bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Altered interpersonal distance regulation in autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Farkas Kinga , Pesthy Orsolya , Guttengéber Anna , Weigl Anna Szonja , Veres András , Szekely Anna , Komoróczy Eszter , Szuromi Bálint , Janacsek Karolina , Réthelyi János M. , Németh Dezső
Published: March 2023

Interpersonal distance regulation is an essential element of social communication. Its impairment in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is widely acknowledged among practitioners, but only a handful of studies reported empirical research in real-life settings, focusing mainly on children. Interpersonal distance in adults with ASD and related autonomic functions received less attention. Here, we measured interpersonal distance along with heart rate variability (HRV) in adults with ASD, and tested the modulatory effects of eye-contact and attribution. Twenty-two adults diagnosed with ASD and 21 matched neurotypical controls participated in our study from October 2019 to February 2020. Our experimental design combined the modified version of the stop distance paradigm with HRV measurement controlling for eye contact between the experimenter and the participant to measure interpersonal distance. Still, we did not detect significant modulatory effect of eye contact and attribution. Our results showed a greater preferred distance in ASD. Moreover, we found lower baseline HRV and reduced HRV reactivity in ASD; however, these autonomic measurements could not predict preferred interpersonal distance. Our study highlights the importance of interpersonal space regulation in ASD: it might be considered that people with ASD need individually variable, presumably greater interpersonal distance. In addition, regardless of the distance they may have reduced autonomic regulatory capacity in social situations. Our results could help shape future experiments with sophisticated designs to grasp the complexity and underlying factors of distance regulation in typical and atypical populations.
White matter hyperintensities in cholinergic pathways may predict poorer responsiveness to acetylcholinesterase inhibitor treatment for Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Lee Li-Hua , Wu Shu-Ching , Ho Cheng-Feng , Liang Wan-Lin , Liu Yi-Chien , Chou Chia-Ju
Published: March 2023

Background

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (AChEI) drug regimens are the mainstay treatment options for patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Herein, We examined the association between clinical response to AChEI and white matter hyperintensities on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan at baseline.

Methods

Between 2020 and 2021, we recruited 101 individuals with a clinical diagnosis of probable AD. Each participant underwent complete neuropsychological testing and 3T (Telsa) brain magnetic resonance imaging. Responsiveness to AChEI, as assessed after 12 months, was designated as less than two points of regression in Mini-Mental State Examination scores (MMSE) and stable clinical dementia rating scale. We also evaluated MRI images by examining scores on the Cholinergic Pathways Hyperintensities Scale (CHIPS), Fazekas scale, and medial temporal atrophy (MTA) scale.

Results

In our cohort, 52 patients (51.4%) were classified as responders. We observed significantly higher CHIPS scores in the nonresponder group (21.1 ± 12.9 vs. 14.9 ± 9.2, P = 0.007). Age at baseline, education level, sex, Clinical Dementia Rating sum of boxes scores, and three neuroimaging parameters were tested in regression models. Only CHIPS scores predicted clinical response to AChEI treatment.

Conclusion

WMHs in the cholinergic pathways, not diffuse white matter lesions or hippocampal atrophy, correlated with poorer responsiveness to AChEI treatment. Therefore, further investigation into the role of the cholinergic pathway in AD is warranted.
Evaluation of infrared thermography and 6-minute walk tests to assess airflow limitation, impaired thermoregulation, and exercise intolerance in dogs with brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome
Authors: Gallman Jeremy , Lee-Fowler Tekla , Clark-Price Stuart , Grobman Megan
Published: March 2023

Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Routine clinical evaluation fails to detect physiologic consequences of BOAS including airflow limitation, exercise intolerance, and impaired thermoregulation. A six-minute walk test (6MWT) with infrared thermography (IRT) may aid detection and clinical management by assessing the physiologic consequences of BOAS. IRT has been used in dogs to assess thermoregulation and in people with obstructive sleep apnea. Our objectives were to compare 6MWT and IRT parameters between healthy mesaticephalic (Mesa) and brachycephalic (Brachy) dogs, and dogs with BOAS. 6MWT parameters include normalized distance walked (ND), rectal temperature, pulse, respiratory rate, and pulse oximetry (SPO2). Mean (Tmean) and maximum (Tmax) IRT temperatures at 3 regions of interest (ROI) were evaluated. Evaluation timepoints were pre-6MWT, immediately post-6MWT (T0) and 5 (T5) and 15min post-6MWT (T15). No significant difference in ND, SPO2, or temperature were found between groups (p>.05). BOAS dogs had higher dorsal and rostral Tmax and Tmean temperatures compared to Mesa dogs at all timepoints (p < .05). BOAS dogs had higher Tmean temperatures compared to Brachy dogs at baseline and T15 and T5 and T15 for dorsal and rostral ROIs respectively (p < .001). ROC analysis showed significant discrimination between BOAS and non-BOAS (Brachy and Mesa) dogs with areas under the curve between 0.79–0.96. Significant moderate correlations were found between IRT temperatures, ND and rectal temperature. This pilot study demonstrates the potential in pairing the 6MWT and IRT with evaluation of clinical signs as screening tool to identify dogs with BOAS.
Gastronomy as a motivation for travel: A study of gastronomic tourism in the city of João Pessoa-PB
Authors: Mota Edilaine da Silva , Melo Priscila Fernandes Carvalho de , Pinto Michele Meneses , Vieira Patrícia Pinheiro Fernandes
Published: March 2023

