bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proteomic analysis to identification of hypoxia related markers in spinal tuberculosis: a study based on weighted gene co-expression network analysis and machine learning
Authors: Wu Shaofeng , Liang Tuo , Jiang Jie , Zhu Jichong , Chen Tianyou , Zhou Chenxing , Huang Shengsheng , Yao Yuanlin , Guo Hao , Ye Zhen , Chen Liyi , Chen Wuhua , Fan Binguang , Qin Jiahui , Liu Lu , Wu Siling , Ma Fengzhi , Zhan Xinli , Liu Chong
Published: June 2023

Objective

This article aims at exploring the role of hypoxia-related genes and immune cells in spinal tuberculosis and tuberculosis involving other organs.

Methods

In this study, label-free quantitative proteomics analysis was performed on the intervertebral discs (fibrous cartilaginous tissues) obtained from five spinal tuberculosis (TB) patients. Key proteins associated with hypoxia were identified using molecular complex detection (MCODE), weighted gene co-expression network analysis(WGCNA), least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), and support vector machine recursive feature Elimination (SVM-REF) methods, and their diagnostic and predictive values were assessed. Immune cell correlation analysis was then performed using the Single Sample Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (ssGSEA) method. In addition, a pharmaco-transcriptomic analysis was also performed to identify targets for treatment.

Results

The three genes, namely proteasome 20 S subunit beta 9 (PSMB9), signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1), and transporter 1 (TAP1), were identified in the present study. The expression of these genes was found to be particularly high in patients with spinal TB and other extrapulmonary TB, as well as in TB and multidrug-resistant TB (p-value < 0.05). They revealed high diagnostic and predictive values and were closely related to the expression of multiple immune cells (p-value < 0.05). It was inferred that the expression of PSMB9, STAT 1, and TAP1 could be regulated by different medicinal chemicals.

Conclusion

PSMB9, STAT1, and TAP1, might play a key role in the pathogenesis of TB, including spinal TB, and the protein product of the genes can be served as diagnostic markers and potential therapeutic target for TB.
Outcomes and survival following thoracic endovascular repair in patients with aortic aneurysms limited to the descending thoracic aorta
Authors: Fankhauser Katharina , Wamala Isaac , Penkalla Adam , Heck Roland , Hammerschmidt Robert , Falk Volkmar , Buz Semih
Published: June 2023

Background

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is a well-established therapy for descending aortic aneurysms (DTA). There is a paucity of large series reporting the mid- and long-term outcomes from this era. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of TEVAR with regards to the effect of aortic morphology and procedure-related variables on survival, reintervention and freedom from endoleaks.

Methods

In this retrospective single center study, we evaluated the clinical outcomes among 158 consecutive patients with DTA than underwent TEVAR between 2006 and 2019 at our center. The cohort included 51% patients with device landing zones proximal to the subclavian artery and 25.9% patients undergoing an emergent or urgent TEVAR. The primary outcome was survival, and secondary outcomes were reintervention and occurrence of endoleaks.

Results

Median follow-up was 33 months [IQR 12 to 70] while 50 patients (30.6%) had longer than 5-year follow-up. With a median patient age of 74 years, post-operative Kaplan Meyer survival estimates were 94.3% (95%CI 90.8–98.0, SE 0.018%) at 30 days, 76.4% (95%CI 70.0–83.3, SE 0.034%) at one year and, 52.9% (95%CI 45.0–62.2, SE 0.043%) at five years. Freedom from reintervention at 30 days, one year, and five years was 92.9% (95%CI 89.0–97.1, SE 0.021%), 80.0% (95%CI 72.6–88.1, SE 0.039%), and 52.8% (95%CI 41.4–67.4, SE 0.065%), respectively. On cox regression analysis greater aneurysm diameter, and the use of device landing zones in aortic regions 0–1 were associated with an increased probability of all-cause mortality, and with reintervention during follow-up. Independent of aneurysm size undergoing urgent or emergent TEVAR was associated with higher mortality risk for the first three years post-operative but not on long-term follow-up.

Conclusions

Larger aneurysms and those requiring stent-graft landing in aortic zones 0 or 1, are associated with higher risk for mortality and reintervention. There remains a need to optimize clinical management and device design for larger proximal aneurysms.
International differences and inaccuracies in the public advertising about calcaneal apophysitis: an audit of websites originating in Australia, UK and USA
Authors: Liu Sue , Williams Cylie M. , Welch James J.
Published: June 2023

Background

Calcaneal apophysitis is a common condition in childhood. Parents often seek online information for children's' health care concerns prior to seeking care. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the credibility, readability, and accuracy of calcaneal apophysitis advertising on popular websites in three countries.

Methods

We used content analysis of publicly accessible data. This involved identifying the top 50 websites in each country from their hit rates. We used elements of validated tools to audit and determine frequencies relevant to credibility (e.g. publisher), readability (e.g. literacy score) and accuracy (e.g. alignment with evidence). Data were analysed quantitatively and reported against each element.

Results

Websites were predominantly hosted by private health services (n = 118, 79%). The mean (SD) SMOG (readability) score was 9.3 (4.5). The majority of websites (n = 140, 93%) provided at least one treatment recommendation, and less than 10% (n = 11) of websites advertised treatments fully aligned with evidence. Use of treatment modalities without evidence and with high risk to children were also found including surgery, extracorporeal shock wave therapy and laser.

