bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determining the Thermal Resistance of Enclosed Reflective Airspace
Authors: Saber Hamed , Yarbrough David
Published: March 2023

Enclosed airspaces of various effective emittances exist in the building envelope in walls, roofs, and double/triple glazing windows, curtain walls and skylight devices. Assessing the energy performance of a building component with enclosed reflective airspaces requires evaluation of all modes of heat transport inside the airspace. The thermal resistance (R-value) of the enclosed airspaces depends on the dimensions and orientation of the airspace, and the emittance and temperature of all surfaces that bound the airspace. To the best of our knowledge, the existing methods used around the world to evaluate the airspace thermal performance (e.g., ISO 6946, AUS/NZ 4859, and methods based on the U.S. NBS data) are one-dimensional and assume isothermal conditions on the hot and cold surfaces. In actual applications, however, the temperatures of both the hot and cold surfaces vary (i.e., they are non-isothermal), and the heat transfer takes place via conduction, convection and surface-to-surface radiation. In some cases, convection is absent or negligible, as is the case for downward heat flow or situations with a small temperature difference between the hot and cold surfaces. Radiation transport is significantly reduced by the presence of a low-emittance surface in the heat flow path. One of the goals of this study is to answer the question “is it a good assumption to use the isothermal conditions on both the hot and cold surfaces for determining/reporting the R-value of enclosed airspaces for different building applications?” A complete evaluation of the thermal performance of enclosed airspaces that includes the impact of bounding materials can now be undertaken in multiple dimensions with convective transport described by computational fluid dynamics. In addition to providing a relatively complete evaluation of the thermal performance of the enclosed airspaces, the adequacy of popular simplifying assumptions can be evaluated. This paper describes the computational process used, along with examples of the variation in thermal resistance with the airspace aspect ratio, realistic thermal boundary conditions and radiative heat transport on all surfaces that bound the airspace. The analysis completed in this research shows that the assumption of isothermal hot and cold surfaces affects calculated R-values for enclosed reflected airspaces by less than 3%. This was demonstrated for the five conventionally considered heat-flow directions and effective emittances from 0 to 0.82.
Investigation on Minute Holes of Woven Fabrics for Wide-Band Micro-Perforated Sound Absorbers
Authors: Gunawan  , Prasetiyo Iwan , Yuliarto Brian , Putra Azma , Irianto
Published: March 2023

Woven fabric perforation is helpful to be adopted to meet the microstructure requirement of a micro-perforated panel (MPP) absorber. Unlike conventional MPP, the woven fabric micro-perforations are formed by yarn in the x (weft) and y (warp)-directions. Hence, minute holes of the MPP with a diameter of 0.1–0.3 mm or a high perforation ratio are expected to be easily fabricated, while such a specification is difficult to realize on a solid surface, as found in some studies. The study presented here focuses on the use of minute holes in MPP absorbers by woven fabrics and discusses the minute hole properties of woven fabrics and their associated absorption characteristics. Theoretical results by Maa’s model are also used to validate resulting characteristics found from the experimental investigations. It is found that minute holes with around 0.10–0.20 mm diameter have been successfully fabricated by controlling weft yarn density. The woven fabrics are capable of producing half-absorption bandwidth of up to 5000 Hz (>3 octaves), while the peak of the absorption coefficient can be more than 0.8. In addition, varying hole diameter with the order of 10−2 mm can change the absorption behavior for both peak absorption and absorption bandwidth. Such behavior is confirmed by comparing the results with the theoretical model. This study also indicates that Maa’s model is still applicable for predicting absorption of MPP developed based on woven fabric material.
Stochastic Optimization of Dissipation Structures Based on Lyapunov Differential Equations and the Full Stress Design Method
Authors: Zhang Yunlong , Xu Weizhi , Du Dongsheng , Wang Shuguang
Published: March 2023

This article presents a Lyapunov precise integral-based analysis method for seismic structures with added viscous fluid dampers. This study uses the full stress algorithm as the optimization method, considering the mean square of interstory drifts as the optimization objective, the position of the damper as the optimization object, and the random vibration analysis method as the calculation method to optimize seismic frame structures with viscous dampers. A precise integral solution is derived for the Lyapunov equation based on the general expression of the Lyapunov differential equation for the damping system under the excitation of a nonstationary stochastic process using two types of modulation functions: g(t)=1 and g(t)=t. Finally, the optimal damping arrangement is achieved using this method with a six-layer non-eccentric planar frame. In addition, the optimization results of this study are verified with those in the literature using time-history analysis, which verifies the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method. This study provides a method for the optimal configuration of dampers for seismic response of structures, which is beneficial for engineering applications and the protection of seismic structures.
Transcriptional Regulation during Aberrant Activation of NF-κB Signalling in Cancer
Authors: Deka Kamalakshi , Li Yinghui
Published: March 2023