Since the Italian Renaissance, and with the other tourism segments, culture continues to be one main motivations for travel. Gastronomic tourism, as a facet of cultural tourism that brings authenticity and experience, is a niche that has emerged as a motivation in the choice of destination by the new tourist profiles. Given that João Pessoa is a tourist city, the aim of this work was to identify whether gastronomic tourism plays an important role in attracting tourists to the city. Bibliographic and documentary research was carried out, using a quantitative approach for the data analysis. As a data collection instrument, a survey was used, interviewing sixty-six tourists in person, in September 2019. The results show that the highest percentage of tourists interviewed is 60 years of age or older, and is motivated by leisure travel. As regards the interest related to experience/gastronomic tourism, it was found that this is not a motivation for visiting the destination João Pessoa; however, there is a desire to try the local gastronomy. In this context, there is a need for managers of enterprises, and those responsible for publicizing João Pessoa, to focus on associating the gastronomic potential as a strategy for attracting potential tourists to the destination.
The Accuracy and Safety of a Pedicle Screw Using the Freehand Technique in Minimally Invasive Scoliosis Surgery
Authors: Nam Yunjin , Chang Dong-Gune , Kim Hong Jin , Kim Young Ha , Lee Sangmin , Yang Jae Hyuk , Suh Seung Woo
Published: March 2023

Objective: The safety and clinical usefulness of minimally invasive scoliosis surgery (MISS) has been reported in various studies. However, freehand pedicle screwing in MISS remains technically challenging. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the accuracy and safety of pedicle screw placement using the freehand technique in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients treated with MISS compared to conventional open scoliosis surgery (COSS).Methods: We included 76 patients who underwent deformity correction for AIS. Computed tomography scans were used to assess screw violations divided into 2 groups according to the surgical technique: MISS or COSS. Anterior violations were classified into grade 0, 1 (no contact with internal organs), and 2 (contact with internal organs). Medial and lateral violations were classified into grade 0, 1 ( < 2 mm), and 3 ( ≥ 2 mm). grade 2 were considered critical violations.Results: A total of 630 and 1,174 pedicle screws were inserted in the MISS and COSS groups, respectively. The overall critical violation rates of the MISS and COSS groups were 16.8% (106 screws) and 14.0% (165 screws) (p = 0.116). Medial critical violations on the left side in the middle thoracic region frequently occurred in the MISS group compared to the COSS group (p = 0.003). There were no statistical differences in the complications.Conclusion: Pedicle screw placement using the freehand technique in MISS for AIS patients provided similar accuracy and safety compared to COSS. Pedicle screws inserted on the left side of the middle thoracic region, exhibited more medial critical violations in the MISS group.
Predicting Mechanical Complications After Adult Spinal Deformity Operation Using a Machine Learning Based on Modified Global Alignment and Proportion Scoring With Body Mass Index and Bone Mineral Density
Authors: Noh Sung Hyun , Lee Hye Sun , Park Go Eun , Ha Yoon , Park Jeong Yoon , Kuh Sung Uk , Chin Dong Kyu , Kim Keun Su , Cho Yong Eun , Kim Sang Hyun , Kim Kyung Hyun
Published: March 2023

Objective: This study aimed to create an ideal machine learning model to predict mechanical complications in adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery based on GAPB (modified global alignment and proportion scoring with body mass index and bone mineral density) factors.Methods: Between January 2009 and December 2018, 238 consecutive patients with ASD, who received at least 4-level fusions and were followed-up for ≥ 2 years, were included in the study. The data were stratified into training (n = 167, 70%) and test (n = 71, 30%) sets and input to machine learning algorithms, including logistic regression, random forest gradient boosting system, and deep neural network.Results: Body mass index, bone mineral density, the relative pelvic version score, the relative lumbar lordosis score, and the relative sagittal alignment score of the global alignment and proportion score were significantly different in the training and test sets (p < 0.05) between the complication and no complication groups. In the training set, the area under receiver operating characteristics (AUROCs) for logistic regression, gradient boosting, random forest, and deep neural network were 0.871 (0.817–0.925), 0.942 (0.911–0.974), 1.000 (1.000–1.000), and 0.947 (0.915–0.980), respectively, and the accuracies were 0.784 (0.722–0.847), 0.868 (0.817–0.920), 1.000 (1.000–1.000), and 0.856 (0.803–0.909), respectively. In the test set, the AUROCs were 0.785 (0.678–0.893), 0.808 (0.702–0.914), 0.810 (0.710–0.910), and 0.730 (0.610–0.850), respectively, and the accuracies were 0.732 (0.629–0.835), 0.718 (0.614–0.823), 0.732 (0.629–0.835), and 0.620 (0.507–0.733), respectively. The random forest achieved the best predictive performance on the training and test dataset.Conclusion: This study created a comprehensive model to predict mechanical complications after ASD surgery. The best prediction accuracy was 73.2% for predicting mechanical complications after ASD surgery.
Facet Articular Irregularity Is the Most Relevant Risk Factor for Rapidly Progressive Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy
Authors: Takeshima Yasuhiro , Okamoto Ai , Yokoyama Shohei , Nishimura Fumihiko , Nakagawa Ichiro , Park Young-Soo , Nakase Hiroyuki
Published: March 2023