Conclusions

Calcaneal apophysitis online advertising is mostly curated by clinicians. Clinicians should consider revising online advertising to increase understandability and accuracy to reduce health care wastage, risk, and low value care.
A comparison of approaches to accessing existing biological and chemical relational databases via SPARQL
Authors: Galgonek Jakub , Vondrášek Jiří
Published: June 2023

Current biological and chemical research is increasingly dependent on the reusability of previously acquired data, which typically come from various sources. Consequently, there is a growing need for database systems and databases stored in them to be interoperable with each other. One of the possible solutions to address this issue is to use systems based on Semantic Web technologies, namely on the Resource Description Framework (RDF) to express data and on the SPARQL query language to retrieve the data. Many existing biological and chemical databases are stored in the form of a relational database (RDB). Converting a relational database into the RDF form and storing it in a native RDF database system may not be desirable in many cases. It may be necessary to preserve the original database form, and having two versions of the same data may not be convenient. A solution may be to use a system mapping the relational database to the RDF form. Such a system keeps data in their original relational form and translates incoming SPARQL queries to equivalent SQL queries, which are evaluated by a relational-database system. This review compares different RDB-to-RDF mapping systems with a primary focus on those that can be used free of charge. In addition, it compares different approaches to expressing RDB-to-RDF mappings. The review shows that these systems represent a viable method providing sufficient performance. Their real-life performance is demonstrated on data and queries coming from the neXtProt project.
Joint ISAR imaging and azimuth scaling under low SNR using parameterized compensation and calibration method with entropy minimum criterion
Authors: He Tingting , Tian Biao , Wang Yu , Li Shuai , Xu Shiyou , Chen Zengping
Published: June 2023

In general, the method of conventional motion compensation for inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR) imaging is divided into translational motion compensation (TMC) and rotational motion compensation (RMC) in sequence. TMC is the premise of rotational compensation and the most critical procedure is range alignment. However, the deviation of echo correlation results in the poor performance of range alignment under low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Therefore, a new high-resolution ISAR imaging and azimuth scaling method under low SNR using parameterized compensation and calibration is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the target motion is modeled, in which translational motion is modeled as formula of the polynomial coefficient vector. In addition, entropy minimization corresponding to echo signal with compensation term based on coefficients is taken as objective function. Moreover, the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is utilized to search the global optimal parameters to be estimated precisely and efficiently to implement joint motion compensation and azimuth scaling. The experimental results from both simulated and real data verify the effectiveness and robustness of the method.
Pathological ultrastructural alterations of myelinated axons in normal appearing white matter in progressive multiple sclerosis
Authors: Oost Wendy , Huitema Allard J. , Kats Kim , Giepmans Ben N. G. , Kooistra Susanne M. , Eggen Bart J. L. , Baron Wia
Published: June 2023

Multiple sclerosis (MS) pathophysiology includes inflammation, demyelination and neurodegeneration, but the exact mechanisms of disease initiation and progression are unknown. A major feature of lesions is lack of myelin, which increases axonal energy demand and requires adaptation in number and size of mitochondria. Outside lesions, subtle and diffuse alterations are observed in normal appearing white matter (NAWM) and normal appearing grey matter (NAGM), including increased oxidative stress, reduced axon density and changes in myelin composition and morphology. On an ultrastructural level, only limited data is available on alterations in myelinated axons. We generated large scale 2D scanning transmission electron microscopy images (‘nanotomy’) of non-demyelinated brain tissue of control and progressive MS donors, accessible via an open-access online repository. We observed a reduced density of myelinated axons in NAWM, without a decrease in cross-sectional axon area. Small myelinated axons were less frequently and large myelinated axons were more frequently present in NAWM, while the g-ratio was similar. The correlation between axonal mitochondrial radius and g-ratio was lost in NAWM, but not in NAGM. Myelinated axons in control GM and NAGM had a similar g-ratio and radius distribution. We hypothesize that axonal loss in NAWM is likely compensated by swelling of the remaining myelinated axons and subsequent adjustment of myelin thickness to maintain their g-ratio. Failure of axonal mitochondria to adjust their size and fine-tuning of myelin thickness may render NAWM axons and their myelin more susceptible to injury.

Graphical Abstract
Use of Fourier phase characteristics and effective stress analyses for post-earthquake ground motion estimation: application to ESG6 blind prediction steps 2&3 dataset and JMA accelerometric data
Authors: Nozu Atsushi
Published: June 2023