The NF-κB signalling pathway is a major signalling cascade involved in the regulation of inflammation and innate immunity. It is also increasingly recognised as a crucial player in many steps of cancer initiation and progression. The five members of the NF-κB family of transcription factors are activated through two major signalling pathways, the canonical and non-canonical pathways. The canonical NF-κB pathway is prevalently activated in various human malignancies as well as inflammation-related disease conditions. Meanwhile, the significance of non-canonical NF-κB pathway in disease pathogenesis is also increasingly recognized in recent studies. In this review, we discuss the double-edged role of the NF-κB pathway in inflammation and cancer, which depends on the severity and extent of the inflammatory response. We also discuss the intrinsic factors, including selected driver mutations, and extrinsic factors, such as tumour microenvironment and epigenetic modifiers, driving aberrant activation of NF-κB in multiple cancer types. We further provide insights into the importance of the interaction of NF-κB pathway components with various macromolecules to its role in transcriptional regulation in cancer. Finally, we provide a perspective on the potential role of aberrant NF-κB activation in altering the chromatin landscape to support oncogenic development.
The Novel Three-Layer Electrode Based on Poly(Neutral Red) for Potentiometric Determination of Citrates
Authors: Broncová Gabriela , Shishkanova Tatiana V. , Matějka Pavel
Published: March 2023

The three-layer electrode consisting of the inner, middle, and outer layers of polythiophene (PTh), polyaniline (PANI), and poly(neutral red) (PNR), respectively, was developed, characterized, and tested as a potentiometric sensor for citrates. The spectroscopic and morphological findings based on Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy, respectively, demonstrated the consecutive formation of individual polymeric layers derived from PTh, PANI, and PNR in the multilayer system. The sharper and narrower peak profiles of PNR in the case of the three-layer system revealed a more organized structure than for the PNR layer alone. The PNR layer in such a novel arrangement shows the highest selectivity towards citrates among the tested carboxylates. Simultaneously, the unwanted influence of the underlying Pt surface is eliminated. The potentiometric characteristics of the proposed potentiometric sensor were examined at the detection of citrates in the real-world samples, compared with results for PNR simple electrode, and corresponded with the reference capillary electrophoresis and literature-based spectrophotometric method.
Effect of 11 Weeks of Physical Exercise on Physical Fitness and Executive Functions in Children
Authors: Zhang Mingyang , Garnier Hanna , Qian Guoping , Li Shunchang
Published: March 2023

Object: The aim of our study was to evaluate and compare the effects of physical exercise interventions on physical fitness and executive functions in children. Methods: Six-year-old children participated in the study and were randomly divided into physical exercise group (PE group, n = 43) and control group (C group, n = 46). The children in the PE group participated in a physical exercise program for 45 min daily, four days a week for 11 weeks. The children in the C group continued with their usual routines. Then, all the children were tested before and after the experiment for body composition (height, weight, BMI), physical fitness (20-m shuttle run test, standing long jump test, grip strength test, 4 × 10 m shuttle run test and sit and reach tests), and executive functions test (animal go/no-go task, working memory span task, simple reaction test and flexible item selection task) before and after the 11-week period. Results: The 11 weeks of physical exercise did not significantly affect the body composition of the children (p > 0.05). The physical fitness and executive functions test results showed that 11 weeks of physical exercise interventions improves physical fitness (cardiopulmonary fitness, muscle strength, speed sensitivity and flexibility quality) and executive functions parameters (inhibitory control, working memory, the reaction time, and cognitive flexibility) in children (p < 0.05, p < 0.01). Conclusion: 11 weeks of physical exercise can improve the physical fitness and executive functions of six-year-old children.
Is There an Association between Viral Infections and Risk for Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea? A Systematic Review
Authors: Aïem Elody , Leblais Clémence , Lupi Laurence , Doglio Alain
Published: March 2023

(1) Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects approximately 1% to 5% of children. To date, the main pathophysiological factor is adenotonsillar tissue hypertrophy. As many respiratory viruses can persist in secondary lymphoepithelial organs after upper airway infection, the objective of this systematic review was to investigate the link between history of viral infections and the risk of pediatric OSA. (2) Methods: Corresponding references were searched electronically (PubMed [MEDLINE], Cochrane Library and Scopus) until 21 November 2022. Prospective or retrospective cohorts, evaluating the children suffering from OSA with history of viral infections and comparing them with children with no history of viral infections written in English, were included. Four independent reviewers selected studies, extracted data, and evaluated the risk of bias using ROBINS-I. (3) Results: Of 1027 potentially eligible articles, four studies (one retrospective, two prospective cohorts and one case-control) were included. (4) Conclusions: Exposure to lower airway infections may precede the diagnosis of pediatric OSA suggesting that respiratory viruses may play a mechanical role in the development of pediatric OSA. Further research is required to improve our understanding of the role of viral infections. Registration: PROSPERO CRD awaiting.
Tele-Coaching Korean Parents for Improving Occupational Performance of Toddlers: Three Case Reports
Authors: Choi Dabin , Yu Aeri , Kim Misun , Kim Eun Young
Published: March 2023