Objective: Facet articular irregularity is associated with rapidly progressive degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM). However, its significance compared with other known risk factors remains unknown. Therefore, this retrospective study aimed to clarify the potential impact of facet articular irregularity as a risk factor for rapid DCM progression.Methods: This study included 141 consecutive patients with DCM who underwent surgical treatment at our institution. Clinical variables and radiological findings related to DCM progression were collected. Imaging findings were analyzed at the segmental level of myelopathy in each case. The patients were divided into 2 groups based on the presence or absence of rapid DCM progression, and independent risk factors were determined using logistic regression analyses.Results: Overall, 131 patients with a mean age of 63.9 ± 12.6 years were analyzed; 27 patients (20.6%) were classified into the rapid DCM progression group. The mean age was significantly higher in the rapid progression group than in the slow progression group (72.4 ± 9.6 vs. 61.7 ± 12.4, p < 0.001). According to univariate analysis, facet articular irregularity, dynamic segmental translation (≥ 1.6 mm), upper cervical spine involvement above C4–5, history of cerebrovascular events, preceding minor trauma, local lordotic angle (≥ 4.5°), diabetes, hypertension, ligamentum flavum hypertrophy, and age were independent risk factors. Additionally, multivariate analysis showed that facet articular irregularity was the highest risk factor for rapid DCM progression (p = 0.001).Conclusion: Facet articular irregularity is the most clinically significant finding among the known risk factors in patients with rapid DCM progression.
The Rehabilitation-Related Effects on the Fear, Pain, and Disability of Patients With Lumbar Fusion Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Cheng Haiyan , Liu Jing , Shi Lin , Hei Xiuxiu
Published: March 2023

Objective: The lumbar fusion is an important surgery for the orthopedic diseases. The rehabilitation might improve the outcome of patients with lumbar fusion surgery. The rehabilitation-related effects can be revealed by a systemic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCTs). The purpose of this study is to clarify the rehabilitation effects in the patients with lumbar fusion surgery.Methods: We performed a systematic search and a meta-analysis for the RCT of rehabilitation treatment on the patients with lumbar fusion surgery. The comparison between rehabilitation treatment (including psychological rehabilitation, exercise, and multimodal rehabilitation) and typical treatment was performed to find if the rehabilitation treatment can improve the outcome after the lumbar fusion surgery. Fifteen studies of lumbar fusion patients under rehabilitation treatment and typical treatment were enrolled in a variety of rehabilitation modalities. The focused outcome was the rehabilitation-related effects on the fear, disability, and pain of patients after the lumbar fusion surgery.Results: Five hundred twenty-eight rehabilitation subjects and 498 controls were enrolled. The psychological-related rehabilitation showed a significant decrease in pain-related fear when compared to usual treatment. The multimodal rehabilitation can improve the disability outcome to a greater extent when compared to usual treatment. The multimodal rehabilitation seemed to have a more significantly positive effect to decrease disability after lumbar fusion surgery. In addition, the exercise and multimodal rehabilitation can relieve the pain after lumbar fusion surgery. The exercise rehabilitation seemed to have a more significantly positive effect to relieve pain after lumbar fusion surgery.Conclusion: The rehabilitation might relieve the pain-related fear, disability, and pain after lumbar fusion surgery.
Perioperative Management for Full-Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy: Consideration From the Perspective of Preventing Complication
Authors: Hara Takeshi , Ohara Yukoh
Published: March 2023

In recent years, full-endoscopic discectomy (FED) has expanded its range of indications with the development of devices and various techniques. The advantage of FED over conventional surgery is that it is a minimally invasive procedure. However, intraoperative and postoperative precautions must be taken to prevent complications. It is necessary to avoid complications that could compromise the outcome of the procedure. Effective perioperative management is necessary to avoid complications; however, there is no set view for perioperative management in FED. In this study, we perform a literature review to examine the effectiveness of perioperative management methods for FED. The key to ensuring the efficacy and minimal invasiveness of FED is prevention of complications. Based on the result and literature review, we believe that the most manageable postoperative management after FED is prevention of recurrent disc herniation and hematoma formation. A drain should be placed to prevent postoperative hematoma formation. It is advisable to evaluate the patient’s symptoms and monitor C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate levels during the first week after surgery. Postoperative antibiotics were administered for 1 day.
Navigation-Assisted Full-Endoscopic Radiofrequency Rhizotomy Versus Fluoroscopy-Guided Cooled Radiofrequency Ablation for Sacroiliac Joint Pain Treatment: Comparative Study
Authors: Chen Chien-Min , Lee Jae Hwan , Yang Meng-Yin , Jhang Shang-Wun , Chang Kai-Sheng , Ou Su-Wei , Sun Li-Wei , Chen Kuo-Tai
Published: March 2023