After the occurrence of a large earthquake, engineering seismologists are often requested to estimate strong ground motions at a site where strong motion data were not obtained. The goal of this study was to test the ability of a class of methods that uses Fourier phase characteristics for the post-earthquake ground motion estimation, making use of the precious opportunity provide by the ESG6 Blind Prediction Steps 2&3. It was also part of the goal of this study to test the performance of the effective stress analyses to account for soil nonlinearity. In addition to the dataset provided by the organizer of the blind prediction, the author used additional accelerometric data from a nearby JMA site. To simulate ground motions for an M5.9 earthquake at the target site “KUMA”, the Fourier amplitude spectrum was estimated from the spectral ratio between KUMA and the nearby JMA site. The Fourier phase spectrum was approximated by the spectrum of another event at KUMA. Comparison between the estimated and recorded ground motions after the blind prediction revealed that the estimated ground motions were fairly consistent with the observed ground motions, indicating the effectiveness of the method when the rupture process of the target event is simple and the soil nonlinearity at the target site is not significant. To simulate ground motions at KUMA for the M6.5 foreshock and the M7.3 mainshock of the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake sequence, the author conducted effective stress analyses using a program called “FLIP” to account for soil nonlinearity. Comparison between the estimated and recorded ground motions after the blind prediction indicated that the low-frequency components were overestimated and the high-frequency components were underestimated. The strong soil nonlinearity considered in the effective stress analyses was the main cause of the discrepancy. One explanation for this result could be that the nonlinear soil behavior at KUMA during the foreshock and the mainshock was not a strong one. Another explanation could be that the effect of soil nonlinearity was already included in the records at JMA and the effect of soil nonlinearity was double counted in the results submitted by the author.

Graphical Abstract
High-resolution three-dimensional azimuthal velocity anisotropy of S-waves in southern-central Japan, based on ambient noise tomography
Authors: Nthaba Bokani , Ikeda Tatsunori , Tsuji Takeshi , Iio Yoshihisa
Published: June 2023

To investigate the dominant deformational patterns and stress conditions in the upper crustal structure of the Kinki region, southern-central Japan, we constructed a high-resolution 3D azimuthal anisotropy model to a depth of ~ 11 km. We used 6-month-long ambient noise data recorded by the densely distributed permanent and temporary stations. From this dataset, cross-correlations were retrieved. We then obtained a 3D isotropic velocity model by inverting Rayleigh wave dispersion data, followed by a direct joint inversion for both 3D azimuthal anisotropy and additional isotropic velocity perturbation. The resolved 3D azimuthal anisotropy reveals significant contrasts of anisotropy across the Kinki region. The predominant fast axes observed in the northwestern Kinki region align with the direction of the maximum horizontal compressional stress and the principal strain rate axes, suggesting that the observed anisotropy is mainly stress-induced. In the southern part of the study area, furthermore, the predominant fast axes trend NE–SW and near E–W, also indicating the presence of stress-induced anisotropy. On the depth profile of the anisotropy, we found depth-dependent variation of azimuthal anisotropy. There exists a significant consistency between the anisotropy observed beneath 3 km depth and the dense distribution of earthquake hypocenters. This interrelationship between anisotropy and seismicity demonstrates that the observed anisotropy could be linked to local crustal stress or fractures relevant to earthquake ruptures. Our 3D anisotropy model therefore contributes towards understanding the locations and features of the seismicity region.

Graphical Abstract
IRES-mediated Pichia pastoris cell-free protein synthesis
Authors: Wang Yanan , Wang Ting , Chen Xinjie , Lu Yuan
Published: June 2023

Cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) system is an ideal platform for fast and convenient protein research and has been used for macromolecular assembly, unnatural amino acid embedding, glycoprotein production, and more. To realize the construction of an efficient eukaryotic CFPS platform with the advantages of low cost and short time, a CFPS system based on the yeast Pichia pastoris was built in this study. The internal ribosomal entry site (IRES) can independently initiate translation and thus promote protein synthesis. The Kozak sequences can facilitate translation initiation. Therefore, the screening of IRES and its combination with Kozak was performed, in which cricket paralysis virus (CRPV) exhibited as the best translation initiation element from 14 different IRESs. Furthermore, the system components and reaction environment were explored. The protein yield was nearly doubled by the addition of RNase inhibitor. The cell extract amount, energy regeneration system (phosphocreatine and phosphocreatine kinase), and metal ions (K+ and Mg2+) were optimized to achieve the best protein synthesis yield. This P. pastoris CFPS system can extend the eukaryotic CFPS platform, providing an enabling technology for fast prototyping design and functional protein synthesis.

Graphical Abstract
Social phobia and evasiveness: trial protocol for a randomized controlled feasibility and superiority trial of the effect of Modified Collaborative Assessment vs. standard assessment on patients’ readiness for psychotherapy (CO-ASSM-RCT)
Authors: Hovmand Oliver Rumle , Reinholt Nina , Dichmann Kirstine , Borisov Radoslav , Arnfred Sidse
Published: June 2023

Background

Evasive personality disorder (AvPD) and social phobia (SP) have substantial costs for patients and their families and great economic costs to the society. While psychotherapy can be an efficacious treatment, many patients drop out during treatment. Increased knowledge on how to decrease dropout from psychotherapy is warranted, including how to increase a patient’s readiness for psychotherapy.

Methods

We describe a randomized controlled feasibility and superiority trial of 42 individuals with a clinical diagnosis of either SP or AvPD, who are to initiate psychotherapeutic treatment in Danish outpatient mental health services. They will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either assessment-as-usual and receive no further assessment or to a Modified Collaborative Assessment (MCA) provided as a pre-treatment intervention before psychotherapy initiation. MCA will include a battery of psychological tests designed to thoroughly assess the patients’ psychopathology. The tests are administered in collaboration with the patient, including detailed oral and written feedback. We hypothesize that the intervention is feasible regarding patient’s acceptance and adherence. We further hypothesize that patients randomized to MCA will reach higher levels of readiness for psychotherapy as assessed with the University of Rhode Island Change Assessment Scale (URICA).