Telehealth has been applied to occupational therapy practice since the COVID-19 pandemic, but no research has been conducted on the use of telehealth to improve the occupational performances of Korean children and parents. This study explored the possibility of tele-coaching parents to improve toddlers’ occupational performance and parenting competence in Korea. Three mothers of toddlers received Occupational Performance Coaching (OPC) via videoconference. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) and the Parenting Sense of Competence Scale (PSOC) were used pre- and post-intervention to measure the occupational performances of the toddlers and parents and parenting competence. Post-intervention interviews were conducted to explore the parents’ experiences with the tele-coaching and analyzed by content analysis. Most of the COPM scores showed a significant increase. The PSOC scores also increased. The mothers reported their learning, the changes in their children, the appropriateness of the coaching, and the usefulness of the tele-coaching delivery. The findings demonstrate the potential of tele-coaching as a practical intervention for Korean children and parents.
Obituary for Dr. Konstantin Danilenko (19.03.1962–18.01.2023)
Authors: Putilov Arcady A.
Published: March 2023

Dr [...]
Metal-Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition Precursors: Diagnostic Check for Volatilization Thermodynamics of Scandium(III) β-Diketonates
Authors: Makarenko Alexander M. , Zaitsau Dzmitry H. , Zherikova Kseniya V.
Published: March 2023

Scandium complexes with β-diketonate ligands are valuable precursors for the metal–organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) of scandia based materials, but data on their volatilization thermodynamics crucial to MOCVD technology are in a huge disarray. We have addressed this issue with a diagnostic tool based on the principles of group additivity and structure–property relationships, which had been developed by us specifically for metal–organic objects. For this purpose, a mass of experimental data on the vapor pressures and enthalpies of sublimation, vaporization and fusion available in the literature for scandium(III) β-diketonates has been compiled and analyzed. Additionally, saturated vapor pressures and thermodynamic sublimation characteristics have been obtained for scandium(III) complexes with acetylacetone, hexafluoroacetylacetone, and 3-methyl-2,4-pentanedione by transpiration and thermogravimetric methods. New data have allowed us to arbitrate the conflict of literature data. As a result, a consistent set of enthalpies of the three discussed processes has been obtained for eight scandium complexes. Dispersion interactions and non-additive effects have been shown to be typical for metal tris-β-diketonates. They have been taken into account to improve the diagnostic check. It is now possible to quite easily assess the thermodynamics of tris-β-diketonate complexes with different metals which are in demand as precursors in gas-phase technology.
Evaluation of Well-Being Status of Near-Threatened Gangetic Leaf Fish Nandus nandus (Hamilton, 1822) in the Kawadighi Haor: Implications to Haor Fishery Management in the Northeastern Bangladesh
Authors: Kawsar Md. Abu , Hossain Mohammad Amzad , Pandit Debasish , Kabir Muhammad Anamul , Alam Md. Tariqul
Published: March 2023

This study evaluated the status of the well-being of wild Nandus nandus in the Kawadighi Haor through morphometric and gastrointestinal indices and local people’s perceptions. Basic macroscopic morphology of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), the viscera somatic index (VSI), the hepatosomatic index (HSI), the condition factor (K), length–weight relationships, and gut histology were analyzed from the regular commercial catch. The GIT morphology includes a tube-like esophagus, a tapering stomach, a tubular intestinal region, and a rectum, all of which have clinically normal shapes and conditions. VSI and HSI values fluctuate throughout the year, indicating the periodic variation of food content and availability in the ecosystem. The condition factor (K) was generally stable, with minor deviations in December. The mucosa, submucosa, muscularis, and serosa were identified from the stomach of N. nandus and showed normal histological characteristics. There were numerous proliferated villi in the tunica mucosa, but no histopathological abnormalities were found in the gut. These findings suggest that the current population of N. nandus in the Haor is in a favorable condition. However, local people reported some potential threats that might be a concern for the long-term survival of this species. The results of the present study will be useful for effective and sustainable stock management of the N. nandus fishery in the Kawadighi Haor and other floodplain ecosystems.
Oxalate Crystallization under the Action of Brown Rot Fungi
Authors: Vlasov Dmitry Yu. , Zelenskaya Marina S. , Izatulina Alina R. , Janson Svetlana Yu. , Frank-Kamenetskaya Olga V.
Published: March 2023

Brown rot fungi belong to the wood-rotting fungi, which produce oxalic acid and actively decompose wood. We first found oxalates formed under the action of brown rot fungi in natural conditions on stone (Rogoselga adit, Karelia, Russia), proposed a model for their formation, and confirmed the hypothesis that frequent occurrence of metal oxalates in mines and adits may be associated with the activity of these fungi. We synthesized under the action of four species of brown-rot fungi (Serpula himantioides, Serpula lacrymans, Coniophora puteana, Antrodia xantha) on different mineral substrates analogs of all known biofilm oxalate minerals and oxalates of such toxic heavy metals as Pb, Cu, Mn. In addition, we compared the features of oxalate formation under the action of brown rot fungi and soil fungus Aspergillus niger, an active oxalic acid producer, widely used in model experiments and recommended for application in biotechnologies. It is shown that in contrast to A.niger, the contribution of the metabolic activity of brown rot fungi to oxalate crystallization exceeds the contribution of the underlying minerals. The prospects for the use of brown rot fungi such as Serpula himantioides, Coniophora puteana, and Antrodia xantha in modern environmentally friendly biotechnologies are justified.
Influence of Age on the Success of Neurorehabilitation
Authors: Broc Nicolas , Schnider Armin
Published: March 2023