Objective: Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) pain is a common cause of chronic low back pain. Full-endoscopic rhizotomy of lateral branches of dorsal rami innervating SIJ is a potential option for patients’ refractory to medical treatment. The full-endoscopic rhizotomy is sometimes challenging under fluoroscopic guidance. This study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the navigation-assisted full-endoscopic rhizotomy for SIJ pain.Methods: The study was a retrospective match-paired study that enrolled consecutive patients undergoing navigation-assisted full-endoscopic rhizotomy for SIJ pain. The patient demographics, clinical outcomes, and operative parameters of endoscopic rhizotomy were compared with conventional cooled radiofrequency ablation (RFA) treatment.Results: The study enrolled 72 patients, including 36 patients in the endoscopic group. Thirty-six patients in the cooled RFA group were matched by age as the control. The follow-up time was at least 1 year. Patient characteristics were similar between the groups. The navigation-assisted endoscopic rhizotomy operation time was significantly longer than the cooled RFA. The visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) significantly decreased after each treatment. However, the between-group comparison revealed that the VAS and ODI of the patients after endoscopic rhizotomy were significantly lower than those after the cooled RFA group. There were no postoperative complications in the study.Conclusion: Navigation-assisted full-endoscopic rhizotomy is an alternative to SIJ pain treatment. Integrating intraoperative navigation can ensure accurate full-endoscopic rhizotomy to provide better durability of pain relief than the cooled RFA.
Biportal Endoscopic Posterior Thoracic Laminectomy for Thoracic Spondylotic Myelopathy Caused by Ossification of the Ligamentum Flavum: Technical Developments and Outcomes
Authors: Kim Ji Yeon , Ha Ji Soo , Lee Chang Kyu , Lee Dong Chan , Hong Hyun Jin , Choi Su Yong , Park Choon Keun
Published: March 2023

Objective: Advanced biportal endoscopic surgery techniques can be used to treat thoracic myelopathy secondary to ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF). This case series elaborates on a feasible biportal endoscopic technique for thoracic OLF removal and evaluates clinical and radiological outcomes.Methods: A biportal endoscopic posterior thoracic laminectomy was performed to remove the thoracic OLF. Surgical techniques have evolved from inside-out piecemeal removal methods to outside-in en bloc removal methods. Preoperative computed tomography was performed to analyze dural ossification and OLF types. Intraoperative videos were reviewed to observe dural ossification and to determine the surgical method. Neurological outcomes were assessed using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score.Results: Clinical symptoms and neurological function improved markedly after surgery (JOA score, preoperative: 12.6 ± 1.0, final follow-up: 15.6 ± 1.2). The mean operation time per segment was not short (106.6 ± 38 minutes). At early experience stages, inside-out piecemeal decompression was used and it caused intraoperative spinal cord injury. However, outside-in en bloc decompression technique did not induce neural complications. Postoperative segmental instability and correlated mechanical back pain were not observed.Conclusion: The biportal endoscopic posterior thoracic approach is an attractive surgical option to treat thoracic spondylotic myelopathy secondary to OLF. Piecemeal inside-out decompression can induce irreversible spinal cord injury, especially in the early experience stages. Outside-in decompression is more efficient and safer than inside-out pattern procedures by minimizing dural manipulation. Nonetheless, this technique is technically demanding and should only be performed in selected patients after acquiring abundant experience with endoscopic spine surgeries.
Uniportal, Transforaminal Endoscopic Thoracic Discectomy: Review and Technical Note
Authors: Lee Sang Hun , Musharbash Farah N.
Published: March 2023

Symptomatic thoracic disc herniations are a rare entity and their operative treatment is challenging. Open approaches, despite providing excellent access, are associated with significant access morbidity from thoracotomy, and this has led to an increased interest in minimally invasive techniques such as mini-open approach, thoracoscopic approach and the endoscopic approach. In this article, we describe the technical points for performing a transforaminal endoscopic thoracic discectomy and summarize its literature outcomes in the context of other minimally invasive approaches.
A Modified Endoscopic Access for Lumbar Foraminal Pathologies; Posterolateral “Intertransverse” Endoscopic Approach to Minimize Postoperative Dysesthesia Following Transforaminal Approach
Authors: Musharbash Farah N. , Lee Sang Hun
Published: March 2023