Discussion

This protocol assesses the feasibility, efficacy, acceptability, and safety of an intervention aimed at changing the readiness for participation in psychotherapy of patients with SP and AvPD. Results from this feasibility study could guide the development of future large-scale trials of MCA and procedures for MCA treatment fidelity assessment.

Trial registration

NCT2021001.
Cannibalistic behavior of biological control agent Oenopia conglobata (Linnaeus, 1758) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) under laboratory conditions
Authors: Mamay Mehmet , Dusak Hüsna
Published: June 2023

Background

Oenopia conglobata (Linnaeus) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is a generalist predator feeding on several insect pests and utilized as a biological control agent in Türkiye. However, significant cannibalism has been observed among its different life stages under low food/prey availability. This study determined adult-egg, adult-larva, larva-egg, and larva-larva cannibalism of O. conglobata under laboratory conditions.

Results

Cannibalism among different life stages was observed under no supplemental diet (treatment group) or sufficient (100 Ephestia kuehniella eggs per individual) supplemental diet (control group). Fifty eggs per adult were provided to the 24 h-starved male and female adults for determining adult-egg cannibalism. Similarly, male, and female adults received 30 and 20 1st and 2nd instars, respectively to observe adult-larval cannibalism. Likewise, 10, 20, 30 and 40 eggs to 24-h starved 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th instars, respectively were provided to record larval–egg cannibalism. By the same way, 12-h starved 4th instar was provided 1st instar (20 per individual) to determine larval–larval cannibalism. The experiments for males, females, and instars were conducted separately and cannibalism was assessed by prey consumption in treatment group relevant to the control group. Cannibalism significantly differed among sexes and instars (for larva-egg cannibalism). Overall, males and females consumed higher number of eggs in treatment group compared to their relevant controls. Female and male adults in treatment group exhibited 8.27- and 7.16-fold cannibalism on eggs. Likewise, females exhibited the highest cannibalism (2.84-folds) on 1st instar. The 4th instar consumed the highest number of eggs; however, the highest cannibalism rate was recorded for the 3rd instar. The 3rd instar exhibited 4.63-fold cannibalism on eggs. Nevertheless, the 4th instar exhibited 3.56-folds cannibalism on 1st instar.

Conclusions

Starved O. conglobata individuals exhibited significant cannibalism among different life stages. Therefore, during mass rearing they shouldn’t be starved. Furthermore, the cannibalistic behavior should be considered during the mass release of O. conglobata.
Beyond the horizon: immersive developments for animal ecology research
Authors: Zhang Ying , Klein Karsten , Schreiber Falk , Safi Kamran
Published: June 2023

More diverse data on animal ecology are now available. This “data deluge” presents challenges for both biologists and computer scientists; however, it also creates opportunities to improve analysis and answer more holistic research questions. We aim to increase awareness of the current opportunity for interdisciplinary research between animal ecology researchers and computer scientists. Immersive analytics (IA) is an emerging research field in which investigations are performed into how immersive technologies, such as large display walls and virtual reality
and augmented reality
devices, can be used to improve data analysis, outcomes, and communication. These investigations have the potential to reduce the analysis effort and widen the range of questions that can be addressed. We propose that biologists and computer scientists combine their efforts to lay the foundation for IA in animal ecology research. We discuss the potential and the challenges and outline a path toward a structured approach. We imagine that a joint effort would combine the strengths and expertise of both communities, leading to a well-defined research agenda and design space, practical guidelines, robust and reusable software frameworks, reduced analysis effort, and better comparability of results.
Professional development programs to improve science teachers’ skills in the facilitation of argumentation in science classroom—a systematic review
Authors: Wess Raphael , Priemer Burkhard , Parchmann Ilka
Published: June 2023

Argumentation is crucial to fostering scientific reasoning and problem-solving in science education. However, researchers and teachers still report problems facilitating argumentation in the classroom. This may be influenced by the design of the corresponding professional development programs (PDPs) and the focus of the underlying research. To describe the state of the research regarding science teacher PDPs on facilitating argumentation, we systematically reviewed publications from the last 20 years in terms of their design, with selected low- and high-inference characteristics, for example, in terms of the addressed professional competence and the argumentation framework. The results illustrate a broad spectrum of teacher PDPs on argumentation in terms of formal-structural aspects (e.g., sample size) and interests (e.g., methodology). We found, for example, that pre-service teachers’ argumentation PDPs are less frequent than in-service teachers’ argumentation PDPs and that research rarely focuses on situation-specific competencies, such as professional vision or decision-making. Additionally, we report challenges in analyzing the argumentation framework and discuss possible reasons for this. We critically evaluate these and other findings, point to fruitful directions for further research and reviews, and inform practitioners of professional development of argumentation.
In ovo given sunset yellow adversely affects embryonic development of chick thymus and bursa Fabricii as evidenced by histological and enzyme histochemical findings
Authors: Berktay Elif , Çelik İlhami , Çelik Selime
Published: June 2023

Background

Sunset yellow (E110) has largely been used as food coloring agent. Complaints accumulated on E110 for possible detrimental effects on the immune functions such as allergenicity in the children. In this study, the effects of different doses of E110 on embryonic development of chicken primary lymphoid organs, thymus and bursa of Fabricius were determined by means of histological, histomorphometrical and histochemical methods. A total of 250 fertilized eggs from the Ross 508 line were used in the study. The eggs were divided into 5 groups as non-treated, sham-exposed and 100 ng/egg, 500 ng/egg, 1000 ng/egg E110-injected groups, each having 50 eggs.