There is a general understanding that older adults suffering from a stroke have poorer outcomes and might benefit less from neurorehabilitation. This narrative review analyzes the conflicting evidence for the effect of aging on the success of neurorehabilitation after a stroke. While there is convincing evidence that functional outcomes are negatively impacted by age, functional gains made during rehabilitation are less clearly impacted, and the effect of age seems to be related to other factors such as prestroke independence and therapy intensity, as well as the population studied. There is no evidence that would justify withholding high-intensity neurorehabilitation on the sole basis of age.
Manual of GUI Program Governing ABAQUS Simulations of Bar Impact Test for Calibrating Bar Properties, Measured Strain, and Impact Velocity
Authors: Shin Hyunho
Published: March 2023

Bar impact instruments, such as the (split) Hopkinson bars and direct impact Hopkinson bars, measure blast/impact waves or mechanical properties of materials at high strain rates. To effectively use such instruments, it is essential to know (i) the elastic properties of the bar, (ii) the correction factor of the measured strain, and (iii) information on impact velocity. This paper presents a graphic-user-interface (GUI) program prepared for solving these fundamental issues. We describe the directory structure of the program, roles and relations of associated files, GUI panels, algorithm, and execution procedure of the program. This program employs a separately measured bar density value and governs the ABAQUS simulations (explicit finite element analyses) of the bar impact test at a given impact velocity for a range of bar properties (elastic modulus and Poisson’s ratio) and two correction factors (in compression and tension) of the measured strain. The simulation is repeated until the predicted elastic wave profile in the bar is reasonably consistent with the experimental counterpart. The bar properties and correction factors are determined as the calibrated values when the two wave profiles are reasonably consistent. The program is also capable of impact velocity calibration with reference to a reliably measured bar strain wave. The quantities of a 19.1 mm diameter bar (maraging steel) were successfully calibrated using the presented GUI program. The GUI program, auxiliary programs, pre-processing files, and an example ABAQUS input file are available in a publicly accessible data repository.
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Cell Count and Lymphocytosis Are the Important Discriminators between Fibrotic Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Sobiecka Małgorzata , Szturmowicz Monika , Lewandowska Katarzyna B. , Barańska Inga , Zimna Katarzyna , Łyżwa Ewa , Dybowska Małgorzata , Langfort Renata , Radwan-Röhrenschef Piotr , Roży Adriana , Tomkowski Witold Z.
Published: March 2023

Background: Fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (fHP) shares many features with other fibrotic interstitial lung diseases (ILD), and as a result it can be misdiagnosed as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). We aimed to determine the value of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) total cell count (TCC) and lymphocytosis in distinguishing fHP and IPF and to evaluate the best cut-off points discriminating these two fibrotic ILD. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of fHP and IPF patients diagnosed between 2005 and 2018 was conducted. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the diagnostic utility of clinical parameters in differentiating between fHP and IPF. Based on the ROC analysis, BAL parameters were evaluated for their diagnostic performance, and optimal diagnostic cut-offs were established. Results: A total of 136 patients (65 fHP and 71 IPF) were included (mean age 54.97 ± 10.87 vs. 64.00 ± 7.18 years, respectively). BAL TCC and the percentage of lymphocytes were significantly higher in fHP compared to IPF (p < 0.001). BAL lymphocytosis >30% was found in 60% of fHP patients and none of the patients with IPF. The logistic regression revealed that younger age, never smoker status, identified exposure, lower FEV1, higher BAL TCC and higher BAL lymphocytosis increased the probability of fibrotic HP diagnosis. The lymphocytosis >20% increased by 25 times the odds of fibrotic HP diagnosis. The optimal cut-off values to differentiate fibrotic HP from IPF were 15 × 106 for TCC and 21% for BAL lymphocytosis with AUC 0.69 and 0.84, respectively. Conclusions: Increased cellularity and lymphocytosis in BAL persist despite lung fibrosis in HP patients and may be used as important discriminators between IPF and fHP.
Deep Hybrid Learning Prediction of Patient-Specific Quality Assurance in Radiotherapy: Implementation in Clinical Routine
Authors: Moreau Noémie , Bonnor Laurine , Jaudet Cyril , Lechippey Laetitia , Falzone Nadia , Batalla Alain , Bertaut Cindy , Corroyer-Dulmont Aurélien
Published: March 2023