Objective: To present an innovative, modified endoscopic approach for foraminal/extraforaminal pathologies, to reduce postoperative dysesthesia (POD) following the conventional transforaminal endoscopic approach (the access angle more than 45° from the midline), since POD is one of the major documented disadvantages that may compromise patient satisfaction.Methods: We introduce a modified posterolateral technique, termed the intertransverse approach, utilizing a steeper access angle less than 25° through the intertransversarii muscle and the intertransverse space with expanding Kambin triangle via lateral facetectomy/foraminoplasty, to reduce dorsal root ganglion/exiting nerve root irritation under direct visualization and lower the incidence of POD. Consecutive patients undergoing endoscopic spine surgery via the intertransverse approach for foraminal and/or extraforaminal disc herniations or bony stenosis were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical outcomes were reviewed with the primary outcome being POD.Results: Twenty-two patients were included in the review. Patients showed significantly improved clinical outcomes (visual analogue scale leg and back pain and Oswestry Disability Index) postoperatively. There was a low rate of dorsal root ganglion (DRG)-related POD (9.1%, 2 of 22) that was minimal and resolved soon.Conclusion: The inter-transverse endoscopic approach is feasible for lumbosacral foraminal and extraforaminal decompression with significantly improved clinical outcomes and the added advantage of a low rate of DRG-related POD compared to traditionally reported rates in the literature for the conventional transforaminal approach.
The Use of Dual Direction Expandable Titanium Cage With Biportal Endoscopic Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion: A Technical Consideration With Preliminary Results
Authors: Park Don Young , Heo Dong Hwa
Published: March 2023

Objective: Expandable cage technology has emerged for lumbar interbody fusion to restore intervertebral disc space height and alignment through a narrow surgical corridor. The purpose of this study is to present the technique of biportal endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) using dual direction expandable cage and provide early clinical results.Methods: We performed the biportal endoscopic TLIF using a dual direction expandable titanium cage for height restoration and a larger footprint in 10 patients. Clinical parameters including Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), visual analogue scale (VAS), and complications were retrospectively analyzed. Also, we investigated radiologic parameters using preoperative and postoperative x-ray images.Results: We successfully inserted dual direction expandable cages during biportal endoscopic TLIF. There was no significant subsidence or collapse of the expandable cages during the 6-month follow-up period. Lumbar lordosis and disc height were significantly increased after surgery. ODI and VAS scores were significantly improved at 6 months after surgery.Conclusion: In this report, we describe the first use of a dual direction expandable interbody TLIF cage that expands in both width and height in biportal endoscopic TLIF surgery. Early clinical and radiographic outcomes of this TLIF technique may be favorable in early 6-month follow-up.
Current Indications for Spinal Endoscopic Surgery and Potential for Future Expansion
Authors: Chen Kuo-Tai , Kim Jin-Sung , Huang Abel Po-Hao , Lin Martin Hsiu-Chu , Chen Chien-Min
Published: March 2023

Endoscopic spine surgery (ESS) has evolved as a safe, effective, and efficient alternative for minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS). The innovation of full-endoscopic systems makes definitive decompression surgery through different approaches feasible. The approach can be determined according to the location of the target lesion or the surgeon's preference. During the past 2 decades, ESS has expanded its indications from lumbar to cervical spines. Except for decompression, endoscopy-assisted fusion surgery is also developing. However, ESS is still evolving and has a steep learning curve. The revolution of technologies and ESS techniques will enable surgeons to treat various spinal diseases more practically. In recent years, the application of the computer-assisted navigation system and augmented reality have reformed imaging quality and interpretation. The endoscopic rhizotomy techniques have opened a new way for MISS of chronic low back pain. This review introduces the current indications of ESS and its potential future expansion.
The Role and Future of Endoscopic Spine Surgery: A Narrative Review
Authors: Kwon Hyungjoo , Park Jeong-Yoon
Published: March 2023

Many types of surgeries are changing from conventional to minimally invasive techniques. Techniques in spine surgery have also changed, with endoscopic spine surgery (ESS) becoming a major surgical technique. Although ESS has advantages such as less soft tissue dissection and normal structure damage, reduced blood loss, less epidural scarring, reduced hospital stay, and earlier functional recovery, it is not possible to replace all spine surgery techniques with ESS. ESS was first used for discectomy in the lumbar spine, but the range of ESS has expanded to cover the entire spine, including the cervical and thoracic spine. With improvements in ESS instruments (optics, endoscope, endoscopic drill and shaver, irrigation pump, and multiportal endoscopic), limitations of ESS have gradually decreased, and it is possible to apply ESS to more spine pathologies. ESS currently incorporates new technologies, such as navigation, augmented and virtual reality, robotics, and 3-dimentional and ultraresolution visualization, to innovate and improve outcomes. In this article, we review the history and current status of ESS, and discuss future goals and possibilities for ESS through comparisons with conventional surgical techniques.
КРИМИНАЛИСТИЧЕСКАЯ ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКА ПРЕСТУПЛЕНИЙ, СОВЕРШАЕМЫХ С ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЕМ ЦИФРОВЫХ ФИНАНСОВЫХ АКТИВОВ
Authors: Semenov A.V.
Published: March 2023