Results

In the 1.000 ng/egg E110-administered group, embryonic development of chicken thymus and bursa of Fabricius were retarded.

Conclusions

E110 given in ovo before incubation retarded the embryonic development of the avian thymus and bursa of Fabricii. The effect is more pronounced in the 1.000 ng/egg group.
Utilizing an artificial intelligence framework (conditional generative adversarial network) to enhance telemedicine strategies for cancer pain management
Authors: Cascella Marco , Scarpati Giuliana , Bignami Elena Giovanna , Cuomo Arturo , Vittori Alessandro , Di Gennaro Piergiacomo , Crispo Anna , Coluccia Sergio
Published: June 2023

Background

The utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare has significant potential to revolutionize the delivery of medical services, particularly in the field of telemedicine. In this article, we investigate the capabilities of a specific deep learning model, a generative adversarial network (GAN), and explore its potential for enhancing the telemedicine approach to cancer pain management.

Materials and methods

We implemented a structured dataset comprising demographic and clinical variables from 226 patients and 489 telemedicine visits for cancer pain management. The deep learning model, specifically a conditional GAN, was employed to generate synthetic samples that closely resemble real individuals in terms of their characteristics. Subsequently, four machine learning (ML) algorithms were used to assess the variables associated with a higher number of remote visits.

Results

The generated dataset exhibits a distribution comparable to the reference dataset for all considered variables, including age, number of visits, tumor type, performance status, characteristics of metastasis, opioid dosage, and type of pain. Among the algorithms tested, random forest demonstrated the highest performance in predicting a higher number of remote visits, achieving an accuracy of 0.8 on the test data. The simulations based on ML indicated that individuals who are younger than 45 years old, and those experiencing breakthrough cancer pain, may require an increased number of telemedicine-based clinical evaluations.

Conclusion

As the advancement of healthcare processes relies on scientific evidence, AI techniques such as GANs can play a vital role in bridging knowledge gaps and accelerating the integration of telemedicine into clinical practice. Nonetheless, it is crucial to carefully address the limitations of these approaches.
Case Report: Case report: Effect of intraovarian platelet-rich plasma therapy on latent female genital tuberculosis patient
Authors: Dutta Shilpa , More Akash , Choudhari Namrata , Shrivastava Deepti , Anjankar Vaibhav
Published: June 2023

Latent female genital tuberculosis (FGTB) has been gaining attention in the world of assisted reproductive technology due to its adverse effect on the female reproductive system, which is becoming a cause of concern in the pathway of fulfilling the dream of children in infertile couples. It has been known to severely affect the ovarian reserve, which is one of the prime causes of infertility in females nowadays. Intraovarian plasma-rich platelet therapy (IOPRP) has been known to improve diminished ovarian reserve (DOR); however, its effect on DOR caused due to latent FGTB is not known. A 34-year-old middle-aged South Asian woman was unable to get pregnant due to being a victim of latent female genital tuberculosis. The patient also had a history of four failed IUI (intra-uterine insemination) cycles prior to their visit to Wardha Test Tube Baby Centre, Sawangi, Maharashtra, in January 2021. The patient had reported having improved ovarian reserve, thereby having positive clinical pregnancy upon the administration of IOPRP at our centre. This case report throws light on the aspect that the use of IOPRP on patient suffering from DOR caused due to latent FGTB may lead to significant positive pregnancy outcomes.
Mapping out the scenarios of ocean energy scale-up based on the development of offshore wind
Authors: Pillet Anne-Caroline , Lehner Benjamin , Stark Simon , van der Zant Hinne
Published: June 2023

Background: Our oceans remain one of the last untapped source of renewable

energy. The predictability and reliability of ocean energy technologies could con-

tribute significantly to the global energy transition. By 2022, ocean energy, and

in particular wave and tidal energy have reached a pre-commercial phase in their

development.

Methods: This study investigates the potential progression of the wave and tidal

energy sector in the next three decades based on the offshore wind sector in the

past three decades. Two different models were developed from the yearly capacity

increase of offshore wind in Europe and applied to the wave and tidal energy sector.

Results: According to both models, the 40 GW 2050 target for ocean energy set by

the European Commission in 2020 could be reached if European coastal countries

adopt supportive policies for both technologies immediately. A sensitivity analysis

shows further that a small delay right now will have tremendous negative impacts

to fulfill the EU goals and the contribution of ocean energy to the energy transition.