Background: Arc therapy allows for better dose deposition conformation, but the radiotherapy plans (RT plans) are more complex, requiring patient-specific pre-treatment quality assurance (QA). In turn, pre-treatment QA adds to the workload. The objective of this study was to develop a predictive model of Delta4-QA results based on RT-plan complexity indices to reduce QA workload. Methods. Six complexity indices were extracted from 1632 RT VMAT plans. A machine learning (ML) model was developed for classification purpose (two classes: compliance with the QA plan or not). For more complex locations (breast, pelvis and head and neck), innovative deep hybrid learning (DHL) was trained to achieve better performance. Results. For not complex RT plans (with brain and thorax tumor locations), the ML model achieved 100% specificity and 98.9% sensitivity. However, for more complex RT plans, specificity falls to 87%. For these complex RT plans, an innovative QA classification method using DHL was developed and achieved a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 97.72%. Conclusions. The ML and DHL models predicted QA results with a high degree of accuracy. Our predictive QA online platform is offering substantial time savings in terms of accelerator occupancy and working time.
Chemerin and Chemokine-like Receptor 1 Expression in Ovarian Cancer Associates with Proteins Involved in Estrogen Signaling
Authors: Weber Florian , Schueler-Toprak Susanne , Buechler Christa , Ortmann Olaf , Treeck Oliver
Published: March 2023

Chemerin, a pleiotropic adipokine coded by the RARRES2 gene, has been reported to affect the pathophysiology of various cancer entities. To further approach the role of this adipokine in ovarian cancer (OC), intratumoral protein levels of chemerin and its receptor chemokine-like receptor 1 (CMKLR1) were examined by immunohistochemistry analyzing tissue microarrays with tumor samples from 208 OC patients. Since chemerin has been reported to affect the female reproductive system, associations with proteins involved in steroid hormone signaling were analyzed. Additionally, correlations with ovarian cancer markers, cancer-related proteins, and survival of OC patients were examined. A positive correlation of chemerin and CMKLR1 protein levels in OC (Spearman’s rho = 0.6, p < 0.0001) was observed. Chemerin staining intensity was strongly associated with the expression of progesterone receptor (PR) (Spearman´s rho = 0.79, p < 0.0001). Both chemerin and CMKLR1 proteins positively correlated with estrogen receptor β (ERβ) and estrogen-related receptors. Neither chemerin nor the CMKLR1 protein level was associated with the survival of OC patients. At the mRNA level, in silico analysis revealed low RARRES2 and high CMKLR1 expression associated with longer overall survival. The results of our correlation analyses suggested the previously reported interaction of chemerin and estrogen signaling to be present in OC tissue. Further studies are needed to elucidate to which extent this interaction might affect OC development and progression.
Interpreting Discordant Monosomy 3 FISH and Chromosomal Microarray Analysis Results in Uveal Melanoma
Authors: Long Christopher P. , Coley Nicholas , Thorson John , Lin Jonathan H.
Published: March 2023

Uveal melanoma is the most common primary ocular tumor in adults and causes morbidity through lymphovascular metastasis. The presence of monosomy 3 in uveal melanomas is one of the most important prognostic indicators for metastasis. Two major molecular pathology testing modalities used to assess monosomy 3 are fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA). Here, we report two cases of discordant monosomy 3 test results in uveal melanoma enucleation specimens, performed using these molecular pathology tests. The first case is of uveal melanoma from a 51-year-old male that showed no evidence of monosomy 3 when assessed by CMA, but where it was subsequently detected by FISH. The second case is of uveal melanoma from a 49-year-old male that showed monosomy 3 at the limit of detection when assessed by CMA, but where it was not detected by subsequent FISH analysis. These two cases underscore the potential benefits of each testing modality for monosomy 3. Mainly, while CMA may be more sensitive to low levels of monosomy 3, FISH may be best method for small tumors with high levels of adjacent normal ocular tissue. Our cases suggest that both testing methods should be pursued for uveal melanoma, with a single positive result for either test interpreted as indicating the presence of monosomy 3.
Transvaginal Ultrasound Accuracy in the Hydrosalpinx Diagnosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Delgado-Morell Aina , Nieto-Tous Mar , Andrada-Ripollés Cristina , Pascual Maria Ángela , Ajossa Silvia , Guerriero Stefano , Alcázar Juan Luis
Published: March 2023

Hydrosalpinx is a condition with a crucial prognostic role in reproduction, and its diagnosis by a non-invasive technique such as ultrasound is key in achieving an adequate reproductive assessment while avoiding unnecessary laparoscopies. The aim of the present systematic review and meta-analysis is to synthetize and report the current evidence on transvaginal sonography (TVS) accuracy to diagnose hydrosalpinx. Articles on the topic published between January 1990 and December 2022 were searched in five electronic databases. Data from the six selected studies, comprising 4144 adnexal masses in 3974 women, 118 of which were hydrosalpinxes, were analyzed as follows: overall, TVS had a pooled estimated sensitivity for hydrosalpinx of 84% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 76–89%), specificity of 99% (95% CI = 98–100%), positive likelihood ratio of 80.7 (95% CI = 33.7–193.0), and negative likelihood ratio of 0.16 (95% CI = 0.11–0.25) and DOR of 496 (95% CI = 178–1381). The mean prevalence of hydrosalpinx was 4%. The quality of the studies and their risk of bias were assessed using QUADAS-2, evidencing an overall acceptable quality of the selected articles. We concluded that TVS has a good specificity and sensitivity for diagnosing hydrosalpinx.
Islamic Financial Stability Factors: An Econometric Evidence
Authors: Joudar Fadoua , Msatfa Zouheir , Metwalli Olaya , Mouabid Maha , Dinar Brahim
Published: March 2023