The article discusses the main provisions on the criminalistic characteristics of crimes committedusing digital financial assets. During the research, the author used various methods of scientific cognition,the basis was the dialectical method using the basics of deduction. Studying general approaches to thedefinition of criminalistic characteristics of crimes, including using the historical method of cognition, theauthor highlights its features of computer crimes in general, and crimes committed using digital financialassets in particular. Further, the study establishes the main approaches to the concept of computer crimes,identifies their types and criminalistic features. The author comes to the conclusion that the very conceptof «computer crimes» refers exclusively to criminology, it is extremely difficult to single out the substantivefeatures of such crimes in relation to substantive law. Further, on the basis of a general analysis, the featuresof the criminalistic characteristics of crimes committed using digital financial assets are determined andsystematized, to which the author refers: the method of commission, the situation and the identity of thecriminal.
Model-Driven Precise Degradation Analysis Method of Highway Marking Using Mobile Laser Scanning Point Clouds
Authors: Ma Ruifeng , Ge Xuming , Zhu Qing , Jia Xin , Jiang Huiwei , Chen Min , Liu Tao
Published: March 2023

Highway markings (HMs) are representative elements of inventory digitalization in highway scenes. The accurate position, semantics, and maintenance information of HMs provide significant support for the intelligent management of highways. This article presents a robust and efficient approach for extracting, reconstructing, and degrading analyzing HMs in complex highway scenes. Compared with existing road marking extraction methods, not only can extract HMs in presence of wear and occlusion from point clouds, but we also perform a degradation analysis for HMs. First, the HMs candidate area is determined accurately by sophisticated image processing. Second, the prior knowledge of marking design rules and edge-based matching model that leverages the standard geometric template and radiometric appearance of HMs is used for accurately extracting and reconstructing solid lines and nonsolid markings of HMs, respectively. Finally, two degradation indicators are constructed to describe the completeness of the marking contour and consistency within the marking. Comprehensive experiments on two existing highways revealed that the proposed methods achieved an overall performance of 95.4% and 95.4% in the recall and 93.8% and 95.5% in the precision for solid line and nonsolid line markings, respectively, even with imperfect data. Meanwhile, a database can be established to facilitate agencies' efficient maintenance.
Prevalence of infectious reproductive diseases in sows from Tolima-Colombia
Authors: Carrillo-Godoy Nicolas , Rueda-Garcia Valentina , Uribe-Garcia Heinner Fabian , Rondón-Barragán Iang Schroniltgen
Published: March 2023

The prevalence of some swine reproductive and zoonotic diseases in Colombia is still unknown, making their management difficult. This study assessed the prevalence of porcine circovirus type 3 (PCV3), Leptospira interrogans, pseudorabies virus, and porcine gamma-herpesvirus by polymerase chain reaction in sows in the productive stage, from farms with a history of reproductive failures, at the department of Tolima. The prevalence of PCV3 was 2.6% and 12.6% for L. interrogans, with some samples co-infected with PCV2. Owing to the coinfections with PCV2, it is necessary to establish whether the interactions between these pathogens were related to the presence of reproductive problems.
Differential cytotoxic effects of fenbendazole on mouse lymphoma EL-4 cells and spleen cells
Authors: Jung Haebeen , Lee You-Jeong , Joo Hong-Gu
Published: March 2023

Fenbendazole (FBZ) is a benzimidazole anthelmintic widely used to treat parasitic infections. The anticancer effect of FBZ has been recently highlighted leading to its consideration as a potential anticancer agent. Although previous studies have demonstrated the effect of FBZ on cancer cells, there is a paucity of studies on the effect of FBZ on lymphoma cells and normal immune cells. Herein, we investigated the effects of FBZ on a mouse lymphoma cell line, EL-4 cells, and spleen cells, using vincristine as a positive control. The cellular metabolic activity of EL-4 cells was decreased by FBZ, but that of the spleen cells was not decreased. Moreover, FBZ reduced the mitochondrial membrane potential and induced reactive oxygen species production in EL-4 cells, but not in spleen cells. FBZ induced G2/M phase arrest and increased the sub G0/G1 phase ratio, indicating apoptosis. Furthermore, compared to the control cells, the reactivity of spleen cells pretreated with FBZ to lipopolysaccharide was maintained. In summary, FBZ is cytotoxic to EL-4 cells, but not to spleen cells. This study provides experimental evidence that FBZ exerts an anticancer effect, and less cytotoxic effects and functional damage to normal spleen cells.
Alleviation of γ-enolase decrease by the chlorogenic acid administration in the stroke animal model
Authors: Kang Ju-Bin , Shah Murad Ali , Ko Min-Seo , Koh Phil-Ok
Published: March 2023

Stroke is a major cause of death and long-term disability. Chlorogenic acid is a phenolic compound with a potent neuroprotective effect. γ-enolase is a phosphopyruvate hydratase found in mature neurons and plays an important role in the neuronal survival. This study investigated whether chlorogenic acid regulates the expression of γ-enolase during cerebral ischemia. Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was performed to indcue cerebral ischemia. Adult male rats were used and chlorogenic acid (30 mg/kg) or phosphate buffered saline (PBS) was injected intraperitoneally 2 hours after MCAO surgery. Cerebral cortical tissues were collected 24 hours after MCAO surgery. Our proteomic approach identified the reduction of γ-enolase caused by MCAO damage and the mitigation of this reduction by chlorogenic acid treatment. Results of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analyses showed decrease in γ-enolase expression in PBS-treated MCAO group. However, chlorogenic acid treatment attenuated this decrease. Results of immunofluorescence staining showed the change of γ-enolase by chlorogenic acid treatment. These results demonstrated that chlorogenic acid regulates the γ-enolase expression during MCAO-induced ischemia. Therefore, we suggest that chlorogenic acid mediates the neuroprotective function by regulating the γ-enolase expression in cerebral ischemia and may be used as a therapeutic agent for brain diseases including stroke.
SHRINKAGE OF ALKALI-ACTIVATED BLENDED BINDER MIXTURES
Authors: Tekle Biruk Hailu , Hertwig Ludwig , Holschemacher Klaus
Published: March 2023