Conclusions: In conclusion, the ocean energy sector shows a strong growth potential and is capable of supporting the European and global climate targets substantially by 2050. Learnings from the offshore wind sector can help scope and

support the growth of ocean energy technologies.
Lexical data for the historical comparison of Rgyalrongic languages
Authors: Lai Yunfan , List Johann-Mattis
Published: June 2023

As one of the most morphologically conservative branches of the Sino-Tibetan language family, most of the Rgyalrongic languages are still understudied and poorly understood, not to mention their vulnerable or endangered status. It is therefore important for available data of these languages to be made accessible. The present lexical data sets provide comparative word lists of 20 modern and medieval Rgyalrongic languages, consisting of word lists from fieldwork carried out by the first author and other colleagues as well as published word lists by other authors. In particular, data of the two Khroskyabs varieties are collected by the first author from 2011 to 2016. Cognate identification is based on the authors' expertise in Rgyalrong historical linguistics through the neogrammarian comparative method. We curated the data by conducting phonemic segmantation and partial cognate annotation. The data sets can be used by historical linguists interested in the etymology and the phylogeny of the languages in question, and they can use them to answer questions regarding individual word histories or the subgrouping of languages in this important branch of Sino-Tibetan.
The strategic concept for the Lithuanian bioeconomy: insights for niche bioenergy sectors
Authors: Vitunskienė Vlada , Aleksandravičienė Akvilė , Čaplikas Jonas , Dapkuvienė Agnė
Published: June 2023

This article describes a strategic concept for the Lithuanian bioeconomy that was developed as a deliverable of the Task 1.5 in the BIOEAST’sUP H2020 project. We aimed to create a conceptual basis for the preparation of a national bioeconomy strategy and/or action plan in order to initiate a deeper discussion about the strategically oriented development of a knowledge-based circular bioeconomy in Lithuania. Our strategic insights are focused on two niche energy sectors like biofuels and biogas. The results of the SWOT analysis reveal that, in Lithuania, a synthesis of the biofuels and biogas sectors' strategic directions is necessary to develop over-arching national bioeconomy-appropriate strategic actions, such as market intervention actions, research, innovation and education actions, as well as governance and policy actions.
Wearable devices for remote monitoring of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in Vietnam
Authors: Chau Nguyen Van Vinh , Trung Truong Ngoc , Khanh Phan Nguyen Quoc Khanh , Nhat Phung Tran Huy , Van Hoang Minh Tu , Hai Ho Bich , Thuy Duong Bich , Tung Nguyen Le Nhu , Khoa Dao Bach , Vien Tran Thi Dong , Hao Nguyen Van , Oanh Pham Kieu Ngyuyet , Khoa Tran Dang , Phong Nguyen Thanh , Nguyen Nguyen Thanh , Huynh Julie , Walker Timothy M , Van Nuil Jennifer , An Luu Phuoc , McKnight Jacob , Toan Le Mau , Tan Le Van , Dung Nguyen Thanh , Truong Nguyen Thanh , Thwaites C Louise ,   OUCRU COVID Research Group
Published: June 2023

Patients with severe COVID-19 disease require monitoring with pulse oximetry as a minimal requirement. In many low- and middle- income countries, this has been challenging due to lack of staff and equipment. Wearable pulse oximeters potentially offer an attractive means to address this need, due to their low cost, battery operability and capacity for remote monitoring.  Between July and October 2021, Ho Chi Minh City experienced its first major wave of SARS-CoV-2 infection, leading to an unprecedented demand for monitoring in hospitalized patients. We assess the feasibility of a continuous remote monitoring system for patients with COVID-19 under these circumstances as we implemented 2 different systems using wearable pulse oximeter devices in a stepwise manner across 4 departments.
Mathematical problems of decision-making in dynamic organizational systems
Authors: Tarakanov Andrey , Sumin A. , Hvostov A.
Published: June 2023

The monograph develops the theory of decision-making in dynamic organizational systems with a complex structure in conditions of conflict and uncertainty. An overview of the current state of the theory is given. The systems are studied: hierarchical, coalition and coalition-hierarchical (hybrid). The main attention in the process of constructing mathematical models of systems is paid to the description of ways of information interaction of decision makers. At the same time, the variants of their unfavorable (conflict) and benevolent "attitude" to each other are taken into account. Two approaches to decision-making based on the principle of guaranteed results and approaches of game theory are proposed. Exactly: 1) making decisions from the point of view of a dedicated participant in the system based on penalty functions and obtaining the necessary optimality conditions; 2) making decisions based on special optimality principles constructed using the principles of Nash, Pareto, Joffrion, Stackelberg, Slater, threats — counter-threats and obtaining sufficient optimality conditions. Some theoretical results are illustrated by model examples.
For researchers, postgraduates and students dealing with theoretical and practical issues of decision-making in complex systems.
Analiza właściwości antyoksydacyjnych fermentowanych żywych octów owocowych
Authors: Uram-Dudek Angelika , Wajs Iwona , Paradowska Katarzyna
Published: June 2023

