current measure of benefit contains an unbounded term that is neither easy to estimate nor intuitive to interpret. In this work, we propose to revise the existing cost–benefit measure by replacing the unbounded term with a bounded one. We examine a number of bounded measures that include the Jenson–Shannon divergence, its square root, and a new divergence measure formulated as part of this work. We describe the rationale for proposing a new divergence measure. In the first part of this paper, we focus on the conceptual analysis of the mathematical properties of these candidate measures. We use visualization to support the multi-criteria comparison, narrowing the search down to several options with better mathematical properties. The theoretical discourse and conceptual evaluation in this part provides the basis for further data-driven evaluation based on synthetic and experimental case studies that are reported in the second part of this paper.
Financial Inclusion Indicators Affect Profitability of Jordanian Commercial Banks: Panel Data Analysis
Authors: Al-Eitan Ghaith N. , Al-Own Bassam , Bani-Khalid Tareq
Published: February 2022

Previous literature supports the view that the financial inclusion leads to economic growth and helps alleviate poverty; however, it is still unclear whether financial inclusion increases bank profitability. The study assumes that financial inclusion is significant in enhancing the economy and minimizing loan accounts, and along with this assumption, the deposit size decreases the Jordanian banks’ profitability despite the fact that the financial services and access to them have no significant influence upon such profitability. The major profitability drivers examined in this study comprised financial inclusion and financial leverage. In this study, 13 Jordanian banks’ data from 2009 to 2019 were examined to determine the above issue. The study applied fixed effects on a panel data regression model. The findings indicated that the number of loan accounts and size of deposits negatively and significantly impacted the profitability of the commercial banks in Jordan. However, the number of branches and ATMs had no significant effect on the bank’s profitability. In sum, both leverage and bank size were the top two determinants of commercial banks’ profitability in Jordan. Based on the findings, Jordanian policymakers can shift their focus to offering affordable financial services that support SMEs’ loans and start-ups.
Shape Carving Methods of Geologic Body Interpretation from Seismic Data Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Petrov Sergei , Mukerji Tapan , Zhang Xin , Yan Xinfei
Published: February 2022

The task of seismic data interpretation is a time-consuming and uncertain process. Machine learning tools can help to build a shortcut between raw seismic data and reservoir characteristics of interest. Recently, techniques involving convolutional neural networks have started to gain momentum. Convolutional neural networks are particularly efficient at pattern recognition within images, and this is why they are suitable for seismic facies classification and interpretation tasks. We experimented with three different architectures based on convolutional layers and compared them with different synthetic and field datasets in terms of quality of the seismic interpretation results and computational efficiency. The architectures used in our study were three deep fully convolutional architectures: a 3D convolutional network with a fully connected head; a 2D fully convolutional network, and U-Net. We found the U-Net architecture to be both robust and the fastest when performing classification at the prediction stage. The 3D convolutional model with a fully connected head was the slowest, while a fully convolutional model was unstable in its predictions.
Microwave Soil Heating with Evanescent Fields from Slow-Wave Comb and Ceramic Applicators
Authors: Brodie Graham , Torgovnikov Grigory
Published: February 2022

Microwave soil heating deactivates weed seeds; however, in many modern agricultural settings, weed seeds are mostly found in the top 1–2 cm of the soil profile. Until recently, microwave soil heating has been achieved using various antennas, which project the microwave energy deeply into the soil. The aim of this research was to develop new microwave applicators that provide shallow heating (less than 50 mm). This paper presents two applicator designs, one based on a comb slow-wave structure and the other on the frustrated total internal reflection (FTIR) principle, which utilise evanescent microwave fields to restrict the depth of microwave heating. The background theory to their performance is presented, followed by experimental evidence of their constrained heating performance under different soil moisture scenarios. Experimental measurements of the heating performance of these applicators, in soils of varying moisture content, demonstrate that the evanescent microwave fields restrict the depth of heating, so that most of the energy is manifested in the top 50 mm of soil. The evanescent field decay rate for the FTIR applicator changes from 44.0 ± 0.7 m−1 to 30 ± 1.2 m−1 as the soil moisture changes from 32% to 174% (dry weight basis). This is higher than the evanescent field decay rate for the comb slow-wave applicator (17.6 ± 0.7 m−1 to 19.9 ± 1.5 m−1). The FTIR applicator has a wider and shallower heating pattern than the comb slow-wave applicator. Because of the double heating lobes of the FTIR applicator, the effective half temperature heating width is approximately 150 mm. This is wider than the half temperature heating width of the comb slow-wave applicator (95 mm).
A Developed Plasmatron Design to Enhance Production of Hydrogen in Synthesis Gas Produced by a Fuel Reformer System
Authors: Alharbi Ahmed A. , Alqahtani Naif B. , Alkhedhair Abdullah M. , Alabduly Abdullah J. , Almaleki Ahmad A. , Almadih Mustafa H. , Albishi Miqad S. , Almayeef Abdullah A.
Published: February 2022