This study empirically examines the internal and external factors of Islamic banks’ financial stability during the time frame from 2006 to 2017 in the Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) region. The stability of Islamic banks was determined by the Z-score, which is one of the most well-known financial stability indicators. Using multiple regression analysis, it is shown that capital adequacy ratio and liquidity positively impact the Z-score of Islamic banks, whilst size, governance and level of concentration have a negative impact. This study recommends raising the capital and the liquidity level of Islamic banks as it helps to promote the financial stability of Islamic banks.
Validation and Evaluation of a Tool for Developing an Integrated View of ICT-Based Educational Innovation
Authors: Hopster-den Otter Dorien , Wopereis Iwan
Published: March 2023

The increasing digitalization of education requires an integrated view of innovation and related expertise development. This study validated and evaluated the content and use of the ”Integrated ICT Motion Sensor”, a tool for stimulating awareness about ICT-based educational innovation among multiple stakeholders within higher education institutions. The Motion Sensor offers administrators, managers, ICT specialists, educational designers, and lecturers a guiding tool for entering into a dialogue about substantive themes such as vision and policy, leadership, professional development, and ICT infrastructure within the institution. The validation of the content by questionnaires and a focus group with 10 experts showed that the experts’ input was almost in line with the Motion Sensor prototype, which was based on the literature. The use of the Motion Sensor was evaluated in a pilot study within four higher educational institutions. Results from the questionnaires showed that participants generally appreciated the nature and course of the conversation. Moreover, the Motion Sensor led to more awareness about ICT-based educational innovation among participants.
Dynamic and Multipurpose Teaching Models at the First International Exhibition of Mathematics Teaching Material
Authors: Dólera-Almaida Josefa , Carrillo-Gallego Dolores
Published: March 2023

The International Commission for the Study and Improvement of Mathematical Education (1950) was interested in updating and developing teaching resources to address the pedagogical problems of mathematics teaching in the mid-1950s. As a result of this concern, the First International Exhibition of Mathematical Teaching Material was held in Spain in 1957, an event that had great international repercussions. This work is situated in the field of the history of mathematics education, so the research method used is historical. The aim is to study those mathematical didactic models which, due to their dynamic and multipurpose nature, stood out at the Exhibition. The results show that these materials contributed favorably to the teaching of mathematics, as they made it possible to work on a wide variety of topics and provided numerous advantages over traditional material. The use of these models meant that the mathematical notions or ideas generally arose from the action that the child carried out with the material; they also made the student the main protagonist of their learning.
Asterisk as a Tool to Aid in Learning to Program
Authors: Nuño Pelayo , Bulnes Francisco G. , Pérez-González Set , Granda Juan C.
Published: March 2023

Programming is a key subject in many engineering programs. Students often perceive it as a difficult skill to master. There is extensive literature on helping students learn and improve to program, most of which focuses on K-12 education. However, due to the current demand for workers with programming skills, more research must be conducted on techniques for learning programming at the higher education level. In this work, an analysis and evaluation of the usefulness of an Asterisk Private Branch Exchange (PBX) as an educational tool to improve the programming skills of students in higher education is presented. The study worked with undergraduate students in telecommunications engineering, with little work experience in programming, during the completion of their final year project. Results suggest that using Asterisk has a positive impact on the students’ perception of their programming knowledge and skills, as well as an increment in the interest and comfort regarding programming.
CEEMD-MultiRocket: Integrating CEEMD with Improved MultiRocket for Time Series Classification
Authors: Wang Panjie , Wu Jiang , Wei Yuan , Li Taiyong
Published: March 2023

Time series classification (TSC) is always a very important research topic in many real-world application domains. MultiRocket has been shown to be an efficient approach for TSC, by adding multiple pooling operators and a first-order difference transformation. To classify time series with higher accuracy, this study proposes a hybrid ensemble learning algorithm combining Complementary Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition (CEEMD) with improved MultiRocket, namely CEEMD-MultiRocket. Firstly, we utilize the decomposition method CEEMD to decompose raw time series into three sub-series: two Intrinsic Mode Functions (IMFs) and one residue. Then, the selection of these decomposed sub-series is executed on the known training set by comparing the classification accuracy of each IMF with that of raw time series using a given threshold. Finally, we optimize convolution kernels and pooling operators, and apply our improved MultiRocket to the raw time series, the selected decomposed sub-series and the first-order difference of the raw time series to generate the final classification results. Experiments were conducted on 109 datasets from the UCR time series repository to assess the classification performance of our CEEMD-MultiRocket. The extensive experimental results demonstrate that our CEEMD-MultiRocket has the second-best average rank on classification accuracy against a spread of the state-of-the-art (SOTA) TSC models. Specifically, CEEMD-MultiRocket is significantly more accurate than MultiRocket even though it requires a relatively long time, and is competitive with the currently most accurate model, HIVE-COTE 2.0, only with 1.4% of the computing load of the latter.
Conditional Generative Adversarial Network for Monocular Image Depth Map Prediction
Authors: Hao Shengang , Zhang Li , Qiu Kefan , Zhang Zheng
Published: March 2023