Fermentacja octowa jest znaną od starożytności metodą przetwarzania materiału roślinnego. Ocet stosowany jest przede wszystkim jako przyprawa w celu wzbogacenia smaku dań oraz utrwalenia żywności. W ostatnich latach obserwuje się wzrost zainteresowania octem jako zdrowym napojem bogatym w związki bioaktywne, które zapewniają organizmowi szereg korzyści. Celem niniejszej pracy było zbadanie 7 octów owocowych, tzw. żywych, przygotowanych z ciemnych owoców: aronii, śliwki, maliny, czarnego bzu, jeżyny, wiśni oraz jagody kamczackiej. Oznaczono zawartość związków polifenolowych oraz potencjał antyoksydacyjny jako czynnik kształtujący prozdrowotne właściwości tychże octów. Badania wykonano z wykorzystaniem metod spektroskopowych: testu z rodnikiem DPPH i testu FRAP oraz określono zawartość związków polifenolowych ogółem metodą Folina-Ciocalteu. Całkowita zawartość polifenoli mieściła się w zakresie 367,2–1443,6 mg GAE/L. Najmniejszą zawartością polifenoli charakteryzował sięocet z malin, natomiast najwyższą – ocet z wiśni i czarnego bzu. Stwierdzono zróżnicowanie aktywności przeciwutleniającej. Zdolność dezaktywacji rodnika za pomocą testu DPPH przez badane surowce kształtowała się na poziomie od 21,3–77,5%, natomiast za pomocą testu FRAP od 1,59–10,19 mM FeSO4/L. Zastosowane metody badawcze potwierdziły wysoką aktywność antyoksydacyjną badanych octów owocowych. Stwierdzono również dodatnią korelację pomiędzy zawartością związków polifenolowych a siłą przeciwutleniającą. Zauważono również, że na jakość octu, a co za tym idzie – na jego walory zdrowotne, ma wpływ zastosowany surowiec. Ze względu na liczne korzystne właściwości ocet może być więc wysoko cenionym fermentowanym produktem spożywczym.
Hegel and the Logical Form
Authors: Kolman Vojtěch
Published: June 2023

The concept of logical form, as influentially specified by Frege and Bolzano, is accompanied by a paradox: to capture some universal property of discourse, we must specify that property, thereby rendering it particular and thus unsuitable for the universal purpose. Thus, instead of a single form, we have rather a sequence of them, corresponding to the logics of Aristotle, Frege, Brouwer, and others. In this paper, I argue that Hegel’s conception of logical form focuses on this historical aspect of the problem. Thus, he does not create a new logical form, e.g., that of dialectical logic, as Marx, as well as Priest and others, believe, but makes the attitude towards “fixed determinations” of logic part of these determinations themselves. This corresponds to Hegel’s differentiation between three layers of logic: formal, dialectical, and speculative.
Task Characteristics and Incentives in Collaborative Problem Solving: Evidence from Three Field Experiments
Authors: Samuel Jayarajan , Zheng Zhiqiang (Eric) , Mookerjee Vijay
Published: June 2023

Effective teamwork is crucial in modern-day business, especially in knowledge work. However, building and maintaining effective teams is a challenging task for firms. Whereas previous literature emphasizes the significance of team composition, dynamics, and senior management’s role, the role of task characteristics and incentive alignment in effective collaboration is largely ignored. Our study addresses this gap by identifying the importance of task characteristics and incentive alignment in successful collaboration. Through three large-scale field experiments, we find that tasks with high difficulty and urgency are suitable for collaboration, whereas collaboration can be detrimental to tasks that don’t require urgent completion. We also find that aligning individual incentives with organizational goals is critical to successful collaboration. Our research offers practical guidance to organizations implementing information systems for collaborative problem solving. We suggest using task characteristics to determine the workflow that will benefit from a collaborative approach. Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of management’s active involvement in aligning incentives between team members and the project or company’s goals.
A Splitting Method for Band Control of Brownian Motion: With Application to Mutual Reserve Optimization
Authors: Bensoussan Alain , Liu John J. , Yuan Jiguang
Published: June 2023

As well studied in the operations research literature, optimization of a mutual reserve system (e.g., federal reserves) and a nonmutual one such as regular inventory systems requires solving simultaneous systems of quasi-variational inequalities, of which analytical solutions in closed form remain unattainable and computational solutions are still intractable. Thus far, the studies of reserve optimization are of intra-nations (e.g., central bank reserves) as opposed to inter-nations (e.g., COVID vaccine reserves of the United Nations). In this paper, we advance a method of computational analytics for mutual reserve optimization, with an international perspective in response to the intensifying challenge on global medical reserves during the COVID pandemic. A solution algorithm is developed in the context of maritime mutual insurances (a long existent international mutual reserve system) and then tested through comprehensive numerical experiments.
An Online Learning Approach to Dynamic Pricing and Capacity Sizing in Service Systems
Authors: Chen Xinyun , Liu Yunan , Hong Guiyu
Published: June 2023