Feeding IC engines with hydrogen-rich syngas as an admixture to hydrocarbon fuels can decrease pollutant emissions, particularly NOx. It offers a potential technique for low-environmental impact hydrocarbon fuel use in automotive applications. However, hydrogen-rich reformate gas (syngas) production via fuel reforming still needs more research and optimization. In this paper, we describe the effect of a plasma torch assembly design on syngas yield and composition during plasma-assisted reforming of gasoline. Additionally, erosion resistance of the cathode-emitting material under the conditions of gasoline reforming was studied, using hafnium metal and lanthanated tungsten alloy. The gasoline reforming was performed with a noncatalytic, nonthermal, low-current plasma system in the conditions of partial oxidation in an air and steam mixture. To find the most efficient plasma torch assembly configuration in terms of hydrogen production yield, four types of anode design were tested, i.e., two types of the swirl ring, and two cathode materials while varying the inlet air and fuel flow rates. The experimental results showed that hydrogen was the highest proportion of the produced syngas. The smooth funnel shape anode design in Ring 1 at air/fuel flow rates of 24/4, 27/4.5, and 30/5 g/min, respectively, was more effective than the edged funnel shape. Lanthanated tungsten alloy displayed higher erosion resistance than hafnium metal.
A Short Assessment of Renewable Energy for Optimal Sizing of 100% Renewable Energy Based Microgrids in Remote Islands of Developing Countries: A Case Study in Bangladesh
Authors: Akter Homeyra , Howlader Harun , Nakadomari Akito , Islam Md. , Saber Ahmed , Senjyu Tomonobu
Published: February 2022

This study explores Bangladesh’s present energy condition, renewable energy (RE) possibilities and designs an optimal 100% RE-based off-grid power system for St. Martin’s Island, Bangladesh. The optimal size of a hybrid renewable microgrid based on photovoltaic (PV) cells, a battery energy storage system (BESS), fuel cells (FC), and an electrolysis plant (EP) is proposed. Advanced direct load control (ADLC) and rooftop PV meet the energy demand at the lowest cost, and profits are maximized by selling chemical products produced by seawater electrolysis. Four cases are explored with the mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) optimization technique using MATLAB® software to demonstrate the efficacy of the suggested power system. The system cost in case 1 is lower than in the other cases, but there is no chance of profiting. Cases 2, 3, and 4 have greater installation costs, which may be repaid in 8.17, 7.72, and 8.01 years, respectively, by the profits. Though the revenue in case 3 is 6.23% higher than in case 2 and and 3.85% higher than in case 4, case 4 is considered the most reliable power system, as it can meet the energy demand at the lowest cost while increasing profits and not putting a burden on customers.
The Legal Complexities of Processing and Protecting Personal Data in the Electricity Sector
Authors: Lavrijssen Saskia , Espinosa Apráez Brenda , ten Caten Thijs
Published: February 2022

The use of smart meters enables the emergence of innovations in the electricity sector, such as smart grids, prosumers and Peer-to-Peer trading, which can play an important role in realizing the energy transition. These developments rely on the processing of personal data, triggering the application of data protection legislation in addition to the legislation organizing the electricity markets. This article examines the interaction between the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Directive (EU) 2019/944 on common rules for the internal market for electricity in the European Union, following the method of doctrinal legal research. Concretely, this article investigates what kinds of tensions may arise from the coexistence of these two legal regimes and whether there are mechanisms in place to prevent or mitigate such tensions. Three main tensions are identified. The first tension lies in the fact that some of the innovations facilitated by smart metering in the energy sector rely on technologies that might not be entirely compatible with the GDPR. A second tension follows from the existence of separate but interrelated regimes for access to data of the consumer/data subject in the two legal instruments here analysed. The third tension relates to a possible overlap of competences between the supervisory authorities of both regimes. This article is a contribution to the still scarce legal scholarship on the interplay between the GDPR the Recast Electricity Directive. The findings of this research are of interest not only for academics but also for practitioners, policymakers and supervisory authorities that have to deal with the issues here identified.
Sliding Mode Observer-Based Fault Detection in Continuous Time Linear Switched Systems
Authors: Ali Shafqat , Raza Muhammad Taskeen , Abbas Ghulam , Ullah Nasim , Al Otaibi Sattam , Luo Hao
Published: February 2022

This paper studies the problem of fault detection for continuous time linear switched systems in the presence of disturbance. For this purpose, a fault detection sliding mode observer approach is designed to generate the residual signal. To minimize the effect of disturbance from the residual, the problem is formulated into H∞ filtering technique to increase more robustness. To deal with the issue of the switched systems stability, the Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional method is utilized along with average dwell time, and linear matrix inequalities are formulated to derive the sufficient conditions. The residual signal is evaluated, and an adaptive threshold is computed for both modes of the switched system. Finally, a simulation example for a case study of boost converter and a numerical example with both abrupt and incipient faults are illustrated to prove the efficacy of the proposed method.