Alkali-activated cement (AAC) has excellent mechanical and durability properties. Most of all, AAC is environmentally friendly and utilizes less raw material than ordinary Portland cement (OPC). It has been 60 years since the initial appearance of AAC in the research world. Since then, the knowledge has matured from the various research conducted in the area. Studies have shown that the shrinkage of AAC is relatively large compared to OPC, making it susceptible to cracking. For AAC to be an ideal replacement for OPC, its shrinkage behavior and factors affecting it need to be investigated in detail. This paper studies the effect of alkaline solid to binder ratio (AS/B), sodium silicate to sodium hydroxide solids ratio (SS/SH), and total water to total solid binder ratio (TW/TS) on the shrinkage. The results showed that TW/TS is the main factor affecting the shrinkage of AAC. An increase in TW/TS reduced the shrinkage significantly. AS/B also reduced the shrinkage but at a lower significance. SS/SH ratio showed no significant effect. Such understandings of the different factors affecting the shrinkage of AAC can help design a mixture with a better shrinkage behavior.
SCAN-TO-BIM EFFICIENT APPROACH TO EXTRACT BIM MODELS FROM HIGH PRODUCTIVE INDOOR MOBILE MAPPING SURVEY
Authors: Roggeri Simona , Vassena Giorgio Paolo Maria , Tagliabue Lavinia Chiara
Published: March 2023

Building Information Modeling represents one of the most interesting developments in construction fields in the last 20 years. BIM process supports the creation of intelligent data that can be used throughout the life cycle of a construction project. Where a project involves a pre-existing structure, reality capture can provide the most critical information. The purpose of this paper is to describe an efficient approach to extract 3D models using high productive indoor Mobile Mapping Systems (iMMS) and an optimized scan-to-BIM workflow. The scan-to-BIM procedure allows reconstructing several elements within a digital environment preserving the features and reusing them in the development of the BIM project. The elaboration of the raw data acquired from the iMMS starts with the software HERONÂ® Desktop where a SLAM algorithms runs and a 3D point cloud model is produced. The model is translated in the Gexcel ReconstructorÂ® point cloud post processing software where a number of deliverables as orthophotos, blueprints and a filtered and optimized point cloud are obtained. In the proposed processing workflow, the data are introduced to Autodesk ReCapÂ®, where the model can be edited and the final texturized point cloud model extracted. The identification and modeling of the 3D objects that compose the BIM model is realized in ClearEdge3D EdgeWiseTM and optimized in Autodesk RevitÂ®. The data elaboration workflow implemented shows how an optimized data processing workflow allows making the scan-to-BIM procedure automatic and economically sustainable.
BUILDING CLIMATIC PROPERTIES OF LIGHTWEIGHT FACADES
Authors: Kahnt Alexander , Grauer Otto , Tietze Matthias , Holschemacher Klaus
Published: March 2023

Lightweight constructions are assumed to not have the same performance as massive constructions regarding building physics and climate. Experimental studies show however that lightweight building envelopes made of textile-reinforced concrete are hygrothermal at least equal to conventional envelopes. Thus, it was proven that lightweight constructions have good properties concerning indoor and surface climate as well as durability. In addition, textile-reinforced concrete contributes to sustainable building, such as reducing the needed amount of cement and sand. In this study, a facade of textile-reinforced concrete was developed that surpasses or at least is equal to most building physical properties of conventional constructions. Furthermore, selected requirements for building physics and architecture (e.g., thermal energy storage over the day) were examined and compared to conventional constructions. The main results are: It has been found that lightweight constructions made of textile concrete exceed the contribution to summer thermal protection in most cases compared to conventional building constructions. These results will form the basis for future ways of building facades. They will be much lighter and thus architecturally more appealing without adversely affecting the buildings’ physical and climatic properties.
THE CONSTRUCTABILITY REVIEW PROCESS IN A SMALL STATE HIGHWAY AGENCY: A CASE STUDY
Authors: Minchin Edward , Asutosh Ashish , Tran Dan
Published: March 2023

Often, after Departments of Transportation (DOTs) complete the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process and procure all environmental permits on their projects, contractors or design-builders might submit ideas to improve project design. Many of these ideas would improve major aspects of the project (time, cost, quality); but, often, their implementation would change some aspect of project design that would trigger a NEPA re-evaluation or a replication of the environmental-permitting process. DOTs often hesitate or even refuse to consider these ideas, no matter how good, because they fear costly and time-consuming reassessments that would delay the project. To benefit from innovative proposed design changes on their projects, the transportation industry needs a Constructability Review Process (CRP) that will at once meet all constructability requirements and not clash with the NEPA and environmental permitting processes. This paper presents a case study investigating the current CRP implemented by the Connecticut DOT, with special focus on how the agency coordinates its CRP with the NEPA and environmental permitting processes.
APPLICATION OF CHOOSING BY ADVANTAGE (CBA) TO SELECT MOST SUSTAINABLE PROJECT, METRO EXTENSION CASE STUDY
Authors: Alam Bhuiyan Mohammad Masfiqul , Sulle Anthony , Hammad Ahmed
Published: March 2023