Deep map prediction plays a crucial role in comprehending the three-dimensional structure of a scene, which is essential for enabling mobile robots to navigate autonomously and avoid obstacles in complex environments. However, most existing depth estimation algorithms based on deep neural networks rely heavily on specific datasets, resulting in poor resistance to model interference. To address this issue, this paper proposes and implements an optimized monocular image depth estimation algorithm based on conditional generative adversarial networks. The goal is to overcome the limitations of insufficient training data diversity and overly blurred depth estimation contours in current monocular image depth estimation algorithms based on generative adversarial networks. The proposed algorithm employs an enhanced conditional generative adversarial network model with a generator that adopts a network structure similar to UNet and a novel feature upsampling module. The discriminator uses a multi-layer patchGAN conditional discriminator and incorporates the original depth map as input to effectively utilize prior knowledge. The loss function combines the least squares loss function and the L1 loss function. Compared to traditional depth estimation algorithms, the proposed optimization algorithm can effectively restore image contour information and enhance the visualization capability of depth prediction maps. Experimental results demonstrate that our method can expedite the convergence of the model on NYU-V2 and Make3D datasets, and generate predicted depth maps that contain more details and clearer object contours.
Low-Power Current Integrating Flat-Passband Infinite Impulse Response Filter for Sensor Read-Out Integrated Circuit in 65-nm CMOS Technology
Authors: Jo Sung-Hun
Published: March 2023

Low-power current integrating infinite impulse response filter having flat-passband for sensor read-out integrated circuit is proposed. In a current integrating filter, passband flatness degradation is inevitable due to sinc-like filtering characteristics. In this paper, by proposing a high order infinite impulse response filter architecture, flat-passband characteristic can be achieved. By implementing a filter architecture with a flat passband, the required sampling frequency can be lowered, which in turn can reduce power consumption. Moreover, the proposed high order infinite impulse response filter architecture has a high degree of freedom on adjusting input sample weights. The proposed integrated circuit is implemented in TSMC 65-nm CMOS process and operated on 1.2 V supply voltage.
Siamese PointNet: 3D Head Pose Estimation with Local Feature Descriptor
Authors: Wang Qi , Lei Hang , Qian Weizhong
Published: March 2023

Head pose estimation is an important part of the field of face analysis technology. It can be applied to driver attention monitoring, passenger monitoring, effective information screening, etc. However, illumination changes and partial occlusion interfere with the task, and due to the non-stationary characteristic of the head pose change process, normal regression networks are unable to achieve very accurate results on large-scale synthetic training data. To address the above problems, a Siamese network based on 3D point clouds was proposed, which adopts a share weight network with similar pose samples to constrain the regression process of the pose’s angles; meanwhile, a local feature descriptor was introduced to describe the local geometric features of the objects. In order to verify the performance of our method, we conducted experiments on two public datasets: the Biwi Kinect Head Pose dataset and Pandora. The results show that compared with the latest methods, our standard deviation was reduced by 0.4, and the mean error was reduced by 0.1; meanwhile, our network also maintained a good real-time performance.
PLC Cybersecurity Test Platform Establishment and Cyberattack Practice
Authors: Ramirez Ramiro , Chang Chun-Kai , Liang Shu-Hao
Published: March 2023

Programming logic controllers (PLCs) are vital components for conveyors in production lines, and the sensors and actuators controlled underneath the PLCs represent critical points in the manufacturing process. Attacks targeting the exploitation of PLC vulnerabilities have been on the rise recently. In this study, a PLC test platform aims to analyze the vulnerabilities of a typical industrial setup and perform cyberattack exercises to review the system cybersecurity challenges. The PLC test platform is a sorting machine consisting of an automatic conveyor belt, two Mitsubishi FX5U-32M PLCs, and accessories for material sorting, and Modbus is the selected protocol for data communication. The O.S. on the attacker is Kali ver. 2022.3, runs Nmap and Metasploit to exploit the target Modbus registers. On the other hand, the target host runs the O.S., Ubuntu 22.04 in the cyberattack exercises. The selected attack method for this study is packet reply which can halt operations sending custom data packets to the PLC. In summary, this study provides a basic step-by-step offensive strategy targeting register modification, and the testbed represents a typical industrial environment and its vulnerabilities against cyberattacks with common open-source tools.
Techniques and Challenges of Image Segmentation: A Review
Authors: Yu Ying , Wang Chunping , Fu Qiang , Kou Renke , Huang Fuyu , Yang Boxiong , Yang Tingting , Gao Mingliang
Published: March 2023