Online Learning in Queueing Systems

Most queueing models have no analytic solutions, so previous research often resorts to heavy-traffic analysis for performance analysis and optimization, which requires the system scale (e.g., arrival and service rate) to grow to infinity. In “An Online Learning Approach to Dynamic Pricing and Capacity Sizing in Service Systems,” X. Chen, Y. Liu, and G. Hong develop a new “scale-free” online learning framework designed for optimizing a queueing system, called gradient-based online learning in queue (GOLiQ). GOLiQ prescribes an efficient procedure to obtain improved decisions in successive cycles using newly collected queueing data (e.g., arrival counts, waiting times, and busy times). Besides its robustness in the system scale, GOLiQ is advantageous when focusing on performance optimization in the long run because its data-driven nature enables it to constantly produce improved solutions which will eventually reach optimality. Effectiveness of GOLiQ is substantiated by theoretical regret analysis (with a logarithmic regret bound) and simulation experiments.
Spondyloptosis at Subaxial Cervical Spine with Minimal Neurological Compromise and Complete Recovery: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Barwar Nilesh
Published: June 2023

Introduction: Subaxial cervical spine (C3-7) injuries are among the most common and potentially most devastating injuries involving the axial skeleton. The treatment of fracture dislocations of the cervical spine still varies. Early operative treatment has gained increasing acceptance. This case report will discuss a case of subaxial cervical spine fracture dislocation and spondyloptosis with minimal neurological compromise and after reduction and stabilization, complete recovery of neurological functional was achieved. Case Report: A 26-year-old male patient presented to emergency department with history of road traffic accident with injury to his neck having complain of severe neck and shoulder pain and weakness in the right upper limb. On clinical and radiological evaluation, it was diagnosed a case of high-grade anterolisthesis C5 over C6 (spondyloptosis) with neurological compromise. Surgical intervention was done within 48 h with complete neurological recovery. Conclusion: Satisfactory clinical and good long-term outcome can be obtained in fracture dislocation of subaxial cervical spine by anterior approach, discectomy, and anterior cervical plating. Keywords: Subaxial spine, spondyloptosis, discectomy, cervical plating.
The impact of mentoring interventions to support newly qualified social workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Northern Ireland
Authors: Hamill Bronagh , Boyle Shirley , McFadden Paula
Published: June 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the early cessation of practice learning opportunities for social work students across Northern Ireland and an expedited graduation to enable them to join the workforce. The article reports on a small-scale service evaluation of the Assessed Year in Employment Mentoring Programme in the Northern Health and Social Care Trust. The programme provided additional support to newly qualified social workers as they transitioned from student to professional. Focus groups facilitated with 11 Assessed Year in Employment social workers highlighted the positive impact of mentoring, with emphasis on the importance of formal, accessible and effective organisational support during the transitional period. Recommendations call for continued facilitation of mentoring for future cohorts of Assessed Year in Employment social workers in order to cultivate a supportive organisational climate and strengthen the workforce.
Evaluation of the laser wavelength role on tooth bleaching in terms of color change, roughness, and microhardness with pulpal rapid temperature monitoring: an in vitro study
Authors: Al-Hamd Raneen KH. , Al-Janabi Abdulhadi
Published: June 2023

This in-vitro study evaluates the efficacy of the teeth bleaching
approach using different laser wavelengths (405 nm blue diode,
940 nm infrared diode, and Er,Cr:YSGG 2780 nm lasers) in
comparison to the conventional method using light-emitting diode (LED)
sources (420–480) nm. Eighty caries-free sound human premolars
were randomly divided into four groups (N=20). Each group received a different
bleaching procedure. Then each group was further subdivided into two
subgroups (N=10) stained with different solutions.
The pulp chamber temperature rise was recorded using an optical fiber
sensor with a novel design and fabrication. The color was analyzed
using a digital spectrophotometer. Five samples of each subgroup were
tested for surface roughness, while the others were tested for Vickers
microhardness. The bleaching process with a short wavelength
405 nm blue diode laser showed the best results for the shade,
with a minimum pulpal temperature increase indicating no possible
necrosis and hence maintaining tooth vitality. Additionally, a
remarkable reduction in bleaching time was achieved compared to the
conventional approach. This process also yielded the highest color
change (ΔE) and increased microhardness, with no
noticeable change to the tooth roughness. The 405 nm blue diode
laser applied for bleaching showed the best bleaching activity against
tested stains and negligible pulpal temperature rise with a noticeable
reduction in the bleaching time. The proposed novel method to measure
temperature change could be used to develop a promising smart sensor
for quick, effective, repeatable, and in-situ monitoring of human body
temperature.
Resonant coupling of molecular excitons and optical anapoles in silicon nanosphere-J-aggregate heterostructures under vector beam illumination
Authors: Coe Brighton , Sevik Robert , Biswas Mahua , Manna Uttam
Published: June 2023

Resonant excitation of high-index dielectric nanostructures and their
coupling with molecular excitons provide great opportunities for
engineering adaptable platforms for hybrid functional optical devices.
Here, we numerically calculate resonance coupling of nonradiating
anapole states to molecular excitons within silicon
nanosphere-J-aggregate heterostructures under illumination with
radially polarized cylindrical vector beams. The results show that the
resonance coupling is accompanied by a scattering peak around the
exciton transition frequency, and the anapole state splits into a pair
of anticrossing eigenmodes with a mode splitting energy of ≈200meV. We also investigate the resonance
coupling as a function of the J-aggregate parameters, such as
thickness, exciton transition linewidth, and oscillator strength.
Resonant coupling of the anapole states and J-aggregate
heterostructures could be a promising platform for future nanophotonic
applications such as in information processing and sensing.