Sustainable construction aims to minimize harm and maximize value by achieving a balance between social, economic, technical, and environmental aspects, commonly known as the pillars of sustainability. In recent years, the construction industry has drawn increasing criticism due to its low productivity and high rates of energy consumption, generation of wastes, and greenhouse gas emissions. Traditionally, projects are selected based on return on investment and economic impact, whereas social and environmental considerations have received relatively little attention. When all pillars of sustainability are considered during the selection, taking a decision becomes more complicated. As such, in many cases, the owner opts not to employ a formal decision-making process in determining the most sustainable alternatives. This paper developed a multi-criteria Decision Support System (DSS) to aid stakeholders in deciding on the most sustainable option among many alternatives. Choosing by Advantage (CBA) has been used in this paper for developing a decision-making model considering the four pillars of sustainability. Multiple social, economic, technical, and environmental criteria are identified and evaluated through a case study. The selection of metro rail project from three alternative routes was assessed considering sustainability criteria using the CBA model. The case study stands as a valuable point of reference for identifying the best possible alternative for comparable future projects. Moreover, the developed DSS is expected to enhance objectivity and consistency in selection and to aid in making better decisions in terms of sustainability for any similar construction projects.
ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITMENT OF CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONALS IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
Authors: KOC KERIM , KUNKCU HANDAN , GURGUN ASLI PELIN
Published: March 2023

The construction industry has a high employee turnover rate and poor reputation about work life balance. The turnover rate in an organization and work life conditions of professionals can be directly related to the level of organizational commitment of individuals. This study investigates the organizational commitment of professionals working in the construction industry. To achieve this objective, a survey was administered to construction professionals working in the Turkish construction industry. Accordingly, 338 valid responses were attained to be used in the data analysis step. Along with their perceptions on organizational commitment, the effects of the demographic characteristics of participants on their organizational commitment perceptions were also investigated. The findings show that the organizational commitment of professionals’ changes based on their work experience, age, working time, and project type. It was also found that younger workers and workers who spent more time at work have more negative perceptions about their companies.
SOLAR WATER HEATERS MARKET READINESS & GROWTH INTERVENTIONS
Authors: Abdel Azim Ahmed Yahia , Alsadeq Mai Wagih
Published: March 2023

Based on the 2030 Egyptian vision to move towards clean and renewable energy instead of fossil fuels, which are considered the main power source in Egypt. Utilizing solar energy in this transformation is essential as Egypt is awarded high solar radiation intensity. So, moving towards solar water heating is essential at this stage. In this research paper, the current market for water heating in Egypt is displayed. The Solar Water Heating (SWH) market is divided into three segments according to different end users’ applications. The three segments are residential, commercial, and industrial applications. To evaluate the Egyptian market readiness, the SWH Tech-Scope readiness tool is used concerning an international comprehensive benchmark framework. The SWH Tech-Scope readiness tool focuses on four main parameters: SWH support framework, national conditions, financing, and business climate. Moreover, the opportunities and the challenges of the SWH market in Egypt for different usages are identified and evaluated. The SWH market readiness is calculated on a scale of 0 – 5. The calculated overall score of the Egyptian SWH market readiness for the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors is 1.91, 2.05, and 2.14 respectively. Considering the residential, commercial, and industrial markets together, Egypt’s SWH market readiness can be seen as “emerging.” To improve the score, specific actions should be taken. Such as establishing a subsidy program for SWH installations, designing SWH loan programs, setting SWH targets on the national level, designing national outreach campaigns, setting building mandates in all sectors, developing system installer certification.
KEY TOPICS IN TOPOLOGY OPTIMIZATION TRAINING FOR ENGINEERS
Authors: Harl Boštjan , Kegl Marko , Dinevski Dejan
Published: March 2023

Design of lightweight load-carrying structural parts is becoming increasingly demanding due to ever-tighter requirements on structural weight, performance, and durability. Topology optimization is the most recent and most promising tool supporting the development of such high-performance load-carrying parts – at least in theory. In practical applications, however, engineers are struggling to formulate and run topology optimization tasks in a way that would result in good and actually usable results. For this purpose, the pitfalls met in this process are reviewed and discussed in a systematic way. These mistakes range from deficiencies in FEA model preparation, over uncritical optimization process monitoring and management, to bad practices employed in resulting model finalization. As it turns out, careful FEA model preparation and its corrections based on a feedback information from the ongoing optimization process are keys to success. Keeping this in mind should prevent a superficially (and not precisely enough modeled) support condition or a missed load case, which may otherwise very quickly result in a useless final design.