Image segmentation, which has become a research hotspot in the field of image processing and computer vision, refers to the process of dividing an image into meaningful and non-overlapping regions, and it is an essential step in natural scene understanding. Despite decades of effort and many achievements, there are still challenges in feature extraction and model design. In this paper, we review the advancement in image segmentation methods systematically. According to the segmentation principles and image data characteristics, three important stages of image segmentation are mainly reviewed, which are classic segmentation, collaborative segmentation, and semantic segmentation based on deep learning. We elaborate on the main algorithms and key techniques in each stage, compare, and summarize the advantages and defects of different segmentation models, and discuss their applicability. Finally, we analyze the main challenges and development trends of image segmentation techniques.
Deep Signal-Dependent Denoising Noise Algorithm
Authors: Zhao Lanfei , Li Shijun , Wang Jun
Published: March 2023

Although many existing noise parameter estimations of image signal-dependent noise have certain denoising effects, most methods are not ideal. There are some problems with these methods, such as poor noise suppression effects, smooth details, lack of flexible denoising ability, etc. To solve these problems, in this study, we propose a deep signal-dependent denoising noise algorithm. The algorithm combines the model method with a convolutional neural network. We use the noise level of the noise image and the noise image together as the input of the convolutional neural network to obtain a wider range of noise levels than the single noise image as the input. In the convolutional neural network, the deep features of the image are extracted by multi-layer residuals, which solves the difficult problem of training. Extensive experiments demonstrate that our noise parameter estimation has good denoising performance.
Formalising Autonomous Construction Sites with the Help of Abstract Mathematics
Authors: Legatiuk Dmitrii , Luckey Daniel
Published: March 2023

With the rapid development of modern technologies, autonomous or robotic construction sites are becoming a new reality in civil engineering. Despite various potential benefits of the automation of construction sites, there is still a lack of understanding of their complex nature combining physical and cyber components in one system. A typical approach to describing complex system structures is to use tools of abstract mathematics, which provide a high level of abstraction, allowing a formal description of the entire system while omitting non-essential details. Therefore, in this paper, autonomous construction is formalised using categorical ontology logs enhanced by abstract definitions of individual components of an autonomous construction system. In this context, followed by a brief introduction to category theory and ologs, exemplary algebraic definitions are given as a basis for the olog-based conceptual modelling of autonomous construction systems. As a result, any automated construction system can be described without providing exhausting detailed definitions of the system components. Existing ologs can be extended, contracted or revised to fit the given system or situation. To illustrate the descriptive capacity of ologs, a lattice of representations is presented. The main advantage of using the conceptual modelling approach presented in this paper is that any given real-world or engineering problem could be modelled with a mathematically sound background.
Ionic Strength Dependence of the Complex Coacervation between Lactoferrin and β-Lactoglobulin
Authors: Soussi Hachfi Rima , Hamon Pascaline , Rousseau Florence , Famelart Marie-Hélène , Bouhallab Saïd
Published: March 2023

Heteroprotein complex coacervation is an assembly formed by oppositely charged proteins in aqueous solution that leads to liquid–liquid phase separation. The ability of lactoferrin and β-lactoglobulin to form complex coacervates at pH 5.5 under optimal protein stoichiometry has been studied in a previous work. The goal of the current study is to determine the influence of ionic strength on the complex coacervation between these two proteins using direct mixing and desalting protocols. The initial interaction between lactoferrin and β-lactoglobulin and subsequent coacervation process were highly sensitive to the ionic strength. No microscopic phase separation was observed beyond a salt concentration of 20 mM. The coacervate yield decreased drastically with increasing added NaCl from 0 to 60 mM. The charge-screening effect induced by increasing the ionic strength is attributed to a decrease of interaction between the two oppositely charged proteins throughout a decrease in Debye length. Interestingly, as shown by isothermal titration calorimetry, a small concentration of NaCl around 2.5 mM promoted the binding energy between the two proteins. These results shed new light on the electrostatically driven mechanism governing the complex coacervation in heteroprotein systems.
Eating Quality and In Vitro Digestibility of Brown Rice Improved by Ascorbic Acid Treatments
Authors: Wei Qin , Guo Yubao , Tu Kang , Zhu Xiuling , Xie Dan , Liu Xinyu
Published: March 2023

The effects of ascorbic acid treatment alone and in combination with degreasing or hydrothermal treatment on eating quality and in vitro digestibility of brown rice were explored for improving poor mouthfeel and low digestibility, and the improvement mechanism was investigated. The results indicated that the texture of cooked brown rice was significantly improved by degreasing combined with ascorbic acid hydrothermal treatment; the hardness and chewiness decreased to the level of polished rice; the stickiness increased three times of the cooked untreated brown rice; and the sensory score and in vitro digestibility were significantly enhanced from 68.20 and 61.37% to 83.70 and 79.53%, respectively. In addition, the relative crystallinity and water contact angle of treated brown rice were respectively reduced from 32.74% and 113.39° to 22.55% and 64.93°, and normal temperature water uptake significantly increased. Scanning electron microscope showed that the separation of starch granules occurred inside cooked brown rice grain obviously. The improvement of eating quality and in vitro digestibility of brown rice is conducive to enhancing the consumers acceptance and human health.